MAC | Speak Louder Lipstick

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all well and have had a fabulous weekend! I have had quite an exciting weekend as my parents took me out browsing for my 21st Birthday presents! it is still a few months away but heyy it is always good to be prepared haha. It is only 107 days away...not that i am counting or anything haha ;)

MAC has always been a guilty pleasure of mine and have accumulated a nice little collection of  lipsticks over the years, i am thinking about posting an updated collection if that is something you would like to see, so pretty please let me know :D my current one is HERE if you would like to take a peek lovelies. 

MAC - Speak Louder Lipstick | £15

Thought i would show you all yet another lip product i have re-discovered and loving right now. I was first introduced to 'Speak Louder' by a MAC makeup artist when i had my MAC makeover last year for my birthday. It was a shade which was a little outside my comfort zone as i usually opt for more subtle pink shades. Saying that, i absolutely loved how this looked on my lips and got lots of lovely compliments on it so instantly that made me feel so much better! I used to think brighter red-ish shades never suited me but that has completely changed now...especially as one of my all time favourite lipsticks is 'La Favourite' by Chanel!

Speak Louder is described as a 'poppy blue pink' and is a beautiful vibrant shade leading towards a pinky red with subtle blue undertones. It has a Cremesheen formulation which is one of my favourites that MAC offers. It glides on the lips like a dream and feels extremely smooth and creamy on the lips in comparison to Matte formulations which i find can be quite drying on me personally. I also find that Cremesheens last longer and does not dry out my lips or leave that pesky white mark behind when the lipstick starts to fade.

In the bullet it looks completely bright and bold but upon application it does appear to be more of a medium coverage which is easy to work with as you can create the desired shade you want, whether it being a slight tint to the lips of a full on vibrant bold lip combination.

Overall, i am really loving this lipstick right now and i feel it is a perfect shade to rock throughout the summer as it is fun and vibrant. I have just taken a peek through the website and see that the lipsticks have had another price increase...i remember when i purchased my first ever MAC lipstick and they were like £11.50 and now they are £15! Wowza...the price we pay for our makeup goodies haha.

Hope you all enjoyed this MAC lipstick review! I would love to know what your favourite MAC or non MAC lipstick is and if you have any recommendations for me! Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you and i make sure to read every single comment...they really make my day!

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE. 

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

Elemis | Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all well and are having a fabulous week so far! Only a few more days until the weekend is finally here...woohoo! I have a few days off so i plan on taking full advantage of them...starting from today where I had a no makeup lazy day and hardly left my room! Feel really relaxed and refreshed now so am ready for a full day of antics tomorrow!

On the theme of relaxation i thought i would share with you one of my new luxurious pampering treats i am truly loving right now. Elemis very kindly sent me a load of goodies to try out and the 'Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow' is something really unique and amazing and i had to share it with you all. 

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow | £36.50*

The Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow is like a spa holiday in a jar! While you rub in the mineral-rich salt, the Monoi and Coconut oils combined with the Frangipani and Hibiscus whisk your mind off to an exotic holiday mindset. The mineral-rich salts and Hibiscus cleanse and exfoliate your dead skin cells to help brighten the skin, where as the super rich infusion of exotic Tahitian Monoi Oil and Frangipani flowers leaves the skin delicately fragranced which lingers on the skin for hours. The nourishing Coconut Oil base melts on contact with the skin to ensure all moisture in sealed in.

This is a perfect product to use all year round if you fancy a little pamper but it is also an amazing pre-holiday skin prep. Housed in a super luxurious jar makes this product even more luxurious and i adore having it out on display in my en-suit amongst all of my favoured pampering treats. Once you open the jar you are overcome by such a beautiful scent which somehow manages to fill the room, it reminds me so much of being on holiday in the sunshine. 

The consistency of this gem is quite moist and silky, however, the salt and Frangipani particles have just the right texture to gently buff the skin. It's a very versatile product which could be used in the shower or in the bath where the product can melt away into the water adding even more moisture to your skin. It is such a lovely product and i really do think that it leaves my skin silky smooth, soft to the touch and glowing. It's a great product for all skin types as my mum has sneakily been using it also and really is obsessed with it right now...may have to treat her to a few bits when we are next out! 

