September Empties

L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Shampoo // L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner // Sure Crystal Invisible Anti-Perspirant Spray // Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash // La Roche Posay Effaclar H // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment // Barry M Lash Vegas Black Mascara // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 

L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Shampoo & L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner - I actually enjoyed using this shampoo and conditioner. I purchased these when they were on offer and if I see them on offer again, I will repurchase. They claim to contain no sulphates and no silicone but it does contain sodium lauryl sulfoacetate  and a few other ingredients which feature words similar to sulphate. Now I'm not a chemistry expert so I don't know if they are sulphates or not. (After a quick Google Search, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is actually a cheat detergent and is a natural ingredient. So they're actually really good although I've only researched that one ingredient! Can anyone else shed any light?)

Sure Crystal Invisible Anti-Perspirant Spray - I debated whether to include deodorant in my empties but I have before and after all, it is a product I've finished and I'd like to share my opinion. At first, I wasn't sure about the new smaller, compressed sprays but after using a few now, they actually last a really long time. I find the scent of this particular deodorant to be pleasant and it does it job! 

Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution - I haven't repurchased this yet but I might do as it's pretty good. I may even give the original a try as my skin isn't as bad as it used to be. I haven't used it to remove mascara yet; just my face make up, but I know a few people who do and they say it removes waterproof mascara effectively. Considering I haven't found an eye make up remover that does yet, I might as well go for a recommendation and give it a try. 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - This is a great eye make up remover for regular mascara but it does absolutely nothing for waterproof mascara even though it claims to do so! Since my wedding, I have worn waterproof mascara more than usual as I have a fab No7 mascara, but I'm always put off as I don't have any way to fully remove it. Hopefully, Bioderma will work when I give it a try. 

Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash - I think this has featured in my empties before. It does an ok job and I've repurchased it several times but I am looking for an alternative cream wash that does a better job. If you recommend one, please let me know. I prefer a cream wash as it's easy to use and easy to take off. I have oil cleansers and balm cleansers but I find them a bit of a faff and sometimes I'm too lazy! 

La Roche Posay Effaclar H - I purchased this from Escentual (I think). I thought it would be worth a try as I love Effaclar Duo / Duo [+] but I wasn't that blown away. It's a moisturiser aimed at oily skin which has been weakened by over-drying treatments. I used it in the morning and in the evening but didn't notice any real difference in my skin. The tube is 40ml but it didn't last me very long. As you can see I've squeezed every last bit out which was very difficult as the plastic tube is so tough. 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - My faithful body spray. I'm actually running low in back ups so I best stock up soon! I'm down to my last two and one is in my handbag. I haven't tried a different scent like I said in last month's empties as I already had these but now I need to stock up, I may just do that! I only buy in bulk when they are 99p/£1 so I'm on the lookout! 

Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment - I actually got this in the Christmas sales last year in an Origins gift set. I'm a hand cream obsessive and I always have about 5 tubes in back up so I didn't start using it till recently. I absolutely loved the hand cream though and I will definitely be checking out the full version. It soothed and moisturised my hands, absorbed quickly and it smelt gorgeous. 

Barry M Lash Vegas Black Mascara - I'm not sure what I thought of this mascara. It wasn't the best mascara I've ever used and it certainly wasn't the worst. It did it's job but it could have been better. I wasn't a fan of the wand and I found that mascara clung to it which I had to wipe off before application. To begin with, it was quite a wet mascara which I'm not a fan of but once it had dried out a little, it was a little easier to work with. I wouldn't repurchase it again though. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Everyone's favourite concealer! I think I'm going off it though. I don't know why. I just don't feel like it's been covering up blemishes that well recently. I had loads of back ups but I'm actually down to my last one now so I may give another concealer a try. Any recommendations? 

Rachel x

My 13 Favourite Products Of 2013

Last year, I posted My 12 Favourite Products of 2012 so in keeping with the tradition, here are My 13 Favourite Products of 2013. Four products have made it into my favourites for the second year running but they are products that I reach for everyday. They deserve their award of favourite product!

