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

May 2013 empties: Lush, The Body Shop, No7, Aussie, Moroccanoil

Hey loves!

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

Here are the beauty products I used up in May...

As you can see, it's mainly skincare and haircare products this month - I go through them SO quickly!

Skincare:

Nivea Visage Extra Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

This was actually pretty effective at removing my eye make-up! I've tried so many, from Simple to Clarins, but I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a cheap drugstore one.

Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner

My lovely YouTuber friend Vi (The Sparkleicious) recommended this to me and I was really impressed with it! I can't say I noticed a massive difference in the brightness of my skin but it left it feeling really fresh and nourished without being too tight.

No7 Heavenly Hydration Mask

This is one of my ALL TIME favourite beauty products and I'm honestly GUTTED that I've used it all up! I used it overnight to give my skin a moisture boost and it was lovely and soft when I woke up. My skin is oily/combination and I didn't find it was too rich at all - plus it smelt amazing! Definitely pick one up if you have a £5 off voucher for Boots.

Lush Enzymion Facial Moisturiser

I went through a phase of using only Lush products on my skin because they're all organic but for some reason I stopped using this! I reacquainted myself with it recently and it's just perfect for summer. It smells like fresh oranges and gives my skin just the right amount of moisture. My only qualm with it is that it doesn't have SPF in it which is why I may not re-purchase.

The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

My love for this range of skincare started when I was at uni and I have to say, I've been pretty loyal to it ever since! The tea tree range at The Body Shop is a little too drying for my skin I've found, whereas this is just right. It leaves your skin feeling really soft and clean afterwards!

Hair:

Aussie Mega Shampoo and Conditioner

I've used this Aussie Mega range on and off since I was about 13, I just can't get enough of it! The scent is just delicious.. I can't explain it but give it a whiff when you're next in Boots or Superdrug and you'll see what I mean! If your hair is a couple of days old and you want something that leaves your hair feeling like it's had a good, deep clean right down to the roots then this is for you.

Nioxin Intensive Treatment*

As you probably know, I like to use an intensive conditioner every time I wash my hair and this has been my masque du jour for the past month. It's thick and creamy and really works to penetrate hair right from the root. I would definitely recommend this, but it's a bit pricey.

Percy Reed Hair Mask*

I popped this in my travel beauty bag for May for when I was staying at a friend's house but I wasn't that impressed with it and I probably wouldn't re-purchase.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner

Not sure why I didn't finish the shampoo this month as well - I probably finished it yonks ago and decided to finish off the conditioner in May. The Moroccanoil range certainly lives up to the hype, it smells amazing and leaves hair feeling soft and silky! At the moment though, my hair is highlighted so I prefer to use a shampoo and conditioner specific for blondes so I might not re-purchase for a while.

Kim Kardashian perfume

I'm rubbish at describing scents but if you're a fan of Kim or the Kardashians, definitely give this a whirl the next time you're in Boots or Superdrug! I think I prefer her Gold scent more though.

What did you use up this month?

Love,

Sophia

xo

*PR samples

 

September empties: Avon, Sanctuary, Lush, Botanics, L'Oreal, Dove, Moroccanoil

Hey loves :-)

I hope you're having a great day - and Hallowe'en!

As we're nearing the end of the month, I figured it's about time I do my September empties. Haha! Here's what I used up last month...

[August Empties]

Skincare:

