Makeuproar is Makeup.Fashion.Life

Hi!

2010-11-04T04:37:00.000Z

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to redirect you to my new blog, drumroll please!

www.alittlemoreglitter.blogspot.com

It's not so beauty related and it's definitely in the infancy stages but I would LOVE it if you would comment, subscribe and enjoy!

Thanks again!

Sophie xx

...8 months later

2010-03-17T21:50:00.003Z

Hey Strangers!

So I last posted on this blog in July 2009.

That was 8 whole months ago!

I doubt anyone still visits but if you do here's why it's been forever and a day since I posted...

I was home for the Summer, which meant endless summer days hanging out with my best friends, BBQs, late nights, Dairy Queen and cocktails. Also despite best laid plans etc I never quite got around to getting a job...oops! That meant that funds were low for makeup!

So summer flew by in a hot minute. And if you're wondering I did go see Matisyahu at Bluesfest and he was beyond amazing. Like truly epic, if you ever get the chance to go see him live, do! I also saw Britney Spears which was a whole different experience!

So that was Summer, I came back to London in September in time to go see Coldplay, who I've seen before but more importantly, JAY-Z! The man who has been at the top of my 'must see live' list for ever, I finally got to see him. And yes, I rapped along to every word, which I admit, probably looked completely ridiculous. But I don't care, he was amazing!

Then it was back to University and my final year and it's been non-stop ever since. The work is insane. I just, like literally yesterday finished my dissertation and I hand that in tomorrow. And my final project is to create a new magazine, of course I am creating an edgy, glossy beauty mag which I am in the thick of right now - if you think you can help in any way get in touch!

So makeuproar has had to take a back seat, completely! I really want to blog again but think I might start a new one, once I've graduated. Craziness!

For now, if you're interested in keeping up with me and the magazine you can follow me on twitter - not on the makeuproar account, which has seen even less action than the blog but on my sparkly new account.

Twitter - prettymagazine

and if you think you could help with the mag in any way, shape or form, let me know yo!

email: pretty.magazine@hotmail.com

If I do decide to blog again, I'll let you know and redirect you to my, hopefully bigger and better blog!

But for now, as always,

Stay Fabulous,

Love

Sophie Louise xx

2009-07-03T04:45:00.003+01:00

Hello! I am not lost in Cyberspace - I am still here...just recovering from ridiculously busy times!

In the last few weeks - I have finished, printed and presented an 80 page magazine, packed up my entire flat, been to see Grease in the west end, been to Paris, had my friend to stay in London, moved my entire belongings across London to my parent's place over there which involved two trips with trusty Addison Lee ( A car company) and their fantastically helpful drivers, sorted out numerous odds and ends involved with moving house, bought tickets to see Britney, come to Canada, thrown my parents a big surprise 25th wedding anniversary party, seen The Hangover three times (Amazing and am completely in love - as is everyone - with Bradley Cooper...and also Ed Helms!), Micheal Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Billy Mays and Molly Sugden died :( Attempted to unpack my suitcase and makeup and caught up with most of my friends over here....WOW. It has been a busy busy time - those are just the highlights...and lowlights I guess- no wonder I have had no time for blogging!

It is so nice to be at home and chill out! It was Canada Day yesterday but instead of going downtown and joining in the festivities, my Mom, sister and I did literally nothing! It was amazing, we went out for lunch and just chilled out. My Dad went back to London on Monday but he didn't miss much excitement!

Ok, well I was just checking in - I am still around and will try to post more often! Ooh btw Lustre Drops in Sun Rush are my new favourite thing! Will try to review at some point!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Studio Sculpt Foundation and Concealer Review

2009-06-19T23:02:00.003+01:00

I think I mentioned before that I had started to use Studio Sculpt Foundation and Concealer but that I would wait to review, until I had used them a bit longer. Well it's been a while now and I feel I can give a fair review! I will try and post some swatches but for reference, the last few looks of the day I've been using these products.

Studio Sculpt Foundation (in NC15)

I love this foundation so so much. It makes my skin look as flawless as is possible (not an easy task!) and is the only foundation so far that matches my super pale skin. It seemed to me to be considerably lighter than Studio Finish in NC15, which is kind of weird - you'd think the colours would be the same throughout Mac's foundations, but it didn't seem that way to me!

I like...

...the consistency - it's more of a gel foundation and is perfect for my dry skin, as it has a more dewy finish than the Studio Finish. As long as I moisturise beforehand, it doesn't emphasis dryness and looks great.

...the colour - it's pretty hard to find the right shade of foundation and this is so perfect...granted if I wear it alone I look like a ghost but that's only because my skin is so pale!

...the finish...as I said before, it's dewier and doesn't dry out my skin but it also makes my skin look good and creates that flawless finish.

I hate...

...application. Well I don't hate anything about this foundation but it took me a while to figure out the best way to apply. I started off with the 190 brush, which I used for ages but which just didn't work. Then I switched to a sponge which I never use and that wasn't great either. Now I use my fingers, which I also never do but which seems to work much better.

...the tube - I'm still undecided on this. I like the tube in as much as it's easier to control how much you want to use but I don't know if it will lead to more wastage in the long run?

I say...

If you have drier skin, you have have have to give this a try. It is definitely my HG foundation and I love it! I would recommend testing it out, as the gel texture is quite different to anything else and also because the colours seem to vary somewhat (at least the NC15 did). If you're in the market for a new foundation I would definitely recommend Studio Sculpt foundation. I also read that it didn't break people out as much as some of the other Mac foundations, which is a major plus!

Studio Sculpt Concealer

Wow. How can one product be so fantastic and another product that's so similar be such a disappointment? I really don't like the concealer....at all.

I like...

...that you seem to get a lot of product, as it's in a paint pot jar, although it is only 0.5 grams more than the SPF15 concealer.

...that it works well under the eyes.

I hate...

...my biggest issue with this concealer is the colour. I bought NC15 at the same time as the foundation, presuming that it would be lighter (as concealers usually are) but it is so orangey and considerably darker than the foundation of the same colour. What? This makes no sense at all!

...the consistency - the gel formula just doesn't work for me in the concealer. It is almost too liquidy and doesn't adhere itself to the skin well enough.

...the coverage - this doesn't give me the coverage I need. It does quite well under the eyes as I think the consistency suits the thinner skin that is under there. For blemishes however it is a nightmare. Because it is so fluidy and orange, it doesn't cover anything up properly. By the end of the day any spots and blemishes that I covered in the morning are out there for all to see!

I say...

Skip buying this concealer. Maybe you'd be able to get it to work for you but I just can't. As soon as I'm done the pot or maybe even sooner if I get around to it, I shall be replacing it with Studio Finish Concealer again which I absolutely love. I was really disappointed with this product but at least now I know that Studio Finish is the one for me!

Been a crazy week at uni, as the last couple of weeks always are. We have been in groups of 6 and had to make a magazine about anything we wanted but we've only had a few weeks to do it, so it's been mega stress! I was the editor which meant being very organised, which fortunately I love! Our magazine is aimed at wannabe gold diggers and WAGS. It is fabulous! We have to present in front of everyone next week and of course we are going to come on to the sounds of Gold Digger by Kanye! It's a hilarious magazine because it's so tongue in cheek but at the same time offers real advice. I kind of love it!

What else? I had a great time in Paris, drinking and relaxing! My friend Meaghan is here right now and on Wednesday night we went with my friend Jessie to see Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre. WE LOVED IT! Oh my it was so good, great music and dancing and we had amazing seats near the front. Oh seriously I could go every night, we had so much fun! One thing though...£17 for 3 glasses of white wine. That is so ridiculous! £17 and they were small glasses too!

Anyway it was fantastic, I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is coming to London and looking for a fun night out!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Je vais à Paris demain - ooh la la, zut alors et au revoir!

2009-06-13T22:59:00.002+01:00

Yes that's right I am going to Paris tomorrow!

It will be lovely. I am meeting one of my best friends from Canada, Meaghan, who has been in Antibes for 2 months. We are rendezvousing in Paris and then she is coming to stay with me in London for a week!

So excited! Having done all the touristy stuff before, I plan to spend the entire time in cafes drinking Wine and eating gorgeous French bread and cheese. Yum yum!

Au revoir et bientot!

bisous bisous

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Naked Honey!

2009-06-09T23:26:00.002+01:00

For peeps in the US of A and Canada you can now purchase Naked Honey online! Lucky Lucky things!

ps. It's that time of year again. Two weeks until I finish for the summer and deadlines are looming. So I may be a bit lacking in posting!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the day - Green and Peach

2009-06-04T19:26:00.004+01:00

Another look, this was a little rushed so the blending isn't fantastic!

To achieve!

Eyes

Paint Pot in Rubenesque

Mac e/s in Flip

Humid

Sugarshot

Pigment in Melon

Fluidline in Sweet Sage

Cheeks

Mac Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

MSF in Redhead

Lips

Mac l/s in Hue? I think...can't totally remember!

Steps!

Apply Foundation & Concealer. Prime eyes all over lid with Rubenesque. Sweep Flip over entire lid. Pat Melon pigment over inner half of eye, sweeping up past the crease. Place Hunid on outer third of eyelid blending up and out. Take a little more Flip and put just on top of where you've applied Humid. Blend well. Highlight browbone and inner eye with Sugarshot. Take a pencil brush and apply a thin layer of Flip under lower lash line. Take a slanted eyeliner brush (or whatever you prefer to use!) and apply Sweet Sage close to the upper lash line. Flick slightly at the end if you wish. Using what's left on your brush (or a little bit more) line the outer third of your lower lashes with Sweet Sage, so it mixes with Flip. Apply Mascara. Sweep Warm Soul and Redhead over cheeks. Apply a layer of Hue to lips.

That's it!

Weather is still gorgeous here, it's great!

I have four empty eyeshadow depots and am pretty sure I can find two more things to back 2 mac, I want a new lippy! Any suggestions?

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Style Warriors!

2009-06-04T12:10:00.002+01:00

If you're in the UK, the wait is over!

Style Warriors is instore and online! Finally, right?

For some reason the collection isn't showing up on the main page, you have to go to the product pages to find the items.

So click on eyeshadows and Style Warriors is the first thing that comes up , etc!

Happy Shopping!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the day - Shimmery Neutral

2009-06-01T19:41:00.004+01:00

Here is a shimmery, neutral look mainly using the Urban Decay Palette I reviewed here...I used the purple one!

