Eventually, I decided on these four - Liar, Rush, Violate - all with a cream finish - and Hitch Hike - a comfort matte. It was these two finishes within the range that I was immediately drawn to as I like my lipsticks pigmented yet comfortable on the lips. There are also the mega matte, metallized, sheer and sheer shimmer finishes available - so if it's variety you're after then this lot are a pretty safe bet.
Starting with what for me, is the most daring pick of the four - Violate is a dusty purple with a pink undertone, but, unlike a lot of similar shades, doesn't wash you out at all. I'm thinking of going blonder soon and so the thought behind this one was that it would fab with platinum locks and a tonne of smudged out black liner. More of a 'standard' shade (for me at least) is Liar - bordering on a peach but leaning ever so slightly towards the pinky-nude bracket. It's one of those every day colours that would look even better with a tan and a base with a bit of golden glow. And then there's Rush - a pinky-mauve which again would suit most skin tones and is one of those effortless shades that requires minimal maintenance.
I love how nourishing the cream formula of these is along with how it sits so nicely on the lips - yet despite this, it lasts well. I gave it it's first test run on Friday morning for work and it stuck around for a good 3-4 hours before I felt the need to top up. Plus, the fact that it applies so evenly means that it fades tidily without any obvious patches.
Much of the same can be said about Hitch Hike - a stunning brick rose - this time in the comfort matte formula. It reminds me a lot of MAC's Brick-o-la, yet I prefer it thanks to the finish which makes it longer-lasting without drying out your lips and accentuating any patches that aren' quite as smooth as they might be.
Though I am yet to thoroughly road test the shades I have picked up, so far I am a big fan of them and can definitely see myself going back and picking up more - perhaps even trying out some of the other finishes and more adventurous shades. One thing I would advise before going into store though, would be to download the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick app (available on all Apple devices), that allows you try the shades on before you buy! It can be a little overwhelming when all one hundred lipsticks are sat in front of you at once, and so I think this is a great idea to help you decide what you're after beforehand.
You can browse the entire Vice Lipstick collection here, along with the fifty corresponding lip liners that have been released. Currently retailing at what I would consider to be a very reasonable £15, in my opinion you're really getting a bargain as on first impression I would without doubt compare them to some much pricier high end counterparts.
Have you tried anything from the new Vice collection yet? Have any of the shades caught your eye?
Sarah x
Eventually, I decided on these four - Liar, Rush, Violate - all with a cream finish - and Hitch Hike - a comfort matte. It was these two finishes within the range that I was immediately drawn to as I like my lipsticks pigmented yet comfortable on the lips. There are also the mega matte, metallized, sheer and sheer shimmer finishes available - so if it's variety you're after then this lot are a pretty safe bet.
Starting with what for me, is the most daring pick of the four - Violate is a dusty purple with a pink undertone, but, unlike a lot of similar shades, doesn't wash you out at all. I'm thinking of going blonder soon and so the thought behind this one was that it would fab with platinum locks and a tonne of smudged out black liner. More of a 'standard' shade (for me at least) is Liar - bordering on a peach but leaning ever so slightly towards the pinky-nude bracket. It's one of those every day colours that would look even better with a tan and a base with a bit of golden glow. And then there's Rush - a pinky-mauve which again would suit most skin tones and is one of those effortless shades that requires minimal maintenance.
I love how nourishing the cream formula of these is along with how it sits so nicely on the lips - yet despite this, it lasts well. I gave it it's first test run on Friday morning for work and it stuck around for a good 3-4 hours before I felt the need to top up. Plus, the fact that it applies so evenly means that it fades tidily without any obvious patches.
Much of the same can be said about Hitch Hike - a stunning brick rose - this time in the comfort matte formula. It reminds me a lot of MAC's Brick-o-la, yet I prefer it thanks to the finish which makes it longer-lasting without drying out your lips and accentuating any patches that aren' quite as smooth as they might be.
