NOTD: Ballerina Fairie



Products Used:

O.P.I Ridge Filler

L'Oreal Opera Ballerina (2 coats)

Paul & Joe Fairie Queen 028

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat

After Layering Fairie Queen over a darker polish like Chanel Vertigo (link) I wanted to show how it look's over lighter shades and compare it to another flakie I own. I prefer the colours that come through when Fairie Queen is layered over lighter shades, the look completely changes.

GOSH Rainbow layered over Opera Ballerina

You can see both flakies are really different and I personally prefer the Paul & Joe version. The flakes are various shapes and sizes, the colours are more intense and it adds a textured look to the nails.

What's your favourite flakie?

November: Used, Abused And Reviewed.

 

 

I get through quite a few products each month but I still dont seem to be making a dent in my 'pile of crap' Am I alone? Here's what I got through this month:

Boots Nail Polish Remover: I've gone through bottle after bottle of this remover. It's dirt cheap and I usually pick it up with my points so really it's free. I'm really not fussy when it comes to remover and would never pay over 3 quid for a bottle.

Repurchase? Yes.

Lavera Organic Coconut Dreams Shower & Bath Gel: I done a post on this back in July (link) I love that it doesn't contain SLS, parabens etc and it smells good too. It lathers well for being SLS free and doesn't strip the skin at all. Definitely want to pick up some other scents.

Repurchase? Yes.

Ojon Ultra Hydrating Conditioner: The price of Ojon products just baffles me. Yes the products are good but in my opinion they aren't worth the price tag. Ultra Hydrating Conditioner leaves the hair feeling soft and conditioned but after a few uses my hair was flat and felt loaded with build up. This bottle has been knockin' around for ages so I'm glad to finally get rid of it.

Repurchase? No.

Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream: I love Elemis but this is just an average product. There's nothing bad about it, It'd be a great product for anyone just starting off with a skincare routine but I didnt notice any improvements to my skin.

Repurchase? No

Elemis Maximum Replenishing Night Cream: Same as above really. It did a good job of keeping my skin moisturised but I want and need alot more from a night cream.

Repurchase? No.

Liz Earle Superbalm: This stuff lasts forever! It's a great multi-purpose product that can be used on elbows, feet, knees, cuticles, lips or any other dry places. This came with a QVC TSV years ago and has served me well. You definitely get your moneys worth from it.

Repurchase? Yes.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail in Opera Ballerina: I adore Opera Ballerina and never shut up about it but as far as I'm concerned it's perfect. I just wish the bottles were bigger! (swatches)

Repurchase? Always.

Perricone High Potency Evening Repair: This is the only product from Perricone that actually makes a difference to how my skin looks and feels. If you have sensitive skin do a patch test first as it contains the highest levels of Retinol available in over the counter cosmetics. I did react to it but not too badly and I just loved the results too much to let it bother me. My skin felt smooth as if I'd just had a facial and when I hit my 30s I'll definitely get a full sized bottle. If you're bothered with lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dull skin, enlarged pores or surface imperfections I really recommend High Potency Evening Repair.

Repurchase? Yes.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo & Conditioner: I tried these out on my mum a while back then managed to get my hands on a  few samples for myself but I'm still not impressed. You need to use so much product each time to get any lather and Aveda isn't the cheapest brand around.

Repurchase? No.

Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser & Skin Recovery Cream: I liked both these samples even though I removed the cleanser with water and a flannel instead of tissuing off as instructed. If you have reactive skin you might enjoy these. The Skin Recovery Cream doesn't do anything other than keep your skin moisturised so it's not something I would use all the time but it's a handy product to have.

Repurchase? I'm tempted to purchase both for when my skin flares up.

Montagne Jeunesse De Clog Nose Pore Strips: I stocked up a few months back and go through a pack every month but this was my last pack. There's not much to say apart from they work and they aren't as painful to remove as some other brands I've tried.

Repurchase? Yes.

Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Anti-Ageing Day Cream*: I'm a huge fan of Barefoot Botanicals skin care. All the products are packed full of lovely ingredients and don't contain any parabens or other nasties. I done a full review back in April if you want to read more (link). The cream is almost gel like and really hydrating without being heavy.

Repurchase? Not at the minute as I'm trying out a few other day creams.

Lierac Comfort Peel: This sample came months and months ago in a Feelunique Beauty Box. I only got round to using it this week but I don't have an opinion on it as it was such a small sample.

Repurchase? No

Iroisie Ultimate BB Cream: I didn't like this at all. The texture, shade and everything else about it just doesn't float my boat.

Repurchase? No.

Have you tried any of these products?

*PR sample

Tag: 10 Products I would Repurchase

I very rarely do tag posts but after seeing this tag on Evelyn's blog I though it'd be a good one to do. Its always nice to see what products people would repurchase. It gives you a good idea of what really works and if its worth splashing the cash on.

