The Beauty Review - Illamasqua speckled polish dupe?

I am a huge fan of the Illamasqua speckled polishes and have featured them several times on my blog - especially over Easter (see here) when I was loving the 'mini egg' feel the 'Scarce' shade gave to my nails! The Illamasqua polishes aren't cheap - at £14.50 a pop they are quite the nail art investment. But they are totally original and ground-breaking so that makes it almost reasonable. Right?

Well, Barry M have recently come out with their Sequin Effects polishes which feature large coloured irridescent sequin specs to create a dramatic 3D effect on the nails. This is different from the Illamasqua version whose sequin particles are matte rather than shiny to create the egg-like effect.

Top: Illamasqua's Speckle Effect Polish in 'Scarce' £14.50
Bottom: Barry M's Sequin Nail Effects Polish in '3 Pink' £3.99

Conclusion? Illamasqua's version still hits the nail on the head for me as the perfect mini egg effect. The Barry M version is more Happy Birthday than Easter Bunny but, then, I do like a good birthday party and this polish is a welcome addition to my collection. Layered over a matte shade there is no end to the possibilities - cue experimenting with 'galaxy' nails in the coming weeks!

Do you have any dupes to share? Spill!

Bisous xx

Style Files - Wedding Guesting

Yesterday I attended the wedding of one of my favourite couples. It was such an amazing day and both bride and groom looked fantastic.

Now that we are heading into summer, wedding season is in full swing! So I thought I would share with you what I wore and my key tips on how to dress for a wedding. I love dressing for a summer wedding because you can really play with colour. I went with a turquoise colour pallette accented with gold. The weather is still chilly so I wore my Zara tweed to the venue then checked it into the cloakroom along with my umbrella. You can never be too careful at a Scottish wedding!

(Apologies for the quality of the photographs - my camera died on me so I had to make do with my iPhone).

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

Purse - Accessorize

Nails (hands) - Illamasqua Nail Polish in 'Scarce'

Nails (toes) - Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in 'Green Berry'

Dress - Monsoon

Tweed Jacket - Zara

Bracelet (left) - Accessorize Lattice Bracelet

Bracelet (right) - Christian Dior Drop Pearl Bracelet



My Fashion Cupboard's Top Tips for Wedding Dressing

1. Don't wear white - I know these days this is seen as less of a rule and there were guests in white at the wedding yesterday. But unless you want to feel uncomfortable all day and risk offending the bride on the biggest day of her life, I suggest keeping your whites for another date.

2. Know your venue - is the wedding indoors or outdoors? Is it in a castle or a marquee? Knowing your venue will help guage the formality of the occasion and also ensure that you choose the right pair of shoes!

3. Consider the time of year - it may sound obvious but your choice of outfit should differ for a summer wedding as opposed to a winter one. Even if the weather is poor during the summer months you can still get away with brighter colours and flimsier fabrics. Check the weather the day before your wedding to decide whether you need a jacket or a brolly. For Scottish weddings a brolly tends to be essential! You can usually check it into a cloakroom on arrival at the reception venue.

4. Keep make-up simple - Remember that you are wearing your make up look all day so make sure it is day time appropriate. Avoid glitter. Take your lipstick, powder and perfume with you to keep yourself looking fresh well into the evening.

5. If you know the colour of the Bridesmaids dresses be sure to stay clear of that colour! Constantly being mistaken for a bridesmaid is more than a little embarassing. Obviously if the bride keeps the colour a secret you cannot be blamed for any faux pas in this area.

6. Make sure you can walk and dance in your shoes! And if you can't, take fold-up flats with you. Weddings involve a lot of waiting around and most venues don't provide enough seating for all guests while they turn around the main rooms. Fighting the brides' Grandmother for the last seat because your feet are about to fall off in those new heels is the ultimate in wedding guest no-nos!

