L'Oreal Paris Nail Wraps

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Nail Wraps (pictured in Diamond Eternal) £8.99, available from FeelUnique.com

Nail art is seriously BIG right now. And if you're not one to spend half a day sticking gems to your finger tips/eyebrows/hair/fave pair of jeans, then try out this super cute range by L'Oreal Paris. It really is as simple as peel, stick, trim. 

I only put tips on (and then added an extra coat of clear to seal the deal) as the whole nail looked a bit too bling for my tastes. 

The packet claims these transfers last for two weeks, which is rather optimistic in my opinion. I had to peel mine off after one evening as the corners lifted a little. And I did find that the transfers looked a bit bumpy round the edges. But in general, if you want a bit of fun nail art for under a tenner, then give these little transfers a try.

Beauty in Pictures #47 Instagram

As you may or may not have gathered, I'm a bit addicted to beauty products. I'm also a huge fan of the filter delights of Instagram, "ohhh, ahhh, filters!" So here's my weekly beauty-instagram-mash-up.

Featured (From top left): 1. Catwalk by TIGI Session Series Dry Shampoo (amazing, works miracles!) 2. Barry M's Ultra Moisturising Lip Paint 3. Me on a night out in Liverpool wearing Lipsy 4. Rituals Botanical Skincare Launch Party 5. HD Brows Palette in bombshell, 6. Pugs Not Drugs tee from Urban Outfitters (so cute!) 7. Lauren's Way Lashes 8. Getting ready for a night out with volume-boosting Dream Rollers by Lauren's Way 9. Ted Baker London Duo Nail Duo in Blue Moon and Space Dust

Tan-talise: The Best of Fake Tan

The Bronzing Mousse Break-Down

Bronzing mousses are easy to apply as you can instantly see where the product has been applied, ideal for those who are a bit nervous about self-tanning. 

St Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse, £30.64, available from St-Tropez.com

Colour: 5/5

Last-ability: 2/5

Smell: 5/5

Price: 2/5 

I've always been a firm fan of St Tropez when it comes to good tanning. The mousse is so easy to apply (use a tanning mitt for a flawless finish), doesn't streak, and smells great. No old biscuit-smells here, phew! The tan is a sun-kissed golden brown shade, which can be layered up for a deeper colour. 

My only negative points for this product would be the price, which is a touch steep, and the duration which the tan stays on the skin. I find that after two washes it has normally disappeared, even if I leave it 24 hours before the first wash. This can be a blessing in disguise though, as there's nothing worse than old shabby tan remnants imitating a strange skin disorder. 

Lauren's Way Self Tanning Bronzing Mousse (Medium), £17.95, available from LaurensWay.com

Colour: 4/5

Last-ability: 4/5

Smell: 4/5

Price: 3/5

A warmer brown tone, this is a tan for all you glamourous girls and boys. A deeper tan than the St Tropez, it definitely has that Essex-glam feel. It applied really evenly on the skin (again I use a tanning mitt) and dried instantly. What I loved about this tan is the fact that it lasts for days. Friday night glamour lasts right through to the Wednesday evening cinema trip. Perfect!

St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse, £2.99, available from Home Bargains

Colour: 2/5

Last-ability: 4/5

Smell: 0/5

Price: 5/5

Here's a tan for the end of the month, when the luxuries of pay-day are just a distant memory. Okay, it smells pretty hideous. The tone is more of a dirty brown than a golden one. And there is a slight chance you'll develop a rash if you have sensitive skin. 

But hey, it's £2.99. And after a quick rinse-off in the shower, the colour is much improved and the smell isn't that intoxicating. Everyone needs an anti-pastiness contingency plan. This is mine. 

My Fave Wash-Offs
Wash offs are great for stress-free (and pong-free) tanning and they're generally more hydrating than longer lasting tans. Just avoid rain at all costs!

Pictured from left to right: Rimmel, Sienna X, Lauren's Way

Sienna X Instant Bronzing Gel, £12.95, available from FeelUnique.com (includes free delivery!)

