Enhancement vs. Altering Adverts

Hey Girlies :)

Now I must not be alone when I say that computerised enhancements to beauty adverts really riles me something silly.
Its like they think were stupid, anyone one remember the infamous Julia Roberts/Lancome ad that got banned? Yes, i thought you might! 
I just really think it takes the biscuit to be honest, Can you imagine people of the older generation that aren't so 'down with the kids' and don't realise that they have all been altered etc can you imagine how they feel ? I know I would feel like I HAD to get that product, that if Julia Roberts is the same age or older and she looks that good then I have to get it... When we all know really that it wont make that much difference?

Or even who remembers the Zoey Deschanel and Rimmel advert? I'll insert a picture for all of you that haven't

Now, I'm sorry but who would even want eyelashes like that, even as false lashes I'd return them to boots straight away and say sorry you've missold some eyelashes to me, they are actually two big black hair caterpillars! I honestly am all for a slight 'enhancement' to products because lets face it even in other adverts they do things such as polish the kitchen sink so shiny that it would be deathly to the eye, or even change the shape of a burger in a McDonald's ad ( If they don't I am defiantly going to the wrong Super Macs!!)

It happens in all advertising and as a marketing student i should know that , and the ASA ( advertising standards agency) say as long as it doesn't misrepresent what it can do then lash inserts, fake tan and all sorts are allowed. Now, I'm not being funny, but surely the above Rimmel advert totally misrepresents what it can do, im not even sure if that mascara lengthens or volumises. Who knows? But I definitely think the grey area between enhancement and altering is far too large, surly if ads like this can pass through and be shown then surly something needs to be done.

In the end i think it all boils down to the pressure that women are under these days to look and be a certain way. I would hate to think about the amount of women that hate themselves because of these type of adverts and for young girls... don't even go there, hardly great role models are they? And for boys and men? Gives them a totally unrealistic view of what women look like/ are/ will look like in the future when there pushing on a bit ;) but seriously I think its so damaging to our society and when will people stand up and make a stand against it?

Enhancement vs Altering Adverts - whats you stance on the issue?

Do you think it degrades women?

How does it make you feel ?

L xxxxxx

RANT: Are those your REAL Eyelashes?

I am SO sorry I havent posted in a while ladies, I am been rushed off my feet with my new job at Benefit and Uni and if I am honest I haven't had time to blog.

However,

After seeing Chezza Cole's new L'oreal advert showing no fake lashes for a mascara ad and people are bashing it saying her lashes look awful! Now I don't think they look amazing, however, are people now saying that they infact want to see... Follwing this back lash the 'still image' adverts are now showing some signs of alteration

Now they are still saying that it shows no enhancement and is just Chezza's lashes. LIE. blatent lie! I'm sorry but as a consumer I just want to be shown the real deal and not what a pair of 'fake' fake lashes look like?

How do you feel? Am I Alone in this? Do you feel as angered as me?

Not even in relation to this ad, just in general? Air brushing, Enhancement etc, don't you just want to know what the product actually does, not what 'they say it does' or 'what photoshop makes the product do'

AHHHH this is annoying me as I type ! LOL

What do you guys think?

Am I over exaggerating? Do you prefer to see an exaggerated reality?

Love to you all

Laura

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Haul: 22/01/2012

Hey Girls,
Just a small haul for you today of a few bits I've picked up recently, from boots and some blog sales :)

(L-R)
Vitamin E Intensive moisture cream
Clinque Even Better Foundation in 06 Honey (Blog Sale)
Oilatum Naturel Repair Face Cream
2 x NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Antwerp & Amsterdam (Blog Sale)
Batiste Tropical
Estee Lauder Double Wear in Tawny
Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo


Will have some reviews coming for you soon :)
Have a Great Day Guys
xxxxxx

Blog Sale 15/01/2012

Hey Guys

Here's a few bits I have gotten together for a blog sale 

UK only please- all prices include postage 

If paid by 9pm tonight, I will send tomorrow

If not paid within 24hrs it will go to next in the queue

Please email me your order LCCxox@gmail.com

Happy Shopping

Neal and Wolf Shine Spray - Never Used £4

Bed Head Sugar Dust - Never Used £4

Lee Stafford Shine Spray and Hairspray - Never Used £2 each

Global Keratin Hair Taming System - Never Used £9 (RRP £19)

