How To Achieve Long Strong Nails

Hola Amigos!

Today I'd like to share my tips, tricks and products to achieve longer stronger nails.

Now my nails are by no means perfect but over the last year they have actually transformed from weak bendy little things to hardened talons that people often mistake for falsies...

 I'm like *flicks hair over shoulders*  "n'uh these are all mine baaaybeee!"

Like most things though when they are completely naked they just aren't as pretty to look at... sort of like a face without a shred of make up, do you know what I'm saying? 

I mean we've all seen the gorgeous Mila Klunis looking worse for wear without her slap (how reassuring was that though) and I reckon David Beckham without his tight white boxers still has yakky looking danglers!!

Aaaaaanyway.... Back on track (stop picturing nakey davey!) 

I'm not a smoker... Possibly a touch of tanning stainage!

My Mani Must Haves

All products available from QVC

Leighton Denny features heavily in my my manicure kit and his crystal nail files sit firmly in the COULD NOT POSSIBLY LIVE WITHOUT category.

I can saw away at my nails (yes back and forth) without damaging and I always have one on hand to deal with any potentially life ruining  snags... 

A good polish remover is a must as you don't want all your lovely hard work being undone by drenching your nails in paint stripper! I currently use Leighton Denny Essential Remover which has no real nastiness in and actually makes nails look and feel super clean and refreshed.

I love a good buff (oy oy) and nothing says TAAARAAAA to ridges and HIYAAAA to shine like Mr D's buffing trio.

Be warned though, don't over buff as you'll make your nails as weak as water regardless of which brand you use. I tend to give the nails the full trio treatment once every 6- 8 weeks. 

*Hark the holy grail fanfare*

The Pro Strong products are in the COULD NOT POSSIBLY LIVE WITHOUT category too. 

(YES I'm high maintenance but I know that I am and the first step to dealing with such difficult spirited 'characteristics' is recognising you have them so it's fine, worry not! :)

TRUE STORY- I started using pro strong in August 2012 and my nails did not snap, break or bend until Boxing Day 2012 (I jammed my thumb in a car door... no spacial awareness whatsoevaaaah)

I had been filing them though so don't be picturing my hands with disgustingly long claws that curl around like tree branches mind! 

As if!

Anyway the Pro Strong regime is a daily one but a simple one.

The Fluoride Strengthener and Calcium Supplement are liquid formulas that are absorbed into the nails so no waiting around for them dry. 

Simply brush the fluoride strengthener over each nail then apply the calcium supplement then finally reapply the fluoride.

 It actually takes longer to explain it than it does to do it. All in all I reckon about 2-3 minutes out of your daily life.

Ooh and it can be applied to bare nails OR over polish so it doesn't interrupt your colourful creations.

Cuticle Corner *hangs head in shame and shuffles akwardly* I have to be honest and admit I've always been a bit shocking when it comes to my cuticle care. I often cringe at my nails pics thinking "eeee look at the state of  them cuticles" but only recently did I actually do something about

it by investing in Leighton Denny Remove and Rectify which does exactly as the name suggests. Used alongside his Hoof Stick my cuticles are fast improving... not totally perfect yet (it was big repair job!) but exercising some patience as I have only been using for the last week. 

Rome wasn't built in a day n all that!.

                   

If nails are dry then they become brittle and brittle nails SNAP.

Oils are an absolute must in preventing dehydrated, peeling and tired nails.

I apply cuticle oil like it's going out of fashion and at the minute I'm whipping out Leighton Denny Slick Tips (it smells of lemons... so lushy).
OPI Avoplex Oil is another favorite.

I'm on the fence with Nail Hardeners that promise growth and strength, I use and like OPI's Nail Envy but only since using the Pro Strong System, before that the results were sorta 'blah'. 

I would definitely encourage wearing some sort of protectant every day though, be it a simple slick of clear polish or a full blown artsy mani.