• Superdrug 100% Cotton Double Faced Pads - I use these on a daily basis, from removing my nail polish to applying cleanser/toner. I have to use the double faced ones as the others are too thin and just fall apart! 
• Avon Clearskin Blackhead Clearing Daily Astrigent - This is a really strong, alcoholic toner that removes all the dirt and grime from your skin. It does skin a little, but it's just so effective - I've already ordered another bottle!
• Avon Clearskin Professional Clarifying Toner Pads - Another Avon favourite, these are so handy for toning your skin after you've washed it. They're very mild, so the astrigent (above) is better for problem skin.
• Freederm Gel - This is the best spot cream on the market, hands down! It stings when you apply it, but to me that's a sign that it's working. I've already got another tube ready for any breakouts! 
• Sanctuary Spa Fresh Faced Purifying Wash - I got this as part of a gift set in the January sales a couple of years back, but I've only got around to using it. It's nice and mild, and smells lovely, so it's perfect for giving your face a good clean in the morning!
• Superdrug Skin Rescue Illuminating Raspberry Face Mask - I used this face mask after I'd run my 10k and my skin needed a little pick me up. It looked amazing afterwards and it was so easy to use.
• Lush Mask of Magnaminty Face and Back Pack - I picked this up in my Lush skincare haul and I was pretty impressed with it actually. It contains tiny beads that are ideal for gentle exfoliation, and it can be used on your body too. I didn't like the mint smell, though :-( 
• Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Make Up Remover - I've raved about this product before, even going so far as to call it 'The Eye Makeup Remover of all Eye Makeup Removers', but sadly the new product formulation just doesn't cut it. It's really greasy and just doesn't remove all my eye makeup like it used to. I'm gutted, because it used to be my HG eye makeup remover :-(

[Top 10 Avon Products]

Body:

• Johnson's Baby Skincare Wipes - As featured in my Top 10 September beauty favourites, these baby wipes are just bloody amazing and it's no wonder I've run out!
• Sanex 0% Shower Gel - A lovely, sensitive shower gel that I would re-purchase again and again!
• Sure Sensitive Maximum Protection Deodorant - I saw this deo doing the rounds on a couple of blogs recently, and I have to say I'm a total convert! It works brilliantly - you pop it on in the morning and it literally lasts all day. 

[Savers Bargain Beauty Haul]

Hair:

• L'Oreal Elnett Very Volume Supreme Hold Hairspray - I've probably said it on my blog hundreds of times, but this really is my HG mascara! I spray a tiny amount in my hair and it leaves it looking shiny and volumised - and it holds my hair in place all night. I've used it for years and I've always been so impressed with it, I've even got a mini one in my handbag!
• Dove Intensive Repair Express Treatment Conditioner - I included the Colour Radiance version of this in my August empties post, and now I've used up another bottle! I just find these express conditioners so bloomin' handy, you only need to leave them on for a couple of minutes - after you've applied shampoo and conditioner - and it leaves your hair feeling so soft and silky. Would definitely recommend!
• Leo Bancroft Ultimately Intense Deep Moisture Mask - Another amazing intensive conditioner, this one from Leo Bancroft smells lovely and you only need to leave it on for a couple of minutes as well. You can check out my full review of the range here.
• Dove Colour Radiance Conditioner - I tested the Dove Colour Radiance range for work, and I was honestly really impressed with the whole range. Dove have really outdone themselves with their haircare range this year!
• Moroccanoil Luminous Hold Hairspray - I received this mini hairspray as part of a bigger giftset for Christmas last year, and I've only just finished it this month! It's perfect for popping in your handbag to spritz on your hair throughout the day. It left my hair looking lovely and glistening. 

[Recent beauty buys that I'm loving]

Dental:

• Oral B Pulsar 40 Toothbrush - I swear by these toothbrushes, which are a hybrid of an electric and manual toothbrush, for brushing my gnashers! I always try and pick them up when they're on offer as they're quite expensive at £6 a pop - but worth every penny in my opinion.
• Colgate Plax Whitening Antibacterial Mouthwash - I love the taste of this! It's got a really mild, minty taste (I don't like the taste of mint lol)
• Pearl Drops Daily Whitening Mouthwash - A new addition on the market, I noticed my teeth looked whiter after using this. Love!

So there's the products I used up last month, let me know if you have any questions by dropping me a line over on Twitter :-)

What did you use up this month?

Love,

Sophia

xo

August empties: REN, Avon, ELF, Lush, Garnier, Dove, Creightons, Treacle Moon

Hey ladies,

TGIF! I hope you've got lots of lovely things planned for the weekend :-)

Apologies for this being a little overdue but I figured it's better late than never, right? 

