Product Rave: Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Make Up

I recently finished my MAC Studio Finish concealer and although it gave good coverage, I found it drying under the eyes. So I decided to try the much hyped up Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Make Up, which can be used on both the face and body. I used to enjoy using Estee Lauder Disappear concealer for a few years but now I have discovered Maximum Cover I can't see me being without it again!

This is not a new product it has been out ages but I can't believe I have only just got around to trying it! Although this is far too heavy coverage for me personally to use as a foundation, it is the best concealer I have tried - it covers everything scars, spots, dark circles and even tattoos! The best thing about this make up is although it gives such good coverage it is not cakey or drying, it is lightweight and almost feels as if you're not wearing any make up, as it blends effortlessly into the skin.

I need to use the tiniest amount and that is still more than enough for under my eyes and to cover any blemishes or redness so I think this large 30ml tube will last forever! I purchased this in the shade 11 Very Light which is the perfect match for my skin tone. It is a dream to use, creamy and moisturising under the eyes, and I have found it works the best applying with my Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush to give that airbrushed finish. It is really long lasting, water resistant and doesn't crease or melt under the eyes like some concealers can. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Make Up Costs £27.50 and is available from Selfridges, John Lewis, Boots, Debenhams & House of Fraser and Sigma Beauty E40 Brush costs around $8 (£5) Have you ever tried Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Make Up? What were your thoughts?

Free P&P on She Said Beauty 3 Month Subscriptions

If you have been looking to try She Said Beauty Beauty Box Subcription then now is the time to do it as they are currently offering FREE Postage & Packaging on a 3 month subscription! If your interested in seeing what was inside August's box then click here.

To take advantage of this fab offer to save nearly a tenner on P&P then simply visit She Said Beauty and enter the code SSBTREAT at the checkout but hurry as this offer ends on 3rd September 2012!

Have you been thinking of subscribing to She Said Beauty?

TOWIE Lucy Mecklenburgh launches Fur Real Tan!

When I first read that The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) star Lucy Mecklenburgh was teaming up with UK bingo website Foxy Bingo to launch a new fake tan called ‘Fur Real’ I thought it must be a joke! But apparently not...Lucy has helped design the new self tanning gel which launches after Foxy's perfume was released last year.

Lucy says, “The only celeb who rocks orange better than me is Foxy himself! I’ve already got my own swimwear range and nothing compliments my designs better than a nice tan. I don’t step out the house until I’ve got my Essex glow and with Fur Real, everyone else can have it too!”

Fur Real is priced at £9.99 and although Lucy looks nice and bronzed in the promo images it doesn't sound appealing! Is this the cheesiest TOWIE collaboration yet?! 

Unique Pop-Up Event Diner en Blanc comes to London

An exciting unique, flash mob pop-up event, Dîner en Blanc is coming to London for the first time on 20 September 2012. This flash mob started 24 years ago in Paris, and is now an annoyal affair growing to as large as 14,000 diners. This event is organised entirely via social media, and is always set in public with a backdrop of the most legendary monuments around the world. All guests are asked to dress in white, bring their own banquets, tables, chairs, glasses, silverware and white table linen. The secret picnickers then come together for a “chic picnic” in a public space. Over the course of the evening, attendees will celebrate and dine amid live music and dancing. When it is time to leave, guests pack their dinnerware and tables before leaving, with no sign of the gathering left behind.

The guest list will be limited to 1,442 people for the undisclosed location. The event has taken place in outdoor public spaces in 20 cities across five continents this summer, including Paris, New York, Berlin, Montreal, Boston and Singapore. I think this sounds a fabulous idea! Will you be attending?

Alesha Dixon New Impulse Sweet Smile

Star of Britain's Got Talent, Alesha Dixon, has been revealed as the face (and smile) of the exclusive new fragrance from Impulse: Sweet Smile. I got a sneak peak last week at the launch of the brand new scent and got to meet Alesha herself.

