NOTD: Santa's Sunburn by Pretty Serious...

Many thought that Santa's Sunburn was discontinued. That story isn't true. This favourite from the Christmas Without Snow collection was simply ahead of it's time, literally. It left the Pretty Serious line up and returned to it's home in the Christmas Future, and now it has returned with some friends - The Ghosts of Christmas Future collection.

For my last post in 2015 I wanted to focus on something super festive, so I'm going to review a new purchase from the new Pretty Serious Christmas range - a red metallic nail polish, that was first released in 2012, that has proven to be so popular that it has just been relaunched in The Ghost Of Christmas Future collection...

NOTD: Give Me Space by OPI...

Today I'm going to share my thoughts on the last polish in the OPI Christmas 2015 collection that I own. 

Give Me Space was the polish that I immediately wanted when the first pictures began showing up online, and yes, it looks just as mouthwatering in person. But what about the formula? Is it as good as it looks, or does it let the side down?Lets find out...

NOTD: Center Of The You-niverse by OPI...

Sparkly black polish. I own lots of them, but when I saw photos of this one I decided I needed it. 

Center Of The You-niverse is described by OPI as having 'star dust' in the formula, so I was sold.

Star dust ≠ glitter, right? Let's find out...

First impressions: Heat Kissed edp by Beyonce...

Heat, Heat Rush, and Heat Mrs Carter are okay [pleasant but generic] and whilst I do think that Heat Midnight and Heat Wild Orchid are better, I don't think they're anything truly amazing that you need to drop everything for and rush out right now to get hold of.  But I couldn't resist trying the latest addition to the Heat range when I spotted it in my local stores, to see if it is meh, good, or - dare I type it? - something that I wanted to own?

NOTD: I'm In The Moon For Love OPI...

Since I've already reviewed three of the four Starlight collection shades I bought from QVC, I thought I'd finish of the month by reviewing the final shade that came in the set. 

I'm In The Moon For Love is the shade that made me pick the QVC set (link below) I did, as I love a good purple polish shade. So this is the shade that had the most to live up to, but did it deliver?

NOTD: Ro-Man-Ce On The Moon by OPI...

I've mentioned that I bought a OPI polish set from QVC (link below), which contains 4 shades from the Starlight collection; well today I'm going to look at the red shade which came in it, since I've opened the box...

When selecting which set I wanted (you choose between a warm or cool colour mix) I was going to pick the cool option to avoid getting yet another red shade from Opi, but in the end decided that I preferred the overall colour combination in the warm set - plus the cool set has one of those glitter a in as a crime base polishes, which didn't appeal to me in the slightest.

Will this red stand out from the other million holiday reds, or should I have picked the 'cool' option and braved the glitome polish?

NOTD: Press * For Silver and Ce-less-tial Is More by OPI...

It's that time of year; I'm digging into my collection of Christmas polishes, and as I'm currently working through my holiday 2015 polishes I thought I'd review them for people who are thinking of picking them up. 

So with that said, lets get things rolling with two new polishes from OPI's Starlight collection...

Curl up and dye: Roller Lash mascara by Benefit...

Today I'm continuing my quest to find that magic can't-live-without-it holy grail mascara, and I'm going towards the higher price range.

I've tried a few different curling mascaras from brands in the low-mid price range and really enjoyed them, so I'm curious to see what (if any) benefits a pricier mascara gives...

NOTD: Saint George by A England...

A England base their Collections on inspiration from english literature, ancient legends and classic stories from old England. Renowned for their "3-free" and "cruelty-free" approach, A England Nail Enamel isn't just unique and fashionable, it's also a healthy option and caters for all women and beliefs.

Today I'm continuing my exploration into the world of Indie polish companies with the brand A England. 

This brand specializes in holographic polishes and is really popular with the nail board members over on Makeup Alley, so when I saw a bottle of their polish on eBay recently I jumped on it...

Have I fallen for empty hype, or is the praise deserved?

Getting lippie: Studded Lipstick in Backstage Bambi by Kat Von D...

As I'm sure everyone who is into makeup already knows at this point, you can now buy certain products (no polish or perfumes) on the Sephora website and have them shipped internationally.  

