Extra-Comfort Cleansing

Things are pretty busy for me at the moment (hence the abysmal lack of posts this week, and a brief post today). Between working two jobs, making time to see my family and the Boyfriend and going to the gym -I know, I know - I haven't really had any sort of time off in a while, really. As such, I need a darn good cleanser on rotation just to ensure that there are minimal delays between me and my bed. And here's a secret for you: I love my bed more than I love skincare.

Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Crème has been doing a bloomin' good job of this. The rich and creamy formula feels amazing on my skin at any time of day, making it ideal for both morning and evening use, but also after I've been to the gym. It doesn't dry my skin out in the slightest, keeping my acne-prone areas calm, but does a right number on makeup/grime removal. Used regularly, the benefits are only becoming more visible.

So if you're in the market for a creamy cleanser that isn't going to make congested skin worse, that will add moisture and that works well for facial massage, I think that you're going to love this.

Makeup Collection & Storage #1

Half the joy of having a relatively large collection of makeup is finding a good way to store it. My collection isn't enormous by any means, but it certainly is larger than your average makeup bag... But I'm guessing I'm in good company here. I'd say that I've gradually been hoarding my makeup over the last three years or so, and, out of necessity as much as anything else, have come up with a way of storing it that works for me. You name it, I've probably tried it... From drawers (forgot what I owned, ended up with about three of the same nail polish), to boxes (too flimsy), to good old fashioned makeup bags (pre-morning coffee, it's too difficult to find what I'm looking for), I've finally settled with my MUJI acrylic storage. Beauty Blogger cliché galore, yes, but I bloomin' love it. 

In a dark corner of mine and the Boyfriend's bedroom (he had no idea what he was getting himself into, I can assure you) I keep one drawer for tinted moisturisers, BB creams and foundations, with come concealer and an illuminator (or two) thrown in for good measure. This isn't my ideal way of storing them, but I've just bought a new desk organiser from Rymans that I may well use for this purpose. Below that are my NARS palettes, blushes and the single eyeshadow that I own, and with them I keep my MAC powder and the four eyeshadows that I own. That brings us onto the lipstick drawer, AKA my happy place. All of my lipsticks can be found in here, and in here they fit very nicely. Again, I'd like to find a lipstick stand for them, but I don't really have the space in which to keep one. 

To the right of this set, I keep my smaller drawers. I'm not such a fan of these, as I always find they're just a little bit too small for what I need, but maybe I'm being picky. The first two drawers are dedicated to eye makeup; the top for all things in a pencil form or tube, and below it some single eyeshadows, a couple of smaller Inglot palettes (that don't get nearly as much love as they should) and my eyeliners. Then we come to yet more single eyeshadow pans - because a girl can never have too many, y'know - and finally my single blushes, mostly from Bourjois and Benefit. Then we have the overspill that takes the form of my Urban Decay Naked Palettes... But let's not dwell on those.

What's your preferred way of storing your makeup? Any suggestions?

Spring Has Sprung, Apparently.

The sun is shining, birds are singing, and a multitude of blog posts have emerged announcing the return of light foundations, pastel nails and bright lips. It's happened, spring has arrived.

Seasonal change doesn't particularly affect the way I wear my makeup. In fact, I've been reaching for Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade Black Cherry far more than is probably appropriate of late. I'm also well known for only wearing black come the summer months, something that the Boyfriend finds highly amusing.

There are, however, some products that I deem to be quintessentially spring. And, conveniently, here they are...

When it comes to bases, I'm currently into keeping things light. Between NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30 in the shade Alaska and the Dr Jart+ Waterfuse BB Cream, I should be able to keep things covered. Powdered into place, these provide a long-lasting yet dewy and fresh base, and the former is my current go-to. To add a little bit more glow, because let's face it, you can never have enough, I opt for Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in the shade Pearl, although Opal is also on my hit-list. This is literally glow-y-ness in a bottle. It rocks.

For cheeks, I present two powder options and a cream blush. Benefit Box O Powder in the shade Dandelion provides a fresh hit of brightening pink to the face and is an old favourite of mine. NARS Blush in the shade Douceur may be new to my collection, but I haven't been able to stop myself from applying it. It's very effortless, and isn't that what spring is all about? If you're more into your cream products, however, then the Bourjois Cream Blush in the shade 2 Bonne Mine may be a good option to try. The formula isn't too sticky or slippy, has great pigmentation and doesn't highlight textural issues.

