The Lo Down - Catrice Soft Blossom Nail Polish

 Hey Guys and Dolls,

I haven't been doing my using my nail polish too much as of late as my nails haven't been in the best condition but that changed when the Catrice Soft Blosson nail polishes appeared in my letterbox.

These nail polishes come in different shades and they all look so pretty. I was sent the shades Flower Berry Bouquet and Coachella Vibes, two pretty pink shades that I adore. They would look amazing with tan or without during the Spring Summer months. I know I'll be using them alot, pinks are my favourite. I'm not too sure how many shades are in this collection but the two I've tried are beautiful. These polishes are said to have a scent and different to other polishes on the market you can actually smell it. In the picture below I used the shade, Flower Berry Bouquet and I love it, you literally need only one coat.

I'd definitely recommend checking them out the next time your near a Catrice counter.

Laura<3

OPI Sunny Fingers & Toes

After reading through my past nail polish posts, you probably all know how much I love OPI mini sets. I've bought a couple over the last few months which I'm hoping to do a post on soon, I have so many products I want to feature sometimes bits can get left behind. One set in particular that has stood out for me though was my most recent purchase OPI's Sunny Fingers & Toes. I spotted this first on BeautyBay.com and fell in love with it, sadly I couldn't say the same for the price tag (€29.80) so I decided to leave it. Last week I popped into Sally's in town, I  was delighted when I seen this exact set and even more so when the sales assistant told me it was €23.99. It's not a huge saving but it certainly helps, you can't really put your nose up at ten polishes for that price can you?

With a great selection of polishes from light to dark shades, there's something to suit everyone in this one. I'm already in love with Dutch-Ya Just Love OPI, it's a gorgeous dark purple with a hint of gold shimmer. As always with OPI sets, there are a few polishes that have come up in other sets before so if that's something that bothers you keep that in mind. I personally don't as I always keep them up and put them in gifts for friends at Christmas and Birthdays. This set also contains a selection of polishes from ranges such as The Amazing Spiderman and Holland Collection so if you missed out on either of these this set is one to have a look at. I'm going to try and do some nails of the day posts containing these soon so be sure to check back. Dutch-Ya Just Love OPI will certainly be one of the ones I want to show you guys. In my opinion OPI's Sunny Fingers & Toes is definitely a set for someone who is obsessed with nail polish or wants to try out some new shades without spending a small fortune. Being a little nail polish obsessed myself I already have my eye on the Outrageous Neons Mini Set, the shade selection is definitely down my street so don't be surprised if you see it on here very soon.

Will you be checking out Sunny Fingers & Toes? What polishes would you like to see in future NOTD posts?

Laura<3

Butter London's Backstage Basics Set

I've always been fond of Butter London nail polishes, they have a huge range of shades that would suit any occasion. I don't own too many of their polishes but the ones I do have I love. I bought their Holiday Glitter Trio in December last year and I use them all to add a bit of sparkle. They apply beautifully and look gorgeous in general. I do adore glitter polishes even though they can be a bit of a nightmare to remove.

Butter London's Backstage Basics set is great if your new to the brand. Being the nail lacquer of choice at Fashion Week, this little gem contains all the essentials needed to get a beautiful nail look. This kit includes a Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat, A Nail Lacquer, Hardwear P.D Quick Topcoat, Powder Room Nail Polish Remover and a cute little Butter London Nail File.

I'm guilty of not using a basecoat, I can't stand when my nails get stained from nail polishes so I will be using one more often. I like how this particular one can be used alone or under a polish. Out of all the topcoats I've used, Hardwear Topcoat is by far my favourite. I only needed one coat and it dried instantly, great for when your in a hurry. It also leaves a lovely glossy finish to the nails but if this is something you don't like there's a matte option available. I'll be definitely repurchasing this topcoat when it ruins out. Both the topcoat and the basecoat come in big bottles as you only need one coat I can see them last forever. When I first saw the brush for both these products, I thought they were going to be a nightmare to apply but that wasn't the case at all. I've actually used the Powder Room Polish Remover in the past, I really like it, I wish it came in a bigger size bottle though. I'd definitely buy one if they did. Another thing I love about this set is that you can choose the nail polish you want. I think this just adds something special as there has been times when I see sets were I don't particularly like the shades included. Yummy Mummy is the polish that came in my set and I've been rocking it alot on my nails. It's a neutral beige shade which I think would suit anyone, perfect for everyday. I applied two coats of Yummy Mummy along with the base and topcoat to get the results below.