Though I am yet to thoroughly road test the shades I have picked up, so far I am a big fan of them and can definitely see myself going back and picking up more - perhaps even trying out some of the other finishes and more adventurous shades. One thing I would advise before going into store though, would be to download the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick app (available on all Apple devices), that allows you try the shades on before you buy! It can be a little overwhelming when all one hundred lipsticks are sat in front of you at once, and so I think this is a great idea to help you decide what you're after beforehand.
You can browse the entire Vice Lipstick collection here, along with the fifty corresponding lip liners that have been released. Currently retailing at what I would consider to be a very reasonable £15, in my opinion you're really getting a bargain as on first impression I would without doubt compare them to some much pricier high end counterparts.
Have you tried anything from the new Vice collection yet? Have any of the shades caught your eye?
Sarah x
found in
beauty
If you’re a regular visitor around these parts, you will know
that I have a tendency to spend my lunch hours lingering around the counter in
store – constantly swatching and sniffing what’s on offer, and am a
particularly big fan of the beautiful lipsticks and nail lacquers in the
range (Ruby Rush and Scarlet Chinois are, without doubt, my favourite classic red pairing).
This time
though I opted to try out some of their
eye make up – the much talked about Eye Defining Pen in ‘Deeper’* and one of the
incredibly beautiful Eye Colour Quads in ‘Nude Dip’*.
If eyeliner is normally
your nemesis, then the former is definitely for you as it makes application
such a breeze and sticks around so well that it means the usual worries of
having to faff around to ensure an even wing and to avoid transfer are
made a thing of the past. This stuff
wont budge and is so pigmented – it really is the blackest black. In
addition, the fact that your are provided with two liners – one slight shorter
and stumpier, the other longer and finer – means that no matter what your eye
shape it is easy to achieve the perfect line and create definition by getting
right into the lash line/any spots you might otherwise miss. I also really love
how gloriously weighty it feels, which, for me, makes it easier to manoeuvre
than the vast majority of liners out there. If you’re a big fan of a feline
flick then I’d say it’s worth investing in this as despite the hefty price tag,
it won’t be easily beaten.
The Eye Colour Quad itself is, as you would expect – fantastic quality again, with a buttery, super blendable collection of shades ranging from a golden champagne to a deep brown - each with a slight satin finish. Though very pretty, there isn’t anything particularly unique about each shade on its own, but as a collection they work beautifully and the convenience of being able to cart them around in such a stunning little one stop compact makes it worth the price tag for me. There is an incredibly beautiful range of shades within the Quads available. Two of my favourites are Seductive Rose – a mix of lighter pinks, mauves along with a deep sumptuous plum, and Honeymoon – a set of warm toned neutrals including a couple of striking coppery shades and a rich, frosted cranberry.
The Eye Colour Quad itself is, as you would expect – fantastic quality again, with a buttery, super blendable collection of shades ranging from a golden champagne to a deep brown - each with a slight satin finish. Though very pretty, there isn’t anything particularly unique about each shade on its own, but as a collection they work beautifully and the convenience of being able to cart them around in such a stunning little one stop compact makes it worth the price tag for me. There is an incredibly beautiful range of shades within the Quads available. Two of my favourites are Seductive Rose – a mix of lighter pinks, mauves along with a deep sumptuous plum, and Honeymoon – a set of warm toned neutrals including a couple of striking coppery shades and a rich, frosted cranberry.
I feel like
sometimes the Tom Ford make up line can be overlooked in favour of their
fragrances, which, are without doubt some of the most spectacular on the
market. If you really want to treat yourself though and you have the budget,
then I would highly recommend checking out the fabulous range of products on
offer. There isn’t one that I have tried that I haven’t been thoroughly
impressed with so far, and that I haven’t felt like a princess whilst
wearing/applying it. Next on my list is the Shade and Illuminate compact – this might be the start of a slight obsession!
Whether you want to
spoil yourself or are just looking for a special gift for the make-up lover in
your life, you can find the entire range online here, or alternatively, pop into your local John Lewis store (just
don’t blame me when you return home having spent a small fortune!).
Are
there any of the Tom Ford products that are currently on your wishlist? I’d be
interested to know what other ‘must haves’ I might need to invest in!
