February 2013 empties: TIGI Bed Head, Dove, Batiste, Sanctuary, Caudalie, The Body Shop, Soap and Glory

Hey ladies!

I hope you've had a great Sunday :-)

February was a beauty heavy month for me so I have quite a lot of empties!

Here's what I used up this month...

Hair:

Dove Express Conditioner Nourishing Oil Care

I've raved about these express conditioners before (here and here) and for good reason - they're bloody AMAZING! I always use an intensive conditioner in the shower without fail and this one is just so quick and easy. You only need to apply the tiniest bit to the lengths and ends of your hair and it leaves it feeling so soft and silky.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark & Deep Brown

I use a dry shampoo a couple of times a week and I prefer to use these tinted ones as they don't leave the little white bits in your roots. This really works to bring your locks back to life!

TIGI Bed Head Brunette Goddess Conditioner

You might remember my recent CheapSmells.com haul where I talked about this Brunette Goddess range. The scent of these products is delicious - like chocolate fudge! It's no surprise then that I used this up pretty quickly this month.

Boots Coconut & Almond Intensive Hair Mask

This was actually a real surprise, it was only a couple of quid in Boots but I'm in love with it! The scent reminds me of summer and for that reason I will definitely be re-purchasing! It's also really thick and creamy and leaves your hair so soft.

Skin:

Sanctuary Spa Pore Refining Toner

I'm a bit hit and miss with the Sanctuary Spa Skincare range as not all of it suits my oily/combination skintone. This product however was perfect - I spritz it onto my face after cleansing and it leaves my skin feeling really clean, soft and refreshed.

Avon Clearskin Professional Deep Pore Cleansing Scrub

I've been using Avon Clearskin products for years - they're brilliant for the price they are. This works well as a face mask or scrub as it's thick and creamy. I like to apply it in the shower, leave it on for a couple of minutes and wash it off. It leaves my skin feeling properly scrubbed!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

This is a cult product in the beauty blogging community so I of course had to give it a whirl. I've found it doesn't really make much difference as a toner but it works best as a midway-through-the-day-spritz! I spray it onto my face after lunch to give my skin a quick refresh.

The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

I bought this mini moisturiser in a four piece set from The Body Shop with a seaweed facial wash, toner and night cream. I found this day cream to be a little bit drying actually. It's more of a gelcreme consistency and it didn't feel like it properly 'sunk' into my skin. I think I'll be sticking with my Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser from now on.

Other:

Johnson's Baby Shampoo

I use this to wash my make-up brushes as it does the job perfectly for a bargain price. I've used MAC's make up brush cleanser in the past and this does the job just as well for a fraction of the cost.

Soap and Glory Hand Maid Hand Cleansing Gel

I am OBSESSED with this! Seriously, it's awesome. It smells amazing and it actually makes me want to use it ALL the time. I have like three or four of these on the go at the moment.

What did you use up in February? Let me know in the comments or over on Twitter now!

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

CheapSmells.com haul - TIGI Bed Head Brunette Goddess and Superstar, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Hey ladies!

HAPPY FRIDAY! I hope you're having a brilliant day so far and looking forward to the weekend :-)

OK, so it's pretty obvious I'm a beauty product junkie BUT it runs deeper than that... I'm a bargain beauty product junkie! I love nothing more than rummaging the beauty shelves of TK Maxx or my favourite eBay sellers (legit, of course) for the biggest and best beauty bargains.

Hence where my CheapSmells.com haul came from...

In all honesty, I can't remember who introduced me to this site but as soon as I landed on the homepage, I knew it was love! High-end beauty at knock down prices? Too good to be true, right? Naaat!

Here's what I added to my basket... (as with all hauls, it unsurprisingly started with way more than this!)

TIGI Bed Head Brunette Goddess Shampoo (£10.95) and Conditioner (£6.35)

I was first introduced to the Brunette Goddess range in my local hair salon. The stylist used the shampoo and conditioner on my hair as she was washing it in the basin and I'm not lying, it smelt divine!

To be completely honest, the scent was one of the main selling points for me. It smells like chocolate fudge and it just makes washing my hair a dream! It also helps to prolong the dyed brown shade of my locks.

