LauraHadley.co.uk: nailpolish

INM Northern Lights Holographic Nail Polish Review

I had a reason to get my nails all pretty to review the INM Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat Polishes* in silver glitter and gold glitter. I used Barry M's 'Berry' underneath so you could see the effects of the glitter.

left hand: gold glitter

right hand: silver glitter

Comparing the two, the gold stands out more than the silver. They are both gorgeous top coats, leave no chips and seal in nail varnishes together. I applied two coats of each to test them on each hand. These photos really don't do the varnish justice and I think I'll layer a coat of each on next time I use them.

I love how they are top coat polishes and not a normal varnish with tons of glitter in them. I like to be able to see the base colour along with a bit of glitter (I am very impartial to glittery nails if you haven't already noticed).

You have to shake the bottles up before using them as the glitter settles at the bottom, which is what I normally do anyway every time I paint my nails. On first impressions before use, I would have gone straight for the silver as it looks so sparkly, and silver matches my outfits more. However, upon use the gold is not as 'yellow' looking as in the bottle, shining through like little stars, hence the name 'Northern Lights'.

You can buy the gold polish and the silver from Jica for £9.35 each.

Fragrance Direct Haul

Hey lovelies,

So I was having a nose at Fragrance Direct and saw they sold some makeup items. I was already buying my boyfriend's sister some little bits for her prom and decided to pick myself some things too, because why not?

I had a look at the Calvin Klein makeup and saw the blushers and lipsticks for quite cheap. I know these may be old stock etc but if it isn't 'off' then why not? I picked up a blusher in 'pearlescent pink', the lipstick in 'mesmerize' and Essie nail varnish in 'All Tied Up'. I've worn these since and in my opinion there has been nothing wrong with them. I didn't realise until they arrived that I'd basically picked up the same shade in all of my items.

I picked up the same blusher, a Sally Hansen lip gloss and Essie nail polish in 'Pink About It'.

I was so happy to save this amount of money on makeup that I would never dream of buying full price on my student budget. I was pleased to see that Fragrance Direct stock newer items too, as well as lower priced perfumes, which I am yet to purchase!

Some people look down on these types of websites, but as long as the makeup is still within it's date, then there is nothing but fabulous savings in my opinion. I would definitely recommend buying from Fragrance Direct - this isn't in any way sponsered, nor do they even know of this post, but I received quick and cheap delivery and my items came in perfect condition.

What's not to love? If you've bought anything from Fragrance Direct, let me know!

Collection Cosmetics Mardi Gras Review*

Hey you lovely lot!

Collection Cosmetics recently contacted me and sent me their new Limited Edition Mardi Gras range to check out. I was excited to receive all three new lip balms and nail polishes that are to be released in Superdrug from 4th June and Boots from 11th June*.

The range is inspired by Rio and the Amazon tropics to bring about a 'celebration of colour and expression'. The nail polishes scream summer to me!

These lip balms smell amazing. They are available in Green Apple, Strawberry and Orange. I first went for the apply flavoured one and it smells lovely. The texture of the lip balm is really smooth and I have definitely noticed a change in my lips, they are a lot softer. The Orange one just reminds me of summer, and the strawberry one smells like strawberry milkshake which, if you know me, is one of my favourite smells.

They don't leave a colour on your lip, just moisturises them which I like as sometimes you don't need a product with tons of colour in it, I quite like the idea of a traditional lip balm.

These are a definite staple for my summer bag. These are £1.99 each so they are affordable and definitely worth it to have smooth lips!

I also received the three nail polishes from the Mardi Gras range. These come in White Out, Canary Yellow and Green with Envy. My first impression from one coat was that they were a tad streaky, but after 2 coats they looked lovely!

My favourite is White Out, I did get a comment saying it looked like I had used Tip Ex but with a tan I imagine these look amazing. The finish is smooth, which I love in a nail polish and I love how the Canary Yellow really sings 'summer' to me. I think Green with Envy is a transitional colour that i'd wear all year round. These are also £1.99 each.

So there we have it! I have loved working with Collection and I have to admit that strawberry lip balm is going to be in whatever bag I carry around this summer.

For £1.99 each you can't go wrong. I can't promise you'll love them, as some coloured nail varnishes don't suit every skin tone, but for a pale blonde I can say personally they made me feel more summery and the lip balms really exceeded my expectations. I was thorougly pleased to say the least.