And hand cream hand cream hand cream... Anything that gives nails and cuticles a drink is a win!

Plus hands show the first signs of ageing, keep em moisturised!

Anyway I'm off to paint my nails as I can't be dealing with the 'stripped' look, almost as traumatic as leaving the house without a gel filled bra :)

I really do love your comments and I read and reply to each and every singe one.

Please feel free to leave your link as I check all blogs out.

Love K xxxxxx

Ps Shortlisted for a Cosmo... Best New Beauty Blog *doing a dance* button underneath profile picture if you fancy voting for me. Thank you xxxx

SUN BELIEVABLE Leighton Denny Tan Review

Hellooo and it eeee my gosh hasn't it been tropical?? England has been transformed into the sort of place you normally have to board a plane and dig your passport out for! And in true 'brits abroad' style my eyes have been continually assaulted by bare bellied chested men, streaky orange legs and  and ravishing red strap marks falling out of maxi dresses... OUCHES!

Mind that said there are some girls (and boys) who can just 'do' summer. The girls that glide around emanating effortlessly beautiful vibes. You know the sort? Gorgeous healthy sunkissed glow,  perfect summer wardrobe and hair that falls into beachy waves??

 Are you that girl? Aaah I want to be you..

Well actually I'm good for the wardrobe and hair but what I really want NEED is that TAN, and true to form we always want what we can't have. 

That Melanin stuff that turns you brown? My parents were seriously lacking in this and what little they did have they saved and gave to my brother (RUDE) so I guess that leaves me in the 'pale is interesting' bracket?

 And yup I'm all for rocking the porcelain but the second the sun is out people can lose their filter of what's acceptable to say to another person and I'm met with gems such as "you need some sun" and "can you not have a few sunbeds"... 

Ummm yeah sure... pass me the tokens... 

Essentially though there are times when I want the 'edge' taken off, plus a tan can hide the multitude of sins I've clearly stored during the winter months!

My fake tan career started aged 14... and they didn't make them then like they do now- no guide colours or mitts, pure blind application with end result being orange tiger stripes... erm one for the archives me thinks! I'm pretty sure I've tried all the false tans out there, I really am.

So when Mr Leighton Denny brought out his Sun Believable range I just had to... would of been rude not to, (HEEEEEEOWGE Leighton fan).

 So today is a review of Tan Me which is the self tanning mousse.

Tan Me comes in two options that I can see, there's the medium which I used and the dark option which gives a deeper intense colour. 

READERS OF A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION MAY WANT TO LOOK AWAY OR VIEW THE NEXT IMAGE WITH SUNNIES ON TO AVOID THE GLARE OF THE PALE.

My goodness they are white aren't they? Scary crazy white!

Tan Me comes complete with application mitt and it's not your usually flimsy sponge affair, this is like a felty, velvety material that seems to buff and blend the product in perfectly.

Can you tell which leg has had the Tan Me treatment???

Above picture is with flash and below is without.

It was 1am when the pictures were taken, I totally procrastinate until the last minute and then have the 'urgh need to do a tan' feeling just as I'm dragging myself up to bed!

Now don't be shy to apply... it develops one colour so providing you cover everywhere you can't go wrong. TOP TIP :) Bend elbows and knees when tanning these areas, ensures no whitey bits or colour accumulation.

So it dried quickly, I waited 10 minutes before putting on my jarmies as I'm bit obsessive about smudging or leaving marks. It was actually touch dry after a couple of minutes. 

I woke up the next day feeling rather gorgeous, like I'd "just been sat in the garden", I wasn't what you would called bronzed but I was certainly sun kissed and glowy... and evenly so. 

No streaks, stripes or patches and even my hands didn't resemble orange monster claws (it has been known)

I could not get a photo that did the tan justice and I'm owing that to the heat wave and constant sunny funshine messing with my iphone camera posh camera photography.

It faded lovely too and the 'after' photo was taken 4 days after application.

