Gel Nails At Home | Budget Manicure With United Beauty

Evening my little bees.

Are we well? 

I feel like I haven't had a productive day but I kind of have, although I have procrastinated a lot this evening. 

I went to the doctors earlier to get my B12 injection (hopefully that will give me some extra energy), had tea and I have been sat around thinking about what I could eat next. 

Seriously I think I have a problem. I will eat, feel full for like a minute and then all the food is calling me from the cupboards whispering... 

"Leeeeyyyyyaaaa, come and get me. You need me, you want me."

And I am like...

"NOOOOOOO". 

Then I cave. 

FAIL. 

That aside, one thing I have got back into is doing my nails. My nails are crap. I will be honest, they are freaking shit. They will get to a certain length and then just after that very fine line they will then curl under... It's like having a Quaver crisp for a frickin nail. Utterly useless. Oh and don't even get me started on the nail breaking fiasco. Grrrr. 

I LOVE gel nails, I am attracted to anything shiny. Call me a Magpie, because that's what I am. I do like a matte nail now and then but gel is my calling. I always feel like a 'woman' when my nails are long and painted nicely but I am also very clumsy and a bit of a tomboy when it comes to 'girly' things. 

These days, if I am going to paint my nails I will do so on falsies because lets face it, with my Quaver nails it ain't going to be pretty. More like a catastrophic monstrosity. 

Having your nails done professionally isn't a cheap game, especially if you're the kind of gal that likes to get her nails done often. 

However, the nail Gods have finally heard our screams of pain and "oh look... But what is this?" Errr hell yeah, a D.I.Y gel nail kit that you can usee from the very comfort of your own home. 

Ahhhh, "goodbye nail salons" *whispers* "forever" (Phoebe from Friends style).

I have been sent the cutest at home gel nail kit from the company United Beauty. I had never heard of them before and whilst I was modelling at the blogger event the other month, they had their own stand explaining their brand and product.

Their cosmetic portfolio spans from tanning to nail products, they are the home of tanning and nail brands such as; Attitude, Glam Republic, Gelousy, GelTouch and many more. 

I was sent the GelTouch Mini Starter Kit which contains the GelTouch clear top coat, mini LED lamp and 2x gel cleansing wipes. 

It is literally so simple to use. Prep your nail, apply your favourite polish, put the GelTouch top coat on, place under the LED lamp for 60s and then wipe off the excess with the cleansing wipes.

That's it, done.

To remove. Peel off. :) 

The objective of this product is super cool and super cute. On the cute side the mini LED lamp is in fact as it says, mini. I am not joking it's big enough to fit 1-2 fingers in to cure. That's the beauty of it because it actually works by plugging it into a USB socket. 

Imagine the scene, you're on the train with your laptop on, or even in the uni library and you want to do your nails (as you do), all you need to do is whip this bad boy out. It's discrete and the little bulb is a lot stronger than you think. 

Good things come in little packages, right?

Well I have put this product to the test to see if I would recommend this kit to you nail fanatics out there. 

Next I will show you a step by step of how I did my nails and the final result. I just love how it's so quick to do, gel nails literally in minutes. 

I originally tried this on my natural nail and I used a glitter polish. Now, my natural nail NEVER holds gel topcoats, I don't know why it just peels off. This did the same, however, I do think I applied it too thickly. 

This is when I moved on to applying it on to false nails instead. 

See the results below. 

                 Conclusion - Would I recommend? 

Yes I really would. The product retails at £24.99 on their site and because of its quickness and the fact it's so simple to use I think its definitely worth the investment. The simple size of the lamp is amazing to carry around with you and all you need is the top coat on top of your favourite polish to complete the look. No faffing. 

I cannot deal with faff. The only downfall is the cleansing wipes dry out VERY quickly so sometimes it doesn't completely get the residue off. They are working on this I believe. No biggie though, easily solved. 

So if you want salon looking nails at home and to be the envy of your friends because you're saving like £40 a month, then I suggest you gel this kit!!! 

You can get it from United Beauty here

Any questions leave me a comment. :) 

You can subscribe to me here. 

 I have posted my FIRST EVER YouTube video onto my channel yesterday *vom in my mouth* for a makeup competition. You can check that out here

And finally you can find me on the following. 

