Color Club Barely There Nail Polish - Nails Of The Day

Color Club's 'Barely There' Nail Lacquer was included in this month's Iconic Hollywood Edition Glossybox. I am a huge fan of nude nail polishes so I couldn't wait to apply this to my nails.

I think the description of 'barely there' is pretty much on the button, it is a gorgeous mannequin nails shade and perfect for no fuss, glossy nails.

I needed to apply 3 coats to achieve this look. I have to say I did find application quite tricky as the brush/lid design is quite long.  Also the product runs down from the top of the lid towards the brush causing drip so you have to be careful about that too.

Color Club 'Barely There' Nail Lacquer costs £4.10 

Zoya Nail Polish Payton - Nails Of The Day

Today's Nails Of The Day come courtesy of Zoya Nail Polish and the shade Payton. Payton is a pretty fully pigmented dark berry shade with holographic glitter running through it. This looks gorgeous in the sunlight but I found really hard to capture in a photo.

Zoya is a professional brand and it really shows in the ease of application and the consistency of the polish. The brush is absolutely perfect with application even and extremely smooth for a glitter polish (although this is fine glitter).

I couldn't fault it at all and on top of that I am impressed with how well it is lasting on my fingers which I shouldn't have been too surprised about as Zoya Nail Polish was named the longest wearing natural nail polish by an independent panel in Women’s Health Magazine.

Zoya is a natural brand and is free from the big 5

Free from Toluene
Free from Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde resin
Free from DBP (Phthalates) and Camphor 

Vegan friendly
Cruelty Free
Safe during pregnancy

That is not all, with over 500 shades in its collection from creme formulas to shimmer and glitter, there literally is  bound to be something for everyone. 

This was my first foray into the Zoya world and I would definitely try more.

Zoya nail polish can be found in most Natural stores like Wholefood Market and Nature Intended. Along with all major natural beauty websites like www.naturismo.com and www.lovelula.com and www.zoyapolish.co.uk  Many salons and spas throughout the UK also stock it.

*PR Sample

Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquer Vivid Vermillion - Nails Of The Day

Who says Summer is over?

I am making the most of the September sunshine with this gorgeous coral red, new Gel Shine Lacquer nail polish from Max Factor. Vivid Vermillion is bright, fun and glossy.

I only needed to apply one coat for opacity.

Love it.

Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquers costs £7.99 

*PR Sample

Kiko Cosmetics Daring Game Collection - A/W 2014

One of the most exciting makeup collections of the year was delivered a few weeks ago. Now I have spoken many times about how great Kiko Milano Cosmetics are for price and quality and this launch is no exception.

The Limited Edition Daring Game Collection has been brought out for this Autumn/Winter and what a treat it is. The card style outer packaging is so smart and alluring, I would be instantly attracted to it if I saw it in the shops. However the products inside do not disappoint either.

Kiko say - 

Daring Game is here, the new limited edition collection from KIKO MILANO.
The exciting game of seduction begins. Luxurious and sophisticated atmospheres reflect the style of those who have the courage to gamble on their own beauty: an elegant queen of hearts who is sure of herself. The colours are vivid and full-bodied, the trump card for bold make-up.

Light and shadow alternate to enhance the features, correct shapes and give maximum emphasis to femininity and character. The facial skin has a base perfecter with moisturizing properties that makes it smooth and radiant. Bronzer and highlighter create a sculpted effect that accentuates strengths and hides flaws. The eye make-up frames the look of pure colour, making it penetrating and sensual. The lips are full and defined. The nails are embellished by the glossy reflections of the polish.

The shades and design of the packaging interpret the Daring Game mood, expressing beauty with an unmistakable style.

Swatches 

From top to bottom - 

Ace of Diamond Lip Pencil - Piquant Fire Red £5.90

Ace of Diamond Demi-Mat Lipstick - Piquant Fire Red £7.90

Color-Up Long Lasting Eye Shadow - Charming Champagne £7.90

Mystery Smoky Eye Pencil - Heady Rock Brown £6.90

All In Marker and Kajal £9.90

My thoughts 

Inside there are some exquisite pieces, I love how rich the red lipstick looks in its gold mirrored casing, with the words ACE OF DIAMOND and it is a stroke of genius whoever designed the POKER nail lacquers with the numbered dice lids. Fun and yet so classy and this is what sets Kiko apart from others. 

There are some real gems in this collection.

First up are the POKER nail lacquers - rich in pigmentation and incredibly glossy.

POKER Nail Lacquers £6.90 each - Shown here are Suggestive Red & Exclusive Blue

I also adore the chunky gold crayon eye shadow stick - it is a beautiful gold and only needs one application to achieve a solid base, once set it does not budge, brilliant for a night out and party season. If you only pick up one item I would suggest it be this. My top pick. 

