Bargain haul of the week: TK Maxx - L'Oréal, Sally Hansen, Essie and Garnier

Hey guys!

I hope you're having a fab week. Can you believe it's Thursday tomorrow?! Haha.

So I don't know about you guys, but TK Maxx is one of my weaknesses. I would like to think I'm a measured, sensible shopper - checking out reviews, images and the like before purchasing - but with TK Maxx, my shopping rules fly out of the window!

I love me a bargain, and my 'get it or regret it' instinct takes over. I literally cannot walk into TK Maxx anymore without picking something up from the Beauty section. Here's what I hauled...

Believe me, I had LOADS more in my basket - but I managed to walk out with *just* this lot.

L'Oréal Tan Intensifier After-Sun Care

RRP £7.15 NOW £3.99

I'm not actually going anywhere anywhere this year but I just HAD to stock up on this stuff! It's the best aftersun EVER, seriously. I've used it for years and it works brilliantly. It smells lovely, soaks in quickly and really helps to prolong a tan. It can also be used as a gradual tan as it has tanning pigments in it too. Definitely pick some of this stuff if you get the chance!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips - 120 It Girl

RRP £9.95 NOW £3.99

I've not actually used nail polish strips before so I can't wait to try these out! I've heard really great things about these Sally Hansen ones from bloggers in the States so I'm hoping to try these over a pair of falsies. The neon pink shade is really on trend too :-)

Essie Nail Polish Trio

WAS £26.97 NOW £9.99

I've always wanted to get my hands on Essie but in all honesty I've got enough shades to last me a lifetime! This Essie set caught my eye because it's a 3 pack and so it works out to about 3 quid each. They do feature the old style brush, but hopefully it will give me a feel for the Essie brand as I know it's a bloggers fave.

Unfortunately, all of the shades in this pack had the wrong shade on them or no shade at all so I can't tell you which ones they are. I did a bit of research though and the one on the right is called A List - if you're wondering!

The 3 pack included a bubblegum pink, a dark burgundy and a pillar box wear. All shades I can see myself wearing so it's a winner in my books!

Sally Hansen Super Shine Shiny Top Coat

WAS £4.99 now £2.99

I've always been a huge fan of Sally Hansen products as they're such great quality and often at really low prices. I love to snap them up on discount websites like Fragrance Direct and so I knew I wanted this from TK Maxx straight away. I was really underwhelmed by the Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat so I'm hoping that this one is better! I like my nails to look glossy and chip-free so this seemed to fit the bill.

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Protecting Hand Cream

NOW £2.99

Well, a girl can never have enough hand cream - right?! I use this before I go to bed to keep my hands nice and nourished overnight. It absorbs instantly and leaves them smelling lovely and fresh! Would definitely recommend :-)

So that's it for this time, but trust me there'll be more where that came from - bargain beauty FTW!

Have you picked up any bargains in TK Maxx recently? It's amazing what you can find in there sometimes!

Love,

Sophia

xo

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie: Review, swatches and FOTD

Hey loves!

I hope you had a great weekend and are looking forward to Bank Holiday Monday tomorrow :-)

Recently, I acquired one of the much raved about Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters. I picked up the shade, 050 Berry Smoothie...

Modelled by Easy A actress Emma Stone, the Revlon Lip Butters are a buttery balm / shiny lipstick hybrid that're available in 15 colours.

The Lip Butters feature the traditional Revlon lipstick quilted packaging and are in the colour of the lipstick shade inside, so mine (Berry Smoothie) is purple :-)

Swatches:

(top - without flash, bottom - with flash)

I swatched literally all of the Revlon Lip Butters in Boots and Superdrug, and Berry Smoothie was the shade that complemented my complexion the best. As hyped up as the other Lip Butters are, I wanted to be sure I chose a shade that suited me the most and that was wearable on a daily basis. Berry Smoothie definitely fits the bill - I would describe it as a sheer, glossy sparkle with very discreet micro shimmer.

