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Wednesday 28 January 2015

January Favourites


Hello everyone, hope you're well!
January passed by pretty quickly, didn't it? I still can't over that it's 2015 to be honest.
Anyway, here's my favourite things from January..





Recently I've been wanting to be more healthy and get my body in better shape. I'm in no means fat but I would
like to be more toned and have better eating habits. Eating good food is also beneficial to your skin which is
another reason for it. I know Lucy Mecklenburgh from watching her on TOWIE and also I know about how she
has now started helping girls get fit and healthy by doing Results with Lucy. I was also interested but didn't
really want to sign up and pay all that money if I wasn't 100% sure on it. When I saw she has brought out a book,
I was all over it. The book is very informative and has taught me to much about food and exercise. It's also very
inspiring seeing other people's stories about they lost weight and did it in a healthy way. It's definitely helped
me to be more careful of what I'm putting into my body and made me more inclined to work out, not just to lost
weight or tone up but to feel better and more energised. I definitely recommend it if you're interested in losing
weight, toning up or even just wanting to be more healthy. Especially if it's only £7!

I got this in a set for Christmas along with the Tinglexfoliate Treatment and also the Thirty Mud Hydrating
Mask. I've really enjoyed trying them all out and love them all so much. This is probably my favourite one out
of them all. It's to help clear the skin or any large pores, blackheads and breakouts. I suffer from blackheads
and breakouts and my pores have never usually been a massive problem but recently they're starting to become
one I'm sad to say. This mask is definitely a saviour though. It helps draw out any impurities in the skin and
you can actually see it working. I really like the results so I'm definitely going to be purchasing a full size pot
and use it on a regular basis! The only downside is the price but I can see the mask lasting me a while so, I don't
think I will need to restock too often.

The second most favourite Glam Glow mask of mine is this Tinglexfoliate treatment. It's suppose to be a 'facial
in a jar' for immediate camera ready glowing skin. I will definitely say that I agree with this. When you put the
mask on your feel it tingle a lot. I don't think everyone will love this feeling as it's quite intense but I really enjoy
it as I know it's working it's magic! It's only supposed to be on your face for 10 minutes then wash is off and you're
good to go! I love using it just before I go out somewhere nice. I love that it makes me look glowing and radiant
and ready for a night out! It's the most perfect little mask every girl should have.

Now, I do love my original basics palette but for some reason, I've been grabbing for this one much more this past
month. The colours are new so are a bit more exciting to use than the original one which, I've had for quite a while
now. They're all natural colours too so are great for everyday wear and last all day long.

When it comes to nail polishes I either like a deep red or a nude pink. I got this one in my Ciate advent calender
in December and haven't stopped using it since. It's such a feminine colour and I love those colours. Its the perfect
bridal colour as well. I'm really into nudes and pale pink's at the moment on nails. It's so simple yet so elegant.
This one need s a few coats which, is something I don't love but I do really think the colour is beautiful on the nails.
I'm quite pasty at the moment and it looks nice on me but I also think it'd go beautifully with a tan also!

I love when I find cheap make up brushes that are amazing. I do love my Real Techniques and MAC brushes but
I love finding great little finds like this. I still can't get over that this brush was only £3! It's a concealer brush but I
like to use it for my lower lash line or putting colour in the crease of my eye. I have another brush from Wilko which
is a blending brush. they both are such good value for money and even if they break I don't mind buying another as
they are so cheap. I can't really see them breaking though as they seem like they are pretty decent quality!


               Film - The Theory of Everything

Song - Sia - Elastic Heart
                       Hozier - Take Me To Church.

Camera - Canon 700D
Photography by Sophie Ford
Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

Sunday 25 January 2015

Empties



Hello everyone! Hope you're well.
Today I'm just doing a quick post on a some of my recent empties.
There's not very many and they aren't too exciting, just my everyday products.




I try to only wash my hair every 3/4 days to keep my colour lasting longer and also it's bad to wash your hair
too often. On those in between day I use this dry shampoo especially for brown hair. It does a perfect job and
I can always rely on this to keep my hair looking fresh.