I apologise for the photo above, where my hair is scraped back, (and yes, my roots need to be done!) the makeup is kind of off and my eyes are squinty. I didn't take a face pic before I left the house and it is crazy hot and gorgeously sunny in London at the mo. I went to Westfield, the big mall I mentioned before and when I got home just needed to throw my hair up into this attractive bun! Therefore my face was all shiny as it was hot...not a good look. I have no explanation for the squinty eye!

To achieve!

Eyes

Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque

Urban Decay Eyeshadows in

- Midnight Cowboy Rides Again

- Roach

- Half Baked

Mac Fluidline in Blacktrack

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Cheeks

Mac Blush in Fun & Games

Mac MSF in Soft & Gentle (think I need to give this a rest and use some of my other MSFs!)

Lips

Mac Lipstick in Tanarama

Steps!

Apply Foundation and Concealer. Use a touch of bronzer if you like. For the eyes, apply a layer of Rubenesque all over lids, this acts as a base. Then put Midnight Cowboy Rides Again over lids - beware very sparkly and the glitter does fall out. Pick up a small amount of Roach (as is quite dark, so is best to layer). Use in the outer V and blend well, so the outer third of the lid is darker and take the colour up into the crease. Pick up some Half Baked and just above the crease, apply from outer lid to inner, blend into the existing shadows, for a subtle pop of gold. Sweep a thin layer of Blacktrack on the outer half of the eye. Add Mascara. Use Fun and Games as a contour, and add Soft & Gentle MSF above as a highlight. You can sweep this across your forehead, nose and chin very lightly if you want to. Put on Tanarama over lips and done!

You can see I'm pretty much back to my normal colour, ha! I ditched the Dove tanner, it was too much and left the whole skin blotchiness thing when it started wearing off. Oh well. As I said the weather is so so gorgeous at the moment! It is preparing me for the Canadian summer which is ridiculously hot at times. I am back in Canada in 3 weeks!! For the whole summer, can't wait!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Mac Naked Honey Collection

2009-06-01T18:37:00.005+01:00

Mac Naked Honey

Released US - 11th June, International - July

Lipglasses in She's a Star, Queen Bee and Buzz

Creme de Miel e/s

Pollinator e/s

Buckwheat e/s

Golden Nectar Highlight Powder

Honey Light Highlight Powder

Hand and Body Cream

Moisturizing Body Wash

Creations in Naked Honey and Africanimal

Skin Salve

What do you think? I like this collection, I don't absolutely love it but I'll probably pick up Honey Light Highlight Powder and an eyeshadow...maybe the Skin Salve too if it smells good!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the day - Neutral

2009-05-27T20:02:00.005+01:00

Another Look of the Day!

This is just the quickest face you can do, pretty much takes 5 mins!

As you can see I am much more 'bronzed' than usual. Hmm verging on orange, although I think the top photo is more indicative of my actual colour than the bottom one, where I resemble an Oompa Loompa!

It's the dove tanning moisturiser. Because I used it, my NC15 Studio sculpt is WAY too light and looked ridiculous when I tried a little bit, so I had to root around in the makeup bag of stuff I don't use and find something else. I ended up using a random Maybelline foundation I had, which actually wasn't too bad.

To achieve!

Face

Maybelline Superstay Silky foundation in Porcelain Ivory.

Quo Bronzer

Mac MSF in Soft & Gentle

Eyes

Mac E/S in Amber Lights

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Lips

Mac Lippy in Creme d'Nude

Random pink lipgloss!

Steps:

So this look is very quick and is perfect for summer when you just want a bronzed neutral look. Apply foundation, if you're brown you might not even need it. I skipped concealer, as didn't really need it for once in my life! Apply a light coat of matte bronzer as a contour and then apply a liberal sweep of Soft and Gentle. I included the pic above so that you could see what S & G looks like on the skin. I love it so so much! You can also sweep this lightly over your forehead and nose, if you don't have oil/shine issues. Using a pencil brush, smudge Amber Lights into the lash line - just a very thin line (You can't really see this in the pics). Then Apply a few coats of mascara to the upper lashes only, focusing on making the lashes as long as poss. Use Creme d'nude and cover with a nudey pink lipgloss!

I do much prefer having some colour but there is a thin line between being bronzed and being orange! I do feel so much better wearing less makeup when I have a tan.

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the day - Melon

2009-05-26T22:46:00.007+01:00

Hello! Sorry I've been MIA the last few days. No excuse really just haven't got round to blogging!

So I raved about Melon pigment when I bought it a couple of weeks ago and I stand by my rave! Here is a really quick look using just Melon!

To achieve:

Face:

Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC15

Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC15

Cheeks:

Mac Beauty Powder Blush in Eversun

Mac MSF in Soft & Gentle

Eyes:

UDPP

Melon Pigment

Fix +

Blacktrack Fluidline

Lips:

Mac Lipstick in Creme d'nude

Steps!

Apply Foundation and Concealer. For the cheeks, apply Eversun as a contour, but remember to use a light hand and build up colour slowly, or you may look like a clown! Sweep Soft & Gentle all over your cheek liberally to create a shimmery, flawless finish! Put UDPP over entire lid. Tap a little Melon pigment into it's lid. Spray a brush such as the 239 with a little Fix + , ensuring that the brush is just damp not wet. Swirl into the lid and pat the pigment all over your lid to just above the crease. Repeat as necessary, to achieve the intensity you desire! Once done, take a thin eyeliner brush and sweep a thin line of Blacktrack on your upper lash line, flicking very slightly up at the end. Apply lashings of mascara! Sweep Creme d'nude over your lips and you're done! A simple, quick look for daytime!

So there it is! As you can see it's very easy and the same method can be used for any pigments you may have. I never do looks with just one product but sometimes it's so much easier and Melon is such a gorgeous colour that it can stand alone!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

MAC Carnaby Street Sale purchases

2009-05-18T18:13:00.006+01:00

As promised here are the pics of my purchases from the 20% off event at Mac Carnaby Street.

I am really pleased with everything I bought, there are some faves in here! Again I used my phone for the pics, so the quality isn't great.

Melon Pigment

I absolutely am in love with this pigment, it is a peachy goldy irridescent colour and is already my favourite one that I own by far. I used it as a base by foiling using Fix + and it is gorgeous! Also an amazing colour by itself. I cannot say enough about this, except buy it!!

This makes it look pink, but it's really not!

Trax is a deep violet purple with gold shimmer. It's a great colour for the crease and outer V.

Satellite Dreams is a gorgeous rich purple...it is a different tone of purple than parfait amour, for instance, which runs a little cooler by comparison.

Mythology is a versatile brownish red. Looks great with purples and golds.

While Coppering looks similar to Mythology in these dodgy pics, it is a redder, richer colour. Kind of has a bit of a gold sheen to it.

Trace Gold Sheertone Shimmer Blush is a shimmery gold/bronze that is a great summer blush. It is not as shimmery as I expected but is still a fab blush. For some reason this pic makes it look kind of peachy pink but as you can see from the swatch it's really not!

Mac 187 is one of my fave brushes, I had the SE version from the Colour Forms (I think...) collection and I love the full sized brush even more, unsurprisingly. I use this for MSF's.

Again the 168 I had in as an SE but the full sized version is so so soft. I use this for my blush and contour. It's amazing!

What do you think?

I'm happy I got the brushes in particular, I love them...and melon pigment...and the eyeshadows...and blush. Ok, so I love everything!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Celia Birtwell at Boots

2009-05-18T17:02:00.009+01:00

Hello!

This morning my friend and flatmate Jessie and I went shopping at Westfield, which is a huge mall that opened last year near Shepherds Bush. We've been several times and it is fab although absolutely massive so you have to take regular Starbucks breaks! As well as all the high street stores there is 'The Village' which has all the designers - Miu Miu, Prada, Louis Vuitton etc. So everything is under one roof which is fantastic if you are looking for a day of hardcore retail therapy. If you are visiting London to shop, I would highly recommend Westfield instead of say Oxford Street. It may not have the recognisable name that tourists like but is less crowded, indoors (no rain!) and has literally everything you could possibly need! Also there are tons of restaurants and a cinema, which has yet to open.

Anyway amongst other things, we stopped by Boots and what should I find but some adorable makeup accessories by Celia Birtwell. I love Celia Birtwell prints (some of you may remember she did a collection for Topshop?) Anyway she's been around for years and her prints are gorgeous. The range has quite a few things including a brush roll, various brushes, sharpener, makeup bag and much more!

I was tempted by quite a lot of it but in the end just picked up a lip brush, as I don't have one and a mirrored compact for my handbag. You can see from the pic at the top that the packaging is very pretty and I'm a sucker for cute packaging! I apologise for the photo quality, as usual I am completely disorganised and have no card reader for my camera so these were taken courtesy of my trusty Prada cellphone (which has a pretty terrible camera!)

The Lipbrush - cost just £4.00

Though it's not difficult to see why! The bristles are extremely soft and flimsy, however it actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I used it to apply MAC's Ravishing and although the control and pickup weren't fantastic, they were fine...and I was expecting worse for the money.

The end of the brush has this cool design

The Compact Mirror - cost £6

How amazing is the outside of this compact. It's a rose! Even though it was cheap, the compact feels quite sturdy and well made.

Two mirrors, one normal and one magnified. They feel like very good quality, they're sharp and clear!

So all in all a very good buy! I may go to Boots again and see if the other products catch my eye!

Oh by the way, my picks for stylish summer scarves are up on imnotobsessed.com! Check it out!

Ermm what else is going on....oh in an attempt to escape my extreme paleness I decided to try Dove's Summer Glow gradual tanner moisturiser. I remember that before prom in 2006 I used a Jergens one and loved it (except for the inevitable wearing off after a few days, which makes it look like you have some sort of weird skin disease). Anyway I tried the Dove one and I am still on the fence. Firstly it is not that gradual. I woke up the morning after I put it on and there was a very definite noticeable difference in the colour of my skin. Anyway I am perservering and am definitely browner...but am just trying to ensure that I don't turn that delightful orange colour favored by WAGS. On the upside because my face is a bit tan I didn't wear foundation today.

Anyway once I've decided what I think, I'll do a review.

