If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know how much I love my blues and greens… what could be better than a lovely bright teal This polish was difficult to photograph, so apologies for using the flash in some of them, for some reason it was the only way I could get a colour-accurate shot.

I love this type of colour; if you couldn’t tell, my room is a very similar shade! It’s a gorgeous bluey-green teal colour and it’s just perfect for summer. I adore it. It’s super flattering on any skin tone and glossy and pretty and bright and just perfect. Need I say more?

Application:

Again like most of the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints, the trick to their application is quick, thin coats. Too slow and it drags, and too thick and it drags/doesn’t ever truly dry. With quick thin coats you get an even finish which dries quickly. The polish does indeed dry quickly and to a high shine. It probably doesn’t need a topcoat other than for longevity. It’s almost totally opaque at 1 coat, but I used 2 coats in all the photos.

Guava is a really summery shade in my mind, it’s definitely one that I’ll wear lots as I can’t get enough of it! What do you think of it? I think it’s such good value for such a staple colour.

Barry M Guava Gelly will be available in shops from June 5th in Superdrug, and June 12th in Boots. It will retail at£3.99.

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Disclaimer: Guava was sent to me by Barry M for impartial review.

Barry M will be releasing 5 new Gelly Nail Paints on June 5th in Superdrug, and June 12th in Boots. The new shades are: Mango, Blue Grape, Key Lime, Passion Fruit and Guava. Today I have Mango to show you, a bright pumpkin orange shade. My favourite thing about this polish is that it’s the first true orange nail polish I own that is actually completely opaque… yes, really!

Mango is a lovely pigmented orange creme. It’s much more yellow-toned than last year’s Barry M Satsuma Gelly which is much more red-toned, and much more bright and saturated that Barry M Papaya Gelly. I really enjoyed wearing this colour, especially in the gorgeous sun!

Application:

All the photos show opacity at 2 coats – it was virtually opaque at one but I applied a second just to cover a few slightly sheer patches. Mango applied quite well – the trick is to apply thin coats but quickly. The polish dries quite quickly so if you are applying a thick coat slowly it will start to drag and will take longer to dry. Also the thicker the coat, the more air bubbles will get trapped in your polish. I did notice a few air bubbles on my nails despite careful application but maybe that was because it was so hot that day… I’m not sure.  Anyway, they were smoothed out by one coat of topcoat and only visible if you were looking really closely at my nails. There were probably 10 or so per nail – how many can you see in my photos ? The polish dried quickly; the thinner the coat, the quicker the dry time. It dried to a lovely high shine so if I didn’t have the air bubbles I wouldn’t have bothered with topcoat.

Overall I really like this colour. I’m not always keen on yellow-toned oranges but this one surprised me; I actually really liked how it looks. It makes my hands look more tanned .

Barry M Mango Gelly will be available in shops from June 5th in Superdrug, and June 12th in Boots. It will retail at £3.99.

What do you think? Are you into orange nails or not so much?

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Disclaimer: Mango was sent to me by Barry M for impartial review.

Medusa Luminosa is actually a type of Jellyfish… I’m so happy about this because ocean creatures always mesmerize me (even if Jellyfish scare the hell out of me!) I just think they’re so beautiful and I feel like this polish really captures the luminous iridescent appearance of the Medusa Luminosa.

This is honestly one of the most beautiful polishes I think I own the base is a vibrant pinkie-blue-purple (not quite as blue as the photos show) with purple microglitter, red/gold shimmer and iridescent blue sequin glitter. It’s so pretty!! My nail line seems really visible in the photos; it was visible but barely in person. I feel like I don’t need to explain this polish any more, the photos do the talking!

Application:

Medusa Luminosa is a little on the thick side which makes neat application a little difficult, but this is nothing that can’t be sorted with some thinner. The photos all show 2 coats, so 3 coats would probably be totally opaque. It also would work really well layered over other colours, particularly different shades of purple or blue. The finish is a tiny bit bumpy, but one coat of Revlon Quick Dry topcoat sorts that. Just be  careful to wrap your tips or you will get shrinkage with this one.