I first got Backstage Bambi in a mini size as part of a set years ago on one of my trips to New York, and wore it to death. I bought a full sized one on my last NYC trip a few months ago, and as we can get the Kat Von D lip products delivered to us,  I thought that now I could share a review for it.

Are they dupes? Harvest Moon by China Glaze vs Autumn by Zoya...

Well, this is going to be a short post as you can tell straightaway that the two polishes won't be dupes, but as its now autumn I thought I'd still go ahead and compare these two gorgeous seasonal shades to see just how similar the shades are once applied, as well as how the two formulas compare.

The China Glaze polish can be bought for over half of the price of the Zoya one - so if the colours and formulas are close enough, then you can see if you just want buy the cheaper option and save yourself some money...

Is it time for the fantasy to grow up? Fantasy Intimate Edition edp by Britney Spears...

Elizabeth Arden describe the latest perfume release in the Fantasy line as being very intriguing, sensual and romantic. It's aimed at women "who celebrate their beauty & cherish their fantasies", and the scent is meant to "cuddle the skin and make fantasies come to life".

I've worn Fantasy since it was released, but I've just turned 32 and don't feel confident wearing it any more as I keep smelling it on younger, trendier people. Does Fantasy Intimate manage to retain enough elements to Fantasy, yet also be more mature in comparison to appeal to us older fans of the Fantasy perfume?

Cheers to that: Cheers Holiday 2015 collection by China Glaze [updated]...

Today I'm following on from my post in July; I've finally found some more information on the China Glaze Holiday 2015 collection; Cheers.

I have a swatch wheel of the polishes, links to a video review & where you can buy the polishes and sets at affordable prices...

First star I see tonight: Starlight Holiday 2015 collection by OPI...

I  posted a preview of store displays - and a link to a site which has details on the gift sets - for the Starlight: Holiday 2015 collection by OPI back in June, but I wanted to do a quick post now with product swatches so everyone can get a good look at what is on offer this year.

NOTD: Haddonfield by Pretty Serious...

Pretty Serious is an Australian Indie polish brand, and I think that the three-piece Killer Fangirls collection was introduced in Halloween 2013. 

Pretty Serious wanted to separate themselves from larger polish companies by making their various holiday collections available for people to buy for longer, and as this particular collection was inspired by the founder's (Kaz) love of horror movies and has proved so popular with customers, it's still in production today .and may even be extended in the future.

Today I'm finishing this collection by showing the most Halloweeny polish in it. Fitting because this polish was inspired by the film Halloween, and is named after the hometown of everyone's favourite homicidal stalker; Michael Myers...

NOTD: Elm Street by Pretty Serious...

Pretty Serious is an Australian Indie polish brand, and I think that the three-piece Killer Fangirls collection was introduced for Halloween 2013. 

Pretty Serious wanted to separate themselves from larger polish companies by making their various holiday collections available for people to buy for longer, and as this particular collection was inspired by the founder's (Kaz) love of horror movies and has proved so popular with customers, it's still in production today, and Kaz has hinted that the collection may be expanded one day.

I started this collection review with the shade that I was most keen to try, so thought today I'd do the opposite and focus on the polish I wasn't that fussed about and only bought because the completest in me wanted to have the full set. Don't get me wrong the polish fits the film it represents very well as it reminds me of Freddy Krueger's burns and Stripy jumper, but me and bar glitter do not get along.

Anyway let's take a trip down Elm Street...

NOTD: Crystal Lake by Pretty Serious...

Pretty Serious is an Australian Indie polish brand, and I think that the three-piece Killer Fangirls collection was introduced in Halloween 2013. 

Pretty Serious wanted to separate themselves from larger polish companies by making their various holiday collections available for people to buy for longer, and as this particular collection was inspired by the founder's (Kaz) love of horror movies and has proved so popular with customers, it's still in production today.

Now that I've gotten the introduction out of the way, let's jump into the reason you're here - that lovely sparkly blue polish that was the first ever Pretty Serious polish to go into my shopping basket. Today we're going to Crystal Lake, inspired by Friday 13th...

The Bargain Hunter: Silver-toned pumpkin necklace, on a infinity-style chain...