Cleanse & Polish*: I've been using C&P for years now. I might try other cleansers from time to time but I'll always have a few tubes in the cupboard. It removes my eye make up better than all make up removers I've tried, never breaks me out, leaves my skin baby soft and I love the scent too! It just works for me and I'll more than likely always use it.

Real Techniques Brushes: The Delux Crease Brush & Buffing Brush are 2 brushes I never want to be without! They're brilliant quality, super soft, dont shed, easy to wash and dry quickly. If you dont already own these, its about time you believed the hype and got yourself to Boots.

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat: I've got so much love for YSL because of this foundation. I feel like it was made exactly for my skin type, skin tone, everything. I know the packaging isnt whats important but it just looks so luxe and makes me feel special everytime I use it. If I could marry a foundation this would be the one. You can read my full review here (link)

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerveille: I dont like anything too fancy when it comes to eyeshadow. I stick to shades that make me look awake and can be worn alone. I'm not going to lie, when I first handed over £23 for a single shadow I left feeling like I'd been mugged. I've slowly but surely gotten over that now and would happly hand over the cash again. The colour is so easy to wear and it lasts all day without creasing. You can see my swatches here (link)

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: I was always under the impression this would be super greasy because its so thick and moisturisng. I love a good handcream but if its greasy it gets binned. A sample came with a recent Debenhams order and I was sold straight away (take note brands - samples sell products!) Its the thickest handcream I've ever tried but for some reason it just sinks so quickly and improves the look of your hands straight away. I like the scent too, it reminds me of soap. I might be alone here but I love soapy/powdery scents so this is perfect for me.

Liz Earle Brow Pencil in Fair*: Liz is a genius. This is the only brow pencil I've ever been able to use without ending up with red/brown brows. I hope to God its never discontinued or a river will be cried.

Tangle Teezer: If I didnt own this lump of plastic I would be bald by now, honestly. Trying to get a comb through my hair when its wet is like trying to take eyeliner off Kim Kardashian - its not gonna happen.

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail in Opera Ballerina: My all time favourite nail colour. Its quite sheer and needs 3 coats to be opaque but paired with a milky base coat like O.P.I Ridge Filler with only one coat of Opera Ballerina = match made in heaven!

Diesel Loverdose: I'm not usually a fan of Diesel fragrances but theres just something about Loverdose that makes me feel happy. Its more of a winter fragrance but I wear it during the warmer months too. I think its the vanilla I love so much. The scent lasts all day and strangers always ask what I'm wearing.

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid*: I'll never forget the first time I used this, I woke up the next morning and my lips felt brand new. If I could only use one lip balm/treatment for the rest of my life, this would be it. I love the smell and texture too.

Theres loads of other products I would repurchase (and have numerous times) but these are the 10 that stood out. I tag all of you to do this post. Let me know if you own any of these products and your thoughts on them.

*PR sample

I've Been Shopping..

Over the last few weeks I've tried my hardest to curb my online spending. I had a couple of slip ups (not beauty related) but apart from that I've been good. That all changed though when I walked into the biggest Boots I've ever seen! It stocked everything my local store doesnt so for the next hour and a half I walked up and down the isles getting my swatch on. I managed to pick up a few things I've wanted for a while and added another 12 things to my wishlist.

Boots:

L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish in 'Opera Ballerina' x3 £4.99: This is my all time favourite nail colour. I love the brush, the colour, the formula and the finish. I've gone through 3 or 4 bottles already so stocked up while the 3 for 2 offer was on.

Essie 'Fiji' £7.99: I've wanted Fiji for a good 5 months now but theres no Essie stand in my local Boots and I absolutely hate the brushes on the regular Essie polishes so wanted to see this in person. The brush is far better and the colour is right up my street (a solid more opaque version of Opera Ballerina) but I'm still not lovin' the formula.

Real Techniques Starter Set £21.99: The Core Collection was one of the best purchase I've ever made even though I only use the buffing and contour brushes but the Delux Crease Brush has been calling my name so I finally gave in. Cant wait to try it out.

Real Techniques Blush Brush £9.99 (I paid £4.99): Still on a Boots high and busy drooling over the swatches on my arm I didnt notice this was a blush brush. I grabbed it for setting powder (I hope it works ok for that?) and it was on offer - buy 1 get 1 half price.

River Island:

Make Up Bag £10: My small make up bag that usually lives in my handbag died last week. It got a bit obesse and the zip broke. I just wanted something plain and thought this was a nice size.

Purse £10: My purses always seem to be from River Island, I dont know why. This was only a tenner and has plenty of space for my cards. My old purse was really structured so wouldnt close properly with more than 5 coins in it. It was lovely but a nightmare to use.

TK Maxx:

Phytorelax Laboratories Keratin Complex Shampoo £5.99: I'd never heard of this brand before and after a quick look on google I'm still none the wiser. I think its an italian brand but I could be completely wrong. The only thing I know is its a professional hair care brand and is free from parabens, sles and formaldehyde. Havent had a chance to try it out yet but if its any good I'll do a review.

What have you been buying lately?