Colour: 5/5

Smell: 5/5

Price: 3/5

A lovely golden colour with a slight shimmer, this tan is a thick gel so it doesn't run on application. It also smells fabulous, as it is the most heavily fragranced out of the three. Perfect if you're looking for a very natural, sun-kissed colour.

Lauren's Way Instant Wash Off Glow, £11.95, available from LaurensWay.com

Colour: 4/5 - if you want a darker tan then this is definitely the wash off tan for you!

Smell: 3/5

Price: 3/5

If you're a real tan-addict, then Lauren's Way is the way for you. This wash off is much darker than the others, has a very neutral smell, and was a bit runnier in consistency. 

Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan (medium matte), £5.99, available from Superdrug

Colour: 3/5

Smell: 4/5

Price: 5/5

A good mid-way tan, Rimmel's Sunshimmer is lighter than the Lauren's Way yet has a deeper brown tone than Sienna X. It is however a touch reddy-bronze in some lights, which I'm not a huge fan of. But it is available at a reasonable price, applies well and smells pleasant. 

Hair A&E: Repair and Protect

I've been trying everything, short of buying a wig, to achieve a seriously healthy-looking mane. Here's what made the grade when it came to intensive hair repair...

1. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre-Shampoo Treatment, £26.25, available from PhilipKingsley.co.uk

It might be a bit of a splurge, but this product is an amazingly good thirst-quencher for hair. Apply to damp hair (concentrating on the length and the ends), and allow to absorb deeply for twenty minutes. A handy little shower cap comes with the product so you can tuck your hair up and out the way! Rinse off and shampoo/condition as normal. The treatment left my hair instantly replenished, and it felt REALLY silky smooth.

Top Tip: Ensure that you apply to damp hair as opposed to dripping wet, as excess water droplets will lessen the product penetration.

2. Charles Worthington Salon at Home Intense Rescue Melting Balm, £11.33, available from Boots

A quick and easy fix, this hard wax-like product should be worked into a rich oil by rubbing between your palms, and then applied to dry hair (concentrating on the length and the ends). Comb the product through hair, and leave for twenty minutes or so before washing hair as normal. It leaves hair feeling healthier, less frizzy when dried and smelling fabulous.

Top Tip: For really damaged hair, apply heat from a hair dryer for five mins after the product has been absorbing for twenty mins.

3. Tigi's Bed Head Ego Boost Split End Mender, 200ml, available from FeelUnique.com, £10.85 (delivery inclusive)

This product is genius. It works by bonding together the ends of your hair, preventing split ends. I use it every single time I wash my hair, and I have really seen the difference over the past six months. Apply a few squirts to damp hair after every wash and it will help your hair stay stronger for longer.

Top Tip: Start using Ego Boost after you've been for a trim, it'll lock down those naughty ends and stop them from straying.

4. Moroccanoil Oil Treatment for All Hair Types, £30.45 for 100ml, available from FeelUnique.com (delivery inclusive)

This product really does instantly soothe dry, straw-like hair. I've got heavily highlighted hair, so this intensive oil works a treat for an instant sleek revival. I apply a small pea-shaped amount (you DO NOT need a lot) spread across my palms, then work through the ends of my damp, clean hair. If your hair isn't that dry or damaged, then this product probably isn't for you. It's rather intensive, so can leave soft hair a bit weighed down. I'd recommend Catwalk by TIGI's Blow Out Balm for a lighter alternative.

Top Tip: Always apply to damp hair to avoid looking like an oil slick. Seriously, it's not a good look.

HD Brows: My New Number 1 Product!

If you're a brow fiend like me, you need to invest in this product. The HD Brows Palette, £19.95, is undoubtedly the BEST brow enhancer I have ever tried.

The application brush is really precise. You can create a fabulously accurate brow line with ease (see before and after pic below) No smudges in sight, ahhh!

The range of tones helps to keep brows looking natural and multi-dimensional. With a single shade brows can often look as if they've been stuck on. Not good. I use the 'Bombshell' palette for blondes (pictured)

It really does last ALL day, no top up required. I initially thought this product was a bit pricey, but the individual powders are packed with so much pigment that you hardly have to use any to create a brilliant brow.

