OPI Sparrow me the Drama & China Glaze Snow Globe

You know when you want your nails to be a certain colour, but can’t quite put a finger on it?  I wanted something soft, but not wishy washy; pretty, but not overtly girly - I just didn’t have the right thing. Until the postie came! 

OPI Sparrow me the Drama, China Glaze Snow Globe & a bottle of Seche Vite topcoat (cos I can’t find mine!). Sparrow me the Drama is the perfect A/W pink - a mid pink that’s definite, but soft and not grey toned - neither pastel nor bubblegum - just lovely.  It’s a smooth crème and took 3 coats for a perfectly opaque finish (though two would be perfectly adequate for someone less fussy).

Unfortunately it’s a dreary afternoon so the colour looks dusky and paler than it really is here.  I wasn’t feeling twinkly enough for a full on glitter topcoat, but couldn’t resist a little accent nail just to see what China Glaze Snow Globe was like. I thought it was a flakie, but it’s more of a fine glitter in a silvery white base - still pretty though and will work well with dark colours too. I’ll post on this again when I’ve had more of a play with it.

Importantly, my nails tone in with today’s other cheery delivery, Fair Isle Sheepskin slippers from Celtic Sheepskin… so cosy I was tempted to do the school run in them (I didn’t).

Next day… I’ve just tried to take some more pics in daylight but this colour just does not want to be captured by my camera! (Dear Autumn, I do not appreciate your effects on my blogging!)  The colour actually looks more true on Instagram, so do follow me on there if you’d like a look (StrawbryBlonde). I also added a little more China Glaze Snow Globe accent on the tips and realised that it produces the most gorgeous opalescent effect (much more obvious in real life)… <3 it!

 

What pinks (if any) do you enjoy wearing at this time of year?

Leighton Denny Coral Reef NOTD

I haven’t posted many nail pics lately as my nails have been a bit poorly, so I cute them all really short to give them a chance to grow back stronger.  This is the Leighton Denny polish in Coral Reef that I got free with the Harpers Bazaar July magazine (blogged about it last week here) - I had so many compliments on my nails today!

This is the first chance I’ve had to paint all my nails with it properly and I just love the results. To be honest I found the consistency of the polish quite difficult to work with as it’s a bit gloopy - I sometimes wonder if freebies are the same quality as regular products?  I haven’t tried Leighton Denny before but so many people sing its praises.  It wasn’t a big deal and Seche Vite top coat + a new discovery, a layer of CND Dry & Shine, gave a mega glossy finish that reminded me of the (one!) time I had gel nails done.  I’ll do a separate post on the different topcoats I use - it’s one I’ve been planning for a long time.

This is a vivid, red based coral. I wore it with my much loved Clinique Runway Coral lipstick {review} and they worked well together even though this has more red tones than the lipstick.  Combined with my Benefit Hervana Blush {review}, these three products helped me look alive today despite a (rare!) 6.30am start at work.

In a natural light Coral Reef could be mistaken for an orange-toned red, but in the sunlight it gleams with the most subtle whisper of gold & pink shimmer - barely visible, but it’s there.

I saw some of these with Harpers Bazaar in my local Sainsbury’s this evening, so you have a day or two to snap one up before the August issues hit the shelves.  The alternative colours are hot pink and a gorgeous mushroom taupe cream. It took me all my willpower not to pop them both in my trolley!

I must do a post comparing my different coral polishes… I seem to have accumulated quite a few!

Have you tried any Leighton Denny shades?

Orly Lola … Red Coral NOTD

I love the vibrancy of this colour – deeper than coral, softer than red. It’s bright, cheery and multi-seasonal. It looked great in summer and works just as well in Autumn. I guess I’d call it a red toned coral.

Btw my nails aren’t scratched – it’s the reflection of trees outside the window!

 

This pic ^ shows the most true representation of the colour.

 

The dinky mini bottle in daylight. The rubberised cap makes using this a breeze and the polish applies beautifully – highly pigmented and uber glossy. I used two coats.

 

I loved how the colour contrasted with my camel skinnies – reds and corals work brilliantly with camel!

What colour are you wearing on your nails as we cling onto Summer’s coat tails and tiptoe into Autumn?