Halloween sfx essentials!

Hey everyone,

Now let me take this chance to apologise for being MIA recently AGAIN, yes I know I'm slacking but I'm going to try and get back into the swing of things again since the Halloween season is approaching.
If your anything like me you will wait all year just for a chance to get all gory and gruesome on Halloween, no? Just me?
I LOVE Halloween it's honestly my favourite night of the year, and loads of planning goes into makeup and outfits obviously. So today I thought I would put together a Halloween essentials post, all these products have been tried and tested, and I've trawled everywhere to find the cheapest options for the products for those who are on a budget for Halloween, hope you enjoy :)

 


Mehron Liquid Latex

Sponges to apply Liquid Latex

Mehron Syn Wax

Mehron Rigid Collodion

Graftobian Stage Blood

 

Mehron Bruise Wheel

 

Ben Nye Thick Blood

 

Concealer Palette

 

Budget Beauty Blender Pack

 

Ben Nye Final Seal

 

 

These products are some of my favourite to use, do whatever you fancy and have a play around there is no right and wrong way to do a zombie right? Youtube anything and it will bring back results.

Good luck with your Halloween costumes, and Happy Halloween when it comes.

 

 

 









Youtube & Updates!

Hey everyone!

Just a little quick post to say that I've made a Youtube channel!

I know it's taken me long enough but I wanted to make sure I was happy with everything before I started sharing my URL with you all, but this afternoon I've spent a little while doing everything, so my new shiny Youtube URL is www.youtube.com/SophiesVanity

If you could all go over and subscribe that would be amazing, 

After the while I've spent today I honestly don't know whats taken me so long to do it, Youtube is something I've been watching for years and watch videos almost everyday, and how hard can it really be to film myself doing something I do everyday? Anyways...

I should have my first ever video up on my channel next week, so make sure you subscribe to keep updated.

Short little post today I know, I will be back soon I promise!

but until then stay sassy, xx

Mini Haul!

Hi everyone!

sorry for being a bit MIA recently, had lots of stuff on after my birthday and I have been swamped!

Today's post is of some products I've picked up in the last wee while and I've just got round to using them, and they are AMAZING. Most of the products are fairly cheap to so you can pick them up, and I can assure you that you will love them just as much as me!

Dream Girl Smooth Finish Pressed Powder 'Dark'
(used for contouring) £1

Lime Crime Uniliner 'Rhyme'
£9

Makeup Revolution 'Mmmm' Eyeshadow
£1

Makeup Revolution Awesome Metals Eye Foils
L-R Rose Gold & Magnificent Copper
£5 Each

Makeup Revolution Brow Kit 'Medium'

£2.50
Mines is well used as you can see haha!

China Glaze 'Mingle With A Kringle'
£3.99

Makeup Revolution Pigments
L-R Affluent & Confront
£1 Each

Makeup Revolution Lipsticks
L-R Depraved, Immoral & Vamp
£1 Each

Hope you've enjoyed today's quick post, have a lovely sunday!

Festival Essentials: Vol 2

Hi everyone!

If you're reading this then welcome part to part 2 of my festival guide. Part 1 covered essential make up items I would be taking. This post will be covering all hygiene essentials I will be taking to with me on my festival trip this year.

First things first, at a festival regardless of the weather you will get dirty, but that's all part of the fun, some festivals do offer bands that you can buy so you can shower everyday, but I think getting dirty and muddy (if its raining) is all part of the experience, so today I've put together a little girly list of things to help you out if your struggling on what to take!

here goes:

1. Baby wipes!
2. Feminine hygiene wipes
3. Deodorant
4. Toothbrush
5. Toothpaste
6. Dry shampoo
7. Hair bobbles/Kirby grips
8. Hairbrush
9. Hairspray   
10. Toilet roll

These are the essentials I will be taking as last year I over packed and never looked at half the stuff I took with me. Thankfully my hair has grown a LOT since last year and I don't think I will need the hair bobbles etc but I'll still take them anyway in case it's rainy.

I hope my posts have helped if your on your way to a festival this summer. Whatever you have planned for your summer make sure it's fabulous!