My very reliable and most favourite hairspray. I've repurchased this numerous times and will continue to do
so and it does such a good job and keeping my hair in place and smells great. I do think I think to branch
out and try some others though!

I started to up my skincare regime and I have started to use a toner after cleansing. This is the one I've been
using for the past few months. It did do a good job and I do already have one I bought as a back up. I do want
to see if I can find something a bit more 

I don't always wear nail polish but when I do this is literally a must have. I never have enough time to myself
to relax and pamper myself and do my nails etc. I've always got something I need to be doing so this definitely
helps speed up the process of drying my nails! Now I've started using it I can never be without it.

I've spoke about this micellar water on my blog before and I absolutely love it. I never really like make-up
wipes that much and always wanted something that felt nicer on the skin. Wipes never made my face feel clean,
whereas this just makes my skin feels so incredibly clean and fresh. I will cleanse properly after using this but
also to make sure every bit of make up is off as I prefer to cleanse twice. Definitely a product I recommend.
Even for sensitive skin! I' actually love it so much I have 3 back up bottles as I stock up whenever it's on offer.

I never thought I'd say this about an eyebrow pencil but I really love this one. I use to use an eye shadow powder
and an angles brush for my brows but it was a bit harsh looking I feel. This is very natural looking as long as
it's done with a light hand. I've always purchased a new one!



Camera: Canon 700D
Photography by Sophie Ford
Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

Sunday 18 January 2015

Products to buy in 2015



Hey everyone! Hope you're all well.
After just doing my last post about products I loved in 2014, I wanted to do a post on products I have either
been wanting to try or buy for a long time. I did a list of 10 products and I will be buying them within this year
(knowing me I'll buy it all as soon as I get paid!). Hopefully you'll be seeing these products in my monthly
favourites soon!




I've never owned a high end foundation before so I thought whilst I'm trying out new products this year, I will
add one in. I've had quite a few recommendations to try out this foundation. I wanted I try it for quite a while
now and it is pricey but I'm willing to invest in it if it's worth it!

I've tried every dupe of the beauty blender going but never the actual thing. I'm finally gonna give in and try
it. The dupes I've tried might be just as good and cheaper but I'll never know until I try myself!

As I'm getting older I'm starting to buy more anti-ageing products. I have no wrinkles now because I'm only
21 but I've alwasy been told to start early when it comes to it. I wanted to invest in a good thick eye cream and
I've heard quite a few bloggers/you tuber's say this is their favourite so I'm excited to try it!

I've never fake tanned before. Not fully anyway. I've always tried gradual lotions but never anything more
than that. I'd prefer a spray tan but I wanted to also try teaching myself to do it at home. St Tropez is quite a
well known brand and I've always heard good things from this brand.

This is the thing I'm most excited about trying. I wanted a new skincare product that was really good for my skin
and was also going to help with any acne. I saw a lot of really amazing reviews on this product and if it is as
amazing as people say it is then I'll be very happy! 

I literally can't wait to try these. Most of my brushes are from real techniques and I really enjoy using them.
These are supposed to be the next step up from their original collection and I don't mind too much about
the price as long as they're worth it. They look so beautiful and and can't wait to have them all sitting on
my desk looking pretty!

I've wanted to try Zoeva brushes for sooo long now! I think I'm going to be asking for one of the kits for my
birthday in April as they're quite pricey!

I'm a bit of a lipstick hoarder and I don't think I actually own any high end lipsticks which I'm shocked to even
say. I do really want to get quite a few MAC lipsticks. I've got a few I would like but I just think these YSL
Lipsticks are so beautiful and would be a real treat. They are very pricey but I would only buy one even once
in a while when I feel I need to treat myself! The packaging is also incredible beautiful. I can't wait to have
have a collection of them sitting on my desk!

For a long time I've said I would build up a MAC eye shadow palette and I'm still yet to actually do it but this
year I'm going to be getting all my kit together to start being able to do free lance make-up on people. A
good eye shadow palette with a range of colours will be a great little thing to put in my kit! I also want one for
myself too of course! 

