Ewa Michalak Bra Reviews - Part 1: HP Nina Revisited

A little while ago I received a few bras from Polish lingerie brand, Ewa Michalak.  I'd experienced a few problems with ordering my corresponding size because of the european sizing differences but I'm happy to say that since returning my first order, I now have replacements to try.

Being between sizes, it was a confusing job for me deciding whether to order sizes to a 28GG, 30GG or 28H.  The brand being european also meant that sizes are not the same as UK inch bands, calculated in centimetres instead.  Then I'd read about some Ewa Michalak customers recommending to order the next size up from your usual size, so I had a lot to consider.

At the time of my first order I went for what I considered a straight conversion at 65GG, 30GG being my mid size.  As I wear 28 backs often, I expected the 30 to make up for the difference but it didn't work out as I'd thought it would.  Really, because inches and centimetres do not convert precisely, it would have been wiser to jump straight to the 70 back; marked as an equivalent of a 32 back on the Ewa Michalak website.

The first bra I reviewed was the sultry HP Nina, a sexy half cup bra trimmed with a feminine floral ribbon detail in a 65GG (30GG).  It was a relatively good fit but I felt it was just too tight and a little inadequate in the cup.

65GG (30GG) HP Nina

I exchanged it for a 70H (32H) hoping for a more comfortable band and more roomy cups.

When I opened up the package I knew instantly the 70H would be too big.  The cups looked enormous, even bigger compared to other bras in the box of the same size.  The straps were a bit fiddly to adjust (I had to ask my OH in the end to adjust it for me) but once fitted and fastened up on the first hooks, my boobs were quite swamped with a lot of cup space unfilled.  Compared against the photo above, you can see just how much bigger this one is.

70H (32H) HP Nina

The back was a really good fit, so the 70 (32) was the perfect band for me.  I know that if I remained with the GG cups then it would have been the perfect fit.  When I estimated my next size up from the tight 65GG, I admit I was a little too adventurous with going up in the band and in the cups.  So, in the HP Nina, a 70GG (32GG) is the best size to go for, when compared to my average 30GG UK size.

What I like about the HP Nina is that it's a more flexible design being the half cup compared to a full balcony which I don't always suit.  It provides excellent, reliable coverage whilst supporting a good degree of bust shelf.  It's very flattering if you're after a good, rounded shape with a flash of cleavage, and it's not too dressy to get away with wearing everyday.  HP Nina is a glamorous bra, perfect for fuller busts.

Have you tried the HP Nina?  How did you find the fit and sizing?

Becky x

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Ewa Michalak Reviewed - Half Cup Nina

Ewa Michalak Explained

Having heard of Polish lingerie brand Ewa Michalak on the blogging circuit for a little while I was really keen to try them out and judge for myself just how they compare to the bigger names in the game.  At first I wasn't too sure how someone not Poland based went about buying from them, because when you initially visit their website the language is set as default Polish.  However located at the top of the main page is an option to switch to English by clicking on the UK flag.

Once you're looking at the site in a language comfortable to you, the next task is to look for bras.  Something that is pretty refreshing and definitely unique to the Ewa Michalak brand is the immense range of sizes; all bras in the shop are available from cups A right up to L, from 24 to 46 backs (with some being tailor made specially for you), so fabulous news for everyone who doesn't like choice restriction based on your size.

Ewa Michalak website

You'll notice from the easy to navigate side menu that sizes are gauged as european, but UK conversions are placed along side the Ewa Michalak sizes so there's no need to worry about translating.  It is worth bearing in mind though that Ewa sizes aren't exactly like for like, as I found out for myself.  Often the bands are found to run small, and sometimes the cups.

Before you order anything you are recommended to fit yourself according to the sizing calculator found under the Sizing Help tab.  You are required to enter three figures in cm: your underbust tightly measured, your underbust loosely measured and then your overbust measurement, where you measure round the fullest part of your bust standing in a bent over position.

Ewa Michalak website - Sizing Calculator

Personally I think the calculator is very hit or miss.  The measurements I entered for myself gave me a very way out bra size result of 75DD or 34DD in UK conversion, which I just had to disregard.  It concerned me that it gave me a back of 34, when I fit a 28 or 30 back in the UK, translated as giving me a +4 fit which we all know is not the way to fit these days.  Which is why I say you should note the inconsistency with UK sizes and take this into account when finding your own size.  Judging by my usual 28GG-H I decided to go with 30GG which is a 65GG with Ewa Michalak.

Following three trials with some of Ewa Michalak's best selling bras I've come to realise that fitting myself for the brand isn't quite so simple.  This is the first of three reviews so you can see how I faired with them.

Ewa Michalak Reviewed

Having been asked which bras I would like to review, I first opted for the HP Nina, which is a gorgeous half cup.  As I mentioned earlier, I went with the 65GG (UK 30GG).

The Look and Fit


HP Nina is an ever so lightly padded black bra with silky smooth cups offset with three section dark floral ribbon trim and edged with pretty lace.  The ribbon also trims the side wings and continues up half way of the front of the straps making this part less stretchy to the back half section.  I find that the design of the ribbon in this way actually benefits the wear of the bra, making it more supportive and less bouncy.  The hook and eye fastener is 3 hooks wide with four levels of adjustment to play with.

I love the look of balconette bras but don't get on well with them, so when I saw the HP Nina looked very similarly styled but with a lower centre gore I thought I would give it a go.  It's fits perfectly for my shape and sits in the right place without nipping between my boobs.  I've not really worn a half cup before so now I know it's a good option for me.

