Shiny Nails with Sally Hansen Mega Shine

I’m a big fan of nail polishes with a shiny finish – particularly if the tone of the polish is creamy, pink, lilac or mauve as I feel if gives a lovely groomed and well..'polished' finish! However, some nail polishes do somewhat lack the shine factor but I have now found a product that when applied onto any nail polish, gives a nice shiny finish and also prevents chipping.



The product in question is Sally Hansen Mega Shine and is available in Boots in the UK for around £6.45. The nail polish that I am wearing is Maybelline’s Express Finish Pearl in shade Violet Doux and with the Sally Hansen Mega Shine used as a topcoat. I love the effect and the pop of shine isn’t too OTT but enhances the colour of the Maybelline polish.

I’m also on the hunt for the perfect metallic gold and silver nail polish. Any suggestions of some good ones to try?

xx

A Love Affair with Next

I have to say, I’ve been hugely impressed with Next over recent months. Sounds harsh but I always seem to remember it as a bit 'drab' and as my dad can never forget, the sales racks filled with stock that was kept out the back and wheeled out especially for sales time. I digress but that always makes me smile :)

So anyway, times have changed and the past few occasions I have perused the Next rails, I’ve struggled to come out empty handed – the Mulberry Alexa-a-like was a purchase I made a few weeks ago and last week I ventured in only to leave with a bag full of cosy winter goodies.

So let’s have a look at my recent Next indulgences. We all know that leather is big news this autumn winter and whilst I love the thought of slinking about in an oh-so-chic mini, I just don’t think I could pull that look off, so I opted for a more demure brown faux leather button down pencil skirt which I picked up for a very reasonable £30.



Everything seems to be adorned in fur and fluff this season and hell, I am embracing that as I love a bit of cosyness and it helps when you find these types of pieces that don’t make you look like either a 5 year old or a granny! I spied a gorgeous cropped jumper which is a cool toned blue/mauve and is so soft that it feels luxuriously indulgent against your skin and not at all rough or itchy.



This blue fur lined cardigan was also a must-have and I love the 'ice princess' colour tone of this piece.



I am very tempted to head back as there is so much choice and some amazing key items for autumn/winter.

You can take a look at the latest Next collections online here.

Marie Claire & Maybelline Bring the Beauty of New York to London

This is definitely a must see/do for all beauty lovers and I for one am very excited!

In conjunction with Fashion Week, Marie Claire has teamed up with beauty brand Maybelline whereby make-up addicts can indulge at a unique pop-up store which will be open for 10 days during London Fashion Week from 16th – 26th September.

The space will be dedicated to backstage beauty, a chance to feast your eyes on the exclusive Maybelline shades and products, and demos on how to achieve this season’s must-have catwalk looks direct from New York Fashion Week. Marie Claire will also be presenting a number of events across the 10 day period from model scouting sessions to a day with a Marie Claire stylist.

Friday 17th September is the date for your diary ladies as marks New York Day! Get yourselves involved as you will be immersed in a luxurious day of complimentary treatments and refreshments including yummy cakes and cocktails and an in-store DJ – all of course, replicating the cool, stylish and laid-back essence of New York.

As if that wasn’t enough to entice you, you can also be in with the chance of winning some amazing NY-inspired fashion goodies from brands such as Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Banana Republic, BCBG Maxazria, Gap, Ray Ban and Guess with a number of Maybelline Get the Look kits also up for grabs. You'll have the chance to win a fabulous overnight stay for two at the loft style Shoreditch hotel The Boundary and enjoy an evening of fun New York inspired cocktails and if your other half has failed to keep you whisk you away this year, there is also a chance to unleash your inner Carrie Bradshaw and win a weekend for two at the Plaza Athénée in New York.

To be in with a chance of winning these goodies throughout the week, make sure you’re following Marie Claire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/marieclaireuk and look out for the clues which will guide you to the New York inspired hampers which will be located all around the Covent Garden area in London. If you find a ‘Marie Claire fashionista’ or a ‘Maybelline Make-up Maven’ you stand a chance of bagging yourself a Marie Claire and Maybelline dollar which you will be able to use to redeem one of the New York inspired prizes.



Now, this is uber important bit - followers MUST come along with a copy of the new October issue of Marie Claire with Blake Lively on the cover (see picture below) in order to win.



Even if you don’t win any of the prizes, fear not as if you head down to the pop-up store throughout the week, you can still enjoy pampering nail treatments and manicures from the in-store manicurist and complimentary threading, plus to get your fashion fix, the opportunity to buy a Limited Edition copy of Marie Claire.

The pop-up store is located at 18 Shorts Gardens Seven Dials, Covent Garden. Open from the 16th-26th September.

See you there girlies!
xx