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Tuesday 31 December 2013

2013 Beauty Favourites


Hi guys!
 I've been so excited to do this post for so long because there's so many products that I've loved over the
past year and couldn't wait to tell you all about them. There's quite a few products here so I'm gonna try and
keep it short and sweet!




Hair
Aussie Luscious Long Hair Conditioner
If it isn't obviously already then Aussie is one of my favourite hair care brands out there!
The Luscious Long range is amazing if you have long hair that's difficult to maintain like mine. With Aussie products I can get away with washing my hair every 3 days which I like as you shouldn't wash your hair too often.  With cheaper brands my hair just gets greasy quicker and when you have long hair washing your hair isn't a 5 minute job unfortunately.

Herbal Essences Classics Conditioner Silk n Shine
I don't know if I need to explain how great the classic Herbal Essences are. They make your hair smell so amazing and I'm so excited that they have brought them back!

Aussie Take the Heat Leave In Conditioning Cream
I try not to use a lot of heat on my hair if I can help it, but when I do then before blow drying my hair I like to put this cream through the mid lengths and ends of my hair just to protect it. It also smells amazing.

Aussie Miracle Recharge Take the Heat Leave in Treatment
When my hair is dry and I want to use heat on my hair such as a straightener or curling iron then I will use this rather than the cream as it's easier to use on dry hair. I've used quite a few heat protectant over the year and this is the only one that feels like it's actually working. Again, smells amazing.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Luscious Long
When my hair is in need conditioning mask then I will always turn to the Aussie 3 minute miracle range. My favourite is the Luscious Long deep treatment as it helps reduce breakage and nourishes the hair. I always focus it on the ends of my hair as that's where it's more damaged. It feels so soft and silky after I use this!

Got2b Happy Hour Hairspray
Out of all the hairspray's I've used of the past year I would say this is my favourite. Overall it's great as it holds the hair in place, it's inexpensive and my most favourite part about it, is that it smells like Pina Colada!

Batiste Dry Shampoo Cherry
Batiste have always been my go to brand for dry shampoo but I'm so fussy on the smell of products. This is the only one I like the smell of. It makes me want to put it on my hair even when I don't need it just because of the smell!

Denman Dressing Out Brush D91
Probably one of the best back combing brushes I've ever used. Especially when it's only £4.29. I also bought my sister and she loves it just as much as I do.

Skincare
No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser
I've recently blogged about this and it is quickly becoming my new favourite way of removing my make-up. Not only is it the most quickest and easiest ways but it moisturises my skin so nicely without leaving it feeling greasy and heavy on the skin.

Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion
This is the only moisturiser I will use on my body. I get dry skin so I need something strong that's going to do it's job. This does it's job perfectly and I weirdly love the fact it smells of oats.

Garnier Pure Active Purifying Toner
If I'm breaking out then after cleansing my skin I will put this toner in the problem areas and it will help dry out the spots. It also contains an anti-bacterial ingredient which protects against new spots from producing.

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

It's hard to find a suitable moisturiser for your face, especially for me. I am spot prone but have dry skin so I need something that will hydrate my skin but not be so greasy it makes me break out, which is exactly what this product does. It keeps my skin hydrated all day and doesn't feel heavy or greasy on my skin.

Simple Kind To Skin Facial Cleansing Wipes

Now I use my No7 cleanser to remove me make up I don't use these as much but if I'm wearing heavier make-up some days then I prefer to take my make up off with one of these then use my cleanser and I feel I get a deeper clean this way. They don't burn my eyes and they take off all my make-up very easily.

Clarisonic Mia
I purchased this because everyone was raving about them so much and kept saying how much better their skin had got since using it. I believe since using it my skin definitely feels better but I don't use it everyday any more as I felt it was too much on my skin so now I stick to using it about 1-2 times a week. It's nice for the times you want to give your skin a deep clean if your breaking out or your skin is looking a bit dull.

Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment Gel
This is definitely my go to spot treatment! It wont work every single time unfortunately but most of the time it will get the job done!

