Spring into Summer – At Home Pedicures

It’s officially sandal season! As I type this, Irish ladies are ditching their ankle boots and court shoes in favour of more breathable footwear options. We’ve had a spell of good weather lately and I think that we all have our fingers and toes crossed for the sunshine to stay awhile longer. With this in mind, I thought I would write a little post about keeping those toes in good condition, after hiding them in socks for the past few months.

As soon as the sun makes an appearance, salons everywhere are swarmed by those seeking last minute pedicure appointments. So, if your salon is fully booked or you just want to save yourself a small fortune, here’s my guide to a perfect “at home” pedicure.

 

Step 1: Remove Dead Skin.

 

Bellamianta “Luxury Exfoliating Glove” (€9.95) – Available Here.

Rather than using a body scrub filled with micro-beads, I usually opt to exfoliate using some shower gel and this glove/mitt from Bellamianta. It’s a really gentle way to remove dead skin from the body and the feet and it’s brilliant for removing stubborn false tan streaks. The glove is also really cost effective. At only €10, you can treat it with care and you’ll have it for months!

 

Micro Pedi Nano (€29.95) – Available Here.

If your feet are particularly neglected, this is a great little gadget for removing dead skin. However, I would warn users to take it slowly when using the product – if you take off too much skin, your feet will be tender for days! When used gently, this electronic device removes all the rough skin to leave toes feeling silky soft. And, it’s small enough to pack into your hand luggage if you’re off on holidays.

 

Step 2: File.

 

Choose any nail file that you like and use it to shape your toenails. Always file in one direction to avoid damaging the nail.

 

Step 3: Paint.

 

 

Kiss “Diamond Hard Nail Strengthener” (€5.99) – Available Here.

I always apply a nail strengthener to my nails before polishing them, to keep them in good condition and to help avoid staining. This one from Kiss is great value and keeps nails from chipping or breaking.

CND “One Week Vinylux Polish” (€11.95) – Available Here.

This polish does exactly what it says on the packaging and if applied using the corresponding top coat, it won’t chip for at least 7 days. I have very weak nails and this is one of the very few polishes on the market that stays put on them for more than five minutes. There are cheaper options on the market but in my opinion, the “Vinylux” nail polish is worth an extra few euro – my favourite shade is “Cake Pop”.

Wet n Wild “1 Step Wonder Gel” (€2.99) – Available in Pharmacies Nationwide.

If the CND “Vinylux Polish” is out of your budget, then this option from Wet n Wild is almost as good. It doesn’t last an entire 7 days on my finger nails without chipping, but it lasts for ages on my toes. The polish is only €2.99 which is an absolute bargain and the shade range is great so next time you’re in Penneys or a pharmacy that stocks Wet N Wild, I suggest that you pick up a few!

 

Step 4: Moisturise and Apply Cuticle Oil

 

 

Ziaja “Foot Cream” (€3.99) – Available Here.
I haven’t written about the brand in ages but long time followers of Rouge Writing Hood will know that I LOVE Ziaja body care products. Their body lotions and balms are so affordable and they achieve great results – as good as any luxury brand that I’ve tried. At only €3.99, their “Foot Cream” is one of my favourite products. I first tried this when I was away for the weekend in Warsaw (Ziaja is a Polish brand) and my feet were killing me after a weekend of stomping around nightclubs in high heels. The cream is instantly soothing and really helps to repair cracked, damaged skin. I now apply it every second night before I go to bed.

 

CND “Solar Oil” (€4.95) – Available Here.

“Solar Oil” by CND is the only cuticle oil that I’ve tried and found effective. It’s formulated specifically to penetrate beneath shellac and gel polish so it really works to moisture the nails and keep them in healthy condition. The oil is filled with vitamin E which promotes nail growth and leaves nails stronger. This formula should be applied nightly before bed and a little goes a long way.

There you have it – fours steps to achieving silky soft feet from the comfort of your own home. If you can think of any products that you would recommend – let us know in the comment section..

Rouge x

 

 

Stocking Fillers – Under €30 (For Her).

So, the last minute Christmas panic is officially upon us as shoppers scramble to purchase some affordable gifts to “bulk up” seemingly inadequate presents. With that in mind, here’s a list 0f “stocking filler” type gifts, which are sure to bring a smile to any girl’s face. At this point, I recommend thanking baby Jesus for “next day delivery”.

Nip + Fab Dragon’s Blood Fix Set (€18.74 – 25% off at time of publishing on Cloud10Beauty.com):

 

 

Nip & Fab are a fabulous and affordable skincare brand, adored by celebrities including Kylie Jenner. The “Dragon Blood” range is a favourite of Kylie’s so, if the lady in your life understands the worldwide “Kardashian Kraze”, she will know all about the plumping and hydrating effects associated with these products. At the moment, Cloud10Beauty.com are offering 25% off all Christmas gift sets, so this set which is actually worth €28 can be your’s for €18.74 – BARGAIN!