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Mac Carnaby Street 20% off Sale

2009-05-15T22:33:00.003+01:00

Wow. Like any Mac addict, the sound of a 20% sale was too good to pass up, especially when occasions to save on Mac are few and far between! The sale was on from 5-9, so my friend and I left our flat at about 4.30. Luckily I only live a 20 min bus ride from Oxford Street, so it wasn't too much of a trek (considering I'd been there once already that morning). We got to Carnaby Street just after 5, which was packed with happy shoppers and what should we see but a MASSIVE line filled with girls. No prizes for guessing where that line was leading! We dutifully joined the end and I'm not even kidding, it was over 2 hours before we were in and out of the store. I actually can't believe we waited that long. All the passers-by were looking at the line, thinking that we were crazy for waiting just to get 20% off...and I'm inclined to agree with them! I wouldn't have waited for 20% off for any other brand or company, it's just not worth it but once I had my shiny bag, I was a little happier but we needed several large glasses of wine to recover! I, being super organised had gone online and decided exactly what I wanted, as I imagined it would be crazy and that there would be little opportunity for idle browsing! It was a good job I made the list because what the MUA's were doing is going down the line and taking people's lists, they then gave you a ticket with a number that corresponded to the bag number that your list was in, so that when you finally got to the till you just had to give them your ticket and your bag was there filled with the items you wanted.

Anyway it was a long long process and I didn't get home until about 8.10.

So here's what I hauled:

1 Empty 15 palette
Eyeshadow refills in Trax, Mythology, Satellite Dreams and Coppering (all very tonal, I realised!)
Blush refill in Trace Gold
Brushes - 168 and 187
Pigment in Melon

So not too bad! I love everything I bought so much! I already had the SE sizes of the brushes but I use them everyday and as they are a couple of the more expensive brushes, decided to get them when I had the chance.

I also tried Melon today and I absolutely love it!

I will post pics and swatches tomorrow for you all to see and I will try and do a look of the day finally because I haven't done one in forever!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T23:55:00.003+01:00

I forgot to mention, Happy Mothers Day for all those in North America!

I hope you all have a fantastic day with your moms! Unfortunately mine is in Canada so we could not spend the day together but I think my sis has baked her a cake and made her breakfast in bed so regardless she is having a nice day!

I bought her a gorgeous Calvin Klein dress which fit perfectly and looked amazing and a card from me and Romeo (the kitten!)

Anyways enjoy the rest of your day!

Stay Fab!
Sophie Louise
xx

Gold Fever at Selfridges

2009-05-10T21:20:00.006+01:00

Hello! So some of you may remember the Gold Fever collection that came out last year at Nordstrom/The Bay. However it never made it to the UK, until now!
The Mac counter at Selfridges is releasing Gold Fever from May 13th - May 15th so if you're in London, make sure you drop in and visit (and let's face it, who really needs an excuse!). Note, however that everything in the release is a repremote or permanent item, so check that you don't own already before you buy!

(From top) Slimshine Lipstick in Voile and Missy, Shadestick in Sharkskin and Penny, Liquidlast Liner in Classic Cream and Auto-orange.

Pigment in Golden Lemon and Silverfog, Glitter in Gold and 3D Silver.

I absolutely love gold but I have to say this collection doesn't blow me away. I think I will pick up Silverfog and both glitters, possibly one of the slimshines and maybe a shadestick.

FYI, I am assuming that the UK release will have the same products as the US release which these pics are taken from, as they have the same promo image.

More London shopping goodies! As you may or may not know, every year Carnaby street has a shopping event where the whole street is 20 % off...including Mac! So from 5 - 9 pm on THURSDAY MAY 14TH there is 20% off, excluding Viva Glam products, it does say that you need an email, but I would imagine that if you mention it you won't need the email. However if you want it, email me and I can forward it on to you.

Hope your weekend was great. I have horrible jetlag and got no sleep last night. Bleurgh I never know...sometimes it doesn't affect me at all and other times my sleep pattern is off for a few days. Never mind!

Stay Fab!
Sophie Louise
xx

Just touched down in London Town!

2009-05-09T22:34:00.004+01:00

Well not just! I landed at 6 this morning after the dreaded overnight flight. I hate flying at night so much. Anyway I got back to my apartment at about 7.30, which is so quick! Customs never takes too long and my luggage came really quickly and then I just hopped on the heathrow express to Paddington. Luckily I live close to Paddington, so a quick taxi ride and I was back! Had a nap and now am not tired at all, but will probably feel the consequences and be exhausted tomorrow. Damn jetlag!

Ooh for those of you in the States, you can now order Mac Pro Palette refills, as well as the palettes online from www.maccosmetics.com. So Lucky!! I would be so happy if they did this in the UK or Canada!

Also for those of you in old blighty, Rose Romance has been released in the UK, but I just looked online and strangely instead of Creme de Violet eyeshadow, they have Cranberry eyeshadow listed instead. Weird right? I already have Cranberry and if you don't have it, I hightly recommend it, it is absolutely gorgeous!

Ok, well I'm going to try and get some sleep, but let's face it will probably stay up and watch something mindless!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Back to London!

2009-05-08T03:40:00.002+01:00

Hello,

Just thought I would quickly check in,

I head back to London tomorrow, for my summer term of University - it's only 7 weeks so I'll be back here for the summer pretty soon!

I'll be able to do more looks once I'm back in Londres...being at home means I'm so busy catching up with friends, plus I was interning at a magazine this trip back so time has been limited!

Hope you are all having a great week, wish me a safe flight!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Best Beauty Bargains ever!

2009-05-02T03:32:00.012+01:00

Urban Decay Palettes

Have you ever found a deal or bargain so great that it automatically makes your day better?

A couple of days ago it happened to me! I went to Winners (which I do all the time!) just to look around. Anyway the one near me is massive and has expanded it's beauty/skincare section. It is a veritable feast of products! A lot of things are from slightly obscure brands but there is a decent amount of products from well known and expensive companies at great prices! For those of you in the UK, Winners is kind of like TK Maxx (and TJ Maxx in the states) only much much nicer. You can always find a million things you need...well...want...anyway it is fabulous! So I was perusing the beauty section and something caught my eye. I found two Urban Decay Palettes for, wait for it...$7.99 each!! You know I snapped those up asap!

Who knows how old these are but at those prices, let's be honest, who cares!

Las Chicas Face Case

The first one is Urban Decay Las Chicas Face Case (it didn't say Las Chicas on it btw but a bit of internet snooping told me the precise name of this)

How cute is the packaging - this is the front, it also has a pink elastic thing which wraps around the front to keep it closed.

The Palette - comes with a decent sized mirror.

Contents:

Four Eyeshadows in :

- Midnight Cowboy

- Shotgun

- Polyester Bride

- Smog

Lip Gunk in Biker

XXX Lip Shine in:

- Carney

- Guys love betsey

- Wicked

Blush in Score

Also included are two little brushes. As usual with palettes, the quality is pretty poor but that's kind of to be expected.
The Lipglosses - I have only used Biker so far and I LOVE it - It's a super glittery, shimmery nude which has made me reconsider glosses and for me that's saying a lot! They are all very wearable shades though. I didn't swatch, sorry about that - not sure why I didn't!

Eyeshadows - These are so nice. They are all really glittery except shotgun. I will use all of these - very wearable everyday colours.

Score Blush is a nice peachy pink, again very wearable and a really useful colour!

Swatches of the eyeshadows (left out Shotgun as is swatched below).

Top - Midnight Cowboy , Bottom - Polyester Bride, Right - Smog

How cute are these little pictures?!

Urban Arsenal

The second palette is also fab and feels a bit more expensive than the first one. It has amazing embroidery on the front and is heavier and just feels a bit better quality. I just googled and it retailed for $42 USD. So that's an amazing discount!

Embroidery

The Palette - Contents:

Mini Versions of:

- Eyeshadow Primer Potion

- Urban Decay Mascara

- Big Fatty Lip Plumper

-Naked XXX Shine gloss

Eyeshadows in:

- Roach

- Half Baked

- Shotgun

- Midnight Cowboy Rides Again

Blush in Score Afterglow

Again the palette has a big mirror

It says Score blush here but in the product info says Score Afterglow Blush and is a lighter, peachier blush than the other Score.

Once again, love all these. Shimmery, glittery loveliness!

I found that the UDPP mini size has terrible application, which we come to expect from the regular size but the mini size is worse, almost no product comes out when you take out the doe foot applicator. I really like the mascara, it is lengthening and has a good brush, would definitely consider buying the fullsize. I don't need the Lip Plumper as my lips are big anyway and I hate them but I gave it a try anyway and this thing works! A bit tingly but I swear my lips looked even fuller than usual. I haven't tried the gloss but it looks like a pretty light pink.
Top - Roach, Top Right - Shotgun, Bottom Left - Half Baked, Bottom Right - Midnight Cowboy Rides again (which is sooo glittery, I haven't seen anything like it before, it has actual big glitter in it, which I like, although I know many hate).

Score Blush...can't remember if this is the original or afterglow though...

So there we have it! My fantastic bargains. Today my friend Tia and I went to a Winners the other side of the city to see if there were any other bargains to be had and I found an Urban Decay eyeliner and a Molton Brown hair texturizer but I had to go and get out some cash, so like any normal beauty addicts, we hid the items we wanted but we obviously didn't do it very well because by the time we got back, they had gone! It obviously wasn't meant to be!

In other news, we picked up our new Oriental Tabby kitten on Friday. He came all the way from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! He was flown from Columbia, SC to Detroit, MI to Montreal, QC. So he had quite the journey but arrived safe and sound. He is called Romeo and is unbelieveably cute!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Better late than never?

2009-05-01T03:05:00.009+01:00

Recent Mac Collection Purchases!

Hello! So this is all very after the fact but these are the few things I got from recent collections. While I liked these collections, I am really waiting for Style Warriors and Colour Craft which come out later in the summer. I still think I'm going to go back to Mac and pick up a few more things from Sugarsweet if they still have it (which they did a few days ago!) and Grand Duos.

Studio Sculpt Foundation

This is absolutely my Holy Grail Foundation. I LOVE IT! The texture is amazing, the coverage is fantastic. It makes my skin look great, I can't get enough of this! Will do a full review when I get a chance but before then, if you are in the market for a new foundation, I cannot recommend this enough. Especially if you have dryish skin like me - it is truly fab!

A Rose Romance

So I gave my thoughts on this in the previous post but here are the couple of things I bought.

As you can see, although Silverthorn is a silver colour, it swatches as quite bluey greeney. Actually this photo makes it look bluer than it actually is. Although it has blue undertones, when used it's a definite silver.

