urban outfitters holographic nail varnish

UO holographic nail varnish - £12

ERM. Happy days! I've found something to substitute my Chanel Holographic nail varnish craving. Couldn't get hold of that if I tried. That was limited edition and is long gone. Urban Outfitters have done me proud and sorted out a high street version. Nicely done guys, nicely done.

The hand image above is my hand and how the UO version came out for me. Here's what I think -

Paintability - 4/5
I decided to paint a base coat of white, I'm not sure why I decided to do this, but I did. I think I felt it was going to give it more of an opaque base? I'm pretty sure it did just that. So I did two coats of white, two coats of the holographic and a coat of clear, speed dry polish. The holographic polish paints on nicely, but does need two coats - in order for it to be nice and vivid.

Value for money - 3/5
I thought £12 was a bit steep for this. £10 would have been fine.

Durability - 5/5
I was really rather impressed with the durability of this polish, it didn't chip for ages! I feel it did last a bit longer than other plainer varnishes.

Likeability - 4/5
Okay so this is kinda an important point to mention. The image above of my hand, was a photo taken in artificial light (no flash). In artificial light, this polish is at it's best, it's a visual treat, so shiny and super colourful. Sadly the same can't be said for it in natural light, but I think that's down to the general nature of the holographic-ness/thang. People really loved the photo above, but it got slightly less love in real life, due to it's subtle tendencies in daylight.

So yeah, I'd say go get it. It's a fun time in a bottle.

(top + hand image/collage - my own)

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American Apparel Matte Nail Polish

American Apparel Matte Top Coat - £9

If you haven't already noticed, I am a mega painted nails fan. I always have been - it brings me so much joy, for pretty much as long as I can remember. I love how versatile nail polishes and nail art has become, there is just so much to try out and have fun with!

I've been looking for a good matte top coat for a little while, as I had a cheap version a year or so ago, but wanted to try a different one. As soon as American Apparel bought their version out, I was on it. Mainly because of how sexy the packaging/pot was - let's be honest, that was the determining factor for me.
Anyway, it does the job a treat. It paints really nicely, and dries perfectly matte. Don't get freaked if it paints on shiny - wait a few seconds and will mattify (hmmm...not sure that's a word but hey) right before your eyes. This nail varnish works really well with a hi-shine black varnish too, you could paint matte cuticles or do shiny black polka dots over a matte black layer. Lots of fun to be had.

I used my AA Matte Top Coat to create this super fun "dalmatian doggy" style nail art. I painted two coats of white varnish, then used a Models Own X Wah Nails nail art pen in black to create the spots - finishing this eye-catching look off with a matte top coats - sets it off so nicely!

Chloe x

(images - my own)

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How to fix a smashed iphone

It's a sad sight isn't it? So yes, the inevitable has happened. So, now what? How do you fix a smashed iphone? There are a few options...

Option 1. Do it yourself.

If you are feeling brave, this is very do-able. But be aware that if something goes wrong, you won't be covered by warranty or insurance. You can buy these kits off Amazon for around £6. You will receive a new panel and all the tools you need to remove your old broken glass, and fix your new back.
Here's a Youtube video example on how to remove the broken back and fit a new one.
(p.s. I am not responsible for any loss or damage that may occur when fixing your own iphone glass, this is implemented at your own risk. I'm just highlighting the various options that are available.)

Option 2. Go to an Apple Store.

Okay so, the reason I'm writing a post about this, is because no one actually told me you have to make an appointment at an Apple Store for like, four days in advance. I went in without one...and yup, got turned away.
Here's what you do:
1. Go to www.apple.com/uk - this link here will take you to a Genius Bar reservation page. (Please note, this won't work if you're outside of the UK, but it is very likely you'll be able to receive the same service in your country.) My nearest Apple Store is London Regent's Street.
2. Make your reservation and fill out the various options.
3. A window similar to what's shown tomorrow will come up. This means you're all booked in...
- having someone from the Genius Bar fix your screen or back glass will cost £25

Option 3. Cover it up, and pretend it's not there. 

I did this for a while, but I just got this niggling feeling. My brain new it was there and told me to go fix it. But while we're on the theme of pretty new iphone cases, here are a few awesome ones I've been drooling over in recent weeks...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

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nails inc. baker street

"Baker Street" by nails inc literally has to be one of my all time favourite nail polishes. I had been looking for an electric blue nail varnish for ages, and it was almost like nails inc felt my pain. I then saw my best friend wearing it, and I immediately grabbed her hand, almost pulling it off in the process. Lease had just started working at Harvey Nics HO, and this was one of the treats she had recently bought herself with her staff discount. And being such a lovely best friend, she soon got me a pot.

I love it. nails inc polishes paint on so nicely, it's a really nice consistency and two coats does the job perfectly. It think this colour retails at something like £11 - but don't quote me on that. I'd say it's worth it, especially if you're after a really statement colour. I get a lot of compliments when wearing it. It really is as vibrant as in the pics above - I also always finish my nails with Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri anti chip top coat. Another must for any painted nails lover.

Chloe x

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Ombré Nails

Along with the rest of the world - I too, am loving ombré nails at the moment. These are snaps of my nails I've done recently, the white and neon pink ombré got a lot of attention over on my Tumblr, so much so, I had to do a 'how to' post on it, as people kept on asking how I did it. It even got picked up by one of my favourite blogs - They All Hate Us. whew! It's surprisingly easy to do. My favourites were the blue ones, a little more subtle - but just as eye catching.

Chloe x

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Nails Inc.

I'm not mad for effects nails polishes, but this one by Nails Inc. I like. It's quite subtle but super pretty and almost foil like. It's from their Special Effects box set collection...I think this set was called The Wyndham. It love how it has an iridescent effect - last for ages too, especially with a trusty top coat.

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LOVE, the winning treatment...

To me, LOVE magazine have the most perfect cover photography/typography treatment in the whole wide world. Wonderfully executed every time, oui?