I decided to start doing empties posts not only because I love reading other people's empties lists but also as it allows me to keep a tab on the items I buy, haha.

So here's what I used up in the month of August.

Creightons Perfect Blonde Shampoo and Creightons Perfect Blonde Conditioner - £1 each - Poundland

I've written about this shampoo and conditioner in a previous Bargain of the Week post, and my love for them has yet to diminish. They're perfect for maintaining glossy blonde locks, and really enhance golden blonde highlights. Best of all, they're only a quid each! I would re-purchase these again without a doubt. I've also tried the brunette version which I love as well, and which I'll no doubt use as soon as I dye my hair back to its natural brunette shade.

Intu Style Brunette Dry Shampoo - £1 - Poundland

I've also used up this dry shampoo designed for brunettes, which I picked up in Poundland. When I've got dark hair, I prefer to use a specific brunette dry shampoo as normal ones leave a white residue in my hair. This one worked really well at ridding my hair of oiliness and I'd definitely re-purchase.

Dove Colour Radiance Express Treatment Conditioner - £3.39 - Boots

I reviewed the whole Dove Colour Radiance haircare collection on my work blog and I was really impressed with not just the range, but this product in particular. It's basically an express intensive conditioner for coloured hair and I really loved it. It smells gorgeous, is easy to apply and left my hair feeling soft and silky. I can't wait to try out some more products from the Dove Express Conditioner range as I'm always in a rush in the shower!

Aquafresh Extra Fresh Daily Mouthwash - £1 - Poundland and Extreme Clean Whitening Toothpaste - £1.80 -Tesco

I wasn't sure whether to include these rather bland empties, but I figured I'd like to read about it on other people's so I thought I'd add them in here. The mouthwash was nice and mild and the toothpaste made my teeth look whiter. Result!

Treacle Moon My Coconut Island Body Scrub - £2.99 - Tesco

I was given this for Christmas last year and I have to be honest, it's one of the best body scrubs I have EVER used. For less than 3 quid, it's truly amazing. It's really thick, contains generous sized beads and smells of lush coconut. It really leaves your skin feeling like it's had a good scrub. I would definitely re-purchase!

Garnier Pure Deep Clean Foam Wash - £4.69 - Cheap Smells

I used this to wash my face in the mornings and I wasn't very impressed. I didn't notice any difference in my skin in the long term. It made my skin feel clean after I'd used it though. It's just not really worth the money in my opinion - it's nothing special. I am tempted to try the new Fruit Energy face wash though.

No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes - £7 - Boots

I've always been a massive fan of these face wipes, and I bought them in a haul this time last year. They're really soft and wet and are perfect for removing stubborn eye make-up. I'd definitely recommend picking up a packet with the £5 off No7 vouchers that are flying around at the moment, you won't regret it :-) No7 is a brand I'm really fond of in general - great products, great prices, you can't go wrong!

LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner - £3.95 - Lush

You may recognise this product from my new skincare routine post that I wrote about recently. I've been using this alongside other Lush facial skincare products including Fresh Farmacy cleanser and Enzymion moisturiser and I find they work really well together. My skin reacts nicely to tea tree as it's soothing and it calms down my spots as well. I might fork out for the bigger bottle next time!

Studio Makeup Mist & Set - £3.75 - elf

I bought this product in my first ever ELF haul (seems like ages ago now) and I've been using it quite a lot recently as it's been in my handbag. I think it's OK but I would rather fork out for the MAC Fix+ which smells lovely, sprays well and sets my make-up nicely.  

Avon MagiX Illuminator - Avon (but available on eBay)

I wrote about this product on my YSL Touche Eclat dupe post and needless to say I've used it all up! It truly is amazing at banishing dark circles and if the product was still around I'd snap it up immediately. Sadly it's been discontinued but you can still pick it up on eBay!

