Lavender & Coral

By Sarah Redman

Lavander macaroon & coral nails

Our summer weather seems to be dwindling a bit so I thought I would share a bit of colour and a summer memory.

This arty food photo is obviously and instagram snap – my summer has been full of colour, sun and macaroons.

My nails are painted in Really Rio from Clinique’s A Different Nail Enamel range – retailing at £12.00 for 9ml.

The lovely lavander macaroon comes from a bakery in northern France and was part of a few sweet treats my parents bought back for my sister and I.

I hope you’re all enjoying the last of your summers!

As always doop us a comment here, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

NOTD

By Sarah Redman

This is my first Nail Of The Day post for a while now. I have been partially distracted with cuticle tattoos (Tattoo Trends) and also by exams, etc (Cheating on Blogging with Magazines) to paint my nails.

That hasn’t changed – right now I don’t think I have the patience to do a half decent job with my nails. So I’ve made things a bit easier on myself and gone back to an old favourite. Nail Wraps.

On my nails at the moment are Elegant Touch’s Envy Wraps Bling Candy Sprinkles. Retailing at £5.00, these textured nail wraps are modern and fun. You can add a splash of colour underneath these clear films or just keep with your base coat for a simple yet striking effect. This ice-cream coloured, gem-encrusted design mixes a combination of pink, purple, blue, green and silver multi-sized dots – and each dot is surrounded by a simple gold ring.

In the past I have found some of these things a tad fiddly and if there is a straight-line to be found then I may as well pack up and go home. But with these wraps being clear asides from the design, even I found it hard to get it wrong.

My first one took about three attempts, but I think that was purely down to my lack of practice because the rest were simple. Just peal off, press down, shape to size and you’re ready to go.

I love this easy way to get super jazzy nails and have gained a few compliments in the days since having them on. These beauties last up to ten days, I’m on my third day with them and mine are doing pretty well so far.

What do you think of my super speedy nails? Do you like nail wraps or would you rather just wait for you polish to dry? Let us know and leave a comment below, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

insideKENT magazine – July issue

By Sarah Redman

I am officially incapable of blogging when the new magazine issue actually comes out – but better late than never…

The July issue of insideKENT magazine is well and truly HERE (Seriously click on the link and a world of wonderful writing is at your fingertips – pun not intended for all you table/phone viewers!)

Picture taken from insideKENT magazines website (link above)

This month I have a few fabulous pieces, one of which insideKENT Exclusive Interview with Josh Doyle is available on the website. You can also check out my beauty piece, Summer Make-Up Colour Trends, my Spotlight on Deal piece and right at the back, 10 Best Summer Garden Games.

You can view previous issues HERE or check out TSSB’s post Cheating on Blogging with Magazines.

Finally as usual, if you want to get in touch or have any ideas you want us to try out here at The Sarah’s Style Blog then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Either comment below, Tweet us@thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook Page.

Tattoo trends

By Sarah Redman

Recently I have noticed there has been a small resurrection of the ‘Temporary Tattoo’ and this time they’re a bit different.

My first thought, I’m not going to lie, was oh please don’t be those annoying glittery transfer sticker things from way back when – as a 90’s kid I remember a few dodgy versions of the temporary tattoo which left you with a pealing mess after one wash. Not a fan.

My second thought was ohh awesome, I’m so awful with pain so to sit in the chair and actually get inked up sounds kinda like hell to me, no matter how lovely the outcome. This however has not stopped me doodling all over my wrists and hands the second I’m bored with a pen in my hand!

Earlier in the year I uploaded a small post concerning a new nail art trend. The cuticle tattoo. I have finally got my hands on some (as a small birthday treat to myself – £3.99 Bourjois Nail Tattoo Kit in Graphic from one of my favourites Asos.com – also available in Arty Tropics).

Forever unconventional, I decided cuticles were not enough for this product and got creative with a little pattern on my feet.

 

What do you think of this new trend and my unconventional approach? Let us know and leave a comment, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

Cheating on blogging with magazines

By Sarah Redman

Hi all our lovely readers!

We firstly want to say a big sorry for another massive break from blogging and thanks for sticking with us. As we are both currently at university sometimes we have to put our course first and with deadlines and exams throughout May and June we have been a little busy to say the least!

Sarah (H) jetted off to Egypt this morning for a lovely little holiday with her beau – but in her absence I thought I would start up blogging again. I am hopefully off to sunny Cornwall next week, but I’m sure I will have to odd five minutes to blog my adventures with the girls.

Picture taken from insideKENT magazines website (Link below)

Now to explain this post’s heading. Not only have I been busy with uni but I have also been writing a few pieces for inside KENT magazine! The June issue is out now across Kent – if you are in the area then check your local Waitrose for a copy, if not then don’t worry they also have an online issue. Just click HERE to view it or HERE to see previous issues.

Or have a look at a few of my favourite pieces from inside the magazine and the blog:

• Artist Profile – Melanie Berman
• Soya and Sevenoaks: The vegetable you didn’t know you loved

Finally as usual, if you want to get in touch or have any ideas you want us to try out here at The Sarah’s Style Blog then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Either comment below, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook Page.

This Works

By Sarah Redman

I have tried many brands and products in the quest for clear, healthy skin. My skin is extremely sensitive so it didn’t take long for me to realise that natural products where much better and my skin was more likely to react the more chemicals in the product. I have been a fan of Liz Earle, a natural skin care brand for a while, so it was a logical step to take a look at the brand This Works. Beauty bloggers have been raving about their products for ages and I have finally taken the plunge. To be perfectly honest I am never that optimistic when it comes to skin care as I know how easily my skin reacts, but This Works does genuinely seem to work.

