Shopping the stash! Wednesday make-up shake-up and FOTD

Hey ladies!

We're finally mid-week.. WA-HEY! I hope you enjoyed reading my recent FOTD featuring my MAC Pro Longwear Foundation...which I LOVE...btw!

OK so anyone who has read my make-up storage post will know that I own A LOT of make-up! (10 drawers in fact, and that's not including accessories, brushes, lashes etc!) I wouldn't say I have an addiction but I do like to look nice, and I like testing out different products in order to find my 'holy grail' make-up. Sadly, like they say about kissing plenty of frogs to find your prince, it takes a lot of bad make-up to find a real gem of a product! So anyway recently I felt inspired to 'shop my stash' today, a phrase I believe was coined by Laura, from buy now, blog later but I've also seen a similar posts on Lauren's blog (Gotta Love A Trier).

The concept of 'shopping your stash' is to find products at the back of your make-up drawer that have long been neglected in favour of newer/better/more expensive alternatives and see what you find! The point is to hopefully find products that you had forgotten you loved :-) so here's what I found!

FACE:

Base wise, I started with the Avon MagiX perfector that I bought when I was an Avon rep! It's a silicone formula (I think!) and it feels like velvet on your skin. Personally I prefer primers that really sink into your skin, rather than these type of primers (the 17 Photo Flawless Primer is similar) that I feel sit on your skin instead. No7's Stay Perfect foundation was COMPLETELY the wrong colour for my skin, I don't know how I got away with it for so long! The Avon MagiX concealer really surprised me, it's very similar to the YSL Touche Eclat which I also own - I may have to do a dupe post soon! Rimmel's Hide the Blemish was similar to Benefit Boi-ing which I normally use to conceal blemishes, but I found this to be pretty ineffective. The Avon True Colour Blush (it's called a blush but it's a bronzer!) is truly fab, perfect for adding a little matte bronze, I'd say it was a pretty close dupe for Benefit Hoola. The No7 cheek tint was OK but nothing special. The St Tropez Illuminator was fab! Using it on my temple, cheekbones etc, it left a lovely iridescent glow. ELF's Makeup Mist and Set was pretty poor, nowhere near as good as MAC's Fix+ and it left my face feeling pretty wet!

EYES:

I used the MAC Painterly Paint Pot as a base because I ALWAYS use Urban Decay Primer Potion. I'm actually very happy using MAC's Painterly Paint Pot, I just prefer the consistency of UDPP. The Rimmel liquid eyeliner was pants, can't believe I used this product for so long! Soap and Glory SUPERCAT is 100x better in every way possible. The No7 eyeliner was really awful as well, it hardly worked at all! Definitely sticking to my trusty Avon kajal stick for my waterline next time. Avon's Supershock mascara really surprised me, forgot how good it was! It's certainly a good dupe for Benefit's Bad Gal mascara! I can't seem to get the Shu Uemura eyelash curlers to work for me at all, I think it's cos my eyelashes are SO short! The Rimmel eyeshadow was OK but required a pretty heavy hand, and the No7 eyeshadow worked fine as a base colour but nothing special. I also used the Rimmel eyeshadow as an eyebrow colour which I think worked really well, definitely going to give that a go again!

LIPS:
I bought the NARS Mayflower lipstick last year as a treat for myself when I handed in my dissertation! (funding model for online news, FYI!) Tbh I shouldn't have bought this in the first place, I didn't need this AT ALL and it was pretty disappointing when I first used it.

This time around, I loved the colour (a very wearable raspberry pink) and the longevity was impressive as well. However I noticed more of a shimmer to the lipstick this time, which is really NOT a look I'm a fan of!

FOTD featuring above products:

FACE: Avon MagiX Face Perfector, Avon MagiX Illuminator (Light), Rimmel Hide The Blemish Concealer (Sand) applied using No7 Concealer Brush, No7 Stay Perfect Foundation (New Ivory) applied using MAC 190 Brush and buffed in using ELF Stippling Brush, Avon True Colour Blush (Earthen Rose) applied using unbranded bronzing brush, No7 Cheek Tint Blusher (Rose Silk), St Tropez Illuminator and set using ELF's Makeup Mist and Set.