Elemis recommends using this product weekly and i personally think this suggestion is about right. As it is a luxurious and highly priced in comparison to other scrubs i would only use this when i was in need of a pampering session. Saying that i definitely feel this is a product where a little goes a long way and would last you quite a while. 

Elemis have an entire range based around Frangipani Monoi and after trying this Salt Glow i am extremely eager and excited to take a peek at all of the other products they have to offer. I have a few of their skincare goodies which i have really been enjoying so venturing out into skincare for the body was really exciting and i have seriously fallen in love with this product. 

If you fancy trying out this product or anything else from Elemis you can take a peek through the Time To Spa website. Hope you all enjoyed this pampering treat review! I would love to know what your favourite pampering treat right now and if there was anything you would love to try from Elemis. Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you and i make sure to read every single comment...they really make my day!

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE. 

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

*PR Sample

Benefit | Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Sugarbomb

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all doing well, had a fabulous weekend and the sun was shining wherever you were! I have a little project in the works will be revealed soon...i have a few mixed emotions about it right now but i cannot wait to finally get it into action!

So my last few posts have been about some of my favourite products so i thought i would carry on with it and show you another lip product i am really loving. The Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Glosses are such a fun and unique product Benefit have introduced as they mirror their very famous boxed blushers! Like in my previous post this gorgeous 'Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Sugarbomb' was very kindly gifted to me by my berrie India from 'The Jewel Beauty' and it has been a real go to product which has had a stable place in my makeup bag lately. 

If you all read my 'Benefit Boxed Blushers Collection' then you will know that Sugarbomb is one of my all time favourite blushers from them so it was such a pleasant surprise to see that India chose the Sugarbomb lip gloss for me...berrie knows her stuff! :D

The Sugarbomb lip gloss is described as a 'shimmering pinky nude'. When applied on the lips and when swatched it does live up to it's description, however, i would say it is more on the pink side that a nude. This is quite a sheer gloss when applied on the lips...it kind of reminds me of a 'my lips but better' shade, however, it offers more of a glamorous tones as it has tiny weeny shimmering particles in the formulation. They particles are not really noticeable to the touch but can seen more when the sun hits the lips. This is a perfect 'everyday' shade for me as i do love pink lip combinations. I love applying this over MAC Creme Cup...it is one of my go to lip combinations right now and i think it'll stay up there throughout the summer. Obviously, when the lip gloss is layered over a lipstick is does give the product more of an impact which i love as they are a very versatile product. 

When applied on the lips the formulation is extremely smooth and does not feel sticky on the lips. There is nothing i hate more that when i am out in public and my hair clings onto my lip gloss in the wind...haha a big no no! So i will most definitely be purchasing a few more of these bad boys! After wearing the gloss for a while i was pleasantly surprised that my lips still felt super smooth and moisturised and after the lip gloss had almost vanished it left no white residue behind! It does have a slight scent when you apply it on the lips, which is a scent i really like...it reminds me of really juicy fruit and sugar which is similar to the 'sugarbomb' box blush!

Instantly when you look at the lip glosses you can see how similar the packaging is to the boxed blushers and i think they look amazing. The fact that the lip glosses also come with a a similar style box for the outer packaging is very beautiful and i think they work extremely well at complimenting each other. 

As you can see from the pictures above the applicator is a transparent squeeze gloss style. I think this gives the lip glosses an edge as most lip glosses we see today have the classic doe-foot applicators. This style of application reminds me of the Lancome Juicy Tubes which are also some of my favourites! I don't have a favourite way of applying lip gloss per say but i would say that the slanted plastic applicator is a great way to have easy and even application especially when you are on the go and in a hurry. 

