Summer shades for your nails

Recently I have stopped painting my nails in favour of having one of Jessica's 'Geleration' manicures. They're really great and are chip resistant, lasting for about 2 weeks. Although they are not as damaging to your nails as Acrylic or Gel nails, I still like to have a bit of a break from them.

I also use this as a good excuse to dig out all my polishes and have a change of colour. I must admit, for ease I do generally tend to stick to either a french manicure polish or a very dark brown, however with the lovely sunshine over the last few days I have been experimenting with some brighter colours to match my summer wardrobe.

Like with most beauty products, I am obsessed with buying nail varnish and love stocking up whenever I hit the shops. So I thought I'd share with you my top ten summer shades. Most are available either online or at the major drugstores.

Just to add, before painting your nails it's always best to prep them by applying a base coat, this will not only allow a smoother application but will also help prevent nail discolouration. If your nails are already slightly stained then try soaking them in lemon juice and buffing them gently with a buffer. Buffing will also remove any natural ridges on the the nail. I love Nails inc polishes and use both their 'Soho Silk' base coat and 'Miracle' nail buffer-which is both effective and pretty! After painting I seal the polish with a strengthening top coat, such as Nails inc 'Albert Bridge' or the amazing Seche Vite top coat, which also dries varnish in seconds, so is perfect if you're forever painting your nails just as you're about to leave the house (like me!).

1. Nails by Topshop in 'Paint it on'

2. Nails inc in 'Cadogan Gardens'

3. Nails inc in 'Electric Avenue'

4. Chanel Le Vernis in 503 'Inattendu'

5. Creative Nail Design in 521 'Tropic Coral'

6. Nails inc in 'Atomic' by Fabulous

                                     

7. Creative Nail Design in 348 'Hot Pop Pink'

8. Revlon Nail Enamel in 'Pineapple Fizz'

9. Nails inc in 'Omp!' by Fabulous

10. Creative Nail Design in 365 'Toxic Perfection'

Happy painting,

Olivia xxx

Mac presents Hey Sailor!

I have long been a fan of Mac make-up, which means I am always keen to see their limited edition collections. In preperation for summer they have launched their fun and beautifully packaged Hey Sailor collection-one which won't look out of place in your summer clutch-and I love it.

The red lipstick just speaks for itself and may well be a hot competitor for the very popular 'Lady Danger' lipstick, whilst the navy blue eye make-up is a brighter and more playful alternative to your evening smokey eyes.

Here are just a few of my favourites...

Lipstick in 'Red Racer'
£14

Bright, fun and seriously sexy. A great shade that can be worn night and day. Even better with a tan and bronzed make-up. Add a slick of gloss in for an evening and use a red liner to stop the colour bleeding.

Nail Varnish in 'Vestral White'
£9

A brilliant white glossy nail varnish. A definite summer shade and one best worn on short, square nails on tanned hands and feet!

To the beach bronze body oil in 'Man Rays'
£15.50

Must have. A golden, shimmer oil to highlight those bronzed pins and décolletage.

Eye shadow in 'Nautical Navy'
£12.50

Navy eyeshadow. Perfect worn with big lashes for an evening look. Apply lightly near the corner of the eye and darken towards the outer eyelid. Blend upwards to the brow with a blending brush.

Pigment in 'Old Gold'
£17

A gold, shimmery pigment. Wear with the 'Nautical Navy' eyeshadow, applying to the corner of the eye and underneath the bottom lashes to brighten up eyes and add sparkle.

High-Light powder
£21.50

Sweep this highlighter along cheekbones for a gentle, pinky-coral sheen. It's gentle hint of colour is perfect for the day when you want a fresh, wide-eyed look. Use an eyeshadow brush and sweep under the brow to accentuate the brow arch.











Olivia xxx