Lush Mask of Magnaminty
this mask is a recent find. I have wanted it for so long but always forgot to get it. I'm so glad I finally did. If you're spot prone and looking for a nice refreshing mask to give your skin a good clean then this mask is the one. You can literally feel it working.


Make-up
Maybelline Falsies Mascara
After hearing so many great reviews on this mascara, I thought I should go and give in the to hype as it's only £7.99. And I am so glad I did. It gives you everything you want in a mascara. It curls my lashes, gives them volume, length, doesn't dry out quickly and doesn't clump at all.

Benefit They're Real Mascara
This mascara speaks for itself really. The picture advertising it show you how much your lashes can change just from using this. I didn't believe it was that good but after using it, I fell in love with it. The only downside to it is that it's expensive and dry's out very quickly and when your paying almost £20 for a mascara you would hope that it lasted you a while. But other than that it's a great mascara and the Benefit packaging is always so pretty.

Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder
I never use to be someone who used bronzer much or contoured at all but this year I used some of my friend's Hoola bronzer and it's beautiful! Great for contouring. Just remember to blend, blend, blend! The only downside is that again, it's not cheap but will last you quite a while which balances that out.

Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me
These are my new favourite lip balms! When I'm working I don't like to wear much make-up but do still like to look pretty. This is perfect as not only does it help chapped lips, it has a pinky tint to it which I love. I will say though that if you have really sore or chapped lips you will probably need to use something a bit more stronger.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
I have literally used this palette everyday this year. I got it last Christmas and I couldn't be without it! I use the colour Faint everyday to fill in my eyebrows and sometimes I will use to rest of the colour in the palette on my eye's just to give them more depth. It's so handy to travel with and the colours are so simple yet so amazing. Perfect starter palette.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette
I only just got this at Christmas but already I know it's one of my favourites. I don't own the first Naked palette but own Naked 2 and I just prefer the colours in this one. They're so pretty and girly, and it's perfect for everyday use without looking too heavy.

Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge
I've spoke about this blending sponge before so I'm sure you know my feelings on it. It's the only way I will apply my foundation. It makes my foundation look flawless, even and is only £5. It will also last you quite a while as long as you take care of it and clean it regularly.

Revlon Nail Enamel in Vixen
My most favourite nail polish of all time. Seriously. It's beautiful. Revlon nail polishes are so glossy and I always get compliments when I wear this. It's such a pretty colour. I never use a base coat or top coat (it's really bad of me, I know) but on average it will last about 5 days maximum before it starts chipping.

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation
I've used this foundation for years now. I think I've probably purchased this about 10 or so times. It usually lasts me about 2/3 months when used almost everyday. I have dry skin and will always moisturise before I apply foundation and I apply this with the a damp Cosmo blending sponge and I wouldn't say it gives complete coverage but it's pretty close. It lasts me all day but if I get home and want to go out in the evening I will touch it up, but only in any problem areas.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer
I only purchased this concealer about a month or 2 ago and I'm so happy with it. Shade 2 matches my skin perfectly so will put that over any spots or dark spots and I will use shade 1 under my eyes just to brighten up that area and conceal any dark circles under my eyes. It creases very slightly under my eyes at first, but after I've blended it all in properly it won't crease at all throughout the day.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick Shade 1
My favourite lipstick of this year has to be this red Kate Moss lipstick from Rimmel. It's such a beautiful colour and can just completely change the way you look. When I wear this I prefer to just do the rest of my make-up very simple and clean otherwise it can look a bit too much.

Mac Powder Blush in Melba
Since I purchased this blush from Mac I haven't really used anything else as I'm not really a big blush person. I just like it to be pretty but simple. I think next year I would like to get out my comfort zone though and try out other colours.

Contour Brush from Real Techniques Core Collection
I love to use this contour brush with my Hoola bronzer and it fits perfects in the hollows the my cheeks and it helps me be able to concentrate the colour in certain places so that I don't go out looking like am oompa loompa!

Perfume
Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum
This is the perfume that when everyone I know smells it, they say it reminds them of me which makes me very happy! I've used it for such a long time and although I love other perfumes, nothing will come close to how I feel about this one. I love strong scents that last ages and this one does exactly that.