Color-Up Long Lasting Eye Shadow £7.90 - Colour Shown Charming Champagne (available in 10 shades)

I love the Mystery Smoky Eye Pencil it has tiny sparkly flecks that lifts it from being just another eye liner - It is also buttery soft to apply so there is no drag but stays in place with a precise or smoky line if you wish. I wore it with the champagne eye shadow and red lipstick and it looked great. I have worn both since many times. 

Mystery Smoky Eye Pencil comes in 6 colours.

Also in the collection is a double ended black eyeliner - the pen side is a true black and it is really easy to line the eyes with precision with the pen style, the kajal is great for the inner eye.

Completing the look are the red liner and lipstick which make a bold statement - watch this space for a red lips of the day post :)

A very, very nice collection and every single item reviewed here is under £10.

Also in the Daring Game collection are a beautiful bronzer/highlighter duo, blusher duos and eye shadow quads.

*PR Samples

Kiko Make Up Milano Sun Show Nail Lacquer 43 - Nails Of The Day

This delightful nail polish is from the Limited Edition Life In Rio Collection - The Sun Show Nail Lacquer contains a gold pearl that gives it an iridescent quality, the result is quite simply shimmer-tastic, the polish glistens and gleams in the sunshine with an almost wet look to it. No43 is a gold shade that in certain lights looks rose gold or pinky. It will certainly keep people guessing!

Kiko Make Up Milano Sun Show Nail Lacquer is available in 10 shades and costs £5.90

*PR Sample

Kiko Boulevard Rock Spring Collection Denim Nail Lacquer

If you like your nail polish matte then you will love the new Spring Collection Nail Lacquer from Kiko - From the Boulevard Rock Collection, the new Denim Nail Lacquers are a satin polish with a matte effect finish.

I am wearing 462 Tribal Purple and 463 Evasion Lawn Green. As with previous Kiko nail lacquers the brushes are fabulous for applying smooth and drying quickly, pigment wise I only needed to use one coat for opacity and the colours are bright, vibrant and eye-catching. They also lasted well.

Kiko Denim Lacquers are available in eight shades and cost £5.90

*PR Samples

New! Clinique 16 Shades Of Beige - Limited Edition

I do get excited by nude and neutral shades it has to be said, you only have to read my recent nude lipstick and gloss post to know that! Perfect for an everyday look or ramping up with darker shades for a smokier more evening look, neutrals are so wearable and versatile. It is no wonder they are my default beauty look.

As soon as I heard about Clinique's latest limited edition releases I had to find out more and of course share the news with you.

Take a look at the image above..gorgeous!

Clinique All About Shadow Neutral Territory 8 Shade Palette £32

Containing eight shades from the lightest beige to the darkest chocolate, this essential palette is all you need to create a soft or smouldering look.

Clinique A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins £12 each

This limited collection of 8 glossy neutrals can be worn either to complement your skin tone and elongate your fingers or in a contrasting classy nude shade. I am liking the look of Peek a Boo, I See You, Birthday Suit and Nighty Night.

Shades available -

Room Service - Off White

Peek a Boo,I See You - Nude Peach

Birthday Suit -Neutral Beige

Tickle Me - Neutral Yellow-Beige

Pajama Party -Neutral Pinky-Beige

Do Not Disturb - Reddish Beige

Chocolate On My Pillow - Pearlized Warm Brown

Nighty Night - Deep Cocoa

Available at exclusively at www.clinique.co.uk from 10th January 2014
Available on Clinique counters nationwide from 7th February 2014

Silver Glitter Polish - Spot The Difference

Two nail polishes - one is GOSH Glitter Matt Finish Frosted Sand Look in 01 Frosted Silver £3.99 and the other is 2True Pro Sequins Glitter Polish in Christy £4 and to be honest I cannot tell them apart...Every other nail is painted with one or the other..That said, they are both utterly gorgeous and perfect for Christmas party season. Fine silver glitter with slighter bigger silver chunks replicating sequins that ensures sparkly, eye catching nails. Just like a silver sequin dress!

I just applied one coat for this fabulous effect. Both were easy to apply and dried quickly.

I have seen the GOSH Frosted Sand in Gold gold version in the flesh and it is stunning too, going to be picking that one up!

Both GOSH and 2True are available from Superdrug

*PR Samples

Estee Lauder Metallics Nail Lacquer

Passing by the Estee Lauder counter I was drawn to the new Metallics Pure Color Nail Lacquers and I was even more impressed when I swatched a few that caught my eye...

Chocolate Foil 

It actually applies really smooth, unfortunately I had already tried a polish on this nail (from another brand) and it had smudged so I had tried to remove it..hence the lumpy appearance! Chocolate foil is an attractive chocolate/purple shade.

