Nailene Goodies

Hi Dolls,

Happy Friday!

I hope you'll have a fab weekend.  At the moment I'm somewhere magical helping a gorgeous bride-to-be get ready for her big day.  So exciting!

Nailene Artificial Nail & Polish Remover - R130.00   |   Nailene Nail Studio Long Nails - R64.95   |   Nailene Studio Toes - R64.95   |   Nailene Nail Glue - R34.95

 * All nailene products available at Clicks *

I almost never get my nails done professionally, I get terribly bored with my nails so it totally defeats the purpose.  I have no idea what it is, but by the 2nd week I have to repaint my nails, and yes, I do envy people with awesome nail art done by professionals.

Nailene is one of my favorite brands for stick-on-nails, I've blogged about them before so they're a trusted brand that I know works.  Now I don't care if french tips are considered 90's - I love the look of it, it's classic and chic and truthfully in my opinion never goes out of style.   Normally I'll choose the medium or short length, but this time I got the long ones as we'll take loads of wedding pictures and dramatic looks good on photo's.  

You want to know my trick on making nail polish last ages?  Apply them over stick-on's.  Seriously, if you're looking for a mani that'll last ages this is the way to go.  I almost never have natural nails, 99 % of the time I have stick-on's over my nails.  Not only is it a good way to save money, but it minimizes damage to your own nails, as I only file it softly to remove shine, don't go crazy like I've seen at some salons, you're not suppose to file away your nail!  These babies lasts until I remove them with the artificial nail remover, whether it be a month or two.  So it's absolutely worth it.  

I've never tried the toe stick-on's so it's a first for me, but they look nice so am excited to try them out.  If your nail routine is the same as mine, this remover is a must have.  You just dip your nail in for a few seconds, twist and turn and voila - nail has been removed.  It's quick and easy and the smell is nice, unlike acetone which has such a strong smell.  I'm not sure why but normally Nailene nails come with glue, but I noticed that both of these didn't have it in, so I'm not sure if this is the new way for Nailene, not that I'm complaining, the glue wasn't that expensive.

Stick-on's have gotten such a bad rap in the past, but honestly, they look as good as professionally done nails, they shape according to your nail shape and looks gorgeous.

Love,

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New In & First Impressions: Mavala Nail Care

Hi Pretties,

Mavala must be one of the oldest brands around today, their company was started in 1959 and they're manufactured in Switzerland.  With over 50 years experience, you can be sure that have earned their title as specialists in the nail care field.

Mavala Protective Base Coat 002 *

Mavala Colorfix Top Coat *

Mavala Nail Color Cream in Ginza 288 *

Available online

 

Mavala Protective Base Coat 002:

 

~  Protects nails and prevents colour from staining nails

~  Improves adherence of nail polish

 

Mavala 002 forms a flexible barrier between nails and colour that absorbs shocks and prevents colour from staining nails, doubles life of your manicure.

 

Mavala Colorfix Top Coat:

 

~  Super gloss and prevents chipping of nail polish

 

Colorfix Flexible Top Coat reinforced with acryl, dries to a hard elastic glaze that enhances the lustre of your nail polish.  Adds an armour coating that protects against chipping and peeling.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

 

I can see why these have been raved about by other bloggers, just by the packaging you can see they're in a different league and not just another nail polish.  I haven't had time to try these out yet, apart from the swatches I've done to get a feel of how it works.  The base coat is a lovely transparent blue, and I'm excited to see if the acryl-ingredient actually makes nails harder and if it actually helps with chipping.  Saying that, with so many decades of experience I'm sure they've refined their formula to achieve this.

 

The nail polish colour is so pretty!  It's a rosy colour with the most beautiful golden sparkle ~ this is a very natural colour that will go with any outfit and I think is particularly pretty for winter, it reminds me of that in-between leave colour in Autumn.

 

Do you have any favourite Mavala products?



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{Review} SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Sage Creme

Hi Lovelies,

I hope your Monday wasn't too blue today?

