The Professional Choice: Barry M Nail Varnish Haul

Do four nail varnishes count as a haul? I'm going to say yes, I figure anything more than two is a haul.

I started my new job on Monday and the training centre is based in the city centre. Which means I am too close to all the shops. I decided to take a little stroll into Boots on the way home, just to look. But I ended up getting a couple of bits and bobs. I really wanted to get some new nail varnishes. I felt all my nail varnishes were too bright or dark, no in between. And as my new job is office based I wanted some subtle, classy colours. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I rocked a hot pink nail but I want to present the image of a young, professional woman. Also I just needed an excuse to buy stuff.

Now I will be the first to admit Almond and Pit Stop appear very similar but Pit Stop is more of grey and Almond is definitely a nude. A subtle but distinct difference I'm sure you'll agree.

I bought a few new outfits for the job ( don't worry there will most defintely be outfit posts involoving these) and surprisingly got a lot of navy items. I never wear navy but clearly the professional Shona decided this was a great colour. The Blackberry shade is probably my favourite, one coat and it is vibrant with a good colour.

Finally I decided that since summer (if you can even call it that) is almost over and I fancied a wee bronze for autumn. It's difficult to really what the Caspian shade is like from the bottle, but it is more of a metallic gold. Nice, but not quite what I wanted.

Now I apologise. I attempted to swatch these on my finger nails but it was a disaster. Nail varnish everywhere, nail varnish remover over the sofa and tears on my pillow.  I biet my nails so they'll never look great but hopefully I shall be getting acrylics done soon and I shall swatch away to my heart content.

On a completely unrelated note I have ordered a camera tripod off Amazon that should be arriving soon. There will most definitely be an overabundance of OOTD post so prepare yourselves.

Love
Sho xx

Review: Lush Ultrabland cleanser

My skin care routine is what some may call lackadaisical (or lazy if you want to be harsh). I'll use some form of cleanser to take off any make up and a wee bit of moisture if my skin is feeling thirsty. Other than that...meh. I know it's bad, I'm getting older I should be proactive in reducing wrinkle and making my skin as vibrant as possible.

I go though little phases when I'll buy a new product, declare it the best thing ever, use it for a week then stick in a drawer never to be seen again. I try my best but I'm just too flaky.

A few months ago I was living to regret my devil may care approach to skin care when I woke up with a face full of spots. Those really horrible, sore, angry looking red spots that take forever to clear up. In fairness I was having a very stressful time. I wasn't eating properly, my sleeping pattern was completely up the left and was definitely not drinking enough water. A girl I was working with at the time told me about the most amazing cleanser ever she had got from Lush. So I give you the Lush Ultrabland cleanser

Feeling very excited about trying this out I quickly ran home and slapped it all over my face. And I hated it. Guys, no joke, it was like lard. But with bits in. It was so thick and greasy. Let's just be honest, it was gross. Even once I wiped it off with a face cloth it still felt like there was a residue on my face. So even though my skin felt soft, it was a fake soft because I was pretty sure half of it was still on. Also it smells...not bad but not great.

Thanks Scott!

Needless to say I was not convinced. But as you can see above, the instructions advised if you are having problem skin to use it for month. I don't know why but I decided to carry on with it despite my initial reaction of disgust.

And I have to say it did work. My skin cleared up a treat, spots where all gone and I haven't had a occurrence. I never got used to the greasy, oily texture. I still feel like it leaves a layer on your skin but the results speak for themselves. I feel like now my skin is under control I'll maybe move on to something else but if I do ever have another flare up I will definitely repurchase. All in all a bit of a mixed review but I hope it helped anyone who was considering buy this. A 100g tub costs £11.50 or the smaller 45g is £7.25 and a little goes a long way with this. No need to break the bank if you want to try it out.

Love

Sho