The only issue I have with this - and I'm the only one to blame here! - is that the shampoo is much larger, meaning I finished the conditioner months ago while I'm still working through the shampoo! Humph.

TIGI Bed Head Superstar Blowdry Lotion (£7.95) and Queen for a Day Thickening Spray (£8.45)

I have a slight - OK, major - penchant for big, voluminous locks! Think Cheryl Cole in her X Factor judging days, that's what I want my hair to look like!

I've found that you need a multitude of volumising products in order to achieve the Cheryl Cole big hair look.

First, start with a volumising shampoo and conditioner then add a volumising blow dry spray like the Superstar Blowdry Lotion (above).

It's a thin, runny liquid that's easy to apply and makes a real difference to the thickness of your hair!

I then spritz a little of the Queen for a Day thickening spray into my roots to give them a bit more volume and voila! Cheryl hair :-)

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Fragrance Free (£13.19) and Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment (£8.95)

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is well respected in the beauty industry and I'm not surprised!

I've had the Skin Protectant for many years now but I opted for the Fragrance Free version this time as I just fancied a change and I saw Cat Deeley tweet a pic of it. There's nothing unpleasant about the original smell or anything, as I say I just fancied trying something a bit different.

The Skin Protectant is kind of like a greasy oil - sounds disgusting but it is amazing! It's perfect for soothing really dry, cracked skin. My mum uses it on her hands because she works outside in the cold and her hands get really sore, but for me it's a little too thick for that unfortunately.

Saying that, it works really well as a glossy lip shine, highlighter, spot soother, burns healer - loads of stuff! It really is a top multi-use product.

It's also the second or third time I've bought the Eight Hour Hand Cream as well - I'm in LOVE with it! It's one of the best hand creams on the market in my opinion. It's enriched with the famous Eight Hour goodness and has the signature scent but it's much nicer and easier to apply. If you find the Skin Protectant too thick, the Hand Cream might be a better option for you.

Have you bought anything from CheapSmells.com before? What would you recommend? Let me know over on Twitter or in the comments below!

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

Primark SS13 haul: Leopard print, woodland print, metallics and cut-outs!

Hi girls,

I hope you're having a great Sunday!

Recently I took a trip to Primark and to be honest I went a bit mad! It was one of those times when you're just in the mood to shop, you know? The Primark I visited (in Bristol) was also really well laid out, not too busy and nice and breezy... In other words, perfect shipping conditions!

Here's what I picked up...

Clothes

Leopard print blazer - £7 (reduced)

I saw this in the corner of my eye and knew I just HAD to have it! Anyone who knows me will know I am a leopard print fiend and so this printed blazer suited me down to a T. I like to team leopard print with a red lip because I think it looks really chic, but it can also be worn with skinny jeans or leather trousers for a more casual look.

Woodland print dress - £25

This also caught my eye straight away! Without sounding snobby, I like things that look expensive - but actually aren't! - and this woodland print dress looked like something straight out of Zara. It's a little on the pricey side for Primark but it's worth it for the fashion-forward print in my opinion.

Cream shirt - £9

Just a really simple blouse that can be dressed up or down for work or a night out. The sleeves are a bit long but that's the price I have to pay for being a short-ass!

Sleeveless lace blouse - £10

I'm instantly drawn to anything cream/lace/sleeveless in the summer so this is perfect for me. I'll be wearing it over a simple tank and a pair of coloured jeans, or tucked into a floral skater skirt.

Shoes

Coral pointed heels - £10

My patent pointed court shoe collection is fast becoming an obsession! This coral pair will be ideal for adding a pop of colour to an all-white look in the spring.

Tan cut-out heels - £12

These to me look similar to something Miranda Kerr would wear! Tan heels also instantly elongate your legs and this cut-out pair allow my skin to breathe a little.

Metallic pointed heels - £6 (reduced)

I bought these because I love anything rose gold, but I've since spotted Jennifer Lawrence in an almost identical pair as she promoted Silver Linings Playbook pre-BAFTAs in London. JLaw teamed hers with an orange cut-out dress but that's a bit daring for me. I might wear them with an orange skater skirt I have lurking in my cupboard.

