Sunday 26 December 2010

Beauty buys of the year: MAC Viva Glam GaGa and Cyndi




GaGa Lipstick [Lustre]



I wasn't expecting to like MAC's VIVA GLAM GAGA, but as soon as I swatched it I had to have it. It's a beautiful light, bright bubble-gum pink, and it's blue-based so it is ideal for my fair skin.

It's a lustre lipstick, so while the staying power isn't really bad, it isn't great - around two hours max.
I have dry lips, but have not yet experienced any flaking or chafing after I’ve been wearing this.


* Lady GaGa's favourite lipstick is Pink Nouveau, so she asked MAC to create the VIVA GLAM GAGA around that shade





GaGa lipglass



If you like MAC's blue-based powder pink VIVA GLAM GAGA lipstick, then you need the lipglass edition too. This is almost exactly the same shade as the lipstick; The pink colour is just a bit milkier. The finish to the gloss is a cream and seems to have a thicker formula then my other MAC lipglasses, but it still gives a lovely polished shine to my lips. A single coat gives a more natural polished look to my lips, however layering it gives a milkier look that is great for pairing with strong eyes.




Cyndi lipstick [Lustre]



I wouldn't class this as a real red - it leans strongly towards coral - but I'm loving it. Not being confident with wearing red lipstick I love that this doesn't scream look at me!" and I would actually class this as subtle enough for every day wear. The lustre finish to the lipstick tones down the shade even further.

Saturday 18 December 2010

Review: Book of Shadows NYC by Urban Decay

At first I wasn't sure about buying this - mainly because I already have Volume II [which contains Perversion and Midnight Cowboy Rides Again], and The Naked palette [which is entirely filled with neutral shades], plus three of the new shades are green - which is usually a no-no for my blue eyes. 

But when I saw the final palette in Boots and picked it up to read the description on the back whilst wandering around in a I-need-to-finish-my-Christmas-shopping-now panic, I noticed that a woman was following me around the store and telegraphically ordering me to put it back down, so I naturally flipped her off in my head and went ahead with my purchase...


Wednesday 15 December 2010

The Bookworm: Standing Out by Katie Price/Jordan

'From my early teens I've been an exhibitionist and from the time I started senior school I was desperate to look different. I've always gone for clothes that make me stand out, rather than blend in with the rest of the crowd.'


Nobody stands out from the crowd quite like Katie Price. The world can't help but sit up and take notice of her every move. Ever since her early modelling shoots, the camera lens has never been off her and even in those early days, it was clear that a star was born.

Katie Price isn't one to follow trends. Unafraid to do whatever it takes to look how she wants, she doesn't play by anyone else's rules and she always does things her own way.

Here, Katie Price opens up her make-up bag and throws open the doors to her wardrobe. She talks about how her image has changed as her career in the spotlight has evolved and how what she wears affects her relationships with her her family, her fans and the press. She reveals all her top tips on looking and feeling good to get the best out of life including what she wore on the night that Jordan was born, how she puts together an outfit to make a statement and she talks frankly about her fascination with cosmetic surgery. Find out which style crime makes Katie say 'there's just no excuse for it' and who makes Katie think did you actually look in the mirror before leaving the house? And what are the must-have items that Katie just can't live without.

This is Katie's guide to looking good, living life and being happy, inspiring others to be confident about the woman they are and the woman they want to be.


Tuesday 14 December 2010

Spotlight: Supershock Gel Eyeliner Pencil by Avon


I'm not sure how long Avon's Supershock gel eyeliners have been available, but to me it's a new wonder...

I'd tried the Supershock mascara and as I didn't like that I didn't really notice the introduction of the liners. But I recently received a liner in a free-gift-with-purchase offer and when I tried it I was instantly blown away.