Sweet Smile has been created by expert perfumer Clement Gavarry (Armani Code, Prada Tendre), in collaboration with the ‘nose’ of the fragrance world and world renowned fragrance expert, Ann Gottlieb. The scent features exotic, fruity top notes of pear, mandarin and plum, followed by middle notes of jasmine, muguet and osmanthus. Lingering base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood and amber provide a lasting tone to the fragrance for all-day freshness. The delicate blend works to create a vibrant, cheerful accord that’s designed to provide an air of confidence to the wearer.

Alesha Dixon says “I’ve been a fan of Impulse for years, so I was flattered when they approached me to be the face of the latest fragrance, Sweet Smile. I really enjoyed taking part in the shoot and can’t wait to stock up on the scent once it hits the shelves. It’s perfect for a quick fragrance boost when I’m on-the-go during the day and is guaranteed to always put a smile on my face.”

Impulse Sweet Smile is available exclusively from Superdrug from today 29th August 2012 priced at £1.99. Are you an Impulse fan?

August 10% Discount Code for Sigma Beauty

Sigma Beauty are offering 10% discount during August so to save yourself 10% off your entire order until 31/8/12 visit Sigma here and enter the code SAVE2012 at the checkout plus if you spend over $30 (£18) you receive a free gift!

Monday Manicure: Cupcakes & Sprinkles Nail Art

Thought I would share my Cupcakes & Sprinkles Nail Art that I had done last week at a sweet themed event - more about that tomorrow! It was quite simple to create using a mix of pastel shades - what do you think?

Salon Review: Vita Liberata Spray Tan at Leticia Haute Coiffure

Firstly apologies for the lack of posts this week - I have got a new job starting in London so have been house hunting and away this week. Whilst I was in London I had time to visit Leticia Haute Coiffure Salon to try the highly rated Vita Liberata Spray Tan - and with the typical 'British Summer' rain we have been having recently I was in need of a (fake) tan! Vita Liberata has actually been around for years but it's only recently I have heard people raving about it and hearing it has a celebrity following such as Sienna Miller, Kelly Brook, cast of Made in Chelsea and they are the official tanners of The X Factor!

Vita Liberata Tan is thought as a self tan that is as close to a natural tan as you can get - free from nasty chemicals, parabens, alcohol and perfume. It is packed with botantical extracts that make it kind and nourishing to the skin, 80% organic, not tested on animals and best of all... odourless! There's nothing worse than applying your tan at night then wake up the next day smelling of biscuits! And....I haven't finished yet but apparently the colour can last up to 3 weeks and has a natural fade so you don't go patchy. Sounds too good to be true right?

The spray tans come in 3 different shades: Hawaii (light), Ecuador (medium) and Brazil (dark). I would have gone for medium normally but the lady suggested I have two coats of Hawaii (light) to make it look more natural. When I arrived at the salon I was greeted by the salon owner and his very friendly salon dog and offered coffee with chocolates and biscuits. I was taken down stairs to the tanning room and asked to remove all my jewelry and clothes and pop on a pair of paper knickers. A barrier cream was applied to my hands, elbows and knees to ensure there was no build-up of tan in obvious places, but I did somehow end up with obvious tanned palms?!

Two coats of the light tan was applied to my full body and face which took less than 10 minutes, then I waited another 10 minutes for the tan to dry before I got dressed. I must admit that prior to tanning I didn't do my usual routine of scrubbing and moisturising beforehand and also I didn't wear baggy clothing afterwards - but this didn't make the tan streak at all. I left the tan on overnight to develop and woke up the next day to a natural, non- orange, even looking tan - apart from my wrists! I did notice this tan still had a slight 'biscuit' fake tan smell, not as strong as others but I found it took a while to clean off in the shower.

Nearly a week later the tan is still looking natural and no patches - I have been scrubbing my hands like mad to get rid of the obvious line around my wrists but apart from that I am happy with the results! I have the Vita Liberata products to use at home so I shall definitely post before and after pics of me using the home system soon. Have you ever tried Vita Liberata tan? What did you think?

