#barry m

May Nails

It's hard to believe we're now in September & we're now in autumn (though I wouldn't call what we had 'summer'- the weather was very autumnal!). Got a few empties to mention that I have not mentioned before:

Elf Skin Holy Hydration! Gel Yeah Moisturiser Hydratant Gel:

I love this so much (so much so that I'm currently on my 2nd tub!). I have mentioned a few times on here that I have oily skin & this is perfect for it- it's lightweight & doesn't feel heavy which also makes this perfect for winter. It has a nice light fresh smell, keeps my face feeling hydrating- I honestly can't praise it enough.

Botanics Hydrating Gel Moisturiser with Snow Mushroom & Aloe Vera:

This was okay, however compared to the Elf moisturiser, I wouldn't say this one is a gel moisturiser. It's cheaper than the Elf one, but this one would have worked exactly the same as a cheaper moisturiser (like the Simple one). It didn't really wow me is what I'm trying to say, however if you like moisturisers without a scent, this could be for you.

Boots Everyday Mango & Papaya Shower Gel:

I forgot to take a photo of the container for this one 🙈 However, like the others in the Everyday range, it's amazing & the scent is mouthwatering!

Extracts Bodycare by Superdrug Cherry Blossom Body Wash:

Sometimes the cheaper choices & own shop brands can surprise you (like Boots Everday shower gels)...sometimes you are getting exactly what you paid for like this one. It does have a light, nice smell (it reminds me of the Cherry Blossom Body spray by The Body Shop). Although it lathered well & smells nice, I would recommend using a body lotion after using this as it left my skin feeling dry after using it.

Barry M Sweet Candy Soufflé Lip Scrub:

I used to use the Lush lip scrubs, then a friend told me about me the Barry M ones which are a fraction of the price of the Lush ones. The main problem with lip scrubs that are loose is they can get messy. This is sticky & less messy than those- it's also a gentler scrub probably because of it being sticky. I do prefer the ones in a bullet form, but it's still good. It also tastes really nice! (I don't lick it off my lips as that can dry them out- I get a damp paper towel & just wipe it off after I've used this).

February Nails

#1 (above) left hand (top row, in order) from pinkie to thumb; Models Own in Peacock Green NP028, Ciate London Gelology in Moondust PPG275, F2 Fudge Supersonic Nail Polish in No90 (PNE23), Barry M Molten Metal Nail Paint in Celestial Silver MTNP18 and Models Own in Golden Green (Beetle Juice).

Top coat on all nails (far left, bottom row); Dior Vernis Glittery Top Coat in Cosmic 309.

right hand (bottom row) from thumb to pinkie; Barry M Nail Paint in Dusky Mauve 313, Revlon Speed Shine in Tidal Wave 07, Models Own in Purple Blue (Beetle Juice), Barry M Molten Metal Nail Paint in Bronze Bae MTNP1 and No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Night Silver 62.

#2 (below) Barry M Velvet Matte Nail Paint in Silent Cove VNP12 and KIKO Milano Metallic Spark Nail Lacquer (Stellar Love) in 004 Night Luxe.

#1 I really went rummaging through my collection for this manicure (some of these are 20 years old and still perform brilliantly) and yes, I really did wear them all at once! I wanted mystical, celestial, galaxy-fortune-teller type nails, if there's such a thing and I felt I met the brief. I chose jewel shades (but didn't want to go too bright) that had pearlized, metallic or shimmer finishes then applied my Dior top coat to pull them all together. That top coat looks unappealing in the bottle, but it's beautiful applied, with specks of different sized, multi-coloured pieces-it definitely fits the cosmic-galaxy theme. I won't talk too much about the performance of the polishes because most of them are unavailable now, but they applied smoothly and lasted well. I loved this look, it was exactly what I had in mind.

#2 The nails I'm wearing right now and who knew I could top that last manicure? I got this KIKO polish from their recent Valentine's collection and knew it could either be worn alone or on top of something else. I could never have foreseen the magic that would happen with this one though, it's absolutely stunning. The Barry M dries matte, which I hate and is generally meh (need 2 coats definitely to even the colour as it can be patchy). I applied 1 coat of the KIKO and it's so sparkly, like dazzling, however it also creates this multi-chrome metallic finish. So my nails change from deep blue to purple to green with this stunning smooth sparkle and it's so vibrant. So glad I order another of these (in a different colour), I'm blown away with this manicure, absolutely beautiful.

Why is it whenever I take a selfie, I only realise that my fringe I'd slowly taking over my face? 😂 I'm coming to the end of my 6 day's working in a row which is probably why I look so exhausted!

Black top is from Sainsburys.

Lipstick is 'Genie' by Barry M

Hey guys,

If you live in London like myself you'll be experiencing a crazy summer heatwave at moment where it's basically 30 degrees or higher everyday. As someone who is hella pale and can't cope with weather like this I need something to hold my eye makeup all together. Last night I went for drinks after work (spoiler alert it was cute and I wanna go again) and I was wearing simple makeup all day because of the heat but I went for a glam eye look.

Now my new secret weapon for hot weather only costs £4.99 and it is the Barry M Fresh Face Matte Setting Spray. I'm just gonna say it, this is a drugstore dupe for the Urban Decay Matte All Nighter Setting spray. This setting spray mattify's your face so effortlessly and has a nice spritz applicator so it doesn't drown your face when you spray. To keep your skin matte and hydrated at the same time it is made with Sugar Kelp Extract and hydrating Niacinamide. It is also vegan and 100% cruelty free which a lot if not all Barry M products seems to be now.

I am obsessed with this spray because it genuinely keeps my makeup in place all day and I don't have to worry about my makeup moving. I would honestly repurchase this over my luxury setting sprays anyday and we all know how much I adore those other sprays but this one feels like the same quality and yet it's way cheaper! I've linked it above it if you want to check it out yourself.

Lots of love

I would definitely recommend against this Barry M Peel It! basecoat I decided to try the last time I did my nails.

At least unless the "It!" you're looking to peel off includes the top layer of your actual nails. 🤨

(Yeah, I am aware that thumb cuticle is pretty jacked up. Trying to just leave it alone now, with my picking problem and the stress levels lately. 🙄 One reason I try to keep something on my nails, tbh.)

Anyway, other than the little bit of dark staining that was already there? My nails were in pretty decent shape before removing that stuff last night. That thumb is the worst, but none of them are looking great now.

Usually I don't want to thin out my natural nails with buffing, but it's honestly probably a good plan regardless to gently try and smooth that shit out a little.