I'm a big lover of bright lips any time of year, but the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balms are outstanding. I've already raved about their excellent levels of pigmentation and moisture, but the bright hit of colour really would be a perfect pick for this time of year. If you prefer things a little bit glossier, then I'd recommend the Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in the shade 639 Riviera for a glossy punch of orange red. This has been in my makeup bag for two years now and I love it as much now as I did back then. I've already said in this post that I can't seem to leave the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade Black Cherry alone, and I really can't. A small amount smudged out over lip balm is just so darn pretty. As intimidating as it is in the tube, it sheers out to a 'just-bitten' cherry stain.

For eyes, I always seem to go back to the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette this time of year. The wide selection of cool-toned lighter shades that are amazing at brightening the eye area holds a lot of appeal for me. It's a bit of a classic, and for good reason.

So now that's spring done, bring on summer...

Line Up, Line Up

I love a good lick of eyeliner. Sadly for me, I was not blessed with the ridiculously full lashes that some ladies are lucky enough to possess. As such, a little bit of extra definition never goes amiss. There are a few in my arsenal that I go back to time and time again to add a hit of definition with minimal effort.

I don't opt for a classic kitten flick that often - having slightly hooded eyes means that it's not the most flattering look for me - but when I do, I prefer gel eyeliner. On the go at the moment is B. Defined in the shade Black. It's not the best formula, as it takes a couple of layers to reach the desired intensity, but it's not bad either. The lasting power is great and it came with a rather good brush too, if memory serves.

If I'm looking for something a little bit softer, or to smoke out a cream eyeshadow look, I have two options up my sleeve. The first is Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in the shade Black Gold. This has a really smudge-y formula, which means that it's absolutely perfect for adding drama, but isn't so great as a traditional eyeliner. It's still one of my most-used products, however, and I wouldn't want to be without it. When I don't fancy the gold-flecked intensity of that particular eyeliner, I tend to go for a warm, golden toned kohl. Currently in my stash is a now-discontinued little nub of one from 17, which is awesome... But not much use for anyone but me. Saying this, Smashbox have some lovely-looking offerings, as do Sephora, so they may be worth checking out if this sounds up your street.

On minimal makeup days, I take a small amount of the Laura Mercier Crème Eyeliner in the shade Violet and run it under my top lash line. This vivid purple isn't the most pigmented and doesn't look like much in the packaging, but can easily be built up to held define the eyes. What's more, the purple pops against my green eyes, to add a little somethin' somethin' to my otherwise plain makeup.

What are your favourite eyeliners, and what do you think is the best way to wear them?

Shrek It Out

What is it with me and green face masks? If it's not the inevitable Mask of Magnaminty from Lush, it's this: The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask. Aimed at blemish prone skin (i.e. mine), this is a bit of a find. I've used the tea tree range at TBS before, but find some of the products to be a bit drying. This however, takes down the redness and size of my spots, but doesn't dry them out.

Containing kaolin clay and tea tree oil, both of which are bloomin' awesome when it comes to fighting blemishes, this mask packs a serious skincare punch. Whilst also allowing you to continue to practice your best Shrek impression, obvs. The creamy texture applies easily, and isn't as messy as some other masks of a similar variety. It doesn't dry down, meaning that if you want to leave it on for a longer length of time, you can do so very easily.

At £10 for 100ml, you can't go too far wrong with this one. Plus there are normally offers galore in The Body Shop, so whilst you at it, you may as well treat yourself...

Tidy Blog, Tidy Mind

If you've recovered from reading the mammoth post below, have yourself 10 points on me. Good work, trooper. Sophie Makes Up now has an easier way of finding posts that may interest you. I've actually labelled my posts properly. Looking for some L'Oréal loving? You can now find all posts that mention that brand in one go. Not exactly revolutionary, I know, but it should make your experience on this site a hell of a lot better. Go, read things!

Paring Back Round 2: They See Me Haulin' (Again)

Remember how I was going to implement that 'one in, one out' policy? Yeeah, it's not really working for me. Payday came, payday went... And a whole lotta makeup came with it, much to the Boyfriend's distain. Having not had a high-end splurge since January, things got a little bit cray, but nothing has been a disappointment as of yet.

There were three major crime scenes: Escentual.com, SpaceNK (duh) and, somewhat inevitably, Boots. Some purchases were made for nostalgic reasons, some because I have two jobs now so why the heck not (girl logic at its finest, I believe), and some to test out blogger hype. But enough of the rambling - let's get to the good stuff. Brace yourself for a rather word-y post here.

Escentual.com - AKA the online French Pharmacy

Sometimes, a girl's just got to stock up on her goods. This was one of those times. Throughout March, Escentual.com has up to a third off of its French pharmacy brands, including one of my all time faves, Caudalie. I mentioned in my latest wish-list how I was craving their Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, and oh boy, it is good to be reunited. I may have stocked up on two bottles due to a price reduction of 20%... And I may be planning to stock up on a couple more later this month. It's a fantastic serum, considerable better than the much-hyped Indeed Labs. Hydraluron, with which I don't particularly get on very well. Within one use, my skin is calmer, softer and generally happier. This with a lick of Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm (which also entered my shopping basket) = a happy, hydrated Sophie.