7. Never 'dress down' - you will stick out like a sore thumb and feel entirely uncomfortable. Think cocktail attire as a minimum. I almost always wear a dress to a wedding. If you choose to wear trousers ensure they are smart and preferably matched with a blazer. Never wear jeans.

And although not stricting wedding dressing, here are some tips on general wedding etiquette:

8. Eat a small meal beforehand - If the ceremony is a day-time affair followed by dinner you are likely to be waiting for several hours before getting more than a small canape to nibble. Many couples choose to have the speeches before the meal as well which can mean champagne on an empty stomach if you are unprepared.

9. Don't drink too much alcohol - Following on from the above, weddings are notorious for drunken behaviour. Just be warned that this day is likely to be remembered by many people for many years to come. Just make sure you aren't the one who is remembered for the wrong reasons!

10. Be sociable! You will often be seated with people you don't know but weddings are a great chance to widen your social circle. You all have something in common so kick off a conversation around how each of you know the bride/groom and you will be chatting like old friends in no time.

Most of all HAVE FUN! Weddings are a celebration and the happy couple will have put in a lot of time and effort (and cash!) into making the day just right. Make sure that they know how much you appreciate being part of their special day.

Bisous xx

Style Files - Spring Showers

I never seem to choose the right outfit for the weather - always fooled by the sun peaking through the curtains at 6am when I get up for work only to be disappointed when the heavens open during my commute. The key accessory for a Glasgow girl - a good brolly of course! Regularly saving me from disaster!

Tomorrow I am attending a friend's wedding so an evening of pampering is in store. I will share my outfit with you along with my tips for wedding guest dressing. Bisous xx

Blazer - Primark (last seen here)

Brocade Trouser - Zara (last seen here)

Blouse - H&M

Necklace - Accessorize (last seen here)

Brogues - Stylist Pick (last seen here)

Neon Bracelet - Biba (last seen here)

Gold Bracelets - ASOS (love torque) and ASOS (coral stone chain link)

Umbrella - Accessorize

Lips - Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in 'Illume'

Nails - Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in 'Lycee'

Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards - Finalists!

For all of you Scots who love a bit of pampering, the lucky finalists for the 2013 INAA Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards have been announced. Around 50,000 of you voted for your favourite hair or beauty salon which is a fantastic response. Voting is now closed but please continue to support your favourite on the countdown to the awards on Sunday 26th May.

The evening will consist of a champagne reception followed by 4 course dinner with wine, fabulous entertainment and great product goody bags.Tickets are available to purchase here and are selling out fast! 

A special hotel rate of £85 has been agreed with the Hilton for those wishing to stay over.  Again all details can be found at the link above.

Best of luck to all of the finalists! Bisous xx

THE 2013 FINALISTS

Hair, Best Female Stylist
Clare Ashford, Ash Hairdressing, Oban
Carrie Cameron, Cach-Ca Hair Studio, Aberdeen
Donna Richards, Partners Hair & Beauty Broughty Ferry
Ashley Bitters, Cruz Salon, Glasgow
Natasha Beattie, Colour Unique
Dawn Gillies, Bella Mani, Ayr
Stacey Galbraith, Hair Co, Largs
Mia Stronarch, Jason Hall Hairdressing, Edinburgh

Hair, Best Male Stylist
James Roberts, James Roberts Hair Design & Beauty
Nelson Brown, Browns, Dumfries
Scott Pavey, Burlingtons, Glasgow
Craig Andrew, Craig Andrew Hairdressing, Glasgow
James Horn, James Hughes Hairdressing, Glasgow
Grant Carr, Mohair, Glasgow
Colin McAndrew, Medusa, Edinburgh
Joseph Armstrong, Embrace, Aberdeen

Hair, Expert Colourist
Sindy Hely, Hely Hair, Glasgow
Jill Aitchison, Medusa, Edinburgh
Pamela McNei, Frances Hunter Hair, Stirling
Laura Kerr, Canvass, Bridge of Weir
Jennifer McNaught, Ego Hair Design, Inverness
Joanne Allan, JoDazzle, Aberdeen
Zara Havern, Pele Hair and Beauty, Glasgow
Leah Davidson, Hairborne, Dundee

