April Favourites

Hello everyone! Hope you're all well.

Today I'm doing my April favourites. April is my favourite month as, it's my birthday and my mums

birthday and I love Easter and it's when it starts to get warmer too! I got a few gifts which made it in to

my favourites this month, and also some things that are new thing I've tried!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Series Contour Kit in Medium/Tan

I'm literally converted! I'm a contour junkie. I never thought much of it and wasn't fussed about it really. Then
I saw how it can really define your face and enhance some of your best features. I don't use it every single day
but I will put it on if I have time to do it.

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

This stuff is just incredible. It gets rid of under the skin spots (basically the ones you cant squeeze). I get a lot of
spots on my forehead usually. I just put this on my whole face so it covers even the normal spots/blemishes,
and it dramatically reduces the appearance and redness of them. I see results after one night. You do have to
use it consistently though to speed up the healing process. It is pricey but I don't think I could be without this
now after seeing the results it gives me.

Zara White Eau De Toilette

I got this as a gift for my birthday from my beautiful best friend Emma. This perfume is literally the perfect
summer fragrance! She has good taste!

Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry Vanilla Hairspray

This has become my new favourite hairspray! (hence why it's in my faves..) It holds my hair in place without
making it sticky or knotty. The smell of it does remind me of iced gems but I don't mind that too much.

Mac Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe

I'm currently building my first Mac palette so I've been researching shades that go well with green/blue eyes
which, is what colour I have. I want it to be a neutrals palette so, it's basically a good everyday palette. This
one compliments my eye colour so much and isn't too heavy, but you can easily make it more darker and smokey
if you want to.

Mac Lipstick in Lovelorn

This was also a gift from Emma. My first Mac lipstick and I love it. Suits my skin tone perfectly. It's like a nude
pink. I'm not great at describing colours but it's basically not too bright but has enough colour to give your
lips a nice pop.

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Light/Medium
I've become a fake tan addict! I love it so much. It makes me feels so much better about my body. I do feel like
I'm able to wear more things when I have a nice tan. this one is idiot free because, if I can apply it evenly and
look like I've been on holiday for 2 weeks, then anyone can! It's quite a decent price too for how much you get.
It doesn't wash off easily and doesn't make you look orange at all. I'll be doing a tanning routine soon, so look
out for that!


Camera: Canon EOS 700D
Photography by Sophie Ford

Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

What I Got For My Birthday

Hello everyone! Hope you're all well.

On Friday 17th it was my 22nd birthday! I had such a lovely weekend celebrating.

On the Friday I went to London with my mum and got a few things with my birthday money.

I got gifts from my family and friends also I wanted to show you. (Also, just to say I appreciate

everything I got from everyone for my birthday and thank you all!)

Hope you enjoy!

Toshiba 32 inch Smart HD Ready Freeview LED TV

My mum got me this as my big gift as, I've had a 15 inch or something silly in my room for the past 4/5

years so, I was definitely in need of an upgrade!

Mac Lipstick in Lovelorn

I got this lipstick from my best friend Emma. This is actually my first Mac lipstick too. 

t's a beautiful colour and I'm actually obsessed with it! Thank you Em!

Zara White Perfume

I also got this from Emma! It's such a refreshing scent and is perfume for summer.

Mac Gift Card

I got this gift card from my older sister as she knows I love Mac! Thank you Amy.

Forever 21 Sunglasses

I'm getting summer ready so wanted to add a pretty pair of sunglasses to my collection. These look so

much more expensive than they really are. 

Forever 21 Classic V-Neck in White & Grey

I'm a little bit obsessed with v-necks. I got one from forever 21 a while ago and it's such great quality so, I

had to stock up on some of my favourite colours. I actually got 2 white and 2 grey ones as they are only £3 each!

I kind of wish I got even more now too for that price.

Forever 21 Khaki Shorts

These shorts are perfect for summer as they are lightweight, and I love this colour against a nice tan!

Forever 21 Hat

I'm starting to change how I dress as I get older. I've always loved hats like this and they do actually suit me. I

just needed the courage to wear them. I just picked it up and though 'What the hell'. If I don't do it now I never

will. I'm really glad I bought it as I really love it!

VS PINK Flip Flops

I went in Victoria's Secret and pretty much wanted the whole store. I did resist and just look at the Pink range. I

loved it all so much but, I think if I get any more lounge or gym wear I could open up shop! I just got some cute

flip flops that are a very pretty summery colour!

Bershka White Jeans (Not pictured)

I wanted white jeans for ages! I wasnt sure if I wanted ripped ones though. I saw these in Bershka which, have

one little rip in one of the knees and though it was the perfect amount. They're such a great summer staple. I am

worried or getting them dirty though as I'm THE clumsiest person.