Review: Badass: A hard-earned guide to living life with (the right) style and attitude by Shannen Doherty [Book]

Advantages: Cozy writing style, split into clear sections, easy to put down and get back into, stunning photos
Disadvantages: The advice is mainly common sense

♠/

** I'll start with a friendly warning; BADASS is NOT an autobiography, it is clearly marketed towards personal growth and self help **

Reformed bad-girl actress Shannen Doherty has manged to turn her life (and potentially career destroying ways) around and she has just published a book to help others face up to their problems and how to come through.the other side stronger.

Monday 13 December 2010

Review: Confessions of an heiress by Paris Hilton [Book]

Advantages: Easy to put down and then get back into, attractive layout
Disadvantages: Padded with photos and lists, not very informative

✮/

In the words of Paris herself "A lot of people seem to have the wrong idea about me. In fact, pretty much everything I read about myself is totally ridiculous. Newspapers and magazines write that I'm spoiled and privileged, and that all I do is dance on tabletops and party with my friends. They think I instantly became famous because I was born into a rich, well-known family, and everything has come so easily to me. They like to think everything they read about me in the tabloids is true. 

Well, you can't always believe what you read, right? So I've finally decided to give you a sneak peek into my very hyped life -- so you can know the real me".
CONFESSIONS OF AN HEIRESS attempts to answer the question "What is Paris Hilton's job?" with Paris' lifestyle guide/memoir. As well as informing us on her many business ventures [modeling, acting, singing, a fragrance range etc], Paris also gives a [tongue in cheek] a guide on living the heiress lifestyle.


Friday 10 December 2010

Review: Look Like A Star by Lauren Luke [Book]

 Advantages: Clear layout, easy to find shades used, photographs through-out step by steps.
Disadvantages: Very little challenges, didn't inspire me much

❀/

Lauren Luke used to run her own cosmetics store on Ebay, and started a YouTube channel to demonstate the make-up to customers. When she started to do celebrity inspired looks her channel became extremely popular all over the world.

Today she regularly appears on TV, has her own make-up line, still makes videos for her YouTube channel and has published this book.


Thursday 9 December 2010

Rumour Mill: Lady GaGa to front MAC 2011 Viva Glam campaign?


Perez Hilton thinks so.

There's no information right now, but seeing how successful this year's campaign [also fronted by Cyndi Lauper] has been I'm sure MAC are indeed seriously discussing it.


Upcoming: Dita Von Teese's beauty book, Plus talking cosmetics and fragrance


Burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese says she'd love to have her own cosmetics line.
Dita, who does her own makeup and is writing a book filled with beauty tips, explains:
"I want to do my own make-up line, because I feel like things are missing in the world."


She adds her line would include a matte lipstick because 
"that’s so hard to find these days."

But the sexy performer isn't stopping with makeup, she's also working on a fragrance!
Von Teese tells WWD:
"What I really want to do is make my own fragrance. I don’t want to smell like anyone else. I have to talk to the smaller companies, because the bigger ones, like Coty, are like 'Well, not everyone knows your name, like the Kardashians or Victoria Beckham.' "




[Source: cocoperez.com]

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Review; Vogue Makeup by Juliet Cohen [Book]


◊/

Advantages: Layout, stunning photography
Disadvantages: Information is thin on the ground, no photos in the places where it's needed.
VOGUE MAKE-UP aims to be a one stop shop for all thinks beauty related. Everything from basic skincare, to pedicures are covered, along with helpful quotes from respected make-up artists and tutorials to help inspire you.


Sunday 5 December 2010

Review: Purse Spray set by Project D

✯/
Advantages: Reasonable price, good packaging, good size, good lasting power, Gorgeous bottle, very versatile
Disadvantages: None for me

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Review: Royal Desire EDT by Christina Aguilera

I'm not a huge fan of the Christina Aguilera brands perfumes, but found last year's By Night pleasant, low priced and easy to find [pleasant as in comforting and easy to wear, but not anything original that I'd call a must-own].

Anyway; As the listed ROYAL DESIRE scent notes sounded like a combination between the ingredients used in Christina Aguilera and By Night I thought it'd be worth a try, so I collected several days worth of tester vials for a test...