When I first put on the HP Nina I was aware how snug the band felt; definitely a little closer than I'd usually wear.  It didn't feel overbearing so I decided to keep it on.  The cups felt a little on the small side but didn't dig in.  I wore it quiet happily throughout the day although I increasingly became aware that the cups were feeling too small.  I could feel the underwire prominently at the side of my boobs, which indicated to me that I needed more room.  When I bent over (sorting laundry for the washing machine) my boobs would raise up and try to leave the cups, creating a quadra-boob effect.

The Result

I love the look of this bra because it's quite sexy and modern looking.  You don't often see bras in this kind of design for the larger bust which is a treat.  The half cup design really does suit me being a close set boobed girl so this has opened up more options of style to me.

The downside really is the tightness of the band, and even more so, the smallness of the cups.  I feel if I increased the cup size to the H (making it a 30H) then I would have more room and it will probably reduce the tight feeling too.  So in this respect, regarding the sizing of Ewa Michalak bras, I would suggest going up in the back and up in the cup than your usual size.

Keep an eye out for more Ewa Michalak reviews to come.

Becky x

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From Head to Toe You Gotta Glow!

Being a great model takes preparation. It isn't all about sitting looking pretty for a few hours! Research, planning and practice aside, good grooming is where it's at. Without a well maintained base canvas it's very difficult to paint a pretty picture. I'm good with these analogies! :-D

Prepping your body to be the best shape for a photoshoot is something I can't stress more about. If we don't keep fit and eat relatively healthily then our skin and wellbeing isn't the best we can be, and making the most beautiful body you can be has to be every model's priority.

I was thinking about what rituals and grooming processes I always believe in and go through as I prepare for a shoot. Some are everyday mantras while others are the little touches that top the icing on the cake. Here are a few of what I consider to be the most important.

Skin

Conditioning your skin is probably of the biggest importance since your skin is the largest organ of your body. I like to use a natural bristle brush and 'dry brush' my skin, at least once a day before a shower. Starting from my legs I sweep the brush up in the direction toward my heart then brush my bottom, arms and then my belly. It's a great way to get the circulation going and it also buffs dead skin away which is great for avoiding in growing hairs. I have found this to be the best way to exfoliate.

Hair Removal

I have literally tried it all! Shaving was where it all began but since it's effect doesn't last very long I was soon looking for a long lasting method to remove my body hair. For many years I used to use epilators. They are basically home use machines that look like shavers, but operate like a series of little tweezers, pulling out hairs by the root. I long overcame the pain but ingrown hairs plagued me, despite regular exfoliation. I tried salon electrolysis but the process was too long and tedious - and the burning sensation was too much to put up with! I've now settled with waxing and my skin has vastly improved. Razors still work out cheaper but the effects of waxing is far superior. I recommend not to scrimp and save on cheaper brands as I find them ineffective, unlike the leading brand that works every time.

The secret is to find what's right for you; your pain threshold and your pocket. Trial and error never hurt anyone (hang on...?!) but it's the only way to decide what method you're most comfortable with.

Hair

My hair is officially super thick and strong. I know, Saks told me :-) It's also naturally wavy and turns frizzy at the hint of moisture. Using a shampoo that suits your hair type and condition is a must, as is using a conditioner every time. I would never bypass conditioner. I rarely use a hairdryer because I find it too harsh and overdrying so I prefer to tie it up in a bun and leave it to dry naturally. The next day if it's still damp I'll quickly blast the dryer so it's not frazzled. I also like to straighten my hair sometimes so I'll religiously use a serum to protect my hair and create a barrier. Recently I discovered a product called Argan Oil and I'm converted! It's derived from a Mediterranean nut and adds moisture where my hair needs it. I apply it when it's only towel dried so my wet hair absorbs the oil more readily. Some people may find it weighs their hair down, especially if you have fine hair that's maybe prone to become greasy quickly, but with big and wild hair like mine, it only does wonders and tames my mane.

Nails

I have never been one for long nails, never have and most likely never will be (unless you want to stick some fakes on me.) I love cute short nails as they make me feel neatly presentable. I like to use little clippers to trim my nails and I'll smooth the tips with a file. A good all rounder nail buffer is a favourite essential of mine because I can quickly move from filing to buffing. A nail oil or good hand moisturiser helps with sliding cuticles back using an orange stick. Nail polish can be drying so I try not to paint my nails unless I have a shoot on. Keeping my nails fresh and bare means they can breathe and condition naturally. Recently I stopped using acetate polish remover in favour of those small pots of polish remover wipes. They not only more efficiently remove polish and are healthier for the nail but they smell divine!

And finally... Eyebrows

Poorly maintained and overplucked eyebrows have to be my biggest bugbear - and also the most facial shape changing part of your face. Okay my eyebrows are not perfect (something a little black eyeliner won't temporarily fix!) but I've decided that what works best for me at least, is the more natural look. Looking natural doesn't mean leaving your brows to grow the size of shrubbery but it does mean trying to keep to your most natural shape. Using good tweezers - my favourites including Tweezerman and Ruby and Millie - I pluck away stray hairs that don't follow the shape of my brow. I'll tidy them up by plucking in between my brows (no mono-brow wanted here) and around the far ends but I try to stay away from above; removing hairs here can make a brow look wonky and may not sit properly above your eye socket. A good brow will emphasise your eyes and compliment your facial structure.

When I'm all washed, buffed, smooth and manicured, I'm confident in being myself which means I'm smiley, chatty and lively, and when I'm looking my best and feeling my best I know images from any shoot I do will look the best!

Becky x

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