NOTD: New York Color Quick Dry in Manhattan & new watch!

Hey ladies!

Just a quick one, I'm knackered from LBT! Here's what I've been rocking on my nails today :)

It's from NYC's Quick Dry nail polish range and honestly it's absolutely fab. Dries in a minute, only needs 2 coats and the whole range boasts classic yet on-trend colours. You want to know the best bit? You can pick them up in Superdrug for less than £2!!! I also love their shade Canal Street which I always rock every Christmas (it's a lovely, shimmery wine red colour!)

You can view all my NOTD posts including the NYC Quick Dry range here.

Oh and while you're staring at my hands...

Did I mention I bought myself a new watch?

Nothing fancy but the one I was wearing prior was getting a bit tatty, I'd already had to get a new strap for it once and it was just looking a bit run down. Not only that but it kept stopping... Would normally be OK, if it wasn't a watch and you needed it to be accurate!

My new one is from Next (no surprises there) and it retails for £18. It features a real tan leather croc effect strap and a rectangular face with a gold edge.

It's no Michael Kors (maybe one day...) but it tells the time, non?

I have to say also, without being completely biased, that it is worth popping into Next if you're on the hunt for a new watch as most of them are under £20 :)

What are you sporting on your nails/wrist today?

Love,

Sophia

xo

My eyebrow routine ft. £1.50 eye brush from Fragrance Direct!

Hey lovelies!

How are you all on this "manic Monday"? I've had a rather productive day I must say, but now I feel like it's the evening and I haven't actually stopped! Might drag myself down to an exercise class later to give me some much needed energy!

Now let's talk eyebrows.

Ever since I scarred my eyebrows as a child I've been reluctant to accentuate them and thus accentuate the scar. However I have learnt that a really good eyebrow pencil/shading action covers up the scar as well so I can still fill them in like normal!

When I first started filling in my eyebrows I used Avon's Kajal Stick in Brown which was probably a tad too dark looking back. Then I starting using MAC's Eyebrow pencil in Lingering (Kim K's eyebrow pencil of choice, dontcha know?) but I got fed up with the end that kept snapping off and it eventually ran out anyway.

Now I've found a beloved combo in the form of Ruby & Millie's Brow Enhance (Brown), applied using W7's Angled Eye Shadow Brush.

Here they are in all their glory...

I had to share this routine with you guys just because it's so damn easy.

• STEP ONE

Using the brush, apply a little of the brow color (the brown one in the set) and use it to 'colour in' your brows

• STEP TWO

No need to clean the brush, just add a little of the gel (the clear coloured one in the set) and, applying it where you've just applied the colour, use it to set the colour in place and finish off the look

THAT'S IT!

So here's my brows before...

and after...

brows before...

and after...

& here's a couple of face shots to show you how my new brows shape my face...

FYI I'm also wearing...

No7 Colour Calming Primer

Rimmel 25 Hour Foundation (True Ivory)

Maybelline Pure Cover Mineral Concealer (Sand)

NARS Laguna (bronzer) & Orgasm (blush)

Urban Decay e/s primer potion (Original)

Urban Decay baked e/s (Buck & Smog)

Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eye-Liner (Brown) on top lids

Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick (Brown) on lower waterline

No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara (Brown)

Ruby + Millie Brow Enhance (Brown)

Carmex lip balm (Original)

I have to say I'm pretty impressed with my eyebrow routine! I think they look really natural and 'tamed' and it only takes like a minute - it's no Scouse Brow but there ya go!

I bought the Ruby + Millie Brow Enhance from Boots when the line was in the clearance, but I believe it's pretty similar to other brow kits on the market, including ELF's or Benefit's. I bought the Eye Brush from Fragrance Direct for £1.50 but you can buy it online for less than £1!

What's your fail safe eyebrow routine?

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

Next Winter Sale haul!

Hey lovelies!

How are we all tonight? Looking forward to the weekend? I'm just chilling out at home, sipping a mug of herbal tea and listening to Magic... I needed to relax after a rather stressful week...! First of all can I just say a big thank you to everyone for their lovely comments on my Christmas Day and New Year's Eve style post - it's so nice to have other bloggers' support, and reading such nice things! So thank you!!!

Anyway you will be surprised to read that I have done hardly any sales shopping this year. I just haven't had the time. The only sale I really take the time to go to every year is TOPSHOP's on Christmas Eve, but because I was working this year I wasn't able to go, and I didn't fancy ordering a load of stuff online that probably wouldn't fit! SOO whilst this NEXT haul may look like quite a lot, it was literally the only stuff I 'hauled' on this year and besides, I had my eye on most of the stuff even BEFORE the sale! So here's what I picked up... (FYI, everything was at LEAST half price!)

