The Bargain Palette by Barry M

When I think of Barry M cosmetics I think nail polishes so I was delighted to see this eyeshadow and blush palette in my local superdrug, I picked up Natural Glow, which comprises of six lovely natural eyeshadows in a mixture of matte and shimmery shades and a lovely pink blush. This palette contains every shade you need for a natural smokey eye and the fact that it comes with a blush and a handy mirror makes it perfect for traveling. I wouldn't use the sponge applicators so I'm not too fussed about those but for £6.49 this really is a bargain. This palette also comes in two other colour combinations; Smoking Hot, which is full of greys and blacks for a really dramatic look, and Glamour Puss, a palette full of shimmering shades perfect for partying.

As for the actual shadows I find them to be really well pigmented and long lasting on the eyes and the pretty pink blush really compliments my skin tone giving me a natural fresh faced look.

Have you tried any of the Barry M palettes? 

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?

Currently Adoring: Gelly Hi Shine Lacquers

I have a fair few Barry M nail polishes, I think as a brand they offer incredible value for money when compared with other companies on the market and their wide shade range is wonderful. My most recent additions to my Barry M collection are from the Gelly Hi-Shine range. I picked up the shades Lychee - a lovely neutral shade that really suits my skin tone, Blueberry - a bright icy pale blue that really pops, Pomegranate - a deep warm red, similar to their Raspberry hue but a little deeper, and finally Blue Plum - my favourite of the bunch, it's a real dark, deep blue, this is such a classic nail colour.

I find these lacquers last really well on my nails if I use a top coat, my only issue is the brush, I just wish it was wider and flatter. Other than that though I really can't find any complaints about these polishes, and as for the name 'Gelly Hi-Shine' I can say it really does look like a gel manicure with a lovely shiny finish.

Have you picked up anything from Barry M recently?

On The Go Make Up Essentials

You know the feeling.. You have gone to work in a hurry, overslept, or just completely forgotten to do your make up, which may be ok with you but then you realize you have a lunch date and are looking a bit worse for wear? No fear.. the back up supplies are here!

Now we don't need to go overboard here, we want something that says natural and fresh so I am starting by a good brow tidy up, for this I use the Barry M Clear Mascara and Eyebrow Definer, this is great for neatening up those face framers. Looking tired? Try the Maybelline Instant Anti Age The Eraser Eye concealer, this brightens the eye area and covers any dark circles, it also doesn't sit in any of those little fine lines. This can also be used to conceal any redness or blemishes.

The next step is a little bronzing powder and my weapon of choice is of course the Nars Laguna powder, which gives a nice natural contour and warms up the skin tone. Need a little powder to banish un-wanted shine? I turn to the Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Banana, I find this is very light and not at all cakey if I apply it with the Real Techniques powder brush. Finally I apply the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous for a 'my lips but better' shade.

Now you can fully enjoy that lunch date knowing you look great!

What are your touch up make up staples?

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?