After finding the Alien perfume from Theirry Mugler, I wanted to see what other perfumes they had and this one I didn't really like at first. I felt the scent didn't suit me but as time went out I just fell in love with the scent. I feel it's very hard to describe scent's so it's probably just best to go and smell it yourself!

Zara Black Eau de Toilette
Zara perfume's are a lot cheaper than I thought they would be and I purchased this when I ran otu of every other perfume I use but didn't have tons of money to repurchase any. I bought this for £7.99 for a 30ml and it's a beautiful scent. It smelt really familiar and every time I wear it, it reminds me of my birthday when I purchased it.

Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Thursday 12 December 2013


Christmas gift ideas for
HIM


Part 2 to my Christmas gift idea post.


Paintballing for 4 £39
I think any guys would love an activity day like this as a present! And the fact he can
take 3 of his friends makes it all the more fun!

Nixon The Time Teller P Watch £64.99
I bought this watch for my boyfriend (Sam) last year. I remember he said he wanted a 
watch and after doing some research I found this one. I thought it was a very nice, simple watch
and isn't too crazy. It wasn't overly expensive and I just watched to make sure it was waterproof
also because I know how clumsy boys can be! He loves it and wears it everyday.

Long-Sleeved Sweater by David Beckham £24.99
If you're looking for some nice lounge wear for him then I suggest the David Beckham
Collection at H&M. It's affordable, stylish and perfect for the winter. The sweater I have linked
above is one of my favourite things from the collection.

Zara Leather Change Holder £19.99
Men seem to have a lot of loose change in their pockets and I don't know about you but
Sam seems to just take all the bits and pieces out of his pocket from the day and shove it on the
side table. Which ends up with me finding bits of change around the room. This is something 
that would sort out that problem. That's if they remember to use it!

Whisky Stones £17.99
If you have someone in the family that like their Whisky then this present is ideal. It will
chill your drink like ice would without watering it down.

Next Men's Wallet £18
I personally think a wallet in a nice gift to give to a guy. Also, it's very hard to go wrong with it.
Whether it's for your Boyfriend, Dad, Brother or even Brother-In-Law, if it's a nice simple leather
wallet with enough room, they'll appreciate it.


If he's into films then he's a few of my top picks for DVD's for him..
Man of Steel £9.99
Django Unchained £5
Iron Man 3 £10
Kick Ass 2 £9.99
The Hangover Part 3 £9.99
(Or you can get The Hangover Trilogy for £15)


Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Christmas gift ideas for
HER



I know most of you will already have your presents sorted for 
everyone, but for those who don't I thought I'd share some
ideas of what to get.




I can't not mention this. I don't know what girl who is a lover of make-up wouldn't want this. It's so pretty
and so far all the reviews for this palette and making me want it even more than I already did. They're
all new colours as well. Exciting! It's not on my Christmas list because I'm actually hoping to get it before
Christmas. Pay day couldn't come sooner!

I would LOVE this as a gift. I have already purchased the Drink Up Intensive Overnight hydrating
mask, which I love. I would really like the other so also seeing as they are best sellers and I've heard so
many great reviews about them. These masks alone are pricey (£22 each), so if you don't want to 
commit and get 3 lots of £22 masks then I suggest this gift set! Plus what girl doesn't love a face mask?

 I really like this cleanser and I know a lot of people who do too. If you don't have a 
lot of money or you're doing a Secret Santa then this is a great little gift.

Girls love their jewellery and I think this is such a pretty way to store it. It's very different 
to the usual jewellery box and I love the fact it's very 'shabby chic'. The compartments inside are also 
removable if you want more space, which is great!

Everyone loves a onsie. This one I've been wanting for so long. It's so cosy and so soft. The only thing
with onsie's is that they can be a bit awkward with sizing. This one is made in either petite, normal
or tall and then you select the size you want with it, which is awesome.
Perfect lazy day attire!

If she's into cooking then she'll love this. I bought it for myself last year. It has such quick easy
meals to do and I've also got the 30 minute meals. His cook books are so inexpensive and the
recipes are so easy to follow. Even if you're new to cooking it's a great book to have in the kitchen.