Monday 22 November 2010

Review: By Night EDT by Christina Aguilera


Christina Aguilera BY NIGHT is a flanker to her first Proctor and Gamble fragrance Christina Aguilera. It follows the same fruity/floral blueprint, but the stronger vanilla and almond notes give the fragrance a creamy, oriental feel.

BY NIGHT is a mild, non-cloying, sweet fragrance; but the sweetness is made more adult and sexier by being close to the skin; it whispers 'come closer'

Thursday 18 November 2010

Review: Christina Aguilera EDT by Christina Aguilera

Advantages: low price, for women of any age, easy to wear, suitable all year round
Disadvantages: Poor staying power, 'quiet', unoriginal
CHRISTINA AGUILERA is the first perfume release by the singer under Proctor and Gamble [She had several releases under the fragrance name 'Xpose' - which never received a official launch AND she released another self named one with a German company with a green bottle].

Saturday 6 November 2010

First Impressions: LA Glow EDT by Jennifer Lopez


Ah: Who hasn't heard of the best selling Glow range of perfumes that are released under the Jennifer Lopez brand? There's [deep breath] Glow, Miami Glow, Love At First Glow, Glow After Dark, Sunkissed Glow, My Glow, Blue Glow and now they've just released LA GLOW...
 Ready for the results of my repeated testing sessions?

Monday 1 November 2010

Review: Heartbreaker EDP by Jenna [Jameson]


By now I think we all know about my love for perfume - especially if that perfume is relatively unheard of and not commonly found on the high street. Therefore it's needless to explain why when I read that Jenna Jameson was releasing a perfume I immediately went cruising on Ebay for it. [If I'm being totally honest I'd admit that I actually admire Jenna - for overcoming huge obstacles in her early years - I'm not embarking on a new career :p].

Monday 25 October 2010

Review: Zombie Strippers [DVD]

☠/

In the not too distant future the government is hard at work in a Nebraskan facility, trying to create a zirus to re-animate corpses, to try to build an army of zombie soldiers. You see George Bush has been just elected as President for the fourth time [his vice president is Arnold Schwarzenegger] so the USA is at war with most of the world, leading to a shortage of soldiers.

But this experiment naturally goes wrong, so it's up to the Z squad to come in and tidy up the mess in the facility. One of the squad members is bitten by a zombie during the clear up, but rather then fess up and wait around for his colleages to kill him, he escapes and  hides out at illegal strip club Rhino.

The dying soldier then infects the star stripper Kat (Jenna Jameson) meaning she too becomes a zombie. So club owner Ian (Robert Englund) does what anyone would do in this situation - keeps the club open and if customers should be infected he just locks them in the basement.

The film really gets going as the other strippers slowly get ideas as they see how much money zombified Kat is raking in as the elite Z squad hunt down their missing member...




Thursday 21 October 2010

Review: Razor Blade Smile [DVD]

☠/

Lilith is a 100 year old vampire working as an modern day assassin for a human she knows as Platinum. Her current hit list is made up of members of the Illuminati. What Lilith doesn't know is that the head of the Illuminati is the vampire who sired her; Sethane Blake.

Sethane suspects that the assassin who is killing his members may be a vampire. So he orders fellow Illuminati member Detective Inspector Raymond Price to look for and stop the mysterious assassin.



Wednesday 20 October 2010

Review: I Still Know What You Did Last Summer [DVD]

✤/

Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is now a nervous wreck who has constant nightmares, sees the fisherman in every corner and keeps a carving knife in her bedside drawer, so when new best buddie Karla (Brandy) wins a holiday for four to the Bahamas, Karla thinks it a sign for Julie to move on and have fun.

As well as Julie, Karla's boyfriend Tyrell is also going. As she's won four tickets they also invite Ray, who doesn't commit to going. Ray never gets back to them, so Karla invites their other friend Will, who she hopes will get together with Julie. Off goes our party of four, to sun, sea and aventure...


Once they arrive in the Bahamas they realise it's storm season in the resort, so it is handily empty, save for some stock secondary characters. Being storm season, they are soon left stranded after a hurricane warning.