Leticia Haute Coiffure
59 Chiltern Street, London, W1

£20 Spa Day Offer!

Thought I would let you know about an exclusive lastminute.com Spa Sale starting today where you can blag yourself a spa day and treatments for only £20! Would be perfect to treat yourself and would make a great gift for your mum, sister or friend for a birthday or special occasion-  not that there needs to be an excuse to pamper yourself ;) 

Twenty Spa's around the UK are participating, and availability is limited so it's best to book up quickly to avoid missing out! As well as using the spa facilities and treatment, some of the Spa's are including goody bags, drinks, cakes, afternoon tea or a light lunch in the £20 offer - amazing deal!

The special £20 deal starts today Friday 17th August and ends on Wednesday 22nd August at 10am so be quick and check out the offers to get booked up! 

FREE Batiste Dry Shampoo!

Batiste Dry Shampoo are on tour this summer handing out FREE mini 50ml cans of Batiste, and giving top tips for application from the experts and hosting competitions with great prizes such as an exclusive Batiste Vespa!

The Tour dates are:

• Exhibition Square, Bournemouth on Thurs 9th Aug - Friday 10th Aug
• Churchill Square, Brighton on Sat 11th Aug
• Broadmead, Bristol on Thurs 16th Aug
• Outside of St David's Centre, Cardiff on Friday 17th Aug - Sat 18th Aug
• Liverpool One Shopping Centre on Fri 24th Aug - Sat 25th Aug
• Briggate, Leeds on Thurs 30th Aug - Sat 1st Sept
• Northumberland street, Newcastle on Fri 7th Sept - Sat 8th Sept
• Arndale Centre, Manchester on Thurs 13th - Sat 15th Sept
• Bullring, Birmingham on Thurs 20th - Sat 22nd Sept
• Westfield London Shepherds Bush on Thurs 27th Sept - Sat 29th Sept 

This weekend Batiste are making an appearance at V Festival handing out free 50ml cans to all festival go-ers! Will you be going along to the tour to pick up some top tips and claim your free 50ml can?

August 2012 Glossybox: International Superstars

It only feels like a couple of weeks ago since I received the last July GLOSSYBOX so was quite surprised that this month's has come around so fast! The products always come beautifully packaged as normal using a pale pink box with black tissue paper with and pink ribbon. This month's  GLOSSYBOX is the 'International Superstar' box which helps us discover some great hero products from around the world, and fits in well with the Olympics.

ALESSANDRO Pro White (*Full Size* worth £7.85) GERMANY
This is an optically brightening effect nail polish with anti-yellowing formula for radiant white and gleaming nails. I'm looking forward to trying out this treatment as being a nail polish addict sometimes my nails can be left dis-coloured and dull so hoping this product will brighten them up!

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (worth £2.77) JAPAN

This revolutionary water-soluble cleanser is better than any other make-up remover you've ever tried is what they promise! I'm looking forward to trying this as I love using cleansing oils, especially for removing stubborn eye makeup remover.

BROADWAY imPRESS Press-On Manicure (*Full Size* worth £7.99) USA

These imPRESS nails are the revolutionary way to apply polish - simply peel off, press on and done! I received the shade 'Velvet Rope'. I have tried these stick on nails before they are a brilliant idea but I found they didn't fit the nails too well and didn't last too long but will give them another go!

VERA VALENTI L'Ombre a Paupiere Margarita (*Full Size* worth £3.85) SPAIN

This is an eye shadow palette offering a selection of ten different colours and with a mirror and applicator included. I received a blue/grey colour-section but I am a little disappointed. I think the palette looks cheap, I wasn't too impressed with the pigmentation or quality of the eye shadows. 

LIPCOTE (*Full Size* worth £3.99) UK

The original Lipstick Sealer and secret of long lasting, feather fade and water resistant lipstick. I have tried this before and it does what is says on the tin (or bottle) however I find it drying to the lips and stings a little so tend to use it sparingly - only on bright or red lips. I am happy to receive this, as I ended up giving my last Lipcote away to a friend and it ties in nicely with the lipstick also included in the box.

