So, are you 'well jel' of my new OPI Axxium gel manicure? ha ha. It's called Coral Bells and I love it! Such a juicy, summery colour with a gorgeous metallic finish. This was my first ever experience with a gel polish and I have to say that I love the fact that it sets quickly so no chips, smudges or annoying imperfections.
I thought it would be the best solution to keep my nails looking good for my holiday to Greece. Have you guys tried gel polish yet? What shades do you recommend from each brand?
In my last post before I jet off on Sunday, I thought it might be nice for you to take a peek inside my holiday makeup bag to check out which products made the cut. Now there are some people who manage to whittle their collection down to 5 or so products for a week's trip to paradise. Not me. I am the kind of girl who takes things 'just in case' and if I manage to take less than 3 of each product, then I consider that a success! ha ha. I think I did ok this time and have only taken what I know I will use every day. Apologies if some of the products look a bit scabby but I do use them every day so that's to be expected.
Here's my massive moderately sized holiday make up collection and reasons for why I chose these particular products...
Clinique Super City Block - The only facial sunscreen that fully protects my skin from burning, acts as a brilliant base for make up, is completely non-greasy and has a tint that stops that white-cast look on skin.
Estee Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release - This moisturiser is amazing for perking up your complexion with custom radiant tint and for me, it's a summer/holiday essential!
Dior Nude Foundation - I love this foundation for holidays because it's water based, lightweight and gives the right amount of coverage to hide imperfections but still looks fresh and natural.
Korres Ginger & Vitamins Foundation - This product is almost smack bang between a tinted moisturiser and light foundation making it the obvious choice for lounging around the pool. It doesn't clog pores and the vitamins really keep your skin looking healthy.
Estee Lauder Maximum Cover - This is a foundation but I only ever use it as a concealer and boy does it conceal! It's a fix-all for under eye circles, blemishes and discolouration. A must have for anyone searching for THE holy grail of concealers.
Benefit Hello Flawless Powder - This is a great powder for anyone who wants a shine free t-zone all day long. I don't want to end up a sweaty grease-ball on holiday!
Korres Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder (Sunglow Warm) - This bronzer is an old favourite of mine and I recently fell back in love with it. It's natural-looking on the skin but adds a lovely warmth to my skin tone. It also makes my skin look so radiant in the best way possible.
Sleek Contour Kit (Light) - You'll be sick of seeing this product on my blog but it continues to hold the no.1 spot for the product that instantly creates cheekbones!
Dior Shimmer Powder (Amber Diamond) - Yes, this one again as well. I'm sorry, but it's still the prettiest powder highlighter I own.
Jemma Kidd Blushwear Creme Cheek Colour (Paw Paw) - This peachy cream to powder blush will be perfect for a natural flush and will look fresh in the daytime.
Mac Lustre Drops (Bronze) - A great radiance booster when mixed with moisturiser and a really good highlighter for the tops of cheekbones. The sun catches this product in the most beautiful way and is perfect for a holiday bronzey look!
Benefit Brows A-Go-Go - My all time favourite brow tamer. Full stop.
Estee Lauder Brow Setting Powder - I'm not into wild eyebrows so I like to keep mine in check with this.
Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner (RSVP) - A great daytime colour for a paired down look that lasts through anything.
Mac Paint Pot (Rubenesque) - This is a gorgeous golden peach with gold pearl and will look amazing with coral toned lips.
JK Jemma Kidd Glitterati Eye Shadow Dust Duo (Paparazzi) - A lovely gold toned duo that looks luminescent under the summer rays.
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner (Zero) - The perfect black pencil for defined or smudgey holiday eyes and most importantly, it doesn't budge.
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner (Baked) - Amazing colour for lower lashline and inner corners.
Jemma Kidd Iridescent Eye Crayon (Tigers Eye) - You will recognise this as my favourite ever brown eye pencil. It's shimmery, smooth and so easy to apply and smudge for subtle daytime definition. Sublime.
Mac Liquidlast Liner (Aqualine) - Bit of a curve ball but the most eye-catching and incredible liner for night time glamour on a beach holiday.
Benefit High Brow - A daily must have for wide awake eyes. I wear mine on my waterline every day.
Lancome Artliner - Great for cat eye liner. So looking forward to wearing a simple flick of black liner and a super bright lip.
Lancome Hypnose Mascara - A great mascara that, despite not being waterproof, never seems to budge on me. It lengthens and thickens my lashes beautifully too.
Korres Lip Butters (Jasmine, Pomegranate & Guava) - Do I really have to say anything about these? Most amazing lip balm in my collection and worth owning every colour. Perfect for keeping lips in great condition.
TopShop Confession Lipstick (Ooh La La) - Incredible bright coral lippy that brings out a tan
Mac Lipstick (Costa Chic) - A more daytime friendly coral pink frost that uber flattering for blondes.
Daniel Sandler Micro Bubble Lipstick (Flamingo) - My favourite bright pink lippy and perfect for holiday glamour.
Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Lipstick (Bridgetown) - Every girl needs a muted daytime nude shade and this one is very natural for a 'my lips but better' effect.
So that's it folks. I'm going to start packing tonight because frankly, I can't wait any longer! We fly out on Sunday and get back after a week in the sun.
Feel free to let me know what your holiday make up bag essentials are...I love hearing what you guys like using!
Have a great week and see you guys soon!
