Monthly Thoughts #4

Wow, November already?

After my monthly favourites were online, I knew that another edition of the MONTHLY THOUGHTS were due, and woah do I have a lot to say this month.

November, eh?  Shorter days, less sun, last month of autumn. I always know that Winter's coming when I walk outside, and I breathe. And I see the condensation of my breath creating a small cloud of mist in front of me. And I know it's winter.

Anyway, I've been trying to find a "style" for my blog: mainly what backgrounds for my photos and how I edit them and all that because, I realised what I hate most about writing posts, is taking photos. But that really shouldn't be the case, photos are meant to be interesting, breaking up the otherwise endless text. Recently, I was enjoying using fashion and beauty pictures on models, but that was mainly picking up trends- and I was stuck for when it came to my own monthly favourites. I thought that is should be professionally plain, have good lighting and show the product. I haven't found a place yet so bare with the changes but honestly, I'm just trying to work things out.

Anyone else have the problems or answers to these problems?

Another thing, I thought I had been writing quality posts, getting better each time, but I can't help notice my follower count dropping. And I know that it's not all about the followers, but I still can't help but wonder why my extra effort is deterring people? hm well, I guess it's not that big a problem, but any ideas?

On a happier note, as I've said, time and time again, Autumn is my favourite season and I've been completely immersing myself in an autumnal mood. One of my favourite things this month has been listening to Spotify playlists: if you go to "Browse" -> "Genres" -> "Mood" and listen to the music that will instantly fill you with warmth and put you in a good mood. My favourite is Autumn Acoustics, so go ahead, give it a listen.

(call me sad but i love these playlists because they're organised into genres like mood, rock, focus and then sub genres and then playlists that are labelled with what they make you feel :) organisation heaven spotify )

Lots of Love
Sophie
xxx

October Favourites

The end of yet another month, and almost the end of my favourite season :(. Wow I'm going to have to do something special before the end of autumn...

For now though, lets talk about what I've been loving this October:

 

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Moisturiser £4.99

This has been my moisturiser of the month and although I got it recently, I've been saying differences in my skin. This is oil-free so doesn't clog my pores overnight but still moisturises my skin enough that I don't get dry patches. This leaves a kind of velvet/matte finish, so it's great to put makeup on top. This has grapefruit extract and salicylic acid which helps fight acne so I would recommend this to anyone with oily and acne-prone skin.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm £9.50

This lip balm has been much loved throughout the entire beauty community, in fact, I don't know anyone who doesn't like this, and I can see why. Since the days turned colder, my lips had been so chapped and dry but then I used this and saw results overnight. This is nice and thick and kinda tastes like lemons...

L'Oreal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara £10.99

This mascara is AMAZING. It builds volume and length without leaving any clumps at all , and stays on all day. Trust me, I've worn this for the whole day, not even remembering that I had mascara on and it didn't judge one bit. Definitely definitely try this out!

Tarte Amazonian Clay Mineral Foundation £22.52

I used to love this back in Spring but since I've been using liquid foundation for ever, I thought I'd try this out again, and I have to say that this does not disappoint. I still love this, it gives a natural finish but makes the skin look that bit healthier and has brilliant coverage that lasts the day. The only sad part is that I think I'm running out, I need to get some more, and fast.

Bath & Body Works French lavender candle £13

This half-term, I've been hiding out in my bedroom, watching netflix or reading my book, and this candle tops it all off. The lavender scent is so relaxing and basically makes you want to sleep but it's really strong, so don't go for it if you don't love Lavender...

...that is, if you can find it, i can't seem to find it anywhere. the link is to the website but I think that it might have been limited edition because I've had it a while. Bath and Body works candles are all amazing so definitely go try one of the other scents, especially the Christmas ones :o

Lots of Love,
Sophie
xxx

Autumn Colours: the Beauty Trends

A couple of days ago I wrote the Fashion Trends of Autumn so one could only guess that today's post is going the be another Autumn Colours but this time the Beauty Trends:

 the Metallic Touches

A flashback to the seventies brings you this over-the-top eyeshadow for this season: full on colour from the lash line to the brow, a clean sweep of a winged look plus a hint of metallic in the inner corner. And Rodarte, Libertine and Emporio Armani have all flourished a metallic lip to match this bold eye statement.
Keeping a flawless, natural base will help you pull this off.

the Bottom Lash Line

Autumn means the emphasis returns to smoky eyes. Whether its the heavy smoky eyes from Nicole Miller (left) and Tom Ford, or the softer variations from Marc by Marc Jacobs (right), the bottom line is key. Take any dark eyeshadow and smudge all over the eye or take a wash of colour over the eyelids and an eyeliner to define the shape.

the Colouring Books

 This fall we are pushing all the limits when it comes to colour. Just think of the blue flashes of line are Kenzo (left) and the neon pink brought to you by Altuzarra (right). A strong contour is all that’s needed to compliment these colours, no blush, no lipstick, just take that bronzer and get those model high cheekbones.

Autumn Colours: the Fashion Trends

Lately I've been seeing a lot of new trends storming the catwalk or flying off the pages of Vogue, and so I thought I'd condense them into a few posts: Autumn Colours. This week- my favourite fashion trends. Here are my top 5:

5~ the CAPE

From Ralph Lauren’s beautifully autumnal cashmere capes to Ellie Saab’s wine-stain-red version, capes have made their debut entrance this season.

