Getting Beach Ready

Whether you are planning a trip abroad somewhere hot this summer or just hanging out in your garden enjoying the British summer I have got the must haves covered...

The Bikini - There are so many different styles on the high street this summer, from high waisted vintage inspired numbers to the classic triangle style, I have picked up a few sets to last me through my trip away at the end of June. The first is a high waisted duo from River Island, the shape is very fifties with a contrasting modern pattern that gives this bikini a unique look. This shade of blue will flatter so many different skin tones and the shape really helps to create an hourglass figure. If this has too much material for you then try Boohoo, I found this adorable nautical inspired triangle bikini with tie up sides and neck, there is no denying this is for the braver gals out there as this style shows a lot of skin - but it is great for getting maximum tan! H&M have a lovely summer swimwear selection in at the moment, I chose this bronze set with rose gold beads, the top is super comfortable and gives great support, and this design comes in a range of colours so it is easy to mix and match tops and bottoms to create a more unique set.

Kimonos have been really big this year, and I think summer will see the trend continue to flourish, these are perfect for wearing with a bikini on the beach, they come in so many different patterns and fabrics it is really easy to find one that suits your style, I went for the River Island Kimono in purple, it looks wonderfully oriental and is nice and long so has a real bohemian vibe.

My beach must haves as far as products go are fairly minimal, keep hair and make up simple and be bold with nail polish, I love bright summer shades like Essie's Tart Deco and Style Hunter or anything from the Models Own Hedkandi or Polish for Tans collections. Speaking of tans I like to be a little bronzed on the beach so to give my tan a head start I use the Cocoa Brown One Hour Tan, this is super quick to apply, sinks in well and gives a lovely natural, long lasting shade.

So there are my tips on getting beach ready, what are some of yours?

Hair and Beauty at London Fashion Weekend

One of my favourite bits of the Vodafone London Fashion Weekend was getting a backstage look at the brands behind Fashion Week, we saw hair makeovers inspired by the catwalk trends at Label.M and Toni and Guy, Label.M were creating fabulous looks one of my favourite being a Brigitte Bardot up do'. There was also lots of beauty happenings with manicures from the Essie team and makeovers by Maybelline who were showcasing all their lovely products including the new colour sensational stripped nudes.

As far as the hair and beauty trends on the catwalk from the trend show the looks were very natural with laid back hair and minimal make up. What hair and beauty trends are you most inspired by at the moment?

Autumn Nail Shades

Yes I know it is slightly depressing summer is over but I would safely say that Autumn is in full swing, so bring out your winter coats and start layering. I love this time of year, the build up to the festive period, all the twinkling lights, cosy fireplaces, jewel tones colours and hot chocolate, I mean whats not to love.

As you all know by now my nail lacquer choices can sometimes be less than experimental, but when it comes to autumn I think neutral, dark jewel tones are very appropriate. I thought I would some up my autumn nail polish wardrobe for you, first up are two shades from L'Oreal, Parisian Rooftops which is a grey with a slight mauve tint to it, and Femme Fatale which is a classic vampy red, the brushes on these polishes are perfectly shaped to coat the nail, and these last a good few days without chipping. Next up is an old favourite and one I am sure I have mentioned before, Essie's Decadent Dish is a shimmery burgundy shade that is perfect for this time of year. Barry M's Navy has a slight shimmer to it, it's a real deep luxurious blue, the only problem I have with this is the brush is far to thin for my liking but the colour itself is gorgeous. Lastly is a polish from Deborah Lippmann which I received in a GlossyBox ages ago, it is a stunning deep raspberry red glitter lacquer that covers the nail in glitter, perfect for a night out.

What are your favourite nail shades for Autumn?

Think Pink - Favourite Lacquers

There is something so lovely about a perfectly manicured set of pink nails, now I can be a little set in my neutral ways when it comes to nail polish but here is a few of my girly favourites for when I feel I need some pink in my life. First up is my first ever O.P.I purchase Strawberry Margarita, it is a beautiful bold true pink that applies like a dream, this is still my favourite O.P.I polish.

From Barry M I love the Gelly Hi-Shine in Pomegranate, technically not a pink but it is very similar to Raspberry so it is more of a grown up girly statement, another not really pink is Peach Melba, this looks lovely with a nice tan. Now I know your thinking the pale whitish Essie shade pictured does not look pink but Ballet Slippers has a very subtle baby pink hue, this needs around three coats to make it opaque but I promise you the colour is worth the hassle. And finally my newest lacquer in my collection Essie's Muchi Muchi, I mean have you seen a more stunning pink shade, this just looks like strawberry milkshake on the nails, and if your going for the pastel trend (think Burberry S/S 14) then this shade is for you.

What's your favoutite pink hue?