REN Moisture Recharge Comfort-Plus Day Cream (sample size but available for £27 on the REN website)

I was kindly given this product in a blog sale and I've been using it when I stay over at my boyfriend's house as it's a nice handy travel size. To be honest, I'd never heard of the brand REN when I was given the product but I know loads of beauty bloggers rave about it. Maybe it's because I only use a tiny amount but I haven't notice any difference to my skin at all really. I don't really like the smell either. Each to their own I suppose :-)

What are you loving this month?

Let me know :-)

Love,

Sophia 

xo

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

UPDATE:

I've been using the £1 liquid eyeliner from Primark and I have to admit - I'm really impressed with it!

It's really easy to apply, it lasts all day and doesn't smudge. It's a matte, black shade (not glossy/wet look like some are) and really accentuates your eyes. 

It takes a second to apply but lasts all day - I will definitely be re-purchasing this!

Here's a pic of me with the eyeliner on:

 Definitely try it, ladies!

x
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey loves!

I hope you're having a good Monday :-)

Recently, I went shopping in Guildford, which is one of my FAVE places to shop - especially now there's a Primark there, haha.

Here's what I picked up...

Primark

I bought a couple of bits and bobs from Primark, including bags and accessories. No clothes though, sadly...

Tan leather bag - £12.00

I bought this beautiful bag for a bargainlicious 12 quid! The handles of my last bag broke but this one has held up well so far. I loved it so much I also bought it in black...

Black leather bag - £12.00

I'm using this bag at the moment and I just LOVE it! It looks way more expensive than it is and it holds all my stuff, from my iPad to my diary to my make-up bag, perfectly. Stock up, ladies!

Black loafers - £4.00 I have these in white already and they're just SO comfy! My family say they look like nurse shoes but I don't care, I love them and I had to have them in another colour.

Black brush - £1.00 Just a bargain brush, haha. My old one is looking a bit tatty so this one fitted the bill.

Gold earrings - £1.00 Just perfect for adding a little bit of glam at the last minute, and at 10p an earring you can't really complain!

Black liquid eyeliner - £1.00 I figured it was worth a try for a quid! I've used it a couple of times and I've been really impressed with it actually.

Leopard print iPhone case - £2.00 Leopard print lover! Let's hope it fits my iPhone and doesn't break lol.

[You may also like: Primark summer '12 haul: Work blouses]

Topshop

Yellow skirt - £5.00 This is an absolute bargain - I tried it on in the changing rooms as well as loads of other Topshop stuff, and this was the only item I liked. It was priced at £7 but when I got to the till it was only 5! I love it when that happens. I wore this skirt to the Paralympics at the Olympic Park as it seemed very 'sport luxe' to me...

Lush

Lemony Flutter cuticle butter - £6.25 I picked up this cuticle butter after reading Laura rave about it. I love massaging it into my cuticles and then pushing them back before I do my nails. It smells amazing, like lemon meringue pie!

[You may also like: LUSH haul: My new skincare routine for oily and blemish prone skin]

Boots

I also picked up a couple of cult beauty products from Boots...

Benefit Erase Paste (01 Fair) - £19.50

I read about this product on Jennie's blog and I really wanted to try it for my dark circles! They're something I really struggle with on a daily basis - I literally look in the mirror and stare miserably at my dark circles haha. It was a toss up between this and MAC's Select Cover Up but I went for this as it sounded more brightening (although more expensive!) We shall see...

Blistex MedPlus lipbalm - £2.59

I read about this on Estee's blog and, like the rest of the world, ran out to get it immediately! It sounds perfect for popping in your handbag and applying when your lips start to feel dry. I'm an avid Carmex lipbalm user though so we'll see how this shapes up against my other fave lipbalms.

No7 Lash & Brow Perfector - £4.50

I've really started taking care of my brows recently and this sounds ideal for taming my brows after I've coloured and shaped them. And it was £5 off, result!


[You may also like: No7 Voucher Haul]

Liz Earle

I've been using Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish on and off for about a year now, but I've recently gone back to it after I received it for my birthday, and I wanted to complete my little Liz Earle skincare set.

