Sunday 29 November 2015

Top Black Friday Offers

Hello everyone! I hope your all well and are getting into the christmas sprit, I can't believe this time next month it will all be over again! So today, I thought I would write a blog on the best beauty buys Black Friday and Cyber Monday have to offer! I've focused mainly on Boots and Debenhams as they have the best buys!

1) Debenhams

Bare Minerals Limited Edition Original Foundation Get Started Kit £35.00

This is a amazing bargain for either yourself or as a Christmas present. It is the ultimate starter kit for Bare Minerals and I absolutly love it. This set leaves your face looking natural and gives a amazing glow unlike many which make your skin look inches thick as the saying goes 'less is more' and I couldn't agree more! If you have never used Bare Minerals before then this is the perfect starting block it comes with a SPF 15 Foundation (you can choose between 4 shades), the orginal mineral veil, warmth all over face colour and 3 brushes plus a step by step DVD if your unsure what to do. If people are interested I will upload a video on my youtube channel showing you how to apply the products. It's worth buying now as it's original price is £55.


2) Boots

Phillips Sonicare Diamond clean rechargable toothbrush £89.99

WOW! Now this brush looks amazing and I am dying to buy myself one! If anyone has one please let me know what you think in the comments below! I know it's just a toothbrush but it sounds so amazing....I no right calm down Sophie it's just a toothbrush! The toothbrush comes in four diffent colours, black, pink (my personal fave), white and purple. The toothbrush comes with a timer so you know how long you are brushing your teeth for so they are getting the reccomend brushing time, it even bleeps every 30 seconds so you know its time to move to another part of your mouth. How cool it that! The tooth brush comes with 5 different settings which is impressive in itself, the first is the basic clean which is just the standerd mode, Secondly is the white mode which removes surface stains to whiten teeth, Thirdly is the polish mode which brightens and polishes teeth to bring out their natural brilliance, Fourthly is the gum care mode which gently stimulates and massages gums and lastly is the sensitive mode which is a extra gentle mode for sensitive teeth. This is a massive reduction as the brush is usually £249.99



Babyliss Curl secret £89.99

I've been dying to try these out ever since they come out a couple of years ago but have always found them a bit pricy but finally they have been reduced so I think I may have to treat myself. I'm useless with curling my hair with straightners so this would be ideal for me!  If anyone has these please let me know what you think!

Real Techniques Starter kit £10.99

I was so excited by this offer as I love Real Technique Brushes and they are at an amazing price for Black Friday! You get five different eye brushes and they usually retail for £21.99. If you love Real Techniques keep your eye out at ASDA as they are going on Special from the 26th!






SensatioNail Special Starter Kit £35.00

OMG! I was so excited to see this set had gone in to Boots Black Friday again this year, I unfortuntely missed out last year so I just had to purchase it this year as soon as I saw it! The set usually retails for £70.00 and only goes down once a year for christmas! Once I recieve mine I will be posting a blog post and youtube video so stay tuned! The set includes a Pro LED Lamp, 2 nail polishes Morrocan Rouge and Gold Glitter, Base and Top coat, cleanser, primer, 88 nail sheilds and 12 wipes and buffer. They are suppose to last two weeks so I will let you know my results!


Benefits No1 Selection Box £25.00

This selection makes a ideal christmas present or even a treat for yourself! Its ideal for avid Benebabes or beginners who have never used Benefit before as it includes 8 of their top products to try! The set includes They're real mascara, They're real eyeliner, The POREfessional primer, Boi-ing Concealer, High Beam highlighter, It's potent eye cream, Hoola bronzer and Rockateur Blush.


I really hope you enjoyed this post on the best beauty buys I feel Black Friday offered this year if you know of more let me know! Thank you once again for reading!

Lots of Love


Monday 23 November 2015

Top 5 Beauty Calenders


Hello Everyone and welcome back to my blog! I can not believe it is that time of year again. Each year I find it more and more difficult to chose a Beauty Calendar as there is so many to chose from so I thought I would blog my top five to help you make the right decision. Hope you enjoy!