I feel like my brow game is pretty strong at the moment. I feel like they are at their best at the moment. They
aren't perfect everyday, especially if I'm in a rush but I feel like I've been doing them for a while now and I
know what suits me. I currently use the Maybelline Brow Satin pencil which, I love. I wanted to try out
Anastasia products and they are the best for brows and I really like using a retractable pencil at the moment so
want to try out this to see if it's even better!



I do not own any of the images shown in this post.


Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

Thursday 15 January 2015

My 2014 Favourites




Hello everyone!
Hope you're all well. So, instead of doing a December favourites I've decided to do a 2014 favourites
because there wasn't much in December to show you apart from Christmas gifts which a few are
included in this! I know I'm a bit late with this! I'm trying to get back into the swing of things after
Christmas still!

I don't have tons and tons of products but I do still have a lot so I'm only got to say a little bit about each
products as pretty much all of them I have featured on my blog in the past anyway.

Enjoy!



Make up

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation in Ivory
My everyday foundation that gives me a dewy glow. I wouldn't say it's completely full coverage but it does
still give a decent amount with out looking cakey. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair
I'm sure everyone has tried this concealer before and I'm sure that majority of people love it, including me!
It gives great coverage and is so inexpensive!

Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer in Light
I love this concealer for under my eyes. I usually mix it with my Collection concealer as it gives a brighter
effect and helps cover those dark circles.

Rimmel Clear Complexion Transparent Powder
I don;t usually need to use powder as my skin is slightly dry anyway but if I'm going out or wanting my
make-up to last quite a while I usually opt for this powder. It sets my face make-up without looking cakey
or changing the colour.

Mac Powder Blush in Melba
I haven't really branched out when it comes to blush's this past year. I'm more of a bronzer girl but this is just a 
erfect colour that matches pretty much any look. This year I will be trying out more blush's though!

Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder
A bronzer that looks natural and is easily build-able. I use it for either lightly contouring or all over for a sun
kissed look and does the job perfectly!

Maybelline Brow Satin Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown
This is a new discovery this year and I'm so happy I found it! I always wanted to try out some of the Anastasia
brow products but I found this from Maybelline. It has retractable pencil one end to create the shape and a
sponge with the product on the other side to fill n any spare areas. I usually just stick the the pencil though as
it does a perfect job without looking too harsh. Plus, it's so affordable!

Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara in Medium Brown
This brow mascara is how I set my brows and it does the job every time. They aren't like completely budge
proof but they do keep them in place all day and keep my crazy brows going in one direction.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Another discovery in 2014 and I am so happy! This mascara is definitely one of the best I've ever used. Even
better when you use it with the primer as well.

Eylure Naturalites False Eyelashes in 020
I've started getting into wearing false lashes more. It's much easier than I thought and I only put on a bit of
mascara with it. It make life so much easier when removing your eye make up! Plus they give youe yes
much more definition. These ones are natural so I can wear them daytime or night time!

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Eye Liner Gelmatic in Intense Black
I''m not a big eye liner girl. It's not that I don't like it, I just don't always have the time to do that extra step.
I keep my make-up very simple. When I'm making a bit more of an effort I will put on eye liner to add a bit
of definition to the eyes. I've used this one from L'oreal for a while and I really love it. Once it's dry it's
pretty much budge proof! I find this one really easy to apply as well as I'm not the best at applying eye liner!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
This palette is amazing! It's literally just an all rounder. I've used it for my eyebrows in the past as well as my
eyes. You can create a subtle daytime look with this, but easily change it to a smokey night time look as well.
I like that face all the colours are all matte as well as I'm not a fan of any shimmer for every day looks.

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Eastend Snob
I'm pretty sure I'm the last to discover this lip liner! I've heard about it for years just never was really fussed
but gave in and I actually love it. I just put it all over the lips to add a bit of colour and it stays put almost
all day. It's very subtle but I feel it makes such a difference and defines my lips and bit more. I like keeping it
matte but some days if I want it glossy then I'll just add a  nude gloss over top.