EYES: MAC Paint Pot (Painterly), No7 Eyeshadow (Starry Lights) Rimmel Mono Eyeshadow (Smokey Quartz), Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eye-Liner (Brown), No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil (Brown) along lower waterline, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, Avon Supershock Mascara (Black). Rimmel Mono Eyeshadow (Smokey Quartz) on brows, set using ELF's Makeup Mist and Set and brushed through using an old Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara Wand.

LIPS: Carmex Original Lipbalm to prime and then NARS Mayflower Lipstick applied using the Body Shop Lip Brush.

OK so overall I had a bit of a mixed bunch! I learnt there were some products that I really should just throw out because I won't be using them again (No7 Stay Perfect foundation - wrong shade - and NARS Mayflower lipstick - not worth the price!) but on the other hand, I found some products that I really can't wait to use again! Avon's True Colour Blush, Supershock Mascara, MagiX concealer along with the St Tropez illuminator will definitely be some of those products!

I'd love to know, have you 'shopped your stash' before? Or shaken up your make-up look?

Leave a comment with your blog links! :-)

Love,

Sophia

xo

Natural FOTD featuring my forgotten love MAC Pro Longwear Foundation!

Hey loves!

Hope you've all had a fab Tuesday :-) Did you guys enjoy my Snooki inspired OOTN last week? It's not often I take fashion inspiration from the cast of Jersey Shore but I just couldn't resist this trend! Haha.

So ever since I received the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation for Christmas, I've been reaching for that when I'm after a full-coverage, long-wearing foundation. On a day to day basis, I'll whack on Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect as I can quickly apply it with my fingers and it smells yum!

But recently I've been turning to my beloved MAC Pro Longwear. I purchased this back in July last year and I have to admit I forgot how truly great it was! It's full coverage, banishing ANY redness/imperfections to leave the skin looking polished, perfect and radiant, and it lasts all day as well. It's very different in consistency to Estee Lauder's Double Wear, which is quite runny in comparison to the Pro Longwear which has a kind of 'stringy' consistency! (hard to explain!)

I ALWAYS apply the MAC Pro Longwear with my MAC 190 Foundation Brush. If I'm really in the mood, I'll buff it in with my ELF Stippling Brush or Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge (that's if I remember!)

So here's how I rocked MAC Pro Longwear today!

FOTD:

FACE: Aldi Lacura Shimmering Day Cream, MAC Pro Longwear Foundation (NC15, applied with MAC 190 Foundation Brush), MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NW15) for blemishes, YSL Touche Eclat (#1) for dark circles, Benefit Hoola Bronzer (applied using Benefit Fan Brush), Benefit Coralista Blusher (applied using Cosmopolitan Beauty Expert Perfect Finish Blush Brush. MAC Fix+ to finish.

EYES: Sleek Storm Palette (taupe and matte brown shades), Soap and Glory SUPERCAT Carbon Black Liner on top lid, Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick (Brown) in lower waterline, CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara (Black).

LIPS: Missguided nude lipgloss.

As you can see, the MAC Pro Longwear leaves the skin looking really radiant - believe me, my skin isn't like that naturally! LOL

Have you tried the MAC Pro Longwear Foundation? Or do you have a forgotten foundation fave?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

Snooki inspired outfit with leopard print accessories! Weekend OOTN, FOTN and NOTN

Good evening lovelies!

I hope you've all had a happy Tuesday :-) I got my workout in early and cooked myself a healthy lunch and dinner so that's all good in the hood!

