Shellac and OPI long lasting polish

I am a devout nail nibbler, and life just wouldn't be the same if I couldn't.  So when the need calls to look a tidier nail version of my normal self, I always turn to the wonder that is Shellac polishes.  They just have such an abundance of glorious colours and it lasts so long.  My longest to date has been two and a half weeks chip free!  (Not carbohydrate chip free, just nail chip free).  Some of the colours seem to last better than others, in particular the newer ones like Asphalt and Rubble (if they need a new person to name the colours, I am available).  The paler ones less so.  Perhaps, it is that I am more aware when they are painted a 'colour' and am more careful - or maybe the actual Shellac is slightly different.  My only complaint, is that it does seem to completely knacker my natural nails.  I have read a gazillion blogs and forums about this, and all say that provided the Shellac is removed properly, blah blah!  I definitely have it removed properly and I oil my nail bed, use hand cream etc etc - but my nails still suffer.

The OPI new long lasting polish which is a direct competition and applied almost exactly the same as the Shellac - seems to have a more watery consistency, and isn't so 'gloopy' and doesn't make my nails curl up and die on it's removal.  I definitely prefer the OPI as it seems kinder - but I don't like the watery quality and so far the colours are a little meh.

I shall persevere with the Shellac but will always make sure I give my nails a product-free holiday in between polishes.  Which is a shame, because then I start nibbling again........  It's never straightforward is it?

Eve Lom vs Liz Earle

Aside from the very obvious mahousive difference in price these two cleansers are really very, very good.  I am never really sure which I prefer, both do an excellent job.  Eve Lom has her 7 steps to cleansing (little leaflet that comes in the box) which involves massage and the like, then washing off with the cotton cloth.  Liz Earle doesn't have any 'instructions' but does also have a (slightly inferior) cotton cloth.  The Eve Lom definitely feels like it is 'doing you good' and is especially good if you are wallowing in a hot bath (with a glass of vino) and want to feel loved - Liz Earle is a far more functional product.  One thing I would say in favour of Liz Earle's cleanser is it has a nice pump bottle, so you don't have to dip your grubby mitts in it to get it out.  I always feel slightly cheated when I have to actually put my hands into a pot of cleanser - sort of defeating the object if you know what I mean?

The Eve Lom has a slightly waxy texture and is very slightly granular too.  When Eve Lom first bought it out she advocated that you used her cleanser and no other products at all. The cleanser was enough, and you shouldn't sully your face with anything else.  No moisturisers nada zilch!  However, since the business sold out - of course there are all sorts of creams, lotions and potions all with Eve Lom's name on to use after the cleanser!  I sort of think that if Eve Lom dictated that her cleanser was enough, that was its own USP and they should have stuck with it.

Liz Earle has a more creamy texture with a nice smell and is doesn't need to be 'worked in' to the skin - it has won trillions (small, but only small exaggeration!) and is very reasonably priced.  It rinses off very easily and leaves no residue on the skin.

For ever day I would chose Liz Earle - for those wallowing in the bath moments - Eve Lom.  I have super dry skin, and Eve Lom always takes the edge off the dryness.

Clarisonic and Opal eye gizmo from Sonicare

Without question, I am a total devotee of the fabulous Clarisonic cleansing tool!  Despite my initial reticence as I thought my poor ,old skin really couldn't take anything too aggressive -it proved me wrong.  I use a sensitive head (blue in colour) and have it on a low setting.  I tend to use it either with a Clarins gentle cleanser or sometimes Cetaphil which always makes my skin feel so clean I could eat my dinner off it!  It is a fabulous weapon in keeping enlarged pores and spots at bay.  I couldn't recommend it enough.

The Opal eye gizmo thingy, however, I really could take or leave.  It is a small hand held device which has a small rubber head on it.  You apply a little of the serum that comes with it and apply it over the eye area.  It vibrates and supposedly this helps the serum work deep into your lines!  What tosh!  It feels quite nice and massagey but as far as my wrinkly, old peepers are concerned it does nothing at all.  The serum is pleasant but has silicon in it...hence I guess, the smoothed out lines.  Obviously I must need tile grout as the serum doesn't touch the sides!

Both are available at SpaceNK and aren't cheap. The Clarisonic, I think is a jewel  - and like a lot of people out there I bought the Opal because I believed the hype and I believed that if it was anything near as good as the Clarisonic it would be worth it's weight in gold ....fooled again!

Skincare and 40 plus

I have been a skin care addict for longer than I care to remember.  My father worked in the cosmetics industry in the 70's and at a very young age I was daubing myself in amazing makeup and products that really weren't necessary on my youthful skin!  The glamour bug caught me hook, line and sinker - and I have never looked back.  I dread to think how many times I have been lured in to purchasing the latest 'it' cream and been so disappointed, and so annoyed at my stupidity!!!  I have hyper sensitive skin (too many products perhaps) and very dry skin!  I envy those women with their oily t-zones - but sadly, I cannot turn back time.

I can however, give my honest opinion - there are some fab products out there - products that have changed my life (and my flakey skin) and products which just shouldn't be out there!

What do you use?  Do you have a favourite product you return to again and again?  I would love to hear about it