Maybelline Color Drama Lipstick in Light It Up
I've been more daring in 2014 and wore more red lipstick. If you wear it right you can get away with wearing
it in the day time. I feel like it makes you look like you've made more of an effort, when all you've done is
add a red lipstick. These ones are long lasting, inexpensive and don't easily transfer. Top 3 things I want in a
lipstick and of course good pigment which, this definitely has.

Barry M Gelly High Shine Nail Paint in Lychee
This nail polish has been my go-to nude colour all year. It's so simple and subtle but looks so feminine and
pretty on the nails. I usually do two coats as I like the colour to really show. The only thing is that it does chip
easily but other than I love it and will definitely repurchase it as I'm running low.

Topshop Nail Polish in Ruthless Similar Here
Towards the end of the year I wanted a deep red nail as I felt it was appropriate and this was like about £5 in
Topshop. It doesn't chip easily and you can get away with just one coat but I always like to do two. It's a colour
that I just feel suits so many people and is so inexpensive. It does suck though that I will always find a nail
polish in Topshop I love, then I can never find the same colour again.



Skincare

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
This cleansing water is the reason that I no longer purchase face wipes any more. I've completed switched to
this and I don't think I'll ever go back. I feel like it's so much more gentle on the skin and really gets rid of all
my make-up, even the stubborn bits. It's so simple and quick to do. It doesn't dry my skin out and lasts me
absolute ages. It's usually about £5 but I normally stock up on it when it's on offer for about £2/3.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
After taking my make-up off with the cleansing water I like to go in with this balm to get rid of any left over
make-up and really cleanse the skin. It's pricey but so far mine has lasted me about 4 months and is still going
and I take pretty generous amounts from it. It's probably the most gentlest cleanser I've ever used. It doesn't break
me out, dry me out and doesn't leave any residue. It also gets rid of every single speck of make-up I have left
over which I love. 

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Cleansing & Toning Lotion
Through 2014 I tried quite a few cleansing toners and I've stuck with this one. I just feel like it helps with my
blemishes and calms my skin down when I'm breaking out. It helps dry any spots out with out drying my whole
face out. 

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Exfoliating Face Scrub
I used to be terrible with my skin care and never use to exfoliate as I had a Clarisonic so felt like I didn't have
to. I no longer use my Clarisonic as it broke as I've not got around to getting a new one. My skin can get quite
dry at times and exfoliating regularly helps get rid of any dead skin cells left over. I use to use St Ives but found
it was to harsh on my skin. This one helps with my break outs but it still not too harsh on the skin.

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
This is more like my no.1 moisturiser for the past few years. It's just so simple, gentle and doesn't clog my
pores. I'll always love this moisturiser and always calms my skin down is it's ever going crazy. The only
downside is that it doesn't have any SPF in it which, I would definitely prefer.

Origins High Potency Night a Mins Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream
At the beginning of 2014 I told myself I would look after my skin more. I'm only 21 but I've alwasy been told
to start looking after you skin from an early age to prevent ageing. I wanted a thick night cream to help with this
and this is what I've found and really enjoy using it. I'm still yet to invest in a eye night cream but for now this
one does the job amazingly and I always wake up with plump and glowing skin. It is pricey but I swear it will
last you ages!

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
I literally haven't touched any of my old spot products since I bought this. This is the best out there for me
personally. I've used spot treatments for years and yeah, I've used some really good ones, but this one is on a
whole new level. With any small spots, it will get rid of them within a few days. More stubborn spot will
take a little longer but it literally gets rid of them completely. I'm trying to get better by not touching them
and just letting this lotion do it's job.

Lush Mask of Magnaminty

This has been a favourite of mine for some time now. If you have oily/acne prone skin then I promise you will
appreciate this mask!

Mario Badescu Drying Mask

I got this to go with the drying lotion and if used regularly then it really does help dry out any pesky sspots.
Also helps if you gave an oily t-zone sometimes like myself.

