Spring Wedding Guest Outfit: New Look Lace Panel Wrap Dress And MAC Lady Danger Lipstick!

Hi loves,

I hope you're all really well and enjoying the spring weather!

I recently attended the wedding of two of my close friends in Bournemouth and I loved getting dressed up for the very special occasion. 

Here's what I wore...

FASHION:

Dress - New Look (O/S but some sizes available on Zalando)

Heels - Very.co.uk (O/S but similar styles available on ASOS and New Look)

I was really pleased with how this dress fitted - although I had to pin it around the bust area (story of my life) as it was VERY booby. Bust-aside, the material of the dress was almost crepe-like and felt very comfortable when it was on. Plus it allowed me to graze on the wedding buffet with ease thanks to the flattering/forgiving wrap design! Also, the shoulders, sleeves and back of the dress were made of a floral lace pattern which I thought added a really pretty touch.

I thought the gold heels added a bit of pizzazz to my outfit - you can't see in the pic but I've got some sparkly earrings on too. The shoes were also really comfortable - the heel itself was tiny (a really small box heel) so it meant I could hit the dance floor with no worries. Are you sending a theme here? I'm all about the comfort these days... #granny

Make-up wise, I went for a bold lip and lots of bronzer...

BEAUTY:

FACE: Benefit That Gal Primer all over face as base, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in #1 under eyes, MAC Studio Finish Concealer on spots/blemishes, Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation buffed in with Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Bare Minerals Pressed Powder for shine, Benefit Hoola Bronzer, Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator in 02 Peach to highlight, Urban Decay V6 Spray to set.

EYES: Urban Decay e/s Primer Potion, Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette (shades Naked, Buck and Smog), L'Oreal Super Liner Black Lacquer, Benefit They're Real mascara.

EYEBROWS: Filled in with MAC Omega and Charcoal Brown e/s, using MAC 208 Brush. Set using No7 Brow Gel.

LIPS: LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub and Dr Organic Organic Coconut Oil Lip Balm (LOVE THIS) to prep lips, filled in with Urban Decay Lip Liner in Bang, MAC Lady Danger Lipstick.

HAIR: I curled my hair using the original GHD straightening irons, tied it up in a bun while I did my make-up, brushed the curls through and then sprayed my hair all over with L'Oreal Very Volume hairspray. I added a little bit of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny serum to the ends because they were a bit frizzy.

Oh and if you're wondering if that golden glow is natural, I can assure you it's completely fake and you can't quite see from the pics but it's really patchy too! I used the Garnier mist and made a right mess with it - I had patches all over my arms, body and legs! My boyfriend had to fill in all the white patches with instant tan a few hours before the wedding. Total disaster. The truth behind the glossy Insta pics, eh!

What's your wedding guest style inspo?

Love,

Sophia x

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

Bargain Beauty Alert: Benefit Girlesque Gift Set!

Hi girls,

I hope you're all well!

Recently I picked up a MASSIVE beauty bargain that I had to share with you - anyone that knows me will know that I'm obsessed with money-saving; I don't buy anything without a promo code, go out for dinner without a discount code or buy anything without shopping around to find if I can find it cheaper elsewhere. Money-saving is legit one of my true passions so this money-saving bargain was too good to miss...

I was on the hunt for a new Benefit Hoola bronzer because mine had run out. I tend to buy drugstore everything these days (make-up/skincare) but I said to myself that if I could find Hoola on the cheap, I'd invest. The problem is, there are so many fakes flying around on Depop/eBay that it's almost not worth looking for a bargain online because you're likely to be buying a counterfeit which is a total waste of money and time full stop.

Then I came across THIS amazing Benefit Girlesque gift set on ASOS - 

This is what it contained:

Benetint Medium | 4.0 mL

Hoola Bronzer | 8.0 g (RRP £24.50)

The POREfessional | 22.0 mL (RRP £26.00)

They’re Real! Mascara | 8.5 g (RRP £20.50)

The RRP of the Girlesque gift set was £44.50, but it was on offer in the ASOS sale for £29.66. 

ALL of the products included are full-size except for the mini Benetint and I've listed the RRP of the individual products above, so the total value of the products in the gift set (excluding the metal container) is £71.00. 

I GOT THE WHOLE LOT FOR LESS THAN 30 QUID. HOW AMAZING IS THAT!?! 

Especially considering I was only looking for the bronzer which is worth nearly £25.00 on its own - I basically got the other beauty products included in the gift set for free. Now THAT, people, is a bargain. In fact I already own Porefessional so I've listed it on Depop already and made a profit :)

Have you picked up any amazing beauty bargains recently?

Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Sophia xo

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

Avene Cleanance review: Skincare for oily/blemish-prone skin

Hey loves,

Hope you're well and had a great weekend!

So I'm not sure exactly why but my skin has been flaring up quite a bit recently - it's probably a combination of stress, poor diet and not having a proper skincare routine.