Thanks you for reading.

Festival Essetials Vol 1: Make up

Hi everyone!

I thought I would share with you all my music festival essentials make-up guide. If your anything like me packing for any sort of going away trip is never easy. What if I forget something or I if I over pack, always something that's running through my mind.

Last year was my first year at a camping music festival and I over packed by a mile, I took tons of stuff I never looked at the whole weekend, so this year I feel more prepared with less bags.

Image T in The Park Official

First thing's first, when it get's to make up for a festival, that's what I struggle with the most. I don't bother with face brushes as that takes up more space, the only 'tools' I'll be taking are a powder puff & my MUA eyebrow brush. My makeup bag I'm taking this year is fairly small. But the products I'm putting in it are long lasting products and waterproof, so whether it's absolutely roasting or a complete downpour at least my face will still look semi decent. A festival is no time to be trying out new products so take what you know is going to last on your skin and works for you!

The Products

1. Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff
2. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent
3. Makeup Revolution Eyebrow Kit Medium
4. MUA Eyebrow Definer in Dark Brown
5. MUA Blush in Candyfloss
6. MUA Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black
7. Benefit They're Real Mascara
8. MUA Lipliner in Red Drama
9. Revlon Really Red Matte Lipstick 

Pretty basic products I think but I know they will hold up throughout the weekend.
for my next post it will be on all hygiene products for your weekend at your favorite festival so be sure to check back!

Thank you for reading.

Arbonne

Hi everyone! 

The lovely Sharon who works for Arbonne was lovely enough to send me some samples of a few products to try out! 

If you don't know much about Arbonna it is a all rounder company specialising in ph correct products, hypoallergenic products, dermatologist tested products, vegan certified and products formulated without dye's, mineral oil's and animal products. So far so good right? 

I was really keen to try out the product below, as my skin has been SO dry this past while when I usually have seriously oily skin, I tried out the cleanser, night creme and the eye creme, and I am pleasantly surprised at how nice they smell! So fruity and fresh, and not a horrible medicinal smell like products in the past I have tried. My skin definitely felt smoother and softer a few hours after applying. Defo a brand to try out if your willing to splah out in skin care, and they cover everything so what's not to love. 

I've included some pictures and descriptions below of the other items I received and I am super excited to try them out! 

Arbonne's FC5 formulas with fresh fruit cells and moisture fresh complex provide beneficial hydration while targeting the needs of normal/dry skin. 

Top: left to right 

Hydrating Cleanser Freshener

Nurturing Day Lotion SPF 20

Moisturizing Night Creme

Hydrating Eye Cream 

Above: left to right

Arbonne's #1 Anti Ageing Skincare Line

Step 1. Smoothing Facial Cleanser

Step 2. Regenerating Toner

Step 3. Intensive Renewal Serum

Step 4. Corrective Eye Creme 

Step 5. Restorative Day Creme SPF 20

Step 6. Night Repair Creme 

Left to Right:

Nourishing Body Wash

Firming Body Cream

Reactivating Body Serum

Hydrating Body Lotion 

Top Left to Right:

Purifying Cleanser + Toner

With fresh strawberry cell extracts and matte fresh complex.

Oil-Absorbing Day Lotion SPF 20

With fresh kiwi cell extracts and matte fresh complex.

Bottom: 

Make up primer.

Lip Polish:

Nude Coral Raisin

Brown Sugar Posh Pearl. 

Hope you enjoyed today's post! 

Thank you for reading, Sophie x

Guest Post!

Hello there to all of Sophie’s lovely readers!

Me and Sophie have a lot in common and the major thing is a love of all things beautifully vintage. Everything from the hair to the makeup to the amazing clothes anyone can find something from a long gone era that suits your figure and frame best. I have a particular adoration of vintage lingerie especially that of the 1950s which probably stems from a small obsession I have with a certain Miss Bettie Paige. 

Image Bettie Page Official

She was the Queen of all pin ups and was at the forefront of bringing female sexuality into the publics view. She wasn’t naturally very confident and wasn’t a stick thin catwalk girl, she was a 100% real woman who thrived showing her curves in front of the camera but struggled off of it. If you want modern references check out the stunning Dita Von Teese because she always gets it right!

