Monday, 23 November 2015

'Nail' This Season

The festive season is almost in full swing, with just a month left until the big day, outfit planning and glam sessions are soon to get underway, lets hope you haven't forgot about your nails! They're also in need of some loving this season. So, let's nail it.

Barry M are by far my favourite nail-varnish brand, their seasonal shades are to die for this year. Here are my top three this Winter;

Gelly Hi Shine 'Black Pistachio'
This is my absolute go-to varnish this Winter, I'd describe this shade as a dark Forest Green colour. It's gorgeous and a shade I never usually wear.

Gelly Hi Shine 'CHAI'
A light Grey goes with absolutely anything and everything, a classic must-have to add to your varnish collection.

Speedy Quick Dry 'Pomegranate' 
I love this collection, the Speedy Dry nail varnishes are a must and a perfect choice for when you're in a rush. This colour is the PERFECT berry shade for your nails this winter.





The nail-it festivity wishlist












Thursday, 19 November 2015

Tangle Teezer Lovin'

Hands up if you suffer from tangled, knotty hair? (I'd be waving 3 arms in the air if I could). A simple brush or comb doesn't quite cut it for me or my frizzy hair, instead it seems to make the problem escalate even further. The amount of de-tangling and frizz-ease products I've used to tame my hair in the past never seem to work as effectively as I would like, but never fear fellow fizzy-hair-ers..TANGLE TEEZERS ARE THE WAY FORWARD! 
   
The idea of Tangle Teezers came about in 2005 and have since took the hair and beauty market by storm, after previously being rejected on Dragons Den (Big mistake). I've never thought to of purchased one before last week, I have literally no idea why as it's one of the most beneficial products I've ever owned, although the price probably put me off a little due to them being one of the highest priced brushes in the shop.
I purchased the lilac and pink 'Original' tangle Teezer although they have other colour varieties and types, including the 'Compact styler' perfect for handbag size and the brand new 'Blow styling' hairbrush. One of the pointers that sold this de-tangling brush to me is that it functions the same on both wet and dry hair, as normally I would use a comb though my damp hair as I find it guilds through easier, but a 2in1 is a massive bonus. Not to mention how smooth and easy a Tangle Teezer goes through my hair, it's truly effortless due to its varied bristles which most other brushes don't have. Tangle Teezers, you are my new found love.


What are your thoughts on Tangle Teezers
Any de-tangling product recommendations? 
Comment below.

With love, Soph x



Sunday, 15 November 2015

chitchat | Life lately

Hello, hola, bonjour, hallo, nín hǎo, ciao (I had no idea where to start with this post, as you can tell, oops). HI EVERYONE, this is a first for my blog and I, attempting a chit-chatty, generally less formal conversation, more personal type of post.

Welcome to my blog;

I'm so so so excited to be blogging alone, I'm having an absolute ball. Although, I haven't had much time to properly introduce myself to you all, so I thought it would be only right if I prepared  a few interesting (they're kinda dull) facts about me so you get more of an insight of my interests and what I'm all about and strive for in life. Calling all those nosy buggers out there...this ones for you.

1} Lets start off simple; My full name is Sophie Louise Powell. I'm from Birmingham, (West Midlands) and I'm 17 years of age, most boring, frustrating age ever.
2} I'm a qualified Level Two Beauty Therapist, currently studying my Level Three. I also won the Student of the year Award and I have no idea how, lol.
3}I have the biggest phobia of spiders, it results in me having an inhaler and looking into future counselling. 
4}My guilty pleasure is watching CBBC on the weekends and yes, that is a children's program channel. But, until I turn 18, I am still a child right?
5} My ultimate career goal is to become a successful media or general makeup artist. Although, imagine becoming a full time blogger? Wow, that would be amazing.
6} When I was younger I used to be a successful cross-country runner and often came third in races. (I can hardly run up the stairs now).
7} I've only ever been to one concert in my life, which was earlier this year. I went to see Olly Murs and Ella Eyre with my little sister and oh my goodness... It was AMAZING.


Blogging Solo;

I thought it would be rude not to address and clear up any misconceptions of why I'm now blogging alone. Although I'm not new to the blogging world, venturing off on my own was a huge scary step for myself to take. Although, I must make it clear that myself and Alexandra  (my blogging-duo partner) are not putting an end to 'OhMyValentino', although I feel it's important to occasionally set myself my own challenges and what better way than testing myself within blogging and going solo? It's obviously a scary concept  as I'm so used to having a shoulder to lean on when blogging gets on top of me but I enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone and taking a leap of faith. LETS DO THIS.