A before example.... and the 'after' which was actually 4 days later after fading

I'd definitely recommend TAN ME in Medium for fairer skinned girlies such as me. For those who want a 'just been on holiday to Maldives' sort of colour then definitely opt for the Dark.

I've just started using the SUN KISS ME which is a gradual tan and so far so happy...

So what do we think? Are you a fan of the tan? Real or fakey?

As always I love reading and replying to all your comments.

If you've enjoyed reading and likey the bloggy then would be ever so grateful for a vote in the Cosmo Blog Awards (shortlisted for Best New Beauty Blog). Button is under profile picture on home page.

Love K 

xxxxxx

Ps... Pictures 2 and 3 were borrowed from the internet, they aren't mine :)

Summer Blues Nails Inc Of The Day

Hey there petals, are we all still enjoying the glorious sunshine? And of course complaining about the humidity and such! You know you're all doing it :)

Me?  I'm loving the long summer days but feel my wardrobe is totally unprepared for such tropics! See there I go now... never happy us Brits!

Well not strictly true as I'm pretty ecstatic about this nails polish. 

Such a gorgeous colour for you guys and dolls today. It's blue which seem to where my heart lies these days... but hey I'm a Pisces, a little fish, a water sign and my birthstone is aquamarine so obviously its beyond my control that I own so many blue polishes!

This particular blue is St James Square and it's brought to you by Nails Inc. I love this shade, so much so I actually reapplied it within a few days of removing it. UTTERLY UNHEARD OF! It's such a flattering colour and seriously lushty teamed with a white vest top and statement necklace. 

Let your nails do the talking!

I added Nails Inc feathers in Brigton just to give it a lil kick and some matte stripes across one nail as I was in a faffy fettle and like to keep mind occupied whilst watching big brother of a night time!

I know the stripes are somewhat wonky but I blame the fact I had a nasty little fright as I was painting them...

Ok so picture the scene, in jarmas, curled up on sofa, surrounded by nail stuff, cup of tea in the Katy Perry mug and big brothers bit on the side on the telly and then BAMBAMBAM  my eyes are assaulted by Rylan's new gnashers. 

I literally recoiled in horror! And every time I've seen them since it's like the first time!

(Still love him like!

Honest Rylan it's not you it's the chompers!

Focus Kate! Back to the topic!

Soooo I have the entire Nails Inc Feathers Collection and after muchos deliberation I think that Brighton with its yellow blue and turquoise flecks is my current fave. 

I'm easily lead though so flash hot pink feather polish under my nose and we can perhaps renegotiate favourite status' ok!

All the rings I'm wearing are from shopdixi and I've had loads of comments about them. I cannot get enough of midi rings right now. Cuteness yes?

Oh and before I go remember I said I wore this polish twice in week? Well I wasn't lying and here's the photographic evidence! I actually think I prefer this look? 

Its the Royal Mews Holographic that swings it for me, it glistens like ocean (tenuous water theme link there!) and it looks different in every light.

 I played it safe and just went with an accent nail but I'm thinking it's so gorge I need to show case it properly!

(Sit tight for holographic jazz hands!!)

What's the colour that you just can't put down? Any thoughts?

Love reading and replying to your fabulous comments, really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and chat. Oh and please do leave your links as I check out all blogs :)

Oh and if you want to vote me as best new beauty blog (shortlisted for a Cosmo Blog Award doncha know!) then I'm touched (and doing a little dance!)

You can do that here

Or through the button on home page underneath my picture.

Love 

k xxxx

June Is Hauling Out All Over

Hello all you gorgeous lovely people. It's been too long hasn't it? I'm pulling the been busy decorating" card... AGAIN! It's hard to believe but it's true, I'm queen procrastinator plus I've developed a rather unhealthy obsession with buying tester pots of paint. Seriously I'm buying them as if they were nail polish... CURAYZEEE or what. 