Hello Kitty

I have to say that not too much in this release jumped out at me. I did actually buy the pigments too but returned them after swatching deciding that I probably wouldn't use them. That was a decision that took extreme will power!

I'm pleased I bought Fun and Games, it's a great peach blush that is really pigmented and easy to apply.

Sugarsweet

I loved this collection and want to go back and get the other MSF, Aquavert, St. Germain and Bubbles. I've been to a couple of Mac stores though and neither of them had Aquavert, they were both using Swimming in it's place.

Dear Cupcake is a pretty pinky red. I really like this colour, as I have nothing like it and it's an interesting shade to have. Great with purples and golds.

As you can see, Sugarshot is a frosty shimmery white. While it's very pretty - it's not very pigmented but is a nice highlight colour or for the inner corner of your eye.

Refined is a bronzy, peachy shimmery MSF. I really like it - really nice for the summer as it gives a great healthy glow!

Lollipop Loving is a gorgeous pinky peachy goldish lippy. It's not actually as pink as it shows in this picture but is really easy to wear.

Grand Duos

I only picked up Moon River but I wish I bought a couple more, I love it! Really shimmery, and I love everything shimmery!

Each half swatched separately

Both sides mixed

So as you can see I didn't go wild! What did you pick up from the last few collections or are you saving yourselves for the upcoming releases like me?

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Weekend and Rose Romance

2009-04-27T02:44:00.003+01:00

Hello!

OK, Rose Romance. I was quite excited about this collection, but I have to say I'm not sure it was for me. While a lot of it was lovely, I just think that the colour selection, as a lot of it was on the cooler side, wasn't my fave. I ended up only getting Silverthorn e/s and Fix + Rose, although I think I'll go back and get Et tu Bouquet and possibly Way to Love.

Here are my thoughts on the things I saw:

The Beauty Powders, although they look so pretty with the Rose imprint, they are so sheer. When I swatched them, I could barely see them on my skin and I am an NC 15, so if you had a darker skin tone, I think it would take a lot of swiping to get any colour at all. Nice to have because the imprint is cute but I shouldn't think they would be something that could be used very often because they are so sheer.

The Eyeshadows were pretty. Silverthorn is a bluey silver, which has great pigmentation and I haven't seen anything that similar, so it's a nice one to have. Et tu Bouquet is a peachy pink, which I really liked - great for Summer. Creme de Violet is pretty - bright pinky purpley but it's a permanent colour so I'm in no rush to pick it up. Of Summer was just ok to me - kind of muted mauve. Wasn't overly impressed. Shadowy Lady is a dark Purpleish, but again it's just ok. I feel like there's nicer dark purples out there.

The Pigments - I loved Mutiny, it's a gorgeous Sky Blue but I don't think I'd use it. Circa Plum is a mauvey purple, but I don't love it although it would probably be a useful colour to have. Nice with golds.

Fix+ Rose is exactly the same as the regular Fix +. I probably would have resisted except that I somehow lost my Fix + and I do like the rose scent.

Lipsticks - Way to Love is a pinky peachy nude which I really liked, but I have so many nude tones that I probably don't need it. It's also very sheer. A Rose Romance is pinker but is also quite sheer. I would never wear Odyssey because it's a darkish plum but if you like that kind of thing, it is a nice colour.

I didn't look at the lipglasses or See Thru lip colours because I never wear gloss but I have heard mixed reviews of them - that they're quite sheer and not too pigmented, except magnetique.

Dejarose is a pretty floral but it is VERY rose scented. I wouldn't wear it but it is a nice one to check out of you like very floral perfumes.

Just a Pinch gel Blush is great if you like that slightly flushed english rose type look, again not for me, but I think that this is a great product for those who like gel blushes and who wear pinker/redder blushes.

Finalement - Love and Friendship is a nice lavender polish but nothing spectacular!

So there is my super quick, slightly rushed, cliffnotes style review of A Rose Romance!

Sorry, have been completely rubbish with posting anything this weekend. Hope you all had a fun time! I didn't do too much. Went to see Earth, which was really cute and sad at the same time, but a lot of the footage came from the BBC Planet Earth series, which I'd already seen but it was still nice to go see!

Makeup news: as I've previously mentioned, I always wear nude colours on my lips, however I rediscovered a fuschia pink lipstick I had and so for the past couple of days have been really focusing on making my skin look as good as poss ( lots of Soft and Gentle MSF!) and then just wearing mascara, blush and this lipstick. It's such a change for me as I always focus on eyes and not lips. I still can't decide if I like it or not...will try and take some pics and do a look of the day so you can see. I kind of feel like a clown and as if everyone is staring at me when I do bright lips...all in my head I'm sure.

Will try and do some more looks this week as failed miserably last week at doing any!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

A Rose Romance online now!

2009-04-23T03:55:00.003+01:00

Hello!

For those of you in the US or Canada, A Rose Romance came online yesterday! So you can haul from the comfort of your own home! I personally am going to wait and hit up my local Mac tomorrow. That way I can swatch and decide what I definitely want and will use. Very exciting! I love all the collections...it's excellent marketing on Mac's part because those of us who LOVE the company feel the need to get something (if not a lot of things!) from each collection. It's an addiction!

Ooh Bluesfest. OH MY. The lineup is ok, there's lots there for everyone and I'm sure I'll end up going to a few shows but there is one act that has made the whole festival worth it for me. If no-one but him was coming I would still be so so psyched. MATISYAHU IS COMING!! I appreciate that you may not know who that is as he is not particularly well known but I have loved him for years. He's an Orthodox Jewish Reggae Rapper. Crazy right?! But he is amazing. In the Summer I always put on 'Live at Stubbs' when I'm driving. It is perfect for hot summer evenings, with the roof down on the car. Amazing. I'm not Jewish and although a lot of the music discusses his faith it really doesn't matter because the music is so good. If you haven't heard of him, Youtube! I have wanted to see him live for so long and have been waiting for him to come to Ottawa or Montreal or London or anywhere reasonably close to where I am! So I am very happy! My friends think I'm weird for loving him but they just don't get it!

So yeah that's what's going on with me!

Hope you are all ok and happy hauling tomorrow if you're planning on checking out A Rose Romance!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Nothing to do with makeup but...

2009-04-22T03:59:00.004+01:00

I am in love with Kid Cudi. Seriously.

Not only is he super talented but he dresses sharply and is just so sexy.

This guy is going to become huge in the next year...well, I think so anyway.

Sorry that the vid cuts off, it was the only one I could find to embed. The video is fab though, quite reminiscent of Kanye's style, no? Not surprising as Kid Cudi is kind of Kanye's protege.

In other music news, the lineup for Ottawa Bluesfest is being announced tomorrow. There have been a few rumours on the interwebs...none of which excite me particularly but hopefully there will be some good acts.

Apparently Kiss are coming. Not for me, but no doubt that will please a lot of people? The only rumoured band that I would go see are Death Cab for Cutie, who would be awesome. Believe it or not, Bluesfest normally gets some pretty big acts. In 2006 I saw Kanye, in the pouring rain. It was immense! Who else has come in the last few years...? Erm, Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Metric, Tokyo Police Club, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison. So yeah, hopefully this year will have a few bands I want to go see, it's always a great atmosphere and day/evening out. Will update tomorrow on the performers!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Mac Style Warriors - May 2009

2009-04-21T00:53:00.008+01:00

Mac Style Warriors - May 28th (International - June)

So, so excited about this one! I will be back in the UK, so will miss the North American release date...thus leaving me with somewhat of a dilemma, as I will probably be back in Canada for the summer, before it's released in the UK. So do I ask my Sister or Mom to go to Mac and get what I want and then mail it to me (or keep it until I get back) and risk the inevitable 'How can you spend so much on makeup blah blah blah?!' or do I wait to haul until I'm back in Canada and risk things being sold out? I will have to decide! Thoughts?

Impassioned Solar Bits

Bronzescape Solar Bits

Scatterrays Solar Bits

On a Mission Beauty Powder Blush

Eversun Beauty Powder Blush

Solar Riche and Refined Golden

Pink Rebel Lustre Drops

Bronzer Hero Lustre Drops

Sun Hero Lustre Drops

Golden Bronze and Tempting Eyeshadow

Night Maneuvers and Soft Force Eyeshadows

Vibrant Grape and Bright Future Eyeshadows

Brave New Bronze, Purple Rite, Sunsation and Tribalist Lipsticks

Style Warrior, Liberated, Gold Rebel, Fierce and Fabulous

Thanks Temptalia!

What do you think? There are also nail polishes, mascara, an eyeliner and brush that I didn't out a big pic of but you can see them in the pics at the top. I can't decide if the packaging is tacky enough to be awesome...or just tacky! I think I like it, animal print is generally good right?! Oh my gosh, I want so much! Here are my initial thoughts, although hopefully (for my bank balance!) I might be able to whittle it down.

I deffo want at least one of the solar bits, Solar Riche blush and Sun Hero Lustre Drops, Tempting, Night Maneuvers and Soft Force eyeshadows and Sunsation lipstick. Not horrendous and that list will probably go down...or up(!) once I've swatched.

Does anything catch your eye?

Stay Fab

Sophie Louise

Annabelle Non-Oily Eye Makeup Remover Pads

2009-04-17T03:27:00.003+01:00

Annabelle Non-Oily Eye Makeup Remover Pads $5.49

You know that saying, 'Buy cheap, buy twice' ? I should have kept that in mind when I bought these. Sure, there are plenty of less expensive products that do the job just as well as the pricey brands, however these eye makeup remover pads are not one of them.

I like...
...the price, at $5.49 these are super super cheap and you get 75 pads, so they should last a decent amount of time too.
...the smell. They are fragrance-free which for those of you who have fragrance issues should be a plus, although I think they do have a slight smell but it's just clean and fresh. Quite nice!
...that they are oil free and do not irritate and that they are suitable for sensitive eye. With all that and being fragrance-free, they are kind of covering all bases!

I hate...
...they really don't work well! It takes some serious swiping to make a dent in my eye makeup and I need a few of the pads to tackle each eye.
...the packaging. Not the pot itself, although I can see that as you use them and the pot becomes emptier it might be tough to get your fingers in to reach them. No it's the appearance of the pot that I CANNOT STAND! I am all about things being aesthetically pleasing and the way this pot looks is so awful. I can see why the price is so low because obviously no money went into product design. (You can see a pic in the post below). Perhaps the appearance is not that important to most, but to me it's practically a dealbreaker!