Haircare

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner - I have been using this shampoo and conditioner for about six months now and I have gone through two bottles of each. This was my first experience of haircare products that contain no parabens or sulphates. Banning nasty ingredients from my haircare routine has improved the quality of my hair so much. Both products smell natural and clean as they are made from all natural ingredients. You can read what I think about this shampoo and conditioner in more detail here.

Moroccanoil Treatment - Back in August, I attended an event with Look Fantastic and we were extremely lucky to receive a goody bag with a small bottle of Moroccanoil in. Ever since I started using Moroccanoil, my hair has made a dramatic improvement in texture as well as shine and manageability. Moroccanoil also helps to lessen the drying time, which is a godsend when you have long, thick hair. I actually love it so much that I asked my mum and dad Santa to get me a full sized one. I can't wait to start using that one as it has a pump and the little bottle doesn't so I have to pour an amount into the palm of my hand and sometimes I'm a little generous!

Skincare

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - It took me ages and ages to make my mind up whether to get this exfoliator or not. I had read so many reviews where bloggers raved about chemical exfoliators over manual ones but to be honest the word chemical scared me. In the end, I decided to use some of my much loved Boots points to buy the item, that way if I didn't like the product, I hadn't used up my own money. However, I love this product and I'm so happy it's in my life. You do have to be careful when you go outside but if you already use SPF, this isn't a problem. If you don't, make sure you apply SPF for a couple of days after using it just to protect your skin. I use it twice a week, in the evening, in the place of my regular toner and it is so gentle and actually rather soothing on my face. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - Effaclar Duo is a highly raved about skincare product in the beauty blogger world. I can completely understand why. This is my second or third tube (which is empty) and I need to repurchase it ASAP. It has made such a difference to my skin. I still suffer from spots but I have PCOS however it has changed my complexion so much. It helps to clear up spots quicker and it also takes the redness out of my spots.

ESPA Essential Cleansing Mask - I was extremely lucky to be given an ESPA gift card. One of the purchases I made was the Essential Cleansing Mask. My favourite thing about the mask is that it tells me to relax for 20 minutes! Seriously, if you ever needed an excuse to relax, this is it! I use this mask once or twice a week, in the evening, usually after a bath or shower so my pores are open. This is a luxurious mask and a little bit actually goes a long way. I have used the mask quite a few times and it doesn't look like I have used it at all. In the morning, I can definitely notice a difference in my skin. It feels and looks a lot smoother and clearer. Winner!

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer - I purchased this last year in the Christmas sales after trying a sample. Ever since my first try I have been hooked on this luxurious primer. I only use it when I need my make up to last all day or if I am looking for a flawless base before applying my foundation. A little really goes a long way and I still have about half the tub left. This is the best primer I have ever tried as it leaves my skin feeling silky and smooth and it evens my skin tone while providing a smooth base for my foundation. You can read what I think about this primer in more detail here.

Make Up

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation - I have been using this foundation for over a year now and I have repurchased it twice already. It's the first foundation I've had that has actually been matched to my skin tone.  I was fed up of guessing my shade and getting home to find it too light or too dark and I haven't got time in the mornings to be mixing foundations! The Match Made Service is a fantastic service and it's definitely worth a try to find your perfect foundation shade. The foundation is the perfect formula for me too. As I suffer with spots, I don't want a dewy foundation as this can highlight imperfections. This foundation is matte without being chalky or cakey. It provides a medium to high coverage and lasts all day. You can read all about my experience of the Foundation Match Made Service as well as what I think of the foundation in more detail here.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer -This is another well loved product that I have been using for well over a year and it featured in last years favourite. I have lost count of the amount of times that I have repurchased but it is a LOT! As I've said before, I don't use this under my eyes because I find it too thick to blend there but it's perfect for concealing spots and other imperfections. I use shade 1 and shade 2 in the winter and summer respectively. You can read what I think about this concealer in more detail here.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - Another recurring product from last year. I have actually been using this powder for a few years now and it's fantastic for setting foundation and concealer as well as taking away any shine on your face. I have slightly oily skin and I don't need to reapply but if your skin is more oily than mine you may need to carry this in your handbag. The packaging isn't great and it doesn't look too pleasing of the eye but it's a great product and for less than £5, I'm not complaining! You can read what I think about this powder in more detail here.

