As I’m not hugely experimental with my make-up, the only festive effort I’ll make is perhaps a red lip…I steer away from glittery eyeshadows and any of the artistry that you see on Instagram. The one thing I always make an effort with, however, is my nails. (Maybe because this is pretty foolproof, unlike winged liner and perfectly blended eyeshadow!). From festive falsies to christmas nail art stickers or even a sparkly red varnish to get you in the party mood, I find my nails the easiest way to channel the festive season through beauty. Plus, there are some great budget brands around that can help facilitate this without costing a fortune (which always helps!).
Although Leighton Denny are a bit pricier (at £12 per nail varnish), you can often find them for a fraction of the price in TK Maxx or their new stocking filler gifts are slightly cheaper and far better value for money (in my opinion). You can’t go wrong with a bit of Barry M, of course, but the last time I tried Leighton Denny nail varnishes I was genuinely impressed at just how long they did last. I think they went nearly a week with no chips and the colour was popping after just one coat! If you are still looking around for some last minute stocking fillers, or have a Secret Santa present to buy, I would definitely recommend checking out their gift range.
A lot of the gifts are around £10 (such as these gorgeous Two of a Kind collections featured and also some bauble-type presents which also have two miniature nail varnishes); considering that a full-sized varnish costs £12, getting two for £10 is pretty good value! Besides, I’d rather have a range of colours in smaller pots than a couple in larger bottles…who ever finishes a full-sized bottle of nail varnish anyway!? There are a few different nail varnish shades within the gift collections to choose from, including a classic nude and red combo, fantastic glitters with a peel base coat, and some beautiful shimmery shades that are just perfect for Christmas.
I was kindly sent the Jewellery Box/Images of the Past combination from their Two of a Kind gift range and love both shades- they look so festive and also go together perfectly (the glitter shade could easily be used for a statement nail). The fine flecks of gold glitter melt into the plum colour in Jewellery Box; it is such a stunning shade and perhaps my favourite of the two. Images of the Past is also beautiful but is slightly more understated. The rose gold tones are ideal for those who like a nude nail but slight shimmery element just gives that little bit extra to put a festive spin on what would otherwise be quite a plain classic. I completely adore both of these and think they would make such a great choice as a little Christmas gift!
