Collective Haul

Hey guys!

I've got a haul for you today as recently I've been shopping because I wanted to try out a few new products.

Plus there's some usual purchases in there I've picked up recently.

Enjoy!

Batiste Dry Shampoo Cherry

I needed to pick up a new dry shampoo so just got the usual one I buy as it was on offer. But, a few days

later when I was looking around Boots I saw that they now sell Aussie dry shampoo. Aussie is probably my

favourite hair care brand just because they do an amazing job for such a good price. You can't beat them in

my opinion! They had a few different types in their range but I recently coloured my hair brunette ,(I had a

little accident when trying to go lighter and it didn't really work) so I opted for the Aussie Miracle Dry

Shampoo Colour Mate. The point of this one I think is to use dry shampoo instead of washing your

hair so much, so that you keep your colour more vibrant for longer. I typically try and wash my hair

every 3 days anyway as it's not good to wash your hair too often. So far I really like this one! Smells

okay, not amazing but I can live with it. I have quite high hopes for this so we'll see how I get on!

Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion

Next up, I got another one of my usual moisturisers as well. This is the only one I use on my body as

I have quite dry skin and some moisturisers can irritate it and this one never fails me!

Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser & Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser

I wanted to try some new skincare bits so I picked up these two. I've only used them a few times and

so far I'm not really impressed. The Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser left my skin incredible dry, my lips

chapped and just didn't feel that nice on the skin. I have mostly dry skin anyway but I'm always prone

to spots. This just dried my face out completely and it took me a good 3-4 days to get it back to normal.

I haven't used it since so that's quite disappointing. My boyfriend however is spot prone and had oily

skin so I've passed them onto him to use and I feel they will suit his skin type better than mine. The

Charcoal Cleanser seems okay. It doesn't dry me out quite like the other one but I still don't see a

difference in my skin. I've also given this one to him. I think I need something much more gentle on my skin.

Herbal Essences Smooth Sensation Shampoo & Conditioner

I love the old Herbal Essences! Who doesn't? I've always heard bad things about them but it hasn't

really stopped me using them as I personally feel like they aren't bad for my hair. I'll usually only buy

these if Aussie aren't on offer or if these are really cheap. They're just nice to use as they remind me of

when I was little and they smell amazing. (I couldn't find the link to the shampoo :( but they'll have it in stores!)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Topped up on my favourite concealer! You know how much I love this, so I wont ramble

on about it! Bought 2 of them as I go through them so quickly and they're almost always sold out.

Probably because it's so good!

Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll On

I thought I'd try this as I saw it was on offer and I've heard good things about it in the past. So far,

I like it. It's nice to use and feels refreshing. I wouldn't say I've seen a massive difference. It just feels

nice and refreshing is all.

Simple Kind To Skin Facial Cleansing Wipes

Can never be without these babies! They're the best facial wipes of all time!

Honestly.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I wanted to pick up another one of these as my other one's getting a bit grubby. Since buying this

I've not applied my foundation any other way!

Nivea Pearl Beauty Gentle Care 48h Anti Perspirant Deodorant

I wanted to try out different types of deodorant and I came across this one as it was on offer. (can never

say no to a good offer!)  I liked it so much I even put it in my monthly favourite. So I went out a

bought a few just to make sure I was stocked up!

New York Cult Recipes Book

This book was bought quite a few week back but I really wanted to include it as I really love the recipes

in it. I do wish there was a few more recipes in there but overall it's just a really cool recipe book and

the recipes look amazing. By the way, none of these recipes are healthy, apart from one recipe for green

juice. So don't expect any healthy options in there lol.

TK Maxx Gold Decorative Plate (Similar Here)

I really wanted more decorative items for my room and my desk and when I saw this on offer in TK Maxx

for £5 I couldn't say no. I really love the gold on the white. It just looks really chic and pretty. I wanted to

originally put all my purfume bottles on there but now I'm thinking to put all my regular skincare bits on

there. I'm torn! We'll see how it ends up but for now, it's a pretty little decoration.

TK Maxx Purse

Another bargain in TK Maxx is this purse. £5! I've literally been looking for a new purse for almost a year!

My old one was from Primark and I just got so sick of having the same boring one. Any other one I wanted

was way too expensive, I always love looking at the bags and purses in TK Maxx. But I just love that place

in general. It's just a nude coloured purse with all the card space and things I need, because I have a lot

of cards. It's getting a bit ridiculous I even had to double/triple them up. The brand on the front says

'New Design' but I have no idea of that brand and nothing came up on Google that I could find so sorry!