Sarah
x
If you’re a regular visitor around these parts, you will know
that I have a tendency to spend my lunch hours lingering around the counter in
store – constantly swatching and sniffing what’s on offer, and am a
particularly big fan of the beautiful lipsticks and nail lacquers in the
range (Ruby Rush and Scarlet Chinois are, without doubt, my favourite classic red pairing).
This time
though I opted to try out some of their
eye make up – the much talked about Eye Defining Pen in ‘Deeper’* and one of the
incredibly beautiful Eye Colour Quads in ‘Nude Dip’*.
If eyeliner is normally
your nemesis, then the former is definitely for you as it makes application
such a breeze and sticks around so well that it means the usual worries of
having to faff around to ensure an even wing and to avoid transfer are
made a thing of the past. This stuff
wont budge and is so pigmented – it really is the blackest black. In
addition, the fact that your are provided with two liners – one slight shorter
and stumpier, the other longer and finer – means that no matter what your eye
shape it is easy to achieve the perfect line and create definition by getting
right into the lash line/any spots you might otherwise miss. I also really love
how gloriously weighty it feels, which, for me, makes it easier to manoeuvre
than the vast majority of liners out there. If you’re a big fan of a feline
flick then I’d say it’s worth investing in this as despite the hefty price tag,
it won’t be easily beaten.
The Eye Colour Quad itself is, as you would expect – fantastic quality again, with a buttery, super blendable collection of shades ranging from a golden champagne to a deep brown - each with a slight satin finish. Though very pretty, there isn’t anything particularly unique about each shade on its own, but as a collection they work beautifully and the convenience of being able to cart them around in such a stunning little one stop compact makes it worth the price tag for me. There is an incredibly beautiful range of shades within the Quads available. Two of my favourites are Seductive Rose – a mix of lighter pinks, mauves along with a deep sumptuous plum, and Honeymoon – a set of warm toned neutrals including a couple of striking coppery shades and a rich, frosted cranberry.
The Eye Colour Quad itself is, as you would expect – fantastic quality again, with a buttery, super blendable collection of shades ranging from a golden champagne to a deep brown - each with a slight satin finish. Though very pretty, there isn’t anything particularly unique about each shade on its own, but as a collection they work beautifully and the convenience of being able to cart them around in such a stunning little one stop compact makes it worth the price tag for me. There is an incredibly beautiful range of shades within the Quads available. Two of my favourites are Seductive Rose – a mix of lighter pinks, mauves along with a deep sumptuous plum, and Honeymoon – a set of warm toned neutrals including a couple of striking coppery shades and a rich, frosted cranberry.
I feel like
sometimes the Tom Ford make up line can be overlooked in favour of their
fragrances, which, are without doubt some of the most spectacular on the
market. If you really want to treat yourself though and you have the budget,
then I would highly recommend checking out the fabulous range of products on
offer. There isn’t one that I have tried that I haven’t been thoroughly
impressed with so far, and that I haven’t felt like a princess whilst
wearing/applying it. Next on my list is the Shade and Illuminate compact – this might be the start of a slight obsession!
Whether you want to
spoil yourself or are just looking for a special gift for the make-up lover in
your life, you can find the entire range online here, or alternatively, pop into your local John Lewis store (just
don’t blame me when you return home having spent a small fortune!).
Are
there any of the Tom Ford products that are currently on your wishlist? I’d be
interested to know what other ‘must haves’ I might need to invest in!
Sarah
x
found in
beauty
Cream cleansers are one of my favourite products when it comes to wanting my
skin to feel plump and nourished. I’d had my eye on this one for a while but
had wanted to use up my Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Cleanser before
splashing out (another lovely product, especially if you are on a budget).
After eventually deciding to invest though, I am so glad I did. The formula is
so soothing – packed with nutrient rich ingredients like avocado oil and
marigold flower, and contains vinanza oxifend which helps combat any
inflammation/redness/irritability. Though the product itself claims to be scent
free, personally I find that there is a slight scent to it which is delicate and has a hint of floral. It isn’t at all overpowering though and I actually
find it to be one of the main reasons that I enjoy using this cleanser so much
– spending ages massaging in it as it feels so nourishing and luxurious. I use
it as a second cleanse in the evening and also use a small amount on its own
in the morning, leaving my skin feeling clean, calm and super soft. If you
suffer with sensitive skin then this is definitely one to try.