New Purchases From Essie

After looking through my humble Essie Lacquer collection the other day I decided I need to step away from neutrals and deep reds and get slightly more adventurous.I spent ages in Superdrug deliberating over colours, I don't know whether you've noticed but Essie's shade range is huge and picking between two coral colours that are only slightly different can seriously slow down the whole shopping experience. In the end I went for Chubby Cheeks, a delicious reddy coral shade that is a lot less orange than say Tart Deco. This looks really nice against my skin tone and helps to liven up my look. The other colour I chose was Sew Psyched, when I try to describe this it doesn't sound great; it's a dull light army style colour, but I mean that in the nicest possible way because this has become my new favourite Essie Lacquer. It is just so wearable!

What is your favourite nail polish brand?

Seaside Splash July Glossy Box

I know... I'm a little behind with the Glossy Box post, since cancelling my subscription at the beginning of the year I have really been missing my monthly beauty box, so I decided to re-subscribe and with a two for one box offer how could I not? 

A few days ago I received the July box and the August box and now I have had a day or two to really use my new products I thought I would show you what I got. The seaside splash box just screams summertime, full with goodies to 'help transform you into the ultimate beach babe.'

My favourite of the bunch is definitely the Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled texture Mist, as I may have mentioned before messy holiday hair is by far my favorite look so I was really excited to add a new product to my stash. This gives my hair volume, texture and gives it a healthy shine. Another product great for the warmer months is the Anatomicals Spray Misty for Me Facial Spritz, suitable for all skin types, this helps to refresh and re-hydrate my skin, it smells lovely too! I can't wait to try the Essie Sleek Sticks, I love the design on these and they sound simple enough to apply. 

What was your favourite product in July's Glossy Box?
www.glossybox.co.uk

 

Black and Gold

I'm quite boring when it comes to nails, I like dark or neutral hues on a short and slightly rounded nail, this week though I thought I would switch things up a little and throw on a bit of glitter, so for that I roped in Barry M's most sparkly offering 'Gold Glitter' This polish is a clear varnish with lots of glitter, so it can be worn on its own or layered over another colour.

As I was easing myself into the look I only applied it to two nails, the rest I painted using Essie's Liquorice which is the blackest of blacks. I like my nails to last at least four to five days so I use a base coat in the form of Sally Hansen's Double Duty Strengthening Top and Base Coat, this makes taking your polish off a hell of a lot easier as well. For the shiny top coat I use Seche Nail Lacquer. This is my manicure staple product! It dries so fast... like really fast! It makes the whole process of doing your nails less of a bother.

As I have used a base and top coat, this will last for minimum four days without chipping, then to remove it all and start again I will be using Tesco's Nail Varnish Remover, I find this one really gets the glitter off, which can be a pain!

Are you into the natural look when it comes to nails? or do you like to spice things up with lots of glitter and bright colours?

Essie Nail Creations

Essie Nail Creations by daniellekimsullivan featuring essie nail polish

Essie has taken over O.P.I as my favourite nail polish brand, the brush is perfect, the colour goes on opaque in two coats, it lasts for ages! Need I say more... 

I think they are also on three for two at Superdrug at the moment. I have a little Essie collection going on, my favourites being Tea and Crumpets a gorgeous peachy shade with a hint of golden shimmer, Licorice a true black that looks amazing on short nails, and Decadent Dish a rich red burgundy shade with red shimmer running through it. Here is a few Nail of the days that I have captured on Instagram. Don't forget to follow for more.... http://instagram.com/daniellesully

Love Danielle

Lust List Beauty Edition

Lust List Beauty Edition by daniellekimsullivan 

This weeks Lust List has a Beauty theme, these are a few products that I feel I need at the moment. 

1. Up first is a product I actually already have, it is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I have this in shade 4 which is a little too pale for me at the moment as it is Summer so I am hoping to get a more suitable shade. This foundation is perfect for a night out on the town as it doesn't contain any SPF which causes that flashback white face. The creates such a flawless finish on the skin that isn't too matte and looks very natural. It's quite pricey at £34 but I would say the price is really reflected in the quality of the product.

2. Next is this perfect pink number from Nars. It is a Matte lip pencil in the colour Roman Holiday. I have been looking for a nice wearable pink shade that isn't too sheer, and according to Nars these lip crayons are very creamy, long lasting and are very vivid in colour. £17.50.

3. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray has forever been on my wish list I should just buy it already!! Messy, lived in, undone, beach waves is the easiest look to wear, so salt spray is a constant in my hair routine. I have heard so many amazing reviews about this one! £21.50.

4. Essie's Mint Candy Apple is a firm favourite of many bloggers but I just haven't got round to purchasing it. However now I have used up all my other minty hues I've come to the decision I too must have this. £7.99.

5. I'm not very experimental when it comes to concealer, Collection 2000 and I have been going steady for quite some time now but I can't help wanting to cheat with this creamy concealer offering from Bobbi Brown. £18.50. 

Danielle