If she's into films then here's some of my top DVD's that she might be interested in..
The Croods £9.99


Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Tuesday 10 December 2013

November Favourites


Hi Guys!
Little bit late, but here's my favourites from November..


I am so obsessed with this scarf right now. It's so cosy and warm and I am in love with the print.
It's so big, so can be turned into a shawl/cape as well. This is definitely my winter staple! It's unfortunately 
sold out now so I got mine from eBay.

So, I never really use toner but when I break out I will always use this. It's for skin prone to
spots/oiliness/blackheads. My skin is definitely spot prone but not oily in the slightest.
I will get a bit of an oily t-zone but its very, very rare. I find this works really well when I break out.
It will literally calm my skin down and dry out any spot very quickly. 

I was never really into nude nail polish's on myself as I prefer deep reds and deep purples.
I kept seeing this one pop up everywhere though and everyone was talking about it.
I thought I might as well try it as it was only £3.99 and I'm so happy I bought it! It's a very pretty and 
legant colour. I've found that mine personally will start to chip after about 4 days
(I don't wear a base or top coat).

I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about the baby lips but personally I quite like them.
I like this one as it gives my lips a nice pinky tint without looking too full on and also moisturises them.
But if i have really dry lips then I will use something a bit stronger like Carmex/Vaseline.

I mentioned this blending sponge in my previous haul. I recently realised how much I actually
really love this. It just applies my foundation so evenly and so flawlessly. What's even better is
that it's only £4.99!

This product was also in my recent haul. I'm getting on with it really, really well. 
It hasn't broke me out at all and my skin feels so clean and moisturised after using it. I really like
using the muslin cloth with it because I feel like it opens up my pores and really cleans my skin properly.
Also, I've noticed since using it I haven't had as many spots as I usually do so that's always good!
I just wish I'd found this sooner

I had a bit of a bad break out not too long ago, so after cleansing my face I would use the
Garnier toner, then pop this gel onto any really bad areas and when I woke up in the morning it wasn't as red or
noticeable as it was before. The spot won;t vanish over night so don't expect it to but with some of
my really bad spots it was basically gone after about a week of using it morning and night. It's very
affordable and lasts for ages too!

A few of my favourite songs from November..

Photography by Sam Clare Photography

Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Sunday 1 December 2013

Haul


Hi guys!
So this weekend I did a little shopping and just picked up some
bits I needed from Boots and a few there things that I've
been wanting for a while.



I recently purchased this concealer in Shade 2 and felt it matched my skin very well but wanted
Shade 1 as I wanted a lighter shade for under my eyes. Also, I might be needed this lighter shade
for an all over concealer anyway as I'm so pale this winter! It's a great concealer and does
the job well and it's so affordable. Although I will suggest that if you have dry skin like
myself, then moisturise before applying this concealer as it sometimes makes the dry area's
a bit flaky and show up a bit more and no one wants that! I use Cetaphil's moisturising
lotion for dry/extra dry skin.


I've been looking for a new cleanser for so long and I thought I'd try out this hot cloth
cleanser from No7 as I always get vouchers from Boots and I've heard so many good things about
this product. I've had it for about a week now and I love it. It says it's for all skin types, which
sometimes worries me that I might not benefit as much than if I were to get a cleanser specifically
for my skin type. This cleanser is really lovely though. It's literally all I use and it takes off every
speck of make-up and makes my skin feel so clean and moisturised as well. It doesn't feel so heavy
on the skin or greasy and so far I've not broke out. So, so far so good! 


I needed a new hairspray and I've always thought the Got2b range is quite good and affordable
so I thought I'd go ahead and try this! It's pretty good and keeps the hair is place for a long time.
The thing that I weirdly like about it though (apart from the fact is hold my hair in place) is that it
smells like pina colada. I'm not sure if it's meant to or I'm the only one who smells it, but I really
like it! I hate hair sprays that smell horrible, it really puts me off them when they smell bad so it's
nice when they actually smell decent. If you've got it or smelt it before then, do you agree?
Or am I the only one?


