Gelish

Originally I aimed to carry out acrylic nail services in my salon after passing my Nail Technology course at college but I then later decided against it when I came to realise how time consuming the treatment is and I also became conscious of the damage the process of applying acrylic does to our natural nails. Although some people still do prefer acrylic nails, I have found a lot of my clients have turned against them and now prefer to enhance their natural nails with gel polish. 

Gel Polish is applied like a regular nail polish with the 3 steps; base coat, colour coat and top coat but the service requires a little more preparation to ensure beautiful nails that should last 2 weeks. 

The benefits of gel polish are that you don't have to wait for it to dry, it just simply needs to be cured under a UV or LED LAMP and after that you are ready to go with no worries of smudging, chipping or denting the polish. As with any treatment after care is important so if you want to maintain the perfect manicure I would advise you to steer clear from strong chemicals (like acetone or bleach) which may cause the polish to peel, or if you must do so, wear gloves to avoid direct contact with your nails. 

When your nails have grown you will be able to visibly see the growth and it may be tempting to start picking away but you should not remove gel polish by peeling it off, this will damage your nails and make them brittle and weak.

Gelish after 3 weeks! 

Removal of gel polish is also easy, this can be done at a salon or at home. To remove, finger nails need to be soaked in acetone for around 10 minutes, after that you will be able to see that the polish has lifted from the natural nail and you should then push off the polish with a cuticle tool. To finish, a buffing file should be used to smooth the surface of the nails and remove any remaining traces of the polish. 

I started collecting gel polish for my salon just before Christmas, there are many different brands of gel polish but after doing my research and test driving products from various brands, I decided to stock Gelish by Harmony Nails. What I found with Gelish is that it can last longer than other gel polishes, with some of my clients it has lasted 3 weeks! But the main reason I picked Gelish is because of the huge colour range. 

So far I have 19 colours (I have a sheer colour painted on another colour wheel) which have all been really popular with my clients. Gelish often bring out new colour collections but instead of buying a full collection I prefer to choose the colours I like and I think my clients will like and also colours they have requested. Some of the most popular colours in my collection are the glitters, which looks lavish all year round. When choosing colours I go for what is in demand at the time, for example at Christmas I ordered shades of red, where as now it is coming to the summer I have started buying bright and vibrant shades which are highly sought-after. When it comes down to buying, Gelish is quite expensive so I try to order about 4 colours at a time. I order online so I go through the many colours and narrow it down to my favourites. I think the next colours I buy will be a silver glitter, turquoise glitter, yellow, coral and a red/pink. 

If you are one of my clients what colours would you like to see in my collection or if you use Gelish yourself what colour would you recommend?

'Carnival Hangover' and 'All That Glitters Is Gold' with Swarovski crystals

'My One Blue Love' and 'All That Glitters Is Gold' with Swarovski crystals

Quote Of The Week

May Makeup Wish List

Starting from now, once every month I will be creating a makeup wish list. In the collage above I have put together some makeup items I am hoping to buy in the near future.

1. MAC 'CANDY YUM-YUM' Lipstick - I keep eyeing up this colour when I am at a MAC Counter but have not yet bought it, last time I chose 'Pure Zen' over this because I was looking for an every day colour. 'Candy Yum-Yum' is a very popular colour from MAC and has some great reviews. It is a very vivid, almost neon fuschia colour, if there was ever a shocking pink this is it! 

2. NARS 'Turkish Delight' Lipstick - Basically this colour is a favourite of Kim Kardashian so I have to have it! I usually buy MAC lip glosses but I'm dying to try some NARS products and with this being a big seller from the brand I think its a good place to start. This would be the perfect every day lip gloss and it would also look gorgeous with some smokey eyes.

3. Stila 'Dusty Rose' Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in - The Stila metallic eye shadows come in a range of colours, but at around £33.00 per pot they are rather pricey so I have picked my favourite colour from the range and hope to eventually build a collection. Although this product is expensive I have read reviews which say the eyeshadows are worth every penny. I have seen various youtubers using this product and I must say they do look gorgeous! 

4. MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter - I am currently using Rimmel 'Wake Me up' concealer as my under eye highlight and also as a highlight when contouring, I have almost ran out of that so I am planning to replace it with MAC Prep + Prime as I have heard great reviews about it. I am usually happy with MAC products so I am sure this wont disappoint. 

5. MAC 'In Anticipation' Pro Longwear Lip Pencil - If you are going to buy a MAC Lip Pencil I would definitely go for a Pro Longwear rather than a regular lip pencil. The Pro Longwear pencils stain your lips so the colour lasts hours where as I feel the others wear off really easily. The colour 'In Anticipation' is versatile and could be used with nude pink lipsticks as well as bright pinks. I think this lip pencil would be a useful addition to my makeup kit.  