GLOSSYBOX Lipstick in Glossy Pink (*Full Size* worth £9.50)

GLOSSYBOX include a few of their own branded products in the box which I think is a nice touch. Surprisingly this lipstick is my favourite item of this month's box - I love the dusky pink colour, it feels great quality, creamy and the pigmentation is fantastic. 

This month's box contained a whooping five full size products plus a bonus item and I have totted up the value of the products and it comes to roughly £35.95 which for £10 (plus £2.95 P&P) is great value! I am most excited about the GLOSSYBOX Lipstick as it's such a gorgeous colour and formulation, also looking forward to trying the pro white nail polish and the cleansing oil. You can find out more and order your own GLOSSYBOX here. I've heard next month's box is a Limited Edition and their most unique yet but there is only a limited number so get yours before they sell out!

What do you think of this month's GLOSSYBOX? Did you receive anything different to mine? 

£20 off ghd Air Professional Hairdryer!

Prepare to be blown away...She's got the perfect silhouette; amazing lines and curves in all the right places. She's the envy of the others - stylish, smart, fresh, cool and commanding. Everybody's talking about her. The music starts, the lights go down, a hush falls upon the front row. The time has come to make her debut. She strides out, confident and powerful. The flashbulbs are blinding; the applause is deafening. Meet the new supermodel, ghd Air.

Features of ghd Air Professional Hairdryer:
- Professional strength 2,100 Watt AC motor at 240v
- Advanced ionic technology
- Variable power & temperature controls, including cool shot
- Ergonomic design for right & left handed users
- 3m power cable
- Fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and 1 year manufacturers guarantee

You may remember I reviewed the ghd air hairdryer about 6 months ago? I would definitely recommend this hairdryer - its the best I have used and makes drying hair super quick and my hair far less frizzy! 

Feel Unique  are offering £20 off for a limited time only so if you have been thinking of purchasing now is the time! ghd air normally is normally priced at £99 but Feel Unique  are offering a £20 discount making it £79 plus free delivery! Have you tried the ghd air?

London Underground Tube Map Nails

Last Thursday evening I was kindly invited down to the Jolie Box Soiree held in the Nail Girls Spa in Islington. I have featured Nail Girls polishes several times but hadn't as yet had chance to visit their lovely salon - the girls launch a new limited edition range of polishes to match the fashion catwalk collections each season. Nail Girls was created by two sisters Jo and Lynda-Louise Burrell, as a reaction to the nasty, toxic, nail wrecking polishes and spas currently saturating the beauty market. Their nail polishes are forumulated without any harmful chemicals (toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and Camphor). They are not tested on animals, are vegan friendly and suitable for pregnant women and best of all their packaging is recyclable. 

As part of the soiree event we were invited to get a file and polish and also check out their new nail wraps! I selected the Coral Pink shade from their Limited Edition S/S12 collection and decided to place a very cool London Underground Tube Map Nail Wrap on my ring fingers. What do you think?

Olympic Gold Nail Art

It's the last day of The Olympic Games and Team GB have done so well winning 28 29 Gold Medals!! The athletes have found a new way to show their patriotism: Nail Art has adorned everyone from Rebecca Adlington to Zara Dampney Rebecca Adlington sported a Union Jack mani as she scooped up her bronze medal in the Women’s 400m Freestyle and even GB Volleyball hopeful Zara Dampney sported a Union Jack design on her ring finger. 

I thought I would show you how to embrace the Olympic Spirit and get the look in an instant with these brilliant Nail Rock Gold Union Jack Flag Nail Wraps - I have had so many compliments on my gold nails this week as they really stand out! Here I have applied the wrap directly to my nails, folded the remaining excess edge over and filed down using the nail file that comes in the pack.

Make sure you smooth the wrap firmly over the nail to prevent air bubbles and the wraps can last up to 7 days on the fingers and up to 8 weeks on the toes and simply peel off - best of all there's no drying time! Nail Rock Nail Wraps are priced at £6.65 per pack (full set for fingernails and toes) and available from Nail Rock and ASOS. What do you think to my Olympic Gold Flags Nails?