Fragrance diffuser set - WAS £16 NOW £8

Eeeek, I've been lusting after this product for AAAGES! Recently I've acquired a new fascination with fragrance diffusers. I purchased Next's Festive Spice fragrance diffuser in December and I just loved the scent, it was so nice to come home from work and have my room smelling all Christmassy. Not only that but I feel slightly uncomfortable/edgy with having candles lit in my room, so this is a nice compromise. These fragrance diffusers retail at £5e so I knew snapping this 4 piece set up for £8 (£2e) was a true bargain! I can't wait to smell them all :)

Chocolate scented candle - WAS £4 NOW £2

Now, dismissing everything I just said about not liking candles, I just couldn't resist this one! You know why...?

It smells like CHOCOLATE!!! I might not even light it - I might just keep smelling it, to curb my cocoa cravings, haha. It's delicious!

Glass tea light holder - WAS £3.50 NOW £1.50

Yeah, I know... LOL. The truth is, a couple of years ago I bought a packet of about 50 tea lights. Not sure why. I think it was to set a romantic ambience when the bf came to visit. I've not used them since so I figured buying this pretty tea light holder would give me an excuse to try and use them up? Let's see shall we!

Grey marl ballerina slippers - WAS £7 NOW £2

Yeah that's right... £7 down to just £2! That's £1 a slipper! What a bargain. A girl can never have too many slippers! I was tempted to buy these in Navy as well but I thought that was going a bit too far. They're super comfy and keep my tootsies nice and warm, result :)

Stripe slipper boots - WAS £10 NOW £5

I was looking ahead to the summer when I bought these, as I think my cosy cream fleece lined slipper boots that I bought from Next a couple of months ago are just going to make my feet too hot. These are a softer jersey material that I'm hoping will keep my feet a lot cooler. Definitely not because I split coffee all over my cream ones and they're non-machine washable... No, definitely not...

Black bejewelled headband - WAS £8 NOW £4

You may recognise this headband from a certain NYE outfit :) That was solely the reason I bought this to be honest as I thought it suited the 20's theme of the party, but I reckon I will get a lot of wear out of it anyway as I love the whole headband around your head thing... :)

Gold necklace - WAS £10 NOW £5

This was probably the only thing I HADN'T planned to buy! I know, out of all of this... lol. I figured a chic gold necklace never goes out of fashion and you can't go wrong for a fiver :)

Gold hoop earrings - WAS £6 NOW £2

Same with these really, as if I haven't got enough earrings already I decided I needed another pair! I've tried them on and they look a little chavvy... Let's hope they'll work with the right outfit, eh!

Black leather wash bag - WAS £18 NOW £8

Funnily enough, I actually bought this wash bag for my boyfriend for Christmas. Yes, it's a Menswear item. He loved it and I have to say I suddenly got well jel. So as soon as I saw that one of them went into the sale, I had to buy one for myself!

Black leather will never go out of style, and it's the perfect size to fit all my toiletries/make-up in my handbag, even if it does look a little 'macho'...

Black patent Mary Jane heels - WAS £30 NOW £14

And finally, saving the best 'til last! (well they were the most expensive!) I really DO NOT own a pair of heels like these; a smart pair of black heels that can be worn to work or for occasion wear. I actually wore them on NYE as I felt they suited the 20's theme rather well and I do think I will get a lot of wear out of them. Not only because they're chic black patent, but I also felt that my feet were properly 'strapped into' the shoes because of the strap! Oh, and did I mention they were half price? ;-)

So overall girlies I think I've done rather well. It came to just over £50 in total, and I saved a massive £61 on the original prices! I definitely think I will get a lot of use out of all the items and that's all my January sales shopping done now :) Also, if you're interested here's what I splashed the cash on in last year's January sales.

Have you been loving the Sales this year? Did you face the Next sale on Boxing sale?

Let me know!

Love,

Sophia

xo

My Christmas Day and New Year's Eve style 2011!

Hey guyssss!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm sooo sorry I haven't blogged for ages! I have been super busy with work etc but I have a long list of posts planned and I'm gonna make it one of my New Year's resolutions to blog more in 2012, I miss it :)

I hope you've all had a lovely, stress free Christmas and New Year period. As you know I looove getting dressed up for special occasions and so this Christmas and New Year's was no exception! Let's get started...

Christmas Day

Fashion

Dress: Primark (see blog post)

Tights: Topshop

Heels: Boohoo (see blog post)

Beauty

Face: MAC Fix+, MAC Pro Longwear Foundation [NC15] applied using a MAC 180 Foundation Brush, YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch [1 Luminous Radiance], Benefit Boi-ing Concealer [02 Medium], NARS Bronzer [Laguna].

Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion [Original], Urban Decay Baked Eyeshadow [Buck] all over lid, Urban Decay Baked Eyeshadow [Hustle] in outer corners, Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner [Black] on top lid, Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick [Black] in lower waterline, 2 coats of Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara [Black - Volume].

Ruby & Millie Brow Enhance [Brown] applied using a W7 Angled Brush.

Lips: Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner [021 Red Dynamite] smudged in with The Body Shop lip brush, MAC Matte Lipstick [Russian Red] applied with the same lip brush.

Hair: I recently dyed my hair using Superdrug's Semi Permanent dye in Black Cherry so you might notice a slight red tint to it, I also straightened it using my GHD's :)

Nails: Nails Inc in Tate (free with GLAMOUR) topped off with Eyeko Vampira polish (see my haul!)

New Year's Eve

Fashion

FYI can I just state that it was FANCY DRESS! I would not usually wear this on a night out LOL. It was 20's flapper/Chicago theme :)

Dress: Boohoo (sold out)

Suspender tights: House of Holland at ASOS

Beaded headband: Next (sale)

Black patent Mary Jane heels: Next (sale)

Pearl necklace: Primark

Black bag: Vintage (20p from a car boot sale!)

Beauty

Face: Benefit That Gal primer, Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous Foundation Faker [02 Medium], Benefit Bronzer [Dallas], Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator [02 Peach].

Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion [Original], Urban Decay Baked Eyeshadow [Buck] all over lid, Urban Decay Baked Eyeshadow [Hustle & Darkhorse] in outer corners, Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner [Black] on top lid, Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick [Black] in lower waterline, 2 coats of Cover Girl LashBlast Mascara [Black - Volume].

Ruby & Millie Brow Enhance [Brown] applied using a W7 Angled Brush.

Lips: Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner [021 Red Dynamite] smudged in with The Body Shop lip brush, L'Oreal Kiss Proof Lipstick and matching Lipgloss in shade 513

Hair: Curled using my GHD's and I used Bed Head's Masterpiece hairspray to keep the curls in place.

Nails: Rimmel Lycra Pro in Celebrity Bash

Phew, think I've covered everything! Any questions just drop me a tweet @smoir :)

What did you wear this Christmas/New Year's?

I wish you all the best of luck in 2012! My first resolution is to get a job relevant to my degree (journalism)! What're yours?

Love,

Sophia

xo

Glittery NOTN & FOTN - Christmas party...

Hey guys!

Hope you've all had wonderful weekends!! Hasn't it just flown by? I went to the cinema to see New Year's Eve with the fam earlier, I have to say I really enjoyed it :) stellar cast as well! Definitely worth a watch!

Anyways, in the week I attended The Resident's staff Christmas party which I really enjoyed! It's one of our local newspapers here in Horsham so it was really nice to meet all the other staff & freelancers at the paper! I felt like injecting a bit of festive glam into my outfit so I went for glittery nails AND eyes! What can I say, I love a bit of glitz, me!

Here's what I rocked on my nails...

Ooh hello gold glittery nails!!

Here's how I achieved this very festive look...

3 coats of Love & Beauty nail polish in Gold

+

3 coats of Saffron nail polish in Gold

=

Gold glittery nails!

(without flash)

(with flash)

I have to admit, I can't believe both polishes took THREE coats to reach their full effect!! I mean, come on!! I wore the plain Saffron gold colour on its own for a while before I found it too 'blah' and had to add the Saffron glitter one! But I was really disappointed with the Saffron nail polish - I didn't like the fact there were MASSIVE chunks of glitter in it, and it took ages to try! Oh well, it was only £2 or so so I'm not complaining :)

My friend Claire bought me the Love & Beauty gold colour from the States for me for my birthday and I bought the Saffron gold glitter one from eBay for £2 :)

Do you have a fave gold glittery nail colour that you'd recommend?

Now onto my make-up...I went quite glam with my make-up as it's the first time I've been out in a while... LOL. In all honesty, though, I did my make-up at about 9am in the morning and literally just re-did my eyeliner and added a touch of lipgloss to go out in the evening, I didn't touch up my face AT ALL and this pic was taken at about 8pm... Love live MAC Pro Longwear that's all I can say!

I wore...

No7 Colour Calming Primer

Mac Pro Longwear Foundation applied with MAC 180 Brush

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer (02 Medium)

NARS Laguna bronzer + Orgasm blusher

Urban Decay e/s Primer Potion

Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eye-Liner (Black)

Avon Color Trend Kajal Stick (Black end)

Collection 2000 Glitter eye liner in Black/Gold (you can't really see this in the pic above but I covered my lids in it, love it!)

Cover Girl LashBlast Volume Mascara (Black)

Benefit The Gloss in Clear (discontinued I think)

Have you rocked glittery nails/eyes/lips(!!) yet? What's your fail safe glitter make-up product?

Love,

Sophia

xo