Review: Models Own WAH nail art pen in Black :)

Hello :) I was gutted that I couldn't go to the London launch of the Models Own/Wah nail art pens a few weeks ago *sighs*

So last week as soon as they went online I I picked up two of the newly released Models Own/WAH nail art pens from modelsownit.com. They are £6.00 each.

What Models Own say: 

'Models Own have joined forces with ultra-cool London nail Salon WAH to create a brand new collection of nail art pens. Each nail pen has a duo application system consisting of a thin nib for intricate art work along with a long thin brush to add strokes and lines. Revolutionising the at home manicure, you'll be able to create personalised, unique nails without leaving your house!'

And here they are:

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Today I am posting some quick mani's I did using the black pen:

Happy Cow :)

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Base: Models Own 'Snow White' and Essie 'good to go' topcoat

Rainbow Leopard :)

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Base: Models Own 'Snow White', For the coloured blobs I used Models Own 'Lilac Dream', 'Top Turquoise', 'Pink Punch' and 'Beths Blue' and Essie 'good to go' topcoat

Girly pink and lilac leopard print :)

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Base: Models Own 'Pink Punch', For the coloured blobs I used Models Own 'Lilac Dream' and 'Lili's Pink' and Essie 'good to go' topcoat

Its a double ended pen. One end has a fine tipped brush and the other end a pin pen style applicator. I tend to use only the pin end but I did test the brush and it was easy to create smooth lines. 

I have used the black pen a few times now and I absolutely love it! Im not normally a fan of nail art pens as the ones I have used in the past have gone on really thick and blobby as it was hard to control the polish coming out of the tip.

The consistency of the polish in the pen was really good, it applied easily and smoothly. They apply really opaque and are easy to work with so I would definitely recommend them to everyone. Cant wait to try out the white one next :)

Have any of you guys tried these yet? 

Marina 

xo

My Betsey Johnson inspired leopard print manicure :)

Hello :) Back to good old leopard print nails. 

I hope you like them as there will be more later this week when I post my review on the new Models Own nail art pens :)

This time I chose a colour combination inspired by some Betsey Johnson leopard print bags I had seen:

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What I used:

Models Own 'Lilac Dream' 2 coats

Leopard design on Konad plate M57

Konad black special stamping polish

Models Own 'Sterling silver' for the dots

Dotting tool

Essie 'Good to go' topcoat

Marina 

xo

Another DIY Project: Skull bling Ipod & Iphone cases :)

Hello :) You may remember a few weeks ago I made my first bling Iphone case with a spooky skulls and bats theme. Well I enjoyed it so much I decided to order a ton of little gemstones from ebay and give it another go :)

And on Sunday last week, my friends and I decided to bling up some Ipod cases.  I bought 10 clear hard plastic Ipod cases from ebay for £2.99! I also bought a clear hard Iphone case for myself which cost around £1.00 :)

Here is a picture of the messy craft table:

and this is what I came up with, my Ipod case:

Close up:

My Iphone case:

Close up:

As before I painted my cases in nail polish and sponged them before I got to work on decorating it. I knew I wanted skulls but my Etsy skull cameo's didn't arrive in time so I decided to utilise my Konad skull image plate and cover it in stamped skulls. I then added random rhinestones.

I am quite happy with the result *but* I still want to make a case that is covered entirely in rhinestones with a few cabochons :)

Cant wait to use these:

So what do you all think? 

Better or worse than my first effort?

Marina

xo

Haul: Konad special stamping polishes & new Konad plate

Hello :) My Konad supplies were running at dangerously low levels so I thought a little haul was in order! 

Here is what I got:

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Konad Special Staming polishes in: Black Pearl, White, Gold and Sky Pearl (all £4.99 each) and Konad image plate M59.

I have used all of these polishes before apart from the Gold one....can't wait to try it! 

Here is a closer look at the Konad plate I got:

I have not bought a new Konad plate in aaaaages! I wish Konad would release some new plates soon......maybe in time for Christmas :P

I got these items from http://blushcosmetics.com/ and I would thoroughly recommend them. They were ordered on Friday afternoon and promptly arrived on Saturday morning!

The konad Black and White special polishes are essential items for me but you can use some normal nail polishes for stamping. 

I plan on testing some of my normal polishes for stamping and will share the results for you soon :) 

Question for Konad users: What are some of your favourite non Konad polishes you use for stamping?

My fav is Miss Sporty Zodiac :)

Marina

xo

NOTD: Cupcake with Extra Sprinkles Nails (Nail art pens)

Hi :) Here is a quick little NOTD I did a while back using the nail art pens:

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What I used:

Blue base is 2 coats Models Own 'Beths Blue'

Black, red, blue, pink, yellow and blue glitter nail art pens

China Glaze wireless holographic top coat

Is anyone buying a Models Own/Wah nail art pen today? 

