When Life hands you LEMONS...

MAKE A LEMON SCRUB!

Hello :)

This blog is going to be the first series on my skin-care routine-It would be too long to do one Blog on different nifty tricks that I use on my skin, so this is the first of a few :) (Although, I will do one blog on my "every day" skin-care routine soon).

This a homemade skincare-trick that I have been using for a couple of years now and it is AMAZING!

It helps to remove dead skin-cells=acting as a homemade mini face-peel (don't over use this trick).

Removing dead skin-cells will, in turn, remove dry skin and leave the face feeling smooth and fresh! The lemon trick will help to remove blackheads, fight against acne and even freckles! Sugar is a great exfoliant and when mixed with the wonders of lemon juice the ideal facial scrub is created: Click here to read my sugar-based home-made body scrub.

All you need is:

Sugar: It can be ordinary sugar, however natural/organic is better to avoid chemicals.

A Lemon

    or

Organic Lemon Juice

Cotton Pads

Steps:

• Firstly wet your face with warm water (when washing your face always use warm water at the beginning to open your pores: this will clean out your pores and prevent build-up which can lead to spots and blackheads). 
• Soak the cotton pad with lemon juice (squeezed from the lemon or tub). 
• Put a small tea-spoon of sugar on-top of the cotton pad and rub in light, circular motions on your face. Note: the most important areas to concentrate on are around the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin) as these are the areas that commonly build-up blocked pores and breakouts.
• Rinse your face-ensuring the last rinse is with cold water to close the pores once again (you don't want to leave the pores open as germs etc can get in and cause pimples-ugh-y).
• Pat dry with a clean towel and you're done :)

I use this lemon trick maybe once a week or once every two weeks (sometimes I forget) It leaves your skin feeling SO soft and lovely, plus IT'S CHEAP! So I would definitely recommend. However, it is important not to over exfoliate as it can dry out the skin and leave it tender and sore=so don't do this more than once a week :)

NOTE: If your skin is very sensitive only use a very small amount of sugar and only do this procedure once a MONTH!x!

Do you know of any other lemon-based beauty treatments?

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

EuroSong - PlanetJedward

Hellooo :) 

Just a quick picture entry.

I was delighted to be invited to the Late Late EuroSong 2012 last night (Friday 25th/Feb) in the RTE studios. I was supporting Jedward to go through to the 2012 Eurovison song contest in Azerbaijan and of course they did not disappoint and will be representing the country later in the year :)

I spent the night backstage in the green room, where I met the rest of the eurovision hopefuls, and I have to say they were so friendly and nice and the competition was tough-while watching I thought it was really anyone's game. However the MASSIVE crowed of jedward fans outside the studios (-some of whom had flown over from the UK just to catch a glimpse of the bubbly twins) would lead anyone to believe that the boys would triumph in the end. 

I have attended many gigs and festivals some of whom for A-list American superstars e.g. the godfather himself mr Snoop Dogg and NEVER have I seen anything like the Jedward fans! they are definitely "Jedicated" and on another level! Hundreds of fans gathered outside the studio even though they didn't have any tickets to the show itself.. they simply waited there to hear the news. One thing is for sure Jedward fans don't get disappointed as the boys have a really relaxed and fun attitude towards their fans hugging and taking pictures with anyone who wants one. 

Here is a video jedward tweeted today which shows them celebrating with the fans outside after their win.

Love them or hate them I don't think anyone would be left without a smile on their face if in their company. They are SO energetic and fun and I don't think that can be denied by anyone.
Personally I think Ireland have a difficult time in the Eurovision as the East-European countries all vote for eachother (I guess the same way the UK vote for us and visa-verse) but I do think they did a great job last year and if anyone has a chance of winning it for Ireland it would be them as their fan base is so strong-I hear even in Europe.

Here is the song they will be representing the country with in Eurovision 2012:

Do you think the right song/act was chosen last night??

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

Tanning in Galway City / Tan Organic

Hellloooo :)

Coming from East Galway, and the countryside at that, I often can't get into town for my spray tan and  beauty treatments and I have visited Calista Beauty/Allure Beauty and Nails who are located outisde of Galway (Oranmore and Claregalway) on a number of occasions-they are great! Click here for my review on Calista Beauty.
However I thought I'd do a quick review on another great salon in Galway City for you city goers ;)

ChezElaine is a great beauty salon located in the Terryland retail park-which has it's own parking, however, it is also within walking distance of town and the Headford road shopping center!x!