I decided to try the Avene Cleanance range for oily/blemished skin as that's definitely what mine is at the moment.

I recently went on a press trip to Avene in the south of France where I saw the origins of the skincare brand first hand so I felt like it was a range I really believed in and trusted.

Here's what I've been using from the Avene Cleanance range*:

Avene Cleanance Gel

I've been using this soapless cleanser to wash my face first thing in the morning. It has a pretty mild scent but it really feels like it's getting rid of all the dirt and grime from my face.

Avene Cleanance Toner

I know a lot of people don't use toner, but for me it's an essential step in my skincare regime. This toner is formulated for oily skin so it soaks up excess sebum, evens out your complexion and removes any traces of cleanser. I've found it's definitely helped to clear out my skin and if I don't use it, I get spots.

Avene Thermal Spring Water

I didn't realise how much of a multi-purpose product this was until I actually went to Avene and saw it being used first hand. I like to use it to give my skin a moisture boost after a bath or shower, but before using moisturiser. I also use it to refresh my skin throughout the day.

Avene Cleanance Lotion

The final step in my skincare routine is this moisturising lotion that controls oil throughout the day. I find that my skin gets REALLY shiny and so this really helps to manage that. I would say that I have to use blotting papers at lunch but that's because my skin is excessively oily.

I have been following this skincare regime for about a month now and my skin has definitely got better. I used to get really sore, broken skin on my T-Zone and chin but that's reduced significantly.

I still have whiteheads on my forehand but I think that's because I'm lazy and use Micellar water in the evenings rather than a hot cloth cleanser like I know I should.

If you've got oily, blemished, spot/acne prone skin and you're trying to clear it up, I would definitely recommend this range - let me know how you get on!

What's your skin type and have you found a routine that suits you?

Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Sophia

xo

*PR samples

Boots No7 Voucher Haul Including Michelle Keegan's Wedding Lip Gloss!

Hey loves,

I don't know about you but the brand No7 holds a special place in my heart - I've used it for years and I've always found the products to perform as well (if not better) than some of the premium brands on the market - at a much more affordable price point.

In fact, just having a scroll through some of my old blog posts, it looks like I've done a fair few No7 hauls in my time... here and here in fact. Funnily enough, I've just re-purchased two of the items that I bought in my 2010 and 2011 hauls without realising! They MUST be good.

So when the £5 off skincare/£3 off make-up vouchers started flying around at the start of 2017, it made sense to stock up on some of my faves. 

Here's what I hauled this time...

Clockwise from L-R:

No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Face Exfoliator - £11.00 (£6 with £5 off voucher) - Boots

Described as 'a tried and tested dermatological technique' by No7, this facial exfoliator contains tiny micro crystals - which feel like sand when massaged onto the skin - and leaves skin 'softer, silky to touch and more refined.' I have to admit, this is a re-purchase of mine as I've been really impressed with it in the past - it leaves my skin feeling soft and clear and definitely helps blemishes/dark spots fade. I'd 100% recommend this!

No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask - £12.50 (£7.50 with £5 off voucher) - Boots

This is another product that I first bought many years ago but unfortunately, it looks like they've changed the formula since I last stocked up? This time, it feels thick and gloopy - last time around it was rich and creamy, but not like this. If you're reading this No7, why'd you change it???

No7 BB Lips in Ballerina - £9.00 (£6 with £3 off voucher) - Boots

I first came across this product after stalking make-up artist Krystal Dawn's Instagram - she's the MUA who did Michelle Keegan's wedding make-up (anyone who knows me will know that she is my absolute idol in life). I had to pick this up when I received my voucher - anything to be one step closer to my girl Mich. I wore this for an evening meal out recently and it's just lovely - it's a gorgeous pinky nude shade, perfect for popping in your handbag! Now I want to stock up on some more shades if you guys have any recommendations...

No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes - £7.00 (£2 with £5 off voucher) - Boots

I must have re-purchased these wipes about 20 times - I use them when I go away/go home and need something quick to remove my make-up, or to take off my make-up before I go to the gym. I try to avoid using face wipes but these are just fab for on-the-go jobbies. They're lovely and soft, full of moisture. Plus for £2.00 you can't really go wrong!

TOTAL SAVED: £18.00!

What are your fave No7 products? Which should I pick up next time there's a voucher?

Love,

Sophia xo

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

Christmas 2016 Festive Memories...

Hi lovelies,

I love looking back at my festive memories every year - it makes me feel all warm and cosy, plus I get very excited about my next Christmas!

Here are my best memories from Christmas 2016 (all taken from my Instagram @smoir90)...

Jourdan Dunn unveiling the Tiffany's Christmas windows in Mayfair...

Matching my nails to the Costa Christmas coffee cups...

Feeling all kinds of cosy with my winter Kringle Candle haul (the Hot Chocolate one is AMAZING)...

Winter's walk through Richmond Park...

