July Favourites

Hey guys!

It's come around to that time of the month again to do a monthly favourites!

This month I have been focusing more on skincare just because I've been breaking out a bit more than

usual and that's never good.. Thankfully these products have helped me out with that this month!

Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo Colour Mate

In my last post I mentioned this Aussie dry shampoo after coming across it in Boots. I usually use

Batiste dry shampoo and always loved it. But after discovering this Aussie one I was way too excited. I

really love it! I do still love Batiste and  honestly, I will probably just get whatever is on offer in the future

and just switch between them both as I love them both pretty equally at the moment, but I really wanted

to mention this one as I do really love it. I think the other thing that sucks is that you get less in the

Aussie one than Batiste and also it doesn't smell as good as Batiste. Otherwise, I'm a pretty satisfied customer!

Boots Skin Clear Ultra Deep Pore Facial Treatment Scrub

After seeing a post from one of my favourite Bloggers/Youtubers (Michelle from Beauty and the Blog)

I went straight out and bought this scrub! She mentioned that she suffers from Keratosis Pilaris. It's

quite a common condition where the skin is red and bumpy. It's harmless but unfortunately there's no

cure. Most people get it on the back of their upper arms and thighs, which is where I get it.  She also

mentioned that she used this scrub to help get her skin smoother in those areas. So what do I do? I

immediately go out and buy this. I do not regret it. this scrub does wonders! If you suffer from the same

thing them go get this. It's an easy and inexpensive way to help smooth out those bumps. I also use it as

a normal face scrub and make my skin feel exfoliated and so soft and isn't harsh in the slightest!

Michelle's post here.

Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Super Self Heating Deep Pore Detox Mask

I love a good face mask and seeing as I love Soap and Glory and they had 1/3 off on all their skincare products

I thought I'd try out some new things. This mask is so relaxing and is perfect for a pamper evening. Leaves

my skin feeling so soft and clean and it really feels like it's getting deep in the pores. I always get so excited to use this!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon

Recently when I've wanted to wear a bit of colour on my lips but nothing too dramatic, I'll opt for this

lipstick from Revlon. It's a pinkish nude so goes with pretty much anything. I'm not a massive fan of nude lip

colours usually as they don't suit me that well unless they have pinkish tones in them. This one is my favourite

go to nude. Suits me perfectly!

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Not long along I decided to switch up my skincare routine and use this rosehip oil at night instead

of a night time moisturiser. It really helps my skin feel hydrated since using it I've never looked back.

It doesn't break me out and helps with any scars or marks on my face. The only downside is that it's a little pricey

but I'm more than happy to pay it with the results I get!

Clarisonic Mia in Lavender

I've had my Clarisonic for a very long time now and I have never had a single problem with it. It's definitely

one of the best purchases I've ever made. I feel like whenever I break out or my skin just have a bad few

days I can always rely on my Clarisonic to get my skin back in good condition! I would definitely

recommend in investing in a Clarisonic if you ever get the chance to.

Photography by Sophie ford

Thanks for reading!

Sophie x

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

June Favourites

Hey guys!

It's the beginning of July (crazy!) which means it's time to share my June favourites with you.

I haven't really tried out any new products through June so I haven't got many favourites this month,

but I did pop into Boots and Superdrug recently to get some products I've been wanting to try out so

hopefully I'll have a bit more to show you next month!

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara

This was something I bought a little while back, I just never opened it for some reason. But I found it going

through all my make-up s thought I'd start finally using it and I am SO glad I did. It's definitely my new

favourite mascara. I don't like my lashes to look too fake. I like them to look quite natural and this mascara

is perfect for that. It doesn't clump, it's not gloopy and it doesn't dry out in a week, which is something

that annoys me about a lot of mascaras.

Garnier Pure Active Purifying Toner

This is a toner I use quite regularly. It's for spot prone skin (which mine is) and it helps dry out the spot

without drying out your whole face!

Real Techniques Blush Brush

I've had this brush for quite a long time now. I've always used it for blush as it is a blush brush.

But recently, I've started using it for bronzer and I'm really liking the outcome. I usually use the

big powder brush for bronzer but I feel this one is just a lot better for bronzer.

Nivea Pearl Beauty Gentle Care 48h Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

This is a bit of a random one but  but I just wanted to mention it as I've seen a lot of people talking

about stick deodorants recently and want to share my thoughts. I usually use spray deodorants as

I never really thought of using stick ones. But I wanted to switch it up and try something different so

I picked up this one and I'm instantly converted! I don't think I'll ever use a spray deodorant again. This feels

like it's actually working and keeping my under arms moisturised as well as I feel like some other

deodorants can leave it feeling quite dry. Really recommend trying something like this if you haven't before.