New job;

YES PEOPLE I FINALLY HAVE A NEW JOB! As I'm also studying, it is a part-time sales associate role, (although, not so 'part time' with the amount of hours they give me) at one of my favourite retailers, H&M. The interviewing process was super long and painful, I never thought I'd be able to compete with some of the fashionistas I was up against and as there was only one position going, I never thought I'd get it. I'm over the moon, as I always doubt my ability as my anxiety can sometimes get the better of me. GOODBYE POOR-NESS.

Hope you enjoyed this little 'Life Lately' post, I'm hoping to keep you all updated regularly so please let me know your thoughts.

Love Soph x


Monday, 9 November 2015

Tumblr dreamin'

Winter is coming... I can not contain my excitement! Winter, by far, is my favourite time of year. The cosy-ness of it all just excites me. There's nothing better than cuddling by the fire, hot chocolate at the ready, Christmas films galore..I LOVE IT. I thought I'd share my excitement with you all and what better way than to share some tumblr' loving with a post that SCRREEAAMMS Winter inspo.









What are your favourite things about Winter? 

Love Soph xo














Sunday, 1 November 2015

"Accessorize me" {The Wishlist}



For me, no good outfit is complete without the fitting accessories to match. Simply by adding a touch of bling, some minimalist touches or a stylish bag, you can easily take a look from day to night and work-wear to party. I'm sharing my favourite bits and bobs that are topping my wishlist this month, suitable for both minimal/daytime and of course "partaaaay" time, of which I'm completely lusting over right now.

I love a good sustainable bag that lasts me through and through as I take a bag with me everywhere, whether it be to the shop, college or work, so I like them to last for as long as possible. So to add to my growing bag collection these mini rucksacks a must *love struck emoji*.



I feel naked without earrings, girls are you with me? I must admit, my small face doesn't quite pair with massive hooped or just big dangly earrings in general, so I usually result in simple studs, ear cuffs or climbers. Aren't these gorgeous? I love minimalistic jewellery hence these ASOS simple climbers. Where as the Topshop beauties would be more suitable to  'dressier' occasion.


Last year it was all about the plaid scarf, but this year I'm obsessing over oversized stripes, so easy to style too. Team with simple garments and let the scarf do all the talking and you're good to go. I need my own scarf-drobe!


Minimal arm candy is all you need this season as sometimes less actually more. I'm yet to own any arm cuffs but these gold ones are exactly what I'm after this Autumn/Winter, gimme, gimme.

Whats at the top of you accessory wishlist this season?

Soph xo

Friday, 23 October 2015

AA Skincare {The Review}

First of all I just want to say a huge thankyou to Amphora Aromatics for my lovely gifts to review, I was sent these two products I'm going to discuss a little while back now but due to starting up my new blog it's taken me a while to write anything up although it's better late than never, right? Previous to being sent these products, I must admit I was completely unaware of Amphora Aromatics (AA) but my goodness, they are a skin savior. Their website states all their products are 'natural' and only combine essential oils within their range, with classics natural ingredients such as Frankinsense and Rose, Almond and Sandalwood and Seaweed and Aloe.
 I'm always skeptical whilst testing new skincare products as my skin can react and flare up within an instant, even whilst applying a self proclaimed 'for sensitive skin' product but after reading through their ingredients and researching their brand, I had more confidence in the product and couldn't resist for a moment longer. I wasn't left disappointed.

The 'LemonGrass and Lavender' Deodorant 


Enough rambling, let's get to it. Firstly, let's discuss the deodorant. This new AA deodorant is so so good, I want more already! I never thought I'd ever compliment a deodorant because let's be honest they're never usually anything special but with this one the pro-list just goes on. As I mentioned earlier, I suffer from extremely sensitive skin so finding appropriate products that are suitable is difficult as even deodorants can cause immediate irritation and redness. Luckily, this deodorant works with my skin perfectly, no irritability or sore patches, perfect for anyone with sensitive skin!

In this particular range there are 3 different smells to choose from; Bergamot and Aloe, Grapefruit and cedarwood and the one I went for, Lavender and Lemongrass. I've never smelt anything so fresh-like, it has 'refreshing' wrote all over it. 