I ALWAYS use this sponge to do my foundation. I have been for ages now. I always wanted
a beauty blender but they're just expensive and hard to get hold of and when I saw this a while
back, I thought I'd try it as it's so cheap and it looks pretty similar. I've never used a brush to
do my foundation since! It's great and does the job  perfectly. So if you're looking for a beauty
blender dupe, then here you go!


I've been looking for a more formal jacket/coat recently and I found this one from H&M.
I'm a size 10 usually but there was only a size 6 and 14 left. I tried on the size 6 just because looking
at it, it did look like it'd fit me. It fits perfectly which I think is because the style of the coat
is over sized. I'm glad I got it a few sizes down though as I think if I were to get a 10, it would
drown me a bit and I prefer things to look a bit more fitted. It's really warm and goes
perfectly with my new scarf!


So I saw this scarf in Zara a few weeks ago and wasn't too sure about it. I really wanted a check
scarf and after seeing it on so many people I thought, 'right, I need that scarf'. After finding
out that it's sold out everywhere, I found the scarf on eBay from a seller who has 100% feedback
and even lived in the same town as me. I emailed her asking if we could meet up instead on doing
it on eBay to save on postage. She said yes as it saved her posting it also and it's the exact one
from Zara. She's really lovely and a great seller. She also has more if anyone is wanting one!
Link to the scarf here.



Photography by Sam Clare Photography

Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Saturday 16 November 2013

OOTD




H&M Shirt (Mens) - Similar one here
H&M Leggings - Here
Primark Boots - Similar Here
Zara Bag (old) - Can't find any similar

Photography by Sam Clare Photography

Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Boots Haul




Hey guys!
At the moment Boots keep doing Advantage Card point
events and being the Boots lover I am, I had to go!
So here's a little haul of the bits I picked up :)


This is just my everyday foundation. I've used it for years and always found that
whatever other foundation I use I always come back to this one.
My shade is 003 Shell.

I use this cleanser morning and evening with my Clarisonic.
Its great for dry or sensitive skin. I like to use Cetaphil's moisturising lotion after.
(I have dry/spot prone skin.)

After hearing every Youtuber rave about this concealer, I finally picked it up!
I've used it 3 times now and I think it's great. the coverage is really good and matches my
skin tone perfectly. I bought it in shade 2 Light, but I may go back and buy the
lightest shade just for under my eyes.

I never wear fake eyelashes as I just prefer to wear less make up in the daytime
and very rarely go out in the evening. But seeing as I want to do make-up professionally
I though I should pick some up and start practising. It went better than i though.
They look gorgeous and really open up your eyes. They're perfect for an evening/night out.

I use the Gillette Venus Embrace razor and just needed to pick up some blades for it! 
The blades aren't cheap to buy all the time but it's well worth it!

I have my driving test coming up and I bought this as I read so many reviews saying
it helps to relax you before things such as driving tests, so I though I would give it a go.
Has anyone else used this before? What did you think of it?

Aussie is my favourite haircare brand and as I was running out on my last lot
I thought I'd pick up some more! I have long hair so I picked up the luscious 
long shampoo and conditioner. I usually pick up this or the miracle moist ones.

As it was 3 for £10 on Aussie haircare I picked up this leave in heat spray. 
I have the leave in conditioning cream which I put on my hair when it's damp. 
I like to use to spray right before I style my hair with any hot hair tools
as I don't like to put heat on my hair without any protection.  


Photography by Sam Clare Photography

Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Wednesday 13 November 2013

My Favourite Online Shops


If you haven't heard of ASOS then I don't know where you've been! It's probably my
favourite online shop going just because their prices are great, they offer free shipping and
every time I have a look they have even more new things. As well as selling their own brand,
they also sell other top brands and designers and the prices are pretty good too. I've always
heard good things from them and my sister and I both love it.

Missguided are a great online shop. They are so up to date with the latest fashion
and offer a variety of different trends. Their pieces are so chic and great quality yet so
affordable. It's definitely one of the best online shops out there.