Ojon Colour Sustain Colour Protecting Cream - Never Used £7

Bed Head After Party - Used a few times ( you can see usage) £6

Skin Truth Toner - 3/4 left £4

Bare Minerals Night Treatment - Opened once £25 (RRP £38)

Soap & Glory Flake Away - Never Used £5

Soap and Glory Breakfast Scrub - SOLD

Body Shop Candied Ginger Body Scrubs (x2) - Never used £3.50

Body Shop Candied Ginger Body Wash - Never Used £3

Soap and Glory Moisturising Body Mist - Used 3x £4

Make up Forever Smoky Lash (Black) - SOLD

Sleek Molten Metal - Silver and Black - Swatched £3.50

Sleek Face Contour Kit in Medium - Swatched £3.50

Revlon Facets of Fuscia - Swatched £5

OPI My Private Jet - SOLD

OPI Warm and Fozzie (Muppets) - SOLD

OPI Divine Swine (Muppet) - SOLD

China Glaze For Audrey - Never used £5

Ciate Paint Pot Big Yellow Taxi - Never used £5

Deborah Lippmann Glossybox Sample-SOLD

Happy Buying Guys xxxxx

Haul: My first two MAC eye shadows

Hi Girls,


Yes, you read that correctly, I actually treated myself to two MAC eyeshadows, before my spending ban of course. I was in Westfields in Stratford and it was so busy, and surprisingly as I creeped past MAC so that my boyfriend wouldn't see me looking, it was empty! How strange - I think that is the only time he has ever been pleased to step into any establishment selling make up! 

I bought Naked Lunch and Satin Taupe, both of which I have heard so much about. I was going to get 'All that glitters' originally however, it was slightly too pink for me, so I changed for Naked Lunch. I have wanted satin taupe for so long, as I am really into taupey colours at the moment. They both look great on and to my surprise they look great together, Naked Lunch on the lid and Satin Taupe really well blended into the crease and under the eye. I think it is a lot of money, but as a treat I love them. I have my eye on a few more when my spending ban ends, so I will keep you updated.

Do you like MAC eyeshadows? Think they are worth the hype?

See you soon

Laura 

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NOTD: Two of my OPI Favourites

Hey Girlies,


Just a quick nail of the day for you with two of my favourite OPI polishes

Scull and Glossbones and Rainbow Connection

Yes, I'm still feeling festive! Have a BLINGTASTIC day :) 

Laura

xxxxx

Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner

Hey Girls,

After seeing Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo go on about this eye liner I thought, (as you do), I need this in my life. LOL * I do know they are affiliated with Avon, but some how I believe that they only chose products they actually like* Not having an Avon lady was problematic, until someone on twitter alerted me that you can now buy on-line? When did that happen, so I went and ordered myself a new eye-liner in Black. (Just in-time for my spending ban)

Just as I expected it is a gel format which means it is really soft and easy to work with, however if applying to the upper lash line, you do need to be very light with your application. Apart from that I am loving this eye-liner, it's staying power is amazing. I have a real trouble when putting things on my waterline with them either a) not lasting b) transferring under my eye- and the Kiss look is not the type of look I go for. But it stays in place beautifully and never had to touch it up. With a price tag of £3.50 it is a steal! I might even look into buying some more colours, this is Holy Grail material!

Have you tried any Avon products before? What do you think?

Speak to You soon

Laura

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New Years Resolutions

Hey Guys,
Just to warn, this is a very text heavy post - but I hope you enjoy none the less :)
So it's that time of the year again, most of us wont keep them for more than a week, some wont even keep them past the day. Whether it's to stop smoking, lose weight or to give up drinking (alcohol of course!) everyone has been there, right? Well this year I am making bargains with myself to make them happen, every New Year I say I'm going to lose weight, I'm going to be more organised, but with no goal/reason to do it, I have never succeeded. So with all the resolutions and targets in place, I shall begin.