Tan cut-out pumps - £8

I picked up the pump version of the pointed heels for the same reason, but these are perfect for wearing on a day-to-day basis rather than on a night out.

Accessories

Nude shoulder bag - £9

I picked this up for work - I even went as far as taking my iPad out and checking it fitted in! Haha. I love the fact that the different straps mean it can be worn on your shoulder, across your body or on your elbow.

Floral shopper - £3

I bought this because I loved the floral print and it's perfect for wearing to the gym etc. The wipe-clean fabric is also handy for any spillages!

Nude clutch - £8

I already have loads of nude clutches but this is the first one to have rose gold detailing - so I had to have it! These are great for nights out in the summer.

Jewellery and hairbands

Gold collar tips - £1.50

These were an absolute bargain! You simply add them onto the collar of your blouse and it instantly jazzes up a look.

Neon hairbands - £1

Did I mention I was a huge neon fan? Ha!

Crochet headband - £2

I thought this would go nicely with the woodland print dress, above.

Travelcard holder - £1

I'm a commuter so this floral travel card holder went straight in the basket! Stylish AND practical? Win!

Sunglasses - 50p (reduced)

Wishful thinking here I reckon because I haven't had a chance to wear them yet but I'm counting down the days when I can!

Trainer socks - £2

Who DOESN'T want socks that have Amazeballs on them?!

Peace earrings - £1.50 and necklace - £2

This is a big trend for SS13 (I've seen similar pieces in New Look etc) it's a quick and easy way to jump on the look.

Have you hauled Primark recently? What did you pick up? Let me know in the comments or over on Twitter now.

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

 

Topshop makeup haul: Highlighter in Sunbeam, Cream Blush in Flush, Kohl in Saddle

Hey ladies!

I hope you're having a great day :-)

Recently, I paid a visit to Topshop and picked up a couple of make up items. I've reviewed their make up before and always held it in quite high regard - especially after finding out it's made in the same factory as MAC! - so I was eager to try out some more makeup from Topshop.

I bought Topshop's Highlighter in Saddle, Cream Blush in Flush and Kohl in Saddle. Here's what I thought of them...

Highlighter in Sunbeam - £10

The first thing I noticed about this was how HUGE it was! It's a massive 6.5g which will go a long way.

It's a stunning yellow-gold shade that I don't own anything like in my collection.

I compared it to two similar products I own - GOSH Giant Sun Bronzing Powder and the highlight in 17 Blush & Go - and unsurprisingly they were so different.

As you can see in the pan, GOSH (left) looks tan/gold, 17 (centre) looks white and Topshop (right) looks yellow.

Highlighter in Sunbeam comparison swatches:

(left without flash, right with flash)

Top - 17 Blush & Glow in Peaches & Cream

Middle - Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam

Bottom - GOSH Giant Sun Powder

The swatches pretty much matched what they looked like in the pan. 17 (top) looks most white, GOSH (bottom) looks tan/gold and the new Topshop one looks like a shimmery yellow-gold. It's love!

[TOPSHOP make-up reviews inc. swatches & FOTD!]

I also picked up one of their acclaimed cream blushes in the bloggers' favourite shade, Flush.

Cream Blush in Flush - £6

I wanted to get my hands on Flush after Holly (Yummy Mummy Beauty Blog) raved about it ages ago. Thanks, Holly!

Again you get a lot of bang for your buck and the packaging is decorated in a quirky spot print.

In the pan, it looks like a VERY bright coral-pink but it's a lot more toned down on the skin.

I compared it to some similar cream blushes in my collection and I did actually find some very similar.

Cream Blush in Flush comparison swatches:

(left without flash, right with flash)

Top - Benefit Posie Tint

Middle - Topshop Cream Blush in Flush

Bottom - No7 Cheek Tint in Rose Silk

Flush was most similar to Benefit Posie Tint (top) but they're very different consistencies and Topshop is MUCH cheaper! No7 Cream Blush wasn't very close as it was more of a rose pink shade.

[Summer nail varnish haul!]

The final item I bought in my haul was this bargain eye pencil!

Kohl in Saddle - £4

It's called Saddle and I thought it would be a standard matte brown shade.

It's actually more of a golden bronze shade which isn't what I was expecting. Here's a couple of comparison swatches...