 The way I see it, there are a few main types of cape: the cute cropped capes, the elegant elongated capes, and then all the different lengths in between. If you opt for a cropped cape - or capelet as it's known (defined as a miniature style that swings above the hip), then wear with short-length skirts. If your cape has plenty of fabric and folds,  then counterbalance the voluminosity with a pencil skirt. If your choice is more narrow and tailored, then a mini makes the perfect partner. Whichever skirt silhouette you swing for, wear your cape with cosy tights and knee-high boots. The longer the cape, the better it looks with skinny trousers. Elevate the look for evening with a pair of heels, or go for a cape dress.

4~the ZIPS

Zips are everywhere: coats, skirts, pockets, hell they're even in the middle of dresses. They add a modern edgier element to any old winter coat. Look for clothing with the main focus being statement zips, then you'll be trending with names like Carven, Stella McCartney and Balenciaga.

3~the KNITS

Knitted jumpers and wooly cardigans make a reappearance every autumn but this time their back, and taking it to a whole new level. This autumn we've seen Marc Jacobs and Celine sport knitted ribbed trousers as well as Stella showing the ultimate marl dresses.

These new knits are not only cozy and warm but they can be worn altogether for simplicity and ease.

2~the TINY TRUNK

In his first act as creative director at Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière nodded to the house’s luxe luggage heritage with a collection of delightfully dinky box bags. Elsewhere, Tod’s, Christopher Kane, Dolce and Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo all presented their own take on the mini shape. 

Even with the limited space, these fairly roomy little boxes can be taken on any work adventure or partying night.

1~the FAIRYTALE

This is my ultimate favourite trend this season. Every girl loves a fairytale and now these dresses are really the dresses of every girl's dream. Alexander McQueen teamed delicate lace trapeze dresses with heavy-duty lashes and black biker boots, while Dolce and Gabbana’s heroine worked cartoon-ish capes and a forest’s worth of twisted florals. Magical.

Autumn Topshopping

As you all know, I love Autumn, but I don't love the cold air and rainy days... and to cheer me up, i decided to visit the online haven that is Topshop. 

I was scrolling through the endless supply of clothes when I realised, I had scrolled through the same pages just a day before, and I also realised, I really don't need anything from Topshop...

 

                  

This is actually part of a pyjama set £22.00 but I think the t-shirt is pretty cute...basically I needed pyjamas... and they're comfy.... what more do you want from PJ's?

This is the Viscose Slubby Tee £14.00, this may not look like much but it is potentially the easiest to wear t-shirt ever. It's plain, loose-fitting, perfect for casual wear but also great to we are under blazers or with skirts. Be warned though, the viscose makes for a see-through top...

 and this may look like any old knitted jumper but I promise you, this hangs beautifully on the body and the v-neck is unbelievably flattering and is so comfortable just to wear around while shopping for more...

do you guys wanna hear a completely irrelevant story? well, my computer froze and I clicked on this a few too many times and well, i might have ordered 4... oh well... ill just return them the next time I happen to be in Topshop.





 (clean rib jumper £38.00)

And yes this may not look the most flattering of tops but just take my word for it . It hugs the body amazingly and I especially like the long sleeves because I feel like they add a certain elegance to this khaki coloured crop top... and yes, of course there are other colours, and at some point of course I'm going to buy them, but for now I think this is a lovely colour for autumn. The ribbed material adds a detailed depth to this top as well as some much needed warmth...(Rib Crop top £26)

Lots of Love,
Sophie xxx

The Autumn Face

Here in England, we are diving straight into Autumn with a succession of frosty mornings and stormy nights. The leaves are piling up, the cars are freezing over, and my makeup is changing for a new season . These is what I've been wearing till now this Autumn. I've discovered a few gems in the Natural Collection which is a simple, affordable line at Boots. 

 Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation £6.99
-dewey finish but stays on all day
-buildable coverage

MaxFactor Clump Defy waterproof Mascara £10.99
-100% waterprood
-holds curl
Natural Collection eyeshadow in Milk Chocolate £1.99
-really nice colour to warm up eyelid
-decent colour payoff
Natural Collection loose powder £1.99
-keeps skin matte
-absorbs more shine than pressed powders
Natural Collection cream blush in Naked Glow £1.99
-gorgeous autumnal terracotta red colour
-a little goes a long way!
Mac Amplified Lipstick in Cosmo £15.50
-perfect pink nude colour
-smooth and creamy
Rimmel Exaggerate Moisture Renew Lip Liner in Eastend Snob £3.99
-nude lipliner for those full Kylie Jenner-esque lips

I know I promised more posts this Autumn, and I can tell you that I've got exciting things planned...

What would you guys like to see anyway?

Lots of Love,
Sophie
xxx

Monthly Thoughts #2

It's a cold, Thursday afternoon as I introduce October with a new MONTHLY THOUGHTS post.

If you haven't read the first one, these posts are basically a chance for me to talk about things other than beauty, I get to share my thoughts and ideas with you...

This morning, as every morning, I woke up late, got ready in a rush and then forced down some breakfast; I was stumbling around frantically and just not in the right mood to go to school- and then I stepped outside- and it was quiet, still,  but I could see the leaves on the floor and the frost on the car and then I realised: it's autumn,

And I love love love autumn, i'm not sure why, but i'm pretty sure it's my favourite season...I think its because I've had the best memories in autumn and something about stepping outside  and seeing the grass shining with dew, well, it's just something else.

In autumn, I remember all the first days of school, buying gloves to warm my hands, drinking the Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the fresh autumn breeze in my face, reddening my nose and that's why I love Autumn.

So be prepared, with my favourite season coming up, be sure to expect a few more posts than usual, all packed with hats, scarves, plum lipsticks and the occasional seasonal favourites...

Oh yeah- another thing- what do you guys think of me doing more fashion-related posts, I realise i mainly do beauty but I think I might do some ootd's or something- what do you think?

Lots of Love,
Sophie
xxx