REVIEW : Barry M Showgirl Extra Volumising Mascara

Hi everyone,

Today I have a review of a Barry M mascara that I've recently noticed was on offer in boots in the UK (I'm not being paid by Barry M, I promise, although I sort of wish I was) 

 

It is the Barry M Showgirl Extra Volumising Mascara, which Barry M say gives you big, real impact lashes. With a spiral wand, the mascara is designed to magnify and enhance the shape and dimension of your lashes for a look that's larger than life.

 

I quite often spend (read: waste) my money on a lot of mascaras that make huge promises, but often fail to deliver. I love big, volumous lashes (read: clumpy) on days when I really don't feel like doing much, or don't have time to do my makeup, but still want to feel like I've made a bit of an effort on my face.

 

so, does this mascara really work?

 

Here are my lashes pre-mascara...

 



So as you can see, standard, boring lashes.

Here are my lashes with one coat of the Barry M Showgirl mascara...

 

And finally, my lashes with two coats of mascara...

 



So, what would I say about this mascara?

Well, I'm glad that I didn't actually purchase this mascara, and got is free on an offer in superdrug when I purchased 2 nail polishes. I will continue to use this product as what I call, a "base mascara", but I would never use just this mascara on it's own. I love to use a couple of different mascaras over each other, typically one for length and then one for volume. Unfortunately, although this mascara is marketed as a volumising mascara, I wouldn't say that it really built any volume for me.
Would I repurchase this mascara? No, I wouldn't. If, however, you prefer a more natural lash look, this may be a perfect product for you, but to me the word "showgirl" suggests large, over the top, glamourous lashes, and this just wasn't the case.

If you would like to try this mascara out for yourself, you can purchase it here for £4.99, or in most UK boots and superdrug stores (usually on offer!)

And to finish up with a quick mum can't bothered face of the day...

 

Have you tried this mascara? Do you agree with me? Or was I just expecting too much?

 

Until next time,

 

Bx



REVIEW: Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint

Hi everyone,

How is it Monday again already? We've been in our new house for 2 weeks today, and it feels like all I've done is sit here eating toast. Oh dear.

Today i'll be talking about the Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint, which Barry M say "delivers the look and resilience of pro salon gel nails without a UV lamp or the expense". The special formulation bonds to the nail like a gel in daylight, but can be removed using your regular nail polish remover.

So, professional gel style nails, which are quick and easy to apply, for a fraction of the cost? For a mummy like me, who currently looks after a 12 week old baby 24/7 until i'm back to work, this sounds perfect.

I have colours: Out of my red (Vibrant, classic red), Peach for the stars (Fun, peachy pink) and Dark side of the 'shroom (muted violet). I also have the Sunset topcoat, as the nail paints will not work without the use of this.

Colours L-R: Sunset Topcoat, Darkside of the 'shroom, Peach for the stars, Out of my red

 

 

So, you apply 2 coats of your desired nail paint, wait for each coat to dry and top with the topcoat. Then, just wait in the sun (optional in the UK currently) for them to dry. What could be easier!

 

Here are some swatches of each colour, please excuse my nails. I am now a qualified cot builder!

 

Without Flash

 

With Flash

 





My opinion? I love this nail polish. Each coat dries relatively quickly (helpful with a crying baby) and the top coat feels shiny and hard wearing. On me, I can usually get away with around 5-6 days wear without chipping, which for me is excellent! I quite often use the red on my toes, which lasts for at least 2 weeks without chipping. The only problem I have had with wear is occasional peeling of the polish if I haven't waited quite long enough for it to dry before doing the washing up (with my hands, obviously)!

I would like to try some of the other colours, as I purchased Dark side of the 'shroom believing it was a mushroom-y nude, however when I applied the colour, it dried as a muted, pastel purple. I personally love the colour, it just wasn't what I expected!

Barry M Sunset nail paints retail for £4.99 and can be purchased here, or are available in most UK Boots and Superdrug, usually on 3 for 2 or buy one get one half price.

Bx