Nail Apothecary from Elegant Touch

Elegant Touch are launching a Nail Apothecary Treatment range, which is thought as the ‘must-have’ medicine cabinet for your nails. The range consists of the ultimate in nail treatments with a remedy for all common nail concerns. All the products are ‘3 free’ and created with nourishing ingredients designed to strengthen, protect, repair and hydrate nails. The treatments deliver a dramatic difference in minutes and aim to transform your nails from the very first use.

My favourite ‘must-have’ product from the new range is the 24K Gold Ridge Filler. Although I don’t suffer with nail ridges, this product is versatile and creates a perfect smooth base and contains tiny flecks of gold shimmer which looks pretty alone or with a French Manicure and topped with the gel effect top coat for a gorgeous shimmer. You can also wear the gold ridge filler underneath or over the top of coloured polishes to add a subtle gold shimmer to your nails.

The range includes:

Cuticle Elixir (£7.95) this is a nourishing oil that helps condition and moisturise whilst smoothing and soothing damaged cuticles and contains jojoba and vitamin E.

Cuticle Eliminator (£7.95) this translucent gel cuticle remover softens overgrown cuticles to help ease removal. Nails are contoured and left looking smooth and clean.

24K Gold Ridge Filler (£8.95) this ridge filling base coat creates the perfect canvas whilst protecting and strengthening the nail containing omega 3, keratin amino acid and lingonberry seed oil.

Tough flex Base Coat (£6.95) contains a triple complex of plant keratins to help replenish the keratin in nails for structural support and strength, this conditioning base coat improves nail health encouraging healthy growth under nail colour. This is perfect if your nails have been weakened from wearing stick-on, acrylic or gel nails.

Super Matte Top Coat (£6.95) formulated without Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP, this top coat creates a smooth matte finish on your manicure.

Gel Effect Top Coat (£6.95) formulated with acrylic materials, this top coat has a plumping effect to visibly lift and create a gel like look on the nail when used on top of nail colour. 

The Nail Apothecary range from Elegant Touch is available exclusively from Boots.com and launches in May 2015. 

Monday Manicure: Dalmatian Print Nails

SS15 NAILS INC BLOSSOM

NAILS INC have launched 'Blossom Collection' for Spring Summer 2015. A spring bloom of four polishes inspired by the beauty of blossom trees around the world - the epitome of springtime. The blend of fine white particles and blossom-like hues can be worn on their own, or over a favourite spring pastel. This Blossom Collection includes:

CHERRY GARDEN STREET - apricot, hot pink and white

BLOOMSBURY WAY - baby blue, candy floss pink and white

COVENT GARDEN MEWS - pale green and pale pink

COLUMBIA ROAD - lilac, hot pink and white

NAILS INC BLOSSOM polishes cost £14 and are available from Boots, John Lewis & Look Fantastic. What are your favourite Spring time nail polishes?

ORLY ‘Cake Pop’

I have been loving pastel and nude shades on my nails recently which are the perfect hues for Spring.  I love this milky-pale pink shade from ORLY called 'cake pop'. The polish is great quality, highly pigmented and it lasted really well – nearly 10 days with no chipping!

ORLY Nail Polishes are priced at £9.50 and available online from Boots.com What are you favourite nail polish shades for Spring? 

ARK Revitalising Zoya Pedicure

ARK Skincare has recently introduced Zoya natural products to its offering meaning you are now able to get your feet and hands summer ready with natural manicures and pedicures. 

Recently, I am one of those that are concerned about the harsh chemicals they expose themselves too, including those found in nail polish. Zoya nail polishes are free from toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor. There are over 400 colours in the Zoya range and they are thought to be the longest wearing natural nail polish. In addition to their natural and toxin free status, Zoya products are cruelty free, gluten free, fragrance free, paraben free and do not contain ingredients that are likely to cause allergic reactions. 