Rose Gold

Pretty champagne pink shade

Brushed Gold 

Brushed Gold is one of the best gold polishes I have ever tried. Such a fabulous colour that is flattering on all skin tones..

All of these shades needed just one coat for opacity and give high shine and long wear

Estee Lauder Metallics Pure Color Nail Lacquers cost £14.50 each and comes in 8 shades.

Nails Of The Day - Kiko Make Up Milano Celebration Nail Lacquer - 422 Mint Green

More love for Kiko Make Up Milano with this nails of the day - This is Mint Green and it is absolutely gorgeous!

Summer has well and truly arrived with this bright and glossy shade

Kiko Celebration Nail Lacquers (ltd edition) are available online or at Kiko Stores in Westfield, cost £4.90 for 11ml and come in 10 shades.

*PR Sample

Nails Of The Day - Kiko Make Up Milano Celebration Nail Lacquer - 419 Coral Red

Absolutely love Kiko's limited edition Celebration Lacquer in this Coral Red shade. Stunning.

This lovely hand belongs to my sister who was only too happy to assist by wearing this gorgeous polish for me.

Glossy, easy to apply and 2 coats is enough for opacity.

Kiko Celebration Nail Lacquers are available online or at Kiko Stores in Westfield, cost £4.90 for 11ml and come in 10 shades.

*PR Sample

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer - French Nudes Collection

With nude nails being a huge trend this Spring, Estee Lauder have created 5 perfect shades with one bound to suit, whether you want a barely there look or a shade to contrast your skin tone. Billed as foundation for your nails these flesh tones take simplicity and give it a fresh, modern twist.

Whilst I like playing occasionally with colours on my nails I am far more comfortable with nude shades so this trend makes me very happy indeed!

French Nudes Collection

From L-R


Bittersweet
Diabolique
So Vain
Nudité
Ballerina Pink

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquers French Nudes Collection will be available from March - £14.50 each.

Spring 2013 Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer - Heavy Petals Collection

Prettiness this Spring comes in the shape of this fabulous collection of pastels from Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder. Taking inspiration from the "City of Paris in Spring, amazing bouquets from the flower markets, the pretty pastels of children's carousels and the pops of colour from macaroons".

Dreaminess bottled..

My stand outs are Coral Cult and Dilettante.

Shades from L-R

Narcissist
Lilac Leather
Coral Cult
Dilettante
Absinthe 

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquers Petals Collection is out now -  £14.50 each

What's Inside My December 2012 GlossyBox

The much anticipated December GlossyBox was delivered to me on Friday. With Christmas being very close the theme for this month's box is 'Festive Celebrations'.

Ripping open the outer cardboard box revealed a silver box and the contents all wrapped up in black and silver star print tissue paper. Tied into a bow with a silver ribbon. As ever the packaging was pretty and attention made to detail.

The usual content description card gave way to a more expansive information booklet with an explanation on the box, contents and Christmas shopping perks.

The contents

Seche Nail Laquer - Shade Elegant 14ml £9.95 (full size)

Seche Vite Top Coat is legendary and this is an introduction to its new colour line. Elegant is from the Fall 2012 collection. This is a copper/orangey metallic shade. In the bottle it doesn't grab me and I will probably be gifting this.

Sebamed Anti Dry Hydrating Body Lotion 200ml £6.99 (sample size 15ml)

I have not heard of this brand but apparently it is a brand specially designed for sensitive skin. It is ph neutral. I don't really suffer from dry skin so once again I will probably pass this onto someone.

Mary Greenwell Lemon by Mary Greenwell Eau De Parfum 50 ml £60 (sample vial 1.5ml)

Description of Lemon 'From the sweet blossom to the cool fresh fruit, lemons are steeped in delicious fragrance'. I quite like the fresh and zesty scent of real lemons, however this has more depth and a sharpness almost as soon as the initial burst disappears. Sadly this scent is not one that appeals to me.

Milk_Shake Conditioning Whipped Cream 200ml £14.79 (100ml sample)

Now this I am really, really excited about trying out on my hair. This is a new brand for me. The bottle looks just like a can of whipped cream and smells utterly delectable, fresh, sweet and creamy with a very slight hint of coconut - Yummy! This is actually a leave-in conditioning foam with milk, wheat germ and casein proteins promising to treat, protect and strengthen hair for smoothness and shine. I will do a full review very soon.

Sleek Makeup True Colour Lipstick - Shade Coral Reef - £4.99 (full size)

Coral Reef is a nice and bright coral shade. It glides on smoothly to give even and highly pigmented colour. I may just have to do a face of the day post with this gorgeous lipstick.