I say...
If you don't wear that much eye makeup and are looking simply for some cheap eye makeup remover pads that you can use quickly, I suppose these would be ok. However, if you, like me are always wearing pigmented eye colour and need something a bit more heavy duty, these won't do the trick. Add to that that the pot is hideous, I wouldn't really recommend these. They are not terrible, just not great. Perhaps a good thing to keep in the cupboard for when you run out if your usual product or if you're not wearing much makeup and need a quick removal.

Will try and do a look of the day tomorrow with some of my drugstore stuff!
I am watching the Lion King right now as a throwback to my childhood. What a fab movie though! Scar is such a great baddie!

Stay Fab!
Sophie Louise
xx

Drugstore Haul!

2009-04-07T21:39:00.011+01:00

Well, not so much a haul...there really wasn't too much that caught my eye and as I think I've mentioned before, whenever I buy Drugstore, I just think that I could have bought one amazing thing from Mac or Nars for the same price as a few not so great products. I still had tons of fun looking at everything and swatching about a million different things on my hand!

Here's what I ended up with:

Annabelle Eye Make-Up Remover Pads - $5.49

Quo Mineral Eyeshadow Quad - $20.00

Both sides have a cute little mirror!

Rimmel Eyeliner Pencil - $9.99

Gosh Nail Polish - $6.00

Covergirl Single Eyeshadow - $5.99

Gosh Pigment - $13.00

Sorry about the slightly sketchy pictures, I just snapped and swatched quickly!

From the swatches everything looks pretty good, but the real test will be when I actually use them, so reviews are forthcoming!

Happy Happy Easter by the way!

Hope you had a great, relaxing weekend!

Stay Fab,

Sophie Louise

Travelling Makeup!

2009-04-07T19:52:00.004+01:00

So finally, here is the makeup that I brought with me from London. I think it is the perfect amount! Not too much that it was weighing my handbag down on the plane (I don't put makeup in my checked luggage in case it goes missing) but enough that I can do all the looks I want to! Of course I'll be buying makeup while I'm here too....

A smashbox shadow, some Mac shadows I haven't depotted yet, a couple of mineralize shadow duos, smashbox liner duo and a couple of Benefit showoffs.

Blushes...my favourite! Here there is...ermm, Fun & Games, Warm Soul, Eversun, Springsheen, Moon River and the MSF's are Refined, Redhead and Soft & Gentle.
Lippies in Shy Girl, Creme d'Nude, Ravishing, Lollipop Loving and Hue. Also a shimmery clear gold from Sleek.
A Mac 15 palette with some Gold/Bronzes/Neutrals....I need to do some more depotting when I get back to London...I can't rest until it's full and in the correct colour order!

Same but with blues and greens

Provence pigment, Urban Decay 24/7 Liners, Lise Watier Glitter Eye Liners, Mac Liner in Poweplum and Stars n Rockets

Pigments, Fluidlines and Paintpots in Vintage Gold, Golden Lemon, Rose, Waveline, Frostlite, Sage Green, Blue Peep, Rollickin and Moss Scape.

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the Day - Gold/Purple/Pink

2009-04-07T05:02:00.007+01:00

Another look of the day! And another look with purple and pink...I'm noticing a pattern! This was from sometime last week, and I don't have a full face pic as it was blah!

To achieve:

Eyes

UDPP

Mac Eyeshadows in:

Flip

Parfait Amour

Goldmine

Pigment in Rose

No. 7 Extreme Length Mascara

Steps!

Prime lids all over with UDPP. Apply Flip lightly over lid, blending just until the crease. Apply Parfait Amour in the outer V and blend into the crease very slightly. Pat Rose pigment in the middle of the lid. Blend Blend Blend! This ensures that the colours flow nicely into each other. Then apply Goldmine under the lower lash line with a small brush. Apply Mascara and you're done.

A pretty easy look right? I just woke up and it is SNOWING outside. That is ridiculous...it is April! I am going to do my makeup right now, and it is not going to involve pink or purple, so that I can do a look of the day that doesn't involve those colours!

Hope you all have a good day and that you have better weather wherever you are!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the Day - Purple/Pink + glitter!

2009-04-05T22:08:00.005+01:00

Hello! I am finally back into the swing of things after what feels like an age. I wore this look today to Ikea and lunch with the fam...perhaps a bit over the top! The pics don't really do the colours justice but you get the idea!

To achieve:

Face

- Mac Studio Fluid SPF 15 in NC15

- Mac Studio Finish Concealer SPF35 in NC15

Cheeks

- Mac Beauty Powder Blush in Eversun

- Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle

Eyes

-UDPP

Mac Eyeshadows in:

-Shore Leave

-Stars 'n' Rockets

-Parfait Amour

-Femme Fi

Mac Fluidline in Waveline

Lise Watier Eye Glitter Liner in Midnight Star

No. 7 Extreme Length Mascara

Lips

Mac Lipstick in Hue

Steps!

Apply Foundation and Concealer. Prime eyelids with UDPP and apply a wash of Shore Leave all over the lid, focusing on the inner corner. Place Stars n Rockets in the middle of the lid, blending out to the outer corner. Apply Parfait Amour in the Outer V and the crease, blending well with Stars n Rockets. Place your brush in Femme Fi and use as a highlight on your brow bone - if you like you could just use Shore Leave for a more shimmery effect! Once you have blended the colours together, take Midnight Star and apply along the upper lash line extending upwards slightly past the end of the eye. Take a small liner brush and put Waveline on the outer 3rd waterline and on the lower lash line - smudge as necessary. Apply Mascara.

Sweep Eversun lightly along cheekbone - it can apply too dark and slightly muddy (on my skin anyway!) if used with a heavy hand, so to build colour, work in layers. Once finished, use Soft and Gentle as a highlight.

Sweep Hue lightly over lips and you're done.

Hope you like it! Now I've got a card reader here I can start uploading my pics and blog more!

Oooh btw as some of you may know, Topshop opened it's doors in NYC this week and you can see my pick of the most stylish items for a night out from Topshop on www.imnotobsessed.com!

Have a relaxing rest of Sunday!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Upcoming!

2009-04-01T03:28:00.003+01:00

Upcoming!
So seeing as how I have been very lax over the last couple of weeks in posting I decided to make a list of upcoming posts. This way I will be motivated to write them! It's not that I don't want to, just that now I'm home and because I haven't been back in so long, I'm spending my time catching up with friends and relaxing! I'm also interning at a magazine, so the last week has flown by like crazy!

Anyway, here are some of my planned upcoming posts!

- Pics of the makeup I brought with me from UK to Canada (I think I was pretty good!)
- Hello Kitty - my thoughts and what I bought ( Super late and after the fact, I realise!)
- Sugarsweet - same as above
- My drugstore haul at Shoppers Drug Mart!
- Fave Mac Lippies

Those are just a few I have in my head at this precise moment. Once I have figured out how to get pics from my Camera to my laptop I can post pics (as I left card reader in London) or I might try to take the 'rents camera and use that. Anyway I'll figure it out tomorrow and try and get a Look of the day up here at some point in the near future. For now though I leave you with an awesome song. Ever since Adam sang it on Idol last week, it's been in my head.

I love the Boyz II Men version...so good.

Stay Fab,
Sophie Louise
xx

Mac Colour Ready April 2009

2009-03-30T03:41:00.009+01:00

Mac Colour Ready

The next collection from Mac is Colour Ready , it's only a small one and contains some repromotes but I think they're really pushing the expansion of the prep and prime line. To be honest none of this really grabs me...although I have been eyeing Bitter eyeshadow for a while, so maybe this is the time to get it. The Line Filler sounds interesting too!

I still need my Sugarsweet fix! I just went and got Refined MSF which I love but from looking at the collection decided I want 3 eyeshadows, 2 lipsticks and the other MSF. I need time between collections to save my pennies!

Anyway here are the product pics. What do you think?

Snow Orchid Lipstick, Impassioned Lipstick

Bitter Eyeshadow

White Frost

Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

129 SH Brush

Stud Eyebrow pencil

Penultimate Eye Liner

So there it is! Those lipsticks look amazing but I know I wouldn't wear them. I just like looking at them!

Stay Fab,

Sophie Louise

I'm baaaack!

2009-03-30T02:36:00.003+01:00

Ok, after a brief hiatus I am back!

I took this week to settle back home and it is so nice to be back!
Wireless is set up on my laptop at my parents house now so as of tomorrow I can blog regularly.
I am interning at a magazine, and tomorrow's my first day so I will try and take some pics of my makeup!

Until then...

Stay Fab,
Sophie Louise
xx

Beauty Bargains at imnotobsessed.com!

2009-03-23T18:49:00.002Z

Hello!

Just to let you all know if you head over to imnotobsessed you can find my picks for the best beauty bargains to be had online at the mo. There's some great deals to be had!

I am going back to Canada tomorrow! So excited, except I hate flying, so wish me a safe, turbulent free flight! You'd think I'd get used to it by now...last year I used to do that transatlantic flight every 10 weeks but I still get so nervous.

I guarantee that once I'm home and have time to blog, I will keep this up to date. As I said before the last few weeks have been so busy,

So think about me tomorrow and I will post once I' ve arrived!

Stay Fab,

Sophie Louise

Still a crazy week!

2009-03-19T22:29:00.002Z

Hi!

Am still having a crazy busy week but tomorrow is the culmination of over 2 month's work...and all in a 10 minute presentation! Once that has finished I am on vacation! Cannot wait, it also means I will have time to blog, let alone eat and sleep!

We have worked so hard the last couple of months, I hope it all goes ok!

Wish me luck and I will be back to blogging next week!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Another day of stress!

2009-03-13T18:16:00.002Z

Aaaargh! Do you ever just have a few days which completely drain you?

That has been this week! Yesterday was such a long day...longer than the day before which I thought was impossible. I was meant to have a tutorial/meeting at 4pm and finally had it at gone 7. I was so tired when I eventually got home after 8 that I couldn't even think about posting anything so I apologise. Today has been another busy day and this weekend is bound to be crazy so the next week or so, I may not have chance to post that much. However after next weekend I am going back to Canada for 7 weeks and will have lots of time without Uni! Cannot wait!

I did manage to run into Selfridges and pick up a couple of things from Hello Kitty and Grand Duos so I will try and do some swatches and let you know my thoughts this weekend.

I am so tired! Honestly everyone on my course is either going around looking like zombies from lack of sleep/long hours or has gone slightly delirious from it all!