So I couldn't do this post without mentioning my favourite place ever! Most, if not all of you
must know of Zara. Zara are on the high street but sometimes I like to have a look online
when I can't be bothered to go out or haven't had a chance to go in. The quality of Zara is
amazing to me, especially for the prices. Although some things in there are quite
expensive to some people, there are some great deals in there. I always get
complimented on things I buy from here and always get
told they look a lot more expensive then they are which is a win win, right?

H&M are another hight street shop but again I love going online as they have more options on
there and they also have a home section and I weirdly really love home ware shopping.
Like, I really love it. H&M are so affordable and I buy most of my clothes from here. I love
their basic section, it's about the same prices as Primark but I feel the quality is better.

Since Forever 21 came over to the UK I've been dying to go in but sadly there isn't one near me.
However they have an online shop! I'm always on here looking at clothes. I'm yet to buy something
from here but I've heard lots of good reviews on their clothes and the quality of them. I always eye
up things on here and just think 'should I?' but never do. I immediately regret it, so next time I see
something I love on there, I'm just gonna give in!

So I discovered Nasty Gal not too long ago and I'm yet to buy something from here, as
they're not the cheapest place. If anyone has bought anything from here please let me
know your experience. For now, I'm just eyeing up bits and keeping tabs of what
I like until I have enough money.

So this place is a little more on the expensive side. Payment is in USD but you can change
currency to GBP to see how much it would be. This is for when you have a bit more
money and want to invest in something a little nicer. I'm currently wanting a
Marc Jacobs watch I've wanted forever!


Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Friday 8 November 2013

Liebster Award




So my blog was nominated for the Liebster Award! It was nominated by the lovely Tiffanie from http://www.underthecoversofmysticfury.com/ or as she likes to be called ..Mystic Fury!

The Liebster Award is designed to give recognition to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. So it gives a chance for bloggers like myself to be recognised.
The rules
You must link back to the person that nominated you.
You must answer the 11 Liebster questions given to you by the nominee before you.
You must pick 11 bloggers to be nominated for the award with under 200 followers. 
You must come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
You must go to their blogs and notify your nominees.


Here's the answers to the questions that Tiffanie has asked me..

Who have you admired in your life?
Lana Del Rey. And I still do. She's not you're average music artist and she doesn't do it for the money. She does it because she wants people to hear what she has to say and I love her outlook on life. To me, her music is a lot more authentic and honest than what you usually hear on T.V.

What is your favorite reading material?
Honestly, I don't read a lot as I never have time, but I religiously get Cosmo every month. Other than that I own quite a few Lauren Conrad books.

What is your dream job?
Make Up Artist, of course.

How do you manage blogging in everyday life?
I don't. Ha. I have a job other than this so it's a bit difficult as a lot of it is preparation as well but I'm trying! I also procrastinate a lot so that doesn't help!

Where is your ideal retirement location?
Haven't quite decided that yet. I'd like to travel to a few different places when I retire though.

Have you ever visited a castle?
A few that are ruins from castles but I don't remember any of their names!

Describe an epic moment in your life.
Having my blog nominated for this was pretty epic.. :)

What is your favorite holiday?
Disney Land Paris when I was a child, for sure!

Has a movie/film ever changed your views on a particular subject?
I studied film in college so had to learn to read into films and have views and opinions on them and discuss them afterwards. At the time I thought it was stupid and pointless but it is nice to have a discussion about it afterwards to see other peoples views on it.
I watched Prisoners recently and that really hit me. I felt extremely upset afterwards and even though I know it was based on true events and it happens all the time, to me I couldn't quite believe that someone would do that and things like that happen in the world. That film really stuck with me.

What are your thoughts on true love/soul mates?
I'm not sure about soul mates. I don't not believe in it, but for me I just feel like you can love people in life but there's one person that everyone is just meant to be with.

One word to describe your favourite teachers or boos.
Protective.


My list of Liebster Awards

My questions
Why did you start blogging?
Who is your favourite blogger and why?
A good piece of advice you've picked up.
Best film you've seen this year and why?
Who is your biggest influence in life and why?
Worst habit?
What makes you happy?
Favourite song right now?
Name a song or film you secretly love.
Where would you visit in the world if you could?
What relaxes you?


Thank you for reading!

Sophie x