1) Benefit Party Poppers Advent Calendar £34.50

If you love benefit then you will love this advent as it comes with 12 of their best minis. Unlike last year the calendar is more affordable but only lasts for 12 days instead of the full 24 days. I personally preferred getting 24 days but unlike last year you get 12 bits of makeup instead of some days it being filled with some pointless items like post stick notes and paper clips. I have always been a big fan of Benefits since I was 18 and my first High ended Beauty range I tried. This year the calendar is really cool and plays an 'original, seasonal Bene-song' when a door is opened. The set includes:
    •    The POREfessional mini primer 7.5ml
    •    They're real! mini mascara
    •    They're real! mini remover
    •    Lollitint mini tinted lip and  cheek stain   
    •    High beam mini highlighter 2.5ml
    •    Ooh la lift mini under-eye brightener
    •    Watt's up! mini highlighter
    •    BADgal lash mini mascara
    •    Ultra Plush Hoola mini lip gloss
    •    Ultra plush Sugarbomb mini lip gloss
    •    Rockateur mini bronzer
    •    Total moisture mini facial cream




2) Charlotte Tilbury  Book of Make-up magic £150.00

Now this advent calendar is a bit on the pricey side but your guaranteed amazing products each day. I have been dying to try Charlotte Tilbury products for ages now so this is a perfect opportunity to try out  a selection. The calendar is only for 12 days but its the perfect way to try out a section. Each product is from her award winning collection and you even get to try out a new product which isn't launching till January. The set includes:
    •    Magic Cream 15ml
    •    Take It All Off 15ml
    •    Wonderglow 15ml
    •    Multi Miracle Glow 15ml
    •    Supermodel Body 15ml
    •    Goddess Skin Clay Mask 15ml
    •    Mini K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
    •    Matte Revolution Lipstick
    •    Lip Magic
    •    Mini Rock 'n' Kohl Eye Liner
    •    Nocturnal Cat Eyes Eyeshadow
    •    Magic Night cream 15ml



 3) Selfridges Beauty Workshop Advent Calendar 2015 £60.00

This advent calendar is perfect if you want to try a selection of different products. The calendar is filled with 24 luxury mini treats worth a whopping £226! What a Bargain! Selfridges website states that the calendar includes some of the worlds best beauty brands including Caudalie, James Reed and bareMinerals. The set includes:
    •    Tweezerman Petite Slant Purple Reign
    •    Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner
    •    Eve Lorn Cleanser 20ml and cloth
    •    Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 7ml
    •    OCC Gold Glitter
    •    James Reed Tan Peel Mask 25ml
    •    Caudalie Divine Oil
    •    Merci Handy Hand Sanitizer
    •    Plus Many More….




4) Ciate Mini Mani Month Advent Calendar £49.00

Now this is a perfect Advent Calendar for all nail lovers as you receive nothing but mini nail polishes for 24 days plus a nail file. The calendar is valued at £124 so it isn't bad value for money.  As you can see the Calendar comes with a multitude of different polishes from warm to cool colours.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


5) You Beauty Advent Calendar 2015 £59.95

I absolutely love this calendar from You beauty it has a massive range of different products from Hair to beauty to skincare so it's perfect if your looking for a bit of everything to try this Christmas season. The calendar is worth a staggering £330 which is amazing! Also if you buy the calendar you can enter into a Magnitone London Competion to win a Magnitone London Barefaced! Vibra-Sonic Daily Cleansing brush worth £70. There will be more detail in the brochure that will accompany your advent calendar. The set includes:
    •    Age Defy+ 24HR Brightening Moisturiser 10ml
    •    Bee Good Youth Enhancing Plump &     Firm   Moisturiser 10ml
    •    Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash 3g
    •    Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream 20g
    •    Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum 10ml
    •    Cowshed Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream 50ml
    •    ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Serum 8ml
    •    Heaven Skincare Been Venom Eyes 15ml
    •    High Definition Bronzer in Light/Medium 9g
    •    ILA Bath Salts for Cleansing 50g
    •    Lanolips Purse size 101 Ointment 9g
    •    Lipcote The original Lipstick Sealer 7ml
    •    Molton Brown Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 100ml
    •    NUXE Creme Fraiche De Beaute Mask 50ml
    •    Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo and Conditioner 75ml
    •    PIXI Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black/Noir 0.8g
    •    Ren Flash Rise 1 Minute Facial 15ml
    •    Rituals Mini Under A Fig Tree Fragrance Sticks 50ml
    •    Rodial Stemcell Super-food Glam Balm Multi 25ml
    •    Roger & Gallet Fleur De Figuier Replenishing Body lotion 50ml
    •    Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Christmas Collection 14.7ml
    •    Teez read My Lips 2g
    •    The Konjac Sponge Company 100% Pure Konjac Facial puff Sponge Full Size
    •    The Vintage Cosmetic Company Slanted Tweezers in Rosie Spot One size


I really hope you enjoyed reading my top five Beauty advent calendars and it has helped you make your decision as to what one you would like to buy this year! Don't forget to give this a like and comment what you think and also please go and check out my Youtube Chanel! I will be posting next week what I am doing for my Advent calendar next week so stay tuned!