Now it's all well and good that the packaging is pretty and the scents are to die for but how practical actually is this product? I put it to the test. Any good deodorant needs to help prevent body odour, reduce how much you sweat, ensure your pits remain fresh throughout the day and of course, a product that doesn't leave any marks on your clothing, as usually for me wearing black is a no-go! So for the first time in forever...well almost...I completed a workout, shocking I know. I must admit I'm rather unfit so sweating was obviously going to happen, I thought I had no chance with still smelling and feeling fresh after this amount of movement. Fortunately, to my surprise, I was left extremely pleased with the results, in fact the scent still lingered and no sweaty odour was noticeable. PERFECT! Yes, it gets even better... pretty much all the deodorants I've previously used have left white dust-like marks on my clothes, especially dark colours but due to this being a clear roll-on substance, zero residue was left behind! WOO! I think for every woman sweating and smelling is always a huge insecurity and same applies to me, but with this roll-on I've never felt so confident to work up a sweat!


The 'Lavender and Tea Tree' Moisturising Lotion

My face is my most sensitive area so trialing this moisturiser was most definitely a risk. I use a moisturiser twice daily, once I've applied my cleanser and toner and I can not remember the last time my face didn't react to a moisturiser. Yes, even the sensitive skin products. So, although I wasn't expecting big things from this moisturiser, like any, I gave it a go. Unfortunately, my face did slightly appear red but it wasn't irritable and the redness soon died down. Although, it still certainly out-reached my expectations as usually my skin reacts much more severely. 

Like the deodorant, this lotion has the most refreshing yet soothing scent, yet isn't overpowering. I was sent the 'Lavender and Tea Tree' fragrance, although would love to try out the other scents; Bergamot and Chamomile, Frankinsence and Rose, and Sandalwood and Palmorosa. 

The product sinks into your skin perfectly and rather quickly, although the moisture remains throughout the day, leaving my skin feeling soft and refreshed until my evening routine.

*These products we're sent to me for free  courtesy of Amphora Aromatics although, I wasn't payed in anyway to review these products
*My review are based on my opinions and have been written 100% honestly  
*All images are my own and edited using Polyvore 

Not only are their products beautiful and suitable for all skin types they're also very reasonably priced, please go and check them out below:

{Will you be trying AA out anytime soon? Please comment any questions or thoughts below} 

Soph xo


Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Primark Autumn Dupes


Autumn's now in full swing, although my autumn wardrobe (well, floordrobe to be precise) says otherwise. Sigh. I must admit, my wardrobe is looking rather bleak this year, I had no idea where to begin or what to purchase first and although I'm not 100% satisfied with this seasons wardrobe purchases just yet, I had to start somewhere... Before I make any purchases I always tend to browse and research the latest trends, how I'd style them and a rough budget, although this can be proven hard if you have a designer eye with a small bank balance. I've never been Primarks biggest fan as I'm skeptical about the quality, however, a week or so ago I walked into Primark and could't resist a couple of purchases before my exit. Below, I wanted to showcase a couple of  my "on trend" pieces I've bought, what I shall potentially buy and their designer sisters (with their very varied pricetags). I'm a converted Primark lover *hallelujah*. 


The Embroidered Saddle Bag

As seen on;

{Taylor Swift}
            

 {1} Primark £9 {2} Tory Burch £450 {3} Etro £400



The Camel/Nude Suede boots


As seen on;

{Elizabeth Olsen}
               


  {1} Primark £18 (purchased) {2} Maison Margiela £325 {3} Gianvito Rossi £630


The Blanket Wrap

As seen on;


{Sarah Jessica Parker}
          



{1} Primark £10 {2} Etro £1,845 {3} Burberry £970 {4} Talitha £775


The Suede Skirt

As seen on;


{Alexa Chung}



{1} Primark £8 {2} Calvin Klein £1,100 {3} JITROIS £895 {4} Alexa Chung £650


The Faux Fur Collared  Coat

   As seen on;

{Florence Welch}



{1} Primark £28 (Purchased) {2} Elizabeth and James £625 {3} P.A.R.O.S.H £689


*Images courtesy of Google Images
*Product Collages courtesy of Polyvore

 {Please let me know your thoughts below}

 Soph xo