Lip swatches:

(top - bare lips, bottom - after applying Revlon Berry Smoothie)

I have to say, the Revlon Lip Butters aren't hyped up for nothing - they're actually pretty darn good! I simply love wearing mine :-) I apply it to the lips and it gives it instant wash of berry toned colour. It feels lovely and nourishing and lasts on the lips for a good 3 hours before fading. It really does look and feel AMAZING! :-) I can't wait to stock up on some more!

FOTD including Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie:

FACE: MAC Fix+, YSL Touche Eclat #1, MAC Studio Fix Concealer [NW15], MAC Pro Longwear Foundation (applied with ELF Stippling Brush), Benefit Hoola bronzer (applied using an unbranded bronzing brush), MAC Fix+.

EYES: Sleek Storm Palette - taupe and brown shades, Soap & Glory SUPERCAT felt tip liner, CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume mascara, Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick.

LIPS: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters are priced at £7.99 and available from Boots and Superdrug as well as online retailers :-)

Have you given in to the Revlon Lip Butter hype? What shade would you recommend?

Love,

Sophia

xo

Weekend OOTN, FOTN and NOTN: Celeb inspired bralet top and mini skirt combo

Hey ladies!

I hope you're all having a fab weekend :-) we've been very lucky with the weather down here in the south!

So recently I went on a night out for one of my friend's birthdays and I thought I'd show you my celeb inspired look from the night :-)

I opted for a bralet style top for the special occasion, teamed with a mini skirt. I've seen loads of celebs rocking the trend recently...

 From L-R: Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Frankie Sandford and Rihanna all rocking all the bralet and mini skirt combo 

Whilst I admit I was a little daunted by the prospect of showing so much flesh - I imagine these celebs have gone personal trainer to tone up those abs on show! - I felt confident by the end.

OOTN:

Tropical print bralet - Topshop

Black bodycon skirt - H&M

Nude leather clutch - River Island

Nude leather heels - Next

Rose gold watch - ASOS

I picked up the bralet style top a couple of months ago in the Topshop sale, but I've seen loads of similar ones in ASOS, River Island and Boohoo as well :-)

FOTN:

FACE: 17 Photo Flawless primer, Benefit Boi-ing concealer (02 Medium), Estee Lauder Doublewear concealer (Light), Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous foundation faker (02 Medium), MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (Light), Benefit Dallas bronzer, Benefit Coralista blush, Benefit High Beam.

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original), Sleek Storm palette (taupe and matte brown shades), Rimmel Exaggerate liquid eyeliner (top lid), Avon Color Trend kajal stick (lower waterline), Avon Super Shock mascara. Ruby & Millie Brow Enhance on eyebrows.

LIPS: Avon Plump Pout Lipgloss - Pink Nectar.

I was inspired by my tropical print tropical to go for a holiday kind of make-up look. I went for sheer lipgloss and lots of highlighter for a glowy finish - it's the first time I've tried Benefit High Beam and I was really impressed with it!

NOTN:

Essie - Camera

I had my nails done just before at MW Nails in Spitalfields and I chose this shade, Camera by Essie. It's the first Essie shade I tried and I was really impressed with the longevity of it! I also chose the colour because it was nice and bright and matched the colours on my bralet :-)

Would you wear the bralet trend? 

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

My four favourite: Creamy coral nail varnishes - Revlon, M&S, Nails Inc and Barry M

Hey loves!

HAPPY FRIDAY! I hope you're all looking forward to the weekend :-)

Some of you may remember that recently I told myself to stop buying nail varnishes! I have more than 100 so I must have one of every colour lol. So I blogged about my four favourite creamy orange nail varnishes and today I'll be blogging about my four favourite creamy corals!

From L-R: Revlon - One Perfect Coral, M&S - Flame, Nails Inc (The Beauty Collection) - Copacabana, Barry M - Coral

Nail swatches:

(top without flash, bottom with flash - although they look the same!)