GlamGlow Super Mud

I swear these these mud masks are my absolute new favourite. Like ever! This one helps in clearing the face
of any blemishes and breakouts and just cleansing the skin. You can literally see it working. It pulls out all the
dirt in the pores and my face has never felt so clean after.

GlamGlow Youth Mud

This mask is more like a facial in a jar. It gives this incredible tingling effect which, I strangely really like. It
helps give my face an instant lift and glow. Definitely one to use before an even or night out.




Hair, Body & Shower

Macadamia Oil Shampoo & Moisturising Rinse
I'm sure I've spoke about this brand in a post before so I'm not going to go too much into detail with this. This
brand is one of my favourites out there. It feels like it really cleanses my hair, especially after using any
products on it. My hair always feels at it's best after using these products. 

Macadamia Deep Repair Hair Masque
This is quite an intense hair mask so I only use it every so often, but when I do, my hair has never felt so soft and
thick. It feels like it's never been touched by a product or heat. I rarely use heat or products on my hair anyway
but if  have I will use this mask to help get my hair back to it's healthy state again.

Macadamia Oil Healing Oil Treatment
I usually use this one the mid-lengths and ends on my hair when it's damp and leave it to dry naturally over
night. By morning my hair is so incredibly soft and looks so healthy. It also smells incredible and I love it when
you can still smell it in the morning.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Brown in Dark & Deep
Literally my go to dry shampoo. It does the job perfectly and has a brown colour to it so I don't get the white
powder look on my roots. Can't really fault this product!

Schwarzkopf got2b Happy Hour 24 Hour Hairspray
Again, my go to hairspray. I've used it for ages! Probably before 2014 actually.. I do love it though. It holds my
hair for a long time, gives it body and volume and smells like pina colada!

Tangle Teezer
I have no idea why I never bought one of these before! This brush does wonders. For someone with thick and
long hair it is literally a dream. If you have long or thick hair, or both, or even just hair, you need to get this!

Denman Dressing Out Brush
I love this brush for back combing/parting my hair. It's the most handiest little brush and I take it everywhere. 

Babyliss Pro Curling Wand
Like I said, I don't really use heat on my hair but when I do, I usually curl it with this wand. I've had these for
years and years and I absolutely love it. I couldn't be with out it. It gives my hair the perfect amount of curl
and helps give my hair incredible volume.

Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion
I love this lotion for my body. I get quite dry skin a lot and I will use this after I get out the shower. It keeps my
skin moisturised and so soft for days and it smells like oats which, I weirdly like.

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Body Scrub
This is very similar to the face scrub. It's just for the body. I think it contains harsher chemicals though as it
stricly says that you cannot use this on your face. I never use to exfoliate my body as I didn't really think you
had to. Since I have dry skin I've been recommended to do it in the shower and does really help with it so much.
It also really helps with those bumps you get on the back of your arms!

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash
I'm pretty sure I've owned this body wash before it was 2014 and it's still not finished. Firstly, it smells
incredible. Seriously, go smell all the sugar crush products from S&G. You won't regret it. It also has lasted
me a ridiculous amount of time and isn't really event hat expensive. If you buy this, I swear you will only need
to buy like 1 a year. Maybe even less!



Photgraphy by Sophie Ford
Camera: Canon EOS 700D
Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

Sunday 11 January 2015

What I Got For Christmas


Hey everyone!
Hope you're all well.
I know I'm a bit behind with all this but I'm going to be showing you what I got for Christmas. This is just the
main things I got. I also got the typical alcohol and selection box's of course haha. some money and vouchers
so bought myself a few other bits on top of this but I might do a haul on all the recent things I've bought in
another post! Also, thank you to all my family for my present's. They are greatly appreciated.




These were probably my main gift. I already have a pair of Ugg slipper which, I love so much. These ones I
managed to get my mum to get them when they were on offer for only £40 and for Ugg slippers that's a pretty
good price! A lot of people might think they are very weird as they are slippers but also flip flops.. But I really
do love the look of them and I wear them constantly!