Zoya ARK Pedicure

Last week, I visited the ARK London flagship salon in Putney for a Revitalising Pedicure. Although I always make sure my fingernails are kept in tip top condition, I do tend to neglect my feet and toenails. This is probably due to being embarrassed about the state of my big toenails when years ago a lady accidently stood on my feet and somehow ripped off my big toe nails (yep, painful!!) and ever since they have not been quite right. I was quite surprised when the therapist told me that my toe nails weren’t too bad and that she had seen worse!

When I arrived at the salon, I was offered a calming herbal tea and pile of magazines before my feet were soaked in a warm water bath. The lovely therapist began to work on my toenails – filing, buffing, and cuticle work, before scrubbing and massaging them. The massaging technique was so relaxing and soothing that I could have fallen asleep.  

I was impressed not only with the array of Zoya shades but the quality and high pigment for a natural polish. I choose a bright hot pink shade from the range called ‘Ali’ which is perfect for Summer. After the base coat and two coats of Ali were applied, my pedicure was finished with a top coat that enhanced the colour and the end result was super shiny.

ARK Revitalising Pedicure is priced at £38 for a 60 minute treatment at ARK Salon in Putney.

www.arkskincare.com

Free Manicures in Paris!

GlossPod, LeCab and Essie Professionnel are teaming up in Paris to bring complimentary manicures to you during the International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8th 2015.

If you are lucky enough to be in Paris today 5^th March until Sunday 8^th March, you will be able to book your very own GlossCab in Paris directly from the app LeCab. This is so much more exciting than your every day trip to the salon. The partnership with LeCab and Essie Professionnel in Paris means you will be able to receive a GlossPod professional 15 minute manicure in the comfort of your home on Sunday.

To book your GlossCab simply enter your address, choose a time slot (10am-6pm) and select GlossCab in the car option. You are able to add in any further information to access your apartment (digital code, floor etc). After validating your options and selecting “order your cab” you will receive a text confirmation

Once your pampering session is over not only will you be stepping out in style with a perfectly beautiful manicure but you will also be offered a fabulous free Essie Professionnel Nail Polish, meaning you can keep your look fresh on the go!

Victoria Beckham X Nails Inc

Victoria Beckham's collaboration with Nails Inc has launched today just in time for Christmas. The designer has created two exclusive nail shades for the brand: Judo Red (a vibrant tomato hue) and Bamboo White (a bone shade) - to go with her Japanese-inspired spring/summer 2015 collection. Victoria has customised the Nails Inc bottles with a chic frosted matte black and white outer layer. 

Victoria Beckham X Nails Inc are priced at £25 and are available today from Selfridges. What do you think to Victoria Beckham branching out in Beauty?

Current Favourite Nail Products

There are a few brilliant nail products I have been using lately so I thought I would group them together and share with you my Top 5, as some make life a little easier!

Nails Inc Corrector Pen

This pen has a nib soaked with nail polish remover. It is a must-have when applying nail polish as it allows you to quickly clean up mistakes and straighten your polish application around the cuticle area. Nails Inc Corrector Pen costs £11 and comes with extra nibs and is available from Debenhams; Selfridges; and lookfantastic.com.

Revlon Liquid Quick Dry

It's annoying when you have just painted your nails then you go to pick something up and smudge one! Well not anymore - A few drops of this Revlon Liquid Quick Dry over each nail after applying your top coat instantly dries nail polish and protects againsts nicks and smudges! It contains Vitamins C and E to provide antioxidant protection and 'nail friendly' pro-vitamin B5 that helps to provide condition to nails. This is a recent discovery and works amazingly well over any nail polish! Revlon Liquid Quick Dry costs £6.49 and is available from Boots.com.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

This is a natural treatment for the nails that intensively nourishes and moisturises nails and cuticles. It's important to moisturise nails and cuticles to keep them in tip top condition and massaging natural oils into cuticles can help nails grow quicker. I have tried many different cuticle creams but this is my favourite and it not only sinks in nicely, is non-greasy and smells incredible like fresh lemons! Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream costs £5.99 and is available from Boots.com, John Lewis and lookfantastic.com.