Lots Of Love




Youtube

Hello everyone welcome back to my blog! Let me know what you think of my posts and what you would like to see! This is a real quick update post to update you guys. As some of you may know I have finally got the courage and started my own youtube channel I really hope you will take a look and please subscribe to my channel I would really appreciate all your support. As I have stated on a previous post I will post videos every Friday evenings. I'm also going to be Vlogging but on a less rotaed schedule more a case of when I have something exciting to share or a crazy good day or even Q&A's . Here is the link....


Lots of love


Olly Murs On The Road Book Talk

Welcome back to my blog I really hope you enjoy reading my posts I know I haven't posted in so long but things have been really busy with work and I haven't had time but I am making it my personal mission now to make more effort with posting more regular! I will be posting new blogs Tuesday evenings and Sunday with Youtube videos every Friday at 6:00pm. Here is a link to my youtube channel Sophsbeautyxo. So this post once again is about Olly Murs and his book talk he done at Indiogo at the O2 on Sunday 11th October. I have never been to a book talk so I wasn't to sure what to expect!

For the first time in a very long time, thanks to my panic attacks, I actually had the courage to take the train to the O2, I haven't done that for 7 years! So for me this was another real big achievement and I do find going places easier these days perhaps its true what people say that things do get better and your not always going to suffer with them! i can even go as far to say i enjoy taking the underground now like I used to when I was a little girl who live in Dagenham and would get the District Line into London most weekends.

When we go to the O2 (I went with my Mum again she loves Olly) we stopped off at a really nice bar and had a glass of champagne each, well I had a few swigs anymore and I would have been flat on my bum I'm such a lightweight! The queue was massive to get into the Indigo but it didn't take to long! Once we got in we were suppose to get Olly On the Road books but because I had bought my tickets from Stubhub (which is the O2'S partners) I was apparently not entitled to a book after a lot of arguing and stress we finally got given a book by Ollys management! I strongly advise against using Stubhub they are not a very nice company and they really don't care about complaints or anything I have always got much better customer service with companies people reckon not to buy with like Seatwave.



The show was really amazing and I loved every minute Olly made it so funny and entertaining plus it was very personal. i loved every moment of the show and it was so lovely to see Olly again. He spoke about being on the road of course, his future plans and past tour experiences. After the talk had finished we waited a little while for the crowds to dispense ( I hate crowds) by sitting in costa before making our way to the underground.

I really hope you enjoyed this post and I promise I will try and blog regularly now! comment below to let me know what sort of blogs you would like! thank you for reading!

Lots of love



Olly Murs Book Tour (Part Three)

Welcome back everyone to not only Part Three but the final instalment of Olly Murs Book Tour posts, I hope you have enjoyed the previous two parts. If you haven't read them here is a link to Part One here and Part Two here. So the final part is about his signing in Chelmsford this was my least favourite of the three simply because it was so rushed and the security the shop had hired were vile but I still had a amazing time seeing Olly again!

I live pretty close to Chelmsford so for once I could save money and drive instead of relying on public transport. We got to the signing really late and was right at the back of the queue but after seeing him twice already we were pretty relaxed. When we finally got inside there was still a massive queue but all of the sudden it was suddenly moving unbeliavably fast. When we got to the front the security were absolutely vile to my Mum they literally tackled her for a tiny pack of biscuits which were a private joke between her and Olly it was utterly stupid! But don't worry my mum didn't let the bloke win loll! I literally had 5 seconds with Olly before being pulled away but he was as lovely as ever! The best part was my Mum asked Olly to personalise a book for me which he did I love it so much! I ended up looking around the high street which was really lovely and buying a few bits in Lush which you can watch my youtube video here.



I really hope you have enjoyed Part one, Two and Three of my experience of Olly's book tour. Let me know please what you think!

        


         Lots of Love




Olly Murs Book Tour (Part Two)

Welcome everyone to Part Two of Olly Murs Book tour. If you haven't had a chance to read part one yet click here!! I hope you enjoyed reading about my Milton Keynes adventure I left it quite short and sweet and just included the main details. So part Two is going to be about my trip to Reading. Hope you enjoy!

For a change as I had no work, as I had made sure I booked plenty of time of in October for Olly's book tour sad I know, we travelled up late afternoon. This time I went with my lovely Mum of course and my friend Hannah. Unlike trying to get to Euston, Paddington was a lot easier to get to and involved a lot less stops but its horrible getting off at places when you haven't got  a clue where to go! Luckily the guards at the station were really pleasant and they even gave us a lift on a customer assistance truck so we didn't miss our main train to Reading which was really funny until I managed to spill my hot chocolate all the way down me! I had been looking forward to this for such a long time and I was absolutely gutted that I felt so ill with a heavy cold but nothing stops me meeting the Murs!