6. MAC 'Retrospeck' Eyeshadow - Another product I have heard good reviews about and again I have seen a lot of youtubers referring to this colour, in particular Tanya Burr. However I have heard this colour looks better against lighter skin tones so I will have to ensure this colour will work for me before purchasing. I have space left for one more eyeshadow in my MAC neutral palette so this is possibly the colour I will go for. 

7. Crown Brush 10 Colour Concealer Palette - This is a very popular product used by many beauty bloggers and youtubers. There are a lot of similar products on the market but I want to go for a brand I know of. This palette will be great for concealing but I will use it mostly for contouring, there will be a shade to work with for all skin tones so I can use this on clients as well as myself. 

8. Benefit 'Watt's Up' Highlighter - I only wear a cheekbone highlight when I am going for a full on makeup look for a night time or special occasion and when I do I use MAC 'Gleam' eyeshadow. However I am looking for a more subtle high light and I prefer cream highlighters as I think the finish with a cream is more 'glowy'. I have tried Benefits 'High Beam' and 'Moon Beam' highlighters in the past and I loved those so I am sure this one will be gorgeous too! 

My 5 Favourite Makeup Products At The Moment

Benefit 'That Gal' Brightening Primer

I have recently fell in love with this product after using up a sample I received when I bought the Benefit 'Porefessional' Primer, as soon as I ran out of the sample I purchased it in full size. There is so much to like about this product; some of the ingredients in this primer are raspberry and camomile which gives it a gorgeous, refreshing fruity smell. The texture is like silk, it applies so smoothly and creates the perfect base for foundation. The primer does what it says on the label, it truly does brighten up my skin even when foundation is applied on top my skin in still glowing. Also it does the job of keeping my makeup in place. 'That Gal' is now my favourite primer and part of my everyday makeup routine. 

http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/that-gal

Chanel Perfection Lumiere 50 Beige 

I think I may have found my perfect foundation! As I have said before I have tried Chanel Vita Lumiere and Lift Lumiere, along with many other foundations and was dissatisfied with them, but this one is 'perfection'. It answers all my prayers when it comes to foundation; the coverage, colour, finish and durability tick all the boxes. Initially I thought that Perfection Lumiere might be too heavy for me as it is described as a full coverage and matte finish foundation. So I tried a sample first and found that the coverage is adjustable, meaning you can build the foundation up to create the coverage and finish to suit you. This and 'That Gal' primer are a perfect combination. 

http://www.chanel.com/en_GB/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Foundations-PERFECTION-LUMI%C3%88RE-126509?sku=126523

MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot 

This product creates the perfect smooth base for eyeshadow making it easier to apply and blend and prevents the eyeshadow from creasing and wearing off through out the day/night. I use this every time I apply eyeshadow.

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/154/1573/Paint-Pot/index.tmpl

MAC 'Pure Zen' Lipstick 

This semi sheer peach/pink lipstick is my favourite nude colour to date. It is the perfect everyday lipstick and also works with so many makeup looks. This lipstick is a Creamsheen formula, the finish is more like that of a lipgloss and is really moisturising. This teamed with MAC 'Dervish' lip pencil is my go-to at the moment. 

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/168/310/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl

MAC 'Mulch' Eyeshadow 

The colour 'Mulch' is described as 'red brown with bronze pearl'. One of the reasons I love this eyeshadow is because I think it makes my green eyes 'pop'. Like most MAC eyeshadows it is well pigmented and so easy to work with and blend.  

This colour is so easy to work with, it looks gorgeous on its own applied all over the lid and below the lower lash line, I wore this last week and it reminded me of a Mila Kunis eye makeup look I had seen. This colour also works with so many colours, I use it alot in the outer corners teamed with colours such as MAC 'All That Glitters' or 'Patina'. I find myself referring to this colour a lot and it is definitely one of my most used colours in my palette. 

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/154/363/Products/Eyes/Shadow/Eye-Shadow/index.tmpl

In the following images I have incorporated 'Mulch' in to 2 eye looks...

1. 
MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot
MAC 'All That Glitters' eyelids
MAC 'Cork' in crease and blended out
MAC 'Mulch' outer corners and lower lash lines
MAC 'Shroom' inner corners and brow bones
MAC Liquidlast Liner 'Point Black' top lash lines and water lines
HD Pro Eye and Brow Pro Palette 'Medium Brown' brows 

2.

MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot

MAC 'Mulch' eyelids and blended slightly above crease and on lower lash lines 

MAC 'Wedge' used as a transition colour above crease to blend out 'Mulch' 

MAC Liquidlast Liner 'Point Black' water lines

Tan Truth Spray Tan Review

I have tried so many spray tan solutions since getting a spray tan machine and even before that I use to treat myself to a spray tan once in a while when I was going somewhere special. Now I have a spray tan near enough every week, its so much easier to jump in the tent and be sprayed rather than applying a lotion or mouse, rubbing it in, making sure its even and struggling to reach your back, it seems to take forever! However a spray tan is done in under 10 minutes and all it takes for the best results is a little moisturiser applied to the dry areas (hands, feet, elbows, knees) to prevent the tan building up on the dry skin and someone you trust with a spray gun! Of course preparation is key as it is with any tanning product, you must exfoliate and shave at least 24 hours before tanning for the best results. You can't expect a fresh even tan with dry patches and traces of last weeks remaining tan (but us beauticians try our best under all circumstances). A few other spray tan top tips are to wear a hair net to prevent your hair from the tan, 'sticky feet' to prevent the soles of your feet from the tan when stood in the tent and also giving the palms of your hands a little wipe after the spray tan.

With that said you can probably tell what is my favourite tanning method and it goes with out saying that we should all keep off sun beds or at least use them in moderation. 

In the past I have bought spray tan solutions from various brands including Sienna X, Famous Dave, Laurens Way and Sol Glo and some of the tans I have had from other salons include Fake Bake and California Tan.

I have never had a really horrible spray tan, however with most I have thought there could be room for improvement but for me, Tan Truth is an all rounder! 

Tan Truth has so many benefits, not only do you get the gorgeous tan you long for but its with out all the dreaded side effects. First of all,  this is the only spray tan where I have felt dry enough to get in to my clothes just minutes after being sprayed and when I am dressed I don't feel like my clothes are clinging to me, so many of my clients have commented on this. Another thing I use to hate about spray tans is when you sleep in your tan over night and you wake up the next morning and feel so dirty and you just want to jump in the shower as soon as you get out of bed, with this tan I feel like I have nothing on my skin, I feel quite fresh but of course I feel even better when I wash it off to reveal a perfect streak free tan. When people think of any tanning product they think of the smell, but again I must say this tan wins in this field! Of course it does have a scent but its not strong or unpleasant and the smell isn't left lingering on your bed sheets like other tans. Another problem I have had with spray tans is those 2 hour baths I have found myself in, struggling to remove the tan, but not with this one! This has been the easiest to remove of all I have tried. You also get your weeks worth with this one, most tans are said to last up to a week but I have found some tans fading after just 2 days, most around 4-5 but I would say Tan Truth starts fading after 6 days. I have also never found myself with that scaley and patchy skin you get when the tan is wearing away. One of the main things I love about this tan is the colour. Most importantly its not orange, orange is not a good look! I think this tan is really natural looking, it has that holiday feel, I would describe it as a golden bronze and sun kissed. 

There are 2 shades of this tan 9% which is described as the ultimate natural, golden tan and 13% a deeper, darker tan. I would recommend those who are new to spray tans to get the 9% and for myself I prefer this as a day to day tan. If I was having a night out I would go for the 13% and I would advise all the tan lovers to get this too! 

After trying and testing in search of the tan I thought was best for me and my clients Tan Truth was the winner, it won in every field! Its great value for money and all my clients have been happy with their tan and I have had lots of recommendations and returning customers. 

With my 13% dark Tan Truth spray tan 

Full Outfit - Chic Boutique Darlington 

Shoes - Bank

So if you haven't tried it, book your Tan Truth spray tan now at Rose Beautique Darlington! 

Rose Beautique Darlington

I began studying Beauty Therapy at Darlington College when I was 17, I went to college for 2 years. For the first year I studied Level 2 Beauty Therapy , after passing the course I was qualified in facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, eye treatments and makeup application. Along side the course I also done some extra training with enrichment courses and received certificates in Fake Bake spray tanning, Dermalogica facials, Minx nails, Art Deco makeup, OPI manicures and Swarovski manicures/pedicures. For my second year at college I studied Nail Technology and trained to do acrylic, gel polish and gel sculpture nails as well as nail art and nail air brushing. 

When my time at college came to an end I must admit I felt lost, I didn't have a job at the time, but I had an idea in my head. It had always been in my interest to run my own business and be self employed. so while I was still at college me and my mam began designing my 'salon' in the conservatory at home. There wasn't a whole lot of work that needed to be done other than redecorating but I had a lot of tools and equipment to buy. It was ready for a while before I opened it to the public, it took me a while to pluck up the courage to start advertising, but in September last year I made a page on Facebook and I also promoted on Twitter and Instagram. I wasn't sure how well I was going to do but over time my clientele has built up and I have regular clients, who have spread the word and I have new clients coming all the time. I am so happy with how it has turned out and I have high hopes for the future. 

My business cards, I love the design they match my salon perfectly!

Gelish nails by me

Gelish in 'Make You Blink Pink'

Gelish in 'All That Glitters is Gold'