I visited ChezElaine before filming with TV3 recently to sort myself out "tan-wise". The tan I went for was Tan Organic: TanOrganic is "sunless tanning the natural way". 

A Dragons Den success! This tan is the only certified 100% organic tan on the market! It contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin B to moisturize the skin and protect the skin from ageing! For me the best thing about TanOrganic is that it's ODOURLESS and DOESN'T STAIN YOUR CLOTHES! 

Definitely one for the health-conscious nature-lovers!

If you read my blog on Daisy boutique-which you can see by clicking here you will have already seen this video-however here I am wearing the tanorganic spray tan from ChezElaine which I found very natural looking-simply giving a sunkissed glow :)

Elaine looked after me in the Salon and was very friendly and cordial :)

ChezElaine also offers the HD Brow treatment which I did a review on here. This is great news for us Galway girls as with the closing of the Beauty Rooms at the end of this month ChezElaine will be the only salon in the city where this celeb-treatment is available!x! Other new services in ChezElaine include sessions on the Vibro plate-which is the latest invention for fitness fanatics and Medical Micro-Needling which is a therapeutic tool for the treatment of acne, scaring, aged skin, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. For a full price list and to see what other treatments are available in ChezElaine click here.

Keep up-to-date with offers from ChezElaine on their Facebook page and website www.chezelaine.com or to book an appointment in the salon call 091-539671.

Lots of Love

Shahira xo

A simple and effective Beauty and Health secret ;)

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash in as many posts as I could as best as I can. However I may not have got to this post yet or images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see below may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

...

COCONUT WATER!x!

Coconut Water is the nutritious clear liquid found inside the cocnut fruit and it is packed full of nutrients and minerals.

I LOVE Coconut Water!!! :)

I tried Coconut Water for the first time a couple of months ago when my sister was sipping on it and I was curious as to what it tasted like... I am now addicted and I am so happy that my local supermarket have now restocked it after it being soldout for a couple of weeks-it's BACK and in a new carton.

Why is coconut water a Beauty Secret??

....

Because...

of

the

MANY

HEALTH BENEFITS!!

Coconut water has SO many health benefits which in-turn act as beauty secrets ;) these include:

• Raising your metabolism-which in turn promotes Weight Loss.
• Boosting your energy levels.
• Effective in treating acne, dry and itchy skin, age spots and wrinkles.
• Detoxifying the body.
• Cleansing the digestive system.
• Aiding the body to fight viruses including the flue virus. 
• Balancing PH which reduces the risk of cancer. 
• Treats kidney and urethral stones.
• Controls Diabetes. 
• Boosting your immune system.
• Carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
• Keeps the body cool and at the proper temperature. 
• Regulates blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• and naturally replenishes your body's fluids after exercise. 

It's a miracle worker!!

A Celeb Favourite- Coconut Water is incredibly healthy and one of the best drinks to hydrate the body. It retails for only a 1.50e so no excuses ;)

Rihanna is the face of Vita Coco Coconut Water ;)

Pickup a can or carton today and let me know what you think :)

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

Healthy Pancakes YUMMMM

It's PANCAKE TUESDAYYYYYY!!x!!

Given the day that's in it I think it's fair to say that most people will be throwing healthy eating out the window for the day and eating their weight in pancakes :) perhaps feeling guilty about it tomorrow... not to worry here's a recipe that will help you to make ten basic pancakes while keeping the calories low :)

With this recipe there's only 66kcal per pancake

Ingredients

• 4oz/112g Plain Flour
• 2 Med Eggs
• 7fl oz/210 ml Semi Skimmed Milk
• 3fl oz/90 ml Water
• 20 sprays low cal Olive Oil Spray

Method:

1. Combine the milk and water
2. Sift the flour into a bowl.
3. Make a well in the middle and break the eggs into it.
4. Begin whisking the eggs incorporating flour as you do so.
5. Gradually add the milk and water mixture, still whisking, until all the liquid has been added and you have formed a smooth batter.
6. Heat a frying pan over a high heat until hot.
7. While the pan is heating,  measure 2 tbsp of batter into a ladle ready for making your first pancake (note how full the ladle is to avoid having to re-measure for further pancakes).
8. Once the pan is hot, reduce heat to medium.
9. Spray pan with 2 spray of oil per pancake.
10. Add the pre measured batter mix to centre of pan, and tip from side to side to evenly coat the bottom.
11. Check when edges become loose (about 20 seconds) and the batter has solidified, then with a pan slice, turn the pancake over.
12. Cook the second side for few seconds.
13. Remove from pan onto a plate and keep warm* whilst you make remaining pancakes.

