Gwen Stefani for OPI

Gwen Stefani has always been one of my style icons and ever since I saw No Doubt for the first time on television, I knew that I wanted to be like her. Unfortunately I don't have long flowing blonde hair, her amazing figure and flawless makeup, but with her new collection for OPI, I can at least inject some of her style on to my nails. 

Gwen Stefani has collaborated with world renowned nail care brand OPI to bring us 12 new shades of polish, 6 limited edition glitter top coats and one spectacular 18K gold top coat. According to OPI: "The culture of the OPI brand - offering something for all women, from conservative to edgy - appealed to Gwen an aficionado of colour herself. Known for her trademark red lips, Gwen considers lips and nails important accessorises to complete her look. Her collaboration with OPI has resulted in a palette as diverse as the life she shares."

The OPI Mini Holiday Stars giftset which I bought last week contains four of the new colours designed by Gwen Stefani, all of which are perfect for this festive season.  The set includes: 1 x Red Fingers & Mistletoes, 1 x What's Your Point-Settia?, 1 x I Carol About You and 1 x Kiss Me-or Elf!. Each nail polish is a miniature version presented in a beautiful holiday gift set.

One of my favourite colours in the collection is the Red Fingers and  Mistletoe which is pinky red glitter polish, closely followed by What's Your Point-Settia?, which is a wonderful deep red Christmassy colour. The other two colours in the gift set which are a deep purple and rich burgundy colour as equally as pretty as the other two, but slightly too dark for my skin complexion. The OPI Mini Holiday Stars box set starts from £11.99 and is available from many retailers, including Sally Express where I personally bought this from.

Have you tried any of the Gwen Stefani OPI products?

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Merry Christmas: Christmas Day Nails

Merry Christmas, I hope all my friends, family and followers are having a wonderful Christmas Eve!

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Ciate Advent Update

It's been awhile since I last posted what I got in my Ciate Advent Calendar and although I vowed to keep a daily diary of my door openings, it all got a little bit too much and I've now decided to open a few doors at a time and show you all the treats.

Behind door four was this lovely little Ciate bracelet. It's simple, cute and would probably go with any outfit this Christmas. A few people have mentioned that they feel cheated receiving a bracelet rather than a nail polish, but I'm a big fan of surprises and wearing this bracelet means I can show off my love for the brand.

5.  Kiss Chase

6. Sugar Plum

7. Fit for a Queen

8. Caviar Pearls - Deck the Nails

9. Knickerbockerglory

10. Amazing Gracie

11.  Pillow Fight

12.  Hidden Gem

13. Loop the loop

From day five onwards, I received a mixture of colours from soft yellows to baby pinks, caviar pearls and lilacs. My favourite colour so far has to Knickerbockerglory as I'm a big fan of bright nails and my least favourite is probably the Amazing Gracie as it's a little bit bland. So far I'm loving my Ciate advent calendar and this has to be one of the best Christmas purchases I have made.

What have you got in your advent calendar?

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Ciate Advent Calendar: Day 2

Having played with my first Mini Mani Ciate polish yesterday, I really couldn't wait to see what was behind the next door. I really wanted a nice bright colour to add to my collection and something I can potentially wear over the next week to a bloggers meetup I'm attending.

Today's little present from Ciate was the Ciate Mini Boudoir with the message 'Don't let anyone ever dull your sparkle.' Honestly, I think that message would have probably been better with the previous polish I received, but nevertheless Ciate granted my wishes and gave me a wonderful bold colour. 

The Ciate Boudoir is a pinkish red that would go fabulously with a santa inspired outfit. I'm a big fan of red colours and this definitely ticks all the boxes for me.

So far I've received two wonderful nail polish colours - Snowflake and Boudoir, I can't wait to open my door tomorrow.

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Interview with Kiri Nails It

Nail art unfortunately isn't my strong point. As much as I spend hours practicing, within twenty minutes my nails are smudged or looking rather peculiar. Even though my nails look a wreck, I'm always fascinated by other peoples. I love the crazy designs that are out there and different forms of nail polish that are currently on the market.  To learn more about nail art, I thought I'd introduce you to a nail technician named Kiri Louise Hardiman. Her designs are unique, trendy and she has created tutorials for the likes of 'Video Jug' and 'My Daily.' Here's what she had to say when Forevermissvanity caught up with her. 

Name: Kiri Louise Hardiman

Location: Hertfordshire

Are you a qualified nail technician?

Yes I have an NVQ level 2 in 'nail art' and am qualified in 'soak off gel polish'

Where did you learn to do nail art?

It is self taught. I did have to take a nail art course though to get insured...and on the back of that I completed my NVQ Level 2

What sparked your interest in nail art?

I am an artistic person and channeled this through nail art

Where do you get all your ideas?

I get inspiration from everyday things, seasons, fabrics and also other nail art I have seen

Do you have any celebrity influences?

Rihanna, Katie Perry, Zooey Deschanel, Kelly Osbourne

What do you love the most about nail art?

I love that you can be as wacky or as subtle as you like! Any colours, any shape nail, any design you like! And you can change your nail art as regularly as you like!

What has been your favourite piece of work?

My favourite recent piece of work was for a client who was going to South Africa, so on her finger nails I did a mix of tiger, zebra and leopard print, also lion foot prints and the South African flag. Then on her little toes I carried on the leopard and tiger print and on each of her big toes I created sunsets and the silhouttes of an elephant and a giraffe.

What has been your most exciting part of your career?

Recording nail art tutorials for 'Video Jug' and 'My Daily' has been exciting, also I had my own market stall in Watford's indoor market, which was exciting setting it up etc, sadly it didn't work and was better for me to be mobile, but I always say "nothing ventured, nothing gained."

How To Do Tie Dye Nails

Talk us through three of your favourite designs:

I created some 'new years eve' nails which were glitter tipped with a clear base. These were very striking. The glitter I used was holographic and I added some diamantes for extra bling

I like doing random nails. Where the nails are all different designs. This is especially good for a client if they cannot decide on one design!

I also like doing designs with letters on the nails. This way you can really personalise your nails!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the beauty industry?

Be persistent, nothing is going to happen if you sit there and twiddle your thumbs!

Set up a twitter and facebook page for your business, they are great ways of getting your info and pics across, and they are free!

You can check out Kiri's work on Pinterest or Facebook. 

What do you think of these designs? 

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