Benefit also offer this Lip Gloss in -

- CORALista

- Hoola

- Bella Bamba

- Dallas

- Dandelion

Hope you all enjoyed this post on the Sugarbomb Ultra Plush Lip Gloss, i would love to know your thoughts on it, if you have tried any and which shade you would like to try out! Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you and i make sure to read every single comment...they really make my day!

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE. 

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

YSL Glossy Stain | Rose Pastelle #18

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all well! Wow, still seriously cannot believe how amazing the weather has been lately! I am super excited as i am off to an event in London tomorrow with Panasonic and then off to the 'Love Box' festival! It's my first festival of the year so really looking forward to that, meeting some of the other blogger girlies and having a lush day out in London!

Today i thought i would post on one of my favourite lip products of the moment. As you can see from the title it is a 'YSL Glossy Stain in Rose Pastelle which is shade #18. It was my first ever YSL Glossy Stain and my really good friend 'India' from 'The Jewel Beauty' gifted it to me in our Christmas Beauty Boxes last year. It has been a great product to use in this heat as it is a Glossy Stain it has serious staying power.

Rose Pastelle is a beautiful milky pink shade which i absolutely adore. As you all may know by now i am obsessed with pink lip combinations and this is definitely up there in my top favourites. YSL offer some of the most beautiful lip products which i might add are stunningly packaged...every time i walk past a counter it is almost impossible not to stop and take a peek through all the luscious goodies! The Glossy Stains are another fabulous product that YSL are now offering and after trying this shade i cannot wait to branch out and try others within the collection. 

With the more light shades in any type of Glossy Stain i find that you need a good few layers to see the lip products full potential shine through. I usually apply a light layer first, wait for it to dry and then apply another coat and so on depending on how i want the intensity to be. It works fabulous that way but you can also apply it over a favoured lipstick also for an umph to your lips. In the past i have loved applying Rose Pastelle over 'MAC Creme Cup' and 'YSL Lingerie Pink #7'. 

Like i said earlier, the packaging is absolutely stunning, the wand is super easy to use and apply the product and i adore the clear panel along the packaging where the shade peaks through...makes it so much easier when picking a lip product when rummaging through makeup collections. The formulation has a wonderful fruity scent to it much like most of the YSL makeup products which i absolutely love, it is non sticky, feels extremely smooth and soft on the lips and does not leave the lips dried out or chapped. 

Overall, i feel it is a lovely product to use when you are on the go or to use on a daily basis. It is available in 29 shades which can be purchased from YSL themselves, Debenhams, Selfridges and so on. I love how the Glossy Stains provide ultimate shine, wear and colour. The exclusive applicator makes application so much easier and precise. It's the perfect high shine lip product!

Hope you all enjoyed this YSL Glossy Stain post! I would love to know your thoughts on them and if you have tried any out yourself. Also, i would love to know what your favourite lip product of the moment is. Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you and i make sure to read every single comment...they really make my day!

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE. 

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

Benefit Box Blusher Collection

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all well and have had a fabulous week so far. I have an excited day tomorrow full of meetings and shopping so i am really looking forward to a day out! My new chanel will be making another appearance tomorrow haha.

As i am posting more frequently now i want to make sure i post a variety of different goodies to show you. So today i thought it would be fun to do a kind of collection post. The possibilities are endless when it comes to collection posts but i decided to show you all of my 'Benefit Box Blushers' which i have accumulated over the years. I absolutely love them and i cannot wait to add to my collection!

Also, i was Benefits Blogger of the Month throughout June so i was super excited to get a new post up showing you some of my Benefit goodies in my makeup collection :D

So as you can see my collection consists of four of the Benefit Box Blushers. Sugarbomb, Hoola, Coralista and Bella Bamba. Even though i have four types i actually have six in my collection as i have back ups in my collection for when i run out...thats how much i love these! 

My collection consists of a mixture between the old school and new packaging...however, even thought the outer packaging has changed the product and the mini brushes which come included are still the same. 