*(Layer pancakes onto a plate with greaseproof paper between and place plate over a pan of simmering water).

***Note: The most important thing is the temperature of the frying pan and the preparation of the batter. The perfect temperature of the frying pan is when oil starts lightly smoking. It is the time to pour the mixture in.

Fillings:

Sweet:

Instead of covering your pancakes in chocolate etc.. why not try a healthier (still delicious) option :)

This recipe is prepared in under 5 minutes, is low in fat, provides 1½ servings of fruit and is lower in calories than 2 dull sugar and lemon ones*.

Per pancake including filling there is only 124kcal!

Ingredients (for 2 pancakes)

• 2 Pancakes - see above :)
• 200g raspberries
• 2 scoops / 100ml Vanilla Ice Cream, Soft Scoop, Light, Wall's*
• 1 tsp icing sugar

Method

1. Make the coulis: 
   Puree a handful (50g) of raspberries with the icing sugar in a food processor until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve to remove the seeds and set aside.
2. Fill the pancakes: 
   Place 50g raspberries in each pancake and roll it up.
3. Top with a scoop of ice cream.
4. Drizzle with raspberry coulis.
5. Decorate with remaining raspberries.
6. Enjoy!!

If you want to be even healthier you could leave out the ice cream or eat with chopped banana or another fruit :) Buying/making a fruit salad adding some icing sugar and wrapping your pancake around it is YUM!! :)

What do you like to put on your pancakes??

Lots of Love

Shahira xo

Daisy Boutique

 

Daisy Boutique is my favourite clothes store in Galway!

It's like a girls heaven!x!

This glamorous boutique is conveniently located on Eglington street in Galway... just across from the post office and Carbon night club. They stock a wide range of young and contemporary brands and it is definitely the place to pop in to if you are looking for something special for an upcoming event or party!x!

Daisy not only stock a range of dresses that you can purchase but also a "designer desirable" collection which means that you can HIRE a designer dress without the designer price tag!Stocking a wide range of celeb favourite brands from Herve Leger to Rachel Gilbert and Donna Karen , to name a few, you definitely won't be short for choice!! 

You can also stock up on celeb favourite jewellery brand Crystal and Co. which is seen here on Georgia Salpa when she entered the Big Brother house:

I popped into Daisy recently to get stocked up for a TV3 series and I was spoilt for choice picking out a wide range of beautiful clothes from an Electric-Blue Jump-Suite to my favourite brand Herve leger as well as other beautiful pieces. 

Rachel Gilbert Sequin Dress

Donna Karen

Herve Leger

The above pictures were taken by Saibh Egan and Make-up by Flora :) who I love :)

I only got the opportunity to wear three of the ten items I selected from Daisy on the telly-which I was really disappointed in because I was dying to wear all of them!! :) but never the less I got three AMAZING dresses in and it means I can always pop into Daisy for another event in the future and pick up one of the items I didn't get to wear :) Here is a video my friend Emma snapped of me before filming with TV3. My tan was a TanOrganic spray tan from Chez Elaine!x! 

I wore Crystal and Co. earings and River Island shoes with both of the Herve Leger dresses and Schuh shoes with a pearl headpiece from Pennys/Primark along with a pearl necklace (I can't remember where from) with the Rachel Gilbert dress.

I loved all three dresses however I think the white sequined Rachel Gilbert dress with the pearls was my favourite 'over-all' look :) which was yours?   

The girls in Daisy are really lovely and helpful and will be more than happy to help you to find the perfect dress/clothing item/jewellery piece for that special occasion so call in and have a chat with them and a look around ;) 

To inquire about a dress or contact Daisy call 091-533981 or send them a mail on facebook. The store is open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.