I debated buying Liz Earle products online but I'm glad I didn't because the Liz Earle store in Guildford was LOVELY! I'd definitely recommend paying a visit if you're in the South East - I know it's only one of four in the UK - as it's so immaculately laid out and the staff are so nice. Probably why I ended up buying so much...

Skin Repair Moisturiser Light 50ml tube - £18.75 I received the Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal skin for my birthday but I realised, after reading reviews and descriptions online, that the Skin Repair Light was more suited to my oily skintype. I hope it has that signature Liz Earle scent that I LOVE! Also, the lady just let me swap it straight over- I didn't have a receipt but it was unopened FYI... I know not all shops do that...

Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion 50ml + 2 muslin cloths - £5.25 I find that my Cleanse & Polish doesn't remove every last trace of eye make-up so the member of staff at Liz Earle recommended I use this eye product afterwards to finish off. I'm told it will be quite a nice treat for my eyes whether it works or not!

Gentle Face Exfoliator 15ml tube - £5.25 I'm a massive fan of the No7 Microdermabrasion face scrub as I find the sand-like texture works really well to clear up my skin, and I've heard that this one is quite similar. I normally scrub my face twice a week but I may use this tester size more frequently as it's supposedly so gentle.

Deep Cleansing Mask 15ml tube + 2 sponges - £5.25 Lastly, I picked up a small sized deep cleansing mask because I've heard from Corrie it works really well to clear up problem skin. I like nothing more than indulging in a face mask on a Sunday so I'll certainly be adding this to my routine!

So that's all I've hauled recently, but no doubt I will do another haul soon - haha!

What have you hauled recently? Leave your links in the comments and I'd love to take a look!

Love,

Sophia

xo

LUSH haul: My new skincare routine for oily and blemish prone skin

Hey lovelies!

TGIF!!! I hope you've lots of nice things planned for the weekend :-)

Recently my skin has been playing up REALLY badly! :-( it's covered it blemishes and I just can't seem to clear it. I thought, rather than choosing skincare from drugstores like Boots or Superdrug, I'd go au naturel - opting for cruelty-free brand, Lush.

Clockwise from top left: 9-5 Cleansing Lotion, Fresh Farmacy Facial Soap, Tea Tree Water Popular Toner, Mask of Magnaminty Face and Back Pack, Enzymion Facial Moisturiser, Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask

I've overhauled my entire skincare regime, so I've bought all my current skincare from LUSH. I'm a bit anal about things like that, I have to have everything 'matching'! 

Here's what I hauled...

Fresh Farmacy Facial Soap

I'll be using this in the mornings to clean my face. I haven't used a traditional 'soap' to use my face before - normally I opt for gel or cream facial washes. I was drawn to this facial soap as it contains chamomile, lavender and tea tree oil which should help heal my blemishes. It's also really mild so I'm hoping it will help to calm down my problem skin.

Tea Tree Water Popular Toner

I've used this product on and off for a couple of years but I'm hoping it will work better when used in conjunction with other Lush skincare products. Anyone who has oily/blemished skin will know that tea tree is a wonder product for healing the skin. It's an antibacterial and antiseptic oil that should hopefully balance out my face. I'll be using this after Fresh Farmacy to remove any cleanser residue and to refresh my face.

Enzymion Facial Moisturiser

I tried out a couple of moisturisers in the Lush range but this one stood out for me by a mile! Moisturisers have to leave my skin feeling matte as it's SO oily! I hate it when it leaves an oily residue. The thing that drew me to this moisturiser at first was the smell. It smells DELICIOUS, like fresh oranges! I don't know about you, but I love to have nice smelling things on my face :-) Although Enzymiom contains essential oils, it's supposed to be perfect for oily skin like my own. It contains freshly squeezed lemon juice, papaya and cocoa butter. YUM! I'll be using this after Fresh Farmacy and Tea Tree Toner in the mornings and evenings :-)