My walls are like a bonny piece of patchwork though :)

Anyhow lets get back to it. Before my June haul ends up being an August post!!!

As ever included in the monthly stash of splurges there is the great, the bad and the utterly pointless (as all compulsive shoppers can identify with I'm sure!)

We'll start with possibly the best invention for super duper skin evaaaaah. 

The Clarisonic Face and Body Brush has absolutely rocked my world this month. I use it morning and night with my regular cleansers. I'm converted, my skin has never looked as smooth or felt as soft. 

Word of warning though... 

My oh my never (ever) make the mistake of letting the battery go flat, I went to use it this morning and it was completely dead. Devastated doesn't even cover it. I was actually overwhelmed with despair, palpitations, catastrophising THE LOT!

There's a few bandwagon purchases this month and the Emma Hardie Moringa Balm was a conga line I just had to join. In this cute little set you get the cleansing balm, moisturiser and eye cream. 

The Moringa balm is everything it promises and I expected. 

In fact on balance I think it has the edge over the Elemis cleansing balm as it dissolves eye make without any stinging or aggravation. That includes complete annihilation of Benefits They're Real Mascara... Now tell me that ain't impressive?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo. It's been blogged to death and its a Marmite product.

 For me though... J'Adore.

 I'm on to tube number three and as you can see I'm like madame scrooge cutting it open and making sure I get every last splodge of product! It did burn a bit at first but that was likely due to over zealous and excessive application, once a day is fine for me and it sort of keeps pores empty and in fairness who wants cloggy ones?

Slighty off topic but going back the Marmite phrase... I happen to LOVE Marmite (on toast with melty cheese) but I shudder when anyone describes themselves a Marmite character, "you'll either love me or hate me blah blah blah", I save myself time by instantly deciding to 'hate' them! 

Harsh? But to be fair you only usually hear big brother hopefuls uttering such words!

Lush treats... 

The Mask of Magnaminty is a repurchase and its so good for drawing out and drying out any impurities. Keep it by the bath and slap on whenever you have a spare ten minutes.

The CupCake mask is aimed at teenage skin so I avoided eye contact when buying... Bet the guy at till was dying to say, erm the wrinkle stuff is over there love! It was fine though, both he and I remained composed :)

The Catastrophe Cosmetic mask smells gorgeous and that's probably owing to the fact it contains bits of actual (fresh from the punnet) blueberries. Its cooling, calming and leaves you looking clean and rejuvenated. 

Elemis Elemis Elemis... Skin Bliss Capsules are indeed considered Holy Grail. You can read my review on these little beauts here (only if you want to of course)

Something a little bit different. 

Pure Pedi Exfoliating Boots. Now talk about the sublime to ridiculous one minute I'm in Lush trying pass as a 17 year old and the next I'm buying ANTI-AGING foot care! 

These boots are an alpha hydroxy acid treatment and 2-3 weeks after using your hard, manky, dry and cracked skin will have peeled off. Think of a snake shedding and you've got the picture.

Now there will be a good old review post about these as I'm currently awaiting results. Exciting!

Standard summer restock of fakey tan. I'm uber pale, in fact I look blue some lights so I need something that gives a natural sun kissed glow and He-Shi is the product to deliver that.

I've used this on and off for over the years and I keep going back to it. That is high praise indeed as I consider myself to know the false tan world inside out!

Now regular readers know my love for Mr Leighton Denny's nail varnishes so when he brought out the sun believable range I HAD to order (bad things would of happened if I ignored the urge). 

It's a gradual tan so I intend on applying every other day, just to you know... take the edge off!

I

Oh but what's a monthly haul without a nod to Soap and Glory. I've used this brand for years now and the first thing I ever bought was the Glow Lotion. It's been repurchased many a time as I find its the only product that make my sans tan legs socially acceptable!