Also from the Caudalie Vinosource range came the SOS Morning Eye Rescue. My eyes can be crazy puffy, which isn't the easiest thing to mask with makeup - trust me, I know. I was expecting this to be a gel formulation for some reason, but it is, in fact, a light cream. I've only been using this a for a few days, but so far it seems nice. Nothing revolutionary, perhaps, but maybe I expect too much. It's hydrating and cooling on the eyes, which is always a relief, it sits really nicely under makeup and has a pleasant cooling effect. So far, so good.

Next on my hit list was a new cream cleanser. Don't get me wrong, I've really been missing my Aurelia Miracle Cleanser, but I wanted to try something new. Enter the Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream. This has been doing the rounds on the blogosphere of late, but I can easily see why. This stuff is lush. I like my balm cleansers a lot, but I find them to be a bit heavy when used repeatedly day in, day out. Cream cleansers are a bit lighter, it seems to me, but have similar effects. Not only was this £5 less than the RRP of £25, it's a massive 200ml, so should last for a while. On application, it feels like a heavy moisturiser that won't absorb, meaning it can easily be massaged into the skin. It feels uh-mazing. Again, we've not been together long, but so far I'm enjoying using it as my morning cleanser and to take my makeup off at night, as it is so bloomin' gentle on the skin.

I also popped the Crabtree and Evelyn 60 Second Hand Fix in Citron Honey and Coriander as a little Mothers' Day gift, and although can't report back on that for obvious reasons, it must be said that the packaging is adorable. Within the cute little box, you can find their Hand Recovery and their Hand Therapy. I don't honestly know what the difference is, but I shall get my mother to report back with the results.

Space NK - AKA the beauty lovers' Spiritual Home

I'm always wary to take a list with me into Space NK, or else I get tempted by just about everything, actually. This time around, the list served me well. First on my list was an old favourite I had been missing: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in the shade Light 2 Alaska. This was the first high-end base I ever bought, so it holds something of a special place in my heart. It's a brilliant tinted moisturiser, in my opinion, and I prefer it to the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser SPF25. It's sheeny, light, has a slight burring effect and covers well, not to mention the broad spectrum sun protection and SPF30. My only gripe is the colour range. The next shade up, Finland (which I used to wear, gooo anaemia) is too light, whilst Alaska is a little on the dark side. It's not a deal breaker, however, and the Boyfriend has given it his seal of approval ("You look very glowy and it matches the back of your neck"), so it's become my new base of choice, for the time being, at least.

Next up on my list was the NARS Pure Radiant Creamy Concealer in the shade Custard. Sadly, it was sold out, so no joy there... But I've signed up to be notified when it next becomes available. Someday, we will be together.

My consolation prize? NARS Blush in the shade Douceur. This little pan of joy has been on my hit-list for well over a year now, but due to it's somewhat 'meh'-ness in the pan, it got overlooked in favour of other goodies. But no more. This stuff is just the bomb. It's so beautiful on the cheeks. I use it where I would usually use bronzer to add a bit of life to my face. It's difficult to say what this does, exactly, but it just looks good. The matte formula doesn't draw attention to the textural issues on my cheeks, flatters my skin tone and adds a touch of contour and definition when used with the right brush. I don't honestly know how I coped without this stuff for so long. I haven't touched my bronzer since I bought it, and that, my friends, is saying something.

Lastly from Space NK came a terrybly naughty purchase. By Terry has long been a brand that, for me at least, captures what luxury beauty should be. Unfortunately, this is reflected in the price tag. However, I couldn't resist their Ombre Blackstar "Color-Fix" Cream Eyeshadow in the shade 4. Bronze Moon. Holy cow, this stuff is the shizz. Long-lasting, smooth, complex in colour and hella pricey to match, I'm in love with this little stick of wonder. The colour is comparable to the Maybelline 24h Colour Tattoo in the shade On and On Bronze, but infinitely more beautiful. It just looks very sophisticated, elegant and understated when worn with nothing but a lick of mascara. More please.

Boots - AKA the beauty lovers' budget Spiritual Home

3-for-2. Why are you doing this to me, Boots? This trip was mostly stocking up on basics, with a couple of exciting things thrown in for good measure. Namely a second No7 Shade and Define Eyeshadow Stick in the shade Glistening Ray and the EcoTools Tapered Blush Brush. The formula of the former lives up to its pinker counterpart, Pink Pearl, which has already earned its place in my stash. Slightly on the sheer side, this provides a golden champagne wash of shimmer across the lid, and works exceedingly well when pared with it's By Terry cousin. The latter, although used only once thus far, has already proved itself. The Tapered Blush Brush picks up just the right amount of product to create a light wash of easy colour. Maybe not an essential brush, but I'm glad I have it.