I have literally wanted this palette for so long. I have the Naked 2 and Naked 3 palette's but I just either kept
forgetting to buy it or I didn't have the money when I did remember. I ended up just putting it on my Christmas
list so I knew I would finally get it. I haven't got around to using it properly yet but I know I'm going to love it.

I wasn't too sure whether to even ask for this. It's very similar to the first palette but it's been getting good reviews
so I thought, why not? My younger sister bought it for me and I've only used a few shades from it so far. I love
the shades I used so, I'm happy I asked for it.

This is definitely my signature perfume. I've used it for years and year and it's such a distinctive scent so my 
friends and family recognise it as 'my scent'. Every year I ask for a gift set of it as I run out so quickly. If you
haven't smelt this perfume, you gotta!

I've never used this perfume before, but my older sister bought me the gift set as she thought I did. It's not the sort
of scent I would usually go for but for the days I want a lighter scent on me it's good to wear. It's quite a light
scent. It doesn't linger as long as my Alien perfume, but you can definitely smell it for a while.

My best friend, Jessie got me this gift set. She knows I'm into beauty and will appreciate anything beauty related.
It's a lovely little gift set. I absolutely love the colours, they're beautiful. They're very me! Thank you Jessie!

My younger sister also know I love anything beauty so she got me this leg oil along with the next product. I've
used it once and it gave my legs such a glow. A little definitely goes a long way with this too!

This is the other product my younger sister bought me. I use this in the shower on my whole body and helps
really exfoliate the skin. It's also helps prep the skin for shaving.

My whole family know how much I love Ugg. My dad went and bought me these Ugg gloves. I always say how I
need to get some gloves but cheap ones usually get holes in very easily. These ones are so pretty and warm.
They're also real leather so I know will last me a long time.

I have wanted to try these face masks for the longest time. I'm a hoarder when it comes to face masks. I've heard
so many incredible things about these ones so I had to get my hands on them. The fact they're so expensive is
quite off putting but the 'Gift Sexy' set of the 3 main masks is a very good idea. I'm able to try them all out at
smaller sizes to see which ones are best for me and my skin. You get the 'Supermud' and 'Youthmud' at 15g
each and the 'Thirstymud' at the full size which is 50g. so far I've used them all once and the results are so
amazing. there's nothing like any of them. I'm going to use them all a bit more and see which ones benefit me
the most.

My younger sister also got me this book from Bibbi Brown. She got me a Bobbi Brown make up book last year
so she thought she would make it a thing and get me another. I've not had a chance to read through it yet but
I can't wait to have a read through!

Chanel Sunglasses Case
This was a surprise gift from my older sister and her partner. I wear glasses sometimes as I'm short sighted and I
just have the typical Specsaver's case. She knows I'm a big fan of Chanel so go me a pretty case to store my
glasses in. I was pleasantly surprised and very happy to receive this from her.



Photography by Sophie Ford
Camera: Canon EOS 700D
Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

Friday 2 January 2015

My Ciate Advent Calender Part 4



Hello everyone!
Hope everyone's had a lovely Christmas and New Year!
Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. Christmas was a very busy time for me! Plus, I've not been very well
recently but I am back with my final post on my Ciate advent calender. I got quite a few colours in here I
know I'm going to love! Hope you enjoy!


L-R: Glitter - Glitter All The Way, Chinchilla, Members Only, Knickerbockerglory, Caviar Pearls - Ice Queen, Apple
& Custard, Iced Frappe, Sequin- Mistletoe Magic, Talent Scout.


This was 10 days lots of surprises from my calender. One of them being 3 mini nail files which, I doubt I'll use
but they look really cute! I got quite a few colourful shades that would be perfect for spring/summer months. I
got a few decorative things too. I'm not a massive fan of these as I find them really difficult to apply. I prefer
glitter polishes for an added bit of sparkle as they're much more easy to apply. My favourite is definitely
'Glitter All The Way'. If you saw my nail polish collection, you'd see I quite love a gold glittery polish!
I'm hoping to do a little post on all my favourite colours from the calender soon too so look out for that!


Camera Canon 700D
Photography by Sophie Ford
Thanks for reading!
Sophie X