(1) Probably the most popular NY resolution. To lose weight. LOL I say this  year, and never succeed, mainly because I think I am too easily influenced by other people. One chocolate wont make a difference, another slice wont hurt, and BAM your off the wagon. bad times. Also I think you have to have the right frame of mind, if you feel like crap chances are you wont follow through with it. So... I am in a happy place in my life, ready to take the plunge and joining my local Weight Watchers meeting on Wednesday :) FUN TIMES. (I have also been chatting to a few people on twitter about our aims and we are all going to be supporting each other, so come and join in @LCCxox.) I have done WW before and (obviously) failed, but again I don't think I had the right frame of mind. But I do have my graduation coming up in June and I want to wear a fab dress for it, obviously from a brand that doesn't do my size now, to make me feel even better ;)

(2) To look after my skin better. Now I have my clarisonic (Post coming soon) this will make it so much easier, I am sick of my skin just looking a bit... YUCK, so I will be using my enlarged toothbrush twice a day with my Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser (Obviously without the cloth!) to make sure my skin is in tip top condition.

(3) Curb my spending. Being such an avid reader of beauty blogs and watcher of Youtube videos, means that people become enablers telling you to buy this and this and this oh and while your in their this as well. I usually would think nothing of spending £50 in Boots/Superdrug on a normal day just picking up 'essentials' but in all honestly, I have enough skincare, make up, hair care and nail polish to sink a very large battle ship and I am running out of room, and to be frank. It all costs so much money! So unless its a necessity ie. I need it, I'm not buying, with the exception of limited edition items I think, that would be awful I think ;)

I think that's it for now LOL, I think it's quite enough to get my teeth into. Have you made any new years resolutions? I'd love to hear them :)

Wishing you all the best for 2012 and your resolutions

Laura

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the picture is from www.minichfamilyblog.blogspot.com

My New Camera :)

Hey Girls,

Some of you may have read my tweet on Christmas Day about my NEW and Shiny Camera! Santa treated me to a gorgeous FUJIFILM Finepix S3200. For those of you that know about cameras it is 14 Megapixels, 24x zoom and is HD filming. I have no idea what all of that means however, I know that I love it :)

I couldn't wait to play and this is the most adventurous thing I could come up with :/ haha! But look forward to better quality pictures and I have just ordered a tripod for it , so maybe some OOTD pics too :)

What did you get for Christmas, anything nice?

Love 

Laura

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Shellac Manicure & NOTD

Hey Girls,

Hope you all had lovely christmas' :)

You may have heard Shellac, floating around the beauty community for a while now and you may have even had in done. However, for those of you who don't know what Shellac is, it is a manicure treatment where the nails are painted but it has the staying power of gel nails.Supposedly lasting 2 weeks, that I do not know yet however, I did have them done today and I am really excited to show you all :)

Shellac Manicure in Iced Capuchino

Now I hate the colour, but I LOVE the way it feels on my nails,  feels just like false nails, which I have done religiously but I love that they are short and practical. Again the downside is that the colour range is tiny and I hate the colour I have, however the salon around the corner does 'Gelish'. Same concept different name, and better colours, which I may try next time :) 

Have you had Shellac done before? What are you thoughts on this concept?

Love

Laura 

xxxxx

My Winter Foundation Routine

Hey Giiirls,

Hope you are all well in this freezing weather, at the moment my skin is awful, its really taken a bash with the whole heating/cold weather and I have been struggling to find a combination that would be high enough coverage without drying my skin out any more than in currently is. I have been playing around with the 9 foundations in my collection *shocked face for when I counted* and this is something that I have really been enjoying wearing both day and night.

I always spray my Lush Tea Tree Water toner, to my face and allow to dry before moisturising with my Oilatum Natural Repair face cream. I then use Jemma Kidd Light as Air Liquid foundation buffed into my skin with a Sigma F84 Angled Kabuki. Now I bought this foundation back in May and I totally forgot about it, until Anna mentioned it in one of her videos and I suddenly thought I better whip this baby back out! I wear shade 04 light and I am about an NC35/40 to give you an idea on colouring. I really love it high coverage, great texture and really doesn't dry your skin out. I then pop my MAC Studio Care-blend powder in Medium Dark over the top with a Sigma Duo Fibre F50. Now this sets the foundation perfectly as I find the MSF natural are far to heavy for my skin and leave it looking cakey. But I really love and recommend this powder and even this combination.

