Rimmel's "Reality Chic" nail polish

Here is another pretty polish review and it is on Rimmel London's Lycra Pro nail polish in "Reality Chic".

This has become one of my favourite colours to wear this time of year but I have restrained myself from wearing it too often as it is more of a rich wintry colour. I find a warm feeling of sophistication with this beautiful oxblood-red nail polish and I think that it can be quite a powerful statement worn by a strong woman around the office (if there are no strict rules prohibiting bold colours in the office).

Application was a dream with the curved bristles and the non-gooey formula. The bristles are also quite thick so it grabs just the right amount of polish for each nail.

Drying time was average and slight chipping occurred after 3 days but note that I did not apply a top coat. After wearing the polish for a day, I experimented with another pretty polish which was "Lovely Sinner" from Catrice's Welcome to Las Vegas collection. The results were stunning!! I really fell in love with the light sparkle of the glitter which also contributed to making a softer, more feminine, finish to the nails.

I know it's really early to think about but this is definitely going to be a staple colour in my wardrobe and beauty collection in winter. I love it!!

You should be able to find this polish at any Rimmel London stand at Clicks, Dis-Chem or even Edgars! Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page. I am also on Instagram so follow me for more pretty polishes :)

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

"So much fawn" with Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure

I am so happy to be doing nail polish reviews again! I took a little while to buy some new polishes and give my collection a small 'face lift'. 

Starting off with a bang, in this post I will be reviewing Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in the colour "So much fawn".

This is the first ever Complete Salon Manicure product I have tried from Sally Hansen so I was very excited when I knew I could finally try it out. The Complete Salon Manicure is one of the most popular of the Sally Hansen brand so there was obviously no reason for me not to have high expectations.

Firstly, I was expecting a smooth application and an 'easy to hold' applicator, seeing as it is a salon quality polish. Both matched and exceeded my expectations. The brush has a rounded edge which you will find in pricier polishes on the shelves nowadays. The thicker bristles also made it easy to apply streak free layers.

I had to apply two coats to achieve the colour you see in the bottle but you can apply one coat to get to a lighter shade. Drying time was pretty average but I think it'll be a great combination with proper quick dry polish drops, that you often find in salons.

Overall I really love the colour, the application was simple and while I was waiting for the layers to dry it didn't chip or smudge. I will definitely be buying some more in the future (Dis-Chem has a really great selection of colours). Prices vary from store to salon but you can expect to pay between R90 and R120 per bottle :)

Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page. I am also on Instagram so follow me for more pretty polishes :)

Any colour recommendations or requests?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

P.S. The smaller image is what my nails looked like after 6 days. There were a few chips but I love the durability. Apply a top coat for an even longer wear time.

Essence cracked me up!

Two weeks ago I received a delivery from Essence SA containing their exciting new crackle nail polish. I already have a few crackle polish but a lady can never have enough, so I embraced my new bottle with open arms and got right to experimenting.

I applied one coat of lumo green polish. I only did one coat because the crackle layer covers any empty spots or streaks which is a bonus with crackle polishes. You can finally use those cheap not-that-great-and-streaky polishes.

Lumo green nail polish

I then added one coat of the Essence crackle polish in "crack me! blue". I blew on the polish to speed up the cracking process and I was quite amazed at how this polish is different from the others I have tried. Most of the cracking happened in a vertical direction where as others crack all over in different directions. I am not sure if its because my layer was too thick but I rather like the uniform but still random look. 

Adding a top coat to any crackle nail polish will make sure it is protected from chipping and I find that most crackle polishes have a matte finish because of its complicated formula, so for an extra eye catching sparkle, add your favourite top coat.

I really love this crackle polish because it is unique and different from my others. There are a few crackle polishes in the "crack me!" range including a very pretty grape colour called "crack me! pearly pink". You can find these at Dis-Chem stores for a very affordable price of R24.95 each.

Like Essence's Facebook Page and Follow them on Twitter @essence_ZA for regular updates on all thing Essence-fabulous. While you're there you can like my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter @MsClairaBella as well ;)

Don't forget to subscribe by email (top right hand side of this page) to ensure you don't miss out on future nail posts.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Polish

Here is another Sally Hansen nail polish that I received in my Beauty Bulletin hamper.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Colour in 120 "Diamonds"

This is a very pretty shimmery polish that can easily be worn on it's own or over another polish. This is a very handy colour to have because you can transform any boring nails to an eye catching "diamonds are forever" kind of look.