Benefit Hoola - £23.50

Benefit Hoola is one of the famous Box Blushers from Benefit as it is a favoured bronzer throughout the bbloggersphere and beauty community. I actually have two of these in my collection as it is my go to bronzer on a daily basis pared with my NARS Laguna. The packaging has changed slightly now, as you can see the box on the left has a lid which is attached and the one on the right is the old school packaging where the lid comes completely off. The one on the right is almost completely gone...i seriously didnt want to show you it as literally there are only crumbs left which i am still trying to use up every last drop off (and the packaging is pretty battered...wahhh!)

Hoola is a very versatile blusher which can be layered up for a more define bronzed contour look or brushed over the skin lightly for a light sunkissed look. I love contouring and warming my face up with this bronzer, just makes you look like you have walked off an aeroplane from a vacation in the sun. After bronzing through the Benefit Website...i discovered that Hoola is actually the UK's Best Selling Bronzer...pretty amazing!

Benefit Sugarbomb - £23.50

This has completely hit pan and is one of my all time favourite blushers. At first you think that the four shades included in this blush look quite shocking...however, when swirled together they create the most beautiful light pink / coral shade which i packed full of shimmer...the perfect 2-in-1 blushers and highlighter. Whenever i wear this on a night out i always get compliments on how it looks! Not only do i love the shades i also love the name...Sugarbomb just sound so fun and it actually smells pretty yummy too! After seeing how much i have hit pan on this little gem i am seriously contemplating to purchase a back up tomorrow! 

Benefit Bella Bamba - £23.50

This is a shade i haven't used as much as you can tell as it looks virtually brand new. Believe it or not i picked this up on my travels a few years ago from Sephora in Barcelona. It had just been released at the time and i instantly fell in love with it so naturally i had to add it to my collection. On the packaging it states that it is a '3D Pink' and it really is as it is another Boxed Blusher which is packed full of beautiful shimmer like Sugarbomb. When this blusher first released it instantly made my thing of my little Yorkie Bella...so every time i use it i instantly think about 'Bella Bamba' & 'Bella' haha...just a little fun fact for you all!

Benefit Coralista - £23.50

I initially went in to purchase this Boxed Blusher when i actually purchased Sugarbomb so i actually got this the Christmas after in a fun Christmas Set by Benefit. This is another cult product by Benefit which is widely know throughout the beauty community. True to it's name this is a stunning Coral blush which has slight shimmer in much like Sugarbomb and Bella Bamba. I think this would be an amazing shade to pair with a tan on vacation or even throughout the winter for that ice cold bitten cheek look...it is extremely versatile. I love how it can cheer up your skin tone almost instantly!

Overall, i absolutely love these Benefit Boxed Blushers! I love how they look packaging wise and how they look perfect on display. The colours are so fun and always catch my eye! Also, they are extremely long-wearing so you will get your moneys worth as mine have lasted me a good 18 months to 2 years using them regularly in many day and evening makeup looks. I only have Dandelion, Dallas and Hervana to try now...if you have tried them i would love to know your thoughts on them :D Also, Benefit are soon to be releasing their new Boxed Blsuhed 'Rockateur' which i am extremely excited about!!

Hope you enjoyed this post lovelies! I would love to know your thoughts on the blushers, which your favourites are and ones you have on your wish list! If you have any questions or request please do not hesitate to get in contact with me or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you all i read every single comment...they make my day!

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE. 

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

Bioderma Photoderm Apres Soleil Refreshing After Sun Milk

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all doing well and had a fabulous weekend in the sunshine. I had an amazing day out with some girlies today, we decided to go for a picnic down the local marina and goshh the weather was beautiful. Literally was so happy that i could sit out in this beautiful weather and catch a few rays! Absolutely love my sunkissed glow at the moment...don't want it to ever fade haha!

So, to maintain a tan one of the vital components is to moisturise and it is something i have always made sure to do on a regular basis and also when i have a tan. I was recently sent the 'Bioderma Photoderm Apres Soleil' which is a very refreshing after sun milk. Since we have been having such lovely weather it has been a perfect After Sun product to use. This one by Bioderma is absolutely lovely and so i wanted to do a review for you all!

