No7 ADVANCED Serums

I can still vividly remember that day back in 2007, whilst working on a make-up counter in my local Boots store,  watching hundreds, and I seriously mean hundreds of women queueing outside our store, for hours before opening.

Why on earth would you do such a thing?! For a free Mulberry? A Chanel sample sale? 

A SKINCARE LAUNCH?!

Thanks to BBC2 show Horizion, it was in fact the latter. Yes, when No7 launched Protect and Perfect Serum, women went mad. Why? Because Horizon hired scientists were surprised to find the cream was as effective at reducing sun damage as prescription-only products, such as widely recognised retinoic acid.

7 years on, and 3 more serum launches later, today they revealed the next generation of anti-ageing magic. Protect and Perfect ADVANCED Serums, which are now available in your local Boots store. (Unless those hoards of women have got there first again!!)

Boots No7 claim the serums are clinically proven to be even more effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and from 100's of women who tested the serums, 80% saw their best ever anti-ageing result. So far, so good.

But, the intriguing part was showcased in last nights TV advert. The ad, which was showed during the 10pm News break, revealed 8 women, had spent 4 weeks without looking in a mirror.

Not one. Can you imagine?! Not driving, for some- not working, and not having a clue how you look, for one whole month. It sounds like my idea of hell.

However, watching their delightful reactions at the big reveal, tells us what we need to know- the serum worked. 

I have been using Protect and Perfect Serum, alongside the matching day and night cream for the past 2-3 months, and have been pleased with the results. But my intrigue has got the better of me. So, today I will start with the Advanced range- and in four weeks we'll see if I'm as delighted as those 8 women.

Join me again in 4 weeks and we'll see for ourselves!

OPI AW14 & Coca Cola Launch

Well what a day I've had!

Bright and early this morning I made my way from the beautiful (but rainy) banks of Kingston and headed to the swanky St Martins Lane Hotel, for the official OPI AW14 and Coca Cola launch.

Featuring a stunning video presentation from OPI Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann and a plethora of manicurists on hand to enable us to try the shades before anyone else, the event was attended by a whole host of beauty journalists and fellow bloggers.

Suzi began her presentation with some interesting facts, all of which came to light through the Pink Report 2013-2013 'Nailed: The allure of nail colour. 

For example, can you believe 99% of women asked, admitted they were addicted to nail lacquer? (I am DEFINITELY in this group) 


Or that our favourite shades are pink, followed by muted beige's or hot reds?! 
This survey also found that 75% of women voted OPI their favourite nail brand- so it's nice to know I'm in good company!

Right! Lets start with the Coca Cola Collection, which I touched on last week. With 9 shades that represent Coca Colas best selling drinks, it's easy to see why these two brands collaborated- they both provide 'Happiness in a Bottle'.

Up first is my favourite, the classic 'Coca Cola Red', which is a creamy gloss shade like the muted cream ' You're So Vain-ill a' , bubblegum pink 'Sorry I'm Fizzy Today' and bold tangerine 'Orange You Stylish!'.
For your purple lovers, they also have the gorgeous grape tones 'Get Cherried Away' and the deeper vampish 'A Grape Affair'


For those of you who really like to make a statement you'll LOVE metallic green 'Green On The Runway', striking silver 'Turn On The Haute Light' and the blackened red sparkle 'Today I Accomplished Zero'.


I've heard on the 'grape vine' that when I launch this collection on QVC
 next month, we may even have  a special set of miniatures too- perfect for taking your salon mani on your jolly holidays!



So, what will we be wearing come AW?! Well, if you're like me, a different manicure shade per week- I am absolutely in love with every shade in the Nordic Collection and want to wear it ALL. And I want to wear it NOW!!

Suzi introduced the collection through a stunning video, featuring ethereal looking goddesses, their long blonde locks pulled back into plaits and braids. Dressed in a palette of soft, earthy tones in sheer fabrics teamed with gunmetal 'armour', they provoked thoughts of Nordic Warrior Princesses, as they ran through dampened Greenland and deserted beaches.