Gone are the days of only having a day-to-night look for your face. Your nails can now also have a day to night transformation with one coat of this purdy transparent/glitter nail polish. Whoohoo! Bring on the after hour office party!!

I absolutely love, love, love the diamond inspired bottle designs with the added little crystal on the front. Even when I am not wearing the polish, I set the bottle next to my laptop just so I can stare at it's prettiness.

One of the 32 colours from this range that I have my eye on is "Wedding Crashers" which is this beautiful maroon-grape colour. 

Image from kittypolishnbags.wordpress.com

Most of the colours in this range seem to be very wedding orientated with names like "Honeymoon Red", "Save the Date", "Something Blue" and "Together forever" (Just to name a few). I wonder if there is any specific reason that Sally Hansen did this. *Queue Thinking pose*

Here is a little insert in the October Cosmopolitan magazine, on the new polishes.

I have not tested it's staying power yet, but Sally Hansen claims that it protects your nails for up to 10 days with the real micro-diamonds & platinum in each bottle. (I shall update this post ASAP).

I have only seen these pretty polishes in Dis-Chem stores but might also be available at clicks and other major pharmacies. 

Let me know what you think of these beautiful Diamond Strength polishes :)

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Rimmel London Hamper

One of my fave sites that I visit at least twice a day, is Beauty Bulletin! If you haven't heard about it or don't know what it's about then I suggest you check it out. It's a fun community of amazing ladies, who share beauty tips, great product reviews and general 'girly stuff'.

I recently won a Rimmel London hamper from Beauty Bulletin for the Scandal eyes review I did in May. The products I received in my hamper are really amazing! Here's what I got:

The Max Bold Curves Mascara (001 Black) - When I first got this mascara, it really agreed with my lashes. They fanned out so nicely and the formula was not sticky at all. However, I have found that after a month and a half, the mascara is starting to dry out and the formula has become very goo'ey. This makes my lashes stick together and 'fall down'. I do think the curved brush helps make your eyelashes fan out, the only downside is that it dries out faster that regular mascaras :( *bummer*

P.S. I did makes sure it was closed properly. It has one of those click-close features.

Glam'eyes HD Eye Shadow (001 Black Cab) - This eye shadow palette is so easy to use and is perfect for the smokey eye effect. The colours are really well pigmented and don't fade very easily. There is a very helpful illustration of how to apply the mascara to get the best HD effect, at the back of the packaging. I think this is the perfect compact for ladies who are new to achieving a smokey eye.

Five Nail Polishes - The colours I got were mostly metallic which is a pitty because winter is almost over and I wont really wear them in spring and summer (Pastels FTW). I will be doing a detailed review on each one at a later stage. (There are only four in the picture because I gave my mom one of them)

Two, Stay Glossy, Lipglosses - I really love these lipglosses. They aren't sticky or goopy when you apply it onto your lips. The colour match my skin tone really well and I love the subtle shimmer in them. Jewel in the crown is a pretty rosy pink with silver shimmer and Gold digger is a maroon colour with gold shimmer (I didn't put a thick layer of gold digger on my lips in the image above so it seems pink but it's a red/maroon colour).

As much as I love them I am disappointed in the "It lasts up to 6 hours" claim because it's bull-shit definitely not true. I have tested it in countless occasions and it really only lasts about 2 hours (if you don't drink, eat or lick your lips).

Colour show off lipstick (104, Kiss me) - This lipstick is a fantastically fun colour but it is really difficult to wear because it overpowers everything else on your body/face. I have applied it many times but I found myself taking it off because it looks really crappy with the other makeup or outfit I'm wearing. This obviously has nothing to do with the actual lipstick and rather my lipstick wearing skills. The formula is really creamy and when  I did wear it, it lasted about 4 hours. I think I will find myself reaching for this a lot this summer because bright colours are in!

Thanks so much to Beauty Bulletin and Rimmel for this amazing hamper! Follow them on Twitter and like their Facebook Page. I am also on Twitter and Facebook :)

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

*Spring Essentials* Hands and Feet

In my new Spring essentials category, I will be sharing my must-have products/items for...yip, you guessed it, SPRING!!

I love looking after my hands and feet, probably because that's the closets part of my body to my nails *Nail Fanatic*. Here are a few products I will be using throughout Spring and Summer.

Sh'zen's Spa Manicure for your hands and nails

RSP R159 for 250g

"Condition and brighten your hands and nails by soaking them in these fresh, citrus-scented crystals.