So you all may know Bioderma best for their very famous Micellar cleansers, however, they also do other skincare goodies which i have reviewed HERE but also sun protection! You can get an all-year round photoprotective care for you skin with the Bioderma Photoderm range. They offer sun protection, self tanners and of course after sun which i will be reviewing today. Depending on your sin type, the intensity of the sunshine Photoderm provides the appropriate solution for your needs, to protect your skin against harmful sun damage. At the end of the day we all love to sit out in the sun and get a tan during the summer time...we just need to make sure we are using the right products to protect our face and body. 

This moisturising milk works to rehydrate your skin that has been dried out by sun exposure throughout the day. It then also prepares your skin for further exposure by optimising its natural anti-UV protection and maintaining a balanced hydration level. The exclusive patented cellular BIOprotection® complex effectively shields the skin against risk of cell damage. The moisturising milk is extremely smoothing, refreshing and decongests the skin after sun exposure. It has a light and easy to apply texture which does not leave a white cast like some other after suns do and makes sure you skin curbs skin peeling. 

The 'Bioderm Photoderm Apres Soleil Refreshing After Sun Milk' has got to be one of the best After Sun lotions i have used in a long time. I love the formulation behind it and how it rehydrates the skin, prolongs your tan and how overall refreshing it is. In the past i have used After Sun lotions which have had a pretty thick consistency which i feel did nothing to my skin other than leave a white cast haha. It has been lovely to use throughout this little heatwave we are having in the UK, i applied it this evening and it absorbed into my skin quite quickly and after a few hours my skin now feels really moisturised and smells kind of summery haha. The scent is pretty basic but overall reminds me of summer...you know that summer vacation smell?! I also love the fact it is a 2-in-1 product that can be used on the body but also on your face also. In the past when i have used After Sun lotions i found they kind of broke my skin out but it has not yet been the case with this little gem.

Hope you enjoyed this Bioderma review! I would love to know your thoughts on the product and whether you have used any of the Bioderma Photoderm range. Also, pretty please leave any recommendations for sun protection products that you have really been loving using throughout the summer.

You can pick up Bioderma goodies from the 'Bioderma' website and also 'Escentual.com'.

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE.

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

*PR Sample

The Vintage Cosmetic Company | Makeup Brushes

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all doing well and having a fabulous weekend! I am very much enjoying a lazy Sunday relaxing the the garden whilst catching a few rays. I have a busy week ahead so i am fully taking advantage of the last few days i have to rest up and be carefree haha. 

Todays post is going to be a review of some amazing makeup brushes from 'The Vintage Cosmetic Company'. Just before i jetted off the Barcelona they very kindly sent me a few goodies to try out and i have been loving experimenting with them! First up are these very vintage esk makeup brushes which have been making an appearance in my daily makeup routine! I do love my makeup brushes and have quite a large collection...a girl can never have too many!

Firstly, i am a huge packaging girly and when i first set my eyes on these gorgeous brushes i instantly fell in love. The packaging goes incredibly well with the 'vintage' theme of the brand and i absolutely adore the chosen colour palette! The packaging was extremely sturdy and the brushes are well secure and protected. They were a little fiddly to take out of the packaging but pretty much all of this type hard plastic packaging is tricky to open haha.  

I was very kindly sent 6 lovely brushes from 'The Vintage Cosmetic Company' brush line and they are all types of brushes i love using on a regular basis. I adore the fact that they have 'The Vintage Cosmetic Company' logo on one side and then when you flip the brush round you have the name and purpose of the actual brush...love it! Even though they each brush has their own purpose you could still use each brush for various different makeup duties. 

After removing the brushes from the packaging i was instantly taken away at the fact they are incredibly soft! The handles are cute white/creamy shade which yet again ties in with the vintage theme. After browsing through the website i also discovered you could choose a dusty pink option which would also look incredibly cute. 