I have a 'Music and Fashion' essay to write this weekend...and I have to have music on while I work...here's what I'm going to be writing to! Enjoy!

I love JT and this song has an amazing beat! I don't like the version with Ciara as much...this needs to be played LOUD though!

How hot is this version of Nelly's 'Ride With Me'? It's by a band called 'I call Shotgun'.

Anyway, have a great Friday night! I am doing nothing this weekend except working! Oh well...

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Stressful day!

2009-03-11T21:39:00.003Z

Hi!
Oh my goodness...today has been the longest day ever! I was in Uni working on a project until 7pm. It was awful. Now I am exhausted but we are making vodka cocktails so all is well again!
I planned to write a couple of posts today, thinking I would be back home this afternoon but alas could not, anyway was just checking in as they say!

Hope everyone's day was less stressful than mine!

Stay Fab!
Sophie Louise
xx

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Liners

2009-03-11T20:04:00.000Z

Urban Decay 24/7 Liners

£9.00 each

Oh my. If you haven't already tried these eyeliners, you're in for a big treat!

I'm sure we all agree, pencil eyeliners are fab in principal. They come in all the colours under the rainbow, from every different brand, at every different price point. However most eyeliners just don't stick around for the long haul. I need commitment baby! Half way through the day all that's left of our previously vibrant liner is a smeared smudge. Seriously annoying.

This is all a distant memory, however with Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide on Eyeliners, raved about by beauty bloggers worldwide.

I bought the gift set that was available over the holidays in 'VIP'. It consisted of 5 mini versions of some of the liners. Although these are smaller versions, they are still a decent size and I can see them lasting quite a while! These are still available at Boots for £16.00 in both VIP and the other set Velvet Rope. Quite a bargain really when you weigh up the cost of a full sized individual one!

BTW this pic does not do the colours justice. They really are very vibrant!

How to use...

Pretty self explanatory really, however these are fab when used on the waterline as well as both upper and lower lashlines.

I like...

...These liners are so so pigmented and vibrant! It's amazing.

...they last all day!!! Even on your waterline. Even when my eyes are watery (which they can be if it's sunny and I'm not wearing shades) these liners stay on. They may not look absolutely perfect after a full day of wear but I find that they definitely last much much longer than any pencil eyeliner I've tried before.

...they go on super smooth. Seriously, one swipe and you have perfectly lined lashes. They don't tug or pull at your lids which many eyeliners do, causing that attractive stop start effect.

I hate...

...nothing. These are truly a must have!

I say...

If you're sick of eyeliners that disappear after a couple of hours and only being able to find bright coloured liners from cheaper brands that are horrible quality, you need to try these eyeliners. It will be a revelation! I would thoroughly recommend buying one of the gift sets as you get 5 mini versions of the liners and it will give you a chance to try a few different colours without breaking the bank!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the day - Blue

2009-03-10T23:24:00.001Z

Another day another look...

When I put these on here, they don't look as vibrant for some reason!

To achieve:

Face

- Mac Studio Fluid SPF15 in NC15

- Mac Studio Finish concealer SPF35 in NC15

Cheeks

- Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Springsheen

- Mac MSF in Soft & Gentle

Eyes

- UDPP

- Mac Eyeshadows in:

- Shore Leave

- Tilt

- Freshwater

- Shimmermoss

- Electric Eel

- No 7 Extreme Length Mascara

Lips

- Mac Lipsticks in:

- Ravishing

- Creme d'nude

Steps!

Apply Foundation & Concealer. Put UDPP over entire lid up to browbone. Sweep Shore leave over entire lid up to browbone and put in the inner corner of the eyes. In the centre of the lid place Tilt up to the crease. Put Freshwater on the outer V and up the crease. Blend. On the outer lower lashline use Electric Eel as an eyeliner, until about the centre of your eye. From the inner corner to the centre of your lower lash line use Shimmermoss. Add Mascara to your upper and lower lashes. Take a contour brush and apply a lightish layer of Springsheen from your apples of your cheek up to your hairline in a smooth motion. Add Soft & Gentle to highlight. For lips dot Ravishing lipstick over lips and blend. Then apply a layer of Creme d'nude to tone it down! Done.

Sorry if some of the pics are a bit dark, It's stormy outside! I'm not sure about this look...whenever I use blues I'm always slightly unsure, although I have more blue eyeshadows than any other colour...It's the 80s in me - pair with pink frosted lipstick and I'm all set!

I just think blues make me look even paler than I already am and kind of drawn. What do you think?

I spent the morning in my sweats (Hence the green American Apparel Hoodie!) writing a Music and Fashion essay. Bleurgh. I am halfway done...another 1000 words to go. My plan is to write 500 tomorrow and 500 on thursday so that I can hand in on Friday and the deadline's not til monday! Good plan!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Sleek Divine Original Eyeshadow Palette

2009-03-10T16:47:00.000Z

Sleek Original Divine Eyeshadow Palette

£4.49

Now I admit it, I can be a bit of a makeup snob. I think it's because I use Mac the majority of the time that when I buy cheaper makeup I think ' I could have bought a new Mac eyeshadow for that instead of 4 things I may never use'.

Despite this I do occasionally buy things from the drugstore (eg. the cheaper beauty aisle of Shoppers in Canada and Superdrug in the UK). One of the best items I have ever bought is the Sleek Original Palette. Oh. My. Goodness. This palette is ridiculously cheap! A mix of shimmery and matte shades the colour payoff is insane. This is so pigmented, you won't believe it!

I like...

...the price! It is completely affordable for everyone. If you don't appreciate paying £10 for one Mac Eyeshadow, you can spend less than half for 12 super pigmented colours.

...that the colours are interesting. This is kind of hard to explain but the colours are just really gorgeous. They're shimmery and have good staying power. The greens/blues especially are stunning.

...that there's a mirror in the palette and that it's a decent size and clear. This is so useful when traveling or to have in your handbag. I love convenience!

I hate...

...it's a small thing but the Sleek text that's written on the outside of the palette has worn off majorly and could actually be scratched off. For someone who likes their makeup to look as perfect as possible, it's an annoyance but only a minor one. I suppose things like this mean that the price can stay low, so it's not really a big deal.

...also with a few of the colours, there is slight fall out when applying - ie the colour can fall from your brush under your eye but it's not terrible.

I say...if you're looking for affordable eyeshadows, try this palette. It's great value and the pigmentation is amazing.

Stay Fab

Sophie Louise

Benefit She-Laq eyeshadow sealant

2009-03-09T18:02:00.002Z

Benefit She-laq Eyeshadow Sealant.

£18.50 or $30 USD

Firstly let me say that I love interesting products. Whether they have amazing packaging or promise to improve my makeup/life, I'm interested. This was the premise on which I bought She-laq.

An Eyeshadow Sealant that will keep my eyeshadow on all day? And it comes with 4 cute brushes in a cute drawstring bag? And it's packaged in a gorgeous little blue bottle? I'm in!

And so I bought she-laq. Big mistake. And it cost $30.

This feels so tight when you put it on over your eyeshadow. It also makes your eyeshadows crack and peel. It's horrendous. You can see in the pic - I lightly rubbed the area and the eyeshadow began to peel like crazy. Imagine what blinking would do!

To use...

Apply using the included brushes (which I mislaid ages ago!) or the brush included in the lid over eyeshadow, eyeliner or mascara.

I like...

...the packaging. I love the blue glass bottle and the little brushes in the drawstring bag.

...the size. You get 15 ml which would last you a long time if you were to use this product.

...it does provide a protective layer of your eyeshadow making it last longer but that's only beneficial if you can stand the way it feels on your lids for more than ten minutes.

...it also makes eyeshadows a bit brighter and almost shiny.

I hate...

...the product itself. It makes my eyelids feel so tight that I can't bear to leave it on. It kind of feels like a thin plastic coating over your lids, it's really horrible!

...the brushes. While the concept is cute, the brushes that are included in the bag are terrible quality and if you don't wash them immediately, harden so that they are unusable.

...the price. At £18.50 this is ridiculously expensive! IF it worked and didn't feel as though your lids had been cemented it would still be too expensive.

I say...

...save your money whatever you do. If you're looking for a way to make your eyeshadows last and be more vibrant try Urban Decay Primer Potion (check out my review here). It's half the price and much much more effective.

What do you think? Are you a seasoned She-laq user and disagree? Let me know!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the day - Gold/Bronze

2009-03-09T17:53:00.000Z

Here is another Look of the Day! I had a bit more time to take a few more pics.

How to Achieve:

Face

- Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NC15

-Mac Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 in NC15

Cheeks

- Mac Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

- Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle

Eyes

- Urban Decay Primer Potion

- Mac Eyeshadows in...

- Grand Entrance

- Flip

- Goldmine

- Cranberry

- Urban Decay 27/7 Liner in Lucky

- No. 7 Extreme Length Mascara

Lips

- Mac Creme d'nude

Steps!

Apply Foundation & Concealer. Prime lids with UDPP. Sweep Grand Entrance over entire lid up to Browbone. Then put Flip over your eyelid up to the crease. Use Goldmine almost as an eyeliner - just do a thickish line of it from inner eye to outer on your lashline. Put Cranberry on the outer V and bring it over slightly in the crease. Line Lower lashline/waterline with Lucky and apply Mascara but only to the top lashes. For the cheeks, sweep Warm Soul from apple of cheeks up to hair line. Use Soft & Gentle as a highlight. Apply a couple of layers of Creme d'nude to your lips and you're all done! Easy as that!

I have so much work to do this week, it's crazy. I always leave everything to the last minute too. Nightmare! I am sooo ready to go home now, it's been six months since I was last there and I'm going back for almost 2 months. I cannot wait to see all my friends and my mum and sis, Pippa and go to Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora! I also cannot wait to get my hair and nails done.

But before that is the culmination of a very important, stressful industry project at university, so the next couple of weeks are going to be insanely busy. Still I keep my spirits up by listening to Jay-Z...H to the Izzo, V to the Izzay!...Oh dear...

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Makeup Survey!

2009-03-08T23:23:00.002Z

I found this on the internet...I love this kind of thing, who knows why!?

My Foundation - Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NC15 - When my skin is good, I love how this looks but when it's not so good I find it can be a bit cakey. I've almost run out so am thinking about trying the new Studio Sculpt Foundation.

My Mineral Foundation - I don't use one

My Powder - I generally don't use powder to set my foundation as my skin is dry anyway...if I do, it's just a covergirl compact.