OK so I don't know about you guys but I am OBSESSED with Jersey Shore! My sister got me into it a couple of years ago and I've watched every episode since. I think it's the Italian connection, I can totally relate to the whole sitting around the table for Sunday dinner thing! Ever since Sammi ditched Ronnie, she's been my favourite star, but Snooki (who's not actually Italian) has got to be up there, too. Not only infamous for her heavy drinking (which I'm sure is in the past now she's preggers) but she's also known for her... shall we say, unique, style? Jerseylicious baby! Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have the guts (or the figure) to wear half the stuff she does, but I like how she always adds a touch of glam to her outfits, for example with the leopard print (seen above). It breaks up all black and gives you something to draw your attention to - a look I rocked at the weekend...

OOTN:

Tuxedo dress - ASOS Petite (link!)

Leopard print clutch - Dorothy Perkins (see blog post)

Leopard print heels - eBay seller (originally New Look)

Waist belt - Vintage Moschino

I chose this dress because the V neck design (pinched in at the waist with a patent belt) suited my curvy hourglass figure. I added leopard print accessories, a la Snooki and the Kardashian clan, to give my look a bit of an 'edge'! I got the clutch for a fiver in the Dorothy Perkins sale a couple of months ago and I bought the shoes from a random eBay seller for about £10 (they matched the leopard print design exactly as well!)

Accessories detail:

From L-R: Leopard print accessories; Tuxedo detail; Patent waist belt

Considering I based this look on the Queen of Jersey, I actually think this look was pretty chic. I guess it could've gone either way, depending on how I did my hair and make-up!

FOTN:

FACE: Benefit That Gal Brightening Primer, Benefit Some Kind-A Gorgeous Foundation Faker (02 Medium), Benefit Boi-ing Concealer (02 Medium), YSL Touche Eclat (#1), Benefit Dallas Bronzer (applied with an unbranded bronzing brush), Benefit Coralista Blusher (applied using Cosmopolitan Blusher Brush), Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator (02 Peach). Held using TIGI Masterpiece Hairspray.

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original), Sleek Storm Palette (taupe, dark brown and matte black shades), Soap & Glory SUPERCAT Carbon Gloss liner on top lid, Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick (Black) on lower waterline, CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara. Ruby & Millie Brow Enhance applied with W7 Angled Brush.

LIPS: LUSH Bubblegum lip scrub & Carmex Original lip balm to prime. L'Oreal Kiss Proof Lipstick and Lipgloss in Shade 514.

I pretty much wear the same make-up every time I go out. I chose a glossy red lip to add a bit of colour to the look. Looking back I probably do wear too much make-up, will try and wear less next time! Btw I dyed my hair using Schwarzkopf XXL Dark Spice, which was supposed to be dark red, but as you can see, is dark brown! D'oh...

NOTN:

ELF Nail Polish in Cranberry

This was the closest colour I could find to match my lips! I did a MASSIVE ELF haul recently that I can't wait to share with you guys, but just to let you know for now that their regular line of nail polishes is freaking AMAZING! £1.50 and brilliant quality, lasting 3-4 without chipping with a decent top coat.

What did you wear out at the weekend? Would you take style tips from Snooki? Don't worry, I won't be offended! (much, haha)

Love,

Sophia

xo

Making the CHANEL Soleil Tan de Chanel work for me! (inspired by essiebutton)

Good afternoon folks!

I hope you're enjoying this deceivingly chilly day! So you may remember recently I made a plea regarding a new purchase of mine, the CHANEL Soleil Tan de Chanel. I'd forked out the 29 odd quid for it to find that I really couldn't get it to work for me. No matter what brush I used, it just didn't look good. It didn't look natural. That was until I watched essiebutton's YouTube video, entitled 'How to Use Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel on Fair Skin!'

Sorry for the screenshot, Essie! Anyway Essie described a look in which she applied the Soleil Tan de Chanel as a make-up base instead of post-foundation bronzer. I mean when you think about it, it makes sense! After all, it has labelled 'bronzing make-up base'! So I followed Essie's tutorial and give it a shot, replacing some of the products she mentioned for similar ones I owned myself - except for the Soleil Tan de Chanel, of course!