O.P.I Nail Envy

This Nail treatment does a fabulous job of repairing and strengthening nails, allowing you to grow longer nails in the process. I began using this after my nails becoming weakened after having Gel Nails applied and they quickly repaired my nails back to a strong and healthy condition. I simply applied one coat of this every day for 14 days and I now use this treatment as a base coat under nail polish. O.P.I Nail Envy costs £12 and is available from Debenhams, ASOS and Selfridges.

Tom Pellereau Stylfile 2 - 3 in 1 S File

I was shown this new Stylfile 2 at a special preview over Tea & Cake with Inventor Tom a few months ago but wasn't able to talk about it at the time ;) I reviewed the original Stylfile a few years ago, and this is an improved version features a 3 in 1 system with an added cuticle pusher and orange stick.  The curved file follows the nails natural shape, making it easier to file your nails. One side of the file is abrasive to file your nails and the other surface is smoother to buff over the nails and tips. Tom Pellereau Stylfile 2 - 3 in 1 S File costs £4.49 and is available from Boots.com.

What are your current favourite nail products?

Lily Allen Loves Sheezus Stiletto Nails

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I had to share these AMAZING stick-on Stiletto Nails that have been designed by Lily Allen for Elegant Touch. I had these applied at Fashion Monitor's LFW event at The Mayfair Hotel last night and I've lost count of how many people have commented on them since! 

These are the Lily Loves... Sheezus design which are Cobalt Blue Stiletto Nails with a metallic gold design. They last up to 10 days and cost £8.99 and are available from Boots & Superdrug. 

What do you think?

The Perfect Manicure using Polish Pro

If you’re looking for products to help create the perfect manicure, it’s well worth checking out the Polish Pro range offered by NSI UK. Polish Pro products boast a light-cured polish formula that lasts for two weeks without smudging, cracking or chipping. In addition, the polish can be dried in a matter of minutes under a UV or LED lamp, meaning customers are able to walk away with fabulous nails in under 20 minutes. To achieve the best results, follow these simple steps:

Preparing nails

You should never apply new product before you’re 100 per cent satisfied that your nails are properly prepared. To do this, remove any existing polish with a cotton bud and nail polish remover. You should then exfoliate the hands before soaking them in a bowl of lukewarm water. This will soften the skin and make the nails more flexible.

After drying the hands on a soft towel, it’s time to shape them. Before you set to work with a file and clippers, define which shape and length of nail you require. To make the nails look longer and more elegant, gently push back the cuticles. This process is easier if use Vanish Cuticle Dissolve, which is a cuticle exfoliant and moisturiser. Before you continue, remove any leftover Vanish with a nail wipe saturated with Cleanse. This product removes surface oils and improves adhesion.

Applying the polish

It’s then time to begin applying the polish. Firstly, you should use a very thin layer of Polish Pro Base Coat. Apply this to all the nails and make sure you cap the edges. Ideally, you’ll then cure the nails for 10 seconds using a 36-watt UV bonding lamp. If you don’t have this piece of kit, the curing process will take longer.

Once the base coat is dry, you can apply a thin layer of Polish Pro in whichever colour your customer has selected. Make sure you cap the edges as you work. This layer should be so thin that it appears translucent. Cure the nails for two minutes before applying a second thin layer and curing for a further two minutes. Once you’re sure the nails are fully cured, it’s time to add a thin layer of Polish Pro Top Coat. This also takes two minutes to cure under a UV lamp.

Finishing touches

By this stage, your nails should look amazing, but your work’s not quite finished yet. For the best results, it’s important to remove the tacky layer using Cleanse and you may also want to pamper by using a drop of Nurture Oil to condition the cuticles. This product contains a blend of jojoba, soy, safflower, grape seed oils and wheat germ and it helps to prolong the flexibility and durability of nail enhancements.