August 2012 LUX BOX

LuxBox is a luxury beauty and grooming box for both men and women launched 3 months ago, I reviewed last month's box here which I have to say I have been really enjoying using the Tooth Cleanser and today I arrived home to LuxBox waiting for me! LuxBox search for the best products from classic, niche and upcoming brands to bring you the latest trends and finest products on the market. For £10 a month plus £2.95 postage and packaging you will receive 5 luxury beauty miniatures direct to your door to try for yourself at home and you have the freedom to cancel the subscription at any time. 


I adore the packaging and it has to be my favourite packaging of all the Beauty Boxes on the market. The box comes delivered inside a plain brown cardboard box which makes it discrete and less likely to catch the eye of your postman if he/she has sticky fingers! The box is a chic looking dusty pink/grey box which is a nice size and can be re-used as a sturdy storage box and inside black tissue and shredded paper with a pink sticker. So what's in this month's box?

Inika Certified Organic Eye Liner (*full size* worth £11.75)
I have tried a few Inika products now and have found them to be good quality and the eyeliners especially are impressive - very creamy and highly pigmented and organic and natural which is a bonus! I received the shade 'peacock blue' which is a vibrant bright blue so not an everyday colour but look forward to experimenting with this!

Gatineau Essential Skin Corrector (worth £20.70)
This is a scientifically advanced skincare line providing an anti-aging shield and combining an exclusive and innovative combination of anti-oxidants to provide a powerful defense barrier. The essential skin corrector is a corrective cream to smooth out the first signs of wrinkles and improve radiance and comfort. This is a brand I am not familiar with so look forward to trying out this cream, although not over keen on the scent.   

Magnifibres Brush on False Lashes (*full size* worth £20)

This looks very interesting and something I am very excited to try! These brush on false lashes instantly lengthen lashes by up to 5mm and work by applying one coat  of your normal (any brand) mascara, then applying the brush on fibres, then wait 30 seconds and apply a second coat of mascara.  I can't wait to give this a go!
 
BRTC Gold Caviar BB Cream (worth £5.36)
This is another brand I was unaware of from South Korea which contains SPF 50 and is made from real caviar extracts! I'm looking forward to trying this as I love BB Creams.

Yana Cosmetics Foundation (worth £1.50)
This is a brand I'm unfamiliar with and this is described as a lightweight, creamy foundation, full coverage, airbrush look suitable for all skin types. I was sent the lightest shade and it is a little too light for my skin tone - the consistency is very thick and its not easy to blend well as it dries so quickly! It dries to a powder finish so may look a little chalky it has a nice smooth finish though - I will see how I get on with this foundation as I think it's too drying for me personally.

I totted up the value of the products in this month's box and it comes to £59.31 which is brilliant considering the box costs just £10 plus £2.95 P&P. This month's box contained two full size items and I am most excited about trying the Brush on False Lashes and the BB Cream.  What do you think to LUX BOX? Have you signed up to any Beauty Boxes subscription services? 

Five Witch Skincare Festival Sets to be won!

Asha Randall, the GBR synchronised swimming starlet, keeps her skin looking as smooth as her routine with the Witch Skincare range containing caring witch hazel extract, a natural astringent and anti-flammatory to help clarify the skin to keep it looking its best (available from Boots , Superdrug and Sainsbury's). If you would like to try the Witch Skincare range yourself, or are lucky enough to be heading to a festival this summer and fancy winning some new skincare to take with you then read on! 

I have teamed up with Witch Skincare to celebrate the Olympics and Festival Season to giveaway five skincare sets to five lucky Perfectly Polished readers by simply following the steps in the Rafflecopter below! The kits shall include a Blemish Stick, Exfoliating Face Wash and Cleansing and Toning Wipes. 

