January 2014 empties: L'Oreal, Sanctuary Spa, Bioderma, Elizabeth Arden, YSL Beauty

Hiiiii everyone :)

I hope you are well and enjoying your day!

Here are the beauty products I used up this month...

Make-up:

YSL Touché Eclat #1

Every time I run out of this I die a little inside as it costs me a fortune to repurchase. I tend to look for offers at places like Debenhams and Feel Unique before buying again - or Buyapowa. Because of its price, I try to limit its use to special occasions so that I don't use it up too quickly. I know some people don't get along with this but I swear by it for evening out my complexion and making me look 'alive'!

L'Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim

I also included this in my monthly favourites post as it is such an amazing product. I won't go into too much detail because it's only a liquid eyeliner but if you're on the hunt for a decent drugstore felt tip liner, definitely give this one a go! I've used it every day for the past six months without a problem.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant

Originally I got this in a gift set with the Eight Hour skin protectant and hand cream but I've repurchased it on its own a good 2/3 times since. It's a year-round product because it has SPF in it for the summer (mine didn't leave my side on holiday) and the famous Eight Hour formula nourishes lips in the winter. I always use it as a base for any of my lip products as it ensures they're smooth and moisturised prior to application.

Skincare:

The Sanctuary Spa Brightening Facial Radiance Exfoliator

I don't use the Sanctuary Spa products on a daily basis but I do like to treat my skin to the masks and scrubs regularly. I loved using this because the little beads felt like my skin was getting a good exfoliation but also my skin looked really glowing and healthy afterwards. I would definitely recommend.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Solution

At first I thought this was the normal Bioderma Crealine and not the Sensibio for sensitive skin, but I didn't really notice much difference between them. I switch between using a Micellar water and a hot cloth cleanser but if I am going through a Micellar water phase, I would definitely reach for this first.

Bodycare:

Dove Deeply Nourishing Nourishing Body Wash

I have a soft spot for Dove products as they always make me feel like I'm having a good pamper! This body wash is very rich and indulgent, foaming up nicely in the shower. I could see myself purchasing it again.

Imperial Leather Japanese Spa Nourishing Shower Cream*

If you're looking for something with an oriental/floral scent, I would definitely recommend this. I go through shower gels really quickly so I don't like to spend a fortune. These are normally about £1 in Boots/Superdrug so well worth picking one up if you haven't before.

No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Body Exfoliator

I think the No7 Micro-dermabrasion range for face and body work really well actually for such affordable products. I like to massage the scrub into my skin in circular motions and then soak myself in moisturiser afterwards. My skin always feels so silky-smooth after using!

Hair:

L'Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner

I don't think this range is anything particularly special but it definitely does the job and I have repurchased it a number of times. I don't spend very much on shampoo and conditioner as I've not noticed my hair feeling any different having used more expensive products in the past, so I normally pick up ranges like this.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Shampoo*

I really liked the consistency of this because it was was almost like a rich syrup. It felt really luxurious using it on my hair and I noticed my hair looked really thick and glossy afterwards.

Alberto Balsam Intensive Conditioning Treatment

You can get this for £1 in Poundland but it's actually really good! I apply it to the lengths and ends of my hair for about a minute and it leaves it smelling lush and feeling soft.

Clairol Nice 'n' Easy Colour Seal Conditioner

I normally use this after dyeing my hair but I often just use it on its own to give my hair a boost. It's one of the few products to give my locks an instant shine hit and I notice it looking glossy for a couple of days afterwards too.

Herbal Essences Bee Strong Intensive Mask

I've only recently started using this range from Herbal Essences but I have been getting along with the products really well. The scents are just delicious and the consistency is so thick and creamy. I would definitely recommend! The Beautiful Ends one is really good as well.

What have you been using up this month?

Love,

Sophia

xo

*PR samples

 

Posted with Blogsy

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

Sales Shopping!

Hey everyone!

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas & New Year! I'm back to uni soon. Eek!

Have you been snapping up lots of lovely January sale bargain? I know I have! Here's what I picked up...

Clothing

Cable fisherman jumper - WAS £30 NOW £15 - Next

Now, working in Next as a Christmas temp, I get first pickings of all the sale items. Lucky girl! This chunky cable knit jumper caught my eye and when I tried it on it fitted perfectly. I've been wearing it almost daily since, in fact, I'm wearing it now! It's so warm & I can just throw it on with a pair of black skinny jeans & look stylish. Love the camel colour as well.

Stripe crop top - WAS £16 NOW £8 - Next

Another Next bargain; Love their sales (everything's half price or less!) I bought this to wear to work :) It was a bit tight with the shoulder pads so I cut them out & it fits much better now. I wear it with black tight jeans & biker boots. I get told I look like a bumble bee... Oh well :) Since when are bumble bees camel and black anyway?