Feeling festive at the Regent's Street Christmas lights switch on...

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland with cuz... 

Love Actually at the Backyard Cinema...

Hogwarts In The Snow at the Harry Potter Studio Tour...

Christmas Starbs (EVERY YEAR!)...

More Hogwarts In The Snow...

Christmassy glitter nails...

Mulled cider at the Rekorderlig Cider Lounge...

MATILDA!...

Radio Times bumper edition (naturally)...

Putting the Christmas tree up at home...

Covent Garden Christmas lights...

The stunning York Minster during weekend break to York for the world-famous Christmas markets...

Visiting my baby sis in Norwich...

Beautiful carol service at St James's Church on Piccadilly...

Reunited with the SISTAHS... 

Christmas Eve watching my fave Xmas film - The Santa Clause...

New reddish hair for Christmas...

Christmas Day with mumma...

Christmas prezzies galore...

Wow, what an amazing festive season! Bring on Christmas 2016 I say...

You can check out my 2015 festive memories here.

Love,

Sophia xo

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

Christmas 2016 Gifts: Lots Of Lovely Beauty Treats From Pixi, Elemis, Lush And Eve Lom!

Hey lovely ladies,

After Christmas, I like to have a little snoop to see what people got for Christmas, whether it's on Instagram, blogs or YouTube. I'm just inherently nosy - I can't lie!

In light of that, I thought I'd share with you all a couple of beauty bits I got for Christmas so that you can have a little snoop if you like (no judgment here...)

Clockwise from L-R:

Pixi Glow Tonic

I've seen this on COUNTLESS beauty blogs, plus it comes recommended by Caroline Hirons AKA the Skincare Guru. She was the person who taught me to have a proper skincare routine - starting with an oil or cream-based cleanser, double toning and then specific skincare oils/serums. I'm really looking forward to trying this - I'm just finishing off my Botanics toner at the moment and then I'll move straight onto this. 

Elemis Gentle Foaming Face Wash

My lovely friend Lucy gifted me this - I have to say I'm not one to spend a lot on skincare products as I've found in the past that you can get the same results using drugstore brands. But Elemis is a real luxury skincare brand that I would never splash out on myself so I'm glad I get to try this. It always brings back memories of spa treatments because that's the brand a lot of the spas I've been to use in their facials! #dreamy

LUSH Golden Wonder Gift Set

I have to admit, this is one present that I made use of immediately - I'm a complete Lush addict and I go through bath bombs and bubble bars in no time at all! This gift set contained the Golden Wonder and Star Dust bath bombs - both were delightful but Golden Wonder notably so as it's encased in a gold bath bomb however when it reaches the water it turns a magnificent green shade. I was in heaven!

Heyland & Whittle Bath Set

I hadn't heard of this brand before but it's actually a quality soap/bath brand selling hand-made products. My lovely gift set contained four luxury bath melts and a soap - all of which smelled delightful. They made my bath feel like a real treat! 

Eve Lom Lip Balm And Cleanser 

As mentioned earlier, I don't tend to spend a lot of money on skincare so Eve Lom is a brand that I've been lusting after for a long while but yet to try out myself... until Christmas that is! I was amazed to receive not one, but two Eve Lom treats this year - I can't wait to try these out! I'm sure they will both be AMAZING.

L'Occitane Gift Set

This gift set contained a mini bath melt and shea butter hand cream - well I've tried the bath melt and it was lovely and the hand cream is perfect for popping in your handbag too. It smells lovely and creamy too. Such a lovely gift!

Coco Loco Coconut Spritz

I'm pretty loyal to my Aussie Leave-In Conditioner spray but when I saw countless positive reviews of this, I thought I had to try it. A part of me wants to save this until my holiday because the smell of coconut always reminds me of holidays! We shall see, either way I'm hoping it will leave my locks feeling soft and silky...

What did you get for Christmas this year?

Love,

Sophia xo

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

NOTD: OPI Swiss Collection - Color So Hot It Berns

Hey ladies!

I bought my first OPI!!! Crazy stuff. The Swiss Collection was on offer in the ASOS Sale for just over a fiver, who could say no?

The shade I bought, Color So Hot It Berns, was the only one in the collection that could be worn as a summer shade really, the others were obviously all for the winter months (when the collection was released).

I was pleasantly surprised, it only took 1 coat! It was so thick, nothing like anything I've ever used before! Not like the M&S shade I wore that took 3 coats! I used OPI Nail Envy (Original) as a base coat and Sally Hansen Diamond Shine as a top coat in the pic above.

I live in reds and corals over the summer months so I've got a feeling this shade is going to get a lot of wear out of it! I probably wouldn't pay full price for OPI just because I probably have a similar shade in my collection already, but I would definitely get some from the States or eBay or something! Saying that they are worth their £10 price tag, I just can't justify spending that!

What's your favourite nail brand? Do you wear OPI?

Love,

Sophia

xo