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Showing posts with label Cetaphil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cetaphil. Show all posts

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

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Collective Haul


Hello everyone!
I've got a big collective haul for you today. I've been doing quite a lot of retail therapy lately which has
made a bit of a dent in my bank account (Whoops!). Some of these things I have wanted for such a long
time though and I'm so excited to share what I brought with you guys!
Hope you Enjoy!




    Recently I decided to switch up my skincare routine. Instead of using a face wipe to take off my make-up I
    wanted to try this micellar water from Garnier. So many people talk about how great it is and thought I would
    give in and give it a go! I see what the fuss is about. It feels a lot nicer then a face wipe. It really gets all my
    make-up off which I love. I prefer to use some sort of make-up remover before going in with my cleanser.

    I've been getting more into my nails over the past few weeks. I'mnever usually fussesd about my nails as I'm not supposed
    to wear nail polish at work and if I ever do, then they just chip easily and it's too much hassle. I really love stiletto nails
    and I love how my nails look when they're long. I never really use base or top coats but I knew I really should use them. I
    found this double duty top and base coat from Sally Hansen. It's such a great little 2 in 1 product! It definitely makes sure
    that dark colours don't stain my nails and also makes sure it doesn't chip so easily as well.

    This is just my usually hairspray that I LOVE. I just needed to restock. The smell of it reminds me of pina colada..
    anyone else get that?

    Another product that is one of my favourites. I've tried other moisturisers I just find myself going back to this one all the
    time and it lasts me absolutely ages!

    At first I wasn't too fussed about this mascara when it came out but after the guy at the Urban Decay counter told me
    how amazing it was and how Kim Kardashian used it for her wedding make-up, he got my attention! (I'm a very big
    Kardashion fan). After doing some research on it and seeing some reviews I just had to try it out. so far I am absolutely in
    love. I will be doing a review on this mascara soon so look out for that!

    I have wanted to try Mario Badescu products for such a long time and finally I just gave in and bought a few things to try.
    The price tag was the main thing that put me off which, is why I've only bought 2 products for now. This particular
    product is a targeted spot treatment for pimples and whiteheads. I've been using it for over a week now and I'm really
    impressed. The smell isn't great but it's not the worst and you do get used to it. It dramatically reduces any spot I have and
    helps calm it down a lot. It wont work on any cystic spots. There is another treatment designed for that which is
    the Buffering Lotion, That will be my next purchase!

    I bought this dry mask to go with my drying lotion. I really enjoy using this. It says you can use it 2-3 times a week. I
    probably use it 1-2 times a week. It claims that calms exsisting acne and prevents future break out. I'd say so far after
    using it a few times that it does do that. I do feel like it calms my skin down and it does help dry out any spots I have.

    Macadamia Natural Oil Shampoo, Moisturising Rinse, Nourishing Leave In Cream &
    I recently tried the travel set from Macadamia Oil and I really enjoyed it so bought some bigger bottles of my most
    loved products from them. Although, the leave in cream was an accidental purchase. I was supposed to get the
    moisturising rinse and wasn't paying attention and ended up ordering the cream instead so had to go back and purchase the
    rinse! I only realised while taking the picture for this post.. that'll teach me to pay attention in future I suppose!

    I love using these products. They leave my hair feelings amazing and smell incredible! They are expensive but I've found
    they they are so much cheaper on Amazon so will just continue to purchase them on there. 

    My mum did actually pick up some cheap versions of these in Aldi I think it was for 99p each! They're exactly the same
    size as these bottles as well. I will definitely be giving those a go and reviewing them to see if they are any good.

    After watching Barbara from The Persian Babe's skincare routine, I really wanted to try out this cleansing balm. I usually
    use the No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser but as I said before, I wanted to switch up my skincare products. It's for all skin types
    which, is great. I prefer to use a balm or cream cleanser as it's less harsh on my skin and my skin can get very dry so I
    want something that wont dry it out even more. I've been using the balm for the past few weeks and I'm so happy with it. It
    is very expensive but I'm hoping it will last me a while to make up for that!

    Topshop Nail Polish in Ruthless. (Not currently available online)
    As it's getting colder I wanted a deep red nail polish to get me more in the mood for Autumn/Winter. I usually use Revlon
    Nail Enamel in Vixen, but have ran out of that. I got this one in Topshop for £4 as I used my friends student discount. This
    colour is so gorgeous and it's that type of colour that will suit most skin tones.

    TK Maxx Gold & White Chevron Photo Frame. (Similar Here)
    I'm currently in the process of decorating me room. Everything is quite neutral with a few accent colours, with gold being
    one of them. I love white and gold. I think it's so elegant and simple. I picked this photo frame up in TK Maxx for about £7/8.