For €50, I don't think you can go wrong with this set. I've seen the basecoat and topcoat retail for €22.50 in some stores and the polishes are €15 on there own. This would also make a lovely gift for someone (I know I would love it) or even if you wanted to treat yourself. Butter London's Backstage Basics set is available online or from Avoca and Fran and Jane stores.

What do you think of this Butter London set? What polishes should I try next??

Laura<3

*PR Sample

Essie Nail Polishes Now Available At Boots

When I popped into Boots in Jervis St before an event on Wednesday, I was surprised to see a Essie stand. This brand was always near impossible to come across in Ireland.  I would always have to order a couple of polishes off the Beauty Bay website. Boots have a great selection, not the full range  but still some lovely shades to choose from. The layout of the stand is great as all the neutrals, blues, greens etc. are paired together which makes for easy browsing.

I bought a polish, Fiji which I adore. I got so many comments in work about it, everyone seemed to be a fan of the shade. The only thing I don't like about the polishes is the ridiculously steep price tag of €12.99. In the States you can get these for around the $8/$9 mark which converts back to less than €7. I don't understand how it's worked out at double the price here to be honest, even on Beauty Bay they cost €10.20. The nail polishes are good quality, so I'd consider buying some again but I still can't get over the price.   

What's your favourite Essie polish? Would you like to see a NOTD using Fiji? 

Laura<3

NOTD - Nicole By OPI My Lifesaver & Make U Smile

This post is a bit delayed but I thought better late than never. I attended an event on Tuesday (post soon) were they showcased alot of lovely new products that are going to hit the shelves soon. Nicole by OPI was one of the brands I was excited about seeing, all their polishes looked beautiful. I'm going to try and pick up a few soon if I can get my hands on them I can see them flying out of the shops.

At the event I got my nails done with two polishes from Nicole By OPI's Justin Bieber Collection. I cringe to say this but I do like Justin Bieber just a little. I saw him in concert nearly three years ago, when he was somewhat of nobody (to me anyway) supporting Taylor Swift. Crazy to seeing how big he is now, the man has his own line of polishes.

My Lifesaver is a gorgeous turquoise perfect for Spring, while Make U Smile is a topcoat with huge chunks of glitter. When I saw it I fell in love it's so lovely.

Aren't they so pretty together? I think they were made for each other.  I have got so many compliments on my nails in work the past two days. Everyone really liked them. I haven't taken this polish off yet and to be honest I don't really need to. This nail polish wears really well and hasn't chipped at all, even after two full days of work which is great.

What Nicole By OPI polishes have you tried?

Laura<3

Nail Polish Obsession Tag

I've only done one tag post since I started blogging, which is poor I know considering I'm at it nearly a year now. When I was tagged to this by Sunshine Rose, I really wanted to do it. This is the Nail Polish Obsession tag, I must admit I have become somewhat obsessed with nail polishes since I started All-Made-Up-21. Before this blog, I didn't realise you could get OPI and China Glaze in Dublin, now they are all within reach.

1. What's your favourite nail polish company?

OPI, with China Glaze close second. I'm really looking forward to seeing the new Hunger Games collection from the latter though.

2.Glitter Or No Glitter?
Glitter! I only wish it was easier to remove. My favourite glitter nail polishes are Teenage Dream and Last Friday Night from the Katy Perry collection. Both are a nightmare to remove though.

3.OPI, China Glaze or Essie?
If I have to choose one, I'm going to have to go with my favourites, OPI. I love their mini sets.

4.When do you change your nail polish?
Whenever it starts to chip to be honest. As I work in retail, perfect nail polish is a must. I've heard it so much by now.

5.What's your favourite colour on your nails?
Pale pinks, wearable and perfect for work.

6. Darks or Brights?
Darks for nights out or for the Winter months. Brights for Spring/Summer. I couldn't possibly choose between the two, I like a mixture!

7. What are you wearing on your nails at this very moment?
Wet n' Wild's I Need a Refresh-Mint. I got it in a makeup swap with Chie. I love this polish, it's perfect for Spring and Summer.