I can’t think of anything else to say other than it just glows on your nails – I’ve worn this twice since I got it a couple of weeks ago which is saying quite a lot for me!! You can sometimes get Medusa Luminosa on Llarowe when she has a restock (it’s currently sold out) it cost me $19.88 including shipping from the US, which works out at around £12.77 which I think is pretty reasonable for such a gorgeous polish. I have a bit of an obsession with Hare Polish at the moment, I’ve just bought another 5… whoops!

What do you think of Medusa Luminosa? Would you pay £12.77 for it?

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This really isn’t a polish that ever would have wowed me in the bottle and I rarely pick up polish of this colour of my own accord, so I’m really glad I had the chance to try it. It’s a lovely blue-toned mid-pink colour, very Barbie, very girly and very Spring-appropriate. I can definitely see this making up part of a great Spring skittle manicure. I love the plastic-effect finish of cremes like this. It’s very flattering to my skin tone too.

Application:

Pink Blush (what a cute name, it makes me think of rosy cheeks!) applied really nicely. I had no problems with streaking, and in general the formula settled well on the nail. I used just two coats for opacity (the free edge you can see in the photos really wasn’t visible in person!). It takes an average amount of time to dry; not too long but not quite quick enough, if you know what I mean. I definitely recommend using a good quick-dry topcoat if you have one.

I really like this colour as a great staple for Spring/Summer… it’s like the plainly styled tank top in your summer wardrobe; simple but cute. What do you think of Pink Blush?

Models Own polishes are available at Littlewoods.com, along with their nail care products and various other nail polishes. They are also available at Boots and Boots.com, and directly from Models Own.

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Disclaimer: Models Own Pink Blush was sent to me for impartial review.

The polish is quite sheer in terms of the base colour so I decided to layer it over Ciaté Pocket Money, which was free in this month’s Marie Claire. I LOVE this combination, it definitely livens up the slightly plain Pocket Money and the two colours really complement each other.

All the photos are one coat of Shade 6 over two coats of Ciaté Pocket Money. I love how this still looks somewhat chic yet still carries off the pretty glittery effect well Shade 6 is a pink-tinted base colour filled with silver microglitter, and yellow, orange, gold and pale pink glitters. I adore the colours of glitter in this, they work so well together.

Application:

The polish is slightly thick, which makes application a tiny bit more difficult so take care to use thin coats or it will take a while to dry. Alternatively add some thinner to the bottle. The polish dried relatively quickly bearing in mind the thickness, and dries to a high shine. I think it would take quite a few coats to become opaque on it’s own, probably 3-4 coats for opacity, so perhaps it is best layered .

I really love this colour and will be getting a backup if I can, I’m sure I will use it all up very quickly! What do you think? I think it’s amazing value for just £1.99 (or 3 for £4.99 in 2true’s permanent offer across their whole line!). Glitterati Shade 6 is available in  Superdrug for a limited time.

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As I mentioned yesterday, these are essentially the same as Nails Inc Feathers, but in different colours and WAY more affordable at £3.99 each. They will be released instore on June 5th in Superdrug, and June 12th in Boots.

Layered over 2True Shade 17 and Illamasqua Nudge. 

One coat of Liquorice Confetti over 2True Shade 17 and Illamasqua Nudge.

Left to right: 1 coat over 2True Shade 17, 1 coat over Illamasqua Nudge, 2 coats over 2True Shade 17, 2 coats over Illamasqua Nudge.

Liquorice Confetti is a mixture of black and white bar glitter suspended in a clear base. It’s like the bar glitter counterpart to L’Oreal Confetti. I definitely prefer it as a topcoat as opposed to layering it up over the bare nail, and I also definitely prefer one coat over a base colour as opposed to two coats over a base colour (2 coats begins to look a little furry!). I do really love this though, especially over the colours I showed above.

Application:

Liquorice Confetti applied evenly, which surprised me as I thought the glitter would drag. It’s quite easy to get an even amount of glitter all over the nail. It dries pretty quickly too. The finish is neither glossy nor matte; if you want a glossy look I’d use a topcoat. It does dry flat but ever so slightly bumpy to the touch so again, if you want a smooth finish use a topcoat. My only qualm is with the glitter sticking out at the ends of my nails but that’s easily fixed with some small nail scissors or a gentle filing.