The Beauty Blender... I've used it once, I was rushed, I was tired and it was a bad face day. So I'm thinking that is probably clouding my judgement as I wasn't blown away by this little pink egg.

.I'm wondering if I expected ridiculous miracles... like a swipe of the sponge around my face and then I'm Mila Klunis? 

I'll have another go though as a million amazing reviews can't all be wrong :)

Revitalash Volumising Primer. I do love an eyelash primer. I was at one time completely devoted to Loreal Double Extension mascara and I think that it was down to it having a separate primer! 

Oh mind it's the little things!

The bestest thing about this is applies as a bright electric blue so if you want to channel your inner eighties chick... then you can ditch the proper mascara and do so!

SIMPLY WOW KLAXON! 

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation and Illamasqua Gleam in Aurora. These both create luminous glowing beautiful skin, I love them.Just utterly love them.

 Espesh the foundation.

A huge thank you to the gorgeous Gemma of Miss Make Up Magpie fame for these! That gurl can certainly shop!

Mac monthlys... June was Rihanna's Riri Loves Mac launch and boy was I ready. I already have Riri Woo and was worried she was getting lonely (pathetic justification I know!) so I knew it when it came to adding to the collection it was going to be heart over head sorta purchase.

It launched at 12pm and by 12.20pm I was the proud owner of RiRi Boy (basically a matte up the amp) and Hibiscus Kiss which is a bronzer and blush combined.

Got a nice little Riri Loves Mac review coming up so keep your fluttery lash framed eyes peeled! 

My first ever Smashbox buy... A sweetly beautiful lip gloss in Pout. It's pretty, it's shimmery and no gloopy stickiness. Gold medal or what?

Maybelline buys... So I went to Superdrug for some paracetamols and this happened! It's rather tame and I'm blaming thanking the migraine! Me having unsupervised access to make up with a debit card could of been soooo much worse!

Maybelline gel liner repurchase as I do enjoy the brush applicator but I have so say I find it a tad smudgy.

A prime example of life giving with one hand and taking away with the other!

And filed under the POINTLESS purchase category... Maybelline Dream Touch blush. Again I'm relating this to the migraine, nothing wrong with the product but its a pale peachy shade and I know from many years of experience that that colour serves no positive with me. 

Final furlong people... thanks for staying with me :)

I could not even contemplate a month without showing my talons some love so first up is The Leighton Denny Moisture Collection. 

Perfect for a bit of nail TLC. I have long strong nails but they are prone to peeling (probably because they usually drenched in varnish!) so this little kit will keep pesky peels to a minimum. 

Oh and in the world of buffers... Leighton's one is

the cats cream. Gets nails so shiny you'd think you had a clear coat of polish on.

This Nails Inc bundle came as part of an auto delivery I signed up to in March with QVC and they weren't the colours they advertised. I had been expecting a hot pink leather so was DEVO when that didn't land. Saying that though  it's a good mix of colours with the blue and holographic silver being my personal favourites.

L-R pembroke square, royal mews, st james square, brighton, hampton court peace gardens, featherstone street

Now being a nail junkie and a slave to topshop it seems shocking that until two weeks ago I had never sampled a topshop polish... WELL I HAVE NOW! 

The packaging is cute and Green Room is my colour of the month... a real striking jade and no chips for two days.

Also picked up a Models Own nail art pen so I can get creative... shame I'm cack handed like!!

Phew that felt exhausting just typing it out, imagine how hurt and used my bank account feels :)

Anyone tried any of these products? Any thoughts or recommendations? As always I read and reply to every single comment and they put such a smile on my face.

Oooh and a spot of UHMEZZING news... my little blog has been shortlisted for a Cosmo Blog Award, Best New Beauty Blog :) 

I'm so unbelievably overwhelmed as I've not even been doing this 4 months yet! 

So if you like my blog and enjoy reading then I'd love you to vote for me and you can do it here or there is a button on my home page.

Until next time...

Love 

k xxxx