varnish Archives - Mummy's Little StarsMummy's Little Stars

Leighton Denny has been in the nail industry for over 20 years winning many awards so when he brought his own brand out just over 12 years ago, it was one that was highly coveted by those in the know. Available from selected salons, spas and high street store M&S, it’s accessible to all or of course you can just order online.

With four base coats in the range I was happy to try one out as being a regular wearer of nail polish everyday it’s important to care for my nails underneath. Also I have natural nails which I like to grow long, but with two young children, DIY and housework etc I need something to protect them and keep them strong.

The four base coats available are:

Rock Solid
Undercover Base Coat
Time Repair Nail Elixir
Bare It All

I tried out Rock Solid which was a pleasure to use and just glided onto the nails and dried quickly. You can use it under colour or on it’s own and build it up with a layer daily to protect nails. I’ve tried it out both ways over the last couple of weeks and definitely feel that my nails are stronger and certainly haven’t had any breakages during that time.

I also tried the Leighton Denny colour ‘I love Juicy’ which is a bright Summery colour, it definitely has a happy feel to it and I love the application of the polish too. Quick drying and really glossy the base coat and colour ogether make a great combination. I have to say that over the week I had the colour on it didn’t chip at all. By the end of the week it was wearing away at the ends which I’d expect with all the housework and gardening but overall it was a really lasting durable colour.

This is my first time trying out Leighton Denny nail care and I’m really impressed – Great application, great durability and glossy results. My nails feel stronger, longer and are a great length right now. I must also mention the mini glass nail file as it is fabulous, you can buy the full size one from Leighton Denny which I’d highly recommend as it files so gently, leaving nail edges smooth and exactly how you want them. Also it will last for years so no need to buy replacements. Head over to Leighton Denny now or check out the brand in your nearest M&S store!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Easy Nails Nail Spa from Character toys is every young girls dream, a gadget that paints your nails while you sit back and relax! I have to say 7 yr old Miss M’s eyes lit up when she saw this and she couldn’t wait to get started and try it out.

The Nail Spa is aimed at ages 5+ and comes as one main unit. The only separate parts are the brush heads, of which you get three. They simply push in and out for easy removal to wash or if you want to use a different colour varnish. Two nail polishes are also included in this set, a pink and a purple which sit inside the adjustable holder when in use. Being adjustable means you can use any bottle of polish you have a home although what I did like about the ones included is that they are water based and peel off, which I actually prefer for my 7 yr old at the moment.

The Nail Spa does require 3 AA batteries which simply fit underneath. It’s then time for the fun to begin. You have four buttons, two pink and two purple which control the brush head. Each colour does the same thing, but they have put one of each on either side so that you don’t have to reach over. By pressing the pink button the brush moves down and dips into the nail varnish, then pressing the purple button the brush moves over and hovers just above the nail. This is then your chance to move your finger to into place, which does take a bit of practice, so that when you press the button again, it paints your nail.

Miss M got quite engrossed in what she was doing and enjoyed positioning her nails and pressing the buttons to paint them. The adjustable base where you put your finger does move side to side and up and down so it is fairly flexible to fit different shapes and sizes of fingers. Once Miss M had painted each nail she could then choose to add glitter or gems that were included in the set. She opted for a lot of glitter on her middle fingers!

Miss M has loved the Nail Spa and spent much time painting and decorating her nails. She couldn’t wait to show her friends and I think that is where the value in this product comes. Young girls making over their nails with their friends, having nail parties and trying different designs on their nails. I can see this coming out every time a friend comes over!

We’ve been pleased with the Nail Spa and I do think Miss M being 7 is the perfect age for it as she can operate and use it alone, and is the right age to have fun experimenting without getting too messy. Remember the polish just peels off so any mess on the side of the fingers will just peel off when dry and can be removed from nails whenever you want without needed a remover.