(click to enlarge)

Essie, like me, is quite pale. You wouldn't know it just by looking at me but my Mum is actually Italian, you'd think I'd have inherited some of those Meditteraean looks (including a killer tan), right? Sadly it's presumed I've taken the Sicilian side of the family's look - they have dark features (hair, eyebrows) but paler skin... Whoopie! So I do struggle to get foundations to suit my pale skin tone. Like Essie, I prefer the natural, lit from within look. I don't like to look like I'm wearing foundation. So, I followed the tutorial, and started by applying a shimmering day cream as primer, which was the only item I could find that slightly matched Essie's description! I was actually really impressed with this product, I think applying primer with a foundation brush makes ALL the difference! I then swirled my bronzing brush around the Soleil Tan de Chanel, before adding it to the hollows of my cheeks, temple, nose and chin before buffing it in. I then added foundation, concealer and powder on top, before adding a different bronzer over the foundation. I think this routine works much better for me because I am really pale, and like Essie says, adding the Soleil Tan de Chanel after my foundation can make me look a bit orange.

FOTD:

FACE: Aldi Lacura Shimmering Day Cream (applied using MAC 190 foundation brush), CHANEL Soleil Tan de Chanel (applied using an old bronzing brush), Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation (applied using Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge), MAC Studio Finish Concealer, Estee Lauder Doublewear Concealer, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (applied using Avon Powder Brush), NARS Laguna Bronzer (applied using an old bronzing brush). MAC Fix+ to set.

EYES: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow (RSVP) and TOPSHOP e/s mousse (Glint - both applied with No7 Lip Brush), No7 Starry Lights single e/s (applied using No7 Eyeshadow Brush), Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick (brown) on lower waterline, Shu Uemura eyelash curlers, CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume mascara (Black), MAC Dirty Blonde eyebrow pencil.

LIPS: Carmex Original lip balm.

I'm really glad I came across Essie's tutorial, otherwise I fear my Soleil Tan de Chanel may have been left neglected in my make-up drawer for long to come. However I do really need to invest in a proper bronzing brush, because mine is simply awful!

How do you make the Soleil Tan de Chanel work for you? What brush do you use to apply it?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

IKEA haul!

Hey guys!

I hope you've all had a mellow/manic Monday (depending on which you prefer! haha). I've just found out I'm going to see The Wanted tonight with my sis, so I'm having a listen to some of their tracks at the mo to get me in the mood :-)

So recently I tagged along with my Mum for a trip to IKEA in Croydon. Cue obligatory Instagram IKEA photo...

Don't you just love it! It's so organised, structured and efficient - right up my street (I'm a real neat freak!) haha. I remember walking around the Kids section when I was younger and staring at all the amazing lights and teddies, etc! Now I'll tell you what, walking around as a grown adult has made me really want my own home to decorate! That would just be a dream! So obviously I don't have my own house at the moment so I couldn't exactly get much, but I did pick up a couple of bargains!

BOLMEN scales - £3.29

I saw these and I thought 'ooh, I could do with a pair of scales!' I have no idea how much I weigh and it would probably be quite useful to know! 3 squid is a massive bargain as well, and they don't need batteries...result!

OLEBY travel mug - £3.99

Now this was the one thing I actually went in for! I'm a self-confessed coffee addict and my current travel mug just isn't cutting it. It does the job but it doesn't have a handle so I can't bring it for walks or to the beach or anything!

FYI, if you're a bit on the skint side but can't kick the coffee habit like me, bring your own ready made flash to work/uni! That's what I did and it saved me SO much money! I'd just buy those Nescafe sachets from Poundland, make it up every morning and pop it in my bag for when I needed a quick caffeine fix. Also works for soup etc! You can thank me later :-)

GALEK tea light holders - 99p

OK so a couple of years ago I bought about a squillion tea lights for no apparent reason and they're really not going down anytime soon! So I bought these pretty tea light holders to scatter around my room :-) You can't really go wrong for 20p each!