Topshop Lipstick in Innocent - This was first featured in my favourites in May 2013, however I bought it a couple of months before that and I was lusting after it for even longer. Altogether, I have three Topshop lipsticks and this is the latest one that I have purchased (I think it's time I purchased a new one!) The formula of these lipsticks are so creamy and moisturising and they dry matte on the lips but they're not drying at all. This shade is perfect for during the day or it can be layered up for a more intense shade in the evening.

Nails

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blueberry - I chose this nail polish to feature in my favourites as it was undoubtably the most used nail polish in 2013. I actually removed the chipped remains off my nails and repainted with the same shade several times, this is something I have never done before! Obviously, I haven't used it as much in winter but it has been a perfect spring, summer and early autumn shade. I think it really compliments my skin tone and as it's quite an uncommon colour, I get lots of compliments on it from friends and family. As the name suggests, it leaves a hi-shine finish on the nails therefore you don't need a topcoat but I do recommend one if you want to prolong the wear time.

Make Up Brushes

Real Techniques Brushes - I honestly do not know how I coped before Real Techniques came into my life. I think I used to apply foundation with my fingers which is messy and meant I had to wash my hands afterwards. I have had some of my brushes for nearly 18 months and they still look brand new. They are super easy to wash; I use Johnson Baby Shampoo once a week (well I aim for once a week!) and once they are dry, they return to their original shape. I haven't experienced any fallout so in my opinion they are a great investment as I can see them lasting years. 

From left to right - Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Real Techniques Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, Real Techniques Starter Set

You can read what I think about these brushes in more detail using the following links; Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Real Techniques Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, Real Techniques Starter Set. 

What are your favourite products of 2013? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x 
Lost In Lipstick

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Wish List #4

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment // Barry M Sequin Nail Effects Nail Paint in White // L'Oreal Micellar Solution // Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil

I haven't done a wish list in a long time and I'm pretty skint at the moment so I thought I would share some of the items that I am lusting after! How does shopping the stash work? I think I'm going to need to do that! 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm - The only reason these are in my wish list is because I have fallen into the hype. I know they are only a lip balm but so is the Korres Lip Butter really, and that's amazing. I want to see what all the fuss is about. I'll only buy one, not six, but I haven't decided which one I want just yet. My choice will be made purely on  the scent! 

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Treatment - I have been using the Liz Earle Shampoo and Conditioner for about two months now and you can read what I think here. Within the Liz Earle haircare there are also treatments, this being one of them. It is for frizzy, coarse or unruly hair, which are three perfect words to describe my hair! 

Barry M Sequin Nail Effects Nail Paint in White - How pretty is this nail polish? I've seen lots of swatches online and I need it in my life! Despite knowing how difficult glitter nail polish is to remove, I still want it. Barry M have created some beautiful nail polishes lately.

L'Oreal Micellar Solution - I already have three micellar waters. Does this stop me wanting to try another one? No. I want to try it just to compare it to the others I have. Two of the ones I own are higher end or harder to get hold off (I'm talking about you Bioderma). If L'Oreal have created one that is just as good, I can save my money to spend elsewhere!

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - I need this is my life! I keep reading more and more about the harsh effects of manual exfoliators. I need to experience just how good this one is! So much hype surrounding it.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil - Another Liz Earle haircare treatment that I need in my life! This is their hair oil and it's suitable for all hair types. Oils are everywhere at the moment and not just for your hair. This one smoothes hair, protects hair from heat damage and even cuts down on the time it takes to dry your hair! 

What products are on your wish list? Have you used any of these products? Are they worth buying/the hype? What products should I add to my list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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July 2013 Favourites

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged hair // Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution for Combination or Oily Skin // Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel // Nourish Protect Smoothing Hand Lotion* // Apivita SPF 50 Face Cream for Sensitive Skin* // Barry M Touch Of Magic Lipstick TMLP // Stylfile Nail File*

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo & Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged hair - I have been using the Liz Earle hair care range for a month or so in a bid to improve my hair. I have actually just purchased my second bottles as I have been loving them that much. Prior to using this range my hair became greasy due to product build up because of all the nasties in other shampoo and conditioners. Both products contain natural ingredients to gently cleanse and hydrate hair respectively. I like the smell of both products, they smell natural and clean as there is no added fragrance. Neither contain SLS. 

Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution for Combination or Oily Skin - I have been dying to try Bioderma as there is so much hype surrounding it. When browsing French skincare on escentual.com, I came across this version which is for combination or oily skin. I thought that would be better suited for my skin and the 20% off persuaded me! I am absolutely loving it. I love the smell of it too! It does a great job of removing my make up and I have even used it on my eyes! I can report it does not sting my eyes! Result! 

Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel - This was a purchase last year before going to Majorca. My friend had recommended it for sunburn and said that's all she uses instead of after sun. Recently I have been absolutely loving it for alternative reasons. Aloe Vera is known for its soothing properties, I have been applying it to my legs after shaving. It instantly soothes my skin and keeps any of those irritated red lumps at bay. I also get my eyebrows waxed on a monthly basis. Even though I have been getting them done for at least 10 years, my eyebrows stay red for hours and hours afterwards. I apply some Aloe Vera to a cotton pad and gently sweep across my eyebrows a couple of times after having them done. It soothes them and helps the red fade quicker. A random favourite but an essential for me. 

Nourish Protect Smoothing Hand Lotion* - I received this product in a goodie bag from a blogger meet up. As I have mentioned before on my blog, hand cream is an obsession of mine. This one, from Nourish, is lovely as it adds moisture to my hands, it sinks in quickly and is not greasy. I love the scent of orange and mandarin, it's so refreshing. It also comes with a pump meaning it doesn't create mess and a couple of pumps is the correct amount for my hands so nothing is wasted. A perfect hand cream in my opinion. 

Apivita SPF 50 Face Cream for Sensitive Skin* - I received this in my goodie bag from the FABB Manchester event. I like using a high factor on my face and this came just at the right time, as we had a heat wave in the UK! It provided the perfect opportunity to test it out. When I think of factor 50, I often think the cream is going to be thick, white and greasy. This cream is the complete opposite. It has a beautiful texture that is light on my face and within a few minutes I'm ready to apply my make up. The cream is a nude shade and once applied to your face it becomes invisible. It does leave your face a little shiny but if you wait a bit longer, it does disappear. 

Barry M Touch Of Magic Lipstick TMLP - This is the perfect lipstick for everyone as the shade appears different on everyone. It works by reacting with the alkali levels in your lips. This means it will be the perfect shade of pink for your skin tone. It is a great stain for the lips and lasts for hours! Sometimes I have woken up the next day and I've still had the colour on my lips. You can read what i think in more detail here. 

Stylfile Nail File* - This is another item I have received in a goodie bag. I have been introduced to so many great brands through blogger goodie bags and I am very greatful. This is one of those novelty items in my opinion but it's actually useful! It makes perfect sense to use a curved nail file when filing your nails, which are curved. Obviously if you file your nails straight, a straight nail file is perfect but I very rarely see straight nails these days, most people opt for curved nails and this file makes that job simple. 

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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Barry M Lip Paint in Touch Of Magic TMLP - Review

Barry M Lip Paint in Touch Of Magic TMLP

I think this lipstick has been out since Spring but it may be earlier. I heard about it when Chelsea reviewed it on her blog in May. I was so intrigued as it was a green lipstick! I just had to try it for myself. I popped into Boots and Superdrug a couple of times but could I get hold of it? It was always sold out! I didn't give up though, I kept of searching and when I saw one left in my local Boots, I snapped it up! 

As you can see it is a green lipstick and it works by reacting with the alkali in your lips, which is a fab idea as you know it will match your skin tone perfectly. The alkali level in your lips determines how pink the lipstick will go your lips. One thing that stops me buying a lot of lipsticks is whether it will suit my skin tone or not. The lipstick applies clear, which can make application tricky, but you must be carefully not to go out of the lines. Use all those years of colouring in books as practise! You literally only need one application and it comes out the perfect pink tone for you.

It lasts hours and hours and hours. Seriously, I couldn't get it off when I wanted to! Perfect for a night out but bear it in mind when you're trying if for the first time. (Once I had photographed it, I applied it but was going out somewhere afterwards with bright pink lips in the middle of the afternoon!) Also, you should note, the first application was more 'balmy' than normal and it took longer to react with my lips. This resulted in me yelling 'it doesn't work' and so I applied more! Big mistake! I looked like a clown!!

It contains aloe vera so it's quite moisturising on the lips. However, the colour stains your lips and lasts for hours but the moisture goes so you will need to use a lip balm to keep you lips moisturised. I totally recommend this lipstick. It's a great concept and it will suit everyone! I just hope TMLR is next (Turn My Lips Red) as that's what I really struggle with and I want a red lipstick! 

Have you tried Barry M's TMLP lipstick? Do you agree and would love a TMLR lipstick? 

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick 

June 2013 Favourites

Liz Earle Eye Bright Soothing Eye Lotion - I got this in Autumn and I am still on the same bottle, although it has almost finished. It's not a product I use everyday though. In winter, I hardly ever used it, only if my eyes are tired and puffy. However with the arrival of Summer, we also say hello to hayfever. One of my symptoms is itchy eyes and when I wake up in the morning, my eyes are so puffy. I apply Eye Bright to two cotton wool pads and hold on my eyes for 5 minutes or so. The difference is amazing. I have already repurchased! 

Anti-Blemish Skinetica and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - I have been using these together as new additions to my skincare. I am 25 and I still get spots but I'm pretty sure that it's hormonal acne. I have tried a lot of lotions and potions in my life but I've had no luck. However, about a week after using both of these products together my skin looked so much better and I only had a few small spots instead of the large red spots filled with pus that I'm used to! (Sorry for that image!) I'm not sure if it's a combination of both products or one in particular. All I do know is that I am going to continue to use both products as I love my clearer skin. I am thinking of doing a blog post about my spots and all the different things I've tried, would you like to see that? 

Lush Light Yellow Supplement - I have been using this for a couple of months now. I received it in a goodie bag from the Lush workshop I attended at the Sheffield Meet Up. I have been absolutely loving it as a foundation. We were told, if we wanted, we could mix it with our moisturiser and use it as a tinted moisturiser but I like a heavier coverage (due to my spots). There are several shades but I was matched to light yellow. It's a perfect match. When I apply it, it appears to disappear but my skin looks a lot even and some of my spots are hidden. I have one negative. Because of the size and shape of the pot, I am really struggling to get the product out now it is half empty. Has anyone got an tips for me?

Lush Emotional Brilliance Translucent Face Powder - This is another product that I received in my goodie bag. It is to be used with the colour supplements, once they are dry on your face. As with any powder, is it to set your make up and to prevent shine. In the pot it looks very pink and to be honest I was a little scared of using it at first. But I can confirm it is definitely translucent once applied to your face. It does a fantastic job of mattifying your face and setting your make up. Again, my one negative is getting the product out. I use my Real Techniqes Powder Brush to apply powder but I can't fit it in anymore now I've used half. Help please?!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blueberry - There has been a massive hype surrounding these nail polishes and I completely understand why. This is the second one I have tried and it is definitely my favourite nail polish shade at the moment. For the first time in a long time, I removed the chipped remains and painted my nails in the same colour. I think it looks really nice with my skin tone and it's a uncommon colour so I get lots of compliments on it. Without a top coat, it only lasts a day or so longer than a regular nail polish on my nails but I work in a school and I use my hands a lot! You don't need a top coat really because the polish is called hi-shine after all but if you wanted to prolong the wear time, I would recommend a top coat too. 

Dainty Doll Powder Blusher in My Girl - I'm not sure what's happening with Dainty Doll as I got mine from Fragrance Direct for only £1.99 instead of £13.50! I had never tried the brand before so when I heard about the massive saving, I knew I had to snap one up. I actually got two shades (You Are My Sunshine as well) but I definitely prefer My Girl. It is extremely pigmented. I only need a small amount of colour to create a pop of colour on my cheeks. If I only want a subtle hint of colour, I tap off any excess before applying. This leaves me with a more natural flush of colour. If Dainty Doll has been discontinued, it is a shame as the powder blushes are fantastic quality, especially for £1.99!!

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

September Favourites

Barry M Magnetic Nail Effects in Blue £4.99 - My sister bought this for me for my birthday, after using it once, I went out and bought three other shades! The quality of the nail polish is excellent and could be worn without the effects. But once the magnet is used, the effect is just out of this world! I got so many compliments on my nails and I cannot wait to try the other shades.

