Sunday 6 May 2012

Simple nail art ...

After my exam yesterday I thought I deserved a little bit of a pick me up. I didn't intend on buying anything but then I went into TKMax. I have to admit that this is the first time I have ever been in TKMax but I walked through there yesterday and OH MY GOD! Although I'm reluctant to buy anything for my face there and they can be hit and miss with what they have available, this one had a really good nail varnish selection. I picked up 3 Essie nail polishes for £9.99 (they cost £8.99 for one from Boots). I have heard a lot about the Essie nail polishes and I wanted to try them so I thought this was a good bargain and way to try a few out without breaking the bank. 






L-R: 424 Bordeaux, 116 Tangerine, 346 Capri

I tried out Capri yesterday, and although it took 2 coats to reach the level of opacity I like, the formula is lovely and I love the colour (it's pretty much how it looks like in the bottle).  I also bought an Andrea Fulerton crystal gemstones set which came with a pot of small diamante crystals, an applicator tool and a overcoat. I bought it for 4.99, but I have seen it for £10.00 in Superdrug. I thought it would be a good way to get into some nail art seeing as I haven't got the steadiest hand, but I still wanted to give it ago. 


I thought I would do a sea kind of base with the gems scattered on top, so I applied two coats of Essie Capri and then one coat of Models Own Indian Ocean, which is absolutely beautiful but smells like no other nail polish I own ... it's pretty potent. After the first coat had of Indian Ocean had dried I then applied a second coat on one nail and straight away applied the gems, using the rubber end of the applicator, onto my nail, and then on to the next nail and so on. After I had the Indian Ocean had dried I applied one layer of the Gloss Up Overcoat which came with the Andrea Fulerton set. This really made the gems shine!







Overall, I really love the effect. I applied them randomly and quite densely, but I think I prefer only using one or two, maybe as an accent nail or just randomly. It is quite blingy which isn't normally me but it is all good fun at the end of the day. I did these last night, and I have since had a shower and done loads of things without even thinking about them, and I have lost one or two but overall, they are still intact and for a first attempt I'm really pleased. I will definitely wear them again for a night out, or just  a bit of fun. I also really like the Capri and Indian Ocean combination as I think Indian Ocean takes quite several coats to achieve any opacity on it's own, and will definitely be wearing without the gems in the future. 

I'm really pleased with this nail look and also TKMax. Although I won't be buying everything  from there from now on, I will pop in from time to time to see if there is anything that catches my eye. I'm really glad I was able to try a range of Essie polishes without spending   close to £30 on them, but I do like them so I will probably be buying some from Boots in the future. SORRY bank balance :) xxx

4 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness you got them at such a bargain price! I didn't know you could get Essie in TKMax, always restrained myself because of the price in boots. Will definitely keep an eye out for these now!

    Love, Elizabeth xx

    http://butterflyboo.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I couldn't believe how good value they were either, but it's so good if you want to try a new brand. They had some nails inc minatures and sets as well. Definitely worth popping in there :)

      xx

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  2. I always check out TK Maxx for little bits and pieces, they're great!

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    1. I was really surprised with how good it was in there! I will definitely be going in there again xxx

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