Now I must be honest here – this was a completely accidental
purchase! I had been perusing what was on offer at The Cosmetics Company Store
- hoping to find a few bargains - and spotted the Amber Musk Body Cream. I
already own Aerin’s Evening Rose Body Cream which smells incredible and is beautifully
moisturising, and, with one sniff I decided I needed this one too. However, in
my excitement I picked up the wrong box and only discovered when I got home,
after unwrapping it, that this was the case. Not one to be deterred, I tried
the body wash out that evening in my bath as part of a little pamper sesh. It
created fabulous bubbles, and filled the whole of upstairs (never mind just the
bathroom), with its beautiful scent encompassing a mix of slight floral hints,
amber and deep creamy musk. My favourite part though, was how this lingered on
my skin even the next day. I love the Aerin fragrances, but if you’re looking
to save a few pennies, then picking up the body wash instead might just
suffice, as it lasts for just as long on the skin! Considering I only picked
this up two weeks ago, I am already
nearing the end of the bottle – a rarity for me when it comes to body products.
It’s also so much less faff than using a body cream and so I think I get my
moneys worth through that fact alone, as so many of my body moisturisers lie
unused for weeks thanks to nothing but sheer laziness on my part!
Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in ‘Adrienne’
This is actually the first
‘neutral’ Chanel lipstick that I have picked up. For some reason, before this
(and very unlike me) – the others all fell into the pink category with one
coral – the latter being the only one I have really gotten any wear out of
since purchasing. I had nipped into John Lewis to see if I could pick up a couple of the new summer nail polishes the day
before they hit the shelves. Having heard a few people mention ‘Adrienne’ as being one of those
perfect everyday shades, I went and gave it a swatch whilst the lovely lady on
the counter went in the back to search for me. I was expecting it to be similar
to one of the many other day to day shades I have in my collection, but I was pleasantly surprised. I love peachy tones, but find them hard to pull off, and they also more often than not, tend to go patchy and cling to my naturally rosy lips.
Yet this shade has a very slight hint of brown to it mixed in with a muted
peach undertone and does none of the above. It suits my pale skin tone
beautifully and would, I should imagine, suit most skin tones. The formula is
of course hydrating and feels remarkably comfortable on the lips – containing
mimosa, jojoba and sunflower plant butters to nourish and condition. At last, a
no fuss Chanel shade that I can rely on to carry me throughout the day!
Whilst meandering around my local
Space NK a few weeks back, I noticed that they had acquired a new Smith and
Cult stand (they hadn’t stocked the brand there previously). ‘Bitter Buddhist’
had been on my wishlist for a while but had been sold out online the last time
I checked and so I saw this as fate intervening and picked up a bottle. I have
a couple of Smith and Cult polishes already, and though the colours (not to
mention the packaging) are beautiful, I can’t say that I am a huge fan of
either the brush or the formula – though far from terrible, they’re nothing
special in my eyes. However, I do find them to last well, and, in this case, it
has been the beautiful unique opaque celadon green (or as I like to think of it
– mix between a dusky blue and a mint), that has had me hooked. I must say
though, after picking up a selection of the latest Essie Gel Couture range last
week (see my previous post), I can’t see me straying far away from them for the
foreseeable!
My biggest bug bare is my brows and I am
always switching the products up that I use to try and achieve the fuller, more
natural effect I‘m going for. One of my all time faves though, which I have
repurchased a number of times now is the Anastasia Brow Wizz – its fine nib,
non waxy formula and great range of shades meaning it caters to all my needs.
The new brow definer in the range, caught my eye though as it combines what to
me feels like the same formula (though I have heard others comment differently
saying it is a little waxier), the same great range of shades (I use medium
brown by the way), but also with the flexibility of a nib that allows for
defined strokes yet quicker application at the same time. Personally, having
quite sparse brows – I find it much easier to obtain a natural shape with this,
especially at the front of the brow, thanks to the wider nib that also has a
pointed end for more precision. Once this is pressed flat, it does a great job
at mimicking brow hairs on its own and also works wonders at lengthening and
filling in any barer patches. It appears very similar to one of the products
Benefit are set to launch as part of their new overhauled brow range – the Goof Proof Brow Pencil, which, coincidentally, comes alongside a finer nibbed
option – the Precisely My Brow Pencil – and so I will have to put these
to the test and do a comparison at some point. For now though, I am pretty
content with this latest option.