 9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion

I bought this to use as a make-up remover. I had my eye on Ultrabland but it looked too thick for my oily skin. According to the woman that worked here, this works as effectively as their popular Ultrabland - it's just a little thinner. It contains Almond Oil (I've heard Miranda Kerr is a fan of this vegan oil) and Fresh Dove Orchid Extract, and is scented with the natural fragrance of honeysuckle and ylang ylang. It's named after the classic Dolly Porton track '9 to 5' which apparently means that this cleanser is ideal for use in a lady's busy schedule! I'll be applying this with a cotton pad in the evenings, and I'll use Tea Tree Toner afterwards.

 Mask of Magnaminty Face and Back Pack

I try and use a face scrub twice a week, but I admit I'm lazy and I often don't scrub all week! I did have my eye on Ocean Salt, but the consultant said that this would be too harsh for my skin. She advised me to buy this product, which is actually a face mask but can be used as a scrub too. It's said to fight breakouts and return skin to its normal condition. Sounds good to me - I'm always breaking out! As you can probably tell from the name, it contains fresh mint as well. Apparently, the peppermint oil that's used works to stimulate the blood vessels beneath the skin's surface. It also contains honey, ground aduki beans and evening primrose seeds. Hopefully it helps to clear up my skin!

Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask

Last but not least, I picked up one of Lush's infamous Fresh Face masks. I actually got this for free as I bought in five empty pots - RESULT! I chose Love Lettuce as it appeared to be an exfoliating mask, which is definitely what my blemished skin needs. This seaweed mask claims to clear away dead skin and brighten the face, whilst gently exfoliating it. It contains honey, almond oil, ground almonds and lavender oil. It smells gorgeous - so fresh and lovely! From what I've used of this, it works amazingly well!!! 

So that's what I've picked up for now! As I mentioned, my skintype is oily/blemish prone so what works for me, may not work for you.

I'll keep you guys posted with how my skin turns out :-)

What are you using on your skin at the moment? Tempted by Lush?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

A few of my favourite Christmas prezzies :)

Oh hey guys!

How are y'all doing? I hope you're enjoying this very lazy Sunday! :) I know I am!

Now I know a lot of people don't enjoy reading these kinds of posts, I suppose they could be described as a tad self-indulgent... HOWEVER I've loved reading everyone else's Christmas prezzies posts, it gives me ideas of what to add to my lists next year (and I'm just nosy - haha!)

You may remember I posted before about my Christmas wishlist, which was also featured in Horsham's The Resident newspaper. Well you'll all be relieved to know (!) that I received quite a lot of 'on-list' presents... and lots of lovely surprises as well :)

Here are some of my favourites...

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and the 266 brush

My sis treated me to MAC's infamous Fluidline which I can't wait to try! I've been watching beautycrush's tutorial on youtube about how to apply this, but I know I'm going to find it a right struggle! The truth is, I usually have about 5 mins to apply my make-up in the morning so I reckon I will have to sit down one afternoon and really master how to use this properly!

Benefit Smokin' Eyes sexy eye & brow makeover kit

Ma mere purchased Benefit's Smokin' Eyes kit for me because I have to admit... I still haven't mastered the art of the smokey eye! I know, can you believe it - 21 years old and many an application of make-up later, I still cannot do it. I don't know whether it's the patience or what, but I really cannot do it! I need a guide like this to help me master it! I'm getting desperate here people!!!

The set contains smokey eye coloured eyeshadows, a kohl eyeliner and a mini brow zings set to name only a few items, and I'm hoping that with this kit I will have sexy smokey eyes & brows in no time. A girl can dream!

Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Eau de Parfum

I sampled this perfume a couple of months ago in the Fragrance Shop but couldn't really justify buying it when I have quite a few perfumes already (Miss Dior Cherie, Marc Jacobs Daisy & Clinique Happy are some of my many 'go-to' fragrances) however I have a feeling that this will be my new 'going out' fragrance! I'm rubbish at describing scents, but it's a lovely vanilla scent that's fresh and perfect for a night out. I mean with a name like 212 VIP what do you expect?!

Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation & Flawless Wear Concealer

EEEKKK!! I got tested for these items a number of months ago when I popped into Boots for some bits and bobs. The MUA applied both products to my face first thing in the morning and I was so surprised to find they were both still perfectly in tact come evening - even after a sweaty gym session! I know! But after reading a few reviews of the Doublewear foundation online I felt it would be too similar to my MAC Pro Longwear foundation that I use very regularly. I am still in love with Pro Longwear but it has a kind of sticky texture that I find rather odd to apply sometimes. So my Mum treated me to Estee Lauder's coveted foundation for Christmas and I went out and bought the concealer to match! FYI I'm the lightest POSSIBLE shade in both products lol - 'Bone' in the foundation and 'Light' in the concealer. Give me some sun! Full reviews to follow :)

Moroccanoil travel sized gift set

The boy did good! I've been lusting after Moroccanoil's Oil Treatment for YEARS but the boy did one better and got me the complete gift set! Containing a mini version of their luxe shampoo and conditioner, as well as a mini oil treatment and conditioning masque, I have a feeling my hair's going to be in pristine condition come February! Bring it on!

Treaclemoon Bath & Shower Gel / Body Scrub

I've never tried any of Treaclemoon's products before but I felt I had to mention these as they smell SO DAMN GOOD! :) The shower gel 'that vanilla moment' smells like Panettone cake (Italians will know!) whilst the body scrub 'my coconut island' smells just like holiday! I can't wait to use these in the shower :D!

LUSH Christmas Star bath gift set

It wouldn't be Christmas without LUSH! The only thing I need to do now is find the time to have a lovely, long relaxing bath. It was actually one of my new year's resolutions LAST year to take more baths to ease my stress levels but I admit I epically failed at that! I always feel like I'm hogging the bathroom and someone's going to bang on the door shouting 'I need the loo!' or something lol. Maybe that's just me...

DVDs

(from L-R: Celebrity Juice Too Juicy for TV, Bridesmaids, Gossip Girl Season 1, The Inbetweeners Movie)

Well I think you guys can guess MY sense of humour lol! I watched Bridesmaids in the cinema and absolutely died laughing, and the Inbetweeners movie was just hilarious. I've always been a fan of Celeb Juice and Gossip Girl is to watch late at night in bed :)

Books

I didn't ask for too many books this year as I not only have a list as long as my arm of books I need to read, but I'm also reading about 3 books on the go at the moment lol. However I would never say no to a good cook book - I really miss living at uni and cooking for myself every evening, and, well... Jamie Oliver is a living legend. I was soo happy I got the Twilight guide! You can never have enough Twilight knowledge... Twihard through and through baby!

Cath Kitson purse & key fob

Aww, so sweet! This purse is the perfect size, with enough room for all my cards, coins, receipts etc and it's such a beautiful, girly print - perfect for the summer :) and I always lose my keys so the floral fob will hopefully come in handy!

H&M gold sequin bodycon skirt

My sis treated me to this skirt after we tried it on together in H&M Crawlaay. I actually thought she had bought it for herself and was begging her to borrow it ALL CHRISTMAS! Turns out she bought it for me lol so now I get to wear it alll the time :) I might wear it to my work's Christmas party, I loove it :)

Classic Tall Ugg Boots - Black
Need I say anymore? These boots are just perfect! In fact, I'm wearing them right now! They're soo comfy! I received a short pair in Sand a couple of years ago and they are just the most versatile, durable boots ever invented. They are still in pretty good condition but obviously the sand colour gets a bit mucky. So hopefully these will last me a little longer :)

and saving the best 'til last...

CHOCOLATE!!!

Lots and lots of it! It's going to take me years to get through all of this lol. Looks like I won't be able to join Weight Watchers until I finish it all! ;-)

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and got all the lovely things you asked for!

What was your favourite present this year?

Love,

Sophia

xo