• Revlon - One Perfect Coral (RRP £6.49) This is my first favourite creamy coral by drugstore fave, Revlon. I've used Revlon for a couple of years now and I've always been really impressed with the quality. This shade in particular looks more orange next to the others.
• M&S - Flame (RRP £3.50) I picked up this nail colour YEARS ago from my local uni M&S branch in Bournemouth. I have to say, I wasn't expecting much from this as, well, M&S aren't exactly renowned for their beauty, are they? But I was actually really impressed! It's lasted years in the bottle and the colour stays on my nails for a couple of days before chipping. Not bad for the price, but it's definitely more red than the others here.
• Nails Inc (The Beauty Collection) - Copacabana (Free with Dove but would normally retail at £11.00) I went through a phase of always getting the free Nails Inc nail polishes and this is no exception. It came free with two Dove deodorants either last year or the year before. Obviously, being Nails Inc, it's amazing quality and lasts ages without chipping. It looks slightly pinker than the other corals here, but I'd definitely repurchase.
• Barry M - Coral (RRP £2.99) I have quite a few Barry M nail paints in my collection but sadly I've had this one for a couple of years and it's gone all gloopy and unusable. It's a lovely, light coral shade which I would recommend - just don't expect it to last forever.

So there we have it - my four favourite creamy corals! Next up is my four favourite creamy reds so keep your eyes peeled for that :-)

What's your favourite coral nail polish?

Love,

Sophia

xo

22nd birthday part two: OOTN, FOTN and NOTN - Tulisa inspired tribal/aztec print dress

Hey loves!

I hope you all enjoyed the first part of my 22nd birthday series earlier :-)

The look I went for on the night out was inspired by X Factor judge, Tulisa.

Tulisa in tribal/Aztec print bodycon dresses - mainly from Lipsy!

Here's how I took inspiration from her myself:

OOTN:

Dress - H&M

Clutch - River Island

Heels - Barratts (see blog post)

Belt - Vintage Moschino

I picked up this dress from H&M last year actually but I instantly fell in love with it and was saving it for a special occasion. I love the tribal print on it :-)

FOTN:

FACE: Aldi Lacura Shimmering Day Cream, 17 Photo Flawless Primer, YSL Touche Eclat, Benefit Boi-ing Concealer (02 Medium), Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous Foundation Faker (02 Medium), MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (Light), Benefit Dallas Bronzer, MeMeMe Sunbeam highlighter.

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original), Sleek Storm Palette (taupe and brown shades), Soap and Glory SUPERCAT felt tip liner, Avon Color Trend kajal stick, Benefit Bad Gal mascara, Avon SuperShock Mascara. MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Dirty Blonde.

LIPS: LUSH Bubblegum lip scrub, Rimmel lip liner in Red Dynamite, Rimmel Colour Show Off Lipstick in Be Bold.

NOTN:

China Glaze - Orange Knockout (Neon)

You may have seen my tweet about hauling Sally's beauty supply - well this was it! I'll do a full post shortly but let's just say it's one of the best neons I have ever tried. I would definitely recommend!

Are you a fan of the tribal trend?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

22nd birthday part three: Pressies round up!

Hey loves!

I hope you enjoyed my first two bday related posts :-D I'll just be doing a quick round up of my pressies and that's my bday done for this year! Booo...

Btw, I apologise if you find these posts a tad indulgent, but I personally love reading posts like this some hope you guys do, too :-)

Victoria's Secret PINK Lightweight Zip Hoodie

The boy picked up these VS PINK goodies for me from the States and I couldn't be happier with them. I love nothing more than slobbish out in my VS track suit sometimes!

Victoria's Secret PINK Boyfriend Tee

Another item from VS PINK which I absolutely can't wait to wear. If it's good enough for Snooki & JWoww...

Converse All Star Classic White

I've wanted a pair of Converse for ages so I'm so glad I got a pair! They're soo comfy, perfect for travelling on the tube in :-)

Gossip Girl Series Two

I've watched a couple of episodes of Gossip Girl and really liked it so I can't wait to snuggle up in bed and watch it!