Marina 

xo

Review: Eylure Girls Aloud Nicola Roberts False lashes

Hi everyone :) Last week I was browsing my local Superdrug and these lashes caught my attention. I had looked at the Girls Aloud lashes when the first ones came out a few years ago but always dismissed them as nothing special and assumed the quality wouldn't be very good.

On closer inspection I noticed that they are different from most lashes I have seen as the ends are rather long and winged which is super pretty and fluttery :)

The lashes designed by Nicola Roberts, made by eyelash giants Eylure cost £5.00 and are also available from Boots (currently in the 3 for 2 offer) and some other high street stores such as New Look and Miss Selfridge.

The lovely Nicola Roberts

I am no expert when it comes to false lashes but I would say they are easy to apply and the glue wasn't too bad :) So, here they are on:

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Outfit change as I was feeling too 'boobie'.....yeah that's with the dress pinned! :P 

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Not loving the uber shimmer nude lip! 

Woah!

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I have to show you my new cute bird's nest earrings from Topshop :)

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Verdict: I think they look lovely! Like how I imagine my dream lashes would look :)  They are rather long and thick but not in a crazy drag queen Chloe Mafia/Cher Lloyd way! I think they are elegant and classy just like Nicola Roberts herself. I would buy them again and think for £5.00 they are pretty reasonable as with proper care they can be re-used quite a few times. I cant wait to try more eylure lashes!

Do any of you wear false eyelashes on a daily basis? What are your favourite falsies? 

Marina 

xo

Fruity Nails: Watermelon & Strawberry :)

Hello :) This is one I did a few months ago now.....sometimes I prepare a post, save it, then just forget about it :P

These manicures were done using my cheapo nail art pens!

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5 minutes after finishing my watermelon manicure I decided it was too thick and would smudge so I took it off and did strawberry nails!

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What I used:

Red nail art pen for both bases

Pink glitter nail art pen over the red for the watermelon nails

Black nail art pen

Green nail art pen

Models Own 'Snow White' for the white dots & line

Marina 

xo

Review: Giovanni, Smooth As Silk Xtreme, Protein Hair Infusion :)

Hello everyone :) 

I am quick to admit my hair is the absolute bane of my life!

 Its thin, damaged.....and nasty! It only looks somewhat decent when I use my clip in hair extensions (which I may review soon).

I am ALWAYS looking for the latest treatment with the hopes of improving it. I have tried pretty much everything from the uber expensive Alterna to the dirt cheap Herbal Essences and to be honest there are very few high end products I re-purchase.

I was first introduced to Giovanni Smooth As Silk Xtreme Protein Hair Infusion over 2 years ago when I was browsing the organic beauty section of my my local Grassroots (health food store). Problem was it was only available in sachet form at £2.99 a pop! Despite loving it due to the expense I moved on to other organic brands (Daniel Galvin Jnr, Jason, Lavera etc) I pretty much forgot about it.

So when I spied it there last week in a tube form for £8.99 I was overjoyed!

Here is what the lovely stuff looks like:

Here is what Giovanni have to say about this product:

'PureOrganic Technology™ for dry, damaged hair with moisturizing Shea Butter, softening Macadamia and vitamin-rich Kukui oils for smooth, hydrated, rejuvinated hair.

• combs through hair to repair extreme damage
• adds body, shine and smooth-as-silk slip
• revitalizes frayed, raspy, damaged, over-processed or coarse hair
• indulged by professionals

Shea butter, soy protein and macadamia nut oil combine to detangle, moisturize, rejuvinate and rebuild hair's raspy, frayed cuticle. The result: repaired hair that's smooth as silk!

*Contains a blend of organic oils, ripe-harvested from renewable plants at the peak of their freshness, cold pressed and refrigerated immediately to ensure maximum purity. Infuses each individual strand of hair with vitamins, nutrients and protein for strength and vitality.

Made in USA. No animal by-products, cruelty free. *Certified by Quality Assurance International. **Certified by Quality Certification Services' (Taken from http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=213804)

What I think: 

The first time I used this my hair was in a lot worse condition than it is now but even then from this first use I was amazed. Even now after every treatment my hair looks better than ever before. The main thing I noticed was the shine. My hair was so dull and for the first time in ages it had a lovely shine that not just myself but other people noticed. It leaves my hair beautifully conditioned without weighing it down and best of all....absolutely no greasyness whatsoever! 

At £8.99 for a tube its not exactly cheap but for me finding a product that lives up to hype is well worth the extra pennies. I have used it 5 times now and still have half of it left so I will probably have to re-purchase it every 2 weeks.

I would recommend this for anyone who like me has super fine yet somewhat damaged hair that craves a healthy shine. 