#ILoveDaisy

Lots of Love

Shahira xo

A Body Like Nicole Scherzinger

Last night I went along to the Nicole Scherzinger 'Killer Love' tour in Dublin with a couple of my friends. I am a massive Nicole.S fan and she definitely did not disappoint! She has to be THE most BEAUTIFUL woman I have ever seen in person in my life... She actually glows! Her skin is radiant and her body to absolute die for!! Her stage presence and talent is out of this world-she reminded me of the late Michael Jackson with the effort and passion that she puts into her performance!x! I was a fan before the show but it's safe to say I'm a even bigger fan now!

Something that really stood out for me while watching Nicole preform was her AMAZING Body! She is not stick-thin like you might expect a Hollywood star to be.. she has curves and a booty but she is SO toned and athletic looking. I decided to do some research on her fitness and nutrition routine-following my post on my fitness and nutrition routine which you can read by clicking here. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I researched her fitness guide as I found out that she has a down-to-earth attitude to health and fitness and I was delighted to see that her eating habits are very similar to mine!!!

Nicole goes by the moto "All in Moderation" this is great to hear from an A-list celeb as she's not following any "fad diets"... in fact she says "ignore what you hear about miracle diets and stick to eating healthy and exercising" this would also be something I live my life by-as I said in my fitness guide: I will eat some junk food etc.. and I don't rule anything out if it's given to me or it's there, I'm not fussy, but I just try to avoid buying it for myself and I "Shop healthy".

* I thought it was very interesting to hear that Nicole also drinks low calorie hot chocolate when she's craving something sweet!

*She also eats a lot of eggs-Starting many of her mornings with a boiled egg and brown bread toast. 

*She snacks on whole almonds (see my blog on 'Healthy Food Healthy Skin' here) and also raw cashews. 

(It seems I'm not doing too much wrong :) ha as these are also guides of mine)

• For lunch Nicole eats fruit or some salmon with poached eggs. This is where perhaps my diet isn't as good as hers as I normally have a wrap of some sort for lunch :) 
• For dinner again it's normally Salmon or Chicken with pasta. 
• She only drinks alcohol in moderation-she will have a glass of wine with her dinner or socially.
• Workout wise Nicole has always danced. She also does a lot of running and goes to the gym regularly-when in the gym she likes to keep the workout balanced doing a whole body workout-legs, abs, arms.. everything!instead of concentrating on one area each time she hits the gym. 

I think Nicole has it right! dancing is a great cardio workout and will definitely keep her figure in shape-especially considering the energy she puts into her stage performances. Her "all in moderation" quote means she never gives in and binges as she's not denying her body anything. 

Other than Nicole which celebs body would YOU LOVE to have?

Lots of Love

Shahira x o

Fitness and Nutrition

Please Note: Unfortunately this post was one of the blogs (pre.28th of July 2014) that suffered a 'Blogger' crash.. which saw all images vanishing! I have tried to replace the images from the crash in as many posts as I could as best as I can. However I may not have got to this post yet or images of me with products etc.. may be lost as a result and therefore the images you see below may not match the text(which is original and was not effected by the crash). My blog has therefore had to start fresh and all blogs starting from July 29th 2014 are correct with the appropriate, original and correct images but unfortunately the same can not be said for images lost in posts before this date. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Shahira xo

Helloooooo :)

Please Note: words which appear in red are links-you will be taken off this page if you click: not-to-worry videos appear at the end of this blog also ;)

Ok so I've decided to do a blog based around my fitness and nutrition as this is one question I get asked about all the time. It's a great compliment to be asked so I really hope that this blog will be of some help. 

Firstly:

No I don't take any diet pills, Steroids or ANYTHING like that! I don't take anything full-stop. For me it's not about just being slim or toned it's about being healthy. I said before that protein is the key to toning and I think some people thought that meant that I take some sort of protein supplement but no I just meant that it's important to include protein in your diet-I eat a lot of chicken :) 

I would strongly advise people to go the healthy route and not to take any diet pills etc... even if they are shown as organic, healthy and on sale in the local chemist they can do SO much damage-especially on the heart! I have an issue with my heart as it is so I would never be tempted but I hope that others would feel the same-it sickens me how this idea of a "quick-fix" weightloss solution is so strongly advertised on a daily basis. Click here to find out some more of the side effects-As there are LOTS. 