Photography by Sophie Ford

Thanks for reading!

Sophie x

Collective Haul

Hey guys! Hope you've all had a lovely Easter. Today, I'm doing a collective

haul because apparently I can't seem to stop spending my money.. On the upside,

it was my birthday last Thursday and I got a lot of lovely gifts which I will

do a post on soon! 

Matalan Renaissance Style Framed Mirror.

I'm slowly re-decorating my room and one thing I really wanted was a mirror to go on my desk. I didn't

want anything too big or fancy, just something that fits on it nicely and didn't cost too much. I came

across this one from Matalan as I had a 20% off voucher at the time which put it down to £20 from

£25 so I was definitely please about that! It goes so nicely with the décor of my room and fits

perfectly on my desk.

Rimmel 60 Seconds Rita Ora Nail Polish in Lose Your Lingerie, Pillow Talk & Breakfast in Bed.

I really wanted some pastel nail polishes for the Spring/Summer and as soon as I saw the advert for

these I was in Boots checking out the whole collection. The whole of it is lovely but what I really

wanted and love is the lighter, pastel shades. They're so beautiful! I've had Rimmel 60 Second nail

polishes before and they don't exactly dry in 60 seconds, but they do dry a lot quicker than most

nail polishes, so I can get past that!

Herbal Essences Classic Silk n Shine Shampoo & Conditioner.

I needed some more shampoo and conditioner and I do love this one. It's cheap and smells amazing!

And let's face it, who doesn't love the original Herbal Essences?!

Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer in Light.

My usual concealer. You know I love it! I literally buy one every time I go into Boots/Superdrug

because I'm afraid of running out!

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in Shell.

This is also a product I already use on a daily basis. It's not the cheapest, but you girls know

how hard it is to find a good foundation that is actually your shade.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon & Fire & Ice.

I love Revlon Lipsticks. They're just amazing shades and so pigmented! Pink in the Afternoon is

just a pretty pinkish nude shade, which is what I've been looking for because they're so easy to

wear and just pop on. The colour I'm really excited about though, is Fire & Ice. I'm a big fan of red

lipsticks and I'm actually starting to gather a little collection of them. It's a bright red, which is

perfect for Spring/Summer. I actually think this is my new favourite lipstick shade, can't believe

I didn't find it sooner!

Topshop Lipstick in Petal.

Another nude lipstick I picked up recently was this one from Topshop. I'm not a massive fan of nude

lipsticks on myself but I do like this one. I have to be quite picky with nude lipsticks as I've got quite

light skin already, so most nudes on me just look like that thing everyone use to do in school, where

they put foundation on their lips as well, so your lips just blended in with your face. Not very flattering.

But yeah, I like this one! It has a bit of a pinkish tone to it and is very creamy.

H&M Sports Bra in Grey.

So, I don't really work out. I just keep buying more work out things in hopes that it'll motivate me

to work out. So far, there's been no working out but now Summer is coming, I don't think I have a

choice! I thought this sports bra was such a lovely colour and I've got tons of H&M workout

clothes and it's all so comfortable and stylish at such a good price. Now I need to start working out..

Topshop Vicscose V Neck Tee in White & Grey.

Everyone should have good basic tee's in their wardrobe. Men or women. I love a good basic white

tee but after one wash they just aren't the same. Recently I got told that Topshop basic Tee's are

very good quality and don't shrink like the rest of mind have, so I've purchased a few v-necks which

are so comfy and flattering. Now I just need to test them out in the wash and hope they don't shrink.

I'll be stocking up if they don't! Will keep you updated!

TK Maxx Acrylic Lipstick Holder (Similar Here).

I already have one of these but seeing as I'm building up my lipstick collection I just thought,

'why not get another one?' So I did! It's around £7 in TK Maxx but you can get them on places like

Amazon and Ebay. Just a very pretty way to display all of you favourite lipsticks.

Lush Mask of Maganaminty 125g.

Love love love this face mask. I just ran out of it so I picked up some more because it's so amazing!

It's just the perfect mask for when you're skin is acting up and your breaking out. Plus, I got told by

the guy in Lush that soon they're bringing out a new one but it's going to have more honey in it,

so it won't be as drying on the face, yay! Not sure when though, It's might even already be out. Not sure.

I definitely want it though!

Frozen DVD.

Everyone's seen Frozen right? If not, why?! It's so good and so funny an the songs are so damn catchy.

Thanks for reading!

Sophie x

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 Shampoo

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 Shampoo Silk n Shine

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.

Thierry Mugler Angel Eau de Parfum

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