NOTD: Green Stripes and Polka Dots!

I've been getting in to nail art a lot more recently. I usually just paint my nails one colour and if i'm feeling adventourous i'll add a glitter topcoat ;) A few months ago i did some bunny nails which were cute and not long ago i also had a go at ombre nails - both attempts went pretty well (shock!). But, i thought now was about time to improve my tools as i think they're the most important thing when it comes to nail art. 

I settled for these brushes off Ebay. They came so quickly - about two weeks - and look so cute with their baby pink handles. A few of the brushes are the same brushes just different sizes but it doesn't really matter as their so cheap. 

Tesco All About Nails 'Caribbean Coconut' (base)  -  Barry M Nail Paint '290 Spring Green' (tips/dots)  -  Random Clear Topcoat.

I used an a straight top brush and a thin tapered brush for this look. I used the straight brush to draw a straight line along my tip, patting it and tapping it wherever necessary to create the nicest, even, straight line that was possible. I'm not the steadiest of people. Then i used the thin, pointed brush with a blob of nail polish on the end to just dot/pat down where i wanted the polka dot to be. 

It really was that simple and looks so cute. I don't know what persuaded me to use green but it just stood out to me at the time. My left hand is significantly better than my right (oops|) due to me being right-handed. But it'll all get better in time - i hope! 

What do you think of my quick, cute, nail art? Do you do 'fancy stuff' with your nails often? Any idea's for me to give a go.. 

Barry M NOTD: Sprinkles & Ice-cream!

Every so often i get hooked on one nail combination that i wear for days weeks on end! And this is my most recent favourite.. 

I remember absolutely loving Barry M's nail polish in 'Strawberry Icecream' years ago and wearing it constantly - it was my go-to baby pink. In the end the formula went all gloopy and i had to throw it away but, i never got round to buying a new one. So the other day when me and my mum saw the Barry M glitter polish 'Pink Iridescent' (and fell in love) we decided to get both as they had a deal on in Superdrug - 2 nail paints for £5. 

As you can see, it's the most beautiful combination! Perfect for you girlie-girls ;) I love wearing this combo - they look so cute, aren't too bright or in your face and brighten up those cloudy days. Definitely going to be my go-to holiday combination (planning ahead!) 

The pink polish takes two thin coats for a nice, even, opaque coverage but if you're a rush one thicker coat will do! I just used one coat of the glitter polish as a top coat, it's slightly gritty but only a tiny little bit so it's not too bad! And there's no need for topcoat, it lasts a good 4 days with only minor tip wear (pretty good for the price).

Overall, i really love this little combo - as you can already probably tell. And as always, i'm really impressed with Barry M's lasting power. Cheap is sometimes best. 

What do you think of the Barry M nail paints? And what colours do i need next? ;)

Cute Bunny Easter Nails!

Just a quick post to show you all my attempt at some bunny nails! I've been seeing these all over twitter and took inspiration for MUA's version - which are waaay better than mine (have a look here).

Bunny's are so cute for easter - but i think they're also an adorable addition to your spring/summer nails!  

I used Barry M's 'Spring Green' to create the bunny's. I painted a semi-circle at the bottom on my nail and used one of those small, nail art brushes to draw to the ears! Then with the same small brush and some liquid eyeliner i drew eyes and a little button nose!

Anyway hope you're all having a lovely Easter Weekend and eating lotsss of chocolate! I'm looking forward to a lamb roast dinner - it smells delicious! 

Outfit - Day in Manchester!

Last week i went on a Philosophy trip to the art galleries in Manchester (and lunch in chinese buffet - yummy) as our module is 'Why do we value art?' so it was supposed to be very helpful. It such a fun day but the weather was SO crap and horrid. So i had to wrap up warm. This is what i wore (along with my trust khaki green parka):

Jumper - Primark

Black Shirt - Topshop

Leather Panel Leggins - New look

Ugg Boots (Classic Short - Chesnut) - Uggaustralia.co.uk

Necklace's - Topshop

Rings (left to right) - H Samuel, my Mums Ring, Primark and my Mums Ring

Nail Varnish - Barry M 'Spring Green'

Makeup:

Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear

Concealer - MAC Studio Fix 

Powder - MAC Mineralise Skin finish

Contour - MAC Studio Fix Powder

Blush - Avon True Colour Blusher 'Russet'
Mascara - Avon Super Shock

Lips - Lancome Juicy Tube 'Lychee'

Barry M vs Nails Inc.

This winter i am loving red/wine coloured nails (and lips).  Dark red nails are mature, classy but make a statement. They add a bit of grunge to a floral, feminine outfit and add a pop of colour to a dark outfit.
I must admit my nails have been red pretty much since i purchased the Barry M nail varnish towards the end of September. It's one colour i can't get enough off.

So i purchased the Barry M nail paint in 'Raspberry' whilst the Nails Inc nail varnish called 'Tate' i got free in either October or Novembers Glamour Magazine. And even though i knew i had a red nail polish already, i just had to have another because as i said, i love the colour so much.

The Barry M is slightly more pink - a proper raspberry colour (hence the name), whereas the Nails Inc is a true wine red.  Barry M's has also got a thicker consistency, the Nails Inc is lot thinner/watery but still both highly pigmented. I find the Nails Inc can be a little bit streaky sometimes and seems to chip a little easier than the Barry M. Overall, they're both very easy to paint on and only need two coats to get a full coverage. If you want a true red colour then i'd definitely go for the Nails Inc. But once the Barry M has two coats there is very little difference! The Barry M has a nice thick-ish consistency that makes it easy to blend in and achieve a streak free finish, though you have to work a little harder to make the Nails Inc streak free. Both have a nice glossy, professional looking finish.


I'd definitely re-purchase the Barry M (£3) over the Nails Inc (£11) anytime!

Barry M 'Raspberry'

Nails Inc 'Tate'