Bronzing Brush - £17*

First up is the 'Bronzing Brush' which is a large domed makeup brush with natural bristles which is perfect for maximum application with precise control. Whether you are going for a bronzed goddess look or for a natural everyday look this is a perfect brush for applying your bronzer. However, like i stated earlier this could also be a great all rounder when it comes to applying powder products to the face. I feel it could work amazingly with setting powders and even a mineral powder foundation. 

Powder Brush - £16*

This duo fibre 'Powder Brush' allows you to apply your face powder effortlessly. It is perfect will all types of powders and helps to create a flawless base. Yet again i feel this could be an extremely versatile brush when it comes to your makeup bag. Not only is this a great brush to apply powders, i feel it could be amazing to work foundation into the skin. The combination of the duo fibres and the large size it would make a perfect brush for liquid, cream and powder foundations. 

Blusher Brush - £14*

The 'Blusher Brush' is made of similar natural bristles to the 'Bronzing Brush' and is the perfect size for blush application. It is extremely soft and sweeps colour onto the cheeks effortlessly. Not only is this a lovely blush brush i have also been using it to apply my favourite highlighters. It is the right size and applies the highlighters perfectly along the cheekbones. 

Foundation Brush - £14*

The 'Foundation Brush' is specifically designed with synthetic bristles so this is the perfect brush to use with liquid and cream foundations. This is almost identical to the MAC 190 and is a great foundation brush for creating a flawless finish to the skin. When it comes to applying my foundation i do prefer using a stippling brush as preference, however, this is still one of the classic foundation styles i grab for when using particular foundations. Even though this is a foundation brush, i also in the past have used these types of brushes to apply cream or liquid highlighter and it works a treat also.

Brow & Lash Brush - £8*

The 'Brow & Lash Brush' is one hand little tool and i seriously do not know what i did before i ever was introduced to these. It is a vital component in my daily makeup routine to groom my brows and get them prepped for eyebrow products and this is a little gem. It is quite a large size which i love as i feel you have more control when using it. 

Concealer Brush - £7*

The 'Concealer Brush' is such a handy little brush and has come in super handy with my daily makeup routine. Whether you are using a concealer stick, powder or liquid this brush will help disguise those pesky imperfections. It's quite a dainty thin brush which is great at getting in those small hard to reach places right underneath your lash line. I find i can really concealer dark circles with this little gem, it aids with maximum coverage what leaves a flawless applications. 

Overall, i am extremely pleased with these makeup brushes and have really enjoyed incorporating them into my makeup routine. Each brush has their own little talent but they can also be doubled up and used for various different makeup tasks. They are amazing quality, very sturdy and wash up lovely after having a deep clean and also when spot cleaned with my MAC Brush Cleanser. I already have my eye on some more of their brushes after trying these beauties out, so expect another cheeky review coming your way soon!

Hope you enjoyed this post, i would love to know what your thoughts are on the brushes, if you have tried any and what your all time favourite makeup brush is! As always lovelies, if you have any questions or requests pretty please do not hesitate to get in contact with me either by leaving a comment below or my contacting me through my social media platforms. I seriously love reading through all of your comments...it makes my day!

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE.

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

*PR Sample

Guerlain | Perles du Paradis Meteorites

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all well! The sunshine finally came out here this afternoon after a slow and cloudy morning haha. Hope the sun is shining where you are! I have had a lovely day relaxing in the garden with Mama Meola and my little Bella!

Todays post is going to be on some beautiful Guerlain Meteorites that my Dad very kindly bought for me a few months ago now. They are absolutely stunning and have been an absolutely favourite makeup product of mine for special events. 

The Guerlain Perles du Paradise Meteorites were released in the 2013 Spring Collection and are a special edition size in comparison to the permanent line meteorites. I had been lusting over them for the longest time and when my Dad surprised me on a 'Daddy Daughter Day' outing a few months ago and treated me to them i was literally over the moon. Before trying them i was a little bit of a newbie to the brand but after trying these stunning meteorites i cannot wait to venture out and try a few more Guerlain goodies. 