Expert Hair Extensionist
Louise Balantyne, Freelance, Glasgow
Ashley Hutton, Glamour, Dundee
Dawn Gillies, Bella Mani, Ayr
Mellisa Anne Currie, Macs, Glasgow
Omar el-Kotob, Hair Police, Glasgow
Louise Wilson, Hair in the City, Glasgow
Nicola Baxter, Mia Strada, Clydebank
Dona McBane Totally Gorgeous, Paisley

Best Barber
Rebel Rebel, Glasgow
Lunatic Fringe, Glasgow
Men's Store, Glasgow
Urban Hair Care, Glasgow
Pele Hair, Glasgow
Kenneth Edwards, Paisley
Boom Barbers, Edinburgh
The Men's Emporium, Aberdeen

Best Hair Salon
Craig Andrew Hairdressing, Glasgow
Austen Thomas, Edinburgh
Cruz, Glasgow
Bespoke, Aberdeen
Paterson SA, Edinburgh
Kudos, Paisley
The Cutting Room, Dingwall
James Hughes Hairdressing

Expert Beauty Therapist
Arlene Conway, B-lush, Clydebank
Laura Taylor, Secret Beauty Garden, Edinburgh
Jacqueline McPhee, Therapy Rooms, Inverness
Wendy Kilgour, Beauty Lounge, East Kilbride
Jill Taylor, The Edge, Inverurie
Alana Forrest Pink Lilly Aberdeen
Sarah Manderson, I-lounge, Glasgow
Cher Dobbie, Che Cher, Glasgow
Ria Usher, Dermal Clinic, Edinburgh

Expert Cosmetic Therapist
Jackie Partridge, Dermal Clinic, Edinburgh
Moya Wren, Advanced Aesthetics, Glasgow
Lana Hunter, City Chic, Glasgow
Vikki McDonald, KSkin, Glasgow

Expert Make up Artist
Zak Coldicutt, Colour Unique, Newcastle
Deborah Clark, Deborah's Beauty in the City, Glasgow
Victoria Elwen, Spoilt at Smith's, Gretna Green
Emma Jones, Millenium Beauty, Kilmarnock
Ashley Low, Eden Spa, Arbroath
Gail Craig, Bespoke, Aberdeen
Donna Bain, Totally Gorgeous, Paisley
Susie Bloice, Complexions, Perth

Expert Nail Technician
Sam Grant, Polish Nail and Beauty, Aberdeen
Jill Taylor, The Edge, Aberdeen
Rebecca Johnston, GelUs Nails, Inverurie
Lesley Kinnon, Quartz Hair & Beauty, Aberdeen
Natalie Taylor-Gregory, I-candy, Aberdeen
Emma Prior, Red Earth Spa, Perth
Sacha Currie, Deborah's Beauty in the City, Glasgow
Christina Pert, Bespoke Hair & Beauty, Aberdeen

Expert Massage Therapist
Wendy Kilgour, The Beauty Lounge, Glasgow
Fiona Norval, Eden Hair & Beauty, Arbroath
Charlene O'Kane, The Secret Beauty Garden, Edinburgh
Deborah King, Angel Loving Care, Broxburn
Vaila Robertson, Red Earth Spa, Perth
Stacey Mackrell, Beau Boutique, Stirling
Sharon Pattison,  Beauty Indulgence, Johnston
Tina McCaffery, Therapy Rooms, Invergordon

Best Beauty Salon
Yuu Beauty, Edinburgh
Spoiled at Smith's, Gretna Green
Ab-zolute, Aberdeen
Red Earth, Perth
Myra Crawford, Edinburgh
B-lush, Clydebank
The Green Room, Dundee
Bespoke Hair & Beauty, Aberdeen

