Lovin' | Nails & A Book

Hello Angels

What's up my lovelies?? 

About the title, Nails and Book! Yes, i know they don't really blend. But i thought i would share 3 of my early September favorites. By profession am a Finance Analyst, so my day to day work life is not very colorful or glamorous. However, i add tad bit color to my so called 'professional attire' with the help of accessories or in this particular week using nail paints.

This light lilac-y blue color by KIKO is an old favorite. To this i added Barry M's Amethyst Glitter. I so so loved the combination and received compliments too! woop woop! Am growing rather fond of this style and may try it out with other colors too.

Another find - Monumental  by X Formula. I love love X Formula's pastel collection and this one is truly the perfect nude shade. It goes well with all outfits and i cannot stop starring at my nails!!

If i wasn't painting my nails, i was mostly glued to this book - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. International best seller and that says it all. Though it did take me a couple of chapters to really get hooked. And then there was no separating us. The story revolves around a couple Nick and Amy and their disturbed marriage. Amy disappears on the morning of their 5th anniversary.

The book takes us through several events in a parallel fashion - Investigation/Interrogation by Cops, Nick turning out to be not so 'Perfect Husband' after all and narrations from Amy's Diary about her life with Nick.

I won't let out any spoilers but do make sure you add this thriller to your list.

Love

Nail Art | DIY

Hello Loves

Weekend is here! Thank goodness. 

So i put on my creative hat this weekend and decided to try something different whilst painting my nails. Stripes it was (also because it seemed a lot more easier than other designs)

Here are the steps i followed 

• Before you kick start, cut out few pieces of tape in desired width. I went for rather slim ones
• To get a hang of it, start with your thumb nail. Place the tapes on your nails (any desired angle)
• And then paint away (i used Greenberry by Barry M here)
• Be patient and let the paint dry well before you strip them off
• Apply the Top coat 
• DONE!

Once you get a hang of it, you can do all nails together. It does take time but i think the results are worth it. Also it is a fun time pass when you've friends over for catch up or tea.

Have a fun weekend guys...

Love

Green Berry by Barry M | Summer-rish

Hello Angels

Yup! Yet another post dedicated to a nail lacquer and this time it is a truly truly summer-ish color by Barry M -  GreenBerry, from their Gelly Hi-Shine collection. A bright mint green, that pops!

Application did not go down very smooth because of the slightly gloppy, thick consistency. Though it is no real pain to apply, if you show a little patience (which i lack). I simply adore the color and don't mind spending rest of my summer with it or go through the slight pain of application. 

The collection houses several bright and nude shades. Definitely worth taking a peek or even slipping 1 or 2 into your basket! Cost 25/USD6

  

What do you think of this color? Isn't it gorgeous? 

Love

Summer Nail Art

Hello Angels

When Summer hits, i can't wait to get those pastels out and start painting my nails. Mints, nudes and pinks being the favorite. BUT when it comes to summer nail art, i simply cannot resist those dark shades. Here are two nail art i put together using my favorite bright shades, Blue, Yellow and Red. 

Technique

Stripes - Use a pointy, eye liner kinda brush. 

Dots -  Since i don't own a dotting tool, a pencil dipped in polish was the next best alternative i found! And it worked out just fine. 

Am no expert when it comes to Nail Art, but i still like to give it a whirl when time allows. For occasions, i usually get it done from Salon.

For Top and Base coat i used X Formula by Sephora. This brand is a must try when it comes to polishes. They stock a fab collection of pastel shades and would leave you deciding all day!

What's your favorite Summer color? Have a safe and fun weekend lovelies...

Love

Bourjois. X Formula & Other | Weekly Update

Hello Angels

Calling all nail polish lovers. Here are 2 awesome products that i would highly recommend. Tried and Tested. Let's get cracking into the details....;)

Bourjois Instant Dry Liquid

I love my polishes. The only part i hate (really hate!) is when i have to wait for them to dry. The 5-10min wait feels like forever. This usually involves me waving my hands in the air (a tribal dance act!) or me desperately blowing air onto them.