Removal

One of the great things about Pro Plus nail polish products is the fact that they soak off, removing the need for scrubbing using harsh chemicals. To get rid of the product, lightly buff the surface of the polish to remove the shine. Next, pour a small amount of acetone into a bowl of water (just enough to cover the nails) and soak the fingers for around ten minutes. The layers of polish should then come away quickly and easily. Then all that’s left is to wash the hands and moisturise them. As long as you follow the right procedure, using Pro Plus products they provide professional manicures that gives a wow factor.

Christian Louboutin 'Rouge Louboutin' Nail Colour

Christian Louboutin’s new ‘Rouge Louboutin’ nail colour has launched today at Selfridges. King of the red sole, Christian Louboutin has made his first foray into the world of beauty with Louboutin Nail Colour. The collection launches today with the signature 'Rouge Louboutin' and soon to follow will be a range of 30 luxury nail colours - Nudes, Noirs and Pops. 

There is only a limited number available so get yours while stock lasts for £36 at www.selfridges.com 

NailsInc NailKale in 'Mayfair Lane'

NailsInc NailKale is the first anti oxidant superfood nail product made with kale extract for stronger, healthier nails. Kale, is the superhero of clean eating and this new nail range from NAILSINC contains kale extract - known for its high levels of vitamins A, C and K which stimulate advanced keratin production, hydrate and nourish as its absorbed by the nail. 

I have had so many compliments on this cute pastel pink shade 'Mayfair Lane' the last few days so I thought I would share! You may also notice that the NailsInc bottles have had a makeover too - they are now square shaped and larger in size meaning you get more polish for your money! This polish is long lasting, chip resistant and has a high glossy finish, 6 days later and no chips, even after putting flat pack furniture together which is impressive!

NailsInc NailKale Nail Polishes are priced at £14 each and are available from Feel Unique, Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis & Look Fantastic. 

What do you think to NailKale?

Birchbox CoppaFeel Manicure Manithon!

The Birchbox Manicure Manithon is taking place on Friday 29th August in aid of CoppaFeel in London's Soho Square. 

The charity event takes place between 10am and 7:30pm and shall be co-hosted by Sarah-Jane Crawford.  You are able to support an amazing cause by booking in for a Models Own express manicure (20 mins) and paying a minimum donation of £5 with all proceeds going to breast cancer charity CoppaFeel. You can book your appointment online at www.birchbox.co.uk/manithon. 

I hope to see you there!

REVLON Parfumerie Nail Enamel

Revlon have introduced a new way to experience nail colour with the Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel Collection. The collection boasts 20 vibrant classic and on-trend shades that apply flawlessly and with a fun twist: a light fragrance that lasts all day. 

This unique collection is divided into 3 fragrance families: Fruit & Floral, Sweet & Spice and Fresh. They compromise an array of finishes from pearlescent to glitter and presented in old fashioned apothecary style bottles. 

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel are priced at £6.49 each and are available exclusively at Boots. What do you think to scented nail polishes?

Monday Manicure: Leighton Denny 'Where's my Limo?'

Happy Monday! Thought I would share my new favourite polish that I have been sporting on my nails over the past week. This lovely chic off-white pale grey shade is 'Where's my limo?' by Leighton Denny part of his new AW14 collection out in October. This polish is long lasting, chip resistant and high gloss. I have certainly put the longevity to the test as I moved house last week and I'm so impressed that my nails are still perfectly polished and there are no chips what so ever!

Leighton Denny Nail Polishes are priced at £11 each and are available from Marks and Spencer. What do you think to the off-white nails trend?

BRAZILIAN BIRCHBOX JUNE 2014

This month's BIRCHBOX has taken inspiration from the World Cup and is filled with top players from across the globe. This month's box included an added bonus of a BIRCHBOX Brazil-inspired Flip Flop keyring. Birchbox helps you find beauty and lifestyle products that you'll love. It is a monthly subscription service, that you pay £10 per month plus postage for 5 luxe samples delivered to your door presented in a nice box and drawstring bag along with a mini magazine that is packed with editors tops and tricks. You can cancel at anytime and they offer a money back guarantee!  