Satin boned bustier - WAS £28 NOW £12 - Next

This was an absolute steal; It's even more than half price! I'm planning on wearing it with black high waisted shorts & lashes of black and gold jewellery. I like the accent details on the bust & bottom lining. I've been looking for a bustier top like this for ages... Thank you, Next!

Brocade skirt - WAS £16 NOW £12 - Clothing at Tesco

I wore this festive skirt on Christmas day! Brocade print to me always signals winter and nothing beats black and gold at Christmastime. Not quite half price but a bargain nonetheless. See what it looks like on me here.

Cropped shoulder jacket - WAS £25 NOW £12.50 - Clothing at Tesco

Absolutely love this jacket. Had my eye on it for a while & when it went half price in the sale I snapped it up in the sale. I believe I used a 25% off £25 voucher I found online as well... Love those :) I wore it with the skirt (above) on Christmas day and I love the statement shoulder detail. I always think these type of jackets are very Kim Kardashian; Here's her wearing black cropped jackets in the press.

Black shorts with gold button detail - WAS £35 NOW £20 - Topshop

I wasn't sure about these shorts when I saw them on the hanger but when I tried them on I fell in love. They suited my figure perfectly and I envisioned myself wearing them with a patent black waist belt, black tights and a bustier like the one above. Can't wait to wear this look :)

Accessories

Black sequinned purse - WAS £6 NOW £3 - Topshop

I picked up this little purse at the last minute while I was queueing for the shorts (above). I've been on the hunt for a cute little purse for nights out that fits just my cash & cards in. I believe this glittery beauty fits the bill :)

It has 2 compartments; perfect for cash/cards. Love it :)

Black box clutch - WAS £10 NOW £5 - Matalan.co.uk

I've never bought anything from Matalan before aside from a pair of wellies, mainly because there's not one within walking/public transport distance. I've been looking for a black box clutch since autumn; I've scoured eBay (too quirky), Topshop (too expensive) & vintage stores but to no avail. Who knew I'd find one on Matalan? It was half price & I found a 10% off code online so it was cheap as chips and arrived in a few days. It has a long metal strap as well but I've tucked it into the bag in this pic. Sadly you get what you pay for and it broke the first night I used it but I fixed it and you'll never know... Oh well, it was only a fiver!

Patent waist belt - WAS £12 NOW £6 - Next

This wasn't a completely necessary purchase but I'm a big fan of waisted belts and could see it fitting into my wardrobe quite effortlessly. Will pair it with the chic black Topshop shorts (above).

Velvet bow hair clips - WAS £6 NOW £3 - ASOS.com

I saw a similar pair to this from Topshop advertised in Heat magazine and vied for them. Then I found these beauties half price, added them to my bag, got 10% student discount, free delivery & hey presto... I'm wearing them the next day! I'm so lazy when it comes to hair & beauty products nowadays; I'm an ASOS Premier member so I get free next-day delivery & returns as well as 10% student discount so it's cheaper to buy stuff online that it is to walk/get the bus to town and buy stuff in Boots or Topshop. Whoops. Contributing to the demise of the great British High Street...

Cream wool over the knee socks - WAS £10 NOW £5 - Flirt at ASOS.com

I did have a pair of cream woolly over the knee socks but I lost them... Uh-oh. These were half price on ASOS so I snapped them up. Unfortunately I brought the boots back I planned to wear them with and haven't worn them since I bought them but we shall see. Hopefully.

Beauty

No7 Bronzing set - WAS £15 NOW £7.50 - Boots

This was on my Christmas list & I didn't get it so I thought - half price? Gotta have it. In fact I wanted it so badly that I hid it in a different section in Boots because I couldn't buy it at the time. Nobody found it! So I bought it... Cheeky :)

It contains 2 different bronzers; From top to bottom:

Mosaic bronzer

Bronzer duo

Quilted bronzer

& a big fat bronzing/kabuki brush. For £7.50? Not bad.

The only one I've tried so far is the bronzing duo coupled with the bronzing brush and it's been pretty good so far. Glides on for an all-over glow. Can't wait to try the others :)

Sanctuary Spa Perfect Skin set - WAS £18 NOW £9 - Boots

Another Christmas list product I hid in Boots to buy at a later date... Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this? My friend Flo raves about Sanctuary stuff for skin so I thought it was worth a try for £9. It essentially contains a posh cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliant & eye cream to name but a few. Let's see how it turns out :) I quite fancy the Sanctuary Spa Brightening Facial kit as well; has anyone tried it? Sadly I can't afford a real facial so I'm hoping a facial kit will suffice!

Overall I reckon I've made some pretty decent sale purchases :) Bargain hunting is in my blood!

Have you picked up anything nice in the sale? What do you think of my purchases?

Lots of sale love,

Style by Sophia

xo