Twitter | Leluroxxblogger

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If you like my shiz don't forget to give me a follow/subscribe. 

Until next time...

Love

L 

X  

Counterfeit Gig | Meeting Jamie Campbell Bower | And Why They Are Going To Be Huge.

Hello you lovely lot!!! 

I hope y'all well?! I am just spiffy if you're wondering, although I have far too much to do today and so little time. I have auditions to prepare for, singing videos to do and makeup comps to do. 

I'm going to need a hella lot of E numbers! 

I am bring to you a different kind of post today compared to my usual beauty ones. 

This one is obviously 'life' related and something I feel you guys should hear about because music plays a big part in my life and this post reflects that. If you're a music lover or performer like me then you're going to be very interested in this. 

Trust me, I never lie. :)

THE LOW-DOWN 

In my previous post I mentioned that I was going to see the band Counterfeit live in Birmingham, Thursday just gone. 

If you haven't heard of them you REALLY need to research this shit because trust me you're missing out. 

More about that later. 

They are a five man band consisting of lead singer and guitarist Jamie Campbell Bower *swoon*, Tristan Marmont (guitar, vocals), Roland Johnson (bass, vocals), Sam Bower - Jamie's Brother (guitar, vocals) and last but not least Jimmy Craig on the drums. 

Jamie, is pretty well known as he was lead in a band called The Darling Buds and he is also an actor and has dabbled in some modelling. 

If you don't know who he is, where the hell have you been all your life?! You've watched, Sweeney Todd, Twilight and Mortal Instruments right? 

Talented all round. Hell yeah.

To me, I would say that their 'genre' of music (if you HAVE to categorise it) is in the realms of punk/rock - alternative. They have some hella, body shattering bass lines, some bloody catchy hooks and their overall feel is "COME GET SOME"! 

The attitude just oozes out of them and it's freaking hot!! 

If you're into this sound then read on... If you're not, give it a chance because they are addictive! 

THE GIG 

I will be honest with you, I hadn't actually heard of this band fully, until around a week before their gig. I follow Jamie on Twitter and Instagram and saw that Counterfeit were touring. 

I then watched Mortal Instruments, fell in love with Jamie and was like "I REALLY need to listen to his band". 

I am not joking you, I listened to 'Hold Fire' first and I was hooked. I actually got goosebumps instantly, for me to react like that, you have to be good. I am freaking picky when it comes to what I like. If I like something, you know it's going to be amazing. 

Each song has a meaning, each song is electric and each song is passionate.

I would also like to add, they are doing this all off their own back, no big record companies involved. It's all of their own blood, sweat and tears. 

For a band to do that and already have a big impact and following is commendable. 

Well played boys! 

I then bought a meet and greet ticket so I could actually meet them in person. If there is ever an opportunity to meet the people I admire, I am sold. 

So, it took me god damn forever to get to Birmingham because of stupid ass drivers, I mean seriously, does anyone actually know how to drive any more? "GET OUT OF MY WAY ASSHOLE"! 

I was late, on my own and really cold. I had the highest boots on, leather trousers and a drop sleeve vest. 

I made friends easily because I just talk to people and they have no choice in the matter. Ha. 

I was actually pretty nervous meeting Counterfeit, especially Jamie as I struggle to breathe when I find someone hot let alone talk to them. Ha ha. 

I spoke to Jamie and Sam first and they were lovely. But me being me, I never actually open my mouth and talk about you know... NORMAL things, I get nervous and crap comes out instead. I met the rest of the band after and again they were all perfectly lovely especially Roland. :) 

With me, when I am inspired by someone I could spend hours with them, I am NEVER the 'groupie' type. 

That night, I wanted to be on stage with them!! I was in the zone!

They are all so beautiful!! 

Totally a guys, girl me! Ha. 

THE PEFORMANCE

Okay, so my feet were freaking killing me by the time they came on stage which was around 8.45 pm, bearing in mind I have been in them since 4.30 pm. I literally couldn't feel my feet or legs at all. I had to wear them because usually I will get to the stage and BOOM a bloody tree is in front of me. "Mwahahaha not that night". In yo face! 

I am not going to lie they have some die hard fans, I did feel like I was the only 28 yr old in the room as everyone else seemed so young. Obviously they are their main demographic. Again, well played. 