I've tried quick dry liquids from other brands but all failed to impress. Bourjois Instant Dry actually does what it claims to be! FAB! It leaves my nails all dry within seconds, Literally. Comes in a convenient cute bottle. A must buy!

US$10/AED 35
Available at Boots                                                                                             

X Formula Cleanser     
Next up is a product that will help you get those polishes off in a giffy! I've owned these for quite sometime now but never gave them a try until last evening. O My Gosh! i was impressed. Nail polish removers gets the job done but they may miss on a few spots towards the corners.

X Formula Nail cleanser can be used as a normal remover or since it is slightly more expensive compared to a regular cleanser, i use them to get rid of colors in those tricky corners. Apply the product where necessary and swipe it clean. Done. Not a spot left behind. 

I find them extremely handy, especially when removing dark colored lacquers. US$10/AED35. Available at Sephora. 

Arm Candy's
A non beauty favorite.
I love chic accessories. Statement ones. The 2 shown in pic were the most loved last month. I've been receiving loads of compliments on them as well.

The Orange one is from Guess. They do the same in Black and a gorgeous light green too. The other one is a local buy. The 2 makes a lovely combination.

Hope you guys like found this post useful. Have a lovely and safe weekend.


Love

X Formula by Sephora | Review

Hello Angels

X Formula Polishes - a new line of nail polishes launched by Sephora. I've read both positive and negative feedback on this product and honestly after reading the same, i was not expecting much at all! But after using them for almost a week now...here's my take!

Firstly, this is one brand that will not let you down when it comes to shades. They have a massive massive collection varying from classics to liquid crystals to Lusters and Graffiti. You name it, they have it! 

I loved the formula. The brush is easy to work with and the packaging is cute. Quality wise i found them equally good compared to Essie (Not every blogger may agree though!)

Personally i loved their pastel colors. Simply Fab! 2 coats and you get an opaque look. They did not chip too soon for me and lasted for about 4 days.

I would highly recommend taking a walk across the X Formula aisle next time your at Sephora. And surely check out their pastel shades. 

Tried these before? Quite a controversial product....what's your take?? Am eager to know....

Love

Sephora Textile Nail Art Stickers

Hello Angels

A week set aside for 4 fab nail product i discovered this month! If you are an addict to polishes/nail art - Welcome aboard!

So here's my second pick -  Sephora Textile Nail Art stickers! I've never ever  used something like this before and frankly, wasn't sure what to expect when I received them. If it wasn't for the ample free time i was left with this weekend, I may have never given them a try. 

It took me less than 30 minutes to get them on. I would advice using a small pair of scissor (similar to one shown below) to get that perfect cut around the edges. Application was super easy and I absolutely loved the end result.

This one product as really got me in for nail art stickers. The quality is fantastic +  they last long. 

Available in a variety of textile patterns. They even had a black plain leather one. How cool is that?? Going forward these are my Go To option for a fun day out. 

How do you like them? Tried nail art stickers before? 

Stay tuned for 2 more nail product review...

Love

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polishes | Review

Hello Angels

This week is going to be all about Nails! I'll be blogging about 3 new nail products am loving at the moment. So all you nail polish, nail art lovers...look out for this space!

Revlon Parfumerie Polishes -  Perfumed polishes. The one thing that sets 'em aside from others. Have i been waiting for this invention to come through?? Nope. I never felt the need to have perfumed polishes. But am always in for giving new inventions a try!

The collection comes in 3 different fragrance notes - Fruits & Floral, Sweets & Spices and Fresh. The fragrance lingers for couple of hours after application. Nothing too strong or disturbing. I loved the color selection. Available in 24 shades varying from pastels to dark to metallics & glitter. 

What caught my eye the most is the packaging. 11/10 to Revlon for coming up with these super cute Perfume inspired bottles. I absolutely adore and love starring at 'em! 

I got myself 4 shades. Bordeaux, Ginger Melon, Apricot Nectar and Lime Basil (the 1st pic tells which is which). The colors are true to what they appear in bottles. I gave Lime Basil a try first and absolutely loved it. 2 coats and your good to go. It leaves signs of strikes slightly though.