I really, really love this product. Top marks to HD Brows.

Shine On: How to Get Seriously Glossy Locks

Oohhh, ahhh, shiny.

Yes ladies and metrosexual gents, your eyes do not deceive you. There is a brand new Aussie range available! Aussie Miracle Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, £5.99 each, available from Boots is for 'dull, tired hair, begging to shine.' Seeing as though I've abused my hair over the years in every which way possible (I'm so much more caring now, your beauty-honour!) and I've got lashings of shine-minimising blonde tones, I knew this was definitely one for me to try.

As always, five out of five for the sumptuous smell. It lathered brilliantly and my hair felt thoroughly cleansed after washing.

Before blow drying, I used Catwalk by TIGI's Sleek Mystique Straight Collection Blow Out Balm, £10.60, available from FeelUnique.Com (delivery inclusive in price) which protects hair from heat and adds an extra glossy shine, without weighing down fine hair. You only need to apply a pea-shaped amount to damp hair, but remember to work it across the palms of your hands first to avoid a heavy build up in one area. Again, this product smells totally fabulous, dreamy wafts of honeysuckle and dragon fruit all day long.

After blow-drying, my hair really had visibly improved in terms of shine. It looked healthy and glossy. Very impressed! A cautionary note... designer sunglasses may be required if these products are over-used.

Banish Dull Wintery Skin

There's nothing worse than dry, dull, wintery skin. And it's so easy to forget that those little skin cells need some TLC when they're permanently covered by layers of chunky knits or woolly tights. I must admit, I'm a repeat offender when it comes to winter-skin neglect. I often ponder about the potential train-wreck which would ensue should an unintended night of passion arise... Anyhow, I digress.

My luxury winter splurges are Champneys Spa Indulgence Distant Shores Body Butter and Scrub, £10 each, available from Champneys.com The exfoliating scrub banishes old, tatty skin and leaves you super soft and rejuvenated. It also contains grapefruit, lemon and orange peel oils which naturally boost the skin's appearance.

The Body Butter is wonderfully rich, perfect for a good dose of rehydration. But my fave thing about this pampering duo is the smell. Mangoes and citrus, a tropical holiday delight on the coldest of British evenings. Brrr!

Crank Up The Volume: My Top 3 Products

My life mission is to create full, voluminous locks. Cursed with hair flatter than that of Morticia Addams, I've backcombed, sprayed, moussed, and tonged until one can tong no more. And it's a dangerous game, let me tell you. One dodgy product and goodbye full, Brigitte Bardot tresses, hello irreversible bird's nest.

Here are my top three volume-enhancing products...

1. Lauren's Way Dream Rollers, £16.95 for a pack of 20, available from LaurensWay.com

I may have recently moved to Liverpool, but I'm still not ready for perusing around the local supermarket with a head full of rollers. Lauren's Way Dream Rollers are brilliant because you can go to sleep in them (albeit not the comfiest of snoozes) and then wake up with luscious bouncy locks.

2. Catwalk by Tigi Volume Collection 'Your Highness' Root Boost Spray and Thickening Gel Creme, £10.85 and £9.55, available from FeelUnique.com (delivery inclusive in price, yay!)

This product is so easy, yet so effective. Simply apply the Root Boost spray to your damp roots and/or work a few squirts of the Thickening Gel through damp hair, and then blow dry as normal. Instant glam volume! It smells gorgeous and doesn't make your hair sticky or matted. It's almost undetectable as a product, except your tresses are packed with oomph! Fabulous.

3. Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Dust It Mattifying Powder, £11, available from FeelUnique.com (also delivery inclusive, yay!)

I've chosen this product because it creates a totally different kind of volume. If you're looking for textured, grunge-glam inspired hair, then this one's for you. Sprinkle a light smattering at the roots of dry hair and work in with your fingertips. It might feel like you've got icing sugar matting your hair together, but the effect is well worth it.