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion (Fair to Medium)

I know I featured this in my last favourites but I do REALLY love it. It gives a lovely glow and looks

very natural. It's pretty much idiot proof as well. It doesn't leave streaks or patches (as long as you

apply it evenly). I'm just really happy with this purchase and loved it so much I wanted to show it

to you twice!

L'Oreal Paris True Match Foundation (N2 Vanilla)

This foundation is very highly talked about. I can see exactly why! This particular shade I usually
only wear when I'm more tanned and recently I have been because of the good weather. I really
love the coverage it gives and how flawless it looks. I think I'm going to go and purchase one a few shades
lighter just so I can use it all year round because I have really been loving this foundation a lot recently.
Plus it's inexpensive and L'Oreal usually have offers on.

Photography by Sophie Ford
Thanks for reading!
Sophie X

My Desk/Vanity Tour

Hey guys!

Today I'm going to be showing you my desk tour. It is still not completed yet as it's still not

exactly how I would like it. There's still things I need to get and I'm forever moving things around.
But for now, this is how my desk looks. 
(I've tried to list as many things as I can at the bottom.)

Enjoy!

Ikea LIATORP Desk

White Desk Chair

Muji Acrylic 2 Drawers

Storage Jars

Storage Jars

Storage Caddy

TK Maxx Acrylic Make up Organiser

TK Maxx Lipstick Holder (Similar Here)

Matalan Mirror (Similar Here)

TK Maxx Desk Pad (Similar Here)
TK Maxx Notepads
Tesco Owl Candle Holder (used as toothbrush holder) (Not available any more, sorry!)

Revlon Mirror

Ikea Cutlery Tray (used as organiser in desk drawer)

Phography by Sophie Ford

Thanks for reading!

Sophie x

May Favourites

Hey guys!

So it's been a while since I last posted but I'm back with my May favourites.

I haven't really been shopping much recently so I don't have a ton of favourites. But

I have however been de-cluttering recently which has made me rediscover some old favourites of mine!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Sultry Samba

I never use to really be into bright lipsticks but over time I've grown to love them a lot. There's so

many amazing colours to experiment with and even if you have the most boring, plain make-up on,

put on a bright lip and it changes the whole look. Revlon lipsticks are my favourite. They have great

pigmentation, great colour range and they're so inexpensive and usually have 3 for 2 in Boots or Superdrug!
(Couldn't get a good swatch of it that did the colour any justice.
Definitely go and check it out though if you get the chance!)

Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel

If you read my blog you may have seen that I really love my Clean & Clear spot treatment gel. I still do,

I just rediscovered this beauty. I completely forgot I had It. I use to use it all the time. It's really amazing

and really reduces the redness and dried out any spot in just a few days. It is a bit more pricey than the

Clean & Clear one at £14. I got mine about a year or so ago and I'm almost sure it was only £10-£11 back then.

Anyway, I'm looking to try out the Mario Badescu range as  I hear nothing but good things about it.

I'll definitely be reviewing it on here if I do! 

Lush Ocean Salt 120g

You can honestly never go wrong with a Lush product. They're so on top on their game and they're

products are always spot on. I've never found an exfoliator that I even slightly liked until this one. It really

is so amazing. It smells like the beach to me, with the salty water and everything and who doesn't love that?

I have quite dry skin so when I first went to use it I was a bit hesitant just because I thought it might dry

out my skin even more but it did the opposite. It has avocado butter in it which keeps my skin soft and smooth.

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion (Fair to Medium Skin)

I've never been one to fake tan or anything but, I don't mind using gradual tan products as I feel like they're

not as big of a commitment. I saw that Anna Saccone used this and I thought I'd give it a try because her

skin always looks so good and has such a beautiful glow. I'm quite pasty I'd say so I got fair-medium.

So far I really love it. It's easy to apply and quick to dry and gives you a lovely glowing tan.

Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder

Since the weather is getting a little bit nicer, I though I'd whack out the bronzer to give my pasty face a

bit more colour! I know this one is quite expensive but a little bit goes a long way with this. It's matte so

there's no shimmer which I love. It's easy to blend and on more pale people, like myself, it is hard to get

bronzer's to look natural on the skin. This one looks very natural on the skin and is great for contouring as well.

Primark Heeled Sandals

I'm a bit late on the heeled sandal trend but hey. I've wanted some for quite a while now. They're just so classic

looking and can be dressed up or down, which I love. Plus these ones were only £12 from Primark.. Bargain!

Photography by Sophie Ford

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