TINDRA scented candles - 89p each

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK!!! lol these are absolutely AMAZING! I already owned an IKEA TINDRA scented candle in the rose scent and I love it, so I picked up 2 more flavours; exotic fruit and vanilla. I can't WAIT to use them! If you ever go to IKEA you have to visit their candle section, seriously I could've spent HOURS in there! These are massive btw, about the same size as your standard Jo Malone candle.

JOKER candle dish - 39p

Recently I found a random candle that didn't come in a jar or anything so I've been lighting it anyway, not really sure what to do with it when it reaches the bottom... Now I've got this handy little dish to pop it on, yay!

HYLTA tape measure - 49p

Doesn't really need explaining... a tape measure for 49p... win!

Have you been to IKEA recently? Picked up any bargains?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

NOTD: OPI Swiss Collection - Color So Hot It Berns

Hey loverrrs!

I hope you've all had a relaxing Sunday :-) I've just been watching Air Crash Investigation back to back (I'm obsessed - you can refer to me as an Aviation Expert from now on! lol).

So a couple of days ago, I removed my Cosmopolitan fake nails. They lasted about 5 days! I would definitely use fake nails again, but I'd probably use some that were slightly shorter. So beneath the fake nails, my natural nails had grown quite a bit and I decided to pop some colour on them to show them off for once! The colour I chose was Color So Hot It Berns by OPI - I bought it about 5 months ago in the ASOS sale and blogged about it here.

I kind of said to myself recently that I wasn't going to buy any more nail varnishes 'just for the sake of it'! Last year I must have bought about 50 and my nail varnish collection (which you can read about here) must be in the 100's! I've completely run out of space and I must have every single shade there is! So I recycled this shade from OPI and I admit, I forgot how good it was! I only needed to apply 1 coat and they're just so long-lasting. It's been about 3 days so far and no chipping! I used my standard OPI Nail Envy (Original) and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to complete the look (you can see my reviews on both of these here). I would describe it as a creamy pinky-red.

I think in the future, if I find that I'm missing a certain shade of nail colour, I'm going to save up and buy it from OPI, as they're just so better quality and worth the extra money!

What are you wearing on your nails today? Are you a fan of OPI?

Let me know in the comments :-)

Love,

Sophia

xo

Bargain of the Week: Accessorize 70% off jewellery!

Hey loves!

HAPPY SUNDAY!

I don't know about you guys but I rarely venture into Monsoon/Accessorize nowadays as it's just too expensive! Occasionally I nip in for some bits for a holiday or something, but usually I just walk past... that is until sale time!

The Accessorize sale really is FAB! They reduce everything by 50% and then reduce it further... RESULT! :-) Here's what I picked up recently....

Evie Cocktail Ring - WAS £6.00 NOW £1.80

I'm a big fan of these cocktail rings, I have similar styles in many different colours including brown, cream and orange. I figured this clear one would go with everything in my summer wardrobe, being clear-coloured and all! I love how the Accessorize jewellery at sale price is similar to regular Primark prices, but such better quality!

Facetted Gem Stud Earrings - WAS £5.00 NOW £1.50

I always think big stud earrings like this look really chic and elegant (very Kim K!) and make a welcome change from my regular gold hoops! Again the colour of these makes them versatile and wearable with many different outfits. £1.50 is such a bargain as well, 75p an earring, amazing!

So that's just over £3 for both products, I'm seriously impressed! I will definitely be nipping back into the next Accessorize sale :-)

Have you found any bargains this week? Are you a fan of the Accessorize sale?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

OOTD ft. my new £10 George at Asda electric blue jeans - and my coloured jeans collection!

Hey you guys!

I hope you all enjoyed my post on the Soleil Tan de Chanel, I'm looking forward to reading your responses about how you use it! :-)

So if you follow me on Twitter you'll know that last night the bf and I took a trip to the movies and out for dins! You'll see that I was NOT a fan of the film (Wanderlust FYI). The meal however was DELISH! We had a voucher for Bella Italia so dined there. Nick had a pizza of some sort and I had wholeweat rigatoni with chicken & mushrooms (no white carbs for Lent, ugh)!

