Summer Styling: Wartime Inspired Primark Floral Tea Dress With MAC Lady Danger Lipstick

Hey lovelies!

I hope you're having a brilliant evening :)

Last weekend, I went to a birthday party at my friend Rosie's house and the dress code was wartime-inspired tea party so I dug out a little something from my wardrobe to fit the theme.

Here's what I wore...

OOTN:

Dress: Primark (new season)

Wedges: Aldo (old)

Belt: ASOS (old)

I've had this dress for a couple of months now but have only worn it a handful of times. It's quite tight and despite the floaty fabric, not the most forgiving piece from my wardrobe! I added a tan belt to cinch in my waist while tan strappy wedges elongated my legs. I look pretty tanned here as I had just got back from holiday the day before - woop! It's almost completely faded now though :(

FOTN:

Face: Benefit That Gal Primer, Clinique CC Cream (applied with Real Techniques Travel Bronzing Brush*), Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (applied with Avon Powder Brush), NARS Laguna Bronzer, Benefit High Beam.

Eyes: Urban Decay Naked Palette (Naked, Buck), L'Oreal Perfect Slim Super Liner, Benefit They're Real Mascara.

Brows: MAC Eyebrows in Fling, MAC Eyeshadow in Omega (using MAC 189 Brush).

Lips: Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant (both to prime lips), Rimmel London Red Lip Liner, MAC Lady Danger Lipstick (applied with The Body Shop Lip Brush).

I centered my make-up look around my lipstick as it was a very bright, vivid shade and didn't need much else to go with it. I wasn't sure about MAC Lady Danger at first but now I'm totally sold - it's the perfect blood-orange red that's more summery than Russian Red, which is more of a classic, blue-undertoned shade. I was pretty tanned from my holiday already but I added some more bronzer to my cheekbones and temples for a sun-kissed look.

I also had my nails done in the Gellux shade Oriental Poppy which you can just about see in the first pic!

Here are some more photos from the evening...

Start of the night... My friend Flo and I posing up a storm

End of the night... Flo and I posing up a storm, but slightly more inebriated

What did you wear this weekend? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Sophia

xo

Summer Holiday Style On A Budget: Primark And Dorothy Perkins!

Happy Sunday!

I hope you're having a lovely, relaxing day wherever you are. Shame about the weather here in England but it's actually quite nice being inside for once with a cup of tea to keep me warm :)

I recently went on holiday to Tenerife in the Canary Islands for a week which was just complete bliss - It was lovely and sunny and I only moved from the sun bed for food and drink!

However I encountered a bit of a problem in that I was (and still am) totally skint since moving to London so my holiday wardrobe budget was extremely... limited, shall we say.

I pretty much raided the rails of Primark for cheap summer stuff and found a few pieces in Dorothy Perkins the day before flying out - DPs had a 20% off that day too which was pretty handy.

It meant that I didn't spend more than £15 on a single holiday piece! The rest of it was pretty much completed with stuff I already had in my wardrobe. Here's what I wore...

Outfit one:

Playsuit - Primark, £5 (new season)

Necklace - Primark (old)

Belt - ASOS (old)

Sandals - New Look (old)

Bag - Primark (old)

I found this playsuit in the swimwear section of my local Primark and couldn't believe the price when I saw it. I think it's meant to be more of a beach cover-up than an actual playsuit to wear out in the evening but the material was pretty thick and I didn't feel uncomfortable wearing it out at night. To complement the tribal print on the playsuit, I teamed it with a chunky gold necklace and a slick of MAC Lady Danger lipstick brightened up the look.

Outfit two:

Cami top - Dorothy Perkins, £10.80 (new season)

Necklace - Primark, £4 (new season)

Skirt - New Look (old)

Sandals - as before

I bought this yellow cami top on a whim because I just needed something to wear and cami tops tend to flatter my bust. I didn't know what I was going to wear it with, but I've seen a lot of yellow and white in magazines recently so I thought I'd pair it with this white skater skirt that I've had in my wardrobe for ages. I love how both the pieces are loose and floaty as it makes the outfit feel very bohemian - it was also just super comfy! I think the statement flower necklace injects some colour into the outfit (you might not be able to see but it's cobalt blue and turquoise flowers) and I plaited my hair which I thought went with the 'feel' of the outfit quite well.

Outfit three:

Maxi dress - Primark, £10 (new season)

Necklace - Primark (old)

Denim jacket - New Look (old)

Bag - as before

You can't beat a maxi dress on holiday (in fact, it's probably the only time I would wear a maxi dress!). They're just so comfortable and forgiving - especially when you're going all-inclusive like I was (bloat central). I really liked the pattern on this Primark dress and I was surprised that it wasn't too long as most maxi dresses in there are. I added a tribal-esque necklace to add some interest to the outfit which I think it needed it as the neckline was pretty bare.

Outfit four:

Cami top - Topshop (old)

Shorts - Primark, £4 (new season)

Shoes - Primark (old)

Necklace - New Look (old)

I wouldn't have immediately put these two pieces together but I liked how the cobalt blue cami matched the colour of the trim on the shorts. I decided to team it with a pair of white espadrilles as it gave it more of a chilled-out vibe - while a pink lip pulled the outfit together nicely.

Outfit five:

Floral cami - Dorothy Perkins, £14.40 (new season)

Shorts - H&M (old)

Sandals - Primark (new season)

Necklace - Avon (old)

I started the night with my hair like this but I changed my mind halfway through the evening and took the plaits out by my forehead - they were doing my head in and didn't feel very 'me'! This floral cami top was very voluminous and wouldn't have looked very flattering on its own but I think tucking it into the shorts balanced out the shape nicely. I wasn't sure whether to wear a necklace or not but this cream one is one of my favourites and brought out the cream in the floral cami top.

Outfit six:

Dress - Primark, £13 (new season)

Belt - as before

I absolutely love wearing yellow (especially on holiday!) and fell in love with this dress as soon as I spotted it on the rail in Primark. I wasn't completely sold on it when I tried it on in the changing rooms and I don't think it particularly photographed well, but it's a lovely dress and really fitted in with our beautiful, Spanish surroundings. It was just nice to dress up for a bit on holiday!

What are your budget holiday styling tips? Do you buy a whole new wardrobe or wear things you already have? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Sophia

xo

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Models Own nail polish haul: Glitter trio, Pastel trio and neon yellow

Hey loves!

I hope you're all well and enjoying the spring weather :-)

Recently I indulged in a little nail retail therapy! Suffice to say I have enough nail polishes to last me my entire life but I insist on buying more...

Until this haul, I had never used the Models Own brand. I'd seen it reviewed on blogs and in YouTube haul videos etc but I hadn't tried them myself. I am now a complete convert! Here's the colours I hauled...

Models Own Glitter Mini Trio and Silver Glitter Nail Polish

You may think that glitter polishes are just for Christmas but I reckon otherwise. A silver or gold glitter accent nail looks really chic all year round.

From L-R: Models Own Emerald City, Scarlet Sparkle, Bluebelle and Juicy Jules

All the glitter shades were full of little sparkles and only needed two coats to reach the desired opacity (above). Emerald City is one of my favourite shades of them all!

With emerald green voted Pantone's Colour of 2013, this is one colour I can definitely see myself wearing through spring/summer 2013.

The glittery red and royal blue shades are colours I could see myself reaching for more through the winter months as they're quite dark - but I think nude nails with a silver glitter accent nail like Juicy Jules looks really cute and summery.

Models Own Neon Yellow Nail Polish and Pastel Trio

How bright is the neon yellow shade?! Seriously amazing...

From L-R: Luis Lemon (Neon), Fuzzy Peach, Top Turquoise and Lilac Dream

I have already worn the neon yellow shade LOADS already - it's that bright, fluro colour that instantly jazzes up any outfit. I like to apply it over a white nail polish to really make the neon pop.

The Fuzzy Peach (orange) shade is one that will never go out of style - and the teal colour (Top Turquoise) is an ideal transitional colour for spring. I also couldn't believe how thick and creamy the lilac shade was, it only needed one cost to reach the full opacity above.

I think it's safe to say I will be stocking up on more Models Own nail polishes in the future. I have my eye on ALL of the neon Hed Kandi shades so you'll probably see those in a haul post soon! Haha :-)

Are you a Models Own fan? Have you tried the Hed Kandi shades?

Let me know in the comments or over on Twitter now!

Love,

Sophia

xo

March 2014 Empties: Liz Earle, Caudalie, Rimmel London, Soap and Glory, Neom Organics

Hey loves!

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

I've been trying really hard not to buy new beauty products and use up the ones I have already so for that reason, I have LOADS of empties this month!

Here are the products I used up...

Skincare:

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water

I switch between using a hot cloth cleanser and a Micellar water to remove my make-up at the end of the day, but if I'm going through a Micellar water phase then this is absolutely one of my faves. It's so soft and gentle, it smells lovely and removes every trace of make-up.

Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Toner

I've had this for quite a while now but only got around to finishing it recently. It's light and fresh - a real delight to use! For a long time I didn't see the point of toner but I'm a complete convert now as it makes my skin squeaky clean.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've used this on and off for years - it's my go-to product for clearing up my skin after I've had a breakout. I used to think hot cloth cleansers were too much effort but I absolutely LOVE them now - it makes taking off my make-up a real treat and this Liz Earle one is definitely the best I've tried.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser

I generally turn my back on moisturisers that are labelled 'rich' or 'heavy' as they're just too thick for my oily/combination skin. This one is perfect as it's a light, non-oily moisturiser that soaks in instantly, hydrating my skin without feeling too thick or sticky.

No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator

I try to scrub my face two/three times a week as I just find it clears up my complexion and gets rid of all the oil/dirt that's on my face. This one has really tiny beads in it, almost like sand, so it only exfoliates gently but it still works really well! Definitely take a look at it if you see it in Boots - especially if you have a £5 off voucher.

Make-up:

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory

I was really gutted when I ran out of this! It was my go-to foundation for months and I absolutely LOVED it. It's medium coverage but buildable - it conceals every one of my blemishes while still leaving my skin with a healthy, radiant glow. I would repurchase it in an instant!

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim

I was pretty loyal to my Soap and Glory Supercat Liner for years but then this came along and my loyalty was tested! I'm always applying my eye liner in a rush and this is just completely fool-proof - it makes doing winged eyeliner a breeze. The only thing I would say is that I've recently started noticing that it's been smudging / fading throughout the day which is a bit of a #fail.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Every time I use this, I wonder how I survived without using it! It's not too cakey for using under the eyes but also conceals spots / blemishes a treat. I would buy them in bulk if I could - they're only £2.99 or something a pop, it lasts for ages and it just really works. Has anyone else noticed that their tube has been leaking though? It might just be me, but I always find that my concealer ends up all over the rest of my make-up bag!

Hair:

Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair Intensive Mask

I use an intensive hair mask three times a week to make my hair really soft and glossy. I really like these tub masques because you can grab a load of it and smother it all over your hair! This one smells AMAZING and makes my hair feel lovely. I would definitely buy it again!

Beautiful Brunette Extra Moisturising Shampoo

I don't spend a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner because my hair is so long and thick it would cost me a fortune. This shampoo costs £1 from Poundland and works just as well as the leading brands. I always re-purchase them - cheap and cheerful!

Herbal Essences Deep Nourishing Intensive Mask

I'm not loyal to one particular hair mask as I just tend to buy what's on offer, as was the case here. It's a lovely, thick formula that leaves my hair soft and silky - but if I had to buy just one, I'd buy the Schwarzkopf one over this.

Body:

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser

My life is one big rush so I don't find the time to properly moisturise my body from head to toe. This moisturising spray just makes life so much easier! It takes less than a minute to cover my whole body, smells like chocolate and sinks in quickly. So glad I found this!

Neom Organics Complete Bliss Moroccan Blush Rose*

I've always been into candles but this year, I've got REALLY into candles. Neom in particular have the BEST scents, they last for ages and leave a beautiful aroma in the room. These travel sized ones aren't too expensive so I'll definitely be stocking up on some more!

Soap And Glory Flake Away Body Scrub

I've used this body scrub for years but recently got back into it when I received a big Soap and Glory gift set for Christmas. I think if I was to buy one body scrub for the rest of my life, this would be it. I am just in love with Soap and Glory products! The scent is delicious, they really work and leave my skin feeling soft and smooth. Holy Grail material for me!

What did you use up this month?

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

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March 2014 Favourites: Liz Earle, MAC, Schwarzkopf, Clinique, Soap and Glory

Hi guys,

I hope you're having a lovely day!

Here are the main beauty products I was loving in March...

Skincare:

Soap and Glory The Ultimelt Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've been pretty loyal to my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish over the years but I was trying to find something that worked in a similar way but at a fraction of the price. This certainly ticked that box! It had a lovely creamy consistency that melts into your skin almost like an oil once applied. I often do a double cleanse to remove every trace of eye make-up and to make my skin feel squeaky clean. I also really love the herby, lavender scent.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

There's something about using Liz Earle products that just feels really indulgent. I love to use this on a Sunday afternoon, taking a few minutes to really let it sink in while I relax. The clay-like texture gives my skin a good, thorough cleanse and opens up my pores ready for extraction if needed.

Make-up:

MAC Eyebrows in Fling

I've been switching between using this and a clear brow gel recently but I reach for this when I want a bit more definition for my brows. I used this in the shade Lingering for years and loved it but bought it in the lighter shade which is more subtle for during the day. It applies evenly and stays in place all day.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

I went a couple of months without using this but I picked it up in Wilko's recently and I haven't looked back - not sure how I managed to live without it! There's just no concealer like it - and for £2.99 as well?! Amazing. It conceals my dark circles as well as my spots and blemishes and I just think everyone needs one in their handbag.

Haircare:

Dove Leave-In Conditioning and Care Spray

I absolutely love this - I just spray it all over my hair after a shower but before blow-drying and it leaves my hair feeling so soft and silky. I'd definitely keep re-purchasing it.

Schwartzkopf Essence Ultime Diamond Colour Intensive Mask

I saw this advertised but wasn't really interested until I saw it was on offer in Wilkinsons (where I spend most of my life!). It's a lovely, creamy texture that I lather on the lengths and ends of my hair in the shower, leave on for a few minutes before washing out.

Body and other:

Yankee Candle Waikiki Melon

I've always been into candles but for the past couple of months, I've been REALLY into candles, to that point where I research the best selling candle brands and scents for hours on end! I absolutely love this scent - it's so fresh and fruity, perfect for summer.

Clinique Happy Fragrance

This is the perfume I keep in my handbag so I use it pretty much every day. I LOVE it - it's just a clean, fresh scent that lifts my mood and puts a smile on my face!

What did you love this month? Leave your monthly favourites links in the comments :)

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

 

 

 

 

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Weekend OOTN: Fit and flare dress with a pop of coral FOTN and Shellac NOTN

Hi beauts!

I hope you're well and enjoying the sunny weather today. I'm currently on a countryside retreat staying in the most beautiful lodge and the weather is just stunning here. Needless to say it's been a long-awaited relaxing break!

Last weekend I went on what you could say was my first night out of spring 2014. I jumped at the chance to get my legs out and wear some colour as I gravitate towards black in the winter (I think it's the Italian in me..!)

Here's what I wore...

OOTN:

Dress - Primark

Heels - Next

Belt - ASOS

Earrings - New Look

I picked this dress up in Primark recently because I was instantly drawn to the fit of the dress. I tend to go for straight bodycon styles as I find they're the most flattering but I found this shape to be fitting but still really comfortable. I was also really attracted to the teal/turquoise shade as it brightened up my all-black wardrobe considerably! I styled the dress with nude accessories although looking back I could have paid more attention to my undergarments...

FOTN:

FACE: Benefit That Gal Primer, Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation, L'Oreal True Match Foundation (both applied with Real Techniques Expert Face Brush), YSL Touche Eclat, Benefit Boi-ing Concealer, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (applied with an Avon Face Brush), MAC Harmony to contour (applied with a MAC 129), Benefit Coralista blush, Benefit High Beam, Urban Decay De-Slick spray.