Have you tried out any of
these products? What beauty bits have you been enjoying using this month?
Sarah
x
Cream cleansers are one of my favourite products when it comes to wanting my
skin to feel plump and nourished. I’d had my eye on this one for a while but
had wanted to use up my Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Cleanser before
splashing out (another lovely product, especially if you are on a budget).
After eventually deciding to invest though, I am so glad I did. The formula is
so soothing – packed with nutrient rich ingredients like avocado oil and
marigold flower, and contains vinanza oxifend which helps combat any
inflammation/redness/irritability. Though the product itself claims to be scent
free, personally I find that there is a slight scent to it which is delicate and has a hint of floral. It isn’t at all overpowering though and I actually
find it to be one of the main reasons that I enjoy using this cleanser so much
– spending ages massaging in it as it feels so nourishing and luxurious. I use
it as a second cleanse in the evening and also use a small amount on its own
in the morning, leaving my skin feeling clean, calm and super soft. If you
suffer with sensitive skin then this is definitely one to try.
Now I must be honest here – this was a completely accidental
purchase! I had been perusing what was on offer at The Cosmetics Company Store
- hoping to find a few bargains - and spotted the Amber Musk Body Cream. I
already own Aerin’s Evening Rose Body Cream which smells incredible and is beautifully
moisturising, and, with one sniff I decided I needed this one too. However, in
my excitement I picked up the wrong box and only discovered when I got home,
after unwrapping it, that this was the case. Not one to be deterred, I tried
the body wash out that evening in my bath as part of a little pamper sesh. It
created fabulous bubbles, and filled the whole of upstairs (never mind just the
bathroom), with its beautiful scent encompassing a mix of slight floral hints,
amber and deep creamy musk. My favourite part though, was how this lingered on
my skin even the next day. I love the Aerin fragrances, but if you’re looking
to save a few pennies, then picking up the body wash instead might just
suffice, as it lasts for just as long on the skin! Considering I only picked
this up two weeks ago, I am already
nearing the end of the bottle – a rarity for me when it comes to body products.
It’s also so much less faff than using a body cream and so I think I get my
moneys worth through that fact alone, as so many of my body moisturisers lie
unused for weeks thanks to nothing but sheer laziness on my part!
Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in ‘Adrienne’
This is actually the first
‘neutral’ Chanel lipstick that I have picked up. For some reason, before this
(and very unlike me) – the others all fell into the pink category with one
coral – the latter being the only one I have really gotten any wear out of
since purchasing. I had nipped into John Lewis to see if I could pick up a couple of the new summer nail polishes the day
before they hit the shelves. Having heard a few people mention ‘Adrienne’ as being one of those
perfect everyday shades, I went and gave it a swatch whilst the lovely lady on
the counter went in the back to search for me. I was expecting it to be similar
to one of the many other day to day shades I have in my collection, but I was pleasantly surprised. I love peachy tones, but find them hard to pull off, and they also more often than not, tend to go patchy and cling to my naturally rosy lips.
Yet this shade has a very slight hint of brown to it mixed in with a muted
peach undertone and does none of the above. It suits my pale skin tone
beautifully and would, I should imagine, suit most skin tones. The formula is
of course hydrating and feels remarkably comfortable on the lips – containing
mimosa, jojoba and sunflower plant butters to nourish and condition. At last, a
no fuss Chanel shade that I can rely on to carry me throughout the day!