Soap and Glory was my next stop, and shower gel was the target. I find that theirs last for months and they just smell amazing. I picked up Sugar Crush Body Wash, with its sweet and zesty lime scent, for my gym bag, and Foam Call for at home. This smells like hot buttery popcorn to me, so it should be enough to get me out of bed in the morning.

I also repurchased the L'Oréal Fibrology Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner. Certainly not the most exciting purchase ever, but its testimony to how good these are. My hair is noticeably thicker and fuller for having used these and I would recommend them to anyone with fine hair.

So that's that. I had to pull out a couple more MUJI drawers to fit this lot in, but it was worth it. I'll try and do some more in-depth individual reviews in time, but this should wet your palette a bit... Until the next haul, keep my purse away from me.

Oil Me Up Pt. 1

Just in case you've been living under a rock for the last couple of years, facials oils are having a bit of a moment. Coming in various blends, forms and price brackets, adding an oil to your regime is a relatively simple way to eek a bit more efficiency out of your products, without necessarily having to splash out the big bucks. Adding a drop to your regular moisturiser can make a surprising difference to the tone and quality of your skin, and using oils alone creates gives the skin a bit of a - dare I say it - effortless glow.

A personal favourite of mine, which I have also inflicted given to my mother, is rosehip oil; I use the one by Triology, although Pai's offering is on my radar next. This stuff is gooood. A multi-tasking oil that tackles pigmentation, acne scarring and an uneven skin tone, whilst also helping to prevent those much-dreaded signs of ageing, whatever they are. It's not too heavy on the skin, feels very luxurious and lasts bloomin' ages. You only need a couple of drops for your entire face and neck, so it's a relatively economical purchase. 

It may not be an essential, but it's a welcome addition to my skincare routine. My mum fell over on her face the other day (I come from a very clumsy family, don't ask) and has been using the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil on her cut and it's clearing up a treat. 

Great for scars, great for improved clarity and great for your wallet. What've you got to lose?

Simply Miraculous

Does anyone else every get that feeling with a product, when you only really appreciate how bloomin' good it is once it's gone? I do, very often, in fact. Half the time, it's nostalgia playing tricks on me, and my skin can no-longer tolerate a once much-loved product... But the other half? That's how I know I'm onto a winner.

And that's just what's happened with the (much under hyped, in my opinion) Aurelia Miracle Cleanser. Ignoring the so, so, so high price point, it really does live up to its name. I picked mine up back in November and it's lasted me through until March, but sadly my little tub of goodness has run out. Will I be picking up another one? You betcha.

It's hard to say what makes this such a standout product for me. Yes, the packaging is beautiful and yes, it's well marketed; niche, but not too niche, with a probiotic formula to back up its claims. On paper, it sounds like a posh Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish... They both contain rosemary, eucalyptus and chamomile, and both feel like heavy moisturisers when worked into the skin. But there's something about the Aurelia offering that has a little more oompf.

I've already waxed lyrical about its moisturising effects, but there is a visible difference in my skin since I've had to stop using it. As much as I love my REN Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser, it is very drying used over a long period of time, and the Miracle Cleanser rectified the issue perfectly, with out the claggy-ness of the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm. Aurelia also win out on having the shortest name - 10 points. 

My spot scars were less visible, the texture of my skin was noticeably better (even the Boyfriend noticed) and it just felt good to use. If you're looking for a new cleanser, this would certainly be worth a try. Go on, you know you want to.

Nailed It

First and foremost, I owe you all an apology for the hideous stream of puns that have been hitting this blog of late. Things are actually looking really peachy for me at the moment in a lot of ways, so between that and the fact that the Boyfriend is one of the punniest people I know, they're sort of inevitable... My apologies.

Moving on swiftly... Today I present for you my top nail picks for Spring. To contrast yesterday's post, in which I wrote of my love for high end products, all of these lacquers are actually from the drugstore. Safe to say that I'm fickle, then. I don't know if it's because I went through a ma-hoosive nail painting fad when I was about 15/16 (we're talking in the 100s here, I'm not ashamed to say), or because I'm not allowed to wear colour on my nails at work, but I just don't see the point in buying high end polish just yet. It's not that I don't crave a cheeky Chanel polish in my stash - trust me, I do - it's that I can wear it for a maximum of two days a week and my nails are so flaky that there just isn't much point anyway.