Feel the Magnetism: Barry M's Magnetic Nail Paint Review

I'm not going to lie to you all, I wasn't overly sure on the concept of magnetised nail varnish. In fact, I thought it would look absolutely hideous. But actually, Barry M's Magnetic Nail Paint, £4.99, was quite a hit. A glossy finish, rich colour, good shimmer... And the magnetic effect wasn't as childish as I had feared. It actually looked pretty damn good. I take it all back, dearest Bazza M.

Top Tips For Magnetic Perfection

This is not one for the impatient amongst us. Give yourself plenty on time, and be prepared to concentrate.

Prepare the nail. Trust me, it makes all the difference if you've got a great base to work with. I use Boots' 6 Way File and Buffer, £2.50 to remove ridges in the nail and shine the surface. I then apply one coat of Boots' Save The Nail 45 Second Coat, £6.99.

Take it one nail at a time. Apply a generous layer of the Nail Paint and then immediately hold the magnet (on top of the lid) a millimetre away from the nail surface. Hold it there for a few seconds. This was where my patience failed me, as I accidentally plonked the magnet on my wet nail four times. Seriously. FOUR TIMES.

Repeat this step with each and every nail. Only one coat required, yes!

Get as creative as you like. Here's my tasty 'mint humbug' inspired nails. I applied a black coat before using Barry M's magnetic varnish in sparkling silver.

Beauty in Pictures #46 Instagram

As you may or may not have gathered, I'm a bit addicted to beauty products. I'm also a huge fan of the filter delights of Instagram, "ohhh, ahhh, filters!" So here's my weekly beauty-instagram-mash-up.

Featured (From top left): 1. Barry M's Magnetic Nail Paint. 2. Messy high bun hair style. 3.Boots' Save The Nail. 4. Barry M's Nail Paint Glitter in Aqua and Magenta. 5. Range of Body Shop Make-Up Brushes. 6. My cosy Saturday night in with home comforts. 7. New CID Cosmetics i-Colour cream. 8. My favourite Aztec chunky knit from Urban Outfitters. 9. Shoe heaven courtesy of Louboutin, ahhhh.

De-Frizz & Shine: Mark Hill's Glam Goddess

Mark Hill's Glam Goddess De-Frizz Shine Serum, £6.49 for 50ml, available from Boots (where there's also a 2-for £7.50 on Mark Hill's range... oh hello there happy beauty blogger!) 

Winter is well and truly underway, which means it's frightfully nippy. It also means it is time to take those extra hair care measures to make sure your mane stays healthy, full and glossy. 

I'm already a fan of Mark Hill's hair products, despite the fact that I'm relatively new to them. Ever the shallow beauty magpie, I was enticed by the trendy packaging and the reasonable price tag (I'm a regular user of the rather pricey MoroccanOil, at £12.95 for 25ml) so as a cheaper alternative, I thought it was definitely worth a try. 

Overall, I was really pleased with this product. I have a number of friends who find the intensive de-frizz oils (such as MorrocanOil) too heavy for their hair, especially on a regular basis. If you're in a similar beauty boat, then give this product a try. It is light, smells lush and does leave hair visibly smoother. Just squirt a pea-sized amount into your palm, spread it across both of your hands, then work through damp hair (avoiding the roots). 

Dry as normal, you glamourous little arctic foxes!

Have Yourself a Very Glitzy Christmas!

I know, I know, we're not even in December yet. But the sudden wave of festive spirit (namely the John Lewis ad, which I must have watched and then re-watched every day since its release) has got me feeling wonderfully festive.

And then there's all the talk of Christmas parties. The black-tie work do, the informal house party, the meal between old friends. Yep, now is the time to do some fabulously festive beauty prep.

Which is why I purchased these Christmassy delights by Barry M, with more magical sparkle than you can shake a stick at. Last year I opted an overtly seasonal Red glitter, this year I've plucked for Aqua and Magenta. Simply paint a layer of the glitter paint over a base colour of nail varnish (I'd recommend Barry M's Nail Paint in turquoise for the Aqua, and pink for the Magenta.)