Kohl in Saddle comparison swatches:

(left without flash, right with flash)

Top - Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick in Brown

Middle - Topshop Kohl in Saddle

Bottom - No7 Exceptional Eyes in Brown

As you can see, Saddle is definitely the darkest but it's also the most shimmery! I don't know about you but I am NOT a shimmer person. It's been sat in my drawer for a while...

[Guildford shopping haul: Primark, Topshop, Lush, Boots and Liz Earle]

I used all of the products above on my face so you can see what they look like in real life.

FOTD:

FACE: MAC Fix+ to prime, MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW15, Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in 02 Medium, MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC15 (applied with MAC 190 Brush and Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge), MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light (applied with ELF Studio Complexion Brush), MAC Blush in Harmony (applied with MAC 129 Brush), Topshop Cream Blush in Flush, Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam, MAC Fix+ to finish.

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original, Sleek Storm Palette in taupe and mid brown shades, Topshop Kohl in Saddle, Benefit They're Real Mascara.

EYEBROWS: Topshop Kohl in Saddle.

LIPS: MAC Cremesheen Lipglass in Meteoric.

What are your favourite Topshop make-up products? Let me know I'm the comments or over on Twitter now!

Love,

Sophia

xo

Sally's Beauty Supplies SS13 haul: China Glaze in Aquadelic, Orange Knockout, White on White and No-Chip Top Coat

Hey lovely ladies!

Hope you've had a great day :-)

I don't know about you, but I have a Sally's just around the corner from where I work in Soho, and I am ALWAYS popping in there!

From L-R: Aquadelic, White on White, Orange Knockout (Neon) and No-Chip Top Coat

Recently, I picked up some China Glaze nail polishes for the new season. Here are the shades I bought:

Aquadelic

Aquadelic is a bright, vivid turquoise that's going to be perfect for summer. The formula is thick, creamy and really pigmented so a little goes a long way. I can definitely see myself wearing this a lot when it gets warmer.

Orange Knockout (Neon)

Next is this vibrant neon orange shade that I am beyond obsessed with. You only need a few coats and it's SO bright! It's definitely in-your-face. It's perfect for summer holidays :-)

White on White

I wore white nails on holiday but it's not something I usually wear day to day. Instead, I like to wear it under neon shades to make the colour pop! It really works as well.

No-Chip Top Coat

This is one of the best top coats on the market! It leaves a lovely, glossy finish and makes your nail colour last longer. I'll definitely be re-purchasing.

Have you hauled Sally's recently? What China Glaze shades do I need?

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

SS13 Sales Shopping: Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, River Island, Next

Hey loves!

Hope you're all well :-)

Recently, I've been doing a spot of sales shopping - I say a spot, I mean a lot - and have picked up some mega bargains!

Some of it I picked up in store, others I picked up online but ALL of it with take into SS13 in style :-) most of it was half price or less so I'm chuffed with what I picked up! Check out what I bought here...

Next:

Can you believe I brought a load of stuff back?! Here's what made the cut...

Black lace blouse - WAS £26 NOW £12

The first item I picked up was this gorgeous lace top blouse - apologies for the creases! It's perfect for work as it's stylish and practical and I've been wearing it with plain black skinny jeans.

Cream lace blouse - WAS £26 NOW £12

I also bought the cream version of the blouse as I figured it would be perfect for taking me into spring, with a pair of lilac skinny jeans or floral skater skirt.

Nude pointed heels - WAS £30 NOW £12

THIS is where my patent pointed heels obsession started! I'd seen all the celebs wearing them - namely Kim K! - and I knew I needed a pair! They're perfect for dressing up a look or taking it from day to night.

Nude platform courts - WAS £30 NOW £14

I actually already have this exact pair of heels - Next, no less - but I wear them all the time and they're pretty worn down so thought I'd invest in another pair!

Cream lace pashmina - WAS £16 NOW £8

I'm a big fan of pashminas in the spring / summer as I get cold easily so this is ideal for adding a touch of warmth and style at the same time.

Floral slipper boots - WAS £16 NOW £8

A girl can never have too many slippers, right? These floral print slipper boots are perfect for taking me into spring.