This aside, I'm more than happy to go a bit crazy in Boots when there's a 3-for-2 offer on and grab some seasonal hues. For this spring, I've opted for some 'is it summer yet?' orange-y tones, a minty fresh off-white and a vibrant pink. The damage? Minimal.

From left to right, I am wearing:

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in the shade Papaya - One of my favourite colours in one of my favourite formulae. These little beauties rock. They last relatively well, have a high shine and the colour selection is bloomin' awesome. This, for me, is a beautifully delicate pinky-orange. The name suits it well. I find it to be an elegant choice that goes well with casual outfits.

L'Oréal Paris Color Riche in the shade Pistache Drage - L'Oréal seems to be having a but if a moment on the blogosphere, but this really is a stunner, this one. It needs a good three coats painted on thinly, but holy smokes is it pretty. The lasting power isn't the greatest on my nails, but then again I don't use a base or top coat (bad blogger *slaps wrist*) as I can't wear nail paint for more than a couple of days anyway because of my job. This is the colour of pistachio ice cream, which brings back memories of being in the south of France with my friends this sort of time last year. It's very lovely and a little bit unusual, definitely one for mint lovers like myself.

Essie Nail Lacquer in the shade Status Symbol - This isn't a shade that gets much attention online. I think it gets overlooked by Watermelon, which is a shame to my mind as this is an awesome colour. It's not quite neon, but it's damn close. It reminds me of when I was in school and would colour my nails in with highlighter (that's how much I was into painting my nails) because we weren't allowed to wear any paint. It's a proper in-your-face sort of colour, but it's soo pretty. I actually find this to be a good great formula on my nails, but I know it's not great for everyone. Either way, it fits in with the orchid/pink trend you'll be seeing a lot of this spring/summer, so it's definitely worth taking a look.

Rimmel Salon Pro in the shade 115 Happily Evie After - I don't really get the name of this particular polish, but the colour? Now that, I get. It's a true beaut. A bright red-orange comparable to the infamous Chanel le Vernis in the shade Holiday. A brilliant transitional colour going into the summer with an amazing, amazing one-coat-wonder formulation to match. If I could only have one, it would be this.

So there are my top picks for this spring. I'm a little bit self-conscious of posting hand photos, as a) I have dermatitis/eczema on my hands and b) my toes look like thumbs (don't ask - just google Megan Fox thumbs and you'll know what I'm going on about), but it really is the best way to show a polish off. In case you're wondering, my ring is from a Siren Stacking Ring in Green Onyx from Monica Vinader and it is awesome. It can be found in various colours here.

What colours are on your radar as the weather heats up?

Why I Buy High...

No, I'm not talking about going shopping whilst 'blazed' (sorry, couldn't resist this title)... Today, I'm writing about why I choose to buy the majority of my products from the higher end of the price spectrum. It's a little bit of a controversial topic, I feel, and not something that everyone approves of. If I had a By Terry lipstick for every time I've gone on and on to my poor long-suffering friends and family about the improved quality and whatnot, I'd have a full set of MUJI drawers stacked up high full of 'em.

For me, makeup is a hobby. It's what I choose to indulge in, and if I had a way of showing how I spent my money, I can guarantee that the vast majority of it would go on cosmetics. I'm not especially fussy about what I buy, I have no preference between buying bases, cheek products, eyeshadows, skincare or lipsticks, but I think that I choose my products wisely and have stopped making superfluous purchases... Okay, so there's always room for another lipstick.

As an extension of this, I am perfectly happy to buy from the aisles of Boots and Superdrug - the UK 'drugstores' - as I am from SpaceNK or Cult Beauty and the likes. But. Look in my makeup collection and the vast majority comes from such high end retailers. Yes, this means that the products I buy from these shops tend to be a lot more expensive for the same amount of product I would be able to buy from Revlon or Maybelline, say. And yes, sometimes they turn out to be utter duds. I am the first person to say that buying high end by no means guarantees high quality. But. From my experience, 9/10 times, it actually does...

I'm a big believer in the idea that you get what you pay for. As far as I can see, it's a rule that works for food, for furniture, for clothes and for makeup. Yes, 'drugstore' formulations are improving all the time and the technologies are fast catching up, and yes, you can buy fantastic eye products from Rimmel and killer lip products from Revlon... But compared to the likes of Urban Decay, NARS and YSL Beauty? I see no comparison.

I'm well aware of the fact that when you buy from a high end brand, you buy into the branding as much as anything else, especially in the cases of fashion houses that have expanded into the cosmetics industry IMO, but the quality of the products does tend to match my expectations. There are some amazing bases in my makeup collection that I found in Boots, the Garnier Oil Free BB Cream for Oily/Combination Skin springs instantly to mind, but on the flip side of that, my all time favourites are high end (NARS' tinted moisturiser, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free... I could go on). And don't even get me started on low end skincare...