Bonus Item 

GlossyBox Blusher in Glossy Rosewood

I haven't tried the blusher on my face yet but it is made by Kryolan Professional Makeup for GlossyBox and has a smooth velvety feel to it. Glossy Rosewood is a warm pink shade.

My thoughts 

Value wise this is not a bad box at all but in all honestly this box didn't get me as excited as a few of the previous ones, the fact that we are now on Monday and I have barely touched the box says a lot to me, last month I had already started using two of the products on the day the box arrived.

GlossyBox is a monthly subscription beauty box whichs costs £10 plus p+p - you can find out more here www.glossybox.co.uk

*PR Sample

Winners Of The Gosh Giveaway

Drumroll please - The winners as chosen by random.org are

Mummy24
Courtney - Courtzz
Squeakymom

Well done ladies :-)

Please can you email me - bettina@beautyswot.com to claim your prize

NOTD - Butter London Knees Up

Butter London Knees Up

Today's nails of the day is Knees Up from Butter London.

I couldn't wait to share Knees Up with you as I think this is a stunning nail colour, this really is the ultimate party red. Another jewel inspired tone, I can only describe this shade as the same as the red foil that I would make Christmas paper chains at school with.. remember those?

2 coats and you are ready to go. In the picture you can see that the standard Butter London lid has been removed. I wanted to show you that underneath there is a smaller lidded handle that makes application easy. I did wonder when the lacquers arrived if I could manipulate those lids! Clever, no?


Knees Up Nail Lacquer is from the Butter London A/W 2011 collection


*PR sample

Nails Of The Day - Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer Red Hautes Collection - Fallen Angel

Beautiful bottle, beautiful name and a beautiful colour - This is Fallen Angel, a gorgeous Claret red that for me is a perfect example of the ideal winter shade. Deep yet bright, warm yet cool, I have fallen in love with this sophisticated red.

Fallen Angel is one of five shades from the new Pure Color Nail Lacquer Red Hautes Collection from Estee Lauder.  I also have Love Bite which I will save and share for another day.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Fallen Angel costs £14.50 for 9ml

*PR Sample

GOSH A/W12 Nail Lacquers plus A Giveaway!

This Autumn/Winter GOSH have introduced 6 new nail colours

From L-R

612 Galaxy - Glitter charcoal
614 Spot On! Pink - Powerful pink
617 With A Twist - Earthy grey
008 Berry Me - A deep Autumn berry
549 Holographic Hero - Sparkling silver
616 Lazy Green - A woody green 

I have enlisted the hands of my beautiful little sister to show 2 shades from the collection.

Berry Me and Galaxy with flash

She is wearing Berry Me and Galaxy as an accent nail. Berry Me is a warm berry/purple shade and Galaxy is a glistening golden charcoal with a glitter effect. Very pretty indeed!

Galaxy is already a firm favourite looking equally fabulous on its own or on top of another shade.

GOSH A/W Nail Lacquers are £4.99 each and available from Superdrug 

*PR Samples

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN - GIVEAWAY! - NOW CLOSED

The lovely people at GOSH are offering BeautySwot.com reader's the chance to win 1 of 3 nail lacquer's from the new A/W collection.

How to Enter & the Rules - 

You MUST be a follower of this blog - please leave a comment below with how you follow and which one of the 6 shades you would like to win.

Three people will be selected at random using random.org and the giveaway will close at midnight Monday 3rd December. Winners will be announced on this blog the following day.

Giveaway open to UK residents only.

Good luck!

Nails Of The Day - Estee Lauder Black Plum and Chaos

Today's Nails Of The Day come courtesy of Estee Lauder Pure Colour Nail Lacquers

Shades used

Black Plum from the Beyond Black Collection £14.50 - beautifully dark and super glossy
Accent Nail - Chaos from the Metal Mania Collection £14.50 - silvery purple metallic finish

These collections are inspired by Paris and are intended to evoke the beauty, fantasy and seduction of the City of Lights at night.

Also in the Beyond Black Collection (deep and dramatic nail shades)

Caviar
Bête Noire
Blue Blood
Viper

Also in the Metal Mania Collection (modern metallic finish)

Nouveau Riche
Explosif
Smashed
Fiery Hot

Butter London Commemorative Olympic Heavy Medal Collection!

Get into the London 2012 Olympic spirit with these three fab metallic shades from Butter London.

The Heavy Medal Collection is a limited edition set and features the following colours -

The Full Monty - Full on molten gold

Diamond Geezer - A proper platinum, silvery and shiny

The Old Bill - Burnished copper

Get your medals without lifting a finger..almost!

Available to purchase from Harvey Nichols and www.butterlondon.com costing £30