The fisherman then shows himself and starts slicing & dicing. Blah, blah, blah.



Tuesday 19 October 2010

Review: I Know What You Did Last Summer [DVD]

✤/

If you're expecting originality you'll be disappointed. If you're expecting a faithful adaptation of the superb book this is based on you'll be let down [Author Lois Duncan tried to have her name removed from the film when she saw the final version]. If you just want to sit down to enjoy a entertaining movie, that is well-acted (the supporting cast [Bridgette Wilson in particular] do as good a job as the top-billed stars). you've come to the right page.

Four friends run over a man and in a panic they dump his  body into the ocean after their drunken 4th July celebrations. One year later almost to the day, one of the friends receives a letter & the game is on.
As it draws to 4th July the letters escalate to hair cutting, disappearing bodies & hit and runs.



Monday 18 October 2010

Review: Trick 'r Treat [DVD]

As Halloween is fast approaching I thought it'd be fun to share info on a few of  the horror films on my DVD shelf [It'll only be a few as I've only just decided to do this now] and what better way to start then with my new-favourite film TRICK 'R TREAT?

☽/

TRICK 'R TREAT contains four interweaving stories taking place on Halloween night in a small town in Ohio.
We get to see friendly school principal Mr Wilkin's secret life as a serial killer, while a group of his students prepare to play a cruel prank on classmate Wanda. Meanwhile virginal Laurie and her man-hungry sorority sisters are visiting town for a party and she decides tonight's THE night and a grouchy old recluse who hates Halloween recieves an unwelcome trick or treater.



Saturday 16 October 2010

Review: Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane [Book]

In 1997 every ghost in the world raised up and killed two thirds of the population in just one week. World leaders were powerless, prayers went unanswered, resulting in every government and religion collapsing. Eventually a group were able to imprison most of the ghosts in a huge underground city - they called their organization The Church Of Real Truth.

The Church Of Real Truth is today the world's only power; there is no other government, no other faith, just The Church. They are in the process of hunting the ghosts that remain uncaptured and compensating the unlucky people being haunted. To find the ghosts the Church educates and trains witches [known as debunkers] to find and capture the ghosts, and find the fraudsters faking a haunting to try and defraud money out of the Church.


Cesaria 'Chess' Putnam is one of these debunkers. In fact her recent work on previous cases has put her in high esteem of her superiors. But what they don't know is that she has been leading a double life of sorts. She has a drug addiction and her drug dealer [Bump] views her as one of his lackeys that shall do his bidding for him whenever he so chooses.

ΩΩΩΩ/ΩΩΩΩΩ

Friday 15 October 2010

Spotlight: Oh Ruby Deer gift set by China Glaze


How cute is this?

I was browsing the Sally Salon Services UK website earlier and came across the first of China Glazes Christmas releases. This adorable set is only £9.99 and it also in Sally's 3 for 2 christmas offer too - so there's no excuse not to buy!!

Buy her here...

Monday 11 October 2010

Review: Naked palette by Urban Decay


Spoiler alert; I think that this palette is a must own - there's plenty here for every skintone AND all of the shades go with every eye colour. If you prefer neutral this is perfect and if you like a bit of colour this is still a fantastic set: you can easily blend a bit of coloured eyeshadow or liner - the possibilities are endless.

I've had my palette for a little while now and I've used every shadow at least twice and am very impressed by how versatile the colours are; Night, day, natural or dramatic - there are so many things to try here, so it doesn't matter if you are like me [a make-up junkie]...

Sunday 10 October 2010

Upcoming release: Lady GaGa's debut fragrance with Coty.



So the previous rumours about Lady GaGa releasing own fragrance with coty were true, as Coty have now confirmed that everything has been signed!

MONSTER is due for release in 2012. Sounds like a bit of a wait, but I'd rather wait as it means they are working on something unique, rather then planning a quick money-making scheme.


Exciting stuff.


