Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 | Review

If there's one trend I've found myself hooked on recently, it's gel nails - they're gorgeous! However after a few weeks of wear I'm always a little worried the condition of my nails underneath may suffer. So after a recent soak off I decided to give my nails a little break from repeated manicures & instead decided to put a new product to the test - Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 - a "protein-packed formula" that aims to strengthen & protect weak or damaged nails by bonding the "natural layers together".

This was first applied in my local salon after having the gel polish soaked off - which I then followed this with another application the next day as recommended online. After just two applications I could already see an improvement in the quality of my nails... No peeling or splitting in sight!

After seeing such great initial results I now use this product roughly once a week as a base coat before using my usual nail polish & my nails have never felt so strong or healthy.

In my opinion this is a must have product for anyone that suffers with weak/damaged nails or - like me - is fond of the odd gel manicure. Currently retailing at £12.50 it's a little more expensive than you're usual polish, but in my opinion is worth every penny.

If you've ever used the Nailtiques Protein Formula or have any tips for healthy nails, I'd love to know in the comments! 

xxx

Current Favourites - Perfume

Perfume is a product I couldn't live without.. It's something I find myself reaching for on a daily basis & feel it really adds the finishing touch to any outfit. With this in mind (& whilst I sat pondering what to post about this week) I decided to share on Small & Blonde the three fragrances I find myself reaching for time & time again.

Yves Saint Lauren - Black Opium - £47.00 for 30ml
YSL's Black Opium has been a firm favourite since it's release back in 2014. With notes of black coffee, vanilla & white florals the sweet - yet sensual - scent is slightly "deeper" than the other fragrances in this post & is therefore perfect for evenings/nights out. The glam-rock style packaging - with hints of pink & glitter - also means this perfume looks gorgeous on any dressing table.

Viktor & Rolf - Flowerbomb - £50.00 for 30ml 
The next perfume I find myself reaching for regularly is Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb - another firm favourite within the beauty world. Smelling light & floral the notes of jasmine, mandarin & orchid create a very feminine scent that reminds me of a traditional British garden in the summer - perfect for daytime wear.

Kenzo - Flower - £44.00 for 30ml
As one of my Mum's favourite fragrances throughout my childhood, Flower by Kenzo will always hold a place close to my heart. With notes of white musk, vanilla & frankincense the perfume has a slightly more "mature" scent that my previous favourites, but is still a gorgeous perfume that can easily be worn from day-night.

I personally love each of these perfumes but am always on the look out for new products to try. 

Let me know your favourite perfumes in the comments. 

xxx

September Birchbox - Heroes

With the theme of "Heroes", September's Birchox brings some positive vibes to the end of summer by recognising heroic women & promoting motivation/positive thinking. To help with this, the box contains five beauty treats that are all aimed at optimising beauty routines to help be the best version of ourselves.

Products: 
Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray - £14.99 [x]

Bioderma Hydrabio Serum - £18.00 [x]

ModelCo Highlighting Trio - £17.00 [x]

Nuxe Shower Oil - £10.00 [x]

Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 - £12.50 [x]

Products that really caught my eye this month have to be the ModelCo highlighting trio (who doesn't love a good highlighter?!) & the Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 (hopefully this will help repair any damage from my new-found gel obsession!). With the colder weather on it's way, I'm also excited to test a product from a very well-loved brand within the beauty world; Bioderma. I'm yet to test any products from Bioderma but am looking forward to seeing how this serum holds up throughout winter. 

When it comes to being the best versions of ourselves I wouldn't say I think that beauty products are a necessity. However I do believe a little pampering can go a long way to making everyone feel a happier & more confident.  

What are your thoughts on September's Birchbox?
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments. 

xxx

Soap & Glory Kick Ass "All Is Calm" Concealer

Colour correcting concealer seems to be becoming an increasingly popular product recently. So - whilst picking up a few essentials during a recent trip to Boot - I decided to test one out for myself picked up the "All is Calm" concealer from Soap & Glory (currently retailing at £8.00).

The All is Calm concealer is green in colour & is therefore designed to mask redness.. Perfect for anyone who - like me - suffers from uneven skin-tone & blemishes. It has a creamy consistency that I like to apply with a beauty blend after foundation (just like normal concealer).

Whilst it is a little worrying to see bright green smudges all over your face, once blended it becomes a much paler shade - especially when used alongside foundation & setting powder. Of course, I wouldn't recommend using large amounts of this concealer (or you'll end up resembling a family member of the hulk) but in small amounts & used along other products it really does help tone down redness.

As well as redness control, Soap & Glory also offer two other colour correcting concealers. The Fake Awake (to cover dark circles) & the Just Bright (for tired looking skin) - both of which I'll be picking up soon.

Have you ever tried the All is Calm concealer?

I'd love to know your thoughts.
xxx