As it's Halloween month there is no better time to share one of my recent finds; a infinity necklace, which has a pumpkin pendant on.

Give me the stars; Taylor Made of Starlight edp by Taylor Swift...

Taylor By Taylor Swift Made Of Starlight is a limited edition of Taylor By Taylor Swift, that was released in 2014,

I really like the original edition of Taylor by Taylor Swift, however my eyesight has been getting worse, which makes my migraines worse, with the result being that that is one of the perfume's that I can no longer wear as it can set of my migraines. I was therefore very interested in trying the Made Of Starlight edition as I wanted to see if it would be lighter in comparison to the original, but I don't think it was ever released in the UK, as I checked various shops for month's after reading about the release and never found it...


But now, over a year later, I've found an eBay seller who has the perfume in stock for under £20 [including shipping]. Was the wait and long search worth it, or is this a mistake-buy?

Tag: All About Polish...

I haven't actually been tagged for this; over the last week I've been watching videos by some of my favourite YouTube bloggers as they've been taking part in this tag [Including Jess], and I decided to jump onboard and answer it myself today because I'm bored I have some free time to thrill people with my insightful answers...

NOTD: Something's Brewing by China Glaze [with Earl Gray by Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure]...

I thought that I'd save the most Halloweeny polish in the Ghouls Night Out collection for my final post on China Glaze's Halloween 2015 range...

NOTD: Cackle If You Want To by China Glaze [with Superstition by Illamasqua]

So far the polishes I've shown you from China Glaze's Ghouls Night Out Halloween collection have been pretty, but they've not exactly screamed "Halloween is coming". But today I want to share the one that I think is the best of both world's; you can make wonderful spooky Mani combos with this, and (as my photos show) it is easy to use day-to-day the rest of the year round too.

NOTD: Ghostess With The Mostess by China Glaze (with Bangle Jangle by Essie)...

We've looked at the three new cremé polishes in the China Glaze Halloween 2015 (Ghouls Night Out) collection, so now it's time to explore the three glitter toppers.

I'll start with the one that I thought was the least 'Halloweeny' when I opened my parcel and saw the bottle. Don't get me wrong - it looks pretty, but for a Halloween polish I was "meh"...

Will it win me over?

NOTD: Looking Bootiful by China Glaze...

Today we're taking a closer look at the polish in China Glaze's Halloween 2015 [Ghouls Night Out] collection that I thought would be the safest bet that I'd love - the purple one.

Purples and blues are the colours that draw me in when I see pictures or bottles of them on store shelves, so I was confident that I'd love Looking Bootiful. But does the formula live up to my expectations?

NOTD: Lady And The Vamp by China Glaze...

Today we're continuing the look into the individual polishes in the China Glaze Ghouls Night Out Halloween 2015 collection. 

Since I started off with a creme shade that I wanted to have because the name of it appealed to me the most, I've decided to stick with the cremes and take a deeper look at the shade that appealed to me the least...

Was I right to be wary, or did Lady And The Vamp turn out to be a pleasant surprise?

NOTD: Drink Up Witches by China Glaze...

It's that time of year; its time for me to share my thoughts on the polishes in the China Glaze Halloween collection.

I ended up buying the entire six-piece six piece collection, which I wasn't going to do, as buying the full set from eBay was cheaper than buying four or five polishes individually. I've had the polishes since July, so I've had plenty of time to play around with everything and am now ready to roll.

Today we're going to look at the polish which called to me because of it's name...

No limit: Limited Edition Anniversary Fragrance by Paris Hilton...

The Paris Hilton/Parlux fragrance partnership was created and launched in 2005 and, despite Paris herself not being an overly popular public figure, her perfume range has continuously grown and has gone on to sell really well [over $1 billion] and has gained largely favorable reviews with the public. Her self-named debut perfume is considered the range's best by most people, and is the basis for what we'll be looking at today... 

For the tenth birthday of her debut perfume's release Parlux has launched a limited edition version; the new anniversary edition promises to "embody Paris Hilton’s original essence with an intensified, more concentrated version of her signature scent, Paris Hilton for Women".

Can this new edition stand up against the well-made original? Is this just the original version repackaged?? 