Whilst meandering around my local
Space NK a few weeks back, I noticed that they had acquired a new Smith and
Cult stand (they hadn’t stocked the brand there previously). ‘Bitter Buddhist’
had been on my wishlist for a while but had been sold out online the last time
I checked and so I saw this as fate intervening and picked up a bottle. I have
a couple of Smith and Cult polishes already, and though the colours (not to
mention the packaging) are beautiful, I can’t say that I am a huge fan of
either the brush or the formula – though far from terrible, they’re nothing
special in my eyes. However, I do find them to last well, and, in this case, it
has been the beautiful unique opaque celadon green (or as I like to think of it
– mix between a dusky blue and a mint), that has had me hooked. I must say
though, after picking up a selection of the latest Essie Gel Couture range last
week (see my previous post), I can’t see me straying far away from them for the
foreseeable!
My biggest bug bare is my brows and I am
always switching the products up that I use to try and achieve the fuller, more
natural effect I‘m going for. One of my all time faves though, which I have
repurchased a number of times now is the Anastasia Brow Wizz – its fine nib,
non waxy formula and great range of shades meaning it caters to all my needs.
The new brow definer in the range, caught my eye though as it combines what to
me feels like the same formula (though I have heard others comment differently
saying it is a little waxier), the same great range of shades (I use medium
brown by the way), but also with the flexibility of a nib that allows for
defined strokes yet quicker application at the same time. Personally, having
quite sparse brows – I find it much easier to obtain a natural shape with this,
especially at the front of the brow, thanks to the wider nib that also has a
pointed end for more precision. Once this is pressed flat, it does a great job
at mimicking brow hairs on its own and also works wonders at lengthening and
filling in any barer patches. It appears very similar to one of the products
Benefit are set to launch as part of their new overhauled brow range – the Goof Proof Brow Pencil, which, coincidentally, comes alongside a finer nibbed
option – the Precisely My Brow Pencil – and so I will have to put these
to the test and do a comparison at some point. For now though, I am pretty
content with this latest option.
Have you tried out any of
these products? What beauty bits have you been enjoying using this month?
Sarah
x
found in
beauty
As soon as I heard about the latest Essie releases to hit the shelves, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. The Gel Couture polishes come in twenty-five new shades; A mix of darks, brights, pastels/neutrals, nudes and pinks, as well as a new gel top coat to use alongside. They retail at £9.99 a pop, though Superdrug is currently offering buy one get one half price (hence why I ended up picking up five on this occasion!).
Essie is without doubt my favourite nail polish brand on the market, with what is in my opinion - the best range of shades, the most effective formula, and of course having lead the way with those thick 'one stroke' brushes that we all now know and love. I hunted high and low the day this lovely lot were released (June 1st) to find them, and after trying every Boots and Superdrug in Liverpool city centre I eventually tracked them down in the Superdrug on Parker Street (for anyone else having the same issue!).
It might just be the fact that we are within the warmer months now, but I was much more drawn to the lighter pastel and nude shades once I had the chance to inspect them up close, and ended up adding the following four to my collection;
Part of the 'Nudes' collection within the range - Sew Me is a creamy caramel rose with what I would also describe as having a very slight touch of peach to it. I could quite easily have picked up all of the colours in this collection as they were so super flattering (it's rare that I can find a nude that doesn't wash out my pale skin). 'Fairy Tailor' and 'Spool Me Over' are next on my list.
This is described as being a 'ladylike pink', but after trying it out I would say that it applies and dries less dusky and a little brighter than it appears in the bottle. More of a muted barbie pink, but still a very pretty one and flattering nonetheless as it still isn't too in your face like I find a lot of lighter pink shades to be.
The first of the colours from the 'neutral/pastel' collection that I picked up - this reminds me a lot of Essie's 'Merino Cool' (one of my faves), and is a plush taupe - grey with a lilacy tinge. It's one of those 'go to' shades that you could slap on and wear no matter what the time of year, no matter what the occasion.
Definitely the most unique shade amongst the four I chose - a slinky satin mint, that has a very slight iridescent shimmer to it which appears in the bottle but that isn't as detectable once applied (it more or less just adds to the shine). Again, it's particularly flattering against pale skin for such a light shade, and I am super pleased to have finally found a mint green that suits me.