July: Used, Abused And Reviewed.

 Living Nature Vitalising Cleanser & Balancing Night Gel Samples: I cant really remember much about either of these but they were really tiny samples with nomore than one use each.
  Would I Repurchase? Not sure.

Origins GinZing Eye Cream Sample x2: GinZing is a product I've always been tempted to purchase. Reviews are nearly always good so I was excited to try it out. I got around a months use from both sachets and yes it illuminates the eye area slightly but thats it, it didnt depuff as it claims.

Would I Repurchase? Maybe.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri: Dries out and goes gloopy far too quickly but its still a brilliant product.

Would I Repurchase? Already have.

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo: I love Batiste and tropical is probably my favourite one but the mini 50ml doesnt last long at all.

Would I Repurchase? Yes but only in full size and I want to try cherry next.
Green People Gentle Cleanse Make Up Remover & Cleanser*: Lovely cleanser. Left my face feeling really soft and removed make up well. You can read my full review here

Would I Repurchase? Not at the minute.

Burts Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion: Gorgeous scent, I couldnt stop sniffing myself everytime I used this. Done a decent job of moisturising but its maybe not the best for people with really dry skin. Its nice and light for summer though.

Would I Repurchase? Undecided.

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail in Opera Ballerina: One of my all time favourite polishes. I just love this and wear it atleast once a week. Click here for swatches.

Would I Repurchase? Yes and I already have. :)

 Beyond Organic Replenishing Hand Cream*: I reviewed this back in feb (link)

Would I Repurchase? Its such a rich cream so I would only purchase it during the colder months as my hands arent overly dry.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser in Dry/Sensitive: The Skin Repair Moisturisers just dont suit my skin at all. Even the Light option still leaves my skin greasy but I've been using it as a neck cream.

Would I Repurchase? No.

So thats everything I got through this month. Have you posted your empties posts yet? Link them below so I can have a nosey.

*PR sample

Lately I've Been Lovin' #2

The Love List

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask: I've had this for a good few months now, I done a mini review before Christmas but for some reason I just stopped using it. Whilst having a read through Andys blog Link he mentioned he'd purchased it so since then I've started using it again, twice a week. I've said it before but this mask is hardcore, its probably the only mask I've used and can see/feel a huge difference straight after. The tingle is intense, almost painful but it works.

Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Cleansing Milk*: Review to come soon.

Leonor Greyl Regenerescence Naturelle*: You can read my full review here. I really dont know how I ever lived without this miracle oil.

Louise Galvin Deep Conditioning Treatment*: Click here to read my full review.

Diesel Loverdose: This is without a doubt my fave perfume at the minute, if you havent tried this yet then you really need to. I'm not usually a fan of Diesel scents so didnt even try this when I was walking around Debenhams but I received a sample with an order and instantly fell in love.

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail in Opera Ballerina: Click here for my swatches. I havent had this off my nails since I purchased it. I have so many favourite nail colours but this definately has to be in my top 2. I always apply 3 thin coats and it lasts around 5 days before chipping. I'll be picking up 3 the next time theres a 3 for 2 offer on. 

Estee Lauder Lipgloss and Concealer Duo: This was a freebie when I purchased DoubleWear. I've since found out its free with any foundation purchase online and instore but I'm not sure if its still running. I've used the gloss a few times but its the concealer I'm enjoying the most. It gives almost full coverage with minimal creasing under the eyes. Only a tiny amount is needed so I'm sure this will last a long time.

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara: Probably the best mascara I've used in a long long time but I find after a few hours the curl drops. I like that it leaves the lashes flexible but I would prefer more hold.

You can read my first Love List here. What I'm still lovin' and using from that list is..

Melvita Rose Extraordinary Water

MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle

Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm For Face/Hair/Body

Nuxe Huile Prodigleuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil

*PR samples

NOTD | L'Oreal Color Riche Nail In Opera Ballerina.

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail Opera Ballerina

As I said yesterday, the only reason I bought this polish is because there was a 3 for 2 offer on in Superdrug and nothing else caught my eye. There was a lot of shades similar to Opera Ballerina and I really wish I'd grabbed them all now.

Each bottle is what most nail polish brands would class as mini. The brush is paddle shaped, and apparently the polish has a built-in top coat. I never believe the built-in top coat claim so applied my own. Application was so simple because of the brush, I cant fault it. I usually hate sheer colours and do as many coats as it takes to make the colour opaque but Opera Ballerina was gorgeous even with one coat.

VNL is usually the enemy but I really like how this looks. I done 3 coats and didnt experience any streaks at all. The polish dried fast even before I used a quick dry top coat but it didnt fully harden, I woke up with sheet marks even though I'd painted my nails hours before bed.

Opera Ballerina is really similar to O.P.I Bubble Bath, minus the streaks and from swatches I've saw online it seems quite close to Essie Ballet Slippers.

Products Used:

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat

Opera Ballerina (3 coats)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

Have you tried any L'Oreal Color Riche Nail polishes yet?