A 10-minute soak in warm water infused with these orange crystals will restore moisture to your hands and nails, and prepare them for further treatments. Lemon oil strengthens brittle nails and helps to whiten nail edges; Grapefruit has antibacterial properties and works to tone and revitalise skin; while Vitamin C brings its anti-ageing and antioxidant properties to the mix. The crystals have an uplifting citrus fragrance and leave hands feeling soft and silky." - Source

Pampering is always good for the mind and the soul but not always for your purse. With Sh'zen's Spa Manicure, you can get soft, moisturised skin weekly, without breaking the bank.
Obviously, me being very 'nail' conscious, I fell in love with this product because it helps strengthen your nails as well as brightens them. Something I desperately need.
It has a yummy citrus scent. Think - Lemon Meringue cake...Delish!
Exfoliate and moisturise after using this soak.

Sh'zen's Spa Addative for feet

RSP R159 for 250g

"This pampering product refreshes and softens tired, hot feet - it's the ultimate treat after a busy day.

The beautiful, soft, mint-green crystals are infused with essential oils to clean, refresh and revive hardworking feet. Key ingredients are revitalising Witch Hazel, antibacterial Ti-tree, and Niaouli, known for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. There are also oxygen-releasing agents that soften skin and prepare it for further treatments - making it an essential part of any pedicure, too." - Source

This product is superb and works just like it says it will! All ladies that have ever worn Mr.Price pumps will know, your feet feel like they sweat a liter of water every time you wear them. FACT! This Spa Additive helps keep your feet fungi free, helps with smelly feet as well as keeping them cool and moisturised. (Perfect for pump lovers like moi!)

Note that this is the first step to any recommended foot treatment. In other words, don't just use this product on it's own. It is recommended to exfoliate and moisturise afterwords, to complete your pampering, home spa feeling.

Sh'zen's Cooling spritzer for Feet

RSP R159 for 100ml

"This aromatic spray brings instant relief to tired, hot and swollen feet.
Menthol produces an immediate cooling effect on the skin and works as a local anaesthetic to ease pain and reduce irritation. Refreshing Peppermint, astringent Witch Hazel and purifying Ti-Tree, known for their anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, work to alleviate swelling and protect skin from infection. Spray as frequently as required for an invigorating and calming experience that has long-lasting benefits." - Source

Hot, sweaty, puffy feet really don't make people feel great. Arrgh the worst! This handy little bottle is a gift from the feet gods above. It has such a refreshing scent that cools your feet and helps with odor. It's small enough to fit in your handbag so you can even spray it on your feet while you're at work or out shopping.
In my part time job, I stand for up to 12 hours every weekend so believe when I say, 'This stuff works'! 

A decent hand and foot scrub.

My DIY hand and foot scrub

Exfoliating your hands and feet at least one a week will keep them soft and help your blood circulation.
Click this link for my DIY hand and foot scrub.

Pastel Polishes

My three favourite colours for Spring (Click on the links below for each individual review)

Cha Cha Cha (908)
Melting Marshmallow (903)
Fantasy (147)

Accessories

I picked up these cute bangles at Mr Price for R19.95. You can never go wrong with a little bracelet or ring here and there.

Get the Goods

Sh'zen website
Sh'zen on Facebook
Tip Top Nails on Facebook
Mr Price online store

Keep an eye out for more spring essentials next week!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

P.S. I am in no way, a professional nail technician or doctor. These are just my preferred beauty products.

Catrice's limited edition collection - Big City Life

Here is my video review on the exciting limited edition collection by Catrice, coming in October'12.

Here are all the fabulous Cities!

New York

Sydney (My Fave)

Berlin

London

I'm so happy that Catrice is competing with other international cosmetic brands who have also launched their own City inspired collections. *Proud-mommy-kinda-moment*

I will update this blog post in the near future, to give you an ideas for eye shadow looks, using the London Collection palette.

Excited for this new collection?

Miss Claira-Bella

*DIY* Simple Organisation - Cosmetics

My cosmetic collection has grown quite substantially since last year and i have been battling to keep everything organised. I started researching ideas on how to keep everything neat and tidy. Here are a few inspirations and ideas that i have introduced into my space.

Makeup Brushes:

Here is a simple idea on how to keep your brushes neat and easy to access.

My Inspiration - Image from Google

Take a plain jar or small vase and stick your brushes in. I added beads to help the brushes to stand up straight. Beads also soften the jar and adds elegance.

You can sort your brushes by category. Eyeshadow brushes, blush & powder bushes and even foundation brushes. I don't have such a huge collection of brushes so I just put them all into one vase/jar that was lying around the house.

