NOTD: Barry M 304 Mint Green

We all know pastels come around every year for Spring and Summer but I love how they look.

Today's NOTD is not a new colour but a good one for the warmer weather that isn't too girlie.

I am talking about Barry M's 304 Mint Green colour:

These photos are a little messier than I thought they were so apologies for that, I was in a rush at the time!

I do love pastels for spring and summer, but the pinks and yellows can sometimes, for me anyway, be a little too girly so I love that the green provides a perfect alternative.

As for this particular nail polish, the consistency wasn't too great if I'm honest.

I love Barry M nail polishes but this one was a bit streaky, and the quality doesn't always seem consistent between colours.

I used 3 coats for these photos which is more than the average 2 in other colours from Barry M, but as I don't own many pastel colours I'm not sure if this is the norm?

I like the results anyway, perfect for beaches, barbecues, nights out, shopping trips and anything else you can think of!

I can't wait for the warmer weather when you can sit on a beach!

What do you think of pastels? Do you prefer pinks and warmer colours or something like green or blue?

L xxx

OPI Cajun Shrimp Nail Dupe

When I received the best of the best OPI collection for Christmas I was excited to try them all out as it's such a well loved brand that I hadn't tried before.

Cajun shrimp stood out to me as a perfect coral orange for the summer. When I first applied it those I was a little disappointed. Where I regularly bake I find I get food colouring stuck under my nails and need opaque polishes or my nail line is visible and this is a look I like. Also needing 4 coats is disappointing for small bottles as you use the polish up quickly. 

I also find OPI nail varnish chip easily on me. Do any of you find this too? They also are quite expensive in the UK. So when I saw Crave Me in boots I excitedly picked it up.

As you can see they are pretty similar in colour. Cajun shrimp is a little more pink in shade. The No7 polish can also be picked up for a bargain £2 if you wait till the £5 off vouchers are on.

Cajun Shrimp is on my thumb and Crave Me on my ring finger. Pretty close match. Crave me has a nicer formula, it's very pigmented and opaque in two coats, I find it lasts better than OPI too.

Perfect shade for summer don't you think?! Both L and I have this, after seeing it on her nails I had to have it. L has done a NOTD on Crave Me last week if you'd like to see her thoughts on it. Do you like these shades?

Love M

Nail Varnish Collection

I've seen lots of posts lately of people sharing their make up collections and I love having a nosey at what people have, don't you? Today I thought I'd share my nail varnish collection with you.

In my 101 things in 1001 days list, one thing I wanted was to own more than 100 nail varnishes. I love having a huge selection to choose from and play with. I love painting my nails and find when they are painted I am less likely to bite them. It's a habit I've almost stopped but still sometimes have to stop myself.

Here is my collection. I have a big variety of brands and have now tried most brands. Colours I feel I'm missing are yellow (which I currently have on order from Avon) and I don't have many metallics in my range.

I currently have 59 nail varnishes. Only another 31 to go before I can cross another thing of my list.

What colours do you think I need to add? Are there any colours that jump out of you?

On top of the 59 colours I have a further 15 top coats, clear, base coats and treatments. But I'm definetely favouring my OPI Matte Nail Envy.

I've read a few blogs that have stated to go on to OPI Maintenance Nail Envy once you've finished your first bottle. I'll be reviewing this once I've used it a while. I still have a little left in my original nail envy. I'm at the annoying bottom bit where it's hard to get out. The bottle has lasted my just over 2 months which is pretty good.

Have you used the maintenance version before?

Love M

xxx

Lipstick Monday's No7 Mischief

Today's Lipstick is from No7, it's one of their stay perfect lipsticks. They are long lasting but a little drying. Nothing a little lip balm won't sort. I was instantly drawn to this gorgeous pink shade.

It has a subtle gold shimmer to it which makes it a slightly more wearable pink shade in my opinion. It's a kind of barbie pink shade but not as opaque as some so more acceptable for everyday wear.

This lipstick is £10 but I picked it up when I had the No7 vouchers which made it only £5. Due to the texture of the lipstick I think it will last me a while. What do you think of this shade? Is it something you'd pick?

Love M

xxx