8. Matte Nails - in or out?
I know this is very much "In" at the moment, but I don't own that many Matte polishes. I've heard the Rimmel have their own Matte topcoat so I may pick that up.

9. French Manicure?
 I'm all for French manicures, they look so pretty. It's been a while since I've got one though because my nails keep breaking alot lately, I'll have to wait until they grow back.

10. Favourite Winter Colour?
Hmmmm Revlon's Facets Of Fuschia. I wore this shade on my nails alot during the Fall/Winter months, I love it.

 I really enjoyed this post alot so I'm going to tag all of you!! Let me know if you do this post as I'll have to give them a read.


Laura<3

My Recent Topshop Makeup Purchases

If you read my birthday post last week, you would of seen a picture of some purchases I made from Topshop's Makeup range. I've read so many blog posts featuring this range especially the nail polishes. There was no better time to treat myself to some new makeup than on my birthday. When I went into Topshop I noticed that there new seasonal collection was launched.  Sisters of the New Moon is the new Spring/Summer makeup collection for 2012. It consists of a magic liner (eyeliner), mascara, two lip products, four nail polishes and last but not least, nail tatoos.

I made a few purchases from this range as I seen so many nice bits and bobs.

Zodiac & Mesmerise

 After seeing lots of pictures online, I'm going to go out on a whim and say Zodiac looks alot like Chanel's Graphite (possible dupe?). I could be wrong as I don't own Graphite, I would love to know your thoughts. Back to the polish, the finish seen above was achieved after just two coats. I can see myself wearing this polish alot I really like it.

Charmed & Crystal

Both lip products from this collection caught my eye. I've been using the lip tint, Crystal alot. I've bought lip tints like this before, that supposedly react to your skin to create the perfect pink shade. To be honest I've never been a fan, the pink that comes out on my lips always makes me look ridiculous. Crystal is different, I adore the finished shade as it's not too bright and looks quite natural. On the other hand I haven't gotten on as well with Charmed. It's a bright tangerine shade which isn't to my liking. I'm not one to wear vibrant lipstick so I feel like this doesn't suit me one little bit. I can't for the life of me remember why I bought it. I'm going try to find some different ways to wear it on the lips.

Innocent

This purchade was from Topshop's permanent makeup range. I saw Innocent on alot of blogs and of course feel in love. When I spotted it in Topshop while browsing, I decided I had to have it. Innocent is a really nice everyday pink shade (can't get enough of them lately). The white packaging does end up looking grubby in my bag, but this is something I can look over as it's such a beautiful lipstick.

Have you tried anything from Topshop's makeup range? What should I get next?

Laura<3

MUA Love Hearts Collection

At the beginning of February, I received an invitation to the launch of MUA's Love Hearts Collection. The event was being held in London which unfortunately meant that I couldn't go as I live in Ireland. The MUA PR Team were ever so nice and offered to send me some stuff from the Love Hearts Collection, aswell as some of their newer products (review coming soon). I haven't tried many MUA products, there are only two Superdrug stores in Dublin and both are ages away from where I live, so I don't get the chance to go that often. I'm in love with their eyeshadow palettes, so of course I couldn't wait to try more products from this brand.

Isn't the packaging gorgeous?

I am obsessed with lip balms, I always have lots in my bag. The minute I seen the Love Heart lip balms online I couldn't wait to try them. The two shades I was sent were Kiss Me and Sugar Lips. Both lip balms have a gorgeous vanilla scent which is quite similar to MAC's Tinted Lip Conditioner. I do find them quite moisturising which I need as I do get dry lips. The balm can wear off so it's always best to reapply it regularly. For £2 each you can't get any better than these two products. Both balms give a sheer pop of colour to the lips. Sugar Lips is my favourite out of the two, I have my eye on a few other Love Hearts lip balms so hopefully I can get my hands on them.

I love both of these nail polishes. I <3 U is a gorgeous nude shade which is so wearable, perfect for work. Love U 24/7 is my favourite of the two, I'm a fan of purple polishes so that's probably why. The result above was acheived after only two coats. For £2/ these nail polishes are such a bargain. There are six gorgeous bright shades to choose from, I can definitely see myself getting more!

MUA Love Hearts collection is available to buy from selected Superdrug stores and online.

What have you tried from the Love Hearts Collection?