Rating 5/5!

Don't just take my word for it, click *here* to read reviews of this product on Drugstore.com 

Question to you all: What is your Holy Grail hair treatment? Do you suffer from fine damaged hair like me?

Marina

xo

FOTD & Squirrels! Simple eyes and another £1.00 MUA at Superdrug lippie :)

Hello :) Thought I would do a FOTD post as I hardly ever do them and I wanted to show of my lovely new MUA at Superdrug lippie. 

I previously tested the bright red one, if you want to see how that looks on, click *here*

These lipsticks are an absolute bargain at only £1.00. I did not expect them to be so opaque and vibrant.

 They go on like a dream and do surprisingly last quite well. 

Im no lipstick connoisseur (lipgloss gal at heart) but in my opinion they are well worth £1.00 and rival the very few pricey lippies I have bought in the past :)

I pared my lovely new lippie with a simple silvery grey eye:

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Obligatory uber cheesy lips and nails shot!:

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What I used:

Face: Etude House precious mineral BB cream & E.L.F Complexion Perfection Powder

Eyes: GOSH eyeshadow trio in 'Diamond Rock' mentioned *here*, Gosh Extreme Art eyeliner in Metallic Grey, L'Oreal Double Extension Renewal Serum Inside Mascara in Black

Cheeks: Nothing!

Lips: MUA at Superdrug Lipstick (Shade number 3)

I also went to the park to feed the lovely squirrels, I did of course snap some  pictures! 

:)

Shameless posing!:

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Nuts at the ready!

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Nom :)

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Marina

xo

Gosh haul & swatches of Exteme Art Liquid Eye Liners

Hello :) I thought id take advantage of the Gosh 3 for 2 offer currently on at Superdrug. I picked up 6 items but gave one to a friend which is why only 5 are pictured :)

You may remember a while back I raved about Gosh extreme art liners? If you don't click *here* for my review and swatches.

Here are the three I picked up this time:

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The swatches are pretty true to life although expect alot more metallic shimmer in real life. They are really gorgeous and like the last lot I reviewed are completely waterproof. So as before I highly recommend them. The colour selection is quite vast so there will be a colour to suit everyone. These liners are essential to my make up collection.....the easy way to add a pop of colour :)

Here is a picture taken wearing No 10 Deep Sea:

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I love it :) Cant wait to try the others!

Here are all the Gosh products I got:

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I cant wait to try them all :)

Any other Gosh fans? If so what are your favourite products?

Marina

xo

A little DIY Project: Blinged up spooky Iphone case :)

Hello :) 

I am a huge fan of those uber blinged up Iphone cases......yes I know they are SO tacky :P I would love one from http://www.crystyled.com/ but cant afford the £350 price tag!

With this in mind I decided hey why not try making my own one! 

I knew I wanted a 'spooky' theme involving skulls so when I spied some kawaii Halloween stickers in the Accesorize sale I knew my case would be based around them :)

I know nothing I make could ever be anywhere near as good as the Crystyled ones......but I had fun making it! 

So that's what I did and here is how I did it:

I bought a plain old boring white Iphone case from ebay

Painted the case using a shimmery purple nail polish, waited 10 minutes then applied a second coat. After another 10 minutes I then sponged Gosh holographic nail polish onto the surface. 

Then it looked like this:

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Once I painted the phone with the nail varnish a weird yet wonderful effect appeared before my eyes! 

I then applied my stickers, adding a dab of glue to the back of them.

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So far so good but not finished as there is no bling! 

I bough a small packet of cerise rhinestones from Hobbycraft for £2.50 which I applied again with superglue along with some random silver ones I bought ages ago for nail art. If you are going to by rhinestones for crafts/nail art it is SO much cheaper to get them on ebay......I was just impatient :P

I applied the stones using tweezers as my gem stone picker upper has been borrowed by a friend. I did try the cocktail stick with a blob of blue-tak on the end method but this did not work for me. This process can be fiddly and is time consuming depending on how many crystals you apply.

I then covered the whole thing in some clear nail polish which I got for £1.00 from the MUA range from Superdrug. 

Now I know you do not have to 'glaze' your case.....I just wanted to make sure its super secure since the stickers do not lay flat and may catch on things.

Here is the finished article:

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You will notice I did not cover it completely in rhinestones. I wanted the colour I painted/sponged the case to show through.

Some Close up's:

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It looks much better in real life as you can see a hint of the Gosh holographic polish in the sunlight :)

Here is a rather crappy/dark picture of it actually on my phone:

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Necessary cheesy pose with said case:

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Yay :) Despite the fact its far from perfect im really happy with how it turned out :) I have already been perusing ebay looking for bits and bobs to make my next one! 

So what do you think? Would you ever customise your own phone case?

Marina

xo