Tuesday 5 October 2010

Review: Kim Kardashian EDP by Kim Kardashian

Before I even start my review; I want to point out that no,  I don't have anything against Kim Kardashian herself. If you don't like this fragrance why are you instantly labelled as a bitchy, jealous 'hater'?

Now that I've got my whine out of my system, lets begin today's review...

Wednesday 22 September 2010

Spotlight: China Glaze 'Tis The Season To Be Naughty And Nice [Christmas 2010 LE nail polish collection]




#878 Naughty and Nice Рdeep plum cr̬me
#879 Sugar Plums Plum micro glitter
#881 Phat Santa Рdeep red cr̬me
#882 Ruby Deer -  red crème
#883 Mrs. Claus – red tinsel glitter in a clear pink base
#884 Party Hearty – glitter top coat has a mix of red, green silver and gold glitter
#885 Mistletoe Kisses – green and silver glitter in a green base
#886 Jolly Holly – green shimmer
#887 Peace on Earth – olive green shimmer
#888 Little Drummer Boy – rich blue shimmer
#890 Midnight Kiss – gold shimmer
#891 Cheers to You – silver shimmer

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Review: Forever EDP by Mariah Carey







- - - - - - - - - - -
The fragrance
- - - - - - - - - - -

As I've mentioned in other reviews I'm not a fan of tuberose; I find it overpowering and I nearly always suffer from a headache when I wear it. So it's recently become a challenge to myself to find a wearable tuberose-based fragrance. FOREVER has a fruity opening, so I tried that first as I thought that the fruit notes would freshen and lighten up the florals.


I was right about that; the opening of fresh, life-like lotus and juicy, slightly sweet, yet tart apple notes is gorgeous. It's both energizing and fresh whilst being understated and feminine.

And when the tuberose note does develop, it still seems fresh and juicy. I can also detect the gardenia, but I'm sure there's another fruity note hidden there too; it's hinted at, but is too subtle for me to separate. Maybe they added more apple notes?

I was loving FOREVER until it burnt through to the flat base, I found it very disappointing. Whist the musk does continue the freshness to the fragrance going, it also overtakes the mix of woods. I get a slight note of sandalwood, but that's it. I thought it was a let-down.


- - - - - - - - - -
Scent notes
- - - - - - - - - -

Neroli, lotus, green apple, tuberose, gardenia, white musk and exotic wood.


- - - - - - - - -
The bottle
- - - - - - - - -

Described as art deco; I think the clear bottle meant to resemble an uncut diamond. It's unique and eye-catching. However I don't like the cap, which is taller than the bottle itself.





- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other buying considerations
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It's a light fragrance considering it's a white floral, so the lasting power reflects that. It burns down within four hours. Not great, but it seems average for modern fragrances.

Florals are generally wearable all year round, but the fruity start means I'd personally think of it as a spring/summer fragrance.

FOREVER is great for daytime, both casual [thanks to the fruit] and work [the florals are light, so colleges won't be adverse to it]. I find it too fresh for evening wear, but I suppose it all depends on what you like to do it your spare time. If you go to clubs this could work as you won't suffer any ill effects you get from combining heat and a stronger fragrance.


- - - - - - -
Verdict
- - - - - - -

I felt totally let down by this one. The sweet'sour fruits and the fresh florals are surprisingly complex yet subtle, at least they were until the musk came along and white washed over everything. If you happen to be a fan of musk I'd highly recommend this to you, but for myself this is a no-go.

If your planning to buy someone a fragrance for Christmas I think this a good bet. It's fresh but slightly sweet, isn't too strong and is quite inexpensive for a EDP.


Are you a fan or Michael Kors Very Hollywood EDP? Here's a more purse friendly version.


- - - - -
RRP
- - - - -

50ml £27

Spotlight: Project D EDP by Dannii and Tabitha


Project D EDP received an early launch and went on sale exclusively in Harvey Nichols yesterday.