    Whilst I was in TK Maxx I found these under eye pads in the beauty section. I love TK Maxx's beauty section so much!
    you can discover so many great finds in there. I got these for £4.99 as they look nice and relaxing. I'm now 21 so I don't
    have any wrinkles but I'd like to prevent them for as long as possible and I thought these would be great to use if I'm ever
    feeling tired or haven't had much sleep! I've seen things like these for much more money, so I thought £4.99 was a
    bargain!

    So you know I'm obsessed with the Kardashians. Kim is the reason I purchased this coat. She rocks a long camel coat like
    no other! I want to start dressing a bit more grown up and I think this coat definitely makes me look more serious and
    grown up. Can't wait to start styling it! I got it with 20% off as they had a voucher at the time and I ended up getting this
    for about £50 including shipping.

    H&M Jersey Vests. (Similar Here)
    I'm getting into the habit of working out more, so wanted to stock up on some simple and comfortable pieces to wear. I got
    these 2 vests in H&M for about £3.99 each plus I got 20% off with my friends student discount again, so definitely got a
    good deal there!

    RBX Sports Leggings. (Similar Here)
    I also picked up some work out leggings in TK Maxx. I got them for £14.99 and I really love how they look and fit on me.
    It definitely makes me more motivated to work out when I have cute work out clothes to wear!




Photography by Sophie ford
Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

Friday, 5 September 2014

Back To School Make-up Essentials


Hey everyone!
Everyone goes back to school this week where I am so, I thought I would do a quick little
post of my favourite inexpensive make-up and a few skincare essentials which, can al be
purchased from most drug stores/pharmacy's.




Neutrogena Spot Stress Control 3 in 1 Daily Cleansing Lotion
I bought this recently and I'm really loving it. It says it's a cleanser but I basically use it as a toner. I use it after
cleansing my face in the morning and before moisturising then, I use it in the evening after cleansing and
before putting on my facial Rose hip oil. I'm prone to spots and get stressed often so this calms my skin down
so much. It's a great product for back to school as it can be quite stressful and who wants spots making it worse.

Cetaphil Moisturising-Lotion
I really love this moisturiser and would definitely recommend it to anyone! My one is for dry/sensitive skin but
I'm pretty sure they also do one for oily skin as well. It's about £7/£8 and mine has lasted me months and months
and I use it everyday and leaves me skin so moisturised and isn't greasy or oily in the slightest which I love!

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Lightweight Primer
I don't usually use primer as I don't really need it as my skin is quite dry but if I do need to use a primer,
this is the one I go for. It's very inexpensive and does the job perfectly.

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation in Ivory
This foundation is definitely one of my favourites. It gives such a great finish and is very easy to blend. (I use it
with a damp Real Techniques sponge) Plus the best thing is that it's only  £8.99!

Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer in Light
This is a great under eye concealer if you've had a late night. I like to use this with a damp Real Techniques
sponge and it goes on perfectly!

Rimmel Clear Complexion Transparent Powder
I use powder to set my concealer sometimes and I've always loved this one. It doesn't change the colour
of your concealer or foundation and I like the fact it controls oil and mattifies your skin as I can get a bit
of an oily t-zone throughout the day.

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow in Soft Brown
When you're in school I don't recommend going all out on doing your brows. I never use to. It's best to keep it
as simple as possible. If you do like to fill in your brows a bit then I recommend this brow pencil from
Maybelline. It's only £2.99 which is amazing and it also has a spoolie on the end to brush out any harsh lines.

Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara in Medium Brown
To set my brows I like to use this brow mascara from Maybelline also. It's tinted so gives a bit of colour. You
could use this alone to tame your brows if you don't like to fill them in. I like that it sets them in place without
leaving them feeling too rock hard.

LOreal Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara
I'm not overly fussed about having massive lashes as I prefer to look more natural which is why I love this mascara.
It's give length and volume but doesn't leave them looking like spider lashes!

Makeup Revolution happylips in Love Nude
I never wore any lipstick in school, but if you want to add a bit of colour to your lips then I recommend Makeup
Revolutions new happy lips collection. They have the lipstick colour in the middle with argan oil surrounding
it, so conditions your lips as well as gives them a bit of colour. They're also only £3 which I think is amazing.


Photography by Sophie Ford
Thanks for reading!


Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Skincare - My Top 10 under £10



Hey guys!
So I know a lot of you want to take care of your skin but we're all on a budget, so I've found 10
of my favourite skincare products under £10 to help you out!
Enjoy.






This is probably my holy grail cleanser. It takes off every single speck on my make-up
(I don't wear loads) and leaves my skin feeling amazing after. I typically use this with my Clarisonic
at night then just with a muslin cloth in the morning. Works beautifully with them both. I love it so
much, I've stocked up on it to last me quite a few months!