My Diet Tips:

• I have never dieted! Instead I try to eat healthy as a life-style. I don't buy any junk food-chocolate, crisps, sweets etc... simply because if I don't buy them... THEN I won't eat them :) If someone gives me chocolate etc...however I will eat it but I just make it my rule not to buy it myself. 
• I opt for brown bread instead of white and if possible I avoid bread altogether and eat wraps. I normally only eat bread as a side dish eg, scrambled eggs and toast. 
• I eat my weight in eggs-Starting quite a few of my mornings with an egg-scrambled, poached or boiled not fried. 
• If I don't have an egg for breakfast I'll normally have porridge, muesli or my favourite...Granola :)
• If I feel like something sweet I have a few alternatives and tricks to quench the crave: I'll drink a HighLights Hot Chocolate which only has 40kcal as a chocolate alternative. As a biscuit alternative, instead of perhaps cookies or richer biscuits I'll have a Breakfast biscuit and dip it in tea ;). I do the same with Choc.Ricecakes ;) These are all low kcal alternatives. 

• A healthy option for dessert is custard! I normally mix mine with chopped banana. I also love Rachel's Organic Greek Style Honey Yogurt I normally add a little extra honey of my own and again some chopped banana or fruit. 

• In my house we usually opt for whole meal rice and brown pasta. 
• I don't eat much meat-I do eat a lot of quorn alternatives: I'm not vegetarian as such but I try to avoid red meat and pork and opt for chicken or fish instead.
• Smoothie: I drink a lot of smoothie-innocent smoothies are a regular in our fridge (my fav is pineapples, bananas and coconut). If you're not a keen fruit eater than a smoothie is an ideal alternative way to get your 5 a day in. 
• Herbal Teas: I also drink A LOT of herbal teas, from green tea-to peppermint, chamomile and even nettle: They contain so many antioxidants and are great for detoxing and cleansing.

*To be honest I'm not too fussy when it comes to my diet-last night there was Ben & Jerry's 'Baked Alaska' in my house and I did eat it (and half a tub of it at that ;) ha). I try not to be awkward if something's given to me-a box of chocolates, dessert, or even regular dinners: I will eat almost anything but as a rule to myself I just "shop healthy" and our house is "stocked healthy"-so treats are rare rather than the norm. I also stay away from fast food-It's very rare that I will get any f.food: more so because I don't really like it rather than anything else... I only eat it maybe once every 6months or so. 

EXERCISE

It is so annoying when people say they "don't do any exercise" and that they're just "naturally like that", Ok maybe that might be the case if they are just skinny or slim but if they are toned then they are definitely exercising even if they don't let on that they are-more than likely they are getting out for walks, taking part in a sport or dance class or even doing sneaky sit-ups in their room ;) 

I do exercise and a hell of a lot: It's not because I want to loose weight because I am happy with my size but mostly because I want to stay in shape and keep it up. I work hard in the gym approx 5days a week-giving myself the weekends free. 

My Gym Routine:

• I always start with the treadmill-just because I hate it the most so I like to get it out of the way ;) -I do 20mins (10mins running & 10 walking) I run at 8km/hr on incline 5 and walk at 6km/hr on the highest incline (incline 15). I like to change this up from doing 10mins and 10mins to-Sometimes running for 5 then walking for 5 and then repeat: or other times I go for 2mins of each up until 20minutes. Switching between walking and running in a short period of time helps to speed up your metabolism and ultimately will give you better results.
• Sometimes the treadmill  is the only cardio I get in due to time restraints and I think it's more important to get a totally body workout in so I'll go and do my sit-ups and arms.
• When I have time I'll go on to do 10minutes on the cross trainer  at level 8-I do 5minutes going forward and then 5mins going backwards. 
• I'll also try to fit in the bike and do 10mins again on level 8. 
• Once I have as much cardio fitted in as I have time for I'll go on and do my sit-ups. I do a variety of different sit-ups nothing special just the regular sit-ups everyone knows. I like to use the bouncy ball- here is an exercise I do with the ball every time I do my sit-ups :) I also do this on the ball. As well as using the ball I  do regular sit-ups, the reverse curl, the bicycle and the plank. 
• After I've worked my stomach it's onto the arms-I tend to use the arm machines in the gym-with 11kg weight. I only spend a few minutes on this: 30reps per exercise.

• I spend 3minutes on the vibro plate-1minute of calf raises, 1minute of squats and 1 minute of forward squats. 