Embroylisse Lait-Creme Concentre

I'm extremely pleased to receive this cult French moisturiser that soothes skin with natural ingredients. This moisturiser can also be used as a hydrating mask. 

Silk + Honey Shea Butter Hair Mask 

Deeply nourishing mask protects and softens hair, while fortifying its elasticity. It smells delicious! This is a brand I have not discovered yet so I am excited to try, as since taking out my micro ring extensions a few weeks ago I'm trying to get my natural hair back in good condition.   

OPI Nail Lacquer - The Brazil Collection

A vibrant mini polish in the shade 'Toucan If You Try' inspired by Brazil's tropical rain forests and sandy beaches.  This is a fab shade for Summer for both hands and feet!

BEAUTYBLENDER + BLENDERCLEANSER SOLID

An ingenious egg-shaped make-up sponge to ensure a flawless base plus a solid soap to clean it. This is a very generous full-size sample, I used to use a beauty blender sponge but I think I threw it away as it became a bit manky so I'm pleased to have another!

CAUDALIE DIVINE OIL

A delicately fragranced dry oil that sinks in fast, hydrates skin and leaves a silky sheen. A little of this oil goes a long way and its handy to have a small bottle for travels.

Visit Birchbox to find out more and you can get free delivery on your first box with the code NEW14. Are you a BIRCHBOX subscriber? What do you think to this month's contents?  

Little Mix Launch Nails with New Look & Elegant Touch

X Factor winners Little Mix have teamed up with Elegant Touch to launch a range of press-on nails and nail wraps exclusively for New Look.

The girls are a fan of nail art and have personally designed their own sets of nail-wraps and press-on nails, reflecting their own personalities and styles. The quality of these nails and wraps are fantastic with the studs, glitter and embelishment for the purse-friendly price of £6!

The Nail Wraps and Press-on Nails are available exclusively from New Look from next week! The launch kicks off on Friday 12th April with a exclusive store performance at New Look at Westfield, Shepherds Bush. What do you think of the Little Mix nail designs?

Review: Little BU Polish

I was kindly sent a selection of nail polishes from Little BU - a brand of nail polishes that are non-toxic, odourless, cruelty free and completely safe for children. My 3 year old niece Isobel has been into my makeup and all things beauty for some time and has been dying for me to paint her nails! She was super excited to get the chance with her very own nail polish set!

The Little BU range are perfect for mini fashionistas who are that age where they are getting into beauty and want to paint their nails like how mum or their aunty does ;) I was sent three colours - Cecilla (baby pink glitter); Riley (bright pink) and Emma (festive red). Isobel went for the pink of course, her favourite colour, and wanted some glitter on too!

I applied two coats of Riley and one coat of Cecilla over the top and was very impressed with the high pigmentation and quality given they are chemical free. I really liked the colour and I was surprised there was no odour at all. Isobel absolutely loved her grown-up bright pink glittery nails and couldn't wait to show them off to everyone! As you can see from the photo she has perfected the 'Beauty Blogger' nail pose! The only downside is as the polishes are water based they wash off - which is quite cool but this also caused some tears when Isobel's pink nails washed off in the bath later that evening!

That aside, I was really impressed with the quality and the whole concept of these polishes they make a great present for little ones that are beauty fans. They are not only great for kids but adults too - you can wear a top coat over the top to make the colour last longer. They are pricey for a tiny 9ml bottle at £9.95 but you are paying for quality, and the unique chemical-free, water based formula available from Harrods or iluvlittlebu.com

What do you think to this concept for child-friendly nail polish?

Glossybox: October 2012

I came home last night to my October GLOSSYBOX. This month's theme is a selection of products for an indulgent and cosy night in to brave the gloomy October weather. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and so GLOSSYBOX are supporting the cause and donating to Breast Cancer Care Charity. The products always come beautifully packaged as normal using a pale pink box with black tissue paper, pink ribbon and this month a breast cancer sticker to fit with the theme.