They were going mental, literally mental. It made me smile, it was cool. 

As I was new to the 'gang' I only knew the five songs I had listened to.

. Hold Fire

. Come Get Some

. Enough (which is their latest single)

. Family Suicide 

. Letters To The Lost

They played around 12 songs I believe. 

I have NEVER seen so much enigma, love, passion, energy and talent coming off a stage in my life. I have been to a lot of gigs and I will tell you now, it's THE BEST one I  have been to. 

True story.

The vocals were on point, there were some brilliant instrumental licks and the music was flawless. You're just stood there wanting to full on swing your hair about. Totally intergalactic.

If you could bottle sex into music form, this would be it! Full stop.

I am a singer/performer and their music is 100% the type I love to perform. It's gritty, has depth and so god damn addictive. 

I couldn't take my eyes off Jamie, he is the show stopper, he was bouncing around the stage like a fly on shit, fully loving life!! 

And, what I loved more was how he full bodied himself with the audience. He would come off the stage and into the screaming fans and really involved himself. No pretences, never pretentious and totally engaged. I LOVED it. 

When performing 'Letters To The Lost' Jamie came into the crowd and performed the song. This song holds a melancholy meaning with a twang of saddened anger throughout. His close friend Ivan committed suicide and this song reflects his feelings on the loss. 

Now I know the meaning, I hear the song differently and it's a tear jerker. Each one of his songs are beautifully written and clever.  

'Enough' was written not long after the Paris attacks and I love the meaning behind the song, it is ballsy, full of attitude and portrays a sense of "we won't stand for any of your ball crap". 

Spread the love, not war. I heeeaaarrrr yaaaa!

No half hearted performance here. I was in awe. If I of had the chance to perform with them I would of taken it with everything I had because their music just engrossed you. 

I love dancing, flicking my hair about and losing myself. Ha. It's good for your soul! 

The night before in Manchester, Jamie crowd surfed, except no one caught him because they were too busy filming. I felt really sorry for him, I mean I go to a gig, I love taking photo's & vids but you do it in short bursts. Not to stick it on YouTube. Our night however we caught him!!! I didn't as I was just out of range but I was so happy as it ended the night on a high. 

There was a load of moshing, water spitting, sweat, Jamie's naked torso and a whole lot of love for the boys. They encored and that was that.  

My favourite picture. I love capturing a feeling/atmosphere/moment.

I was officially dead but buzzing! 

Before I left, I purchased their 'Come Get Some' tee and a signed poster as I love to support genuine talent. I also gave Sam my business card so they could keep an eye out for this post if they were interested. 

I would of loved to have spent more time with the guys and I wish I would of been able to bring my DSLR as I would of caught some epic moments!! 

They are touring in Europe now, so if you are reading this and haven't got tickets yet or are interested in seeing them click here to purchase the best night of your life.

Counterfeit are big already but I have a feeling there are bigger things to come for this band. I mean global!! Watch this space! Work hard and dream big!

My dreams are bigger than my boobs these days! Ha. 

I always start a sentence with " imagine if...". 

Pre-gig makeup. 

One thing I would say is I would love it if the boys interacted with the fans more on social media. For me, I love that, even if they follow you and don't communicate (we all know you're busy bees) it just shows that they have acknowledged you. I love promoting bands/brands and myself and when a band/musician/brand follows you/speaks to you it makes your day a little brighter. 

Don't forget to subscribe here.

And I am also over here too if you want to see some more vids of the band along with all my other crap. Ha. 

Twitter: leluroxxblogger

Instagram: leluroxxblogger

Snapchat: blackeyedfox

Thank you for reading :) 

Until Thursday...

Love 

L 

X 

   

What's In My Bag | Everyday Essentials.

Well hello there!!! 

Welcome back to my blog. :) 

Finally my eyes are getting better. YAAYYYY!! Just in time too as I am off to a gig tonight to see Counterfeit play! If you don't know who they are then they are Jamie Campbell Bower's band. And if you don't know who he is (which you should because he is extremely talented and hot) he was in the Twilight saga, Sweeney Todd and Immortal Instruments.  

He is my new man addiction fo'sure. 