The giveaway is open to Perfectly Polished readers (through GFC) from UK only and will close on 31st August 2012 midnight UK time and you can enter below following the steps in the Rafflecopter (you have to click on 'read more' for the Rafflecopter box to appear...)

Good Luck! X

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: VitaBella Anti Aging Face Mask Treatment

VitaBella is an Italian Natural Skincare brand using 100 year old olive groves and aloe vera fields. The ingredients are picked by hand in the traditional way in the region of Puglia in Southern Italy and are processed from field to bottle within 2 hours to keep every fresh. Their Anti Aging Face Mask Treatment is an unique, non messy complex using all of nature’s best ingredients to help re hydrate the skin and reduce these signs of ageing. The treatment contains natural Aloe Vera Gel, Argan Oil, Jaluronic acid, Hibiscus seed proteins and wheat germ oil. 

For this unique treatment, you are supplied with an empty pot, a small bottle of mask complex and a bizarre looking white tablet. It is very easy to use, pop the white 'tablet' into the jar, add the complex and instantly the mask expands, pops up and absorbs the liquid like magic! Carefully unfold the biodegradable fabric mask and apply to your face and leave on for 10 minutes. I found the mask tingly for the first few minutes and there is no dripping or mess and the mask stays in place very well, however my only gripe would be the mask doesn't fit the face very well. After removing the mask there is no need to rinse, my skin felt refreshed, smooth and hydrated after use and I noticed a difference on my forehead where I am prone to fine lines when my skin is dehydrated. 

It is recommended to use 4 masks over a 2 week period and repeat every 4 to 6 weeks for optimal results. The treatment comes in a box of four masks to be used within two weeks and costs £59 available from www.myvitabella.co.uk Have you tried any products from the VitaBella range?

O.P.I Berlin There Done That

Today's Monday Manicure is 'Berlin Done That' a taupey grey/beige from the O.P.I Autumn/Winter 2012 Germany Collection. Say Auf Wiedersehen to summer and Wilkommen Autumn with the twelve uber-chic shades. Berlin Done That is a concrete grey that in some lights has a slight purple tinge to it and is the perfect chic non-offensive nail colour that would suit most skin tones. The polish applies like a dream with it's creamy consistency, is highly pigmented but 2 coats are needed to get a full coverage.

O.P.I Berlin There Done That costs £11 and is available from www.lenawhite.co.uk What are your favourite shades for Autumn/Winter?

Clinique Even Better Dark Circle Corrector

I was quite intrigued to find out that Clinique have just launched Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector. My biggest skincare concern is my under eye dark circles and to date I haven't found an eye creams that actually helps address this problem, so I rely on a good concealer to hide them! 


Clinique trials have proven to visibly reduce dark circles by 30% in 12 weeks when applying twice daily. The corrector contains Vitamin C and Mulberry root, Caffeine and Green Tea Extract and promises to brighten under eye dark circles to create a more even-toned eye area. It features a cool tip applicator instantly helps reinvigorate fatigued eyes and the massaging action during application breaks up fluid congestion and improves micro-circulation.


This was a pleasure to use, and although the product has an orange tinge, it is lightweight and blends effortlessly into the skin without looking orange as it counter-acts the blue tone of dark circles! The product is oil free and primes skin so is great to use underneath your normal concealer, if like me, you are really self conscious of darkness around the eyes. I was quite impressed with the coverage, considering its so lightweight and for day-time if I was just nipping to the shops I would apply this on it's own. If I was wearing more make-up then I would apply concealer over the top as it makes the perfect base smoothing out fine lines as well as hydrating and brightening due to the light-reflective particles. I will continue to use this for 12 weeks and report back if I notice an improvement in my dark under eye circles. 


Clinique Even Better Dark Circle Corrector costs £28 and is available exclusively from Selfridges 4th August 2012 and nationwide at Clinique Counters John Lewis,  Boots,  Debenhams & House of Fraser from 1st September 2012. Do you suffer with Dark Under Eye Circles? Do you have any tips?