The Guerlain Perles du Paradis Meteorites also known for it's beautiful illuminosity consists of size beautifully different coloured pearls, ranging from a range of pink shades, violets, and creams with a few silver sparkly pearls. The mix of the pearls combined together is supposed to brighten, reflect, add radiance and instantly wake up and lighten up your complexion.

As these pearls were released as part of the Spring 2013 Limited Edition range they are slight bigger in size in comparison to the permanent line. Permanent line Meteorites are 1.05oz where as these are slight bigger at 1.08oz. They have a beautiful violet scent to them and look absolutely stunning on the skin and inside the packaging. The beautiful faux fur powder puff is something really cute and unique compared to previous and permanent collections. It is super soft and applies the illuminating powder like a dream.  

I am a sucker for beautiful packaging when it comes to shopping for anything haha guilty as charged! How beautiful is the outer and inner packaging of this gem?! Usually Guerlain use tins for their meteorites, however on this occasion these decided to opt for a thick cardboard packaging...I'd have to say it is very durable and amazing quality! Although, i think i will need to as a tin to my makeup collection haha. It's too pretty to keep away so i love to keep it on display in my beauty room! Although, it will need to go back in storage for a while whilst we have a few renovations done around the Meola household!

It is not the most pigmented beauty powder if you are looking for a blush, however, it is a perfect illuminating highlighting powder when swept across the cheekbones, down the nose, on the brown bone and the cupids bow! They are a very versatile product as they can be swirled together for application on the face or body...however, you can also pick up the balls and apply them straight to your face. When i was purchasing these the sales assistant told me they are perfect if you want a wash of colour or highlight to your eyes.

Hope you enjoyed my first ever Guerlain review lovelies...i would love to know your thoughts on them and if you have tried them before. Like always beauties if you have any questions or requests please do not hesitate to get in contact with me or leave a comment below!

Also lovelies, I have been lucky enough to be short-listed in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards under 'Best New Beauty Blog'. I still cannot believe i am in the finals it is still so overwhelming and super exciting...i have written a post about it HERE.

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Lots of Love

The #CosmoBlogAwards 2013 | I've Been Short-listed!

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all well and enjoying the lovely weather we are currently having. I now have a 5 day weekend and literally cannot wait to get outside in the sunshine, i have a few events and celebrations coming up so overly excited about them. 

So, this is going to be a little more of a personal post that usual lovelies, i am literally still in shock so I literally had to wait a few days for it all to sink in before writing up this post haha. As you all know, Cosmopolitan released the short list for the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards and...EEEEP!! I AM ON THE LIST! I have been short listed in the 'Best New Beauty Blog' category!

I am still seriously so overwhelmed, in shock and feel completely blessed! I remember last year when i first started blogging and seeing the #CosmoBlogAwards and wanting to enter but didn't feel i was anywhere near ready yet. Now, a year later being nominated and short listed in the finals is absolutely incredible. If you nominated me then THANK YOU so much! I really do appreciate it and this means so much to me, my blog is a major part of my life now and it wouldn't be where it is without all of you lovely readers. My blog is my little place on the internet where i can ramble on about all the things that i love! It has been a great way to break away from reality and de stress from University and everything in general. I love the weekly chats and the bbloggers community! ;) 

 I am still in complete and utter shock and cannot believe it, it honestly feels like a dream! When i found out i was literally grinning like a Cheshire cat and screamed so load that my poor little doggy Bella pretty much ran for her life haha bless her. The amazing comments, messages and emails from everyone has been an absolute dream...thank you all so much for all the support! There are some amazing bloggers in my category so i really do wish everyone the best of luck and finally cant wait to meet them all! Seriously, even just being short listed is a milestone in itself...anything else which happens along the way will be an extra added bonus!

I am under the second category 'Best New Beauty Blog' on the Cosmopolitan voting page as 'Sophia Meola'. It only takes a few minutes and a few clicks here and there. You can also click the #CosmoBlogAwards widgets and graphics dotted around my blog which will lead you to the voting page. Voting closes on the 30th August 2013.