I really liked Reading from the moment we got off the train it was really pleasant and clean and the town centre looked amazing. Once again we stayed at the central Travelodge. I like staying at Travelodge for short visits they are such good value for money and I like the fact you have the opportunity to stay until Two in the afternoon so your not in such a big rush!  The Monday night we went for a absolutely amazing Toby Carvery seriously if you are ever that way check it out! I have never been to such a nice one everybody was pleasant and the carvery was out of this world eventhough I was really ill it was still a amazing night!
The next morning we made our way to Whsmith and while we left my mum in the queue me and my friend went to look for somewhere to eat but all we could find was a Starbucks but it was still lovely and filled a hole! The queue was a hell of a lot longer then at Milton Keynes and was moving so slow, luckily we met two lovely girls Claire and Rachel which made things not so bad and was a real laugh. I love meeting other Olly fans they are always so lovely and plus they get your love for Olly where others just think your plain bonkers! After about two hours of queuing Hannah and I finally got to the front of the queue and OMG it was so funny. Hannah went first and Olly asked her where she was from and she just stood there and said I don't know, his face was a picture it was literally so funny bless her! Next it was my turn and once again I had a present for Olly and a few pictures this time I was a lot calmer and got a hug and kiss! But still he doesn't recognise me! Keep posted you never know he might one day loll!



I really hoped you enjoyed reading Part Two! I have one final part to write about and that is Chelmsford so stay tuned people! Did anybody else see Olly on his book tour? If so let me know!

Lots of Love




Olly Murs Book Tour (Part One)

Hello everyone I hope your all well thank you so much if this is not the first time you are visiting and welcome to everyone who hasn't read one of my posts before! So as you may have guessed from my previous posts,
I slightly love Olly Murs so how could I not go to his Book Tour?!?! I ended up meeting him at Milton Keynes, Reading and Chelmsford. He is literally the most genuine and lovely person you will ever meet! So in the first part of my Olly book Tour posts I am going to be telling you all about my adventures in Milton Keynes.

 I don't live a million miles away from Milton Keynes but considering the signing was at 10am the next day I thought it would be nice to go up the night before so that way there was less rushing about. At around six my mum and I met up with my friend Sian for dinner before heading to the station. Unlike my last travelling adventure I packed a lot more sensible loll! The trek to London Euston though was a nightmare from Liverpool Street we had to get the circle line to Moorgate then the Northen line straight through to Euston. The stupid thing was Moorgate had no lifts what so ever so I had to drag my case down a winding staircase that literally went on forever it was horrible! When we finally arrived at Euston we had missed our train so we had to wait around ages for the next one. Finally we arrived at 11 at night and made our way to the Travelodge. It was so late their wasn't much to do apart from talk and sleep.


The next morning we got up early to get ready and dressed, we had to look our best for Olly lol! Then we got a cab to the WHsmith at Midsummers Arcade where the queue had already got pretty big and it was only 8 in the morning! Just before 10 Olly arrived and pretty quickily we made it to the front of the queue. i had bought him some picture Marshmellows of his tour and the times I had previously met him from Boomf. As I got nearer the front I could feel myself getting nervous . Olly was as lovely as ever and loved his Marshmellows i have so many pictures with him and im laughing like a loon in them all, how cringey loll! We posed for a while before posing for the final picture. I had such a good time and we got to spend such a good amount of time with Olly . When I got home i went on Twitter and found out Olly followed me to say i freaked out was a understatement! Thank you Olly!




 Have any of you met Olly before? I would love to hear about your stories. I hope you enjoyed my blog and thank you for reading!

Lots of Love






Sunday 22 November 2015

Travelling Up North

Hello everyone so this is a really late blog post as I have been meaning to post it since the Summer but have never got round to it but I suppose it's better late then never! So at the end of July this year I decided to take another visit up to Newcastle for the week before heading onto Edinburgh for a couple of days. I like 
travelling later then earlier so my Mum and myself decided to get the last train to Newcastle. We left our local train station just after eight o' clock and as I'm such a lovely daughter lol, l I treated us both to First class Travel which was really nice as we ended up with a carriage to ourself. Once we had arrived at Liverpool Street Station we had to make our way to the Underground which was pretty difficult with the amount of luggage I had packed. Next time I do this I will defiantly pack lighter especially when the lifts at Kings Cross Station had broken down and I had to drag them up a 100 stairs luckily some lovely commuters helped me along the way!