I have always loved how the lingerie from the 50s really opened up what could be worn by ladies of all shapes and sizes and allowed women to not only be beautiful but also comfortable. It has heavily influenced modern lingerie designers and you can always see influences of it across fashion and beauty today. Classically you can see the influences of vintage lingerie in popular modern brands such as Agent Provocateur in their Margot range or in all brands in their basic suspender and stockings combo which was a staple of the time.

Image Agent Provocateur

I think this kind of 1950s influenced lingerie can be really empowering as it provides coverage where you want it and only exposes the very sensual areas of the body. It’s all about being ultra feminine rather than in your face sexy and lets us women be in control and feel confident in our own bodies.

I’m a great believer in promoting body confidence and utilising what you’ve got rather than putting yourself down. Remember confidence is sexy and combine this with some beautiful vintage lingerie and you’ll be irresistible!

A brilliant shop to get modern made but vintage looking pieces is What Katie Did or grab the main pieces from your favourite underwear shop because they will certainly have a version to suit your style and budget.

The Must Haves:

Here’s my top three pieces to really create that vintage pin up girl look with lingerie and a smile.

Seamed stockings: These babies elongate the legs and add a sophisticated sexiness to any outfit. I have teamed them with a pencil skirt and fitted cardigan to add a subtle pin up look to my work attire and I always get lovely comments from the ladies in the office.

Image Luxury Legs

Suspender belt: These come in all shapes and sizes and mean you can wear any pair of stockings with no fear of them falling down. You can also get them in shape wear so they are slightly thicker to nip in any unwanted bulges. A perfect addition to your pin up wardrobe!

   

Image Lyst

Your favourite bra: Now mine is a balconette due to my smaller chest but you can literally just pick what makes you feel mega sexy. In the 1950s it was a fuller cupped bra usually with hidden support to really enchance the chest and exentaute the frame.

Image Secretsinlace

And for a little some extra pick your favourite bright lip colour and apply lovingly. If you want to go classic opt for a deep red or for a touch of the modern grab a bright fuchsia.

Image Dita von Teese Official

I hope this little window into the world of vintage lingerie has sparked your imagination and remember just have fun with it 

Thank you soo much to the STUNNING Sophie for letting me take over your blog for a post 

Becky Beloved x

www.bbyb.co.uk

 

Easy Leopard Print Nails!

Hi everyone!

I recently did a pastel leopard print mani on my nails and I loved it so much I though I would share it with you! 

It's so easy that anyone can do it, and there's no right or wrong way to do it, and it's always a way to spruce any nail colour! 

Why you'll need:

Base colour of your choice

Glitter nail polish

Kirby Grip/Dotting Tools

Light brown polish

Black nail polish 

Top coat. 

For this tutorial purpose I have used a fake finger and fake stiletto nail. 

First of all apply your chosen base colour for this I used MUA's All Nude. I applied 2 coats and let them dry before moving onto the next step. 

Next apply your chosen glitter polish, I used a limited edition Barry M polish I had in my nail box. You can apply this is any design I chose to do the tip and slightly up the side towards the cuticle. 

Once your glitter polish is dry, I used a kirby grip as a dotting tool since I've misplaced mines, and applied my light brown polish in dots over the glitter parts. I used Barry M Mushroom. 

 

Now onto the last part. Use a fine detailing brush to make 'C' shapes around your dots with your black polish. I used the MUA Black. Once your done that part, anywhere it looks like you've got some spaces apply tiny dots to fill them up and voila your done! 

It really is that easy! 

I can't wait to try this out with some neon colours for summer. 

Tweet me @sophiesvanity if your try this out. 

Happy nail painting! 

Sophie xx

Review: Argan Dew

Hi everyone!

Today I'm going to be reviewing this fabulous Moroccan Oil products I recieved.

In the past oil type hair products have never really agreed with my hair, either they are too heavy and make my hair oily or they are so light I barely notice a difference. The website also sells variation of the products, you can purchase a whole range of hair are products including everyday shampoo and conditioners. 

