I’ve always been a huge fan of Rimmel nail polishes, they are seriously great. But Rimmel have outdone themselves with their new Salon Pro range, carrying on the Rimmel trend of gorgeous colours, affordable prices and a quick drying, shiny finish. This little beauty is Rimmel Salon Pro ‘Punk Rock’. *all the heart eye emojis*
I was asked by MoneySupermarket.com to hold a Big Night In as a blogger challenge. Nights out can be really expensive, especially in London where you don’t get much change from a tenner for a cocktail!
The challenge was to spend £50 on a night in for me and my friends to prove that you can have fun without breaking the bank. You can read all about the competition here The competition has now finished.
I decided to stick to the ‘recessionista’ theme and hold a fashion and beauty swap shop: everyone had a wardrobe and cosmetics clear out and brought things they no longer wanted with them. Then we piled it all up and had a rummage through. The old saying is true: one girl’s trash really is another girl’s treasure! I got a Clinique moisturiser that was too rich for my friend’s skin but will be perfect for my thirsty skin…along with tons of dresses and tops. I love the idea of a swap shop: you get the same buzz you get from buying something new, but without having to spend any money. It’s a free wardrobe refresh!
Obviously swap shopping is thirsty work, so I provided fashion-themed cocktails (The cocktail menu is above: Christopher Kane-d anyone?)
There were also sweet treats in the form of (hand-decorated by us!) cupcakes with fashion icon logos and every other food had to be a pun: Donut-ella Versace, Pizza Pilotto, Jimmy Shoo Pastry… so much fun!
I also painted nails as another pampering treat while we watched fashion related films: The September Issue and The Devil Wears Prada.
The whole day was so much fun and everyone had a ball, we definitely proved to ourselves that you don’t need to go out to have a laugh. I really recommend a swap shop evening if money is a bit tight (or you’re having one of those ‘I HATE EVERYTHING I OWN’ months!)
Thanks for the challenge, Money Supermarket!
Lex
I have always had a soft spot for the Seventeen brand (or 17 as it was before their rebrand). It reminds me of being young and my first forays into make up. Their nail polishes are usually very good: super affordable, tons of beautiful colours, great application… which is why this one really disappointed me.
The brush was a complete nightmare. The bristles were all different lengths and really stiff which meant that neat application was impossible. I had to do so much clean up afterwards to get them looking acceptable which is very frustrating.
I’m hoping this was just a bad brush as I’ve had other bottles from the same range that are brilliant.
So ignoring the crappy brush, this colour is truly gorgeous. A very deep pinky red, that was a perfect 2 coater. Topped with Seche Vite, but shiny without it and quite fast drying as well. Just a shame that I probably won’t wear it again due to the awful brush…
You can see the full Seventeen nail varnish range HERE.
Lex
I am a huge fan of pastels and mint green is a personal favourite. It is bright, fun and pretty, but not as cloying as baby pink or yellow.
Kiko polishes have a seriously brilliant formula: this was full coverage in 2 thin coats, it is fast drying and gives an incredibly high shine. Kiko 389 Mint Milk is no exception. These pictures show the manicure topped with Seche Vite but it was ridiculously shiny without top coat.
I think this might be the perfect summery shade…now I just need summer!
You can buy Kiko nail polishes HERE.
Lex