Lets find out...

Faking it with Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit by Barry M...

 Contouring and highlighting has become a big thing in beauty over the last few years, so there was a big choice in kits to help me fake the look of chiseled goddess when I decided to climb aboard the bandwagon and add definition to my face. I picked one of the cheaper kits on store shelves as I'm in no way an expert, or even semi-talented, when it comes to makeup application, so why pay a large sum of money on something that I'm probably going to screw up?

I'll just stop now, before I start to ramble, and let you all see what I managed to accomplish. Are contouring & highlighting kits easy for us non-makeup artist types to use? Can you get a high-end look with drugstore level products? Was I able to go out in public with my finished look? 

NOTD: Purple Panic by China Glaze...

Today I want to go to share a shade that first appeared in the summer of 2005 [Nervy  Neons], returned in summer 2006 [The Wow Factor], and was then added to China Glaze's core line... 

Today we're looking at Purple Panic.

(Wear it) With Love edp by Paris Hilton...

In October 2014 Paris Hilton released With Love - a fragrance dedicated to her fans. Described by Parlux fragrances as sophisticated, timeless and elegant, With Love blends together fresh fruit, elegant flowers, and soft woods.

I've owned my bottle for a while now and think now is the best time for a review, as I think that as we anticipate the transition from fruity summer scents into wood-based autumn ones is the best time to wear With Love, as it straddles the line between the seasons perfectly.

Getting lippie: Super Lustrous lipstick in Really Red by Revlon...

Today I thought I'd take a break from both my ever-growing nail polish collection and my fascination with perfumes, to continue my foray into the world of bold lipsticks.

This post will peek into the latest purchase in my ongoing search for the perfect red - which today also continues my exploration in Revlon cosmetics...

NOTD: Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by China Glaze...

As I've mentioned a few times I'm not a yellow polish lover, but in Gravey3rdgirl's recent YouTube video's she's been wearing Orly Glowstick polish and I'd been umming and ahhing over it as it looked so cheerful and happy. 

Anyway; I mentioned in a post on MUA nail board that I was probably going to make Glowstick my next purchase, when Impoverished by Polish let me know that China Glaze Yellow Polka Dot Bikini is a dupe for Glowstick, and sent me the link to her comparison post for the two polishes (here). Since she found that YPDB had the better formula in comparison between the two polishes, not to mention that China Glaze is considerably cheaper than Orly, I decided to go ahead and order it.


Should I have just gone for the Orly, like I originally planned?

First impressions: Mad Potion edp by Katy Perry...

I've noticed that my local branches of Boots and Superdrug began stocking the new Katy Perry/ Coty perfume - Mad Potion a week ago, so I've been testing it on a almost daily basis since then.

When I first read about the scent notes used in Mad Potion I was less then enthused about it (vanilla, vanilla, vanilla, musk, musk, musk - I'm not exaggerating), but have Coty managed to put a bit of an unique stamp on it & will I now have to admit that I'm wrong?

Let's Get Wicked: Halloween 2015 collection by OPI...

One of my favourite blogs - BeautyGeeks - has scored photos of the new Halloween nail polish set by OPI, so as I love Halloween I wanted to share one of their pics for it.

Was the wait for info on this year's collection worth it, or have China Glaze beaten them once again?

NOTD: Where's My Blanket? by OPI, over Snowcone by Orly...

As my previous NOTD post featured one of the two OPI Peanuts Halloween 2014 matte glitter topper's, I thought that I might as well voice my opinion on the other one too.

Do you have a fail-safe polish that you continuously reach for when you're not sure what look to go for? You can learn a bit more about mine below...

China Glaze swatch wheel: Ghouls Night Out Halloween 2015 collection...

A few American sites have started to receive stock of the new China Glaze Halloween collection, so hope the UK won't be too far behind. I'm also searching eBay, in case any US sellers have added the collection to their stores - not that I'm obsessed or anything.

In the meantime I came across this photo of a swatch wheel and wanted to wet people's appetites with it, as this year's collection looks flipping fantastic. So read on to see what will be on offer this year...

First glance: Cheers Holiday 2015 collection by China Glaze...

We're going a different way around for today's first glance at a major nail polish companies Christmas 2015 collection; I've found a photo of China Glaze's new Cheers Holiday 2015 line, but no other information, or store display images. I thought the swatches would be what most people want to see anyway, so I'm going to click publish on this short post, then do a proper one further down the line.

So for now, just feast your eyes on the pretties below...

NOTD: To Be Or Not To Beagle by OPI, over Rose Among Thorns by China Glaze...

Hello summer!!!

I'm getting into neon polishes for the first time ever, so whilst the sun is out I want to share one of the best formulated ones that I've found so far. I also love a black glitter, so whilst I'm spotlighting the neon I'm also going to top it with one if my newer glitter purchases...

First Glance: Infamous Holiday 2015 collection by Orly...

ChicProfile has once again scored the first preview pictures of an upcoming nail polish collection; today it's the six piece Christmas 2015 collection by Orly.

So lets celebrate Christmas in July and preview the festive range by Orly after the jump.

Feeling the Rush? Heat Rush EDT by Beyonce...

"Beyonce Heat Rush shines, sparkles and excites the moment it touches the skin. Surrounded by a luminous fragrant aura, the woman who wears it feels instantly effervescent and alive. Sensual and bright, the scent lights up a room just as Beyonce captivates with her presence" 

The sun is finally out (sometimes) so let's follow on my last post's theme by having a look at a older summery Heat fragrance from Coty/Beyonce...

New fragrance: Heat Kissed edp by Beyonce..

"When a moment of attraction becomes undeniable, it ignites a spark between two people that draws them closer. Their lips meet and the flicker becomes a flame. Beyoncé Heat Kissed captures this sensual intensity in a bottle."

This month sees the launch of Heat Kissed, the new fragrance from the Heat collection of fragrances by Coty and Beyonce. The lush composition begins with exotic fruity notes of litchi, mango and pitahaya. Its rich heart includes Red Fury orchid, Sambac jasmine and Moroccan rose oil. Exotic woody notes of African sandalwood and patchouli are combined with vanilla infusion to create a warm and inviting base.

Are they dupes? Avon Mineral Crush in Rose Quartz (aka Stardust inCrystallised Rose) vs Illamasqua Trilliant ...

I recently bought Illamasqua Star Burst polish in the shade Trilliant, and felt all smug at finding a £15 polish for £3.99 (I found my bottle in TK Maxx). However my smugness would soon turn to sheepishness when I was rummaging though my stash and saw this...

Yeah - looking at the polishes in the bottles I'd call them dupes, but do they swatch similarly?

Luxe Volume Extravagance mascara by Avon...

Black, lavish lashes with excess, high-impact volume. With fibres to create                                                              voluptuous lash volume.                                                Contains Black Diamond Powder. Flake-proof.

After years of being disappointed by Avon's mascaras I really enjoyed the last one I tried by them, so I naturally had to try one that boasted about using black diamond powder. What, if anything, does diamond powder do for lashes?

Lets find out...

NOTD: Comet In The Sky by OPI over Happy Go Lucky by China Glaze...

I'm not a yellow polish wearer normally, but I recently got a bottle of China Glaze Happy Go Lucky and have been trying out different toppers with it, as it's such a different look for me that I feel better layering it.
Today I want to share one of my favourite combinations I've found using this shade so far - and I think the topper I used is going to be a future collectable polish, so read on and then grab it while you can...

First glance: Starlight holiday 2015 nail collection by OPI...

If the China Glaze Halloween collection is my favourite yearly nail polish release, then OPI's Christmas range is a very close second - they always have highly wearable shades in consistently good formulas.

Everything2k.com has scored photos of the upcoming store displays AND gift sets for the Starlight Holiday 2015 collection, so prepare to feast your eyes...

First glance: 'Ghouls Night Out' Halloween 2015 Collection by China Glaze...

 

It's time for the first glance at what has always turned out to be my favourite nail polish collection of the year since 2010; Chicprofile.com has scored the first photos of the Halloween 2015 collection by China Glaze, so we can now get a sneak peek at the new polishes.

Does it look like their Halloween collection will be my annual favourite for another year, or has their run come to an end?