Savvy Shopping Online: My Voucher Codes

When shopping online do you usually find yourself asking on Twitter if there are any discount codes floating about for your favourite stores? I thought I would share a few tips on how to find the best discount codes and save money when shopping online. 

1. Set yourself a budget (and stick to it!) Shopping online and paying via paypal can sometimes feel like your not spending real money but unfortunately you are! If your virtual basket is bulging but you can't afford to pay for all the items, you can always save items to a wish list and wait until next month's payday!

2. Shop Around - check various websites as normally online retailers offer the same products at different prices so research who has the best deal.

3. Take Shipping Costs into consideration - some online retailers charge expensive shipping costs however most offer free postage - it's always worth checking if there are any discount codes running!

4. Online Coupon Service -  MyVoucherCodes is the number 1 voucher and deals website in the UK. They are a free service that scour the web for good deals, online coupons, promotional codes and links to discounts and exclusive vouchers.  Their purpose is to allow customers to economise and make great savings on a vast range of high street stores.

5. Read Product Reviews - the biggest advantage to shopping online is the ability to access information instantly. Before making a purchase, especially a big one, it's a good idea to research the product. Ask friends & Family for advice or recommendations and read honest product reviews from other customers. 

What are your tips to save money when shopping online?

Models Own WAH Nails Instant Nail Art Wraps

Dalston-based WAH Nails latest collaboration with Beauty Brand Models Own feature six carbon copies of their most popular nail art designs including the romantic summer floral print, edgy neon leopard and the signature 'Pow' design. Here I have applied their Rose design wraps which I applied directly to my nails, folded the remaining excess edge over and filed down using the Models Own nail file that comes with the pack. 

Make sure you smooth the wrap firmly over the nail to prevent air bubbles and the wraps can last up to 7 days and simply peel off - best of all there's no drying time! Models Own WAH Nails Instant Nail Art is priced at £7 per pack and available from ASOS and Boots. What do you think to my Rose Nail Art?

Summer beauty tips: How to perfect your skin

Do you suffer from spots, acne and blemishes? Is your skin looking dull, dry and lifeless? If so, it’s time to revamp your appearance and revitalise your complexion – here’s how:


Exfoliate on a Regular Basis:
Exfoliation is an ancient beauty technique that can improve the top surface of the skin – so get hold of an exfoliating shower gel and start scrubbing. Simply rub your body from head-to-toe (using small, circular movements) and wash the bubbles away using lukewarm water. This will get rid of all the dead skin cells blocking your pores and will leave you feeling fresh, vibrant and energised. If you’ve got a little cash to spare, a glycolic facial peel can also work wonders, so why not give it a go?

Use a Decent Moisturiser:
Dry, flaky skin can become tight and irritable, so keep it well-hydrated at all times. Buy a decent moisturiser from your local beauty store and massage it into your skin after a bath or shower. Reapply the product several times a day and make sure all scaly, cracked or red areas are nice and soft. If you have eczema or psoriasis, you may need a steroid cream or a more intensive moisturiser, but speak to your health care provider to see what they recommend.


Keep your Body Well-Hydrated:
According to the NHS Choices website, water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body –so it’s important to drink around two litres of water a day. This will keep your body healthy and will help all your organs (including your skin) stay in the best condition possible. Avoid fizzy, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks if you can and stick to water, milk, diluted squash or fruit juices.


Wear Sun Cream:
The sun’s UV rays can cause cancer, sun spots and wrinkles – so apply a decent sun cream
throughout the year. Choose a product with an SPF of at least 30 and rub it into all exposed areas of skin, including your nose, ears and toes (as these areas burn easily). Remember, the sun can shine through the clouds and catch you out, so wear sun cream all year round – even on a grey, rainy day.


Eat your five a day:
Vitamins A, B, C and E are all crucial for keeping the skin cells healthy, so get your five a day. Munch on a delicious apple or a juicy peach and eat several vegetables as part of your evening meal. If you don’t like fruit and veg on their own, try making a tangy fruit smoothie or knock up a mouth-watering vegetable soup for lunch. Vary the foods you eat on a day-to-day basis and you should get the vitamins and nutrients your need to look (and feel) great.