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best New Beauty Blog' in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

Hope this post wasn't too soppy haha, another humoungous thank you being sent your way again! Love you lots and lots and sending loads of virtual hugs out to you all!

Style | One Necklace Four Outfit Ideas Ft. Love Moi Boutique

Hello My Lovelies,

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying this beautiful sunshine we are having! I am currently relaxing in my garden, sunning it up, relaxing and doing a spot of blogging...so what better chance than to write up my latest post.

I was contacted by the amazing 'Love Moi' boutique whilst i was away in Barcelona a few weeks ago and they offered to send me a beautiful necklace from one of their new collections. I absolutely jumped at the chance as everything on the website is absolutely stunning and i have now accumulated a pretty long wish list of goodies i want to get myself haha.

I am absolutely loving statement necklaces and jewellery in general right now. I think they are a staple piece in my summer wardrobe right now, they look beautiful and add pop of colour and glamour to any outfit. So, to show you how i would style this beautiful necklace i was sent, i have come up with four outfit ideas to share with you. Obviously, there are loads of potential ways to style this beautiful necklace, however the four below are ones i would personally wear and would instantly opt for whilst having this warmer weather right now. 

Love Moi | Ethnic Esmeralda Statement Necklace | £16*

This is the beautiful necklace that the 'Love Moi' boutique sent me, when i saw it i instantly fell in love with it! It is a stunning ethnic braided rope statement necklace. Embelished with rhinestones, weaved ribbon and gorgeous mint green beads. It is beautifully unique, bold and chunky which i absolutely love! I have worn the necklace out a few times now and i am forever getting compliments on it.

Outfit 1

Peplum Top - Primark

Jeans - Primark

Other Jewellery / Accessories - Assorted

This is actually how i decided to wear the necklace when i went to the #LDNBloggersParty last Saturday. However, i opted for Pastel Mint jeans when i wore it last, but obviously you could switch up your bottoms accordingly to how you feel more comfortable and what you think looks best.

I absolutely love wearing statement necklaces with peplum tops, i think it looks incredibly feminine, chic and girly and is a go to for me throughout the summer so far. 

Outfit 2

Blouse - New Look

Jeans - Primark

Other Jewellery / Accessories - Assorted

In this outfit i decided to opt for one of my favourite blouses just to show you that the necklace can be worn with longer sleeve ensembles. I have gone for a lighter shade again as i adore how the beautiful colours in the necklace become more vibrant against a neutral base. With this outfit i would probably throw on a leather jacket if i was going out, the leather contrast with the necklace would give the outfit a little more edge and glamour. 

Outfit 3

Dress - OMG Fashion*

Other Jewellery / Accessories - Assorted

I wanted to show you that this beautiful necklace could be worn with any kind of dress also. I have opted for a beautiful contour / hourglass dress which was very kindly sent to me by OMG Fashion*. I love how the necklace gives this outfit a pop of colour. Yet again i would either throw on a leather jacket to finish the outfit off or even a classic blazer. 

Outfit 4

Maxi Dress - Primark

Other Jewellery / Accessories - Assorted

I absolutely love throwing on a maxi dress with a statement necklace so it was only natural i showed you one of my favourite ways in this post. This the outfit i wore in a recent youtube video of mine in my 'About Me Tag' which you can take a peek at by clicking HERE. This is also the outfit i posted on my Instagram (@SophiaMeola) to show you a sneak peek of this post haha. I love how the grey and the colours in the necklace look together, potentially turning a casual outfit into something a little more 'going out' appropriate. I love pairing this with a jean style waist coat which i tie up at the waist to accentuate the waist. 

I hope you all enjoyed this style post, i would love to know your thoughts on the necklace and which outfit you would wear it with :D Also, let me know any other ways you would style the necklace!

Also, i currently have an 'Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers' giveaway live on my blog for the entire month of July, so if you would like to be in a chance of winning, pretty please click HERE to see how!

Lots of Love

*PR Sample