So here's what I wore...

OOTD:

Leather jacket - TOPSHOP (old)

Black snood - Next (link!) (see blog post)

White vest (just seen) - Dorothy Perkins (old)

Electric blue skinnies - George at Asda (link!)

Black biker boots - Matalan (link!) (see blog post)

I read in Heat magazine that George at Asda were offering their coloured skinny jeans for just £10 a pop so I had to snap some some up for myself, including this electric blue pair! I've noticed a handful of celebs have been spotted in similar pairs as well recently, including my idol Kim K!

Celebs in electric blue jeans:

From L-R: Kim Kardashian, Hilary Duff and Alicia Keys

I love the way they've all decided to pair the skinnies with simple colours like black and white, that's definitely a look that's up my street! Tbh I can't believe I wore blue, I literally am a black, white and grey kinda gal! Kim's also sported a leather jacket like me, love it!

My coloured jeans collection:

Having worn my electric blue skinnies last night, I thought I'd show you the other coloured skinnies I own! No doubt they'll become a wardrobe staple of mine :-)

Clockwise from top left: George at Asda, George at Asda, ASOS Petite, Next Petite

• Coral skinnies - George at Asda (currently on offer for £10 - normally £14)

I picked these up after I bought the blue pair as I just couldn't resist denim for a tenner! I was a bit unsure of the colour at first, like I said I am reluctant to wear colour at the best of times, but I figured these would get a bit more use when the weather warms up a bit! I do have to roll the bottoms up as I'm only 5'1 but it doesn't look too bad. Oh, and the sizes come up quite big so I'd buy a size smaller. Other coloured skinnies on offer include electric blue (pictured), rose pink, stone and jade green.

• Electric blue skinnies - George at Asda (same offer)

My new favourite pair! I can see these becoming a real go-to item in my wardrobe. They can be dressed down with a cosy jumper and uggs, or dressed up with a smart blouse and shoe boots.

• Lavender skinnies - ASOS Petite (£25.50)

I don't know about you but I'm a massive sucker for pastels right now! I can see myself getting a tad obsessed with them like I do every year! I always wear a lavender shade on my nails in the summer as it's so subtle and pretty. This pair look really lovely with a cream cardigan and sandals. The good thing about these is that they are actually petite! They also offer petite coloured skinnies in pastel orange and pink.

• Jade green skinnies - Next Petite (£24)

I picked these up when I worked at Next and I apologise for the picture, I don't iron my clothes! lol. After reading by Dulce Candy's bright jeans post, I'm going to team these with a neon pink bag! Again I'm so glad these are actually petite in length! Thank God for Next!

I think that's enough coloured skinnies in my collection now - I might have to immerse myself in another trend!

Would you wear electric blue jeans trend? What do you wear with your coloured jeans?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

CHANEL Soleil Tan de Chanel (Bronze Universel) and Perfection Lumiere - my thoughts!

Hey loves!

I hope you're all having a great Saturday :-)

So as some of you may know I recently visited Westfield Shepherds Bush with the bf, and along with a cheeky little MAC haul, I also picked up something very naughty in Chanel...

Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base (previously Chanel Bronze Universel)

I know. I couldn't believe it either. I had meticulously planned a specific route to Boots (for Boots points), then Debenhams (for Beauty Card rewards), then finally John Lewis, where I had hoped one of these 3 stores would have the Bronze Universel - sorry, the Soleil Tan de Chanel - in stock! I couldn't believe it when I found it in the FIRST shop... Boots points FTW!

It's the epitome of high-end, glamorous, luxe make-up. I have NEVER bought a CHANEL product before, but having heard such rave reviews about this product from some of my FAVOURITE bloggers (namely Bubblegarm and Dulce Candy), I knew it HAD to be mine!