So far I have only tried three of their products, one from their skin care range and the other two products to aid with sleep. I first got into This Works after receiving their deep sleep pillow talk set, which includes both their deep sleep pillow spray and deep sleep less stress roll, for Christmas and recently I have tried their in transit first aid roll on.

(Review coming later this spring)

In transit first aid is my go to miracle product at the moment. I am prone to the odd break out especially when deadlines are looming so I really need something that can calm my skin down without me worrying. This roll on is packed full of natural oils from rosewood to lavender and works on everything from spots to cuts, grazes and even bites.

Not everyone is a fan of the roller ball top, but it makes it easy to use the right amount of this product and if you really are worried about bacteria you can always roll the remedy onto your finger and then apply to where it is needed. Although, this is a natural antiseptic so it should keep the germs at bay, just make sure to always clean your skin before applying. This product comes from the range In Transit which was designed to be portable, unbreakable, un-spillable and multi tasking and that’s certainly what they’ve done. Although you only get 10ml for your £16 this little bottle lasts for ages, so don’t worry about it’s running out too soon.

Have you tried This Works? How did you get on? Let us know and leave a comment below, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Spring glamour

By Sarah Redman

I have been experimenting with nail polish skills again. Surprise, surprise.

This time I have gone with a subtle lilac hue from Ciate: Sugar Plum. I gave my usual manicure a little twist with glitter tips in Confetti, also from Ciate. I loved this look, its simple yet adds a bit of party glamour to your every day spring nails. The glitter also goes rather well with my ring. Bonus.

I am always looking for new ways to experiment with my nails and think I have found my next favourite thing…

I have seen Ciate’s cuticle tattoos floating around social media and various blogs recently and they popped up on my Instagram feed the other day. Elle magazine’s post is in agreement with me, now I just need to save up and buy them. Weirdly enough cuticle tattoos are not in my weekly budget!

What are your favourite new twists to your traditional manicure? Will you be trying either of these styles? Or do you think cuticle tattoos will be the next big thing? Let us know and leave a comment, Tweet us a pic of your nails @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

NOTD

By Sarah Redman

Not a classic OOTD (outfit of the day) but a NOTD (nail of the day).

Today I have gone with a nude look. This weather is playing havoc with my ability to decide on a nail colour. I’m done with winter now – I love a cuddly knit but I’m just so fed up of being cold – so I’m not sure on my dark polishes, my effects and my glitters. But then again, I’m not really ready for my bright summer styles. So I’m left with my muted pastels and after painting my nails I’m not complaining. It’s a nice in-between.

I have gone for a nude. My nail polish is by Ciate and came as part of my Mini Mani Month. It’s called Amazing Gracie and not only is it pretty, but it reminds me of my lovely little sister, Gracie, back home. My base coat is Ciate Underwear and my top coat Ciate’s Speed Coat. I have also used Essie‘s Apricot Cuticle Oil.

What’s your favourite nail colour of the moment? Let us know and leave a comment, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

News feed

By Sarah Redman

This time of year, if you are following the right people, Instagram is so much fun. At the moment my feed is totally clogged up with New York Fashion Week Photo’s (soon to be London!) So I thought I would chose my favourite and share them with you guys.

This lovely shot from Marie Claire Magazine is of NYFW’s Jenny Packham show. I love this look as an easy spring look when it’s still freezing outside. Also I’m not ready to let go of my statement necklaces – another season please!

This one’s from Elle Magazine, with the one and only NYFW’s Oscar de le Renta jewellery. Just wow… and want.

House of Holland backstage shot here for their NYFW show and I’m in love with their shoes. The colour, the minimalism, the height, just everything I love in a shoe.

Another post from Elle Magazine here with the Jenny Packham beauty look – simple and classic.

And Elle Magazine again! With Rodarte‘s make up look for NYFW. Love the metallics and the bold eye lip combo.

Lastly a post from Grazia backstage at DVF. Such a lovely classic bag, nuff said.

Have you been loving anyone’s feed in particular or just enjoying them all with a cup of tea in hand from the comfort of your own sofa? Let us know and leave a comment below, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Please note:

None of these photo’s are The Sarah’s Style Blog’s, just screen shots of our favourite recent posts on Instagram. All photo’s are linked to the publisher’s website and the designer’s featured. All details published with the photo are in the screen grab.

Bourgois colour edition

By Sarah Redman

Bourjois is a make up brand I have really gotten into recently, starting with their healthy mix foundation and then healthy mix concealer (Love, Love, Love); I have even tried their flower perfection primer (Not bad I must say – and a handy pot!) Now I have moved onto their eye shadow, as you do, so with the release of their Colour Edition 24 Hour Eye Shadow I had to have a try.

This is a cream-to-powder formula, which is really handy – no smashing of a powder pallet – the cream stays together even when travelling. This product also boasts a metallic sheen, which is eye catching during the day and can be built upon with their darker shades for an impact eye statement look for the evening. Bourjois also claim that “94% of woman found Colour Edition 24 Hour more luminous than their regular eye shadow” (See their website).

Available in six shades ranging from every day lighter shades to blue and purple hues. These hues are perfect to take you through from Autumn / Winter 2013 to Spring / Summer 2014 with Nudes, Navy’s, and Berry shades being very popular.

I purchased the Colour Edition 24 Hour Eye Shadow in both 03 Petale de glace and 05 Prune Nocturne.

These shades are great for a day time look with a little metallic sheen or you can build up the colour for a smoky eye style evening look. This product is easy to work with and has great staying power. It can be applied using your fingers but I have found the best result with a variety of eye shadow brushes as the pick up the most pigment and make the products easier to blend. I’m looking forward to trying more colours from this range.

Have you tried Bourgois’ creme eye shadow offering? Let us know and comment below, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.