I'm getting really excited for our weekend away!  Although I do have a fear of flying, I'm not sure how that's going to do down cause I do tend to get quite anxious on flights, but nevertheless, I'll grin and bear it :)

 

"Beauty is the spontaneous expression of a harmonious mind, body & spirit."

SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Sage Creme - 15ml R105.00 {Available in Salons and Spa's nationwide or online at Style36 *

 

SpaRitual is a vegan and cruelty free nail product line, free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin.  Each SpaRitual Nail Lacquer comes with a sleek patented cap, is easy to open with a non-slip grip while applying the product, their bottles is also crafted in Italy from reusable glass with up to 50% recycled materials and is recyclable with proper care.  Their nail lacquers are vegan because they use Mica in their shimmers instead of Guanine (fish scales).

 

I must admit I've never tried anything from the SpaRitual line, and after I received their media kit and had a browse through the polishes available, I already have quite a long wishlist.  This colour isn't normally something I would pick, I tend to be drawn to pink or turquoise ones, but after applying it on my nails I actually really like it.

 

It's a gorgeous mauve colour, the swatch is a bit darker than the polish is in real life, it's just a pretty natural colour, if you're looking for a nude wearable colour I'll highly suggest this one, it's quite flattering on light skins too but if you are darker skinned it'll have more of a nude look.

 

It dried really quickly, which helped with the fact that it's not a very pigmented colour, so one coat didn't really provide a lot of depth, but 2 - 3 coats will give a perfectly smooth and even colour.

 

Have you tried anything from the SpaRitual range?

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NOTD: Let's Get Lost

Hi Pretty Friends,

I hope you've had a fab week?

Today is an awesome day, it's overcast but very cold and I'm loving it ~ yes, apparently I'm weird like that ;)

The other day I received these two Essence nail polishes, you know that I'm a bag fan of Essence in general, and I'm obsessed with these colours.

Essence Colour & Go - Purple 132 Break Through {R19.95}   /   Turquoise 128 Let's Get Lost {R19.95} - Available from selected Clicks and Dischem stores nationwide

 

Both of these colours are so pretty, truthfully my camera doesn't do the purple justice, it's more vibrant in real life and just looks amazing.  Essence has 44 trendy shades and these two colours are new ones that just came out., I decided on doing just a simple accent nail with polka dots and of course my mandatory glitter, I don't think I ever have nails where I don't use sparkles on at least one nail.

 

What I love about the Colour & Go is that it is very glossy with a gel-shine finish, it's also fast drying which is a must for me as I love switching up nail colours often, especially if I have something special on I like to accessorise with my nail polish too, does anyone else do that?  The application is really fast, for such an affordable polish the bristles is really good quality and gives an even finish.

 

The packaging is really cute and I love the colour coded caps which is true to the nail polish colour.  I love their nail polishes especially for trendy colours, the pigmentation is medium so for a full coverage I'll suggest two coats and you'll end up with a lovely glossy mani.

 

Keep warm on this chilly Saturday, I'm super excited because hubby and I have been invited to a wine farm in Franschoek this coming weekend to attend the Bastille Festival, I cannot wait to experience fine French cuisine and wine tasting {PS - I've been trying to get wine fit as I'm not a big drinker but so far it's Alcohol 1 Me 0 LoL}, so in true French tradition I'll leave you with ...

 

Au Revoir!

 

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OOTD ft. Blackcherry Handbags & Cliphair Limited

Hi Friends,

Sending big cheery waves!!  I've not forgotten about my little bloggy, instead I've just been on a mini holiday with loads of celebrations and generally just living life ;) if you don't follow me on twitter or facebook shame on you LoL ;) just kidding!  I do updates on social networking if I take a short break like this so at least you know I'm still around.

Anyway, I have a whole list of bloggys due that I'm sure you're going to enjoy loads.

