Essie - Inspired Living SA

Wedding Manicure Ideas { Mani-Monday}

Wedding Manicure Ideas

When I got married {all those years ago}, the only real option for a Wedding Manicure was a classic French Manicure. With the introduction of nail art, a Wedding Manicure has become far more exciting.

A classic french manicure is still gorgeous but I love that there are now other fabulous Wedding Manicure alternatives!

I decided to create a Wedding Manicure look, using Worth The Wait from the Essie Bridal Collection, available in September 2015 and Tuck In My Tux, from the Winter Collection, available July 2015.

Worth The Wait is a light coral kissed pink. To achieve this look you can use any similar light pink shade, such as Adore-a-ball or Sugar Daddy. Apply two coats of this shade as a base. Once this has dried, apply Tuck In My Tux or a white polish such as Essie Marshmallow, with a dotting tool near the end of your nail. Once the dots have dried, apply a top coat – Essie Good to Go is my favourite and you are “good to go”!

I will be creating a few more Wedding Manicure looks over the next few weeks, so keep a look out for those.

What do you think of this look? What type of Wedding Manicure did you have or are you thinking of having? Please leave a comment below.

Essie Nail Polish is available at selected Dis-Chem, Clicks and Foschini Stores, as well as selected Beauty Salons. RRP 125.

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Beauty, Beauty Favourites

Mani Monday

I love having my nails done but often don’t find the time to get to the salon, with the result I mostly do my own nails. DIY manicures and pedicures have kind of become my thing! As much as I love pretty painted nails, I also feel it is very important to take care of your hands and feet! It is vital to keep them looking good, regardless of whether your nails are painted or not!

It is important to have a regular routine to take care of your nails. I probably pay a bit more attention to my fingernails and hands, than I do to my feet. This is largely because my hands are more visible and tend to have more sun exposure, especially when I am driving.

People are always asking me what products I use and how I get my manicure to last so long, so I thought it would be a great idea to share a weekly Mani Monday post. It will feature tips on how to care for your hands and nails, as well as nail polish colour trends and the occasional bit of nail art.

Please let me know if you have any particular questions, which you would like me to answer in these posts or if you have any great tips or products to share – leave a comment below. So check back each week for our Mani Monday posts!

Products: Essie, Rubybox Nailed It Lacquer, Sally Hansen

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Beauty, Beauty Favourites, Beauty Products

May Beauty Favourites 2014

Hi beauties it is Beauty Favourites time again, I know this sounds so cliche but I cannot believe yet another month has whizzed on by! Here we are halfway through the year and winter is definitely making her presence felt!

I have decided to starting doing my “Beauty Favourites” videos again, truth be told I love writing but I probably love talking more! So please give it a watch for more in-depth details on my May Beauty Favourites featured in this post and please subscribe to the Inspired Living YouTube channel, so that you are kept in the loop for future posts!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26z5283HK0M&list=UUCqHeDu6WN0l8K_iiR-1sog&feature=share[/youtube]

L’Oréal Professionnel Volumetry Anti-Gravity Shampoo ~ I have very fine hair which has a tendency to become greasy but find that most volumising products leave my hair feeling heavy and looking dull! I recently received a voucher from the Retailbox, which I used to buy this shampoo and have been really impressed with it! Your hair is left feeling cleansed and looking volumised but not sticky or over volumised. The L’Oréal Professionnel Volumetry Anti-Gravity Shampoo is enriched with Salicylic Acid and Hydralight. RRP R191 for 250ml Retailbox {Disclosure Ranking:2}
L’Oréal Professionnel Volumetry Anti-Gravity Conditioner ~ As with the shampoo the conditioner is L’Oréal’s perfect solution for fine hair, which is prone to oiliness. Your hair is left looking volumised but still soft and very manageable! The Anti-Gravity Effect Volume conditioner combines Intra-CyclaneTM and HydraLight and leaves roots looking lifted. RRP R191 for 150ml Retailbox {Disclosure Ranking:2}

Garnier Pure Active BB Cream ~ I may have mentioned before I am not a BB Cream fan, very possibly because I have not found the right one yet. I do find that they tend to leave my skin feeling and looking oily after a few hours of wear but I have actually enjoyed the new Garnier Pure Active BB Cream. It is still not something, which I would use everyday but for a quick, out the door in 15 minutes, makeup look it does the job. The coverage is fairly light but again perfect if you just need to pop out to the shops or do the school run! The Garnier Pure Active BB Cream is recommended for skin which is prone to imperfections, it has a high performing formula combining 2% anti bacterial Salicylic Acid. With the concealing power of mineral pigments to instantly beautify your skin tone and help reduce the appearance of imperfections. It has a SPF15 filter, which helps protect from the harmful effects of the sun. RRP R84.95 for (50ml) Clicks Stores – available in “Light” and “Medium” {Disclosure Ranking:2}