Have you changed your base for winter?

Lots of Love 

Laura 

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NOTD: OPI Rainbow Connection

Essie's Topless and Barefoot with OPI Rainbow Connection Acent

Black Friday Sigma Brushes Order

Hey Girls,

If you follow me on twitter you will know that I made a cheeky Sigma purchase on Black Friday. They were offering free worldwide shipping, which is the only thing that puts me off buying sigma as it is so god-darned expensive to ship! However I have been wanting some brushes after buying two F84's - Angled top Kabukis, which I use for my foundation and in the summer my Chanel Bronze Universal. 

After spending ages looking at my budget (after all it was a pretty impulsive buy), and deciding what was the best option, I went for the travel kit, which was not only cheap but also was on sale, so after the deductions and the currency exchange I paid a little over £30.00 .... SO CHEAP :) It then proceeded me to the checkout and said can take up to  12 weeks for standard delivery which didn't bother me too much as I know they only do that for if customs want to check the package. However low and behold 2 and a half weeks later they were here ....

Just covering my address 

And they were SO beautiful as I opened, everything in the net bags, unfortunately I was too excited to grab my camera so your imagination will be needed ;) and excuse the dirty brushes, I wanted to try them all before giving my opinions.

In this set I received (L-R)

Large powder F30, Duo Fibre F50, Large Angle Contour F40, Foundation F60

Tapered Blending E40, Pencil E30, Eye Shading E55

I also received 2 brushes free !

They were:

Short Shader E20 and Blending E25

I was so happy with my order I couldn't wait to use them so rocked a full on smoky eye to work just to get to use them.... So what do I think?

F30: Lovely brush, as its travel size obviously a lot smaller but perfect for blush, great shape for the job

F50: Again lovely brush, great for cream blusher, but at the moment I'm loving it for my setting powder

F40: Love this brush as a contour brush, perfect size, works great with my Hoola

F60: This is the only brush I haven't used as I hate this style of foundation brush, but is so soft and well shaped

E40: This is my favourite and my new holygrail brush, I never even thought I needed it as I had blending brushes etc. However its perfect for having no colour on it and just blending each colour out MUST HAVE

E55: To me this is a standard brush for packing on colour, obviously if you don't have one then this is good but I have a million and one other brushes like this

E30: This is my next favourite behind the E40, perfect for smudging colour under the lower lash line- again love this brush, can't see myself without it

E25: As much as this is a great brush it is exactly the same as the No.7 one, like exactly the same, so obviously the brush is a must but you can access it cheaper when the No.7 vouchers are running.

E20:I love this brush, has the same principle as the E30, but also love it for laying black shadow alone the lashline before adding gel liner

So there we have it,  I love these brushes, and wouldn't go back, I may save and buy the full size ones that come in the tube that becomes the 2 holders

Have you tried Sigma before? What do you think?

Lots of love 

Laura

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They are offering a free gift with every purchase at the moment (this post is not sponsored!) 

New Job and New beginnings....

Hey Guys,


Just a quick message to say I have a new job :) I have finally broken into the world of cosmetics and I will be working for Benefit :) 
I am so happy as Benefit are one of my favourite brands and have been since I was younger, my first high-end purchase was a Benefit Hoola ;) 
I will be working on one of the counters in Bluewater, so if you see me come and say Hi!


Thank you for all of your congratulations messages on twitter, means so much :) 


I am just putting together a Sigma brush review for you all :) so I will speak to you all soon :)

Lots of Love 

Laura xxx

Naked Lips

Hey Girlies,


Now today the whole world and his wife are going on about the 'Naked 2' palette -[ which if you are wondering I am very undecided whether to buy] however, I am still obsessed by a naked lip. See what I did there? ;) I'm not talking about Creme d'nude or Hue, or even Shy Girl... 


I am talking about a lipstick that costs £5.49 and blows the rest out of the water!


Drum roll please......