Yesterday was my hubby's birthday, it's always a big occasion at our house and it certainly was filled with loads of fun and pressies for this special man in my life.  He just gets more handsome with age, I'm lucky that I got the South-African version of George Clooney ;) though I can't help but wonder if having such a young wife doesn't help too? LoL ... We had a lovely sunny braai at our in-laws and this is the outfit that I picked:

 

 

 

 

 

And here he is!  Oh, he is going to do a feature soon about men's cologne and is currently reviewing a whole box of new ones, so if you're looking for a new cologne from a man's perspective for the special man in your life, do check back soon.

 

 Faux Leather Studded Jacket:  Mr Price

Skull Scarf:  Cotton On

White Tank:  Legit

Black Skinny Jeans:  Mr Price

Blue Studded Pumps:  Fashion Express

Blackcherry Handbag available at Zando or Sassy Chic *

Paris Hilton Watch available at Stuttafords * {Gift}

Double Wefted Clip in Hair Extensions:  Cliphair Limited *

 

This outfit is classic with a few trendy pieces, and the perfect way to incorporate trends that are very in right now without going overboard.  How awesome is this jacket?  Such a steal from Mr Price, although it was one of their most expensive pieces at around R399.00 (still super affordable compared to other stores), it's really high quality with fab zip and shoulder details.

 

You may have noticed one item that I wear often, and it's these studded pointy shoes from fashion express.  They're the perfect partner for skinny jeans, in fact, they go together like strawberry's and cream, and to top it off?  It gives the perfect illusion of skinny legs, so curvy girls, stock up on glammy shoes like these.  And of course no outfit is rounded off without a wearable but fashion forward bag like this one from Blackcherry Handbags, it's spacioius on the inside so you carry around a whole load of things you do (and don't) need ~ if you're anything like me my handbag consists of a mini wardrobe/emergency room and kitchen yes, it's rather disorganized but I just can't deal with a small bag most of the time, I'm hoping mine isn't the only chaotic around around ;) ?  Do check out their ranges online, they have so many different styles you're bound to find one you like.

 

And how amazing does my hair look ... review up soon on my clip in hair extensions :-)

 

Have a wonderful Sunday beauties! 





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New Launch: Edgars Beauty Online Store {Red Square}

Hi fellow Beauty Addicts,

Have you ever read the books from Sophie Kinsella, Shopaholic, or the very least seen the movie?  Then you shall know that as women we can NEVER have enough of shopping, and thanks to Edgars Red Square, we can now browse through hundreds of fabulous beauty products to our heart's content:

Enter online shopping heaven at:  www.redsquare.co.za

Online shopping in South Africa have sky-rocketed over the past few months, with amazing stores now available 24/7.

You can shop Red Square online store for all your make-up, skincare, fragrance and hair needs, and lucky us there is a men's section too, just in time for fathers day hoorrayy!  You'll also find major brands available my favourites being Gosh, Nails Inc., Jimmy Choo and a wide variety of celebrity fragrances.

Okay, so here's how it all works and what you can expect:

~  Free delivery for orders over R350.00, otherwise a standard delivery fee of R45.00 per order will be charged.

~  3 Free samples when you order online, plus the opportunity to review them personally and share your experience and thoughts with other women.

~  Signature gift wrapping service, a red square gift box with tissue paper and a personalized note with your message.

~  R100.00 off with your 1st online purchase of R650.00+ using voucher code:  press100 (offer valid until 30 June 2013).

~  Payment options:  Edgars, Jet, Boardman's, Legit and Thank U account cards as well as all major credit cards.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Red Square call centre on 0800 203 925.

I hope you're as excited as I am, and let me know if and when you purchase anything?

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Nailene Couture Design Nails

Hi my Lovelies,

Following on from my previous post, I got these beautiful nails for the Justin Bieber concert (which I still need to post about LoL ~ I'm trying to catch up on everything but promise it's up soon). 

I adore nail art or funky nails, and am actually waiting for an order I placed on ebay for some amazing bows, fingers crossed it gets here soon because South-African postal services have been on strike and have left consumers waiting for ever for parcels.  Anyway, look at the prettyness....

Nailene Couture Design Nails ~ R89.99 from Clicks:

 

The pack includes 24 nails, with glue, small nail file, cuticle stick and instructions (multiple languages).