Here's how CHANEL describe the product...

"The velvety finish of this light cream-gel bronzer leaves your skin with a beautiful sun-bathed look. Wear it on its own, or for a hint of outdoors radiance, over or under your favorite CHANEL foundation"

Upon first impression, I have to admit the size of the product was smaller than I was expecting! Not in width but in height, it just seemed so shallow, and for £29I was certainly expecting more product!

I also was surprised by the texture of the product. I was expecting it to be alot more creamier, kind of like a soft, mousse feel, that you could pick up with your fingers and distribute where you like. It was actually pretty solid in texture!

In the swatch you can see the product is a lovely light tan colour that would definitely suit most skin types. It's like a cream version of Benefit Hoola bronzer!

My problem?

The application! I just CANNOT get this product to work for me. I know the brush probably doesn't help (I'm currently using an old, dishevelled, un-branded bronzing brush to apply all of my bronzers) but none of the other brushes I own seem to do the job. The bronzing brush is too 'stiff' and the product goes on patchy. The soft, round-top kabuki brush sheds in the pot and my stippling brush from ELF just doesn't pick up enough product.

What am I doing wrong??? I REALLY want to love this product, not just because I spent so much on it, but because everyone else seems to love it! How do YOU apply your Soleil Tan de Chanel?

I would love to know!

PS. Whilst I was at the CHANEL counter I tried to blag some free products... Standard! Their Illusion d'Ombre eyeshadows had been on my Christmas list for a while, but the MUA said they didn't do samples of that. So she applied some of it on my eye but it seemed WAY glittery, and having just passed Christmas I didn't think I'd get enough wear out of it! So I left it. BUT they had just released a new foundation, so I picked up a sample of that (upon recommendation, of course!)

Perfection Lumiere Long Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10 - 10 Beige

The MUA applied a darker shade on my skin originally but it was too dark, so we opted for the shade 10 - Beige instead. In the store it looked amazing, but when I got home the colour was STILL too dark! I must be ghostly white because when I checked online, the shade I was given is the lighest shade they make :( I'm GUTTED because I loved the foundation, I know loads of people have reviewed it (my fave being Holly's) but it honestly does make your skin look PERFECT! It literally looks like your skin... but better. It eliminates all redness/imperfections/blemishes while still making it look like your natural skin! So I would definitely recommend it!

OK so here's my FOTD, using the Soleil Tan de Chanel, and the Perfection Lumiere foundation!

FACE: MAC Fix+ to prime, Estee Lauder Flawless Wear Concealer (Light) under eyes, MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NW15) to conceal blemishes [applied using a No7 Concealer Brush], CHANEL Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10 (Beige 10) [applied using fingers and buffed in using an ELF Studio Stippling Brush], MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (Light) [applied using an Avon All Over Face Brush], CHANEL Soleil Tan de Chanel [applied using an old Avon bronzing brush], MAC Fix+ to finish.

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original), Urban Decay Baked e/s (Buck) all over lid [applied using a No7 Eyeshadow Brush], Urban Decay Baked e/s (Smog) in outer corners [applied using a No7 Eyeshadow Blending Brush], Soap & Glory SUPERCAT Eye Liner along top lid, Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick (Black) along lower waterline and finished off with 2 coats of Cover Girl's LashBlast Volume Mascara in Black.

EYEBROWS: Ruby & Millie Brow Enhance (shadow and wax), both applied using a W7 Angled Eye Brush.

LIPS: LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub to prime, Avon Luxe Lace Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick (Satin) in Pout.

OK so in brief. I LOVE the thought of the Soleil Tan de Chanel, but I need to know which brush to use! & the Perfection Lumiere is uh-amazinggg but I won't be able to use it because I'm too pale! Bah!

Both products are available at larger Boots stores, Debenhams and John Lewis.

Have you got the Soleil Tan de Chanel? How do you apply it?

Please let me know because I really want to make it work for me!

Love,

Sophia

xo