Jessica Nails Peeling Nails Treatment Kit

For three months at the beginning of this year I was a vegetarian. One of the main reasons that that didn't continue any longer was because of my nails. I could immediately see that they had deteriorated terribly, which was shocking to me as they've always been strong and healthy. They were peeling and the visible toll on my body worried me. I kind of realised I'm not yet responsible enough to ensure I'm getting all the minerals and vitamins my body needs sans meat. Since then, their condition was made worse by my part-time jobs over the summer - stock-taking in dusty backrooms and then working in a kitchen.

It quietly worried me over the months as it wasn't improving.

When I got the chance to review Jessica Nails Peeling Nails Treatment Kit, I jumped at it. And, to be honest, I did expect it to work. I love Jessica Nails as a brand; season after season they have the best colours, any manicures from them have been perfect and the treatments I've used before for moisturising have worked to a tee.

I use it once a week and have done so for about a month now. I can honestly say I find my nails to be stronger and in a better condition.

It's a three part system which also allows for the application of colour but leaves the nails looking neat and pretty without any additions. First you apply two coats of the Fusion which fuses layers of nail together and strengthens and conditions. At this point you can add two layers of colour, if you wish. Then you apply a coat of Brilliance to speed up drying and add a gloss - this is to be repeated every three days top it up. The last step is to massage Phenomen Oil into the cuticles to nourish them and promote growth and keep nails supple.

This sounds complicated and time-consuming but I guarantee it isn't if I'm doing it on the reg. It's very easy to use and really doesn't take that long to do. In fact, it's a pretty therapeutic process.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone facing peeling nails. But the one thing I would mention is that sometimes sloppy application causes the edges of the topcoat to lift from the nail after a day or two making them look messy. Which is a pain but a rather minimal detraction from an otherwise awesome product.

The kit can be purchased online and in retailers and spas or salons carrying Jessica products and costs €20.

Do you have any magic solutions to major nail problems?

*This item has been sent to me to review but all opinions are my own and have not been swayed by a third party*

French Cosmetics Christmas Event

So, last night I managed to catch the end of the French Cosmetics Christmas event in which they launched/previewed the gift sets that will be available this year. Have to say, coming out of the cold and tired from work to a room with fairy lights, sweeties, cocktails and a bit of Bublé was...needed.

And the products themselves! Hallowe'en hasn't even passed but Christmas is starting to steal its thunder already for me! I'm so excited. There was such lovely stuff and I can't wait to put them into my gift guides this year.

French Cosmetics is a distributor established in 1996 that represent brands such as Jessica Nails, Steamcream, Billion Dollar Brows and Bronz Express. And they've really outdone themselves for the festive season this year. There's really something for everyone and across a wide range of budgets - which is awesome.

Keep an eye out for more info on individual pieces in the future...and remember, it's only 61 days until Christmas!

Feeling a wee bit jollier already? I know I am.

Jessica Nails In Bloom

(I think immediately of the Nirvana song)

On Thursday, I popped along to the Jessica Nails In Bloom event. They've quickly taken over my heart lately and overtaken all other brands to undoubtedly be my favourite nail line. Big claim, I know. But there are two reasons: the richness of their colours and the fact that they're all about care as well as appearance. The new line of colours is just as gorgeous as the last and I'm utterly in love.

On the night I chose a blue that looks as though a powdery and pastel shade had a baby together. I mean, how divine and lovely is it? Part of the new line, it's called Enchanting and had people complimenting me and asking what it was all day. The new range also includes a darker, cobalt blue, a mint, two lilac shades and a red - mostly a pastel line but more interesting than just any other pastel line and so perfect for summer and beyond. Honestly, every single one is a winner and I'm impressed by the size of the bottles and quality. It helps that the lady who did my nails told me a bit about their founder who sounds like an absolute legend! Love me a female business powerhouse.

Anyway, I've been blabbing for a bit now. Have a gawk at my images from the night and let me know what colour you like best!

Injured my lovely nails while wrestling my camera from my bag...

So, the lovely ladies from Jessica patched me up!

#jessicainbloom

Jessica Phenomen Oil.

I do love a good pun.

When I first read the name of this product, I was immediately biased towards liking it because it made me smile and we can all use more of that in our lives (even though my life is full of plenty of laughter and smiles).

You had me at word-play.

An intensive moisturising oil in a little glass bottle with a dropper, it's made by the nail brand Jessica but, as they state on the bottle, it is multi-purpose. It can be used not only on the hands and around the nails but in any problematically dry areas on the body. I've been using a little on the areas of my face that stubbornly refuse to be as baby-soft as the rest and where my hands are drier. Mammy has one elbow which is particularly in need of hydration so we were both using it while I was home this weekend. I have to say that my hands were noticeably softer the very next day while Mam's skin saw signs of improvement but would really need more prolonged use to benefit from it. I tried to convince her to keep it but she refused to take the oil from me.

She did, however, think it a pity that there wasn't a perfume just like it as she's a big fan of the almondy smell. And the smell really is a lovely added bonus to an already impressive product.

I give the Phenomen Oil 5/5 on the Colette scale as it ticks all my boxes:

Elegant/cute packaging
Catchy name + pun
Immediately effective
Multi-use
Pleasant aroma.