My Mascara - Right now I'm using No. 7 Extreme Length which I bought because I had a Boots voucher (will do a review this week).

My Blush - Mac Beauty Powder Blush in Eversun. If this is used with a light hand, it's not too dark for my pale skin and I love the glow it gives, especially when followed by an MSF.

My Eyeshadows - Ooooh very difficult! If I had to pick a few faves I would say Parfait Amour, Goldmine, Freshwater and Cranberry. Not altogether though ha.

My Lip products - My HG lipstick that I absolutely love is Creme d'nude from the Cremesheen collection. Thank goodness these are now permanent, otherwise I would have to stock up like crazy!

My Day cream - I just use a moisturiser by Simple, it's cheap but it does the trick!

My Beauty product brand(s) - Obviously Mac, although I also like products from Nars and Smashbox.

My essential beauty product(s) - Foundation and Concealer! Blush and Moisturiser.

My favourite makeup product(s) - Mac Mineralize Skin Finishes, I love them so much!

My perfume - Chloe by Chloe and Daisy by Marc Jacobs

My nails - right now are painted a paleish pink, but when I'm at home in Canada I like to have gel nails on...just makes me feel so much more put together.

My feet - are somewhat neglected! I never think to paint my toenails but when I do I love it, so I don't know why I don't do it more often!

My hands - I love big cocktail rings, so I normally wear at least one.

3 products you would bring on a deserted island - Suntan lotion (I'm super pale yo!), Conditioner (Saltwater + my mane hair = nightmare!) and a moisturiser.

Women I admire for their beauty - Hmm, Gwen Stefani, Rihanna and Beyonce

Women with the best sense of style - Chloe Sevigny, The Olsen twins

Favourite Beauty Publication - I love Allure

Copy and Paste til your hearts desire!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Mac A Rose Romance - May 2009

2009-03-07T22:01:00.000Z

Hi!

For those romantics amongst you, this collection is bound to get your heart racing! It's out in May in the UK, I believe and April in North America. I will be in Canada for the whole of April so will be able to get my hands on this early! Yesssss!

Lipsticks - Way To Love, A Rose Romance, Odyssey

Lipglasses - Virgin Kiss, Magnetique, Steal My Heart

See Thru Lip Colour - Loving Touch, Tender Tryst, Secret Crush

Eyeshadows - Of Summer, Et Tu Bouquet, Creme de Violet, Silverthorn, Shadowy Lady

Pigments - Mutiny, Circa Plum

Gel Blush - Just a Pinch

Beauty Powder - Blush of Youth, Summer Rose

Fix + - Rose

Nail Lacquer - Love & Friendship

Creations Hue - Dejarose

Thanks Temptalia!

Thoughts? I think that the Fix + Rose sounds very interesting and I'm liking the look of the eyeshadows and lipstick in Way To Love and Beauty Powder in Blush of Youth...and maybe the pigments!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Mac Sugarsweet - April 2009

2009-03-05T21:34:00.006Z

Hello!

So Hello Kitty and Grand Duos are out now and just when your wallet thought it was about to get a well deserved break, Sugarsweet is going to be released in April!

Here are a few product photos to whet your appetite!

Red Velvet and Penny Shadesticks

Aquavert (Veluxe Pearl)

Club (Satin)

Perfect Topping Mineralize Skin Finish

Refined Mineralize Skin Finish

Consume Me Tricolour Gloss

Bubbles (Glaze)

Touch (Lustre)

Peppermint Patti

Seasonal Peach

Thanks Temptalia.com!

What do you think? There's a lot more from this collection too. What do you think about the tricolour glosses? I'm not a lipgloss girl at all but these look kind of cool...or maybe just kind of gimmicky?

I need those MSF'S though! Yum Yum!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Benefit Cosmetics - Thoughts and 10% off voucher!

2009-03-05T21:17:00.002Z

Hey!

Been thinking about Benefit Cosmetics, which I haven't paid too much attention to lately...oh how things have changed from a couple of years ago!

Firstly you should know I used to be known as the Benefit Lady. I was obsessed.

I know how it started. I walked into my local Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique (heaven) and there it was. Fabulously kitsch 50's packaging. Wonderfully eccentric names. I wanted to touch, smell and try everything. And believe me I did. A mad spending spree ensued, lasting a couple of years. I knew more about the brand than the MUA's. They would show me new products and I would scoff and say 'I ordered that online last week in every colour'. Due to the obscene amount of time I spent in Shoppers with my BFF Tia on late nights (open til midnight, he-ey!) they all knew me in there and would greet me with a warm smile and nod knowingly in the direction of the benefit counter. Soon I transferred my affections to Mac but Benefit still held a warm place in my heart.

Tia started to work part time in the Beauty Boutique at Shoppers ( I knew I picked a good best friend!) and I still believed I could claim Benefit lady status. It was only when Tia wrote to me, warning that I was possibly about to be usurped of my crown that I began to think about Benefit again and that perhaps I should go and check out their new products. Before I do that however, here is the very message she wrote to me!!

'Dear Bff,

Your 'Benefit lady' title is being threatened by an elderly lady with horrid eyebrows. She came in tonight when I was working and after purchasing ridiculous amounts of Benefit she told me that she reads the catalogue every night and goes on their website everyday and she was the first one to buy the new blush (coralista) when it came because she was outside the store at 8 am that day. omg. Then she said she owns every product x2 - just in case she runs out of one. I was like, my best friend is known at this store as the benefit lady - and she was like "What? She's the Benefit Lady? What do you mean, how did she get that name, can I apply for it? " I was trying not to burst out laughing, she was dead serious! I was like, 'Oh no no that's just a tag she was given for buying large amounts of Benefit and all the girls here know her!.'

So there we go...someone is trying to steal my crown! Well not too fast there missy.

I am going to Benefit this week to check out some new products and will let you know what I think! After all, I have a title to defend!

ALSO UNTIL THE 22ND MARCH GET 10% OFF AT BENEFITCOSMETICS.CO.UK - JUST USE CODE BENEMDAY!

Stay fab!

Sophie

(aka the Benefit Lady!)

Mac Hello Kitty and Grand Duos online now!

2009-03-04T20:27:00.003Z

Quick!

Hello Kitty is online at Mac today and will be in stores tomorrow!

Some things are already sold out, so hurry up!

I think I'm going to skip out on buying online and hit up Selfridges tomorrow if I have a spare moment. That way I can look at everything in person and hopefully whittle down what I would like! I was thinking about getting cute-ster or fresh brew but I back2mac'ed this week and got ravishing and hue lipsticks (more on those later), so think I may be able to pass on the HK lipsticks!

What are you going to haul?

Also the Grand Duos are out and I want all of these so so badly! However I think I'm going to restrain and just get one, although I'm not sure which!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

My favourite product ever?

2009-03-04T20:17:00.000Z

Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle

Price - £17.13

Hey!

Now, as my best friend Tia can testify I am obsessed with anything shimmery and highlightery (new made up word). I am like a magpie, attracted to anything that shimmers and sparkles. Anyway my favourite product in the whole world, at least for the moment, is Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle. I cannot say enough about this! I put it over practically every single blush I wear and it makes my skin look shimmery and slightly bronzed and oh my, I love it!

To use:

I use this after my blush but it's also pretty by itself.

I swirl my 187 brush onto this and then tap the excess off. I then use my brush sweeping up over my blush and going a bit higher than my blush, for the highlight effect! Simple as that! Occasionally I'll also sweep this lightly in a T shape over my forehead, down my nose and to my chin. But very, very lightly! You don't want to look shiny in a bad way, just subtly sparkling!

I like:

...pretty much everything about this!

...that it's not too pigmented and that I can layer it over blushes of all colors, which is a big plus.

...that it gives the perfect amount of shimmer but can be built up for different occasions/need for sparkle.

I hate:

...I don't really hate anything about this, I suppose it's a bit pricey but IMO totally worth it.

I say...

If you are looking for a product with the perfect amount of shimmer and pigmentation to layer over blushes, go for MSF in Soft and Gentle. I think it would look fab on all skin tones, too.

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Look of the day - Purple/Pink

2009-03-03T21:21:00.010Z

Hello!

Here is my first Look of the day post!

I decided to do this at the last minute this morning before leaving the house and so just took a couple of quick pics on my laptop but I think you can get the general idea. In the future, I will ensure the photos are better quality and that there's more of them!

The eye close up:
The face:

NOTE :: Before all of my looks, I moisturise but will not include this info, unless I've used something particularly special/different as everyone has their own preferences!

How to achieve...

Face

* Mac Studio Finish Foundation in NC15

* Mac Studio Finish Concealer in NC15

* Smashbox Under Eye Brightener

Cheeks

* Mac Beauty Powder Blush in Eversun

* Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Redhead

Eyes

* Base of Urban Decay Primer Potion

* Mac Pigment in Provence

* Barry M Dazzle Dust no. 27

* Mac Fluidline in Frostlite

* Mac Eyeshadow in Stars and Rockets

* Mac Eyeshadow in Parfait Amour

* Barry M Dazzle Dust no. 64

* Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Liner in Lust

* No. 7 Extreme Length Mascara

Lips

Sleek Sheer Cover in Silk

Mac pigment in Rose

Steps!

After applying Foundation and Concealer, dot Smashbox Eye Brightener under your eyes and blend. Use Eversun lightly as a contour sweeping from your hairline under your cheekbone. On top add Redhead MSF as a highlight to make your skin shimmer! Can also apply this lightly (putting your brush only in the lighter shades) across your forehead, chin and down your nose for a lightly bronzed glow. Apply UDPP all over eyelids, up to your brow bone. Sweep Provence over the whole lid, focusing on the inner corner. In the middle of your lid, put Stars and Rockets, blending slightly above the crease. On the Outer V and on the crease, use Parfait Amour. Blend. In the inner corner of your eye go over Provence with no. 27 Dazzle Dust for extra sparkle. Also use this as a highlight under your brow. Add Frostlite in the inner corner of your lower lash line, following along the first third or so of your eye. On the lower lash line, focusing on the outer corner, use UDPP 24/7 pencil in Lust along about 2/3 of the way. On the top lash line, using a thin eyeliner brush, sweep a thin line of Dazzle Dust no. 27 for a pop of pink. Finish with Mascara.

For the lips, use a thin layer of silk lipstick and then press a small amount of Rose pigment onto your lips. Make sure you only use it very lightly for a pinky shimmery lip.