![]() |
Left to right; Top Coat, Stitch by Stitch, Sew Me, Take Me To Thread, Zip Me Up |
I was pretty sure that I was going to like these polishes having read the reviews, even before I had seen them in the flesh - and I have not been disappointed. Though it is perhaps a little early to comment on their longevity as yet, (I have only been wearing the shade I have on now for four days - so far so good though!) I am completely in love with the formula and am amazed at how even the lightest shades apply beautifully with the signature wide brush and only require one coat for a flawless finish.
They give a hefty amount of shine with a gel finish on their own, but with the addition of the top coat, provide you what I would consider to be a salon quality manicure with minimal effort required.
Essie say that the polishes can last fourteen days - chip free, and so I will report back as to whether this claim turns out to ring true. However, for the beautiful formula (hence easy application) alone, I would highly recommend trying these out for yourself if you get the chance. My only criticism, is that of the forty-two shades being released in the US, we in the UK are only getting twenty-five of them! Fingers crossed this will change soon though, as there are plenty more that I already have my eye on...
Sarah x
As soon as I heard about the latest Essie releases to hit the shelves, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. The Gel Couture polishes come in twenty-five new shades; A mix of darks, brights, pastels/neutrals, nudes and pinks, as well as a new gel top coat to use alongside. They retail at £9.99 a pop, though Superdrug is currently offering buy one get one half price (hence why I ended up picking up five on this occasion!).
Essie is without doubt my favourite nail polish brand on the market, with what is in my opinion - the best range of shades, the most effective formula, and of course having lead the way with those thick 'one stroke' brushes that we all now know and love. I hunted high and low the day this lovely lot were released (June 1st) to find them, and after trying every Boots and Superdrug in Liverpool city centre I eventually tracked them down in the Superdrug on Parker Street (for anyone else having the same issue!).
It might just be the fact that we are within the warmer months now, but I was much more drawn to the lighter pastel and nude shades once I had the chance to inspect them up close, and ended up adding the following four to my collection;
Part of the 'Nudes' collection within the range - Sew Me is a creamy caramel rose with what I would also describe as having a very slight touch of peach to it. I could quite easily have picked up all of the colours in this collection as they were so super flattering (it's rare that I can find a nude that doesn't wash out my pale skin). 'Fairy Tailor' and 'Spool Me Over' are next on my list.
This is described as being a 'ladylike pink', but after trying it out I would say that it applies and dries less dusky and a little brighter than it appears in the bottle. More of a muted barbie pink, but still a very pretty one and flattering nonetheless as it still isn't too in your face like I find a lot of lighter pink shades to be.
The first of the colours from the 'neutral/pastel' collection that I picked up - this reminds me a lot of Essie's 'Merino Cool' (one of my faves), and is a plush taupe - grey with a lilacy tinge. It's one of those 'go to' shades that you could slap on and wear no matter what the time of year, no matter what the occasion.
Definitely the most unique shade amongst the four I chose - a slinky satin mint, that has a very slight iridescent shimmer to it which appears in the bottle but that isn't as detectable once applied (it more or less just adds to the shine). Again, it's particularly flattering against pale skin for such a light shade, and I am super pleased to have finally found a mint green that suits me.
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Left to right; Top Coat, Stitch by Stitch, Sew Me, Take Me To Thread, Zip Me Up |
I was pretty sure that I was going to like these polishes having read the reviews, even before I had seen them in the flesh - and I have not been disappointed. Though it is perhaps a little early to comment on their longevity as yet, (I have only been wearing the shade I have on now for four days - so far so good though!) I am completely in love with the formula and am amazed at how even the lightest shades apply beautifully with the signature wide brush and only require one coat for a flawless finish.
They give a hefty amount of shine with a gel finish on their own, but with the addition of the top coat, provide you what I would consider to be a salon quality manicure with minimal effort required.
Essie say that the polishes can last fourteen days - chip free, and so I will report back as to whether this claim turns out to ring true. However, for the beautiful formula (hence easy application) alone, I would highly recommend trying these out for yourself if you get the chance. My only criticism, is that of the forty-two shades being released in the US, we in the UK are only getting twenty-five of them! Fingers crossed this will change soon though, as there are plenty more that I already have my eye on...
Sarah x
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beauty
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