This is one of my favourite facial moisturisers. It's especially for sensitive or dry skin which is perfect for me.
It gets rid of my dry patches without feeling heavy on my skin and clogging my pores. It's so
lightweight and very moisturising. Perfect if you want a simple, gentle moisturiser and have dry
or sensitive skin.

I don't tend to use toner too often as it really dries out my skin, but if I have a lot of blemishes
then this is the toner that will dry those suckers out overnight! If you have oily/spot prone skin,
this is for you!

Another toner I love is this one by Lush. It's great at drying out pesky blemishes but as I said before,
toner's usually dry out my skin so I only tend to use them when I've got a lot of breakouts. Tea tree
water works so well at fighting spots and I can easily wear this under make-up. I really love Lush because
they use hardly any ingredients. The less, the better!

I haven't been using this face mask for long, but I'm already really liking it. It's great at purifying the skin
and is a great little refreshing mask. What I really love, is that is that after using it my skin doesn't feel
really dry. A lot of masks I've tried like this have really dried my skin out horribly and it's hard to
maintain clear and hydrated skin. This leaves my skin actually quite soft and I don't feel like I
have to go and immediately slather  my face in moisturiser.

This is my most favourite face mask. Whenever I feel a breakout coming on or I'm in the middle of it,
I will use this 1-2 times a week. It really calms down my skin and you can literally feel it working.
You can even use it on your body as well as your face.

This is literally a bargain! It's stupidly inexpensive and comes in a massive tube which lasts you ages.
I bought mine last year and still have tons left. It smells so minty and fresh and leaves my skin
ridiculously soft. It helps dry up blemishes, get rid of blackheads and tighten your pores.
For this much product at this price, you can't say no.

I featured this scrub from Lush in my most recent favourites post. When my skin looks dull and needs
a bit of refreshing I'll use this scrub. For a scrub it's really not hard on my skin and all scrubs I've
used in the past leave my skin feeling tight and very dry, but this scrub makes me skin surprisingly
very soft. I can't stop touching my face afterwards. It's leaves my skin looking refreshed and brighter.
Best used in the shower as it gets quite messy!

If you've read my recent posts, you'll know this is my go to spot gel . I do love my origins
super spot remover but this one is about a third of the price and does just as good of a job. I usually
stock up on it when Boots or Superdrug do a third off on Clean & Clear products every so often.
(Boots are doing one now so hurry and get it whilst it's only £3.06!)

Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (Nose Strips) £7.99
Every girl loves a good pamper and it's never complete without using nose strips. I've used these
ones for years and love them so much. They're inexpensive and do the job perfectly. Definitely
something I like to keep in my drawer whenever I feel like having a pamper!


Photography by Sam Clare Photography
Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

Thursday, 3 April 2014

March Favourites



Hey guys!
Can you believe it's April already?! Crazy. But I am excited because it's my birthday on the 17th!
So anyway, I missed February favourites (my bad) as I didn't really have anything that I was really
loving that much. I have been shopping recently though and found some new products that
I'm absolutely loving!
Enjoy :)





I love this moisturiser and have done for years. I have dry skin and it can sometimes be sensitive to certain
products. I do love trying out different facial moisturisers but I feel like nothing will compare to this for me.
It sinks into the skin so nicely and doesn't feel as if you've put anything on.

This was in my favourites of 2013 and it was for a reason. It's my go to spot treatment gel as it's so
inexpensive and so effective.

Out of all the ColorBurst Balm's I've bought, I've warmed to this one the most. It compliments my skin very
nicely and is so easy to wear. If I don't want it too full on I'll usually just put a bit on a rub it into my lips,
which also helps it last longer.

This stuff smells so good! I'm addicted. This will now be the only body wash I use. Go to Boots and
smell it and you'll see why.

If you like a good thick brow, go get this. It really makes me eyebrows look thicker and fuller and
keeps them in place all day long. I don't know how it does with water yet, but hopefully it doesn't react
badly with it because with this, some BB cream and a lip balm you've got the perfect beach day make-up.

I never use to really use facial scrubs because I have my Clarisonic but I feel like I need one. I wanted
something with natural ingredients and the avocado in this leaves my skin feeling so soft.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
So if you read my blog, you'll know that this is a recent purchase and I already love it to pieces!
I do love the Cosmopolitan sponge still but this one from Real Techniques is just amazing. Applies
my foundation beautifully and is so easy to use. This sponge + liquid foundation = FLAWLESS. Just
remember that you need the sponge damp before you apply to get the perfect application.

Photography by Sam Clare Photography
Thanks for reading!
Sophie x

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