Hello lovelies,

this post is my entry to the Beauty and the Beach 2 contest by Travel Supermarket. This contest is running for second year so I've decided to enter. I usually don't show my face, I'm a bit insecure about it (and very pale atm, British weather sucks :D) but I thought I'll give it a shot.

The task was to create perfect holiday hair, nails and make-up. I took it a bit further and done the makeup and nails both inspired by a bathing suit I used to own years ago. It was yellow with black 'indian summer' pattern.

First up is HAIR: I chose to do a simple twisted braid which will work on medium or long hair.

Step 1: Comb your hair to the side and secure it with an elastic band below your ear
Step 2: Divide your hair into two strands
Step 3: Start twisting first strand of hair, then pin it to your top so it doesn't undo itself
Step 4: Twist the second strand of hair
Step 5: Take both twisted strands and twist them together, then secure with an elastic band

The braid will un-twist a little bit gaining a volume. Why I chose this hairdo? Because it's very easy to do, makes my long hair manageable and if you get it wet and then dry again it will leave your hair nicely curled...

....yes, just like that!

Next up is a MAKE-UP which I matched to my nails. I wanted something very light but also fun. I've matched gold eyeliner with the sunny yellow nails but the rest of the face is not heavy on the makeup at all.

Foundation: I have used Erno Laszlo Tinted foundation with SPF 15 for my whole face. It's my go-to product in the summer as it's very light and contains pearlescent particles that brighten the skin. 

Blush: T. LeClerc multi-usage powder in Aurore - it is a mixture of bronzing powder and pink blush with shimmery particles in it. It was a limited summer edition few years back so I don't think it will be available any more.

Eyeliners: I have used Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Solstice (gold) and Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black. If you'll plan on swimming choose waterproof eyeliner .

Mascara: Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara in Black.

Lips: Labello SUN with SPF protection 

And my favourite part, NAILS! You can see a big improvement in the pictures there :D As said before, these were inspired by a bathing suit I used to own and in which I have spent a wonderful summer. The bathing suit had exactly this pattern with unusual spiral depiction of sun.

I have used Clinique 70º and Sunny in a bright yellow. The black nail art patterns have been drawn on with Rio Beauty nail art pen and all sealed with Seche Vite topcoat.

So that's it, and that was me. Hope you'll have your fingers crossed for me and stay tuned for tomorrow's nails only post ;)
 

Hello lovelies,

Latest In Beauty have introduced a new one-time beauty box on 26th May 2013, this time the theme is Ultimate Summer Nails. When I got offered to review, it I was over the moon to do that...it's about nails, right?

So lets have a look at the box and what it contains...

First up is L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. I find it very nourishing and since I do have dry skin it is a great hand cream for me. It smells like shea butter with addition of jasmine and ylang-ylang, the scent is not very strong. I've already had sample of this hand cream prior to receiving this box and I like to use it in the evening and then put on cotton beauty gloves. It does sink in nicely but my hands always feel sticky afterwards so I don't use it during the day. This is a travel size (30ml) and is worth £8.

The next products are nail file from The Vintage Cosmetic Company and Rituals Nail Varnish Corrector Pen. I'll start with the nail file - it has flower design on one side and polka dots with company name on the other. It has very fine grain, it is one of those nail files that feels like they have just fine sand stick to them. It's not great for filing your nails down but rather just finishing the edges.

The Rituals Nail Varnish Corrector Pen has black glossy packaging and comes with three spare nibs. It works well for cleaning up the sides of the nails but it wasn't ideal for cleaning the cuticle line, brush is more gentle. It is good for regular person who is not perfectionist nut like me :D Value of this product is £7

Then there are two mini Nails Inc. products - Notting Hill Gate polish and Caviar Topcoat. I was excited to try both as Notting Hill Gate is pretty neon pink (and there's never enough of those) and I've never tried Caviar Topcoat before.

I've applied  three coats because the polish is a bit on a sheer side. It would be better to apply it over white. The Caviar topcoat is quite thin and easy flowing. It doesn't dry as fast as Seche Vite.

Butter London Yummy Mummy - neutral beige with subtle silver shimmer. It is a nice polish with good formula just like I'm used to from Butter London. It applied well and two coats were enough for full coverage.

Swatches of both polishes in direct sun

The next product in the box are Essie Sleek Stick nail wraps. I haven't tried them on because I don't wear nail wraps (my nails are too curved for them) however they look very pretty. They are bright red with gold dots and the retail value is around £9.99

Then there is Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover. It claims to remove nail polish in just 1 second...well that's just not truth :D I dip my finger into it, let it soak for about 20 seconds, twist few times and it usually removes the polish. However if you wear glitter, nail art or more layers of polish it might take longer. It is good though, very effective (just not in 1 second) and it smells lovely after you pull your finger out. The nail has oily coat afterwards which I feel moisturised my nails nicely instead of drying them out. I am very happy to try this product, I like it but I don't think I would purchase for regular price of £4.99

Last but not least....

Overall, I would be very happy to pay £14.99 (+P&P;) for this box. The contents are worth £55 so the value is very good. My favourites are definitely the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover and Nails Inc. Notting Hill Gate.

This box is available at Latest In Beauty website but I've just checked and it's sold out. However you can add your name to the reservation list and might get one if more boxes come in stock.

*This product has been provided for a review