Overall I’m really pleased with this polish, I didn’t think I could ever really enjoy this type of look but I actually genuinely like it and am looking forward to trying more colour combinations!

I still love the packaging, the lids look so cute and pretty, I would love these as the standard Barry M caps!

Barry M Confetti Effects will be sold at £3.99 each which I think is more than reasonable – a cheap way to try out a new nail trend without breaking the bank! (Cough Nails Inc…)

What do you think of Liquorice? What colour combinations would you be most excited to try?!  Remember these are not out til June 5th in Superdrug, and June 12th in Boots, so keep them on your wishlist!

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Disclaimer: Liquorice was sent to me by Barry M for impartial review.

I did initially think, sigh, more Nails Inc Feather Effects (none of which particularly drew me in, with the possible exception of Cornwall), but at least these will be more affordable… I take back my previous thoughts! I love these so much, and I really really didn’t think I would! I do have to say that they look a million times better layered over a base colour rather than over the bare nail.

Layered over China Glaze Pelican Gray and Barry M Black. 

One coat of Marshmallow over China Glaze Pelican Gray and Barry M Black.

At 2 coats over the bare nail.

Left to right: 1 coat over China Glaze Pelican Gray, 1 coat over Barry M Black, 2 coats over China Glaze Pelican Gray, 2 coats over Barry M Black.

Marshmallow is made up of baby pink pearlescent bar glitter (and possibly white too, I can’t quite decide!). I love the overall effect, and somehow I feel like ‘confetti’ is a better suited title to this effect than ‘feathers’, although I have to give credit to Nails Inc for creating the baseline for this effect. I love the combinations I showed above, the baby pink pops against the grey and looks almost white against the black. I’m really happy with this polish as a topcoat.

Application:

Marshmallow applied easily – I thought I’d have to dab the glitter on in the arrangement I wanted it but it actually dispersed pretty evenly over the nail. It dries quickly, and it dries to a slightly matte finish, and slightly rough to the touch, so I’d recommend using a topcoat for added shine and smoothness of finish. The only slight problem with application for me was that some of the pieces of glitter ended up hanging off the edge of my nails but this was easily fixed using a nail file or a tiny pair of nail scissors.

Overall I am a lot happier with this look than I thought I would be, so that’s always good! I feel like this effect is best appreciated in person, because in photos the effect is very much in highlight, where in person it merely adds to the overall appearance of your manicure. I was very pleasantly surprised by Marshmallow.

I also really love the packaging, it’s so cute and pretty, I kind of wish all Barry M Nail Paints had white and holographic lids on!

Barry M Confetti Effects will be sold at £3.99 each, staggeringly cheap (imho) compared with Nails Inc’s Feathers Effect polishes, and a cheap way to try out a new nail trend without breaking the bank.

What do you think of Marshmallow? What colour combinations would you be most excited to try?! Remember these are not out til June 5th in Superdrug, and June 12th in Boots, so keep them on your wishlist!

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Disclaimer: Marshmallow was sent to me by Barry M for impartial review.

Left to right: Bubblegum, Sour Apple, Dolly Mixture, Marshmallow, Liquorice.

Confetti Nail Effects Nail Paint

What Barry M says: New Confetti Nail Effects is the perfect party for your nails.  Filled with confetti sprinkles that brush on smoothly, make your nails pop with 5 sweet inspired shades. Dolly Mixture (Multi), Liquorice (Black/White), Marshmallow (Pink), Bubblegum (Blue), Sour Apple (Green). Build the effect with more than one coat or apply as a top coat over your favourite colour.

Retail Price is £3.99

Left to right: Key Lime, Mango, Blue Grape, Passion Fruit, Guava.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paints

What Barry M says: To add to our Hi Shine Gelly Nail Paint collection Barry M have 5 new exotic fruit inspired shades!  Key Lime, Mango, Blue Grape & Guava will be your go-to shades this Summer for an extra glossy mani.  Key Lime (Lime Green), Guava (Teal), Passion Fruit (Pink/Red), Blue Grape (Cobalt Blue), Mango (Orange).