Disney DVDs - Tarzan and Robin Hood

YAY! I'm aiming to own the entire Disney DVD collection and I'm certainly on my way now. These are 2 of my faves!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, Instant Boost Skin Tonic, Skin Repair Moisturiser and 2x muslin cloths

I've used the Cleanse & Polish before and I was really impressed with it so I can't wait to try the whole range! My skin is not so great at the moment so I hope it helps to clear it up :-)

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint

I've heard so many great things about this tinted moisturiser so I can't wait to test it out. As expected, I'm that lightest shade... Lol.

Real Techniques Core Collection

Another hugely raved about product that I was absolutely thrilled to receive. I have a feeling I'll be using the buffing brush especially!

Essie Penny Talk

My sister treated me to my first Essie nail polish which is a gorgeous metallic rose gold! Woop woop :-)

DKNY Be Delicious Night

My friend bought me this lovely perfume that's perfect for nights out! You can never have too much perfume...

The Body Shop Detangling Spray

I've tried this detangler before and it's absolutely fab! I always have to use a leave-in detangling spray and it leaves my hair feeling so much softer :-D

Have you tried any of these products? Tempted to pop them on your birthday list?

Love,

Sophia

xo

22nd birthday part one: My birthday outfits and new Zara style shopper

Hey loves!

I hope you're all having a great week :D

Last weekend was my birthday so I thought I'd show you some of the outfits I wore, including the new Zara style bag I picked up from eBay recently!

I will also be blogging about the outfit I wore on my bday night out and the pressies I received!

From L-R: Outfit for birthday cream tea, Outfit for my birthday day and outfit for the Olympics the next day

My new Zara style shopper bag from eBay

I saw some of my favourite bloggers showcasing the latest Zara shopper bag - I'm looking at you Vivianna Does Makeup! - but being very much a budget blogger I had to get it on the cheap.

I bought it from this eBay seller for £15 instead. It looks almost identical if you ask me, but be warned - don't fill it full to the brim with stuff as it will inevitably fall apart!

So onto the birthday outfits...

Outfit one: Birthday cream tea

Nude sleeveless blouse - Next (link)

Black skinny jeans - Topshop

Tan strappy sandals - Next

Tan tote - eBay (see above)

I wore this outfit out for cream tea with my other half. FYI, it was delicious... Endless cups of tea, cream cakes and scones. YUM! But back onto the outfit lol. I have a thing about matching all my accessories so that's why they're all tan. The blouse is lovely and loose - perfect after you've eaten your body weight in cake...

Outfit two: My birthday day

Colour block dress - Next

Tan strappy sandals - as above

Tan tote - as above

I wore this outfit for my actual birthday :-) I fake tanned in the morning so needed something loose! Haha. It's also a gorgeous dress, from the Geri at Next spring/summer range for those that are wondering. I'm sensing a pattern here, big Next fan ha!

Outfit three: Birthday Olympics trip

Black leather jacket - Topshop

Black skinny jeans - Topshop

Leopard print scarf - Next

Tan leather loafers - Dorothy Perkins (link)

Tan leather tote - as above

This is the outfit I wore to the Olympic women's boxing with my friend Flo. Sadly I got the weather completely wrong as it was really sunny lol! Again I'm using my faux Zara tote, it's the perfect size for lugging Olympics tickets around lol. I'm also a huge leopard print fan :D

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! The outfit I wore on my birthday night out will be up soon and then my pressies haul :D

Do you like to make a special effort on your birthday?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

MAC Haul: Cremesheen Lipstick in Shy Girl, Powder Blush in Harmony and 129 Powder Brush

Hey loves!

I hope you're having a great weekend :-) I'm going to try blogging from my iPad today so fingers crossed it all goes to plan!

Recently I took a little trip to MAC in Shepherd's Bush, which I prefer to Stratford! Here's what I picked up...

Cremesheen Lipstick in Shy Girl - RRP £14.00

Shy Girl is coveted in the blogging community as it's a gorgeous, wearable peachy nude. I knew this is the lipstick I wanted!

