Modern Pastel Manicure: Nail Art

Here's a modern take on the traditional French manicure. I love nail art but am never very adventurous, so here is what came of me playing around with a couple complimenting nail varnishes and some sellotape. 

                  

I used this varnish as a base, called Berry Ice by Barry M, as you can see its a pastel lilac and its quickly become one of my favourite shades. Barry M not only offer affordable varnishes in on trend shades, the consistency is perfect, meaning you can apply several layers for a thick, Gelish look or keep it thin for barely there colour. It also dries quickly and I have never had problems with lumps or gunk. 

                   

I think I've mentioned this nail varnish before, called Blooboo by Models Own, it just looks modern and fresh. Slightly thicker than the Barry M varnish, its a bit harder to apply and achieve great coverage but the thickness does grant a fantastic, vibrant colour. I used this for the tips of my nails, considering the consistency of the two varnishes, it probably would have made more sense to have applied the other way round but I preferred the colours this way.

Spring - fashion/beauty must haves

In the words of Maria Von Trapp here are a few of my 'favourite things'!

1- Models Own Mirrorball Nail Varnish in Dancing Queen

There is no better accessory than a sparkly nail and this varnish creates the ultimate mirrorball effect. With some glitter varnishes its difficult to achieve coverage of the whole nail, but this bottle is jam packed full of sparkle, meaning that a great look is easy to gain. At £5 a pop they aren't at all extortionate, allowing customers to guiltlessly buy a bottle in every colour... I am a big fan of Models Own and think their glitter varnishes are one of the best in the market. Other shades include a sexy pink/gold blush suitably called Hot Stuff, a very festive looking golden green named Disco Inferno and a neon purple with flecks of blue called Boogie Nights. All available online here.  

2 - Hasma Palm accessories
This symbol is everywhere at the moment and I adore it! The open palm is a symbol that comes from the Middle East and is used for protection, so why not look great and warn away bad vibes at the same time! These earrings were from Primark and were a bargain at £2.50. I honestly couldn't rate Primark more at the moment for their cheap and cheerful jewellery, their designs are spot on trend and often sell a variety of similar styles in different shades, so you can bulk buy and match a ring to every outfit!

3 - Peter Pan Collars
I know I ranted about collars not long ago, in this post, but I just can't get enough, whether they're detachable, a necklace or part of a top. The one above is attached to the peplum, navy and black striped top I'm wearing from New Look. I've always believed that I would never wear a collar again after secondary school but now I think they will be a staple in my wardrobe for good. They elongate necks, flatter shoulders and look feminine, perfect to pair with jeans for an everyday look or jazz up to create a more sophisticated evening ensemble.

4 - Spring time scents

Now Spring is here its time to get out the pastel shades and start smelling like exotic flowers again... MaDame by Jean Paul Gaultier (available from Boots here) has got to be my all time favourite perfume. With a bit of a luxury price tag at £45.96 for 50ml its probably best to wear on the more special of occasion, but then again you only live once! Its perfect mix of sweetness and musk creates a subtle, fresh smell and is a perfect scent for spring. The edgy, feminine bottle absolutely mimics what's to be expected from within, a gorgeously ladylike smell with a unexpected edge. 

Beauty Review - Barry M Nail Paint

Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Blood Orange and Pastel Texture Nail Paint in Ridley Road

Innovative nail paint styles from Barry M

I was so excited to try these amazing new polish textures - particularly considering the more than reasonable price tag in comparison to similar style varnishes by Nails Inc. In at £3.99 each or (on promotion in Superdrug) two for £6, these bottles of brilliance are an absolute bargain.

The first of the pair I've chosen, is a high shine, blood red shade. Promised to achieve professional Shellac/Gelish manicure results, I can't wait to get painting! 

I am a great fan of DIY-ing when the quality of product enables users to gain a professional level look. After applying the first coat its obvious how great this varnish is going to look, its easy to apply, glides onto the nail evenly and shines from first application. The only difference from this Barry M polish to a professional Gelish manicure is the thickness, after two relatively thin coats the ridges of an un-buffed nail are still visible, though this could be easily avoided by buffing and applying a base coat, or applying more than two coats of the varnish. 

I think this shade would  look stunning with a LBD like this one from River Island or slogan tee, like the one I mentioned in this post, with blue denim jeans. Overall this varnish is a perfect all rounder, and makes a reliable and easy wearing, sexy red polish - something every girl needs in her collection. 

The second polish is a textured, pastel baby-blue, similar to Nails Inc. Concrete Polish but a third of the price at £3.99! Its a little tricky trying to get the hang of applying this varnish but when its done right, the look is super cool. Two coats achieve the best result as one looks a little too transparent, though be careful as too much polish will ruin the concrete style texture. 

The shade is perfect for spring and would look dahhhling with a vintage stlye, smart white shirt like this one, summer dress (see here) or on toes with flip flops or wedges! Pastel shade varnishes and textured nails are bang on trend at the moment so why not rock two key season styles in one go?!