Retail Price is £3.99

Perfect Tan Instant Spray in Deep Glow Dark

What Barry M says: A light mist that dries quickly so it doesn’t drip or run. Gives skin an instant healthy looking glow with a matte finish that hides blemishes. Can be removed with soap and water. New darker formula.

Retail Price is £6.99

What do you think of all these lovely goodies?! I’m excited to try Bubblegum Confetti, and Guava and Key Lime Gelly I’m not so interested in the tan as I’m utterly utterly awful at applying fake tan but there we go!

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2True: Shade 15, Shade 14, Shade 5. Buy 3 for £4.99 from Superdrug.com.

BeautyUK: Twinkle Twinkle. £3.49 in Superdrug.

Revlon: Quick Dry Basecoat. £6.49 in Superdrug and  Boots. I love this basecoat, partly because it seems a little sticky and my nail polish hasn’t chipped as easily since using it. My other favourite is Rimmel Double Duty Stronger basecoat.

GOSH: Greed. £4.99 in Superdrug.

Revlon: Peach Nectar, Whimsical, Starry Pink. £7 for all three. I bought these from the very generous Siân via the Facebook Nail Sale group (this group does a hefty amount of damage to my bank account!) I don’t believe these are available in the UK currently, though you may be able to pick them up on eBay.

China Glaze: Smoke and Ashes, Sugar Plums, Lubu Heels. The lovely Hayley from Nail Sale let me have these for £10 for all three plus postage, bargain!

Wet N Wild: Gray’s Anatomy. Bought from Claire via the  Nail Sale.

Catrice: Dirty Berry. Also from Claire, I bought these two for a total of £4 plus postage… wow!

Hare Polish: Midsummers Midnight. £8 plus p+p from the lovely Lisa, again on Nail Sale.

China Glaze: Creative Fantasy. Sent for review from BeautyBay.com.

Revlon: Midnight Sparkle, Brilliant Bordeaux. £12.80 for the two via eBay – including p+p from the US so not bad! These aren’t available in the UK and were limited edition so get your hands on them while you still can!

China Glaze: When Stars Collide, Take a Trek, Strap on Your Moonboots, Fancy Pants. £20.56 for all four, with free shipping, from nailpolishdirect.com. I wanted to quickly mention that I had two issues with my order when it arrived, but these were swiftly sorted out by the fab customer service provided. I know a couple of people have had slightly negative experiences of their customer service but personally I couldn’t fault it.

OPI: Excuse Moi! £8 plus p+p via the Nail Sale… again!! Eek!

So I suppose really my spending isn’t much better, but at least I didn’t spend £80 on a bulk OPI & China Glaze lot this time!

What was the damage to your wallet this month?

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Gold Rush is a gorgeous yellow-gold foily shimmer. What I love about this is that the colour is so pure, there’s no duochrome there it is just plain, pure gold. It makes me think of the golden eggs laid by the goose in Jack and the Beanstalk! I think this will be perfect on summer toes with a tan. I initially thought it would clash with my skin tone but I was pleased to see that it looks quite nice and also makes my skin look slightly more yellow and hence more tanned I think this will look incredible on darker skin tones than mine. I wore it on a particularly sunny day and it made me feel so summery!

Application:
Gold Rush applied well – there was no streaking, however it is a little sheer so you will need at least 2 coats (as shown), possibly 3 coats for opacity. It dried in average time, although I was too tired to wait for it to totally dry so I ended up using my Revlon Quick Dry topcoat to speed it up. The finish is smooth and slightly dull in natural light, so I would definitely recommend using a topcoat to appreciate the full shiny-ness!

I totally totally love this colour, I try and avoid yellowy-golds because I never really think they suit me but this one is gorgeous and I’m in love. What do you think? Is gold a summer or a winter colour for you?

Models Own polishes are available at Littlewoods.com, along with their nail care products and various other nail polishes (I have my eye on their Butter Londons!). They are also available at Boots and Boots.com.

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Disclaimer: Models Own Gold Rush was sent to me for impartial review.