There's something about buying a MAC lipstick that feels luxurious. It's such a treat, and the scent isn't half bad either!

Swatches:

(left without flash, right with flash)

In the swatch, it's a gorgeous shimmery nudes pink. I couldn't wait to try it on my lips!

I would describe it as a pinky nude with a touch of shimmer. It's so soft and moisturising, I reckon I'll be wearing it all summer!

Powder Blush in Harmony - RRP £17.50

The next item I bought was MAC's infamous Harmony blush. I had my eye on it after Holly (Yummy Mummy's Beauty Blog) raved about it!

In the pan, it's a dusky pink. Doesn't it look beautiful? It makes me not want to touch it! Haha.

(from L-R: Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzer #51, MAC Harmony Blush, Benefit Hoola Bronzer)

My skin is NC15 in MAC and Harmony blush is just perfect for contouring! It's not too dark at all, it's like I've got a gorgeous summer tan. I would definitely recommend!

129 Blush Brush - RRP £26.00

I bought the 129 Blush Brush to use with the Harmony blush :-)

It's absolutely ideal to use with it as it picks up just the right amount of blusher and it blends it really naturally on the skin.

It's a dome shaped brush as well and it's perfect for sculpting those cheekbones!

I'm so pleased with my purchases :-D I can't wait to haul MAC again soon!! Haha.

All products available at your local MAC store or the MAC website.

FOTD:

FACE: MAC Fix+, MAC Studio Finish Concealer, MAC Pro Longwear Foundation, MAC Harmony Blush, MAC Fix+ to finish.

EYES: Sleek Storm Palette in taupe and brown shades, Soap and Glory SUPERCAT Carbon Black eyeliner, Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick, CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara.

LIPS: MAC Shy Girl lipstick

What's your favourite MAC product? What's on your MAC wish list?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

Weekend FOTN, OOTN and NOTN: Celeb inspired bandage bodycon dress & a colour pop blazer!

Hey loves!

Sorry I haven't blogged sooner - I have yet to master the art of scheduled posts and I'm having trouble using Blogger on my iPad... Boo!

So recently I went on a night out with some girlfriends and I thought I'd talk you through what I wore. I opted for a dress similar to the Herve Leger bandage dress that has been spotted on so many celebs. It's not surprising why - it's universally flattering as it's literally like a pair of Spanx in dress form!

From L-R: Lauren Pope (TOWIE), Frankie Sandford (The Saturdays), Britney Spears, J-Lo in black bodycon bandage dresses

So I took inspiration from these gorgeous ladies on a recent night out. I also opted for a black bodycon bandage dress - sadly not by Herve Leger! :-(

OOTN:

Excuse the neon bracelet! I added a orange blazer for a pop of colour :-) 

Black bandage dress - Oasis

Orange blazer - eBay

Nude leather clutch - River Island

Nude leather heels - Next

Gold hoops - Primark

FOTN:

FACE: 17 Photo Flawless primer, Estee Lauder Doublewear Concealer (Light), Benefit Boi-ing Concealer (02 Medium), Benefit Some Kind-A Gorgeous Foundation Faker (Medium), Benefit Dallas bronzer, St Tropez Illuminator.

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original), Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes kit (taupe shade all over lid, brown shade on outer corners), Soap & Glory SUPERCAT felt tip liner, Avon Color Trend kajal stick, Eyelure 101 lashes.

LIPS: LUSH Bubblegum lip scrub, Avon Plump Pout Lipgloss (Honey shades - Pink Nectar).

HAIR: Curled using GHD Original irons and set in place using L'Oreal Elnett Very Volume Supreme Hold hairspray.

I used these false eyelashes for the first time in ages! I'm really lazy and forget to apply them, but I really liked the look of these ones :-)

NOTN:

imPRESS Press-On Manicure in Rock It!

This was the first time that I used the imPRESS Press-On Manicure range, but I'm not sure if they beat my Elegant Touch X-Short false nails. I'll keep you guys posted on that!

What do you wear at the weekend?

Lots of love,

Sophia

xo