           I think I went a bit overboard with the editing :s

Kate Moss 003

I know these lipsticks have been doing the rounds for a while, however I had bought the 002 a while back and kicked myself as it is an exact copy of the Revlon Fuscia, which you all know I LOVE! However, I was in boots and it was 3 for 2 and so I decided to buy another nude, as if I need one! And that is where the love affair started.

Shy Girl, Kate 003, Creme d'Nude

The darkest of my 'now' 3 favourite nudes, it has the glossiness of it's MAC cousins, but the thing I love is that is has the longevity that the cremesheens don't. It lasts pretty well, exceptional next to its peers but then fades slowly opposed to the others that get quite 'bitty'. But the colour... I love.... it compliments my skin tone fantastically

Have you tried any of the Kate Moss Lipsticks?

What do you think?

Lots of Love

Laura xxx

A Hello and a Talk about my Favourite Autumn / Winter Lips

Hi Girlies,

Long time no see! I've been working hard on this new blog for a new direction and content :)  And here we are finally! Please let me know what you think and I hope you love it as much as I do, there will be bits changeing over the next few weeks as I tweek it so bear with me  :) A BIG shout out to Stacie for making my header for me and helping me out in general - I'm hopeless :)  OH, don't forget to 'like' me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter for general make-up ramblings and Bants ;)

So, as you may know I have a real love for lipstick and Autumn/ Winter is always the best as you can get away with some much more, so I thought I would do a quick post on my top 4 Wintumn colours ;)

Firstly we have Revlon's Colorburst Lipstick in 030 Fuchia , LOVE LOVE LOVE this colour - very similar to MAC's Girl about town and Kate Moss's Number 002. Wears really well and the colour is so intense, defiantly my go-to Winter lip colour

We then have Estee Lauder's Mystic Mauve, this is a really dusky yet still quite neutral shade so is very wearable during the day, it again is very glossy and wearable and fades just nicely.

Very similar to the last but is just a tad warmer is the Channel Rouge Coco in 05 Mademoiselle, a purchase from buyapowa.com which I am still LOVING as its just the glossiest lipstick I have owned- as well as the gorgeous packaging I am never ashamed to pull this one out of my bag, I kinda wish it didn't last as long so that I could re-apply more often ;)

Finally I have chosen MAC's Ravishing which is not one for everyone, but people with darker skin tones will pull this off just perfectly. It is a real change from the red/pink/purple lips of winter and inject some colour, it is a cremesheen so again is really glossy and paired with my Lipcote lasts all day :)

What are you favourite Wintumn colours?

Is Wintumn something that should catch on? ;)

Lots of Love

Laura 

xoxoxox

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick

Hey Guys,

I have just recieved my Chanel lipstick from Buyapower.com and I am so excited I had to share! If you don't know what Buyapower is then I will give you some background. Buyapower is a website that likes you give you products for the cheapest way possible, sounds dodgy right? Well it's not surprisingly!  Basically the more people that buy or co-buy the cheaper they can sell it to you for. Are you still with me? So i can buy something for £20, but if 100 people buy it after me it can go down to £10 and you will always pay the cheapest price! How good is that!

Well when I saw they were selling a Chanel Lipstick, I had to buy one right?  In shade 05 Mademoiselle, this is one of Chanel's classic shades in a lovely hydrating formula but comes with a hefty £23.00 RRP! Ouch! But with Buyapower I got it for an AMAZING £16.99, that's a 26% discount, and not only that it was gift wrapped as if I had bought it straight from the counter!

 How gorgeous?

I ripped off the wrapping paper in my excitement!

As you can see it was beautifully wrapped, but was it worth the £16.99 I paid?

Love the logo on the bullet, adds prestige to the product

As the picture shows it is very glossy and very hydrating, it is everything a MAC cremesheen is and more! The colour is a lot more intense in the pictures, however it is very build able depending on the look you are going for, with that real hint of sheen. I love the colour, although it was pre-picked, but I can understand why this is such a cult product for Channel.

Was it worth it? YES every penny, I have so many lipsticks in my collection but this one has leap-froged over them, even the packaging make me go weak at the knees! Is it worth £23 full price? Yes, but not if you was to collect like I do- find a colour that works for you and stick with that one, but if I get the chance to buy at this price again, I will !