Let me know what you think!

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Fashion at imnotobsessed.com

2009-03-02T23:45:00.004Z

Hi!

Now I'm sure, like me you have a few websites that you check once every single day (and let's face it, often it's more like a few times a day!). One of my faves is www.imnotobsessed.com. It is a celebrity gossip website unlike no other. While most are full of scathing remarks and mean comments about celebrities, INO is 'gossip without the guilt'. The owner, Vera has set up a great site - full of celeb gossip, fashion finds and contests. If you haven't already, make sure you check it out. I go there a few times a day for my gossip fix!

Anyway this is a bit of a personal plug! I have had the opportunity to write for the fashion/beauty section of INO! My first piece is up there now, so quick head off to INO and tell all your friends!

Stay fab

Sophie Louise

Eyeshadow placement

2009-03-02T00:56:00.006Z

Hi!

You can find images like this all over the net but I thought I would make my own to help you with eyeshadow placement. Don't know what people mean when they say waterline or crease? Well here , now you know and can drop these in makeup related conversations like a pro!

Hope that helps some of you!

Stay fab!

Sophie Louise

Twitter...yet another way to waste my time!

2009-03-01T23:42:00.008Z

Hello!

I have, after being completely out of the twitter loop, joined the crowd and opened a twitter account!

You can follow me on www.twitter.com/makeuproar

Hope you had a good weekend, I cannot stop listening to 'Flight School' by Kanye West (with whom I have a slight obsession!

I love it!

Stay Fab

Sophie Louise

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Luscious Long Deep Treatment

2009-02-28T23:59:00.020Z

Price - £5.49

Now maybe I need to post some pics, but my hair is the constant bane of my life! Seriously I spend so much time thinking about my hair, it's ridiculous!

My hair is long, thick and generally looks like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards...not such a good look. I don't know if it's the weather or who knows but my hair and particularly the back of my hair gets so matted. I'm pretty sure that if I left it for a few weeks it would be dreadlock heaven...not what I'm going for!

OK, I found a pic, this actually doesn't show the nightmare hair very well! You can see that the ends are tangly, although this is a couple of months old - the situation has become much much worse since then!

Now the matter is not helped by the fact that I am loyal to my hairstylist back home but since I haven't been back for about 6 months, my hair has been allowed to grow wild! Thank goodness

I am back in a few weeks, you can bet I will be in that salon faster than you can say 'highlights!'.

Anyway after I realised it was taking me a long long long time to brush my hair after washing it, no matter how much conditioner I used I knew something had to be done!

Enter Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Luscious Long Deep Treatment. I bought this one specifically basically because I love Aussie products, I find that they work really well (their luscious long shampoo is pretty much the only one that keeps my hair, which is prone to greasiness, clean for a couple of days). It was also the only one that was available at the little pharmacy down the street, so I didn't have much choice anyway! As far as the smell of this goes, it is really hard to describe...I don't love it but it's fine. The conditioner has Eucalyptus extract and Avocado oil but I can't say that the smell indicates this!

to use...

I washed my hair with shampoo and rinsed. Then I shut off my shower and shook this baby up! I put a ton into the palm of my hand and then worked it thoroughly through my hair - focusing specifically on the ends and the underneath of my hair where the issues lie and avoiding the roots where I do not need any conditioning. I then waited three minutes, maybe a bit more (boring but multitask and shave your legs/sing/exfoliate to pass the time). Then I rinsed it off. If you want to you could also use your regular conditioner after the treatment for extra help.

I could feel as I rinsed it off that my hair felt smoother but to be honest, it didn't help with the tangles that much. It was definitely better but not as much of a miracle as I expected. Maybe my expectations were too high! I decided to persevere and continued using it the next few times I washed my hair and the difference was actually noticeable! Thank goodness!! Definitely the third and fourth time I used this, my hair brushed through much easier and wasn't knot central. The only issue I'm still facing is that although my hair is smoother after I wash it, it doesn't stay that way and the next day is starting to tangle again.

I like...

- the consistency, it's thickish but it works through the hair really well.

- the amount of product - the bottle lasted me about 4 washes but my hair is long and I put a lot on there! If you have shorter hair or need less help, this will obviously last longer. I would say it's pretty good value for money - there's lots of much more expensive hair conditioners out there.

I hate...

- waiting three minutes but that's just because I'm so impatient!!

- that even though I used this liberally, I don't feel as though it benefitted my hair in the long term.

I say...

Despite the fact that I'm not sure how effective this was in the long run, I think I would repurchase. It definitely made brushing my hair much much easier and if your hair wasn't in as bad a condition as mine, it would probably work more efficiently. I may try and test a more expensive hair treatment and see how it goes...here's hoping!

Stay Fab

Sophie Louise

Mac Hello Kitty! Meooowww...

2009-02-16T21:12:00.001Z

Hi!

Did you all have a good weekend?

I spent the weekend at my grandparents chillaxing!

In the car on the way home, I found myself contemplating Mac. Of course like any beauty gal I love it, eat, sleep and breathe it. I do, however have one massive issue. Why oh why are the collections released so much later here than in North America?? I'm sure it's done simply to screw with my head!! Perhaps I'm overreacting but I wonder what the logical reason is? With family in Canada, it is painful for me knowing that they could go and get the collections (not that they're interested!) but I have to wait. Humph. In fact my sister actually had my invitation for the Hello Kitty launch party on Feb 3rd in her hands. Of course I was unable to go being in London.

Anyways! Hello Kitty. At first this didn't appeal to me at all.

Not really into Hello Kitty and none of the products jumped out at me...however upon further inspection...I think I've come round! While some things (hello eyeshadow palettes!) do not float my boat, I am quite excited for the pigments! I think the accessories look kind of cheap though.

So these pics have been on the internet for an age from the N.A launch but for all you gals in the U of K, here are some product photos!

Accessories

Pigments in Milk and Deep Blue Green

Glitter in Reflects Blue and Very Pink

Glitter Liners in Girl Groove, Kitty Power, Glamourpuss, Her Glitz

Beauty Powder in Tahitian Sand and Pretty Baby

Beauty Powder Blush in Fun & Games and Tippy

Lipsticks

Lipglasses

Eyeshadow palette in Lucky Tom & Too Dolly

There's a couple more things - nail polish, lashes.

I don't have the names of the lipglasses and lipsticks next to the photos, it's quite hard to match these photos to the swatches on Mac's website!

The names of the lipglasses are: She loves candy, Sweet Strawberry, Fast Friends, Nice Kitty, Mimmy, Nice to be Nice.

The names of the lipsticks are: Strayin', Fashion Mews, Most Popular, Cute-ster, Big Bow, Fresh Brew.

What do you think?

I think I might get both pigments, the beauty powder blush in fun and games and lipsticks in fresh brew and/or cute-ster. Depending on funds!

What are you planning on getting?

Stay Fab!

Sophie Louise

Urban Decay Primer Potion

2009-02-16T01:29:00.003Z

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Price: £9.50

This is pretty much a must buy!! If you haven't already got UDPP as it's generally known, run out now and get it. Seriously ladies you need this. Believe it or not I hadn't really jumped on the eyeshadow primer wagon. I had serious doubts that it would work and for some reason couldn't separate the idea from She-laq from Benefit (eurgh) which I have never been able to get to work for me.

If you were thinking of trying She-laq, think again yo! Anyway I'll review that separately so you can get a more detailed review.

Ok back onto UDPP.

To use:

UDPP comes

in a very cute purple bottle, it reminds me of something from Disney! The applicator is a doe foot wand, which I normally find clumsy when applying products but for this it's perfect!

It really is very simple, if you were thinking that an eyeshadow primer is too much work or you won't be able to do it, think again! I simply remove the doe foot from the bottle and apply to clean eyelids. Depending on the look, I'll take it all the way up to my eyebrow. I tend to dot it on or use little strokes and then blend it in. Simple as! Sometimes, if I'm rocking the whole no eyeshadow just mascara look, I'll use UDPP anyway just to brighten up my eyes!

I like...

...that this actually works! It makes eyeshadows much more vivid, and means that they don't crease. Honestly, the amount of times I would get home after rushing around London, look in the mirror and my eyeshadow would be sheer desperadoes! Creased, faded, just generally not a good look. UDPP has changed all this!

...the look of the bottle. It's a nice shape and looks good. However is unbelieveably impractical, more on that in a sec.

...the price. It is not exorbitant and is actually very reasonable considering how much product you receive and how well it works.

I hate...

...there's really only one thing I dislike about this product and that is the design of the bottle. Due to the shape and the doe foot applicator, you can never reach the majority of the product. How amazingly frustrating! So you'll think that your bottle is finished but actually, ladies there's weeks more product hidden in that cute little bottle! Damn! However all is not lost. There are lots of videos on youtube showing you how to cut open your bottle and decant the product into a container. Just be careful with that knife yo! And make sure that the container you decant it into is airtight otherwise the primer will dry up. Enkore makeup has a great tutorial on how to decant into empty lip tubes.

I say...add this into your makeup routine and you will definitely see a difference in the vibrancy and staying power of your eyeshadows. Yay!

Stay fab!

Sophie Louise

2009-02-16T01:10:00.001Z

Hey guys!

So I'm new to blogging but it's something I've wanted to do for a long time but never got around to. Well the time has come. I'm not sure where the sudden impulse came from...I was watching Sex and the city (of course!) and it's 1 in the morning. My neighbours in the flat above are making a cacophony of noise...singing believe it or not...so I can't sleep and I remember that I set up this blog a couple of months ago and did nothing about it. So here I am, maybe Carrie and the gals are to thank?

Anyway, with this blog I am going to try and review some products - ones that you probably have heard of and maybe already use and then some things that may be new to you. I'll also try some face of the days and general beauty chat!

I guess I'll start with a little bit about me! I am 20, my parents live in Canada and that's where I spent my teenage years but now I live in London, UK which is where I am from originally. I study Fashion Journalism, which I enjoy but it can be very busy and stressful! I am and always have been very ambitious although you may not know it if you met me. So gals, that's about it!

No doubt as I go on you'll know more about me and I hope I'll get to know you! Comment and say hello!

Stay fab!

Sophie Louise

Welcome!

2009-02-16T01:00:00.002Z

Welcome!

Makeuproar is a beauty blog dedicated to all things makeup!

Please feel free to comment ladies (and gents!)

Stay fab!

Sophie Louise