Tuesday Reviewsday - April Favourites

In April 99% of my time was spent with my head in a book, revising for my final university exams. Although I did not purchase a lot of new things, I did become loyal to a few items which saw me nicely through the month. 

I'm sure every beauty blogger and their dog has heard of the Essie offer on Fragrance Direct, so I don't want to ramble on about it. If by some chance you haven't, you can read my full post here. I bought five colours, but my favourites have been Mojito Madness, Bikini So Teeny and Cascade Cool. All very summery colours, and the large Essie brush makes application super quick and easy for those of us who rush painting them before bedtime!

I had a small breakout on my chin due to stress and bad eating habits (anything quick was my go to meal) so Garnier's Pure Active Deep Pore Unclogging Wash was a great everyday cleanser, complete with microbeads to unclog all of that dirt that gets trapped underneath the skin's surface. I've been using the No7 Beautiful Skin Purifying Exfoliator twice a week after using this cleanser, and am already noticing results.

I like to rotate my fragrances, so that I don't get too used to one and start to become "immune" to the scent. My boyfriend bought me Ralph Lauren's Big Pony in Yellow for my birthday last August, but I haven't really used it too much until now. It's the perfect summer scent and the 30ml bottle is perfect to pop into my handbag without weighing me down!

xxx

Tuesday Reviewsday - Essie Bikini So Teeny

Last Wednesday, for the first time ever, I purchased an Essie nail polish. Not just one though, five, after I found them on Fragrance Direct's website for the crazily bargainous price of one pound and ninety-nine pence. Hannah, who loves painting her nails and nail art, has never owned an Essie polish before? Indeed, this was my first purchase. I'm not sure why I have never bought into this brand before, but I have been satisfied with my Models Own, Nails Inc and Barry M and never felt the need to further explore the realm of the nail polish market. However, when I saw this offer, I jumped in head first and bought five new colours to try out.

Bikini So Teeny is more than likely a shade that you, your sister, your friend or a blogger you read already owns. A cult classic, if you will. This lilacy blue shade is very pretty, and perfect for Spring, so without further ado... here are my thoughts.

The brushes in Essie nail polishes are wider than normal, which is great for painting as you can cover your whole nail in one stripe. Seriously, it expands over the whole base of your nail and glides evenly along to leave a perfect coat with one stroke. The only other nail polishes I have ever used that do this are the Rimmel  London Lasting Finish polishes, with a specially designed "fatter" brush.

So, 20 strokes later (two coats on each nail), I had a full set of pastel talons. Another pleasant surprise from Essie was what I call the "setting time". This is how long it takes for the nail polish to dry and set on your nail, before you can touch them properly without fear of smudging or taking off the top shine. Drying and setting are very different things, and as a victim to painting my nails just before I go to sleep, I need them to set quickly to avoid nasty chips and creases on the polish when I wake up. Essie satsifies this need, so I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with them.

Overall thoughts? A great nail polish, chip free for three days and a beautiful colour which for once, I haven't already got a crazily similar version of. 

xxx

Nails on Sunday - Essie Haul

Today's "Nails on Sunday" post is taking a different form. Instead of posting a tutorial for a nail art design as I usually do, I wanted to share with you all the five new loves in my life - my new Essie nail polishes.

I'm assuming the type of girls that read my blog are pretty similar to me, so Essie certainly won't be a new brand to you. But, this offer might be. Fragrance Direct are currently selling Essie polishes at £1.99.. yes, you read that right, £1.99 on their website, reduced from £7.99. When I first saw this I couldn't quite believe my eyes, and naturally snapped up the deal immediately.

I bought five colours, and am loving every single one of them. I'll upload some Instagram shots throughout the week of actual swatches on my nails, but for now, here's the gorgeous colours I went for (including the blogger must have - 'Bikini So Teeny'.

Cascade Cool - a beautiful light bubblegum pink

Mojito Madness - a vibrant but not too shocking green

All Tied Up - sort of rose gold coloured, with a golden shimmer running through it

Off The Shoulder - a deeper, brighter pink than Cascade Cool

Bikini So Teeny - a beautiful pastel blue with a shimmer running through it

I think my favourite one has to be Mojito Madness, as the colour is so bright and beautiful. This week's Tuesday Reviewsday will be on the polishes, so make sure you check back if you have never used Essie before.

Which is your favourite?

xxx