You can find affordable vases at Sheet Street and Mr Price home.

Mascara & Eye pencils:

My attempt

I used the jar/vase idea to store my mascara and eye pencils. I found an old stationary/pencil holder lying around the house. I cleaned it out and stood them upright in it.

I only store the ones that I use often because it was quite small. You can buy proper metal pencil holders at GAME from R9.95, which can fit a lot more.

Metal containers can be spray painted to a different colour to match with the rest of your room's decor.

Eye-shadows

Need to try this! - Image Source

Here is a very cute idea for storing eyeshadows. Use an old plastic cookie/biscuit holder to stand your eyeshadows on their side. This maximises your space because you don't have them lying around in a huge basket or bag.

For now, I keep all mine in a cosmetic bag. Will give you an update once I incorporate this into my makeup organisation.

Nail Polishes:

Being a nail fanatic, I have tons of different nail polishes. I have been going crazy because most of the time they just pile up in a basket and when I try to find a specific colour I end up unpacking the whole darn thing.

My Inspiration - Image Source

I had to get some way to organise my polishes so that I can access them easily but still take up as little space as possible.

I googled some ideas like the one on the right and hit my very own Epiphany...

...any lady that has a Glambox or Glossybox can have the perfect way to store their nail polishes!

My attempt: Glambox!

It is the perfect height and size making it easy to find the polish you're searching for and fit quite a few in one box. (You can also use the lid of the box)

You aren't limited to just one. You can arrange your polishes by size, height, colour and even brand!

Ideas that I am dying to try out.

Magnet Makeup Board - I think this is a genius idea for storing makeup. It allows for clean surfaces and adds dimension and decor to your room.

Follow this link to Laura Thoughts. She came up with the beautiful board on the left and she shows a step by step process on how to get a magnet board just like hers.

I think it would also be a great idea to get a bigger board and put a mirror in the centre with the cosmetics surrounding it. Call it an all-in-one-makeup-station :)

Its great ideas like this that got me inspired to get my cosmetics organised.

Palette Organiser - If you have eyeshadow palette's, a letter/envelope sorter is perfect to store them.

You can sort them by size or palette colours making it really easy to find what you're looking for.

You can find these letter/envelope sorters at most stationary stores. If they come in bland colours you can always spray paint them to match the rest of your room's decor.

Another great thing you can find at a stationary shop that is great for organising cosmetics is a desktop stationary organiser.

I really find this idea helpful but might become a problem if your cosmetic collection is a big larger than what it can hold. Can be great to store products you use on a daily basis.

One last idea that I am definitely investing in sometime soon, is a stationary tower like the on on the right.

I have been searching for prices and you can find a really nice one at GAME for R94.95. They come in different colours and have many drawers to store your cosmetics. (Not suitable for nail polishes though)



Thank you for reading this post. I hope some of these ideas inspired you to organise your makeup and other cosmetics. If you have some ideas not mentioned above then please tweet them to me on twitter. You can also post photo's on my Facebook page, of ideas that you have tried and might inspire other readers.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Dont really have things lying around the house to use as cosmetic storage? Dis-chem has acrylic storage containers :)

Vampire's Love by Essence

If you haven’t already heard about Essence cosmetics/ trends, then you definitely need to go check it out! www.essence.eu

This post is about their very exciting new trend ‘Vampire’s Love’. I’m really looking forward to when is comes out in SA! Any Twilight fan will die for a trend collection like this. For me, its not really about the whole vampire/twilight thing, Its about the amazing colours! Something my winter wardrobe would definitely agree with!

The products in this Trend are:

1. Love at first bite - eye shadow palette
2. Eye need you - volume lash powder
3. Blush Gelee – Bloody Mary
4. Lipstain – Bloody Mary
5. Nail polishes in:
Gold old Buffy
Into the Dark
True Love
The Dawn has Broken
Hunt me if you can
6. Lil Vampire – Shimmer powder
7. Eau De Toilette - Perfume

My two favourites, just from looking at the pictures, would probably be the Eye shadow palette and all the pretty Nail Polishes!

The Vampire’s Love collection will be in Dischem stores from beginning of May 2012 so keep your eyes peeled. I’m definitely saving up for this one! I’ll be doing a review once it comes out!

You can also keep up with other trends on their site or their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Essence-South-Africa/94103343570

Leave a comment on which products you can’t wait to buy from the Vampire’s Love range!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo