Sophie's Choice

NOTD: Topshop Utilitarian

2010-12-01T19:12:00.004Z

It's been a while... sorry about that! Life just gets in the way sometimes.

In my absense from the blogosphere, I have been absolutely loving this nail varnish from Topshop. Utilitarian is a dirty army/khaki green, which just feels perfect for winter and all this cold weather.

It applies well and only requires 1 coat and at £5 a bottle, it's pretty purse friendly too.

Sophie x

FOTD: Going to the chapel...

2010-10-24T16:00:00.004+01:00

...to watch my cousin get married! This is how I wore my makeup.

Face:
Lancome Teint Miracle foundation (#101)
Bobbi Brown Illuminating Compact foundation (Sand)
Bobbi Brown corrector (Light Bisque)
MAC Studio Finish concealor (NW20)
Bobbi Brown blush (Pink Sugar)
Bobbi Brown highlighter pen (Opal)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay Naked Palette: Sin all over lid, Darkhorse outer corner
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner on upper lash line (Chocolate Shimmer)
Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara (Black)

Lips:
MAC lipstick in Hue
Revlon Super Lustrous Gloss in Peach Petal

Hair embellishment: Topshop (current season)

Sophie x

TRESemme Naturals Range

2010-10-18T18:58:00.005+01:00

There has been loads of haircare products hitting the market recently feeding the consumer demand for more naturally-made products.

One of the more affordable options for those that will now only consider such products is the new Naturals range by TRESemme. I was sent these products about 4 weeks ago now, so have had a good chance to put them through their paces.

TRESemme say:
"The new TRESemme Naturals hair care range is formulated without parabens, with lower sulphates and is silicone free; they contain many natural ingredients to infuse your hair with moisture and vitality, helping to leave your strands stronger and healthier, so you won't have to trade performance for natural benefits."

I was sent the Vibrantly Smooth shampoo and conditioner - claiming to control unwanted frizz (always good) with coconut oils and jojoba extract.

I have to say, that I have really enjoyed using these - I'm a TRESemme fan, and have used their products on and off for a good 5 years and this range is no different. The added benefit of being more naturally produced definitely doesn't compromise the product. They give off a lovely fresh smell, later up well and leave my locks feeling healthy and smooth. Priced at £5.39 each for 900ml of the shampoo and conditioner, it definitely won't break the bank either.

I was also sent the Naturals Non-Areosol hairspray - non-areosol being kinder to the environment (which is always a good thing). I like this too - for me, it works just the same and gives the same amount of hold as most others I've tried... and the smell isn't too "hairspray-y" if you get what I mean. Price is £5.39 for a 200ml bottle.

To finish off the range, there is the Naturals Weightless Volumising Mousse. Volumising is ALWAYS a pull for me, as I crave big bouncy hair. I loved the volume this product gave to my hair (simply squirted some in my hands and ran it through wet hair)... but I can't help wondering if it's contributing to my hair feeling greasy more quickly? I'm going to stick it a bit longer, however as this is the product I have used the least. Again this is priced at £5.39.

The killer question I always ask myself - would I purchase these products with my own money? For the shampoo and conditioner, it would be a definite yes, and probably the hairspray too. As for the mousse, I'm not so sure... I've got volumising products which do the job better in my opinion. But if the natural focus is important to you, then it will probably be a good product for you.

What do you think of the shift towards more naturally produced haircare and these products?

Sophie x

NOTD: Nars Mash

2010-10-14T21:44:00.003+01:00

Mash is from Nars' new Vintage collection which, to be quite honest, I could have all 5 of. All are gorgeous, but on the expensive side for a nail polish (£13 - ouch) so clearly I had to choose just one as a little treat for myself.

I went with Mash - a dirty khaki, shot through with gold shimmer - and I'm definitely not disapointed. This is also my first Nars polish, and I was impressed with the formulation, it applied easily and took 2 coats to achieve a perfect finish.

It was hard to capture the true colour of Mash with the camera, but hopefully with pics of with flash and without, you'll get a good idea.

Sophie x

The Wonderful World of Threading

2010-10-11T19:47:00.006+01:00

I've only become aware of threading in the last year. And now I have started getting my eyebrows threaded, I'm never looking back. I have my eyebrows threaded rougly about once a month, and love love the results. I've never been an expert plucker so for me, threading is perfect. I get the shape I want (NOT too thin, nice arch) and the strays stay away for longer.

Having said that, I still don't have a bloody clue what it is EXACTLY... so tonight I turned to the wonder that is google, and did a bit of research.

The ancient art of threading originated in Persia and has been very popular in asian countries such as India for years. Basically, hair is removed using cotton thread, which is held between the mouth and hands and expertly twisted in order to pull out unwanted hairs, right from the follicle. It has only really taken off in Western countries over the past 2 years, which probably explains why I hadn't even heard of it until last year.

(Image from Google Images)

Now I know the question you're most dying to have answered is.... how much does it hurt?! It's definitely not pain-free. But for me, it's not really pain, rather than just an uncomfortable feeling, which is over as soon as the threading it. It's a feeling hard to describe... you'll have to try it!

I've had my eyebrows done at Blink and Benito Brow Bar - both of which I highly recommend. Blink is on the expensive side at £17 for your eyebrows, but you are rewarded with a nice little eyebrow massage. If neither of these have locations near to you, just do some googling, I'm sure places will come up.

....I took threading one step further this evening after work. I had my upper lip done (I occasionally get "moustache paranoia" you see). Yes, this was definitely more painful than the eyebrows, but again, not unbearable.

Have you tried threading? What was your experience like? Are you a convert like me?!

Sophie x

PS. Sorry my blogging has been a little sporadic over the past few weeks, life got in the way!

Product Favourites: September 2010

2010-09-30T21:57:00.006+01:00

The end of ANOTHER month? Wow. It'll be Christmas before we know it!

Seche Vite Quick Drying Top Coat - This product is a god send. If like me, you can't seem to live without painted nails and change colours regularly, you need this! Just coat over freshly painted nails, gives them a gorgeously shiny finish and like magic, dries them in a flash... well, after about 5 minutes you're good to go. After about 10 minutes you can rummage in your bag for missing keys/purse or whatever.

No. 7 Colour Calming Primer - Looks scary when it comes out of the tube... it's green! But works great to cancel out any redness in the skin, and acts as a great base for my foundation, definitely extending the staying power of it.

Clinique Cream Liner - I've always been a bit wary of cream/gel eyeliners. I'm not the best at applying eyeliner so always thought this would be pretty difficult. Turns out I was wrong. This stuff is great, it's easy to apply and lasts all day long.

TRESemme Non-Areosol Hairspray - I was recently sent some TRESemme products from this range (full post to come soon), but have immediately fallen for this hairspray. Really holds hair in place all day (works especially well with the good old hangover hair-do), and made using natural ingredients.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - I'm obviously still in love with this. Isn't everybody?

Sophie x

In and Out: September 2010

2010-09-25T13:43:00.002+01:00

IN:

Autumn (or Fall for my US friends)

The weather has definitely turned here in the UK, summer is well and truly over. Good news is... we can all break out those wonderful winter clothes, fabulous coats, scarves (my favourite winter accessory) and gloves.

The leaves on the trees are turning golden brown, nothing better than going for a walk on a cold but sunny day, kicking your way through fallen leaves.

London

As you probably all now by now, I moved down to the capital last weekend for my internship - and I'm LOVING it. London life is hectic and tiring, but great fun too.

Weekends

I have come to the conclusion that I never really full appreciated weekends before starting a full-time job. Student life is exactly the most taxing thing ever, and I was lucky enough to have several day offs during the week and so my weekends were never really so important. Now however - I defintely value them more and will make the most of each and every one. This morning however, I caught up on some much needed sleep!

OUT:

Coughs, colds and sneezes

The turning weather has brought a nasty cold to my life over the past 2 weeks. I've just about shaken it off now, but the last 2 weeks have meant surviving on copius amounts of Benylin, antibiotics, Strepsils and Kleenex!

Running

This is definitely not out for good, I will make sure of that, but with the move south and starting work, I've just not had the time or energy to go out running. I tentatively attempted one this morning, which hurt like hell, but I'm determined to get back into running regularly as it's had amazing effects on my general health and well being.

Sophie x

(All images from weheartit.com)

Love: Orelia Jewellery

2010-09-22T19:25:00.001+01:00

I did a little sneaky trip to the mecca that is Topshop in Oxford Circus today on my lunch break (being so close is going to be dangerous, I can already tell!). I picked up these pieces of jewellery, which I absolutely love.

Both pieces are by Orelia which Topshop sell as a concession in some of their stores - they definitely carry it in Liverpool, and Oxford Street - for other stockists, check out their website by clicking here.

Anyway, I'm in LOVE with all their stuff and could easily have every single item! Unfortunately, my bank balance could not even hope to cater for this... sigh. A lot of it is very delicate, which I love and the tone of the gold is very light, and gorgeous, not overly yellow.

I picked up these cute little bow earrings, which were £10.

And this gorgeous bracelet (which I have had my eye on in Liverpool for ages), which was £12.

Price wise, I think this brand is a little more expensive than I would hope to pay, but I love the stuff so much, I just find myself willingly buying it.

If your local Toppers carry this line - go check it out, they also make hair accessories.

Sophie x

FOTD: Night Out

2010-09-20T18:39:00.005+01:00

Hey everyone! Sorry my blogging has been a bit thin on the ground recently, moved down south this weekend and had first day today, so everything's been a bit mad : )

I went for one last night out in Liverpool on Friday, and this is how I wore my make up.

Face:
Lancome Teint Miracle foundation (Shade 010 - I finally got a full-sized bottle)
MAC MSF Natural in Medium/Dark
Elf HD Powder
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Sand
Nars Blush in Orgasm
MAC Cream Colour base in Hush (Highlight)

Lips:
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Powder Pink
Revlon Super Lustrous Gloss in Petal Peach

I've had my haircut a bit shorter - what do you think?!

Eyes:
UD Primer Potion
UD Naked Palette, Baked all over lid, Hustle in outer corner
Clinique Gel Liner in Black, upper lash line
UD 24/7 Liner in Zero, lower lash line
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes

Sophie x

NOTD: MAC Metalist

2010-09-17T17:48:00.003+01:00

This isn't my usual colour choice... but I saw this at my local(ish) CCO and picked it up. And I really like it.

MAC's Metalist is not quite a gold, not quite a bronze - a mix of the two with rose undertones. Unfortunately it was a LE (from the Neo Sci-Fi collection) - but those in the UK and near a CCO look out for it.

It's made me get a little bit more on board with metallics, and now on the hunt for a gunmetal grey/silver one - any suggestions?

Sophie x

PS. Any requests for blog posts? I've been struggling for inspiration recently, hence another NOTD post : (

Hair Look: Messy Up Do + Exciting News!

2010-09-14T17:24:00.005+01:00

I call this my hangover hair-do... simply because it's so easy to do when I have little energy to do anything else and works best after a night out when my hair has been curled and has lots of volume!

I tried to do a step-by-step picture thingy, but it was too hard to take the pics so I'll do my very best to explain it in words:
1) Separate hair, so you have half left down, and half up
2) With the hair that is up, twist it and wrap it into a small bun and secure with pins
3) Separate the hair left down into two sections
4) Take one section, twist it round and up and secure with pins on the opposite side of the bun from where it started from - if it was on the left hand side, secure it to the right side of the bun
5) Do the same with the other section, on the other side
6) Secure any stray bits of hair with pins
7) Douse in hairspray to ensure it stays put all day

Hope that made sense?! It really is very easy. I find it works best when hair is not squeaky clean, so maybe the day after washing.

Going to take this opportunity to share some very exciting news that I have (although those that follow me on twitter may already know!).

Starting from Monday I'm going to be interning for 3 months at Bobbi Brown in London! This means I will be moving down south on the weekend, and leaving lovely Liverpool. I'm going to be really sad to leave this amazing city, but excited for the times ahead of me in London.

I will try to keep everyone updated as to how everything is going, so looks out for those posts : ) Obviously I will be continuing to blog as normal too!

Sophie x

EOTD ft. Urban Decay Naked Palette (No.2)

2010-09-13T22:31:00.004+01:00

I really really love this palette. I think everyone does though!

I can't take credit for this eye look myself, I watched a you tube video from one of my fave's - MakeupByTiffanyD (check out her channel by clicking here) and attempted to recreate the look she put together. I used less liner as I wore this during the day and didn't want it to be too strong.

Watch this video for the real detail, but in brief:
- Toasted all over lid
- Buck in crease and blended up onto the brow bone
- Hustle in outer v
- Whiskey 24/7 liner on outer half of upper last line

Mascara: Clinique High Impact in Black

Anyone come up with any other fab combo's using this palette? Would love to hear about them.

Sophie x

NOTD: OPI Ski Teal We Drop

2010-09-12T18:24:00.006+01:00

Another nail post, and again from OPI's Swiss Collection - kinda loving this collection!

As the name suggests, this is a teal colour, which looks fab on. Nice to wear if you like dark blues/greens but looking for something a bit different. As with most OPI's the formulation is lovely, this was 2 coats.

I love the name 'Ski Teal We Drop' - maybe only because I love skiing myself! OPI are so inventive and unique when it comes to their polish names, which I think is great.

What do you think of this colour?

Sophie x

Blending Brushes: The Line Up

2010-09-09T12:34:00.004+01:00

A blending brush is pretty crucial in my opinion to get the best eyeshadow application. Using one allows you to blend the colours used into each other, and into the skin to avoid any harsh lines which just looks a bit weird.

The MAC 217 blending brush gets a serious amount of love in the blogosphere, so I thought I would do a comparison between this, and 2 other blending brushes available on the market. I don't actually own this 217, it's my Mum's, although I have been known to steal it on the odd occasion, and as such, have had some good use out of it.

The 2 other brushes featured, as Boots No. 7 Eyeshadow Blend and Contour Brush (priced at £6.50 - mid-priced) and Elf's Professional Eye Blending Brush (priced at £1.50 - low-priced). The MAC 217 is priced at £14.50 - high-priced.

Please excuse the fact these aren't clean - the No.7 and MAC brushes are supposed to be white!

In a nutshell, all these brushes do the same job, and they do it pretty well. I have got along fine so far, with just using the Elf brush, and the cheapest of the 3. For me, it did the job. However, when I have the choice (i.e. when I am in reach of my Mum's make up bag!), I use the 217. The brush head is bigger, and more workable, allowing for the creation of lovely colour gradient as the colour is blended outwards. I just don't want to spend £14.50 on a brush, when I could get another eyeshadow or lippie.

This is why I picked up the No. 7 brush. I had a Boots £5 voucher for No.7 and when I heard the amazing Pixiwoo ladies mention that they thought this was exactly the same as the MAC 217, I ran out and bought it. As you can see from the pictures, looks wise, it's very similar, with a larger brush head than the Elf one. Only difference is, the whole brush is shorter in length. Usage wise, in my opinion, it's pretty much the same as the 217, does the same job and creates the same effect. At half the price of the 217, it's a great option for those not wanting to splurge.

I have little doubt, that eventually, I will end up with a 217 in my collection, it's a good investment, seeing as MAC brushes are supposed to last a lifetime.

But for now, I'm happy with my Elf brush and the No. 7 brush : )

What's your favourite blending brush?

Sophie x

NOTD: OPI William Tell Me About OPI

2010-09-08T09:16:00.004+01:00

William Tell Me About OPI is a lovely deep berry/purple colour from the Swiss Collection, perfect for the coming autumn/fall months. The formulation of this is great, this is 2 coats, but probably could have gotten away with 1 if you had less time.

As much as a like my nudes/neutrals, I really like wearing dark nail varnish aswell, especially when the weather turns colder. Look's like summer is over.... *sigh*

Sophie x

Heaven in a Shoe Box

2010-09-06T11:38:00.003+01:00

Picked up these little beauties from Kurt Geiger. I have an interview tomorrow in London so these are my "appropriate height heel" (mother's words) shoes i.e. ones I can comfortably walk in without looking ridiculous.

...and I love them.

Sophie x

OOTD: Casual Dinner

2010-09-04T12:20:00.003+01:00

I realised I'd never done an OOTD post that was more casual, they have all been when I have been going out so far! So here it is... I think this is just a really easy relaxed casual look, that I wore out to dinner with some friends.

White Tee - H&M
Camel Trousers - Zara
Khaki Shoes - Topshop
Headband - Primark

This is the kind of casual look I usually go for when shopping, day-to-day etc... if its not trousers like these, it's skinny jeans and if the weather turned chilly, I would through a blazer on over the top. Nothing mind-blowing... but it's what I like : )

Sophie x

Love: Elf Powder Brush

2010-09-02T16:13:00.012+01:00

As seen in my favourites for august, I have been loving this brush. Despite it being a powder brush, I use this for applying liquid foundation, and getting fabulous results.

To apply foundation using the brush, I use one pump out onto the back of my hand, dab the brush into the foundation, then stipple all over my face. I then use the brush in small circular motion, to blend the foundation out, providing lovely coverage and not horrible streaks.

Sorry for the repeat picture - but this just gives an idea of the finish that I achieve using this technique...

Best part of all? It's only £3.50 - pretty affordable for all. As a brand, I think elf is great and very well-priced for the quality of the products you receive. This brush is from the brand's studio line which is slightly more expensive than the regular line.

If you are just starting out in make up and looking to build up a collection of brushes, then strongly urge you to check this brand out. I use the eye blending brush from the regular line, and love that too - and at £1.50, it's a lot cheaper than the MAC 217.

Check out other elf products clicking here. Only snag is they are only available online in the UK (I think?), so no try before you buy option - but it's cheap enough it gets away with it!

Anyone else got any elf brushes? What do you think?

Sophie x

Product Favourites: August 2010

2010-08-31T15:40:00.005+01:00

Firstly, I cannot believe it is the end of August already... how fast has this summer gone?! Well I say summer in the loosest sense of the word - apart from the last 2 days, the UK has had truly miserable weather this month, and it definitely has not felt like summer.

Products I have been loving and using the most this month are...

Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation

Excuse the promo image - I've only had a sample of this foundation, so not got the full size bottle. This is seriously nice stuff, glides onto my skin and blends wonderfully to create a gorgeously glowing complexion. It feels so light on the skin, but still gives good coverage. Someone on Twitter (sorry-cannot remember who!) described it as: my skin but better - and I agree whole-heartedly with this. I'm getting a full size one asap.

Elf Powder Brush

Absolutely loving this to apply foundation - full review to come soon!

Hush Cream Colour Base by MAC

Gorgeous when swept across the cheekbone as a highlight, gives a gorgeous glow making skin look healthy and more radiant.

Lush Tea Tree Water

This was a saviour on my holiday earlier in the month (which feels like agggges ago now and am already craving another). I took it to the beach everyday and gave my face a quick spritz when I was feeling particularly hot and it instantly made me feel more comfortable and refreshed.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Ok, so I only got this last week but it definitely deserves a mention - 12 wonderfully wearable shades with amazing pigmentation. I'm in love already. See swatches here.

What have you been loving this month? Feel free to link to your favourite august products blog post in the comments below if you've done one : )

Sophie x

2010 Emmy Awards: Fashion Picks

2010-08-30T13:54:00.006+01:00

To be honest, I wasn't blown away by the fashion at the Emmy Awards which took place in LA last night. There was a couple of dresses that caught my eye, however.

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

Love the navy colour of this dress with the ruffles - Lea is totally rocking it.

Eva Longoria Parker in Robert Rodriguez

Eva always looks pretty flawless on the red carpet and this gorgeous figure hugging black gown is no exception.

Wanted to give a special mention to Kim Kardashian, whose make-up looks absolutely stunning.

She's moved away from her trademark smokey eyes here with bronzed lids, sky high lashes and a gorgeously nude lip, and it looks fabulous with her flawless complexion.

Sophie x

FOTD feat. Urban Decay Naked Palette

2010-08-29T11:04:00.009+01:00

Just a really simple FOTD - using minimal amounts of products (5) to create a natural, fresh look.