I have never travelled First class before so this was pretty exciting and I didn't know what to expect. I certainly didn't expect food and drink included but it was a lovely surprise we got sandwiches and cake plus unlimited drink and I was even given a free bottle of rose wine Result! After about 6 hours we finally arrived at newcastle Central station at just gone two in the morning.  Luckily, the taxi driver was not as rude this time and we were taken to the Travelodge Newcastle Central for the night. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it was unlike many Travelodges this one had a bar and everything and the rooms were lovely, for the price I would defiantly stay again.  Considering we didn't get to bed till real late we were up bright and breezy the next day and took a stroll to the Quayside and had a lovely Starbucks opposite the Millenuim bridge before getting a cab to Whitley Bay, where we were going to be staying for the weekend.


 I have always loved Whitley Bay as it is my Nana's hometown so when we travel up to Newcastle it is always a must do place to visit. Somehow since the last time i visited a couple of years ago the place had drastically gone downhill and appeared more like a ghost town and the hotel well I can not explain to you how bad my first impression of the place was and I was right to be cautious. The room had a funny smell and it was literally filthy it was a living nightmare! Whitley bay itself was beautiful I had a lovely scone afternoon tea and amazing fish and chips . The high street was lovely to look around and the majority of people were very pleasant. At the Spanish city there was events going on all weekend and it was lovely drinking Strawberry and Lime Cider in the sunshine. Sunday we visited the art gallery along the front which was lovely and then the graveyard to put some flowers on my Nans grave before making our way back to pack so we could get away early the next day. I could not wait to get away the next day and make our way to Newcastle again. I couldn't believe it was the middle of summer in a heatwave and the hotel owner put the heating on full blast I had such a funny turn I would totally not recommend staying here ever!

Monday afternoon and we finally made our way to Newcastle to The Jurys Inn in Gateshead. Our room was so beautiful and the view was out of this world I loved laying there watching the river tyne. After unpacking and having a sit down we made our way to Eldon Square to have a look around the shops. Many years ago the shopping centre that is there now used to be massive houses and it's where my nan was born and lived. We found a lovely little cafe just outside the market it was so pleasant just sitting there in the sunshine before heading back to the hotel for dinner.  The next day we took a river cruise for 3 hours to South Sheilds, I have always wanted to visit South Sheields but we didn't see much of it, is it worth a visit does anyone know? I found the cruise a bit long and was bored by the end as there really wasn't much to see but it was pleasant at the same time. After the cruise was over I went for a drink and Lunch at The Piano and Pitcher which was really nice. My mum stayed and finished her coffee while I hunted around gateshead trying to find somewhere that sold magazines! Usually back home I hate going out alone but somehow it felt different here and it was a very calm and strange sense of safety if that makes sense. Later that evening I bought my mum and myself a Three course dinner at the Jurys Inn which was absolutely lovely.

The next morning we packed up and travelled to the Marriott just by the Metrocentre. WOW the hotel was amazing and the room included two Queen size bed it was amazing and so luxourious. The Metrocentre wasn't as near as we thought and it was still a bit of a trek, i have always wanted to visit the Metrocentre. By the time we got there I was really anxious so we only ended up going to a couple of shops before heading to Starbucks. That evening we went to Toby Carverys and to be honest if i went again I would eat elsewhere as the food was horrendous and as sold out of nearly everything. 





As the end of the trip was finally approaching it was time to say goodbye to Newcastle and make our way to Edinburgh. The train trip was so busy but it was pleasant at the same time thanks to the lovely views we went past it was so beautiful. I was a little overwhelmed when we arrived and it was so busy luckily we could book straight in to our hotel. After a little sit down we made our way to Harvey Nicholls where I had paid to have Afternoon tea as a treat for my Mum. The view was breathtaking and the food was pleasant but I would say that it was all a bit to much by the time you had eaten the first tier it was that rich you are literally stuffed to be able to eat anymore also the cream in the cakes wasn't to nice either which was disappointing as I love cream.  It was lovely taking a evening stroll along Princess Street everything was so pretty and the lights on the castle were amazing.  Unfortuntely the next day I woke up in agony with my back and couldn't do anything so we literally sat in the sun on a bench the whole day until 6 in the evening.  The journey home was really pleasant and the food was absolutely delicious, luckily my Dad picked us up at King Cross so I didn't have to drag around the luggage.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my summertime adventure and please leave a comment and let me know what you think and don't forget to subscribe if you would like to see more of what I get up.

Lots of Love