The palette of colour used in the Nordic collection is inspired by nature and the visual surrounding of the Nordic region, including the famed Northern Lights and the iconic pastel painted houses found in Copenhagen, Denmark.








My absolute favourites are the pastel tones, mint green 'My Dogsled Is A Hybrid', feminine pink 'Suzi Has A Swede Tooth' , the vivid coral 'Can't AfJord Not To' and the deep indigo 'Do You Have This Colour In Stock-Holm?'. These shades are perfect for Summer too, so make sure you grab these early when they launch in August!














For the colder winter months we have a warming palette of spicy browns, rich wines and warm golds.

The sparkly wine 'Thank Glogg It's Friday' , deep burgundy 'Skating On Thin Ice-Land and 'dark plum 'Viking In A Vonderland' are to me, the perfect Christmas shades- whether I'll be prepared to wait that long, we will see!

Finally we have metallic gold 'OPI With A Nice Finn-Ish', super sparkly 'My Voice Is A Little Norse', cinnamon coffee 'How Great Is Your Dane',  iced caramel 'Going My Way Or Norway' and the rich chocolate 'Ice-Bergers And Fries' 

Wow-What a collection! 

There was just enough time for a cheeky manicure from OPI Nail tech Lee, and a quick pose in front of the gorgeous Nordic Images with my colleges Niki and Siobhain before I headed back up north...... Luckily for me, with two both collections in toe.

Why do I have a feeling a lot of my female friends may be popping in this evening?! 

OPI AW13 San Francisco Collection Launch

Finally, the sun is shining on the capital!!

And what better way to spend a sunny morning than listening to the Mamas and Papas cult hit 'California Dreamin' and imagining that you are cruising around San Fran, in a convertible around the late 1960's. The flares however are definitely optional. 

Well, that is exactly how I have spent my day so far-

With a gorgeous manicure, endless coffee and gossip all thrown in for good measure.

Cult nail brand OPI, today held their AW press launch of the fabulous San Francisco collection at the quirky Hotel Soho. Hidden off a bustling Oxford St, Hotel Soho looks quite traditional (and dare I say, bland?!) from the outside- but once you have stepped inside the polished foyer and made your way to the selection of conference rooms available, I can assure you, your opinion will change!

The OPI took over the Crimson room, which is decorated with sumptuous fabrics, Moroccan inspired prints and rich colours. If I could move in here, I'd be unpacked by the time you can say 'Home Sweet Home'

After a quick chat with my fellow OPI QVC presenters Lisa and Julie, and a catch up with colleagues Siobhain and Nicky, it was time for a pamper! 

Now, I'm a girl who cannot make decisions, how I manage to decide what to wear each day is beyond me. So, it's a good job nail tech Anita was on hand to guide me through the options!

 

After much deliberation we decided I should bravely move away from my favourite red and purple tones and try something new- in the shape of the multi-tonal 'Peace, Love and OPI' and a flash of liquid sand 'Alcatraz Rocks' on my ring finger. 

If you haven't tried it yet, Liquid Sand creates a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle. A must buy-especially when you want to out-mani your friends or foes!

The San Francisco collection contains 12 traditional lacquer's and 3 Liquid Sand shades.

Ranging from moody greys to rich rubies, elegant blues to a rich nude, this autumn there is something for us all. Continuing the on trend 60s/70s vibe provided my the playlist, the collection was beautifully displayed amongst beds of daisy's and surrounded by striking black and white scenes of San Fran during the hippy era.

 

 
 

The advertising imagery created for this collection is simply beautiful too- tousled hair, soft make up and creamy skin compliment the strong nail shades perfectly.Definitely a look I hope to see more of!

 

The inspirational Lena White, managing director of Lena White LTD, 

the UK distributor of OPI said of the collection-

 "San Francisco offers a European flair with distinct West Coast attributes. These elements inspired a collection of urban chic nail lacquers, thanks to the sophisticated combination of high fashion and eclectic street style"

So, as a morning of listening to the familiar tones of Sonny, Cher and Donovan draws to a close, there is just time for a quick chat with QVC presenter Will Gowing before making my way back to the reality of 2013. I think a little trip to Topshop is in order- well flares are back in style this season aren't they?!