The fact that I can still remember the feeling when I got my first ever high end product - a travel sized bottle of Moroccanoil Light Treatment, that I still have FYI - says a lot about buying high end, for me at least. It's an experience as much as anything else. I realise that I may well have just come across as the biggest makeup snob evaaa in writing this post, but I feel that it's actually quite an interesting topic. Ultimately, I buy high end because I feel that the price is more often than not reflected in the quality, or the unique-ness of the product and honestly? I'd take a high end five-product-face over a full on drugstore lineup any day and everyday.

Light 'n' Bright

As much as I wish I could say that I go without makeup most days, the truth is that I don't really feel confident doing so. Most of my skin is actually pretty okay, but the areas that are bad are really, well... Quite bad. This is a bit of a bummer, because I'm not actually a massive fan of a full face of makeup on the daily. It feels too heavy, and seeing as I'm pretty lazy relaxed about how I look if I'm popping into town or something, this has become my go-to route for the last couple of weeks.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in the shade Pearl and the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation must be two of the most hyped up products on the blogosphere. In my opinion, this is actually for good reason. They both do a bloomin' good job at what they claim to do, and with each used sparingly where needed, they make a pretty killer combo.

I start by taking the tiniest amount of the Becca product and placing it where I want the light to catch my face, i.e. my cheekbones, cupid's bow, under my brows and on my chin. This stuff is potent and you really do only need a little bit to do your entire face. If you use an entire pump full, the end effect can be a little bit 'tin-man'-ish for my liking. This means that whilst it is a very expensive illuminator, it's also good value for money as the finish is so beautiful and a little goes a long way. At this point, I look a little bit glowy and polished, without really having done very much.

I then take a pump of the Luminous Silk Foundation and use it only where I need it (that part's important). I don't really want anything to be too perfect on my days off, because I don't want to spend 20 minutes in the mirror faffing around covering every little (or not so little) pimple. This has just the right amount of coverage to make everything looking calm, it glides over any dry patches I have and has the right texture to look natural.

The finished effect? Polished... But not neurotically so. That's what I'm talkin' about.

The Eyes Have It...

I'm a big fan of 'letting my eyes do all the talking'. A nicely blended neutral eye with lashings of mascara just does it for me. These products lend themselves to a shimmery, nectar toned wash of colour with some punchy definition from the mascara, making them great for when you just have to pop out for a cheeky drink after work...

I accidentally ended up purchasing the new No. 7 Stay Prefect Shade and Define eyeshadow pen. I genuinely popped into Boots to grab some mouthwash and a diet coke (yes, I'm well aware of the irony of that statement), and left with this also in my shopping bag, thanks to a £3 off voucher. I have the shade Pink Pearl and it just beautiful. It's quite sheer, but adds a beautiful iridescence, sparkle and glow to the eyelid, making it great for slapping on alone or using as a base to bring out the best of other eye products. Oh, and it also happens to be probably the best long-lasting cream eye product I've ever tried. Nothing lasts like this does. Nothing. It's love.

Next, I take the pink toned shade from the 17 Eyeshadow Trio in the shade Enraged all over the lid. This colour is great for brightening and quite frankly, it's just beautiful. I the follow this with the golden tone under my lower lash line, to add a smidgen of definition and balance, then add the chocolatey shade to add depth... Then I get blending like nobody's business. Considering how cheap these products are, they are incredibly pigmented and blendable, so this isn't particularly difficult.

Once all of this is said and done, I like to go in with a coat (or three) or a good black mascara on well-curled lashes (my curlers are Tweezerman for Benefit, and whilst they're nothing to write home about perhaps, they are pretty darn good). My pick for this would be the eye-wateringly expensive YSL Beauty Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara. This stuff is, in a word, potent. It's my go-to night out mascara and I can find it to be a little bit too much for the daytime, but it really depends on your taste. Either way, a little goes a long way and this stuff is da' bomb.

Looking for a casual springtime eye? I think you just found it...

Sophie Makes Up for (Sort of) Lazy Days

I'm a big fan of lazy days. Seriously. Knowing that there's nothing that needs doing urgently and that you can make the day what you want it to be is a pretty darn satisfying feeling. But let's face it, such days are few and far between, but that doesn't mean we can't pretend with makeup... I'm a big believer in the idea that our external appearance reflects the way we feel inside, so using makeup to create a serene, chilled out and ready-for-anything version of yourself seems to me to be a bit of a good idea.

