The Necessary Unnecessary - Amazon ID Beauty UV Nail Dryer

As my blog post title points out, this technically isn't a necessary product to have...but if your a nail lover like myself, then it definitely is a must have! I actually purchased this nail dryer for my sister, but I guess I also sneakily wanted to try it out (Sorry Emma! ha). Although I literally paint my nails 24/7,  the only experience of nails dryers that I had are the ones that are used in salons when I used to get acrylic nails now and again. However, since I realised that acrylics usually cause more harm than good - and that I actually have good nails - or so I get told, I've been staying clear of salons and spending my money solely on polishes. Yes my collection is getting slightly out of control, but how can you resist drugstore prices! Anyway I digress, although I've collected all the nail tools of the trade, the one thing I realised that I hadn't invested in was a nail dryer. Every girl needs one right? or so I justified. So over to Amazon I went (I love amazon, especially for anything nail related) and I soon spotted the ID Beauty Salon UV Nail Dryer (link here).

Product Description -
'Designed especially for drying Nail Polish, Nail Art and Nail Paint. The ID Beauty Ultra Violet nail dryer produces a steady stream of air to dry nails whilst subjecting them to UV light to sterilise and strengthen them. Your nails are dried quickly and the result is healthier, stronger nails!'

This dryer had pretty good reviews and although it isn't strong enough to set gel nail polish, I thought it would be ideal for my sister as she only uses standard polish. It's battery operated - it takes 4 x AA - it's really compact and more importantly it does the job perfectly. It only cost me £12.99 however, annoyingly the seller has increased the price to £16.99, although that does indicate that it must be a popular item! Maybe if you shop around you may find it cheaper. I really rate this product and I think its a great 'starter' nail dryer, its convinced me enough to potentially upgrade - which didn't take a lot as you can imagine! ha - and get a more expensive dryer that also sets gel, as I'm also thinking of branching into the 'at home' shellac manicure. Watch this space!

Have you ever tried or considered a nail dryer before?

The 'Monday' Manicure - Nails Inc Kate Spade Polish

So, this weeks 'The Sunday Manicure' is a day late! However, as I've had my nails painted for about 4 days now at least you can see how well the polish has lasted. This weeks polish of choice comes in the form of Nails Inc. collaboration with Kate Spade in the shade 'New York Noir'. It actually came free with Glamour magazine - which is still on sale now - and I think there's about 3 shades to chose from altogether. Although I liked the look of the others, a gold and a red, I was drawn to the glossy black as I personally think that black is a shade that is timeless and always look so chic on. I have a love/hate relationship with this shade on my own nails, as it doesn't always look great depending on my skin tone at the time. However, I usually just add a few midi rings, which slightly distracts from the harsh shade, whilst still making my nails look effortlessly stylish. I'm also really impressed with the quality of this polish, it's opaque after just one coat (although I always use two, creature of habit!), the brush is a great shape so its really easy to apply and it doesn't take forever to dry. I give this polish a big thumbs up!

Have you picked up any of the Nails Inc. Kate Spade polishes?

Nail Envy - Barry M Hi-Shine Gel Effect

Painting my nails is one of my favourite things to do when relaxing. Its almost like therapy for me and for this reason I like to indulge in a regular nail 'session'. Although I would love to splurge on regular salon manicures, it just isn't practical and to be honest it would be a waste of money. Especially as the quality of the majority of high street nail polishes is so spot on, Barry M is particularly bringin' it at the moment.

I love the new Hi Shine Gel Effect range and I admit, I do own a fair few. They are so long lasting and give a shellac looking finish, which I just can't get enough off. My favourite colours so far have to be 'Blood Orange' which I would describe as more of a red than a true orange, 'Prickly Pear' which is a perfect pastel lilac, Blue Grape which is the best Nails Inc. 'Baker Street' dupe I've come across and 'Satsuma' which is a bright orange that just completes an outfit and would look incredible with a tan.

I want have to purchase some more... Blueberry, Passion Fruit, Plum and Mango, you're up next!