The 'Perfectly Pink' Graduate - The Bio Sculpture Manicure

[That resolution to blog more didn't really work out as planned. (But isn't it almost a requirement to break your New Years Resolution by about 3pm on the 1st January?)

Well no more! I am planning to post at least once a week from now on. I have graduated from university now (more on that in another blog post and er... this post as well) and this feels like the right time to show this blog a bit more love!]

Now onto the actual reason for this post - my experience with Bio Sculpture. Touted as "the original ever lasting manicure" that doesn't damage your natural nail. I have to admit I was curious to try it out. 

Now as much as I love having polished nails, I hate the process of painting them. Even when I sit as still as a statue I always managed to smudge or dent my nails. If I miraculously make it through the night then they will chip the second I try to do anything like a normal human being. 

If I've had a special occasion in the past (think weddings and prom) I've always gone for acrylics because they stand the test of time. The only problem is what they do to my nails. Paper thin and completely damaged.

With my graduation coming up I knew that I wanted nice nails - all that hand shaking and diploma holding requires a manicure right? Right.

Enough with the build up - would I recommend it?

Oh yes yes yes yes YES! I cannot say enough good things about this system. I pootled on down to the nail salon on the 11th...

...and they are still going strong on the 29th! The only difference is the regrowth which is natural considering it has been almost 3 weeks.

The colour I chose is called 'Perfect Pink'. I wanted a true Barbie pink as my dress was azure blue and this colour was indeed 'perfect'!

Information:

- The whole process took 1 hour.

- It is applied like a polish with 1 layer of clear, 2 of colour and 1 clear. Each being set for 2 minutes with a UV lamp.Once the last layer is set with the lamp it is rock hard and glossy - no more smudges, dents or chips!

- Cost: £32*

- Colours: Over 140 different colours, from red to metallic to coral to green.*

For a full colour list click here

- Lasts up to 3 weeks

- Removal doesn't ruin your natural nail

*will vary depending on which salon you go to.

My graduation was completely crazy and hectic but in the best possible sense!

Photo courtesy of Peter

Shoes from Zara (sold out, similar here and on sale!) Dress is vintage but found on ASOS Marketplace

Will you be trying Bio Sculpture?

Harry Potter and the UK Studio Tour

Harry Potter, Cupboard under the Stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey

In Watford, the Harry Potter Studio Tour allows you a glimpse behind the camera lens. You walk into the large, unassuming beige building and are greeted by people of all ages, couples, friends and families. The one thing that unites us all – we flippin’ love Harry Potter!

The tour begins immediately. Even as you are queuing to show your admission ticket you are waiting beside the ‘Cupboard under the Stairs’.

Tickets checked you then shuffle into a room with everyone (I’d say about 40 people, it doesn't feel cramped or crowded) and they play a short film summarising the journey of the book and how it has become an 8-part film series and not to mention all of the merchandise that comes with that!

Doors then open and there is a small cinema and you sit down and watch another short film which basically lets you know how the tour will work. It is all very simple. You start off as a group in the ‘Great Hall’ and then you are free to do as you please. However, they don’t encourage going back into a room after you have left it. Make you sure you check out everything so you don’t feel as though you have missed out.

Now it is photo time!

We went just before Christmas and it was decorated really beautifully, although the food was plastic. Damn.

"You're a wizard, Harry."

Tthe original dress robes from the Goblet of Fire. Look how tiny Emma Watson's waist is!

Ron's dress robes...

Get wiggy with it

Illustrations for Sirius Black's tattoos

Dumbledore's wig

The stages of battle. Note the sleeves get more ripped/dirty.

Ron's bed and a tiny bit of Harry's in the background

The Mirror of Erised. Myspace style.

It ain't over until the...

Gryffindor Common Room

Invisibility cloak. What would you do with one?

Acid pops!

The chair was only a metre away from us, but they used 'force perspective' to make it look much further.

Professor Umbridge's office

He Who Shall Not Be Named. Or as I like to call him, Voldy.

Mischief managed.

Drunk on Butter Beer hence the blurry shot.
Just kidding.
Butter Beer is strange. Imagine an amber coloured cream soda but with a layer of cream on the top. Nice but very sweet! 

This section is all outside

They had to rebuild a replica of Privet Drive to be used in the later films. The number 4 sign is the only thing which is not authentic as Rupert Grint has the original!

Oh dear....

Not creepy at all.

Oh Dobby!

Diagon Alley

They finish the tour with a scale replica of Hogwarts

Sorry for the huge amount of photos but I couldn't help myself!

Information:
- The whole tour, taken at a leisurely pace, is about 1 and a half hours.
-  I didn't use the head phones and there weren't many people who did. However, if members of your party don't speak English fluently then I would recommend them, as the displays are written exclusively in English.
- There is a small place to buy food on the tour. It isn't anything fancy or magical. Just crisps and sandwiches.
- Share a Butter Beer with someone. You may not like it but it is all part of the experience.
- The tour is mainly indoors so only bring a brolly if rain is certain!
- There is a 'photoshoot' area which is really fun. You can sit in the Ford Anglia and pretend to fly over the Hogwarts Express or sit on a broomstick complete with Hogwarts robes. Hilarious but the photos are ermm... not the most flattering so in my room, in a box, they shall stay! For 4 it cost £24 which is pricey but comparative to theme parks I suppose.

I would thoroughly recommend taking a look if you live in the UK or Europe as there are so many original props from the films which you can't find anywhere else! A must have for Harry Potter fans.

Click here for more: Harry Potter Studio Tour