Sparkle up your talons as you deem fit; whether just one statement nail on each hand, the tips, or the full blown set.

Pssst! There's also a fabulous black and gold shade 'Gold Mine' which is bang on the current Baroque fashion trend. I love it!

All Barry M Nail Paints are available from Barry M for £2.99

Weekly Product Pick: L'Oreal's Rouge Caresse

As you all should know by now, I absolutely love lip-wear. And this has to be my daily handbag staple. It's reasonably priced (£8.19, available from Boots - and often on 3 for 2, huzzah!) and aesthetically matches up to higher end brands such as Dior Addict (£24 *yes, it IS worth it, but sometimes you just have to economise) so this little lippy will still look ultra glam when you whip it out of your handbag. Lush.

What I like most about this lipstick though, is just how perfect it is for any occasion. It adds an instant dewy glow without being too much, banishing deathly pale lips in an instant. As much as I'm a fan of a bold lip, it has a time and a place. This warm coral is a brilliant, kissable, every-day shade.

As Featured in Grazia!

I was SO pleased to be asked by Grazia to share my beauty blogging tips this week, and you can read them all here!

Big thanks to all the Grazia team - and remember, you can catch my weekly product pick for Grazia every Friday.

If you have any questions about blogging which you'd like to ask, make sure you get in touch :) x

Get Glossy: Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint

If you want glossy gel-effect nails without the 45 minute salon experience and a price tag of £20 to £30, then try Barry M's brand new offering. Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint by Barry M, £3.99, available from Superdrug, is the savvy girl's cheat to super glossy talons.

It might not last as long as a salon cured gel treatment, but this nail polish is a worthwhile purchase. Easy to remove (no need for acetone soaking) and fast drying,  I applied it while on a bus, ladened with several shopping bags, and remained smudge free despite only having a six-stop time frame. That's impressive. Good work, Baz!

My only grumble would be the limited number of shades, but that's mainly because I was seeking a deep, glossy black. No joy. Instead I plucked for Watermelon (pictured) but was also very tempted by the plum shade, perfect for the rapidly approaching festive season.

Be Spooktacular this Halloween

Last minute Halloween party with no outfit? DISASTER, non? Fear not and think fast, as you have the essential tool kit right in front of your eyes. Behold the potential of the humble make-up bag:

In five minutes you can create this 'drop dead' gorgeous effect, for free, without using harsh face paints which can dry out the skin.

My Frankenstein tool-bag consisted of:

Red lippy (cheaper the better, don't be using your Chanel Rouge Allure on this look!) I used Rimmel's Lasting Finish, in Alarm 170, £4.99, available from Boots.
Red Gloss (for that oozy blood effect) I used Maybelline's Superstay Tint Gloss in Lasting Pink, £6.99, available from Boots.
Black, blue, green and purple eyeshadows (again, the cheaper the better) I used a mixture of brands, ranging from Rimmel's Colour Rush Mono Eyeshadow in blue and green, £3.99, from Boots, to a highly pigmented pink MAC Eyeshadow in Tease to Ease, £16.50, available from MAC Cosmetics. Of course it all depends on what you have handy in your bag - but rusty browns and greens are great for creating an authentic-looking head wound. Joy!

My top tips for getting ghoulish:

1. Apply your usual base make-up. This will help to prevent the additional effect make-up from absorbing/shifting on your skin.

2. Start with the shadows. Blend black shadow into the sockets of your eyes, hollows of your cheeks and temple area. This will instantly give you a skullish appearance. Spoooky!

3. Blend in blues and pinks to the black shadow around your eyes, making the skin appear bruised and zombiefied.

4. Take a bronze shadow and apply to where you will be creating a head wound. Apply red lipstick in a wound shape, then add more bronze shadow to create a dirty, bloody wound. I use eyeliner to create contours in the wound, i.e. make it look deeper, by outlining one edge and smudging slightly. Add a few dabs of gloss over the top for a really sticky, bloody effect.

5. Add comical stitches as your heart desires using black eyeliner. Great fun.

Muwahahaha! Who said Halloween needn't be glamourous?