I am meeting him tonight and I am SO nervous about it and I don't know why?! Most likely because he is beautiful and I am barely going to be able to breathe let alone speak to him!! 

I am going on my own as I always do, I just hope people don't mosh around me because I don't want a broken face. Ha. 

I have put some 'stiletto' false nails on and I cannot for the life of me type with them!!! I wanted to bish bash bosh this post out so I can get organised for tonight but so far the 'backspace' is being used hella a lot. 

Screwin. 

Okay, so I LOVE bags and purses and if I buy a bag I will have to buy a new purse and visa versa. I am currently waiting for a bag in Accessorize to go into sale because there is nothing worse than buying something full price and then the next day "oh hello" it's gone into sale.  

Are you kidding me?! 

I love to see what people have in their bags, call me nosey... That's because I am. Ha. 

Lets not beat around the bush.

So, today for all of you beautiful people I am presenting you with the contents of my very own bag and what I carry around on a day to day basis. Essential central right here. 

My bag is a Primark one I bought a while ago and I have currently gone back to it because it's the most practical until I get a new one. 

1,2,3... GOOOOOOO. 

I ALWAYS carry my Real Techniques 'Expert Face' brush around with me. It's just handy to have as sometimes under my eyes needs touching up or around my nose because my hay fever ends up with me rubbing half of my makeup off.  

Again, I carry this around for the same reasons as I carry my brush. You can never be TOO prepared ya know. 

I wear a nude lip almost every time I wear makeup, these are totally my go to products as they are the perfect combination. 

Concealer, in case a spot needs covering or I am re-doing my lips, eyeliner & eyebrow for obvious reasons and my matte powder to make my lips extra matte. And I wonder why I have dry lips all the time. 

I will never learn. Ha. 

When you're out and about, touching things or eating it's good to keep hygienic and with my little hand gel I do just that. I do not want any extra germs thank you very muchly! I keep my Carmex with me to hydrate my lips when they are a little sore. Perfect travel sizes. 

I keep these in my bag for when I am having my Superman to Clark Kent moment. Ha. If I am wearing no makeup and want to hide the hideousness of my 'natural' face I will pop these bad boys on. I will also wear these if I want to switch my look up. 

"Mirror mirror on the way, who's the fairest of them all?" 

No one likes lipstick on their teeth, so this little flip mirror gets carried around everywhere. You never know when you will need it. 

You could end up on an island and need to make a fire using the sun and this mirror. Practical thinking. 

This power bank is a life saver, I am always running out of my phone battery as I am on it so much. So this is great in those emergencies. I got it from New Look and I LOVE the colour. It's super pretty for Spring. 

I cannot stand knotty hair and because mine is long it gets hella knotty. This is a god send. 

I will obviously have my purse with me, it rarely has cash in it because I never really carry it. I will spend it if it's there. Papa Hutt always tells me off for having no cash. That's how my plan works... I want to order pizza... Oh no I have no cash... "DAAADDDDD". :) 

I have my drivers license in there, some business cards and my bank cards. Not at all interesting. 

This is the most important item in my bag because it contains my life. Ha. All my blog notes, photo's and memories, contact to the outer world and of course my Spotify playlist. If I am out and about I always have my music on. Love it. 

I carry this little card wallet because it carries the majority of my business cards and other cards I rarely use. I always like to be prepared. 

I like to smell nice okay?!

As mentioned I am waiting for a bag I want to go into sale so I carry these around just in case that day finally happens. 

I don't know why these are in my bag, the Topshop card has like £1 on it and the wallet is from Christmas. Ha. 

We are at the dregs now. I HAVE to have tissue in my bag at all times because of my sneezing and the rest is just crap.

The little card I carry around with me because my nan gave it me!!! I always have a sharpener in case my lip pencils go blunt and yes you can see correctly, that is a needle and thread. Some of my trousers split because of my fat ass, so that has come in handy quite a few times. 

There you have it. The contents of my bag. 

This might of been quite boring for you so my apologies if so but  I love looking at other's bag contents. I find it interesting. 

I will update you over on my social media accounts about the gig tonight is you're interested. 

Twitter: leluroxxblogger

Instagram: leluroxxblogger

Snapchat: blackeyedfox 

You can also subscribe to my blog here. 

Until next time...

Love

L 

X