Tan leather iPad case - WAS £30 NOW £14

Tan leather Kindle case - WAS £18 NOW £8

Both absolute bargains, these real leather iPad / Kindle cases are stylish, durable and practical. I'm a bit obsessed with tan leather as well so they match my Filofax in my handbag... Geek :-)

Tan leather clutch bag - WAS £28 NOW £14

This is actually an iPad case but I use it as a clutch bag. It's really versatile and can be added to any look.

Black statement necklace - WAS £14 NOW £6

I have recently adopted a new motto - you can never have too many statement necklaces! This is more one for autumn / winter but it's great for adding a touch of glam to a nighttime look.

Marilyn Monroe make-up bag - WAS £5 NOW £2

OK, so I don't technically *need* another make-up bag, but it's cute, has Marilyn Monroe on the front and it was only two quid...

Earmuff headphones - WAS £12 NOW £6

These were so handy in the winter! It saved me carrying around a pair of headphones AND a pair of earmuffs in my already bursting bag. They were a little quiet, though.

River Island:

Like with Next, I bought a *load* of stuff from River Island, but only decided to keep these two. That's good for me!

Sleeveless neon shirt - WAS £20 NOW £10

I already have this shirt in the black shade and it fits really well. I like to wear sleeveless shirts like these and adding a cardigan/blazer on top that can be taken off it it gets too hot. This coral version will add a pop of colour to a sunny springtime look.

Floral t-shirt dress - WAS £35 NOW £10

This dress is a little deceiving as it's longer at the back than it is at the front. I've seen a lot of celebs wearing dresses like these on the red carpet - Marion Cotillard springs to mind - and I think it looks really chic. I wore this frock to a friend's 21st birthday meal and I think it suited the occasion pretty well, but it would look equally good on a packed dancefloor with a pair of neon heels.

Dorothy Perkins:

Tuxedo blazer - WAS £40 NOW £22

Demi Lovato inspired me to get a tuxedo jacket like this as she always looks so good in them when she wears them with her Topshop Leigh skinnies. I'll be styling it the same way - although I think it would dress up a simple LBD as well.

Leather sleeve biker jacket - WAS £49 NOW £25

I've seen loads of celebs - Jennifer Lawrence, Amanda Seyfried etc - wearing these jackets with leather sleeves and I just love them. I'm a massive fan of the leather trend and I don't need an excuse to wear it! This simple jacket with leather sleeves will go with everything in my wardrobe.

Kardashian Kollection dress - WAS £40 NOW £20

Another Kardashian inspired purchase! I saw Kim wearing the black version at Westfield Shepherds Bush when they launched their Kardashian Kollection range at Dorothy Perkins and it looked amazing on her. I already have a black bandage dress in a similar style so I opted for the emerald green version instead. With the shade being Pantone's Colour of 2013, I knew it would take me into spring in style. I'll be wearing it with nude patent court shoes, Kim style.

Topshop:

I was a couple of days late with the Topshop sale so I didn't quite get as much as I'd liked. A blessing in disguise I expect, otherwise I'd have bought A LOT more!

Khaki Baxter jeans - WAS £40 NOW £20

I've been wearing these religiously since I bought them - in fact, I'm wearing them right now! Topshop jeans - especially the Baxter jeans in Petite - just fit me really well and last ages. This khaki version are great if, like me, you live in black jeans! They add a bit of colour and interest to an outfit.

Floral peplum skirt - WAS £25 NOW £12

I literally cannot wait to wear this! Peplum shapes tend to flatter my hourglass figure and I'm a big fan of winter florals at the moment. I'll be wearing it with an off-the-shoulder black top and a fuchsia pink lip.

Statement necklace - WAS £12.50 NOW £8.25

Another statement necklace to add a touch of glam to a look. Also, it can be worn with gold OR silver accessories - win!

Floral blazer - WAS £68 NOW £30

Possibly my favourite sale purchase of them all! I've wanted a floral blazer for ages and this one is just perfect. I love the neon detail in it as well as it can be worn with neon accessories or clothing like the River Island blouse (above). I actually bought this blazer in FOUR different sizes just to ensure the fit was perfect. A bit obsessive I know...

Did you pick up anything nice in the sales? Let me know in the comments or over on Twitter :-)

Love,

Sophia

xo