Have you tried Chanel lipsticks? Do you think they are worth the money?

Love

LCCxox

South Coast and South Meet-up

Hey Girls,

I am really excited to announce/organise a bloggers meet up for us southerners! I always see meet ups that take place up north and in London and none ever seem to take place down south! I'm sure there must be a few of us hiding in the woodwork! But of course if you are a Northern or central? blogger we would love to meet you too!

When:                     26th and 27th November 2011
Where:                    Brighton


There is no plans set in stone, however was thinking shopping and a few drinks then moving on the bright lights of West St. for a night out- obviously you would have to be over 18 for this, but under 18's are very welcome to come for the day time ! I'm sure it will be a jam packed two days so to ensure this can happen can you Email, tweet me or comment below and let me know you are interested :) and of course, re-post on your blog to ensure we can meet as many people as possible.

My Email is LCCxox@gmail.com and my twitter is @LCCxox

I look forward to hearing from you all and finally meeting some of you :)

Love

Laura 

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September 2011 Favourites...

Hi Guys,

I cannot believe it's the end of September already, eeeek! Back to Uni next week for my final year- that is  so scary! However this month I have been loving the simple side to make up, maybe a bold lip if I am being a bit extrovert ;)  I have made a lot of purchases recently which I am loving but obviously they cannot make my favourites! I will do a haul post later in the week :) Anyhow here are this months favourites...

If you follow me on twitter you will know I am loving Instagram at the moment ;)

Bourjois- Healthy Mix Foundation in shade 56. I have always liked this foundation, however for some reason I have being reaching for this more than my Chanel Vitalumier- which is so weird as my skin has actually been really good recently and I am not needing the extra coverage that this provides. However it is a firm favourite and I am really enjoying it at the moment. 

Chanel - Bronze Universal paired with Sigma F84. I love this product, it is something that not only bronzes my skin but also offers a bit more coverage when I need it. For me, as my skin is a little olive toned, it will not just be a summer product but something I can use all year round. I love the texture the smell, and the Sigma F84 angled top kabuki is perfect to apply. I like that its dense unlike the MAC angled brush which I found left it looking very patchy! All in all its a fab product and a make-up bag must have for me.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle.  I picked this up from Charlotte's Blog sale, after much agro on the post office's part I finally got my hands on it and I can say I am well and truly in love. I use it as a highlight on my cheeks, eyebrow bone and cupids bow. I love using as a base eye-shadow with something darker in the crease on a natural day but also as a blusher if I am using heavy contouring. Love this product and cannot understand why I never bought it earlier.

Prestige- My Blackest Lashes. I love Michele1218 on Youtube, I trust her opinion and her honesty and if I can I will try and try and product she raves about and this is one of them. This is so much better than any other drug store mascara and even maybe top 3 ever! Length? check. Volume? check. Blacker than Black lashes? check. A must have girls go buy now now now ! 

Mac Lipstick in Shy Girl. After Creme d'nude looked  too 'concealer lips' on me I stayed well away from Shy Girl, until I was at the counter looking for a new nude, looking more towards Hue, however the assistant suggested straight away, with hesitation I agreed to try and fell in love instantly, the Cremesheen formula finish really helps too! It's great for change in seasons too!

Oilatum- Natural Repair Face Cream. Cult product shown to the community by Pixiwoo, it not only leaves my skin moisturised and soft but balances out my oily areas - namely my t-zone. Great as a primer under make-up and I use it day and night to ensure my skin stays soft.

Hair Doughnut in Blonde. I am loving wearing my hair up in the doughnut, winged eyeliner and a bold lip. I am really enjoying this look as its simple and easy, but effective. I would recommend picking one up, they are currently £1.00 in Primark and come in different sizes depending on your hair length- this is how I wear mine

What are your top products this month?

Love

Laura xox

NOTD: Leopard Print Nail Art

A rubbish first attempt you may agree, however for a nail art virgin like myself, I was pretty chuffed! This was all made capable with my *new* Models Own Nail Art Pen- which I must say I am in love with!

Have you tried the Models Own Nail Art Pen?

Laura xxx