Sally Hansen and Sparkles

So I've decided that I may as well do something useful while I'm in the student version of solitary confinement. I'm growing my nails. (Yes, I'm sorry, it's another nail post. I would write about something else, but not leaving my room doesn't really inspire much in the way of material.) Anyway, my housemate did a bit of spring cleaning the other day and on lifting up his bed, he found a full bottle of Sally Hansen maximum growth polish! He was pretty bemused since he has no need of nail polish and we were under the impression the tenants before us were all male, but I took it as a sign that someone was suggesting I did something useful with my revision time...

I've now been using the polish every day for about a week (as per the bottle instructions) and I have to say, I've noticed an improvement. My nails, normally flakey and ripped, seem to appear stronger and even the polish hasn't chipped around the edges. However, it is a tad dull on the colour front, so I may have added a little sparkle.

These sparkles come in tiny little bottles and just need to be dabbed onto damp polish. I found them on one of my many internet wonderings and thought they'd be interesting to try out. I have to admit, I'm rather taken in by them! I can't remember where exactly I found them, but if you google 'nail supplies' I'm sure you'll come across something similar!

Anyway, I hope you're all having a much better time than I am now and are getting ready to say hello to summer (with beautifully grown nails, of course)!


P.S- 10 days until my last exam and freedom! Wish me luck!

Cabin Fever

Recently, revision has been getting a tad overwhelming. You know when you get to that stage where you realise it's been three weeks and you've only ever left your room to raid the fridge? Well I've been at the point for some time now- I've stopped counting the days, but if you're receiving this message, know that I am still alive...

Anyhow, my breaks have become a haven for trawling the internet and consequently, I've rekindled my admiration of the craziness which is Japanese nail art. Now, if you've never seen this before, know that it's totally over the top and you have to wonder how these girls do anything with their hands all day bar stare at them. If you haven't, get googling!

Nail polishes: OPI (Russian Navy) and Saffron London 

I first saw this art form when in Tokyo some time ago. Many of the girls were sporting glittering hands and the news kiosk stands were packed full of magazines showing row after row of impossible 'do it yourself' step by step instructions. To say the least, it left a rather lasting impression.

The little flower is made from polymer clay which you can get in canes or already pre-sliced

So, in an attempt to draw myself away from the computer screen, I had a go at my own (unskilled) version of nail art. Now, as I've said before, I'm not a huge nail polish girl, nor am I that accomplished in that department, but nonetheless I had a go. My slightly biased opinion is that they came out pretty well for a first attempt and if I can do it, all of you can. So go wild, let off some of that revision steam and paint your nails...! Yes, you can tell I haven't got out much recently.

P.S- incase anyone was wondering, exams for me are over in exactly one month and then normal regular posts should be here once again- sorry for the wait!

OPI: The Man With The Golden Gun

Okay, I'm not someone to rave about nail polish. I mean, I like my nails to look pretty as much as the next girl, but the moment a chip appears I'm not going to whip out my travel pot of polish remover and scrub every last bit off. I'm much more likely to curse the polish for not lasting as long as expected and then just get on with my day.

However, I was lucky enough to be given a pairing of polishes that I can't help get a bit excited about. One is a lovely OPI deep purple colour called 'Ink' and the other is the OPI James Bond special, 'The Man with the Golden Gun.' The first of these I like just because it's a beautifully deep colour which manages to look sophisticated but still fun. Also it takes a good few days for it to chip (I'm told this is common with OPI polishes) which is a massive bonus in anyone's book.

Sorry the photos aren't great!

However, the polish which I have fallen just the tiniest bit in love with is this second polish. In case you're nail varnish illiterate like me, it's essentially a wickedly decadent top coat with a twist- it has 18K gold leaf sprinkled through it! "Okay," you're thinking, "This is ridiculous?!" and I have to say that was my initial response as well. But then I tried it on and I was won over in a number of seconds. The little flecks of gold catch the light, glinting away with every movement of your hands- I have to say I was pretty mesmerised. The consistency of the gold flakes is pretty good throughout the polish so you're not left with uneven looking nails and the top coat lasts for days. All in all, I was surprisingly impressed by this little pot of luxury, especially since my hands now feel like those of a princess!

I also think these two polishes look lovely together- personally I've found the gold looks good on darker colours and also on pale sky blue. Anyway, enough from me- go get your hands on a pot or two and experiment!