Nails Resolutions

When we make resolutions, we're socially encouraged to make them at the start of the year in January. 

Like many people year after year I write myself a list of things i'd like to change/achieve and generally by the second week of the month i'm already crying in my despair at failing to achieve them. However so far 2013 has proven to be quite the exception. 

One of my more frivolous resolutions was to take better care of my nails. I don't bite them, so they're generally always in a good condition and I own a fair few bottles of nail varnish. However, I confess I used to be lazy with my nails. There i've admitted it! I'd pick a colour, do a hasty paint job before leaving them to chip. When there was nothing more than a few specks left i'd finally get round to taking it off. My nails would remain naked for a few weeks before the process would repeat itself.

But no longer! Inspired by some beauty youtube videos i've recently got into the habit of watching and restrained by my dwindling bank account (#currentlyunemployed) I decided to revitalise my wardrobe starting with the tips of my fingers. It's a great way to look and feel 'put together' and it really doesn't have to break the bank. I visited a few of the discount chemists and had a look at some of the really cheap no-name brands, thinking that the good stuff would be way more than I was currently willing to spend. Luckily, I decided purely out of interest to have a look in the general make-up aisle. For just $1 or two more than the cheap brands I spotted the Sally Hansen 'Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear' collection. I already have a lot of bright colours, generally in the blue-y spectrum, but was particularly drawn towards the more pastel/neutral tones that were on offer. After an embarrassingly long time deliberating over exactly which colours to purchase i settled on three.

Yes, I know there are four here...read on, dear reader to find out why!

1. Sally Hansen 'Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear' in Bamboo Shoot

2. Sally Hansen 'Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear' in Mint Sorbet

3. Maybelline New York Colour Show in Audacious Asphalt

note - Audacious Asphalt!? Who comes up with these names? Absolutely hilarious, I decided I had to have this one just so I could tell people the name.

A lovely surprise was waiting for me at the counter - There was a 3 for 2 offer on all Sally Hansen! Feeling like a bit more sparkle i ended up going for Sally Hansen 'Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear' in Celeb City.

Clockwise from top left; recent purchases; Maybelline 'Audacious Asphalt' with Sally Hansen 'Celeb City'; Sally Hansen 'Mint Sorbet'; fluorescent pink with accessories

 I've been really admiring the recent trend of using two colours on your nail - one as the main focus and then a single nail in a contrasting colour. I thought the silver would work really nicely with the grey and decided they would be the first colours i would try out!

It's amazing what a difference a fresh (home) manicure can make! Only downside is i've found i've been shoving my nails in the face of everyone i meet to show them, including my boyfriend who really couldn't care less! Why is no-one else as excited as me! I tried out the mint sorbet the other day, and am also really enjoying it. It's such a refreshing colour, and perfect for when the weather is as good as it has been. 

I'd definitely recommend the brands I picked up too. With a $6.95 price tag, I was afraid the colour would be pretty thin and chip easily, but I have really been surprised. You only need one or two coats to achieve a striking colour, it's lasted a couple of days without chipping but is still easy to remove when you decide you want a change. 

Some other colours I've tried out recently (really just an excuse to use my new instagram app weeeeeeew!)

I think what i'd really like to try next is some more experimental nail art - maybe different tips/more colours and some graphic designs. Let me know what you think!