Exercise Classes:

When I don't have the motivation to hit the gym myself I'll try to take a exercise class-I find the trainer will give you motivation and push you to keep going and you get a whole body workout in in a shorter amount of time which is always good ;) 

• ZUMBA: I love dancing and for years I took hip-hop classes: It's very difficult to find a good hip-hop class for over 18s :( so sometimes I hit Zumba: Its a great exercise class that mixes a variety of different dance genres into one fun class-it's just a bit of fun and nothing serious so you don't have to have any dance skills to enjoy a zumba class ;)
• Ab Attack/Ultimate Stomach: This is a great class to work the stomach area and learn some new sit-up routines: With everything it's about variety as your body will get used to the same exercise routine and it will stop working. 
• Spinning: Spinning classes give a whole body workout however mostly concentrate on the legs-It is a great exercise class and you will definitely feel the burn afterwards (I felt like a newborn baby foal that couldn't walk after my 1st class, ha=you do get used to it though).

I hope my blog has been of some help

Happy Exercising!!!

If you have any questions on my workout or any other blog ideas email Shahira_@hotmail.co.uk or leave a comment below :)

Lots of Love 

Shahira X O

Beautiful Nails on a Budget

Heyyyy!!

If you have been following my blog you will know by now that I am your typical girly-girl :) You will also know that I love a bargain. This Blogs bargain comes in the form of NAILS!x!

I have to have my nails done nearly all the time-whether it's for a shoot, a casting or just a night out... It can be hard to find the time to travel to a salon plus we live in a recession so it calls for recession busting tips ;) 

I generally go for a french polish look-as I find that this goes with everything and looks manicured, girly and sophisticated. I love bright colour and funky nail polishes but it can be hard to find one that doesn't clash or take a way from a shot or look when on a shoot. 

For that reason.....

I am addicted to these:

You can find these french wraps in nearly every chemist and they are so handy and easy to use ;)

To start with you have a tip like this. 

• The best thing to do is to size a tip to each nail and then lay them flat and in order on the table ready to use. 
• You then use the glue (which comes with a little brush tip) to paint the back of the nail tip-only on the white part (as much as possible) avoiding the plastic part as the plastic is only used for application and will be taken off. 
• After applying the glue you press the tip firmly onto your nail sticking it in place with the white boarder flush against the top of your nail.
• Apply all of the nails on one hand-You will be left with extension plastic pieces sticking out from the nails but don't worry you are simply allowing the glue to dry before taking these off. 
• Once applyed to all of the nails go back to the 1st nail you started with-Using a nail clippers clip down on the little circle on the piece of the nail extension which is sticking out and then pull out the way. This will remove the plastic and you will be left with just the white sticker/nail tip on the top of your nail. 

The Plastic piece that comes off the nail looks like this. and the white tip remains glued to your own nail. 

• Go ahead and remove all plastic extensions leaving just the white tips on your nails. Then File the edges to ensure a smooth finish.
• Once you have filed away any sharp edges you apply the first nail polish which is the 'base sealer'

• Let the Base Sealer dry and then apply the Top coat. I normally apply two coats of each as I find it makes the nails last longer.

You are then left with manicured pretty nails that look like this :) 

Why I LOVE French Wraps:

I love these wraps for a lot of reasons-they're so easy and quick to use, they look like you've gotten them done in a salon and the main thing for me is that they don't ruin your nails or leave them feeling weak and brittle. They are more like stickers with polish giving the look of Gel-Overlays... there is no "fake nail" or nail extension as such meaning that they are only as long as your own nails already are-personally I find this great as it means you can carry on with life as normal and it's not difficult to pick things up etc... I am a real clutz when it comes to nails so these are perfect for me because there is nothing extra to bite, chip or brake. 

The French Wraps retail for aprox 12e and with this you get extra nails which means you will get a few uses out of the one packet. 

In my opinion a better alternative:

Although I have found myself using and LOVING the French Wraps a lot lately my favourite nail product which retails for only 9e is the Better than Gel Nails by Essence for the simple reason that they don't include the plastic applicator which means that the glue is easier to disperse and I find that they last for longer-Mine lasted 2-3weeks. 

This product used to be stocked in Pennys/Primark but they have now stopped stocking them and this is why I've ended up using the French Wraps instead-which do give the same look but don't last quite as long. 

Whether going for the French Wraps or finding the Better than Gel Nails on sale (If you do let me know ;) ) You won't be disappointed when it comes to the overall look of your nails and considering it saves you money as well you can't go wrong ;)

Would you try one of these salon alternatives?

Lots of Love

Shahira xo