The look I'm going for is a slightly more polished version of that old classic, 'no makeup makeup'. Seeing as your day could be going in any direction, you want to make sure you're looking up for it, of course... But you can't really be bothered to make too much of an effort. FYI this is pretty much my rule of thumb for err... everything.

First things first, a nice and light foundation. On days like this I opt for the Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15. To me, this comes somewhere in between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation. It's more buildable than the former, but feels lighter than the latter. It's not my favourite base - it's a little bit too dewy, actually - but it does the job on days like these. Top up with concealer as and where you need it.

As for the eyes, I'd recommend a quick bit of definition through the socket and a nicely defined, but not overdone, brow. After watching this Lisa Eldridge video (all hail Lisa), I tried a little bit of Snakebite from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette through my crease and y'know what, it looked pretty good. Follow with a good layer of mascara or two, I like Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara worked into the lashes for this, and you're good to go.

For a bit of a flush, you can't beat a bit of bronzer in my books. I'm currently hooked on the bronzing veil from the Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Palette due to its easy-peasy cream consistency, but use whichever takes your fancy. Anything that gives you a slightly sunkissed warmth without looking too 'try-hard' will do the trick.

And lastly, the lips. I'd always recommend your go-to lip product. You don't want to be wearing anything too high-maintenance, but you want to feel like the best version of yourself. If this means a lick of lipbalm, go for it. If it means a bright red, splash it on. For me, it's the YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in the shade 6 Bergmasque, a peachy pink MLBB colour.

After this, the day is yours to make of it what you will. Whatever that means...

The Skin Update // La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ Was, in Fact, Sent From the Heavens Above

Skin really is quite difficult to write about. Obviously, everyone's skin is different and what might work for me may not work for you, and may even make your skin condition worse. Seeing as I am by no means an expert when it comes to skincare, just an enthusiast, I always feel slightly tentative when I write about what's happening on my face. 

Things are, however, slowly getting better, something I am very happy to report. The patch of spots on my left cheek that returned, having disappeared during the summer, is getting calmer and less irritated every day and the angry cysts underneath my skin (just the mental image you wanted, I know) are 

beginning to disappear. 

The reason for this? Well, it's kinda difficult to pinpoint it. As I said in my February Favourites post, I haven't had the easiest time lately, having moved back home somewhat unexpectedly after conceding defeat with my Uni course. Stress is definitely a big factor in bad skin for me, so the fact that all of this is now behind me is definitely a factor. Being away from London and all of its pollution and coffee shops is definitely another bonus for my complexion... But I can't really explain what's happened 

without thanking a few products...

The standout hero product would have to be the oh-so-imfamous La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+. It. Is. Awesome. The reformulation of this cult classic is definitely for the better in my eyes. My post spot red marks are fading evening and more than they would do sans Duo+. It's also slightly more hydrating that it's original counterpart, something that I consider to be for the better. It's had the most noticeable effect on the lower half of my right cheek, which for the first time ever had been on the brink of a major breakout, where my old milia all seemed to become blemishes over night (the miraculous human body, ladies and gentlemen)! All the redness and nasty under-the-skin lumps vanished within a week from this area, and the scars are healing nicely. On my more troublesome right cheek, it's true that the area is far from clear, but it is definitely getting better. The end is in sight.

The downside of this wonder product? It is still kinda drying. Not as badly as before, but I find it to be too much when used on its own for an extended period of time. My solution? The Aurelia Miracle Cleanser. This was in my Favourites post for a reason! It's soooo good when your skin needs some relief from whatever is irritating it. It's moisturising without making you feel greasy, which is my biggest gripe about the much adored (and for good reasons, it is a brilliant cleanser) Emma Hardie Amazing Face Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm. In addition to this, I've been using the Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimising Daily Hydrator to layer on the moisture under my daily SPF. This creates a really nice anti-inflammatory base for my makeup and I really, really like it. A good dash of the Boots Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil has not gone amiss as an overnight treatment either. 

So there it is, my skin update. It's far from where I want it to be, but I'm a lot closer than I was just a couple of weeks ago, when things were looking very desperate.

The Gloss Over

I love a good lip gloss. I think they're a great way to add a splash of effortless colour to your face, without having to worry about getting pigment on your teeth, feathering or smudging. I bloomin' well love them.

My usual go-to comes in the form of the Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Lipgloss in the shade Current. It's a darkened cranberry that translates as a not too dramatic lick of colour that brightens my olive complexion. It's my go to 'I can't actually be arsed to think about what I'm slapping on my face today' lip option.

Lately, however, I've been pushing it aside for the Maybelline Colour Sensational Shine Gloss in the beautifully vibrant shade of Glorious Grapefruit. This is a punchy, pinky orangey coral and it is awesome. This with a little bit of a tanned glow and minimal eyes is just lovely. The formula is creamy but not sticky, it smells great and has pretty decent wear time. The best part? It's a mere £6.12. One to add to the beauty bags, I think...