Oygenetix Foundation ~ Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation is a breakthrough foundation to cover, help heal and minimize – even eliminate – procedural scars. Designed for doctors, this Breathable foundation covers and treats a wide variety of skin problems: skin injuries, wounds, rashes, cracked, dry skin, acne scars, rosacea and other skin conditions. I received this foundation to try after a Dermaceutic Milk Peel, which I had recently and all I can say is amazing!!! {I said that quite a lot in the video!} It really does calm your skin instantly and covers any evidence of redness. “Ceravitae”, the super charged oxygen complex in the Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation, increases collagen cell and connective tissue growth, in aging or wounded skin. Because of the unique properties of Oxygenetix, it is also great skin care, which can be used as a daily skin friendly foundation. As well as redness is also covers pigmentation very well. It is definitely not cheap but in my opinion worth every cent! RRP R710 Conquest {Disclosure Ranking:2}

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry ~ There was so much hype when the new Revlon Matte and Laquer Balms came out in SA a few months back but I sadly could not find any shades that I liked! I have been looking ever since and eventually I stumbled across this one, Sultry and I am in love! I was a bit worried that the Matte Balm would be a bit drying on my lips but I have been very impressed with the formulation. I will definitely be looking for a few more shades to try! RRP R120 Clicks {Disclosure Ranking:1}

Maybelline Clossal Go Extreme Volum’ Mascara ~ Masacara is my one, don’t leave home without it eye product! If I am wearing nothing else on my eyes I have to wear mascara – truth be told I feel naked without it! This is one of the new Maybelline Mascaras, which should be in stores from June 2014. The Clossal Go Extreme Volum’ Mascara, has a double pump wand, which gives you more volume on your lashes and 20 x more collagen. I have really enjoyed this mascara as it gives you volume, without clumping but then I have always been a fan of Maybelline mascara! RRP R124.95 Clicks or Dischem Stores {Disclosure Ranking:2}

Essie Nail Polish in Really Red ~ As you know I love Essie Nail Polish! Really Red is one of the Essie Iconic Colours and is a great basic red, which you should have in your nail polish collection! I love the pop of red on my nails, especially in winter when you tend to wear darker colours. RRP R109 available online from Zando {Disclosure Ranking:1}

Rain Biologie Coconut & Shea Intense Hydration Cream ~ This cream, which in my opinion is more of a body butter is stunning! I love anything with a citrus fragrance, so the combination of Coconut, Shea Butter,Tangerine and Sesame Oil, is right up my alley. The cream is recommended for Dry Skin and also contains Aloe Ferox. It contains 100% naturally derived ingredients and 63% organic ingredients. The formulation is wonderful and simply melts into your skin leaving it deeply hydrated. The moisturising formula, tones, stimulates and restores mineral content of the skin. It is non greasy, high in Vitamin A, E, F and safe to use during for pregnancy. RRP R169.00 Rain

Those are my May Beauty Favourites, have you tried any of them? I would love to know your thoughts, so please leave a comment below or let me know what your beauty favourites have been!

Beauty, Beauty Favourites, Beauty Products

March & April Beauty Favourites

I am afraid everything has been super hectic over past few months and some how March flew by without me getting around to doing a Beauty Favourites post! So I thought I would do a combined post of the past two months favourites! So here goes with my March & April Beauty Favourites:

After taking all the photographs, I realised that this post is focused on hand and nail care, which was not planned but I think is vital, especially going into winter.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Crème Brulee ~ These Lip Butters are perfect if you are looking for a lip balm with a bit of a tint. The Revlon Lip Butters contain mango, shea and coconut butter, which are super hydrating and leave your lips feeling really soft. This is the second Revlon Lip Butter I have bought, the other one I own is Tutti Fruitti, which is a much brighter coral colour, while Crème Brulee is a creamy nude shade. This shade is perfect for everyday, as it is subtle sheer to medium colour, with a kissable buttery shine. RRP R135 available online from Zando. {Disclosure Ranking:1}

Blend Box Soft Body Scrub ~ This product was love at first smell! I love body scrubs and have tried quite a few but this one smells amazing, it reminds me of warm orange cake just out of the oven! This sugar scrub gently exfoliates, while a blend of essential oils, soften your skin and leave it feeling amazing. RRP R100, available online from Hello Pretty. {Disclosure Ranking:2}

Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream ~ A very important part of hand and nail care is looking after your cuticles! Each time I give myself a manicure, I make sure than I push my cuticles back and moisturise them. The Sally Hansen Cuticle Cream is an intensive treatment for your cuticles, it is rich in apricot oil but absorbs quickly into the skin, while deeply moisturising. It also soothes painful hangnails and torn cuticles. Tip: Massaging cuticles with this cream increases circulation to the nail bed, which helps stimulate new nail growth, for smooth, healthy-looking nails and cuticles. RRP R82.95 available online from Rubybox. {Disclosure Ranking:1}