Models Own Glitter Nail Polish in Disco Mix £5 - I love glitter nail polish, who doesn't?! But boy is it hard to remove! This looks lovely over blue or purple nail polish with just one coat, as the particles of glitter are purple and blue. I used three coats to completely cover my nails in glitter and it looks amazing. I definitely want to try the Mirrorball collection, £20 for 6 nail polishes is a bargain!

MUA Pro Undressed Palette £4 - Read my review here. This is the best dupe of Urban Decay ever! The quality of the eye shadows are amazing and actually stay put for several hours. There are enough matte and shimmer shadows to suit everyone and you can create so many different looks by using different combinations of the 12 shades.

MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup £14 - This is actually my first ever MAC lipstick believe it or not! The texture is so creamy and moisturising and the colour stays put for hours. This lipstick has a shine so it may not suit everyone's tastes, but the shade is perfect for daytime or evening. I will be posting a review on this soon so look out for it!

Benefit the POREfessional £23.50 - This is a sample I received with Glamour magazine. It's the first time I've used POREfessional and I will definitely be purchasing it once this has an out. The texture is lovely and provides the perfect base for my make up. I don't suffer from massive pores, just small ones on my cheeks and a few on my forehead, POREfessional just helps to conceal these while being a perfect primer.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14.25 - I have been using Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish since December 2011 and my skin has never been so good! In May 2012 I added the Skin Tonic and Light Moisturiser to my routine, my skin is so smooth and my spots have cleared up a lot, I still have a few breakouts. I will be posting a review on this soon so look out for it!

Have you tried any of these products? What are you favourite products this month? 

Rachel x

Lost in Lipstick 

Barry M Croc Nail Effects Nail Paint - Review

Barry M Croc Nail Effects Nail Paint £3.99 

Two years ago, when I first tried 'crackle' nail polish I loved it and was addicted. I had it on my nails everyday! I always received compliments from the public when I was out, asking how I did my nails or even where I had them done! It was always entertaining to see their face when I said I did them myself! Fast forward a year or so and people seemed to be a bit bored with 'crackle' nails, I think they had probably been over done. To be honest though, I still love the original crackle polish over gold nail polish, I just think the effect is so striking. 

Fast forward to 2012, and Barry M have created a new version of crackle nail polish, Croc Nail Effects which creates a mock-croc style pattern. The polish is currently available in Black or Burgundy. Personally, I went for black as it goes better with more colours.

Instructions are included on the side of the bottle, these are:

1.Apply a thin coat of your chosen nail vanish.

2. Wait 1 to 2 minutes until mails are touch try. Do not apply to dry polish.

3. Apply a thin coat of Croc Nail Effects.

4.After 3 minutes the effect will start to appear.

When painting my nails, I always start with a base coat as some nail polishes stain and yellow nails are not a good look! So I began with a base coat and let this completely dry. I then followed step 1. I chose 17 High Gloss Nail Polish in Sphinx. I applied one thin-ish coat of nail polish and waiting about two minutes before applying Croc Nail Effects.

 You are instructed to apply a thin coat of Croc Nail Effects, however I found this difficult as I wanted to ensure the whole nail had been coated. Once all my nails were black it was just a case of waiting. The bottle says after 3 minutes the effect will start to appear. This seems like a long time, as the original crackle polish is instant, however from looking at the lid of the bottle I thought it was worth the wait. I had read a few reviews before painting my nails, some suggested the effect doesn't appear till after 5 minutes! Others suggested using a hair dryer to speed up the process, although a few people said this made the shapes on the nail smaller and not as effective. So I followed the instructions and waited. The following pictures show the effect 'developing' over 5 to 6 minutes.

This is the first time I have used Croc Nail Effects and to be honest, I am not impressed. The effect looks nothing like mock-croc or the lid for that matter! In my opinion, I followed the instructions and I did not achieve the desired effect. It kind of looks like I've used a mega cheap brand to create the crackle effect and my sister said my nails offend her! I will give it another chance and try again a few times. I think next time I will try to paint the Croc Nail Effects on thinner. And I'll probably give the hair dryer suggestion a go!

Have you used Croc Nail Effects? Did you get the desired result?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick