Technic Carnical Vs Models Own Ibiza Mix

I thought I would do a little comparison post between these two top coats as they're pretty darned similar. And when better to do it than on a Friday night, it's not like I have a social life anyway ;)

These are the two bad boys I'm comparing. They're both pretty popular and also both rather lovely. Models Own nail varnishes retail at £5 from boots and Technic Carnival can be scouted out either on eBay of from Bodycare for less than £2. So Models Own is more than twice the price, but is it more than twice as good?

Yes. I hate to be the person that says 'buy the expensive one' and trust me it's never happened before(!) but in this case The Models Own offering is just better. It's got twice the glitter, more variety of glitter, it dries faster. And let's face it, it looks prettier, which is all we really care about. The only thing I will say for these is that Technic Carnival is rather Christmassy, the colours remind me of a beautiful Christmas tree and this will probably be adorning my nails along with a red polish in the near future. Also I would say that these are different enough to justify owning both.

P.S just to let you know, I reply to all comments on my blog, so if you ask a question make sure to check back! Also I can be found on twitter @theredoneblog so please ask any questions there!
This is all, 
Gemmm xxx

My Claddagh Ring!

I was taking pictures of some jewellery as part of my Textiles research and when looking through the pictures I thought it would be nice to show you my Claddagh ring. If you're Irish you will have seen a bijillion of these things, however they're not really popular elsewhere. You can buy them elsewhere quite easily though.

Although I was born and bred in England my family is Irish and Ireland is practically my second home. We go over a lot as we have family there and I love it. Have you ever met an Irish Postman? They are the friendliest people you will ever meet!

This is not my hand. A Claddagh ring is a symbol of love, the Crown represents loyalty, the hands represents friendship and the heart represents (can you guess??) love. If you wear it with the crown facing up it means your heart is taken, and if you wear it with the crown facing down it means you are single and ready to mingle. I wear mine upwards as I am in an imaginary relationship with various celebrities. I joke, I do actually have a real human boyfriend ( I know, who'd go out with me right?)

That's it really, it was a gift from my Mum for my 17th Birthday and I wear it every single day and love it to bits. If you're one for a cute story I recommend looking up the origin story of the Claddagh ring as it's quite adorable.
This is all,
Gemmm xxx

NOTD! Technic Carnival

I found these pictures whilst going through my camera, and was quite impressed with the general prettyness of these nails, definetley blog worthy!

The first nail varnish is Revlon cloud, these Top Speed versions are a massive improvement to the regular Revlon nail varnishes which are lovely but take for-ev-er to dry. Cloud isn't available from boots, but you can buy it on eBay here if you like. The second is Technic carnival, you can buy this on eBay but if your a cheapskate like me and want to only pay a pound you can stake out your local Bodycare. 

Why must I be cursed which such Effin ugly hands? I can't comment on the wear of these nail varnishes as I these pictures were taken a while ago and I honestly don't remember. However I usually find Revlon to last quite well, and glitter tends to last a long time (whether you want it to or not!)
This is all,
Gemmm xxx

Real Techniques First Impressions!

Firstly I apologize for my lack of internet existence, turns out A2 ( last year of college) is bloomin' hard work. However I missed my little corner of the internet so this is my attempt to claim it back.
Look what just arrived!!

My friends Dad goes to America sometimes for work, so being the savvy shoppers that we are we ordered some makeup as it's a good bit cheaper across the pond! These retail over here at £11.99 for the stippling brush and £9.99 for the blush brush. The two of them cost me £11 to buy from America. A Bargain I do declare!

I bought these two beauts as I've had very good experiences with Real Techniques brushes in the past (read: buffing brush). My first impression of the blush brush was DAMN THIS IS SOFT, and I preceded in rubbing it on peoples faces, cos that's the kind of gal I am! The stippling brush seems quite nice, it's a lot more flimsy than I had imagined and it's also a damn sight smaller than the buffing brush ( which isn't necessarily a bad thing). Also a pesky little hair came out of the stippling brush which did not please me!

Proof of that pesky little hair! P.s you would not believe how long it took my camera to focus on this.

I should point out that I haven't actually used these yet. These are literally my very first impressions so they may well be groundbreaking at applying makeup, or they could be naff. However as far as softness and prettiness goes I'm giving these top marks! I will report back in around a month regarding makeup application, as I want to give them a full test.
This is all, 
Gemmm xxx