You can purchase here at Cloud10Beauty.com.

 

Flormar Eyeshadow Colour Palette 07 Nude Dudes (€9.99):

Anyone who reads this blog will know all about my obsession with Flormar products. An excellent quality eyeshadow palette for less than a tenner? This one speaks for itself.

Available here from SimplyFoxy.com.

 

Light Grey “Hold Me” Cliptop Purse (€25):

 

This cute little clutch from River Island is both stylish and practical, with a nice little “hold me” reminder for those girls who are notorious for forgetting/losing their handbags during nights out.

Available here from RiverIsland.com.

 

Falke “Bijou Tights” (€24):

 

 

There’s a special place in hell for cheap hosiery so why not treat your favourite lady to a pair of these high-quality tights from Falke? I was introduced to the brand earlier this year, and quickly fell in love. The “Bijou Tights” boast a sexy, yet sophisticated lace pattern which is sure to transform any boring outfit.

Available here from BrownThomas.com.

 

Crabtree & Evelyn Noel Large Poured Candle (€20 – 50% off at time of publishing on Cloud10Beauty.com):

 

 

Very few women fail to appreciate the delight of a richly fragranced candle. This beautiful option from Crabtree and Evelyn has a seasonal scent and is presented in a traditional Christmas-themed box.

Available here at Cloud10Beauty.com.

 

Flawless Cosmetic Brush Bag Set (€25):

 

 

I recently discovered this make-up brush set and fell in love. For only €25, you receive 6 really good quality brushes. Excellent value when you consider that most high-end brushes cost at least €30 EACH! This would make a great starter or travel-kit for newbie make-up fanatics.

Available here at SimplyFoxy.com.

 

theBalm “In The Balm Of Your Hand” Gift Set (€29.63 – 25% off at time of publishing on Cloud10Beauty.com):

 

 

theBalm are quickly becoming one of my favourite make-up brands. How could anyone resist this packaging? This handy palette contains: eyeshadows, lip and cheek creams, blushes, bronzer, highlighter – everything a girl could wish for. An especially great gift for anyone who suffers from “wanderlust” and is always on-the-go.

Available here from Cloud10Beauty.com.

 

Sleek “i-Lust Palette” (€9.99):

 

 

Another option for under €10. This Sleek eyeshadow palette features four silky shimmer powders and two rich cream formulas. The shades are flattering on all skin-tones, so you don’t have to worry about choosing the wrong colours.

Available here from Boots.ie.

 

CND Aurora Collection (€11.50 Each + Weekly Top Coat €11.50):

 

 

CND nail polish boasts a fabulous formula which lasts (chip-free) for 7 days, when applied in conjunction with their “top coat” formula. A few of these little bottles would make lovely stocking fillers. My personal favourite shade is “Glacial Mist”, an ice-blue which provides a nice contrast to the plum and berry shades usually associated with the festive season.

 

Available here from DolledUp.ie.

 

And that’s a wrap on the Christmas posts, folks. Let me know what you’ve thought of the series in the comments section. Have you purchased any of the suggestions?

 

CND Vinylux Weekly Polish – Review.

As many of you will already know, I recently had my acrylic nail extensions removed. Although I loved them dearly, my natural nails were squealing for mercy. Acrylic extensions often weaken nails and cause them to split and become damaged so I’m giving mine a little time to repair. However, this doesn’t mean I am willing to go without nail polish – not even for a single day!

I’ve always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with nail polish. I love the freshly manicured look but I hate chipped polish more than I hate the sound of fingernails on a chalk board. It looks messy and unprofessional but, that’s where CND Vinylux Weekly Polish steps in to save the day. I was introduced to the brand in my local salon and admittedly scoffed at the idea of long lasting nail polish which doesn’t require UV light to dry. Boy, was I wrong.

I’ve had my nail polish on for over 7 days and even in their weakened state, my nails don’t possess a single chip as of yet. I chose the colour ‘Cake Pop’ which is a pretty powdered pink – perfect for summer. The polish doesn’t require a base or top coat according to the manufacturers but my salon did apply a top coat, to be on the safe side. The formula takes approximately 8-10 minutes to dry completely and the best part is, it can be removed using regular nail polish remover – no more pesky acetone soaked foils.

Irish supplier Dolledup.ie stock CND weekly polish at €11.95 per unit. ‘Cake Pop’ can be found here. Let me know if you try it.