EDP [50ml]
£34

This enchanting scent has been inspired by the marriage of two very distinct styles - glamour and rock 'n' roll. It is a timeless and stylish addition to the fashion line and each note of the fragrance has been carefully selected to ensure each woman feels utterly glamorous, wherever she may be. The natural top accord incorporates inspiration from neroli, bergamot and ylang ylang gliding through a sense of intrigue and mystery into the whirl wind heart accord of tuberose, Japanese osmanthus, mimosa and purple orchid; whilst the dry down of creamy sandalwood, saffron, skin musks and hot amber oils ignites the senses.



Purse sprays [set of three: 10ml each]
Can be worn individually or layered together.
£25

Dawn
Bergamot, geranium, neroli and ylang ylang.
Day
Tuberose, daisy, Japanese osmanthus and mimosa.
Dusk
Sandalwood, skin musks and hot amber oils.

The closest branch of Harvey Nichols to me is in Manchester and I don't plan on travelling into Manchester in the immediate future, so haven't had the change to test it yet.

I have been looking forward to it's release and the Harvey Nichols website stocks the EDP edition, so I am very tempted to buy it blind, so to speak because I'm very confident that I'll like it based on the listed scent notes. Then again, if I wait to visit the Manchester branch I'll hopefully be able to pick up the purse spray set too - layering them with the EDP to create my own unique signature fragrance is very appealing to me.


                                          [Dannii Minogue and Tabitha Somerset-Webb]



Friday 17 September 2010

Review: Awakening by China Glaze [Halloween polish set]


All three colours in this set have a jelly base. This means that the formula is semi sheer and dries with a high shine finish.

 
As the base colours for these polishes are a jelly finish two coats aren’t totally solid, but I don’t mind the semi-sheer look. Three coats will give you a solid look. The polishes are smooth to apply despite all of them containing glitter, leaving no bubbles or streaks. I was impressed with the drying time; Five minutes after application it was touch dry and after ten minutes I was rummaging through drawers, there were no chips or smudges. I hadn’t applied a top coat at that point.
 
China Glaze has to be my favourite brand of polish; The different formulas [creme, jelly, metallic, glitter,crome and holographic] are all so smooth and evenly - even the ones that contain glitter. I own 20 + bottles of China Glaze now and have yet to experience any bubbling or streaking from any finish.
 
They use different polymers and resins in their formulas; These buzz words mean nothing to me but the great results speak for themselves. The colour is always bottle true and the dried polish wears well. My bare nails are also looking healthier then they have done for years to, so China Glaze has quickly become my go-to brand.
 
 
China Glaze do not test on animals.


- - - - - - - - - -
The brush
- - - - - - - - - -

China Glaze don't use a 'pro' width brush, so it'll take up to three strokes to coat the nail, but I don't see  that as a huge problem. As the brush is thinner less polish is loaded onto the brush, so the nail doesn't become glooped with product.


- - - - - - - - - - - -
Lasting power .
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Using my usual base and top coats [I've switched to China Glaze from Nails INC] these polishes will last me around 3 days with only minimal wear [and the glitter helps to disguise the war and tear]; but I'm tough on my nails (self powered wheelchair user), so it will probably last longer on other people, for instance my sister loves China Glaze too and can get a week's wear out of it.


- - - - - - - - - -

The colours
- - - - - - - - - - 

ICK-A-BOD-Y
 
This is the ultimate Halloween shade; The polish is a dark green, but the formula is packed with orange glitter. The combination of green and orange just screams "pumpkins" or "jack-o-lanterns", depending on your location. I'm not usually a orange or glitter fan, but the dark green base to the polish prevents the orange glitter from being bright and stops my nails from resembling a disco ball. While I do love the shade and find it perfect for autumn, I don't think I'll wear it for the rest of the year, so it's the least versatile shade in the set.


 
 


MUMMY MAY I
 
I'm a purple polish junkie so most of my stash is purple, yet MUMMY MAY I is still unique. It's a dark, warm, pinky plum shade with flecks of pink micro-glitter that looks so pretty when they catch the light. One thing; I'm not sure how this is a Halloween shade (aside from the name), I'll be happily wearing this all year round.
 