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Urban Decay NAKED Palette (Naked and Buck), L'Oreal Perfect Slim Liner, Benefit They're Real Mascara, Eylure 101 lashes.

EYEBROWS: MAC Omega and Charcoal Brown e/s applied with a MAC 208 Brush.

LIPS: LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant, No7 Nude Lip Liner, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef.

I decided to go for a pop of colour on my lips to complement the brightly-coloured dress and this one from Revlon is one of my all-time faves. I had to apply two layers of foundation because my skin has been playing up a lot lately but it's much better now. Eyes wise, I went quite low-key with no kohl in the waterline but I did add fake lashes because mine are naturally very short and the 101s are my go-to lashes from Eylure.

NOTN:

Shellac nails - not sure of the shade but it's a coral / salmon pink colour.

I recently had Shellac nails applied for the first time (I've had Gellux but not Shellac) and I've been really impressed with them so far. Firstly, they only take about 45 mins to apply and dry instantly. I love how neat and glossy they look but I do find it frustrating that you have to get them professionally removed really or you end up with damaged nails. I am quite indecisive and like to change my nail colour up a lot so I'm not 100% sure if I would have them done again but I was impressed with my first foray into Shellac.

Have you been wearing brighter clothes this spring? Have you tried Shellac before?

Let me know in the comments or on Twitter - @smoir :)

Love,

Sophia

xo

February 2014 Favourites: Caudalie, Lancôme, La Roche-Posay, Liz Earle, MAC

Hey loves,

I hope you're all well!

Here are my favourite products from February...

Skincare:

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water*

I absolutely fell in love with this product. It was so soft and gentle - yet still super effective at removing every last trace of make-up. I especially liked the scent too. I'd rate it ahead of the Bioderma for sure.

Lancôme Bi-Facial Non Oily Instant Cleanser For Sensitive Eyes

I picked this up at the airport in duty free and I'm so glad I did because I've long been on the hunt for the perfect eye make-up remover. This completely removes eye make-up but it does it so effortlessly - without pulling at delicate skin around my eyes.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+*

I've heard loads of good stuff about this from bloggers and friends so I reached for it straight away when I had a breakout. It definitely helped clear my skin up but it's too harsh for everyday use so I'll just be using it every time I see a spot forming.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

It's not often I have good skin days - most of the time I wake up to a nasty breakout and I use the heaviest concealer I can find to cover it up. But when I do have good skin, I use this. It gives my skin a lovely, natural glow that just looks really fresh faced and healthy. LOVE.

Make-up:

Liz Earle Radiant Glow Bronzer* + Avon Powder Brush

I've turned my back on heavy contouring - recently I've been really favouring a natural looking bronzed look instead. I swirl the big, fluffy brush around this bronzer and apply it all over my face, focusing on the temples and cheeks. It makes me look awake, healthy and ready for the day.

No7 Clear Brow Gel

Going with the more natural look, I've been ditching the eyebrow pencils and powders for this clear gel instead. It makes me feel polished without looking too overdone.

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

Normally, my Urban Decay B6 Spray is my fixing spray of choice, but I ran out of that so I've been using this instead. I love the fresh feeling it gives me as I spray it onto my face first thing (before I apply make-up) but I also feel like it keeps everything in place after I've applied it all.

Haircare:

Dove Hair Therapy Leave-In Conditioning & Care Spray

I didn't have massive expectations for this because it was only a few quid from Boots - but my expectations were MASSIVELY surpassed after I used it. I spray it all over towel-dried locks and comb it through - it leaves my hair feeling so soft and silky. I'd repurchase it in a heartbeat.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Shampoo and Conditioner*

I'm a massive chocoholic so I jumped at the chance to try this cocoa-scented shampoo and conditioner. I'm not a massive fan of mint but this smells like chocolate mint and it's just delicious! I would eat it if I could.

Schwarzkopf got2be 2 Sexy Big Volume Push Up Volumizing Hairspray

I'm a BIG fan of L'Oreal Elnett but this might have just tested my loyalty. I used it when I was a bridesmaid at my friend's wedding and it kept my curly locks in place all day. It also smells amazing and comes in a MASSIVE bottle.

What did you use up this month?

Thanks,

Sophia

xo

 

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