They See Me Haulin'...

Every now and then, I believe that it is absolutely essential to take one day out of your week and dedicate it to going for a good ol' fashioned shop with one of your girlfriends. And that is exactly how I spent my Monday. We went cruising through the aisles of our local Boots, Superdrug and err... Waitrose on a mission. The damage? Not too bad, all things considered. Here's the round up of what I grabbed.

Seventeen Stay Time Concealer - I picked this up on a whim as a replacement for my Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, which has sadly come to an end, and d'you know what? It's actually pretty good. It's a liquid formula somewhat reminiscent of the infamous Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, but much less cakey and a much better colour. I've only used this once so far so I can't speak for it's 'up to 18 hour' claim, but I am really impressed with the texture.

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Heavy Duty Under Eye Concealer - Can you tell I'm on the search for a good concealer? Boots currently have their 3-for-2 offer on, so I also picked up this little pot of goodness for my under eye area. It's a very creamy formula, somewhat reminiscent of the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer/Corrector, with a salmony hue to counteract darkness. I've tried the Corrector before and was a big fan of it, but the colour was off for me, so I know I'll get on with this quite well. It needs setting, or it will crease from what I have experienced so far... But, dare I say it, I think we're onto a winner.

Seventeen Eyeshadow Trio in the shade Enraged - I know, I know. More eyeshadow. Again. But trust me, this is a good'un. I've owned this before and absolutely loved it, but it smashed. It's an A Model Recommends enabled purchase and it's just really darn pretty. A very shimmery selection of a peachy pink, a golden champagne and a chocolate bronze. All the shimmaaaah.

B. B Enegergised Eye Cream - I grabbed this in a bid to replace my Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue and it's actually quite nice. Puffiness is my biggest issue, especially around that time of the month, and this promises to tackle this with some pretty convincing ingredients to back it up. I'll report back on this one...

Rimmel London Salon Pro Nail Laquer in the shade 115 Happily Evie After - The only way I can accurately describe this colour is to say that it looks like a Sex on the Beach cocktail when it's all been mixed together. Apologies. It's a pinky orangey red that rocks. It's currently residing on my toes and I bloomin' love it. It's a formula I've used before and it's a firm favourite. Summer in a bottle.

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Laquer in the shade Pistachio Drage - Pistachio ice cream in a bottle. It's a very pretty light green that I shall be rocking throughout this spring at a bargain-alicious price.

The Month // February

February has been quite a big month for me. I accepted the fact that I was on the wrong course at Uni, transferred from said course and moved back home, knowing that I would not be returning to Uni until September, when I will be starting a new degree from scratch. I moved in with the Boyfriend with a day's notice, went back to work full time and have blogged pretty consistently, something I have wanted to do for a very, very long time.

Naturally, I got through all of this with a little help from my somewhat extravagant cosmetics collection. I'm only human. As such, my favourite products of this month include stress-induced blemish busters, anything that makes me look less tired and a good, old fashioned hot bath. Let's get started.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ - I've already mentioned this product on the blog and sung its praises. It really is a brilliant reformulation of the cult classic product. It's more hydrating than the original, works wonders with hormonal/stress related breakouts and smells pretty good too. I still find it to be a bit too drying when used consistently for weeks on end, so I now just slap it on the acne patches on my cheeks and chin then pop on some moisturiser over the top.

REN Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser - An all-time favourite of mine, great for when my skin is freaking out. I'd recommend this for anyone, but it can be drying when used over a long period of time. Saying this, it is great for calming my skin down when it's having a bit of a paddy.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser - I've been using this towards the back end of this month to counteract the dryness brought on by the two products listed above. Combination skin, how I love thee. It's a great cleanser that both clarifies and moisturises. A definite repurchase to be.

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator - I've had a bit of an off-and-on-again relationship with this moisturiser. I tried a sample of it, loved it, bought it, wasn't wowed by it, left it alone for a while, fell back in love with it. It's great at reducing redness and smoothing over dry spots. A good all rounder in my opinion.

Percy & Reed Finishing Polish - AKA a good hair day in a tube. I love it.

NARS NARSisst Eyeshadow Palette - A 15 pan palette of perfection. I am so happy that I bought this and use it most days. It's just an awesome selection of shades that gets me from work during the day and evening, to going out for a drink at 1 in the morning when I finish. If you see one and aren't put off by the price tag, get it. You won't regret it. 

Super Beauty Ginger and Pear Shower and Bath Gel - (Not pictured) A great smelling shower gel that makes a regular bath into a super awesome bubble bath that is absolutely bargain-alicious.