Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts

Thursday, 14 July 2011

Review: Models Own Nail Polish






I was recently sent a small selection of Models Own nail polish to test. I received 'Top Turquoise', 'Pastel Pink' and 'Gold Rush'.

First up was 'Top Turquoise' which I was really excited about trying as this is my favourite colour and I am constantly on the look out for a great bright version. However, when I unwrapped the package I was more than disappointed to find Top Turquoise was in fact more 'Top Teal'. The picture on the website shows a really bright shade of turquoise whereas in reality the colour is heavily muted. Even so, upon application the polish smoothes on great and the appliance brush is narrow which enables a neat finish. After just one coat the colour is blocked and is in no way transparent (pet hate). The consistency is strong and the polish stays put; I wore it to Glastonbury and only had to reapply once.
Overall the only criticism I can give is with regards to the colour. I really wouldn't call it turquoise, it is definitely teal. Alas, if you like teal then do grab one of these. Aside from shade name accuracy, I can’t fault it.





Next I tried 'Pastel Pink' and was really pleased. The result is a block light pink which sort of reminded me of a Barbie doll's nails! I applied two coats, and as you can see, the results were great. The varnish has a smooth and shiny finish and definitely looks as though you have applied a glossy top coat. It’s a really nice shade for summer and one I will definitely be buying again.




Last (and by all means least) I tried 'Gold Rush'. This polish came out completely transparent and it took five coats to get the deep shade you can see in the photographs (by which time my nails had become thick and gloopy.) From the outside you would think you were getting a good metallic block shade but instead you get a watered down and glitter based paint. It is extremely shimmery, which is lovely and sparkly, but I can't help believing it’s just a clear polish mixed with gold glitter. It is not the solid gold I thought I was getting. It does look nice in the photographs, but remember, I had to apply five coats to reach that shade so I can't imagine it would last very long. I think I will continue in my quest to find a great metallic gold. If anyone knows of one…let me know!





Overall Top Turquoise and Pink Pastel are great (the prior just needs a name change). The results are bright and they are deep in tone. The paint is smooth, stays on and doesn't chip. However, I think anyone buying Gold Rush would be disappointed with the result as you don’t get what you see through the bottle.

The Models Own website has a huge section of polish and my disappointment in Gold Rush hasn't deterred me from wanting to try more. There are a couple of other shades of gold I am going to try so perhaps one of those will be the perfect golden I am after. I particularly like the look of the neon shades and the rest of the pastel shades look appealing too. I will keep you posted.

Finally; price. In Boots each polish is either £5 or £6. Online at Models Own there is an offer were you can buy three and save £3 or buy five and save £7 . Shipping is £2.95 so you can save a little this way.


Please use the link for full information on how to purchase Models Own nail polish.


Images: Novateur

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Mane & Tail: Bleach London

BLEACH IT


Technicolor hair = dream hair! Novateur hearts this trend as seen on the likes of Alexa, Drew et al and painted across the pages of the Topshop spring summer look-book.
Now it's your turn...

Cool Logo: The salon is named after the Nirvana album

If your dreaming of neon streaks, dips dyes or stenciled brights then head over to new Dalston salon BLEACH where the hipsters are flocking in their throngs. Anything goes here and the super trendy professional stylists are at your call to go as kaleidoscopic as you want.


Co-founded by Alex Brownsell, a session stylist who previously worked for brands such as House of Holland, and her neon haired business partner Sam Teasdale, the Bleach salon is up and running and all over the hot list. The duo first stepped on the radar after building up a super cool fanbase as a concession at WAH Nails on Kingsland Road and became infamous for inspiring the growing trend in funky rainbow hair. They colour the mane of many a London IT Girl including client Pixie Geldof who can pretty much be found in there every other week. Bleach also has a mini pop up salon in Topshop Oxford Circus so you have no excuse!

See you there!



Visit the uber cool Bleach website for enquiries and bookings online at www.bleachlondon.co.uk



Images: Bleach London

Friday, 18 February 2011

Brights

GO B R I G H T






Since watching the Jil Sander SS11 show all I can think about is juicy brights. 
Discard your winter camel uniform and try something more delicious. Look out for that tangerine burst, aqua blue, neon pink, lime green and citrus lemon…mouth watering! Think electric and make a bold statement blocking colours or clashing for that all out runway look. Keep accessories oversized and minimal; grab a chunky cocktail ring, a fruity silk scarf or a statement rainbow tassel bag, throw on some round DVF sunglasses or a pair of neon Ray-Bans and your good to go! 
For those not quite so daring team a vibrant pink with a neutral shade or turn up the voltage on your crisp white shirt by pairing with a pair of bold white leg trousers.


Here is Novateur’s edit to get you in the mood…lets get zesty...


Where It All Started: Jil Sander SS11


Rihanna in Dior at The Brits

Eliza Doolittle in Mark Fast  
& Giuseppe Zanotti 
killer wedges at The Brits
 
 



Akris SS11
Cacharel SS11






Model's at Christopher Kane SS11

 Novateur HEARTS Stella McCartney's citrus...  

SM SS11


SM SS11



70s Vibe: Topshop Crochet
Zara has Zest
Make A Statement: Team with a crisp white shirt or hot pink



Juicy Accessories...
Go Round at American Apparel


Missoni SS11


Minty Fresh: Jil Sander







Jewel on Jewel: Scott Wilson at net-a-porter.com
Alexander McQueen Rose Skull Scarf
Electric Tassels at Pucci


Festi Essentials at Ray Ban

Charlotte Olympia 'Bananas is my Business' shoe
Summer Staple: Etto Clutch



Suede Make-Up Bag at Topshop


Make It Up....


Impassioned Lipstick at Mac

Keep it Juicy at Lancome

Get Rosie: Lip& Cheek Tint At Benefit
Electric Eel Shadow at Mac

Neon at Barry M
And finally to get you in that summer mood...

 Summer Bible: I had this as a gift - its brilliant (avaliable at Harvey Nichols)
Mmmm: Laduree Macaroons, get yours at Harrods