Foundation - Lancome Teint Miracle, Shade: 02 - I've had a sample of this foundation, absolutely loving it and definitely purchasing the full size bottle.
Concealer - MAC Studio Finish in NW20
Blush - MAC Well Dressed
Lipstick - No 17 Mirror Shine in Beehive

Obviously I had to use my newly acquired Naked palette from Urban Decay on my eyes - the picture doesn't pick up the colours amazingly well I'm afraid though!
- Virgin all over lid as a base
- Sin inner half of lid
- Sidecar outer half of lid
- Darkhouse in the crease and outer corner
- Whiskey 24/7 liner on upper lash line
- L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara

Sophie x

Urban Decay Naked Palette

2010-08-27T12:07:00.011+01:00

You may be completely and utterly sick of post regarding this palette from Urban Decay, but I feel that I wouldn't be a good blogger without dedicating a post to it.

This palette is truly lovely - all the colours are gorgeous and very wearable, allowing you to create all sorts of looks for different times of day and occasions. This is perfect for those just starting out in make up and want key neutral shadow colours, but also any make up enthusiast will just have to have this in their collection.

So, without any further ado, here's the swatches.

L-R: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar

L-R: Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhouse

L-R: Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

The pigmentation of these is, as you can see, amazing. Immediate favourites are Half Baked, Smog and Sidecar, but I'm sure once I have played around sufficienty, I will love them all equally!

If these 12 fabulous shadows aren't enough, the paletter also comes with a minature Primer Potion and 2 24/7 eyeliners, in Whiskey and Zero.

L-R: Whiskey, Zero

What do you all think of the paletter? Is it a must have? Will do an FOTD very soon using this, so look out for that.

I picked up my palette from House of Fraser online for £27, but when I last checked, they had sold out. Everywhere else in the UK gets it on 6th September... so elbows at the ready ladies!

Sophie x

NOTD: Essie Jazz

2010-08-25T11:56:00.003+01:00

Some would say this is boring.

In my opinion, however, it's simple, natural and chic - perfect for everyday wear. A gorgeous milky beige shade, Jazz by Essie is very wearable and would work well on a lot of different skin tones.

Formulation wise, this is good - 2 coats and it was opaque.

Sophie x

Recent Purchases

2010-08-23T16:48:00.005+01:00

Been picking up the odd thing at random over the last few weeks... here's a run down of what I got.

I had some empty pots that I wanted to Back to MAC so in exchange for those, I picked up Hue lipstick. Absolutely love this, and have wanted it for ages so glad to finally get my hands on it. There have been comparisons on other blogs between Hue and No17 Beehive, so obviously I had to put it to the test.

Hue on the top, Beehive on the bottom. As you can see, these are pretty similar - Hue I would say is slightly more cool toned and more of a baby pink look. On the lips, they look even more identical, although I would have to say I prefer Hue, as being slightly more pigmented and hopefully won't break in half like some Beehive's have been known to!

Hue...

Beehive...

Obviously being in MAC, I couldn't just get one thing and took the opportunity to cross a few more things of my wishlist.

Blushcreme in Ladyblush: This gives a gorgeous natural flush, I'm really loving it so far.

Swatches: Unblended on left, blended out on right.

I also picked up a cream colour base in Hush, which is a really nice cheek highlight colour - seen in this FOTD.

From Clinique I picked up their cream liner in Black - just because I wanted to try a cream/gel liner, and had heard good things about this one.

I placed an ebay order with enchantedbeautyspot and got Jazz by Essie (on the right) and a new Seche Vite top coat. Also picked up Racing Green by Barry M (on the left) from Superdrug. Look out for NOTD's with these colours.

I got these gorgeous flats from Topshop, which I absolutely adore, and also picked up this cute grey t-shirt with pocket detail, which I have worn to death since I got it : )

That's all folks! Hope you like.

Sophie x

Love: MAC Naked Lunch, Patina and Satin Taupe

2010-08-21T11:35:00.004+01:00

Recently I have been loving using this combination of MAC eyeshadows - Naked Lunch, Patina and Satin Taupe.

It creates a lovely subtle smokey effect for those times when you don't want your eyes looking too strong and bold.

It's really simple to do:
- Naked Lunch inner half of lid
- Patina on outer half of lid
- Satin Taupe crease and lower lash line
- Blend together

Sophie x