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil ~ This is the perfect remedy for brittle nails, torn and dry cuticles or hangnails! This Vitamin E-enriched cuticle oil contains added wheat germ, apricot kernel extract and safflower oils to help soften, moisturise and protect nails and cuticles. I love the brush applicator, which makes it super easy to apply. Apply a small amount to each nail and massage gently into your nails and cuticles. The oil is quickly absorbed, moisturing both the cuticles, as well as the skin around the nails. You can apply as often as you need to but I prefer to use this at night before I go to bed. RRP R79.95 available from online from Rubybox.{Disclosure Ranking:1}

Nimue Active Hand Repair ~ I have always been quite religious with using hand cream regularly and make sure I have a tube in my handbag at all times! The colder weather can really make your hands extremely dry, so I think it is important to beef up your hand-care during autumn and winter. I am also very aware that as you age, your hands can become dry and lined and no one wants old looking hands! The Nimue Active Hand Repair contains AHA’s{Alpha Hydroxy Acids}, which improve skin texture, appearance of age spots and exfoliate dead, damaged skin. This product contain Kigelia Africana plant extracts, which assist in several skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, solar keratosis, skin rashes and restores the skin.The only thing I dislike about this product is the smell, I cannot pin-point exactly what I don’t like but it smells slightly spicy, which may be from the Kigelia Africana plant extract – odd I know but I guess I can put up with the smell, if it means younger looking hands! 🙂 RRP Please consult a salon near you. {Disclosure Ranking:2}

Essie Over The Top ~ When I googled this nail polish shade, Essie dot.com comes up with Over The Edge. The colours seem the same, so not sure why the different name but I absolutely love this dramatic metallic midnight silver. You will definitely see it on my nails often during winter, black nail polish is a bit harsh for me, so this is the next nest thing. Over The Top is an awesome colour and have received so many compliments when I wear it! It paints really well and as long as you apply a top coat, it does not chip and lasts very well. RRP R109 available online from Zando {Disclosure Ranking:1}

Essie Good To Go Top Coat ~ For me a top coat is a must and I tend to only use Essie products when it comes to top and base coats! I have tried other products but nothing comes close to the drying or staying power of Essie. Their products may be more expensive than most other drugstore brands but in my opinion, they are worth the money. Good To Go, sets your nail polish in seconds and creates an almost gel-like finish. RRP R175 available from Dischem. {Disclosure Ranking:1}

SKNLogic Renew Foot Balm ~ As important as keeping your hands hydrated, your feet also need some pampering! I try to remember to use a heel balm every night but every second night is also fine. This ultra-rich hydrating foot balm, deeply helps to repair, soothe, revitalize and protect dry, tired feet. It also smells amazing and absorbs quickly into your skin. I am on my feet quite a bit during the day and I also run a few times a week, so my feet tend to become quite dry even in winter. I find rubbing a soothing balm into my feet, after a long day, not only moisturises the skin but helps my fatigued feet relax! The SKNLogic Renew Foot Balm combines hydrating Sunflower oil, Wheat germ oil, Fig & Cucumber extract, orange oil and Shea Butter to help soothe sore joints, hydrate and protect extremely dry, cracked skin. RRP R85.00 Visit the SKNLogic website to locate a stockist near you. {Disclosure Ranking:2}

Beauty, Beauty Products, Fashion, Fashion, Look of the Week, Style Inspiration

Style by Super Mom – Red Hot Fashion

Red is one of my favourite colours to wear especially in winter! Much like other bright colours it seems to lift your mood just by putting it on. Red is a great statement colour and as long as you get the shade right, it looks good on everyone.

I have already started scouting the shops for items for the new season and red and navy are definitely two colours that are trending for Autumn and Winter 2013. Below are a few of my Red Hot Finds – a super cute Patterned Navy and Red Blouse with Birds from Woolworths – I love the neckline and the cuffs. I also found this Three-quarter Sleeve Red T-Shirt at Woolworths, which looks great with dark and light denim. For a smarter look wear it under a navy blazer. The skinny jeans are by Country Road, also from Woolworths.

Wearing red is something that I have always enjoyed but I have struggled to find a red lipstick that suits me and does not stain my lips for days after wearing it! After much searching, I decided to consult my makeup guru, Kirsten, who just happens to be my sister in-law, who steered me in the direction – MAC Cosmetics. Success!!! I managed to find the colour – Russian Red, a Matte MAC lipstick, and it is amazing! To find out more about how to apply “the perfect red lip” visit Kirsten’s website by clicking here.

In keeping with the Red Hot theme is one of my favourite Essie Nail Polish shades, Pouf Daddy, which in my opinion is the prettiest red shade available. Another new makeup product I have added to my collection, is the Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara – I am loving Rimmel products and they are really inexpensive, which is great!

Have a Fashionably Fabulous weekend! Please share your thoughts and comments or fashion tips below.

Items: Navy & Red Bird Blouse R299 Woolworths, Three Quarter Sleeve T-Shirt R120 Woolworths, Country Road Jeggings R599 Woolworths, Russian Red Lipstick R180 MAC, Pouf DaddyNail Polish R99 Essie, Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara (from my March Rubybox).

For more in my Style by Super Mom Series click here