Retails at US$8. A good to have product. I would love to own China Flower, a gorg Red, which was not stocked at my local Boots. 

How do you like these polishes? Given a try? Perfumed polishes your thing? Let me know...

Love

Sailor by Dior | Transat Summer 2014 Collection

Hello Angels

Summers are here and though in no form i heart Dubai heat, one thing to look forward to is the Summer Makeup collection launches. Here is my first buy - Dior's nail varnish in Sailor. How gorgeous is this color? Honestly, am not a fan of blue color. I like my Pastels, Pinks and Reds. But this one stood out for me..

It compliments my skin tone well and looks amazing. Dior polishes to me are the best in quality. Wide brush, dries super quick and leaves a shine behind. Of course they are expensive and hence picky with the colors i buy. 

These also come in a limited edition boxes. Each box contains a nail lacquer, CD buffer and nail stickers.

A very close dupe to this one is Ciate's Pool Party. The latter is slightly more darker though.

The name is quite appropriate i would say. It reminds me of a Sailor's uniform. The other 2 shades from the collection are Captain (Red) and Yacht (Nude). I have my eye on both! (I'm hopeless) 

The names chosen are super cute. How do you like this color? Yay or Nay?

Love

Bourjois SO Laque Glossy & 1 Seconde | Review

Hello Angels

This week i tried out the Bourjois SO Laque Glossy and 1 seconde nail varnishes. To different types of nail paint offering from the brand, former being the latest. 

SO Laque Glossy - The color i got needless to say is very summery. A beautiful vibrant sky blue. 

Consistency & Texture - The consistency of these polishes are slightly thick and not too runny. True to name they leave a glossy finish, so keep that top coat at rest. For the darker shades just 1 coat does the job.

Removal - Perhaps it is to do with this particular color, it left blue stains on my nails and i had to work a little more hard than usual to wipe them clean.

Resistance - Stays put for 1 week without chipping.

I love the finish of these polishes. Gives a salon manicure look. Available in gorgeous shades especially the pastels are to die for. They have got the pastel shades perfectly right compared to other high end brands. 

1 Seconde Gel  - The product promises salon finish nails in 1 second. I got myself the lilac shade.

Applicator - wide and fine bristles. I love how it takes shape of my nails and allows easy application. 

Consistency and Texture - A Gel consistency with smooth texture. You definitely need 2 coats of the product for the perfect finish. I use a top coat too. 

Resistance -  The finish stays for 4/5 days. Though i did experience chipping by the 4th day. 

Not a huge fan of the packaging. Available in dark to light shades. Again the range of colors are fantastic. 

I prefer the SO Laque Glossy ones slightly more. What do you think?

Given a try?

Love

Givenchy Le Vernis Nail Paint

Hello Angels

Yes, you can tell by now am going through a HUGE nail obsession phase. Literally can't help it! I just need them all..

Certainly my loves are for pinks and violets/purples. They are just so wearable with almost all attires. My latest pick is Givenchy's Croisiere Purple in No.12. A gorgeous purple. I would let the pictures do the talking

I sing praises for Dior polishes and Givenchy seems to have successfully gained a spot very close to my favorite Dior. 

• The applicator is exactly the same as Dior, wide and fine bristles. I can pull off an almost perfect mani.
• Consistency - Not too runny nor thick. 2 coats, finished with a top coat and your good to go
• Packaging is LUSH

This color is one among their limited edition launches. However, i couldn't find any other striking colors from Givenchy, which is indeed disheartening.  Cost US$20. 

Suggest me a good nude color please. I can never decide and always give up. How do you like this new add on to my collection?

Love

Dolce & Gabbana Mint 70 | Review

 Hello Angels

Its the weekend. Phew...finally! Time for plenty of sleep and fun. So here's my weekend treat for you lovelies. 

I admire unique nail colors. Which means even if i see it on others, i make sure to compliment! Early Feb, i bagged this mint green nail paint from Dolce & Gabbana. Its called Mint 70. A limited edition release by D&G. Gorgeous gorgeous color and true mint. The packaging is Lush,  the only downside being the too long applicators. Using them is a tad bit difficult and uncomfortable. To me nothing beats Dior applicators. 

