DIY Gel Nails with SensatioNail

DIY Gel Nails with SensatioNail, £60 for the starter kit with LED nail lamp, £10 for each colour

I've always loved a bit of 'salon at home', so the opportunity to do my own gels was way too much of a temptation to pass. If you've got a steady hand and a bit of patience, then you'll be able to create beautiful gel nails whilst watching New Girl on the sofa/in your PJs/tending to a butternut squash risotto.
I'm no nail expert, but thankfully this kit is as easy as they come. The instructions are really straightforward, it's pretty much: Step 1. Apply base coat and cure for 30 seconds. Step 2. Apply colour coat and cure for 60 seconds. Step 3. Repeat step 2. Step 4. Repeat step 1. Rocket scientists, don't sweat it.

You're not tied to a salon appointment and it works out much cheaper in the long run. The DIY option isn't for everyone (I often relish those hours in the salon - and no doubt the finished effect is more professional) but if you're fed up of chipping and want to step up the hardiness of your varnish, then this is a quick and fuss-free fix. It's rather fun too.
I was also really impressed by the huge range of colours available. I love a dark, glossy gel nail so I opted for SensatioNail's 'Dusk til Dawn' shade for my fingers, and the more summery red 'Spoiled Diva' for my toes. Both looked beautifully bold, gorgeous colours for statement nails.

To remove I used Magis Foil Nail Wraps, £9.95 for 50. Never scrape off the gel - no matter how tempted - as this is bad for the nail bed.

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Illamasqua Speckled Nail Polish in Fragile and Freckle Review

Calling all cool hunters, Illamasqua is the one to watch. A cult make-up brand with an innovative and daring art team behind it, their products have a bold, core strand of self-expression. Seriously creative, seriously fabulous, seriously cool. Take a look at their collections page, a fusion of breath-taking make-up techniques and show-stopping theatrics. Amaze. I'll be keeping an eye on their future work for sure. 

As part of the I'MPERFECTION range, designed to 'highlight the features other brands want you to cover up', Illamasqua has launched Speckled Nails varnish. 

Illamasqua Speckled Nails Polish in Fragile, £14.50

I tried out Fragile (a delightful duck-egg blue) and Freckle (a subtle warm toffee) from the range, and I loved the finished look. Fragile is really beautiful and eye-catching, perfect for the warmer months. Freckle is perfect for those who want a more natural, nude finish with a twist. 

Illamasqua Speckled Nails Polish in Freckle, £14.50

I was also really impressed with the durability of the varnish. It lasted much longer than any non-cure varnish I've used previously, a pure joy for us busy girls!  

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Cute like Candy! Ciate Nail Caviar

So much LOVE this super cute manicure! How gorgeous?! 

Ciate Caviar Pearls in Rainbow, £18, available from Selfridges is my favourite nail accessory of the moment, the tiny little pearls of cuteness are so fun and playful!

The look is really easy to achieve too, simply paint on a healthy layer of varnish then tip over the teensy beads. Press the beads down gently and allow to set for fifteen minutes. Voila, cute like candy nails. Do not apply any top coat though, as the colour from all the little beady treats will run into a murky blue (not desirable!)

It may not be the most long-lasting nail effect, but I totally love it. A really unique and girly finish, that's easy to do. Perfect! 

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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.