Bershka White Ripped Shorts

I also wanted a white pair of denim shorts. I think they would be perfect over a bikini with a tank top. Perfect

cute summer outfit!

Camera: Canon EOS 700D

Photography by Sophie Ford

Thanks for reading!

Sophie X

Simple Sunday Easter Make up

Hello everyone, hope you're all well. 

Usually I have Sundays off so either wear no make up or just do something very simple.

As it's Easter Sunday I wanted to make a bit more of an effort and this is the results!

Hope you enjoy!

Products Used

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream

The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation in Cameo

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Maybelline Brow Satin Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara in Medium Brown

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

MAC Powder Blush in Melba

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Eastend Snob (Worn but not pictured)

Camera: Canon EOS 700D

Photography by Sophie Ford

Thanks for reading!

Sophie X

Haul

Hello everyone! Hope you're all well.

Today I'm doing a little haul of some thing I've picked up recently. I hadn't gone to Boots

in a while so took a well needed trip! I also went into my other favourite shop TK Maxx.

TK Maxx 'Make Things Happen' Journal (Similar Here)

I like to keep positive quotes around me and on all my notebooks and journals and when I saw this in TK

Maxx I just had to have it whatever it cost. Luckily it was only around £7 anyway! I always look out for things

like this Tk Maxx as they always have great little things like this to just have on my desk and look pretty and

help put me in a good mood when I read them.

TK Maxx Bon Bon Jar (Similar Here)

I've been looking for a jar like this for ages! I saw one in Debenhams for £20 and had it on my 'to buy' list. Then

I thought I'd have a look in here too as they always have good little bits like this and I found this. It was the last

one on the shelf and only for £8 so I picked it up straight away! It's exactly what I've been looking for to store

my make up sponges on my desk. It's such a pretty way to store them and keeps them all together.

TK Maxx Print 'don't let anyone ever dull your sparkle'.

I've seen a lot of cute prints on Etsy recently that are very similar to this, and I wanted to put some of them in

frames and hang them around my desk, where I blog. As I said before I like seeing positive quotes around me.

This came with the frame already and cost about £16 which, is similar price if  I bought just the print from a shop

on Etsy.

Mac Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette/Insert/'Sable' e/s

I've decided I'm starting my Mac eye shadow palette. I've been saying I'll do it for so long and I finally just

bought it and my first shadow to go with it. I bought 'sable' as I have green/ blue eyes and this colour really

compliments green eyes, It's such an easy colour to wear as well.

Garnier Pure Avtive Micellar Cleansing Water

If you read my blog, you'll know I love Garnier's micellar water for removing my make-up. This one recently

came out from their 'pure active' range and it's specially for oily/combination skin. The other one I believe is

for all skin types. I'm excited to try it and see if it's any good or better than my other one!

Bold Metals Collection by Real Techniques 301 Flat Contour

I've been lusting over the new Bold Metals collection ever since it came out and I was so eager to try them all

out but they are more pricey than their original collection so I've limited myself to buying one brush every

month or every other month. I was most interested in the flat contour brush. From the reviews I've watched/read

everyone is recommending this one the most so I was most excited to try it. So far I love the way it looks and

feels and I hope it's as good as everyone is saying!

Dove Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray

I watched Amelia Liana's January favourites video and she mentioned this root lifting spray from Dove. I usually

just use hairspray to get volume but don't like to do it If I can help it. I' wanted something less harsh, and something

that didn't make my roots greasy. I picked it up as I always love products she recommends and it was on offer. I've

used it once and it actually seems pretty good so far. I'll let you know how I get on with it though after more uses!

Garnier BB Cream + Blur in Light

This is another recommendation but from The Londoner. I wanted to be wearing something to help my skin tone

appear better but, nothing heavy. Just to wear on days I can't be bothered. Her skin always looks so beautiful and

glowy so I definitely had to buy it. So far I really like how it doesn't feel heavy and really evens out my skin tone

and texture.

(The post she mentions it)

LOreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint Foundation in 110 Warm Ivory

I'm trying more foundations and BB creams at the moment and I've actually wanted to try this one for quite a

while and as it was only £6.99 in Tesco I thought I might as well! The colour actually suits me extremely well

and feels so lightweight on the skin. 

Jolen Mild Cream Bleach

This was another recommendation from Amelia Liana. I've not tried it yet but I'm hoping it's less harsh than

waxing or shaving.

Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel in Check Mate

I wanted a new nude colour to wear with the new nails I bought and I love Revlon polish's. This one looks so

natural and pretty and suits my skin tone quite well. I've worn it almost a week and no chips! That's without a

top coat as well!!