 

It has the most beautiful black, grey and silver design, the nails are medium length so not too short or too long and in a square shape.

 

Application:

 

~  Make sure your nails are completely free of any residue or polishes

~  Lightly buff your nails, be careful not to buff it too much, the purpose of this step is merely to reduce shine (oil) on your nails which creates a matte foundation and helps nails to stick {oil or shine could make your nails lift}

~  Push back your cuticles lightly, cut your own nails short and shape

~  Select the right size nail

~  Apply a bit of glue on your nail as well as the stick on nail

~  Immediately apply the nail and press it firmly for about 20 - 30 seconds

 

... and voila!  There you have one nail done.

 

They last a really long time, in fact, they only come off when I soak them, and they look fabulous and natural, and they have several designs to choose from.  Most of the time I go for the french or natural look, which I often paint over anyway within a few days.

 

Note:

Nailene has made a statement to say that they do not test on animals, however, I have checked PETA and they're not listed on any of their lists, so at the moment I am taking their word for it but am a bit sceptic marking it as cruelty free. I tried searching on the internet but there's not a lot of information on it, so if you do actually know whether their statement is true or not, kindly let me know.

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{OOTD} These Boots Are Made for Walking

Hi Beauties,

I hope you've had a fantastic week? 

On Sunday hubby and I had a movie date, it's one of our favourite things to do together, it's fun and who can resist a big box of buttery popcorn and an icy cold slush puppy?  I wanted to watch Identity Theft, but as luck would have it hubby saw the new release of Tom Cruise's movie Oblivion, so instead as a good and loving wife ~ I made the ultimate sacrifice and allowed him to pick ;) LOL ... oh the drama!

Anyway, let me get down to what I wore for the day:

Chunky Sequins Jersey/Jumper ~ Ackermans

Leggings ~ Mr Price

Studded Ankle Boots ~ Ackermans (R199)!!  Yes I couldn't believe it either!

Jewellery ~ Sass Diva

Rihanna Nude R645.00 per 50ml*

 

Don't judge me, but I hadn't been into Ackermans in years!  And recently I walked past their window display and almost dislocated the joints in my neck, I could not believe what totally fabulous pieces they had!  Well done to their buying team, you guys are doing an awesome job at changing your reputation, and is now definitely one of my must visit stores monthly.

 

This chunky jumper is so gorgeous, it's the most beautiful weave of white and black, decorated with the daintiest sequins, it's big and cosy, so you can wear it like I do or as a one shoulder, it's really long in the back so you don't have to worry about flashing too much of your derriere.  And for a night out?  Pair them with faux-leather leggings, a cropped biker jacket or blazer, dangly earrings and you're ready to rock it out.

 

But the best buy of all?  These dreamy and trendy spike ankle booties!  I am in love with them!  It's made of the softest material, is so comfy, I adore the chunky heel (fashion baby), it's kind of cowboy inspired and it's adoration worthy. 

 

Don't fall victim to the head-to-toe spikes "trend" I've seen around.  It's not pretty and no one wants to look like the outcast of some backyard metal/rock group.  Get one statement piece and allow it to take centre stage.

 

I paired some fabulous silver jewellery pieces with my outfit, and decided that I quite liked the look of my Michael Kors inspired rose gold watch from Sass Diva.  For colour I used this beautiful coral clutch bag from Mr Price.

 

One of my recent favourite perfumes have been Rihanna Nude, my hubby adores the smell so I found it fitting to wear on our date {PS Am I the only one that has perfumes for certain events i.e dates, work, home etc LoL?}, with layers of guava, mandarin and pear which opens into a sultry softness with orange blossom, gardenia petals and velvet jasmin sambac, notes of sandalwood, musk and feminine hints of vanilla orchid, makes this a unique, fresh and sexy scent - Just like Rihanna!  Look out for this lovely fragrance in stores now, they're available in 30ml and 50ml.

 

I hope you enjoyed this outfit pretties?  Have you been into Ackermans recently?

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