Review // Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File

To continue in my quest for fabulous perfect nails it was time to banish the Tesco Value emery boards from my nail kit (yes really!) and invest in a nail file of quality. There was no other place to go than Leighton Denny and his 'Rolls Royce of nail files'.

This nail file is truly amazing. I'm not the best at filing my nails and have to remind my self not to saw the nails but with this crystal gem you are able to use a sawing motion as the crystal literally turns your nail to dust. You only need one swipe to file off any edges it makes it so quick and I have to remember not to get too carried away filing before my nails disappear.

Unlike glass files which will eventually wear down this crystal file will last far longer and just requires a run under water to clean. The one downside to this file is the back on edge sound that can sometimes occur not unlike nails down a chalkboard but I'm prepared to man up and put up with for all it's other qualities such as it's ability to seal the end of the nail to prevent splitting and peeling.

I picked up my file from Boots and went for this smaller version in it's own case which is perfect for carrying around in my bag. No longer having the strength of acrylics I'm often snagging my nails but a quick file with this beauty and I'm good to go.

These also make a great gift for friends and I know you might hate for me mentioning the Christmas word but it's the perfect accessory for anyone looking to take care of their nails if not one to add to your own list.

Limited Edition Vaseline Paint The Town Lip Therapy in Spiced Berry

It's Saturday night, Strictly Come Dancing is back and Vaseline have added a touch of colour to their third Limited Edition Lip Therapy, let me introduce you to Vaseline Paint The Town Red Lip Tint*.

Available exclusively at Selfridges now until mid-September when it will be released nationwide it's fabulous for popping in your handbag to use alone or on top of your usual lipstick. If the weather wasn't enough to tell us Autumn is definitely on it's way one sniff of the gorgeous berry scent will certainly have you thinking of mulled wine whilst wrapped up in a cosy jumper in front of the fire.

Don't be scared of the bright colour, it's sheer and I find it enhances my natural lip colour for a natural look with a glamorous edge. As you can tell by the fingerprints in my photos - yes major blogger faux pas using the product before photographing - I have been popping this intensively moisturising tint on all day and will continue to do so.

The packaging does contain a warning of staining but so far I've been safe so don't be too concerned.

What are you waiting for girls, it's time to Paint the Town Red, nab yours here.

*PR Sample

Cheese and Wine Night

It's Friday and once I've submitted a report that's due today the weekend can officially begin. For me there's nothing I like more than getting home, cracking open a bottle of red and popping some camembert in the oven. A simple, delicious and indulgent feast for one to relax after a long week at work.

What do you plan on doing to relax this evening?

August Pay Day Haul

This month's pay day haul was specialised around a masked ball that I was due to attend on the following weekend and a desire to try out this tutorial from Pixiwoo.

Firstly I jumped online and ordered the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette from Cult Beauty. A much raved about product I was intrigued to try and I'm pleased to say I'm in love. This pencil is a breeze to apply and is far easier to grab than my previously used Mac Charcoal Brown Shadow and brush.

Next there was a trip to Space NK for a threading appointment which of course allowed for the opportunity to spend some cold hard cash. Bloggers seem to opt for the Xen Tan Absolute Luxe which I was going to try but after seeing the price tag and remembering that it was Deep Bronze Luxe cheaper that a friend had applied on me previously I thought I'd stick with that option. Caudalie Divine Legs has been on my wish list for sometime and just in case the Xen Tan experiment went awry I decided to have that on standby (thankfully it wasn't necessary!). As I would be wearing my Cinderella sandals  my feet need some sprucing up with Margaret Dabbs Exfoliating Foot Mousse. I'm a bit on the fence with this product. It was a completely blogger brain washed purchase and I think I could've got the same results from a cheaper product and to be quite honest, it doesn't even smell very nice.

From Superdrug I picked up some goodies from Sleek, their Contour Kit and Luminous Pressed Powder and onto Mac for some new brushes to add to my collection; the 239 and 210. Unfortunately Painterly Paint Pot was out of stock so it was over to Boots and the suggested alternative, Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit. The Boots haul didn't end there of course. Whilst I've been avoiding acrylic nails and doing my best to get my nails into an acceptable state without some Impress Nails they wouldn't be up to scratch for a black tie function. Unfortunately whilst initially thrilled with the results, simple to apply etc the thumb nail didn't last the night (thank god for the eyelash glue in my bag) and by day 2 the remaining nails were rising up and my hair was getting caught up in them and all sorts that I pulled them off. I was pleased with how easy they were to remove and whilst I wasn't wowed I would use this product again for a one night occasion.

Barry M Dazzle Dust and Bumble & Bumble Finishing Spray were the final products, the latter being a product my mum and I had seen on a recent shopping trip.  Thinking it was only £6.50 we both picked one up and decided against them when they were rung up at £10. Then we spent the whole shopping trip admiring our hair with it's finish that we had to return and buy them. I thought it would be perfect for my up do at the masked ball yet completely forgot to add a spritz when I left the hairdressers, typical.

A slight cheat to the haul is the Garnier Perfect Blur as my friend passed this over to me as she wasn't a fan. I've yet to try myself but I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Now it's time to halt the spending as I'm off to Las Vegas next month and I need all my cash to go wild in Sephora!

August Favourite // Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion

When I was asked to try Dove's Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion I was immediately drawn to it's claim that it would leave skin nourished for 10 days. I've always been notoriously bad about using body lotions, I might have a spur of the moment urge to lavish some cream on after a bath or maybe add some sparkle for a night out like I did here but as a general rule it was something I never really bothered with. So a product that suggests I do not have to apply on a daily basis was perfect for me.

Since receiving the Coconut Milk and Jasmine Petals* scent I have used it with great regularity (not daily but we can't expect miracles!) and this very bottle will be featuring in my next Empties post having used it all - I do not think in my life I have used a body lotion up in it's entirety.

I love coconut scents and with the addition of relaxing jasmine made for a perfect combo. The light formula has been perfect to apply at the end of a hot and sticky night when the last thing you want to do is climb into bed with creams that are too heavy and going to make you uncomfortable.

It's also made a good addition to my faux tanning routine and worked in perfect harmony avoiding pasty pins and scaly dry patches. It's an all round winner in my book and that's why it's my August favourite.

*PR sample