Anatomicals Don't just clean it woman, scrub it body scrub (worth £1.30) I love the packaging and product names of this quirky brand, however I feel this contains cheap ingredients and I prefer using natural products on my body so will be passing this onto someone else to try. 

Yves Rocher Instant Anti-wrinkle moisturiser Hydra Vegetal (*Full Size* £18)

This cream provides deep and lasting moisture and immediately smoothes wrinkles enriched with Hyaluronic Acid for greater effectiveness. This is a product I was unaware of but shall be passing this onto my mum to try.

Skinetica Anti-blemish (worth 69p)

This is a solution for clearing skin blemishes, showing results in 2-3 days, kind to skin and with no side effects. I look forward to trying this out as I usually trust Sudacream for treating spots.

Green People Organic Self Tan (worth £1.89)

I have quite a few Green People products now from various beauty boxes and here is another to add to the collection! Looking forward to trying this organic natural tan, as I would imagine the result would be quite natural which is ideal during winter.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (*Full Size* worth £6.99)

I received the shade 'Black Platinum' which is a dark grey/black polish with silver shimmer running through. I haven't tried Sally Hansen polishes for a while, but have heard good things recently so looking forward to trying this, plus its a great dark shade for A/W. 

This month's box contained a good selection of products however I wouldn't say they fitted in with a 'at home spa' kit - I would of liked to have seen a hair treatment, luxury bath product or face mask. I have totted up the value of the products and it comes to roughly £28.87 which for £10 (plus £2.95 P&P) is not bad but this month I wasn't over whelmed by any of the products, although I'm interested to see how the tan works and the spot treatment! That is the point of beauty boxes but the last couple of Glossyboxes have been a little disappointing in terms of the product selection - Let's hope that next month's box is a better one! You can find out more and order your own GLOSSYBOX here.

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

Glossybox: September 2012 Rising Stars & Maggie Li

This month's limited edition  GLOSSYBOX came just in time for Fashion Week and has been designed by London-based illustrator Maggie Li. This month's theme is an introduction to rising stars across fashion, design and beauty - granting an exclusive preview of Lady Gaga's new fragrance 'Fame' and Vichy's new Idealia range. I adore the limited edition illustrated box this month however I found the contents a little sparse...

Lady Gaga's Fame Fragrance (worth £1.44) 

I have already voiced my opinions on receiving perfume samples in boxes...I'm quite fussy when it comes to perfume and unless its a 'luxury' size sample mini bottle rather than a tiny vital then I don't think it should count as one of your five as these can easily be picked up on many beauty counters for free. I was intrigued to smell this new Lady Gaga perfume but I'm not a fan it smells like the typical sickly sweet celebrity fragrance.

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum and 5 Minute Facial (worth £5.78)

I have heard of these products before but not tried them as they had such a high-price tag and no samples on beauty counters. I'm pleased to receive these as I have heard mixed reviews both good and bad so look forward to trying to see if they do what they promise!

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (worth £9.33)

This is a natural triple action eye cream designed to soothe tired eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Vichy Idealia Day Care Cream (worth £7.50)

This is a new launch - a smoothing and illuminating day cream that smoothens skin's texture and improves complexion radiance. I think this cream would probably be more suited to a drier skin so will pass this on to my mum to try as my skin is normal at the moment.

Maghrabian Hair Oil Treatment (worth £2.40)

I love Argan hair oil and not heard of this brand before so look forward to trying it out, although the full size seems a little pricey.

This month's box contained quite small size samples so it seemed very sparse and I have totted up the value of the products and it comes to roughly £26.24 which for £10 (plus £2.95 P&P) is not bad but this month I wasn't over whelmed by any of the products! But thats the point of beauty boxes - you discover new products and find out the products you like (and don't like!) before buying full size. Let's hope that next month's box is a better one! You can find out more and order your own GLOSSYBOX here. 

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