I've tested these products a few time's and I am AMAZED.
I was sent the Miraculous Argan Oil $39 and the Replenishing Hair Mask $44.

Please note I was only sent samples but even for samples the packaging is super cute. 

I used the replenishing hair mask while I was in the shower and left it on for five minutes, and even when I was washing it out I could tell my hair had loved it. 

Next I applied the miraculous argan oil to damp hair, and dryed my hair which I normally would and then styled it. 

MY HAIR HAS NEVER FELT SO AMAZING. Like seriously, my hair usually suffers from being frizzy one day to limp and lifeless the next. 

These products both used together hasn't weighed my hair down or left a nasty dirty sheen to my hair. Which I'm loving. 

If you haven't yet tried Moroccan oil products you should! 

The Argan Dew websites also offers you the option to buy samples aswell, an shipping time is fairly quick, I recieved mines via Israel post in less than a week, which was really unexpected and you can track the packages too. 

Once I've used these products more I will do an updated routine. I think this will become a staple in my hair care. 

You can check out Argan Dew on twitter too. @argandew super friendly and lovely products, what's more to love.

Thank you for reading, Sophie xx

*pr sample 

My Experience With Birchbox

Hi everyone! 

Last week the 27th of March I made an order for the Lulu Guiness Birchbox. 

My box should've been here by the following Monday or Tuesday at the latest, but the following Thursday a WEEK later I still had no box, I then contacted Birchbox by telephone and the girl Emma I spoke to was very helpful, so thank you Emma! 

I was sent a replacement box which I recieved today Friday the 4th and my accounted was credited with 50 points to use in there online store. I have since used my points (you have to have over 100 which equals to £10) to get a beautiful pair of eyelashes for completely FREE. 

So now onto the box contents! 

Please note you get mostly sample sizes of the products which you can then buy full size in the online store. The box comes with a little information card which tells you the price of the full size products.

Benefit Stat Don't Stray Primer £20.50

Dr Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner £39

Urban Veda Radiance Daily Facial Wash £7.99

Korres Citrus Body Milk £9.50

English Laundry Perfume £47

And a lifestyle extra which was a stick of Lulu Guiness candy rock. 

Overall I do like the things I recieved in my box, but that's only because they will be of use to me. 

After all the hassle with actually receiving my box I don't know if I will continue to subscribe, maybe a few boxes a year when they take my fancy. 

If you do however want to subscribe it's £10 per month and £2.95 postage, if your a new subbie enter code NEW14 at checkout for free shipping:) 

Thank you got reading, Sophie xxx

Updated Foundation Routine

Hi everyone!

Today's post is of my updated foundation routine, it's been a while and I've changed up my products a bit.

Etude House Pore-ever Primer £8

I have mines in the stick form but also comes in a squeezy type tube. This is a dream for anyone who has troubles with large pores, the best primer I've ever used.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation £12.49

I favour this over Mac Studio Fix Fluid. The Colorstay in 150 Buff is a perfect match and it is very full coverage which I love. I use this is the combo/oily formula. At last a foundation that actually agrees with my skin, I've repurchased this foundation so many times, I LOVE it.

Seventeen Phwoar Paint £5.49

I discovered this little guy a few months ago, and I couldn't be without it now. It's amazing. I use this in the shade fair. 

eBay Bargin Beauty Blender £2.95

Another of my eBay bargins, I picked this up for £2.95 and at first I never really liked it, but now I use it almost everytime I do my foundation, I much prefer this to a brush.

Pop No Shine Powder £16

I use this everytime I apply my foundation and concealer. I love it. 

Seventeen Brow Kit £6.99

I actually got this free away back in December and up until recently I haven't really looked at it, as I thought it would be far to light, but I was wrong, this little kit is great, especially for traveling. 

Pop Double Duty Bronzer £15.50

I use this for bronzing up my face a bit and for contouring, it doesn't have a lot of shimmer unlike other bronzer's I've used, it also doesn't leave my extremely pale skin looking muddy or dirty. 

Thank you for reading today's post! 

Check back again soon. 

Sophie xx