 


ZOMBIE ZEST
 
I'm not a fan of green nail polish, so what first attracted me to ZOMBIE ZEST was the cutesy name and the fact that it's a limited edition - honestly throw those two words at me and I'll be lemming it like nobodies business. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. Long story short - this shade of green is something that I've seen in polishes before; It's yellow based and has gold coloured flecks of micro-glitter in. I <3 it, it is indeed very halloweeny AND I can also see myself wearing it in the summer as the yellow base will seem cheery in the bright sun.
 




- - - - - -
Bonus
- - - - - -
This set comes with a full size bottle of China Glaze' FAST FORWARD TOP COAT.
This dries a within one minute of application and helps sets your polish, prolonging the wear. Plus it gives any polish an extra [clear] coat of shine.
 
- - - - -
RRP
- - - - -
 
The sites that offer this set charge £20, but I got mine from Ebay for £14 plus free p+p.
Individual bottle's retail for around £8 each. Sounds pricey, but these are 14 ml bottles.



[photos used property of China Glaze]

Review: Rimmel 60 Second nail polish



­­-­ - - - - - - - -
The claim
- - - - - - - - -

Rimmel say that the new fast-drying formula and updated brush design takes just one stroke to apply, one minute to dry and only needs one coat.


- - - - - - - - - -
The formula
- - - - - - - - - -

As the polish is meant to need only one coat for a bottle true colour, the formula is thick and not very funny, so can take a little time getting used to. The formula still applies smoothly once you've become used to it and it has never bubbled on me though, which is good.
One of my shades [Twinkle] contains micro particles of glitter, yet still applies smoothly and without clumps.

The polish becomes does indeed become touch-dry within one minute - although I find that often need to apply a second coat as the first can dry unevenly and leave visible brush stoke impressions.
A second coat can take a little longer to dry; around three minutes, so I recommend waiting ten minutes after applying top coat before using your hands if you apply a second coat as the polish layers can remain a little soft.

Last week I was looking for one of these polishes at the bottom of my make-up bag and when I found the bottle in question I instantly saw that the polish had glopped up and now had the texture of treacle, whilst I have bottles of polish that are roughly five years old, but still look new.
The bottle was less then a year old [about nine months old] and was fastened tightly. You could use a thinner to get more use out of the polish in theory, but I just threw it out as it's under £4, so not worth spending more money on buying thinner over.


- - - - - - - - - -
The brush
- - - - - - - - - -

Rimmel changed the width of their nail polish brushes a year or so ago; It's now has nice and wide bristles so the nail is evenly coated within two strokes.
Rimmel claim that it only takes one stroke, but I find that I need two the majority of the time. It is still fast and smooth, so I don't mind.

None of my brushes have ever had any bristles fall out, which has been a problem when I've used other drugstore brands.


- - - - - - - - - - - -
Lasting power
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Using my usual base and top coats this polish will last me around two days before chipping. Not one of the longest lasting polishes, however, considering the low price I can't complain.


- - - - - - -
Verdict
- - - - - - -

Rimmel's 60 SECOND NAIL POLISH range of polishes come in a range of creme, metallic and shimmer finishes - not to mention a wide range of colours - so there really is something for everyone.

Most seasons some limited edition colours are also added for those dedicated to fashion, all for under £4. For that price I'll be trying more Rimmel polishes in the future; despite the results being varied and the product having a short shelf life.



- - - - -
RRP
- - - - -

£3.49 [8 ml]

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Spotlight: NARS Vintage Nail nail polish collection...


  • Mash – Army green with gold shimmer (my swatch here)
  • King Kong – Copper brown with gold shimmer
  • Midnight Express - Dark navy creme
  • Zulu – Dark forest green jelly
  • Full Metal Jacket – Gunmetal grey metallic
This collection is limited edition. Stores will sell it for 3 months and NARS will sell it on their website until they run out of stock.

[Source - Vamp Varnish]