There are many non-surgical treatments available to improve your skin at cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK, but you can always start with the simple things first to bring your skin to life. Take care of your skin this summer and enjoy a radiant complexion always. What are your summer beauty tips?

August She Said Beauty

The August She Said Beauty Box landed on my doorstep this morning very prompt being the 1st August and I thought I would share with you what was inside! She Said Beauty is a monthly beauty box subscription, that you can cancel at anytime, whereby you get 5 deluxe samples (and normally a bonus item or two thrown in for good measure!) packaged beautifully and delivered to your door to try at home for £9 per month plus £2.95 postage & packaging. Simply visit She Said Beauty to find out more and order your own box!


The box comes with a bright pink outer box, and a duck egg coloured inner box with a flip lid and all the products wrapped in straw and pink tissue paper. So onto what's inside this month's box: 


White Glo Professional Choice (worth 65p)
This is Australia's No 1 Whitening toothpaste designed to gently lift stains and discolouration from teeth using micro-polishing particles. Not much to say about toothpaste but look forward to trying this out and it's a handy size to take on my travels. 


Balance Me Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve (*Full Size* worth £12)
This is a new petroleum-free 100% natural ultra-moisturising intensive lip salve. It promises to plump, protect and smooth away dry patches on the lips and leave them kiss-ably soft. I do think £12 for the full size 10ml size is pricey.


Redken Color Extend Radiant-10 ( worth £3.52)
This is a new hair product from Redken that combines the richness of a nourishing lotion with the lightness of a spray to provide 10 essential benefits in one easy fast application. Looking forward to trying this out as it is for colour-treated hair and its a great size for travels!


Papier Podre Rachel Powdered Paper (worth £1.26)
Papier Poudre was founded in 1903 and the natural ingredients of Papier Poudre have special absorbent blotting qualities which lift oil, dirt and shine, leaving a delicate trace of power. I recieved a full size booklet with 20 sheets. I received these blotting papers in June LUX BOX, I don't have oily skin however and these will be nice to pop in my hand bag to use either on holiday or on the tube in London in hot weather.


Nails Inc Nail Polish (worth £4.40)
I received a mini Nails Inc polish in the shade 'Brook St' which is a gorgeous coral pink which is ideal for Summer. This cute 4ml size is the perfect size to take on holiday instead of cluttering up your beauty bag with a bigger size polish - expect this to be featuring in a NOTD post soon!


*Bonus* 4711 Eau De Cologne (worth 51p)
4711 Eau De Cologne is one of Cologne's oldest internationally famous brands over 200 years old. This unique fragrance refreshes the mind, body and soul - I'd describe it as a unisex fresh citrus fragrance and such a dinky little bottle to pop in my handbag.

I have to admit this month's box didn't seem as jam-packed this month as it normally is, I am pleased to recieve the mini polish, toothpaste and mini perfume as these will all be handy to take on holiday in hand luggage. This month's box works out at £22.34 which is pretty good value considering the subscription only costs £9 plus £2.95 p&p so you are really getting your money's worth with six samples - one of which being full size and an added bonus gift. Simply visit She Said Beauty to find out more and subscribe for your own box!

Have you subscribed to She Said Beauty? What did you think to this month's box?

Nail Art: Olympic Team GB Flag Nails

Thought I would share my Olympic Inspired Team GB Nails today since many of the Olympic Athletes have been sporting patriotic nail art! I had my nails painted in the official P&G Nail Art designs using Max Factor nail polishes, including a white nail polish that isn't out until next January 2013!  

Cheer on Team GB and show your support at The Olympics with Sport Rock - Patriotic Body Wear. Each pack has seven different styles for the face and body so you can mix and match to achieve whatever look you want. All you need is a small amount of water and you can rock the look for up to 16 hours!

Max Factor nail polishes are priced at £3.99 and are available from Boots or Superdrug. What do you think to my Olympic inspired nails?