How To - Make Your Nail Polish Last Longer

I don't know about you, but whenever I do my own nails they chip within a day (two if i'm lucky!). So I finally got round to doing a little research and I seem to have mastered the art of nail painting. So I thought it only fair to share it with my beautiful readers!

Step one. Nail polish remover.

Here I am using the 'clean off' nail varnish remover from Boots' own range 

So this is the very last thing you'd think you'd need when it came to painting your nails. But it infact helps. Have you ever wondered why nail artists soak your hands in a little bowl before they give you a manicure? Truth is, it removes the natural oil that builds up on your hands. This oil, over time, eats away at your polish and you end up with chips. 

Even if you aren't wearing nail varnish, never miss out this crucial step as it helps get rid of the excess of oil. 

Step two. Base coat. 

Here I am using the 'base coat, top coat and nail hardener' from Barry M 

To help your nail polish stick to your nails better you need to use a base coat first. 

A base coat will help smooth out the surface of your nail creating a great base for your nail colour. 

Step three. Colour.

Here I am using the Maybelline Colour Show nail polish in 'urban coral'

When you go to get your nails done. They tend to use two thick coats of colour. Yet its actually better to use four thin layer. Not only does it help make the polish last longer, but it also prevents you from getting those pesky little bubbles in your nail polish. It will also help cut down on drying time for those as impatient as me!

Step four. Top coat. 

Similarly to the colour layer. Do two thin coats of top coat instead of one thick one. This again will cut down the total drying time, but will also give a better finish to the nails. 

Step five. Be patient. 

Now you could have followed me step by step. But this one is probably the most crucial. If you don't wait patiently all your hard work and efforts can be ruined!

Its recommended to leave your nails alone for 45 minutes in order to allow the nails to dry properly. 

So sit back, watch TV, read a magazine and just relax for 45 minutes. 

Step six. Finishing touches. 

Once 45 minutes is up, go rinse (gently!) your nails in cold water. Allow them to air dry and then put on your favourite hand cream. 

This is the hand cream that I'm using. It is the Soap and Glory Hand Food

I also like to use this round my cuticles for extra hydration!

Voilá! Now you should all have nails like mine!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Top 5 Places I'd Like To Visit

I recently downloaded the 'been' app from the Apple app store (I say recently, it was quite some time ago) as I had seen it and thought is was great for people who like traveling. 

The app calculated that I had travelled to just 4% of the world. And I suddenly felt wanderlust (a strong desire to travel) deciding to share with you all the places I dream of visiting one day. 

Now I always thought I was well travelled, however, this app made me realise how under-travelled I was. 

So I have made a list of the top 5 places I'd like to go and hope that some day I can be sat writing a blog post telling you of all the amazing adventures I had when visiting these places 

Where?

I like pretty things, as do most people. And one thing all these places have in common is beauty. 

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1. The Netherlands - Amsterdam

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I have wanted to visit the Canal loop for a very long time. A recent trip to the cinema to see John Green's 'The Fault In Our Stars' rekindled my love for the city. 

What I would give to be sat on one of the benches with a good book just watching people travel up and down the canal on little rowing boats. 

2. Canada - Banff National Park (Alberta)

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Ben Brown (MrBenBrown on YouTube) makes daily vlogs. He has recently been documenting a trip to Canada, and until now, I have never discovered the immense beauty of Canada. I had always thought that the whole country was built up like Vancouver or Toronto. But it isn't! Ben proved that. His videos showed all the mountains and lakes and he has taught me to not make assumptions based on previous knowledge. 

3. Italy - Verona

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Admittedly this place does't look as appealing as the others on my list and truth be told, I had a hard time finding a decent photo to share with you. But its more about the history of the town for me - Shakespeare. Need I say more? 

Located between Milan and Venice, Verona has been considered one of the most romantic places in the world. Some say that this is the place where Shakespeare based Romeo and Juliet on. 

Touring the city you can visit the Casa di Guilietta (The house of Juliet) and stand on the balcony confessing your undying love for the strangers below. 

4. France - Paris

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Now, I have infact visited Paris before. 

When I was 2 years old, my parents took me to Disneyland and we caught the Metro into central Paris. I was too young to remember this trip and certainly to young to take in the immense beauty of the city. So I'd love to revisit the city and spend my time visiting the Louvre, Notre Dame and La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower). 

5. Germany - Cologne 

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This picture does't exactly show you Cologne, but it does show you what I'd like to visit if and when I get to go. 

I'd love to visit the Hohenzollem Bridge (or Love Lock bridge as it's more commonly known) and run across it and run my hand along all the padlocks just like a little kid walking past railings on the street. 

Well there you go! 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

"Blogger's Block"

So! How has everyone been? All good I hope. 

When I started this blog, I hoped to be posting every single Saturday without fail (yes I know.. I failed). Little did I know how much of a challenge it is to come up with new and excited things to write about.(*cough* If you have any requests for posts they would be greatly appreciated *cough*).

I initially wanted to write about beauty as it is something I have a great passion for. However, since starting my blog, I have discovered that I don't want to restrict my blog to one type of content (hence the non-beauty posts). I want to be able to write about all the things I am enjoying. By doing this, you will hopefully be able to develop a picture in your head of me and my personality. 

Many bloggers I know, have a designated notebook in which they jot down ideas for blog posts and other ideas on how to grow and develop their blog. I have therefore rushed out to the shops and bought myself the most beautiful notebook which I can carry round and write down my ramblings in. 

 

My new notebook! Designed by one of my favourite artists - Rob Ryan. 

Little side note - I picked up this notebook on a recent trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I can never avoid the giftshop! They always have new things in depending on which exhibitions are on. Anyway, heres to filling it with new ideas! 

Have any of you had "bloggers block"? if so, how did you overcome it? Leave me comments below!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x