Best Spa/Day Spa
Spa in the City, Glasgow
Kam Salon, Inverness
Zen Spa, Edinburgh
Sleeping Beauty Salon, Inverness
Pure Spa, Edinburgh
Mar Hall, Bishopton
Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow
Eve Spa, Paisley

Best Nail Bar
Nail Zone, Glasgow
OMG Beauty, Stirling
Lisa O'Brien, Glasgow
Polish, Aberdeen
Pele Hair & Beauty, Glasgow
Manhattan Nails, Glasgow
Pinkies and Toes, Glasgow
Jacquies, Dumfries

Best Cosmetic Dentist
Berkeley Clinic, Glasgow
Cherry Bank, Edinburgh
Visage, Glasgow
Dental Inspirations, Aberdeen
Dental Cosmetics, Perth
Art of Dentistry, Prestwick
Glasgow Smile Clinic
Spring Grove Clinic, Glasgow

Expert Tanning Specialist
Shirley Morrison, Cruz Salon, Glasgow
Lucy Ann McDonald, Cutting Room, Dingwall
Deborah Clark, Deborah's Beauty in the City, Glasgow
Michelle Dollin, Paul Allan Hairdressing, Glasgow
Kenneth Edwards, Kenneth Edwards, Paisley
Ashley Clark, Polish Nail & Beauty, Aberdeen
Hannah Given, The Hair Boutique, Renfrew
Hannah Lynch, Beauty Rooms, Aberdeen

Best Salon Design
Alan Edwards, Glasgow
Cruz Salon, Glasgow
Rainbow Room, Glasgow
Angels, Aberdeen
Paterson SA, Edinburgh
Austin Thomason, Edinburgh
Medusa, Edinburgh
Ego Hair Design, Inverness

Best Website
Craig Andrew Hairdressing, Glasgow
Rebel Rebel, Glasgow
Alan Edwards, Glasgow
Hely Hair, Glasgow
Pure Spa Group, Scotland
Bespoke Hair and Beauty, Glasgow
The Green Room, Dundee
Urban Hair Care, Glasgow

Young Talent Award (persons with less than 2 years experience)
Lucy Ann MacDonald  - Cutting Room, Dingwall
Christie Sanders - Austin Thomas Hair, Edinburgh
Kirsten Bruce - Hairborne, Montrose
Holly Lumgair - Hairborne, Montrose
Grant Simpson - Frances Hunter, Stirling
Keyleigh  McNally, Craig Andrew Hairdressing, Glasgow

Gym Bunny

As the weather gets (marginally) better, as does my motivation to eat healthily and exercise more regularly. Luckily (or unluckily depending on how you look at it) I won't be frequenting any bikini destinations this year, but I am off to NYC next month and I want to bare my arms and legs with confidence!

Unfortunately, months of heavy jumpers and central heating have left my limbs dull, pale and - let's be honest - on the flabby side. Time to take action!

So on a mission to get summer body ready, I have dusted off my gym membership card and dragged two of my bff's along for the ride - misery loves company! Last night it was a standard gym session - treadmill, bike, weights, cross trainer, collapse. You know the drill. Tonight it is back to Body Attack and, trust me, they named this one well - it attacks every muscle in your body in a high energy workout that will leave us purple faced but proud!

My workout essentials?

Water, water, water. My iPhone which holds all of my favourite tunes and my pink headphones are the perfect practical accessory. And how much do I love my Chanel Le Vernis iPhone case!

A girl has to do everything she can to make the gym a more exciting place! I will let you know how I get on!

Bisous xx

N.B. This post is not sponsored.

Style Files - Ahoy Matey!

As Glasgow is more or less the only place in the whole of the UK with rain this bank holiday, I am cozying up in this nautical knit.

What are you wearing this bank holiday Monday?

Bisous xx

Anchor Sweater - F&F at Tesco

Denim - American Eagle Jegging

(N.B. This post is not sponsored)