Nars satin lipstick - Niagara

I am so in love with Nars  lipsticks at the moment. Barbarella and Dolce Vita (both sheer lipsticks) are possibly two of my favourite lipsticks of all time (must review them soon) but a few weeks ago I purchased my first of Nars' 'satin' lipsticks, Niagara, a beautiful coral pink.

I have to confess that when writing this review I thought Niagara was one of Nars' sheer lipsticks - I actually find the formula quite similar though there probably is more depth of colour with the satin formula. I do find the satin formula to be very light and easy to apply, like the sheers, and also easy to apply, and while neither are hugely longlasting this isn't an issue for me.

Overall, I love this shade and can't wait to start experimenting with a few different looks - I'm thinking it will look great with bronzed skin in summer and also like it with a soft pink cheek as pictured here.

Essie California Coral

Wow, this is a really vibrant shade (almost neon) and it seems to be a different colour every time I look at it on my fingertips. Yesterday, in sunlight, it was an orange-leaning coral. In artificial light, it looks more pinky. But on this fantastically dull and grey Sunday in London it looks like a coral-red.

Whatever, I really like it, though I have to say it's quite thin. This was two coats and nail tip is still visible as you can see on a couple of the shots.

If you're wondering what I'm clutching in place of a nail polish bottle, it's the head of my beloved Anglepoise lamp - empty hand shots look too weird!

I picked this colour for a manicure at Spa Nails, Whitecross Street (near Old Street in London). The manicure cost £12 and I think they did a decent job, though there is a bit of day 3 chippage (I should have sealed the ends with topcoat myself I think). Although I don't own this colour myself, I would certainly pick California Coral again as manicure and definitely a pedicure colour when the weather is a bit sunnier.

Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick - Kiss Me Coral

I am surprised how much I like this lipstick - I purchased it about six months ago and having just returned from holidays and having a bit of colour to my skin, I thought I'd try it out.

Although it is described as coral, I'd say this definitely veers towards orange!

However it's somehow a flattering shade that I think would suit a variety of warmer skin tones, and it makes a change from the usual pinks, berries and nudes I would normally sport.

Excuse the arty photos but they actually showed the colour the best! In fact they're making me want to go on holiday again, or at least waft around in a floaty kaftan wearing lots of jewellery and generally being fabulous.

I think it would look great with nude skin and a strong brow.

The formula is lovely - creamy and moisturising and stays on for ages. I've only worn this round the house so far and don't normally wear bright lipstick, but I might just have to be brave and go public with it this summer!

Revlon Superlustrous Lipsticks retail at a reasonable £7.49 and can often be found on special offer.  Based on Kiss Me Coral, I'd like to try more in the range - I do also have the cult shade Cherries in the Snow but it is even louder than Kiss Me Coral so I'll have to work up to that one I think. Have you tried any of the Superlustrous lipsticks?

Rimmel Lycra Pro nail polish - Coral Romance (317)

Pleasantly surprised by this budget polish - this is one of the most vibrant red-coral shades I've seen in a long time.

The consistency was great and it went on easily - however I only applied two coats and as you can see it really would have taken three to get complete opacity. It lasted quite well before chipping - well, about a day or so, which is quite good in my book! The fat brush made application quite easy too.

This is kind of similar to Revlon's Red Hot Tamale which I reviewed here, though the Revlon formula is far superior, and I must confess the make up snob in me has an irrational dislike of cheap nail polish however decent it may be or how nice the colour. For me make up is about luxury, pampering and things that look pretty on my dressing table, so I have to admit that 'drugstore' make up doesn't usually cut the mustard!

However if anyone who is less of a make up snob than me is looking for a vibrant coral, you'd be hard pushed to find a better budget buy than this!

Cute coral - Nails Inc Brook St

Brook St is a pretty pinkish-coral by Nails Inc. It's bright and summery without being completely in your face.

I've been wearing it on my hands and feet now for two days and no sign of chipping - usually when I do my own mani / pedis the polish chips within a day or so, so I'm feeling quite pleased about this. It also applied really easily with no streaking.





















I like the fact that there's no shimmer in this, it makes the shade feel more modern somehow. It really is a delicious shade! I can see it becoming one of my favourites this summer, the only drawback being that it really is one of those polishes that demands a sunny day. I shall most certainly be making hay when the sun shines!

This polish costs £10.50 on the Nails Inc website but they also have a mix and match offer of 3 polishes for £20 or 10 polishes for £60. I have a few other Nails Inc shades in my collection already but my newfound love of Brook St has inspired me to check out more. Anyone have any recommendations?