Laura<3

Essie Spring Mini Collection 2012

I don't have any Essie nail polishes in my collection. When I seen this mini set on Beautybay.com I wanted it to be my first purchase from the brand. If you've read my blog for a while now you'll know I hardly ever buy full size nail polishes. I just could never see myself finishing one so I always find myself buying mini sets.

This arrived in the post this morning and I've fallen in love already. The set contains four polishes from the Essie Spring 2012 collection. They are lovely and bright shades which will be perfect for Summer too.

Navigate Her - "A beautifully creamy Pistachio shade"
Ole Caliente - "A bold scarlet with fuchsia undertones"
Tour De Finance - "A pearly fuchsia pink"

To Buy Or Not To Buy - "A shimmering lilac with subtle blue and purple sparkles"

At first glance I think my favourite shade will be To Buy Or Not To Buy, it looks so pretty in the bottle. Keep an eye out as I will be doing a NOTD in the next few days. I'm glad I bought this set, it was great value at €13.60 for four mini polishes. I can see myself rocking these shades now and during the Summer months.

What shade would you like to see first in a Nail of the Day post??

Laura<3

OPI Mini Makeover Magic Kit

When working in a shopping centre it's hard to not look around the shops in my opinion. Innocent window shopping instantly turns into sneaky purchases here and there, which results in me leaving shops laden with bags.

One of my recent sneaky purchases was the OPI Mini Makeover Magic Nail Kit. I've seen this in the past whilst shopping but the price was ridiculous. When I seen it for this price (€21.50) I was sold.

ChipSkip Nail Lacquer Chip Preventor

Original Nail Envy Nail Strengthener

RapiDry Top Coat

Expert Touch Lacquer Remover

Expert Touch Nail Wipes

I've heard really good things about the polishes in this set, Nail Envy in particular. I know the full size bottles can get so expensive plus I would never get through them, so I'm happy with the minis. Maybe if I find one of them good I may fork out on the full size. That's rather unlikely as it would have to brilliant in my books. I really like the floral case that everything comes in. I will be using this to store my favourite mini OPI polishes when I'm travelling. I'm glad I got this kit and I can't wait to see what Nail Envy is like.

Have you tried any of the polishes in this kit?

Laura<3

NOTD - Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Strips in Frock Star

I was trying to get my hands on Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Strips for  ages until I spotted them in my local pharmacy. I have never tried nail strips before, so I was intrigued to see how they'd work. 

I picked up the shade Frock Star which you can see is a multi coloured glitter affair. I used these nail strips over Christmas as I thought they'd look great.

In each set of Salon Effects you get the following:

16 Nail Polish Strips

Cuticle Stick 

Mini File/Buffer

I like how you get 16 nail polish strips in the set. As being quite clumsy I needed to use more than ten strips. It did take me a while to get the hang of applying them, even buffing the excess strip off was a nightmare. This resulted in the loss of some polish off my nails which you can see in the picture below.

Being real polish strips they can be removed using a nail polish remover. As Frock Star is mainly glitter it did take a while to remove from my nails. I'm left undecided whether I'd purchase these again, maybe I would for upcoming holidays or a night out.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Strips retail for €8.95 and are available to buy in selected stores.

Have you tried these nail strips? What are your thoughts?

Laura<3

China Glaze Santa's Little Helpers

You probably all know my love for OPI mini nail polish sets. When I seen this one from China Glaze I was immediately drawn to it. I bought Santa's Little Helpers in Sallys in town almost three weeks ago. I already own one other China Glaze nail polish so I thought this set would be nice to add to my collection. These mini polishes are considerably larger at 9.6ml per bottle compared to OPI's 3.75ml. The whole set being €10.99 also meant it was better value than a OPI mini set which usually retails at €14.99.

Santa's Little Helpers set contains four gorgeous festive polishes.

Tinseltown

A grey/black base with different size chunks of silver glitter. I really like the look of this polish and I can't wait to try it.

Icicle

A silver polish with light shimmer.

Ring In The Red

Another glitter polish, this also has a light red shimmer running through it. Perfect for Christmas.

Velvet Bow

A deep red polish almost burgundy. I wasn't really drawn towards this shade. Saying that, I haven't tried it yet so I may change my mind.

Here is a Nail Of The Day using Icicle...

Two coats gave the finished effect above. I really like how it's not too much and very wearable.

What do you think of the Santa's Little Helpers set?

Laura<3