The color is at its best under natural light. Hence, i would wear them mostly for day time occasions. They stay put for 4days decently. Cost $27.

So what do you think? Yay or Nay??!!

Love

Pink Love

Hello Angels

Am gravitating towards pink a lot lately. There was a phase when all you would spot me wearing was a red lippy and polish and now am reaching for all shades of pink. From lipstick - Blush - Nail polish.

Here are some of my most commonly reached for items this week. Since i have turned into such a nail paint freak, i cannot but stress on how much i love Essie's Lovie Dovie and Chanel's May. The latter was a gift from a dear friend on my b'day! Yes, she knows me veryyy well. It is a gorgeous muted pink and one of the best selling colors of Chanel. However, i am not a huge fan of  Chanel polishes when it comes to finish, compared to Dior. 

Chanel cream blushers are must haves. The one i own is Inspiration (64). The texture is creamy but whilst application it turns into a smooth powdery texture, making it a dream to work with. They come in several beautiful shades from dark to light. Easily blendable with bare fingers. Pop into a near by store and give them a try. 

Makeup Forever Mascara | Bobbi Brown foundation | Chanel Le Blanc Whitening Base | Chanel May Polish |  YSL Radiance Blush

Chanel Perfection Lumiere | Essie Lovie Dovie | Mac Pink Nouveau | Chanel cream blush Inspiration

Needless to say i incorporated all my favorite pinks and mandatory red for Valetines day special nail art...

So what's your favorite pink product? Be it a polish or nail paint. How do you like Chanel's May?

Happy Valentines Day my loves

Love

Dior Nails | Top 3 favorites

Hello Angels

Lately, i am drawn towards nail polishes a 'lil too much!! My weakness for blushes was identified and written off long back (by myself and my loved ones), but looks like somebody may have to share the spotlight!!!

Among high end nail polishes, Dior is my favorite. They have a beautiful collection and i seem to want 'em all!

No surprise there....

I adore Dior for
a) applicator. Wide and fine bristles. Am not an expert when it comes to self application of nail paint but with Dior i pull off a decent finish.
b) Consistency. The consistency is just right. Not too thick nor too liquidy!
c) Packaging. Love Love Love (enough said!!)

Here are 3 colors am loving at the moment....

Dior Vernis Masai Red- Every girl needs a Red polish! There is a red for every occasion. This one is more of an evening/formal kinda red. Such a gorgeous color!
Dior Darling 653 - Reminds me of summer. Causal yet very feminine color.

Dior Vernis Purple Mix - Another stunner by Dior. I think the color speaks for itself

Lighter shades of Dior leave behind streaks in the first coat which later gets covered completely in the second. With very light colors i do tend to go for a third coat. A top coat gives the perfect finish and your set to rock!

Which one is your favorite girls? Do you prefer lighter shades over dark? Which other color from Dior do you think i should add to my collection?

Have a great weekend

Love

Plum Par by Koko Nails | Review

Hello Angels

This post is perhaps not the ideal one for winter season but i thought of sharing my love for a nail color anyway. I've had it for sometime now but never got down to applying it. 

This weekend i gave it a try and my my i loved it soo much! More Spring/Summer appropriate. It is called Plum Par. A soft blue color, with a pinch of lilac. It falls under their high shine long lasting collection. Super easy to apply!! And no chipping, what so ever. You can skip on top coat too. 

Do you own any Koko nail polishe? What's your favorite winter polish?

Love

Barry M Polishes Mini Haul

Hello Angels

Let me begin by thanking all for the lovely comments on my last outfit post. I received lot of love via twitter and Instagram. Group hug and Love you all...

I dropped by Boots yesterday to stock up on Bioderma. Tell me if this happens to you? All my trips to Boots, end with me buying few unplanned for items. 3 Barry M polishes this time to be specific.

Cappucino - A lovely purply brown toned color. Not every girl may like it. Looks really good on fair complexion. But i personally like it on myself though am not that fair.  
Station Road - A not too bright yellow with glitter. More summer appropriate. But it will be much loved  by me because in Dubai 8 out of 12 months is summer. I would prefer a non glittery yellow polish over this though.
Amethyst Glitter - Blue, pink, gold and purple glitter mixed with clear base. Application can be a little tricky. To get the job done easily dab the product on your nails instead of regular stroke. 

All three colors require 2 coat application for a complete opaque look. I love Barry M polishes. Especially for their wide range of color selection. Plus they are very cheap without comprising on quality. A top and base coat will prevent chipping. Lasts for about 4 days. Out of the 3 i would recommend Cappucino and Amethyst Glitter. Cost $5 (Perfect x'mas stocking filler!!)

How do you like these colors? Which is your fav Barry M polish? Let me know.......

Love

Nail it!!

Hello Angels

This month i went a 'lil nail art crazy! Massively enjoyed painting and designing them. The one below is Movember inspired. The mustache was painted using a dotting tool and a toothpick!! These are fake nails by the way. I never grow my nails this long. Will end up hurting myself and others!!!

I wore the second, 3D Teddy bear one for my friend's baby shower. Love these cute nail stickers. Such occasions give me the perfect excuse to wear them. Some of you may find it too kiddish but i am a sucker when it comes cute things. Can't help it ladies....

Hope you guys liked my nail art. Nothing too major. But i had to share. Do you guys like nail art? or prefer the classic style? Can't wait for the weekend...

Love

Frosted Purple by Gosh

Hello Angels

Nail paints! Joy in tiny cute bottles. Just take a look at this beauty by Gosh cosmetics. There was no way i was walking out of Boots without purchasing it. Such a beautiful grey/silver toned glitter called 03 Frosted Purple. This glitter polish is matte in texture and hence doesn't shine TOO much. Which for somebody like me is a win win. Because i don't like going overboard with glitter.

Looks FAB + stays put for long + doesn't chip + Cost $8 = A must buy!

How do you like it ladies? Check out the Frosted Sand Look collection by Gosh for more such beautiful glitter matte polishes. Also let me know if there is any polish you think i must check out from any other brand or Gosh! Hope your guys are rocking the weekend!

Love

Giveaway Winner...

Hello Angels

Its time to announce my Ciate Nail Polish giveaway winner. But firstly a big thank you going out to all for participating and sharing your favorite nail varnish brand with me. Barry M seems to be the most commonly loved and embraced one. Drumrolls ** And the winner is

Lauren Singleton

Congratulations!

Please mail me your correct address and i will ship your gift asap. Hope this made your day! I have your email id and this will help me verify. For those who haven't won, the good news is, there is another giveaway coming very soon. A Pixie product......

Love

Ciate Chalkboard Manicure Kit

Hello Angels

Am going Manicure crazy this month courtesy Ciate! Manicure kits are super fun and you get the best from Ciate. I love anything chalkboard inspired. Menu boards, table cards and now NAILS! I can't stop starring at my own nails, as i type away this post. So am putting it out there 'I love this Manicure kit'. Simply because it is loads of fun AND looks amazeballs!!  The kit comes with 4 sketch pens, 1 chalkboard paint pot, 1 matte top coat and a manual. 

Over the weekend i was busy doodling on my nails. Trust me it was soo much fun. The chalkboard paint dries within seconds, unlike normal polish. So you can spend more time designing than waiting for your nails to dry!

If you do not feel like using the sketch pens, paint glitter over the chalkboard nail paint. This looks fantastic too. Apt for a night out. 

The only drawback is that the sketch pen is non water proof, so your design can wash off when in contact with water. The flip side to this is, while designing if you make a mistake it is easier to clean the same with water, not having to use a remover. The chalkboard paint however needs a remover for cleaning.

I think every girl needs to have one of these...it is simply fun and different. Agree?

How do you like this manicure set? Have you tired one before?

Take part in my Ciate giveaway . All the best!

*This set was sent to me by Ciate. However, my opinions are in no way biased by the Brand/persons