Elegant Touch Totally Bare Stiletto & Oval

I really love long nails and wanted to get acrylics but wanted to try out a cheaper version first before I commit.

I'm totally in love. Below is a picture of what they look like on me. They look so natural and aren't too hard to

do every day tasks with. I've had one nail come off but I expected that. I work in retail so I'm doing things all

the time and they haven't come off whilst at work so not too bad for under a £5 for a pack! Plus it's 3 for 2 at Boots

at the moment.

Elegant Touch Totally Bare in Oval with Revlon 'Check Mate'

(Sorry for the the flash in the first picture!)

Camera: Canon EOS 700D

Photography by Sophie Ford

Thanks for reading!

Sophie X

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!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

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!

Beauty Blender

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!

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

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!

St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

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.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

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! 

Real Techniques Bold Metal Brushes

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!

Zoeva Brushes

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!

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick

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!

MAC Cosmetics Pro Palette

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! 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

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

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

My Everyday Make-up Routine

Hey guys, hope you're doing well.

Today I'm going to show you what products I use for my everyday make-up routine.

Hi Sam :)

Firstly I start with a freshly cleansed face. I apply my favourite face moisturiser, Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion.
Then I apply Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in Shell over my whole face with a damp Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
Once that's all evenly applied. I put some Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair underneath
my eyes and over any blemishes. I then blend again with my
Real Techniques Sponge. 

Then I brush out my eyebrows with my Tweezerman for Benefit Retractable Brow Brush.
Using a MAC 266 small Angle Brush I dip it into the shade 'Faint' in my Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
which I fill my eyebrows in with. I then brush through them again with my Brow Brush to get rid of any
harsh lines and make them look more natural. On top I put on Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting
Mascara in Medium Brown to keep them in place.

I pop on some of my favourite drugstore mascara, Maybelline The Volum Express Falsies Flared Mascara.
Lastly, I don't always put blush on but if I feel I need a little colour in my cheeks I will swipe a bit of
Mac Powder Blush in Melba over my cheeks with a Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Photography by Sam Clare

Thanks for reading!

Sophie x

How I Take Care of my Make-up Brushes

Hey guys, hope you're all well.

Today I'm going to be talking about how I take care of my make-up brushes.

When you start getting into make-up, it's hard enough to know what make-up brush you need for what,

let alone knowing how to properly take care of them and get as much use out of them as possible.

So, I'm going to show you how I keep my brushes in tip top condition!

Cleanse your brushes after every use.

Every time you use your make-up brushes, bacteria from your face transfers to your brush. To ensure
you're not putting that bacteria right back onto your skin the next day you need to cleanse your
brush, so it's clean, bacteria free and ready for your next use. I use MAC's brush cleanser. I just put
some of the cleanser onto a bit of kitchen towel and swirl my brush around and voilà!

Deep clean your brushes once a week.

Now I know this is quite a dreaded task. I often forget to do it. It's terrible, I know! But really, you should
be washing them once a week. I usually try to do it on a Sunday whilst doing a face mask or something. 
 use Johnson's baby shampoo to clean my brushes as it's gentle and leaves them very soft. I just pop
some in a small bowl then swirl my brushes around in the bowl. Once they've all been done, I'll run them
all under lukewarm water. It can't be cold or hot. It has to be lukewarm or you may risk damaging your
brushes. Also, as you rinse them out remember to face the brush downwards so the water runs down
the brush. Don't ever hold your brush up with the water running into the brush, otherwise you can
damage the glue inside holding it together, which will then fall out and ruin the brush. Once you're properly
rinsed out all of the shampoo, shape your brushes to their original shape, then leave to dry flat on a
clean flannel or kitchen towel.

Blending Sponge.

For anyone who owns one. I usually just rinse it under lukewarm water. Then, I cover it with baby
shampoo and work it into the sponge. Leave it for about a minute. Then rinse it out until I'm satisfied
it's clean and leave it to dry with the rest of my brushes. You should really be washing this after every use.
This is just so you keep it looking new and clean and to prevent bacteria build up.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER.

NEVER wash your brushes in cold or hot water. Only lukewarm.
ALWAYS wash your brushes downwards to avoid damaging your brush.

ALWAYS dry your brushes lying flat to avoid any excess water running down into the brush whilst drying.

(If possible dry facing downwards without the brush end touching anything, otherwise that is the shape it will dry in.)
NEVER soak them in water. This will again make it easy for the water to get into the glue holding your brush together.

NEVER use heat to dry your brushes. Leave them to dry naturally.

Photography by Sam Clare

Thanks for reading!

Sophie x