Models Own Pro - On Lapis

Models Own Pro 050 On Lapis

I really love ashamedly bright shades, and this one has a lovely vibrancy to it that I can't help but glance at every so often. On Lapis is a beautiful turquoise colour that has a tiny hint of a green undertone, but mainly appears blue.
The formula in this is a little thick and the first coat applied a bit streaky, I think 2 would have been okay but I have done 3 coats to get a fully opaque finish. This lasted fairly well with it chipping a bit on the 3rd day but only a little tip wear. Personally, I prefer the formula in the regular Models Own  line, with their Grace Green shade being one of my favourites in terms of texture as it's not too thin and not thick and applies beautifully (sort of reminds me a bit of OPI).

The Pro range is 3 Free and has Vitamin E and UV filters. I have never noticed the colour of my polishes being effected by the light so the UV filter aspect doesn't really make me more likely to buy these. You get 1ml more (15ml then 14ml) and the brush looks the same as the regular line so no pro-style adjustments there.

The big draw for me in the Pro range is the colour selection - for a polish addict there are some beautiful shades where I was rather spolit for choice and I did end up getting quite a few different colours. I have tried 4 shades so far and the formula in some are better then others but I had hoped it would be a more noticeable improvement. While they are generally okay, I don't think they're better then their existing line so don't feel it is worth the £8 price tag. For that price I prefer the formula of OPI or similar.


The Models Own Pro range is available at larger Boots stores.

*Purchased by me*

NOTD - Models Own Top Turquiose

please excuse the blurry pic, the lighting at the moment is rather dim

Models Own Top Turquoise is a lovely creamy mid turquoise shade that leans ever so slightly more green (I think it's more aquamarine then turquoise). Pic is with 2 coats and after a days wear. Application was no fuss. Feels rather tropical but it just stops a little short of being really bright so even though it seems like more of a summer shade, I am happy wearing this for spring.



Purchased by me

A Little Nail Art: Models Own Grace Green & Andrea Fulerton Nail Tattoo

Models Own Grace Green - I really like this green, it's just murky enough without going too grey and the formula on this one is better then some of my other Models Own polishes as it flows well making application much easier.

I missed out Chanel's Khaki Vert but after seeing it on counter I prefer the Model's Own and even though they are not the same this makes a nice alternative. When I popped into Topshop later I saw they have a khaki green colour called Utilitarian which also looks like a lovely shade as well (which I am very tempted by).

This is two coats with Andrea Fulerton nail tattoo applied on top then Gloss Up Overcoat applied as a topcoat to seal everything.

The nail tattoo is quite straightforward to apply - it is self adhesive and there is a little allowance in that you can peel it off if you misplace it a bit. I used a craft knife to lift the tattoo from the card as they are rather small designs.


Here is a close up:

Both pics are after 2 days wear so there is very slight tip wear and a tiny bit of the chain design has come off on one nail but overall I am pleased with how well this has lasted (2 days is good for my nails).

The Andrea Fulerton Gloss Up Overcoat is a nice consistency - not too thick and applies well.
But this is no Seche Vite as it doesn't dry fast and is not as glossy. I will try with some other polishes to see what the wear is like across other brand polish.

Lilac Sunday

Lilac seems to be a recurring theme in my product purchases these past few weeks so I thought I'd do an overview on my thoughts for each.

Evolve Skin Cocoon Moisture Wash and Radiance Boost Smoothing Cream

I have wanted to try some Evolve products since their launch but it wasn't until the recent ASOS sale that I actually bought anything. These have some great eco credentials as they are certified organic by Ecocert and the lovely distinct packaging is made from recycled milk bottles. They are also not tested on animals and contain organic food based ingredients with no nasties.

The Skin Cocoon Moisture Wash has moisturising almond peptides and organic aloe vera to soothe. It is a runny clear gel liquid that has a slight lather and feels very gentle on the skin. There is a mild aloe vera type scent to this which is inoffensive, but if you like a bit more of a fragrance to your bath products like me then this smells too mild for my tastes. It does make the skin feel quite soft and not dry but I found it a rather meh type product and would not repurchase this.

Now the Radiance Boost Smoothing Cream I really like as it smells gorgeous with a slightly sweet, nutty type scent. It is quite a light, cream texture that you only need a small amount as when I first used it, I took too much and it took a while for it to be absorbed, otherwise it usually doesn't require too much rubbing. It leaves the skin non-greasy, smooth and moisturised without feeling like you've applied any cream. I am not sure how this would fair in the winter when my skin is drier but using this during the summer has been pleasant as it feels virtually invisible.

The info on the back says it has Brazilian acerola fruit which is a high source of vitamin C that boosts radiance and moisturises, and this also contains argan oil, rich in omega 6 and vitamin E to help maintain cell elasticity and protect against free radicals. It also contains natural fruit acids to smooth and soften the skin. It does help with dullness in the skin but I haven't used it long enough to notice any benefits with elasticity.

Zoya Remove +

Usually I use Superdrug's Acetone free nail polish remover but that still feels drying on my nails so I decided to try this instead as I've heard good things about it. At £9.95 for 237ml it is expensive for a nail polish remover which is what put me off purchasing before, but now I think it's worth it. This is a mild acetone based formula and since I've been using this my nails don't feel dry when I remove polish, instead they feel smooth and moisturised. I like the packaging as it's a handy salon style push pump which you can twist to lock. It doesn't have the traditional strong smelly remover scent either, it actually smells quite nice with a soft linen/floral sort of scent.

As to it's removing capabilities they are good with most polishes coming off easily, the glitters/shimmers needing a little more work but still remove better then what I was using previously.

Models Own Lilac Fantasy

This is a lilac pearl with faint pink shimmer in a very sheer (almost clear) lilacy-grey base. It looks very pretty in the bottle but it took 4 coats to achieve that colour as it is so sheer. It is not the fastest drying either considering how sheer it is. If it is wasn't for the lovely colour and finish I would have been disappointed. I got this shade from River Island for £4.99 as I don't think they stock this particular colour in Boots.

Here with 4 coats:



Estee Lauder Surreal Violet Nail Polish

This shade is from the Blue Dahlia Colour Collection for autumn 2010 that has recently hit counters. It looks a bit more of an unusual shade then some other grey/lilac colours I've seen as it has fine copper shimmer in it which gives it a lovely warmth, very autumny.

Here with 2 coats:



Application was easy with full opacity in 2 coats. It's a beautiful shade, but the colour kind of blends in too much with my own skin colour so I think it would suit skin tones which contrast more with the shade. This was £12 for 9ml.

Disclaimer: All products purchased by me