I'm back....(Again)

So, as every single one of my posts begins; an apology. I have vanished into the non-blogging world BUT this time I am back and ready to roll.

I have decided I'm going to upload a post every Wednesday evening, probably not all on the same theme. I think one of the main reasons I stopped blogging is because I was trying too hard to live up to the quality of some of the blogs I read - but I've decided not to anymore! I'm just going to write because I love writing #preach.

This post was inspired by Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars, a true classic, which I watched instead of revising.

'By words the mind is winged' - Aristophanes.

- Sophie x

How to Save On Makeup

I think I'm a make up addict, I'll admit. I have no where near the collections of other bloggers but oh my lord I am a hoarder. I was browsing for make up the other day, like I always do, and came across Save On Makeup. I originally had thoughts of "ok, how much can you get makeup down to, surely you pay for what you're getting?" Boy oh boy was I wrong. I was sent £20 worth of items and honestly, I don't understand how I got so much for the money! I would definitely recommend going on their website, but beware you may go wild for the bargains...

EEK, so much make up!

This nail varnish is stunning. It's in the colour 571, and on the nail is hot pink, as you may be able to see on my thumb (unfortunately they don't have this colour in stock anymore, but they have another equally gorgeous!) . So far it's stayed on and barely chipped in a week and a half. The RRP is £18 and I got it for £8 - BARGAIN. 

 

Playboy VIP for Her has fast become my go to perfume. It has a floral scent (hence the rose...) but isn't overbearing. I wear it on a day to day basis and it works perfectly; I've been told I smell gorgeous on multiple occasions! It's a 30ml bottle which usually sells for £8.95, but is available for £3.99 on Save On Makeup. Oh my gawd, I recommend! Plus - how cute is the bottle? 

I have had my eye on The Maybelline Fit Me bronzer for a while. Sadly, it's a little too light so doesn't really show up on my skin. But I have used it on top of my usual bronzer and it helps to make it a little more natural which is great. It's not as pigmented as I had hoped for but for the price - I'm impressed. 

This is the thing I was most excited for. Lancome La Base in Nude. Holy Smokessss. This is a creamy eyeshadow base and it works wonders! It's quite difficult to get on the brush but the pigmentation is insane and my eyeshadow lasts so much longer. The RRP is £21 but I got it for only £5.99. 

Something that I think is really cool is that Save on Makeup offer a 'Lucky Dip Selection.' It's £2.99 and comes wrapped up which is a nice touch! I was super excited for this because I had no idea what I was going to get. I got; Saffron Neon Nail Polish in 109 pink, a back and silver Babyliss hair claw clip and a Manhattan lipgloss & lipliner. The lipgloss is a little sticky for me, but the lipliner is gorgeous & I LOVE the colour - brown is my favourite lip colour. It's originally £3.95 but is sold for 99p on this website, The clip is £2.99 but available for 99p also and the nail varnish retails for £2.99 but is 69p!

All in all, I'm really impressed with the quality and the amount that you get for your money. I would definitely advise you to check to see if the make up you want to spend a fortune on is available here before you splurge! They have many brands such as; Dior, Chanel, Elizabeth Arden and Urban Decay. 

Thanks to The Blogger Programme for giving Save on Makeup and I the chance to work together!

- Sophie x

Watercolour Temporary Tattoos!

Temporary tattoos are fast approaching my favourite thing. I am underage, so not able to get any real tattoos (and also have parents not so keen on the idea!) which means that temporary tattoos are the perfect way to satisfy my inking urges!

A temporary tattoo company were kind enough to send me a watercolour set named Free Spirit that you can find here. It comes with two pages full of tattoos in all different colours and sizes - I love it!

There are instructions on the packet but I thought I would talk you through my little experience. I first got everything I would need to apply the tattoos, so: some water (I'd recommend a tap), a wash cloth/flannel, some wipes and scissors, as well as the tattoos!

First, cut out the tattoos that you want. I say tattoos because lets be honest, who can stop at one? This live, laugh, love one was my favourite but despite how easy these tattoos are to put on I managed to mess it up, ooops...

It's recommended that the area that you put the tattoos on is clean so I cleaned it with a make up wipe! Make sure it's dry before you put the actual tattoo on though. 

TAKE THE CLEAR FILM OFF THE TATTOO NOW. DON'T FORGET. I forgot. I ended up putting the tattoo onto the clear film rather than my wrist... Press a damp flannel on to the tattoo for at least 30 seconds, there's no point in rushing this step as it will mess with the process.

Take the flannel off and remove the paper bit - you're left with a pretty tattoo! The quality of these tattoos are fantastic, they apply really easily and stay on for ages. (UPDATE) 

Tell me this is not absolutely adorable, I dare you.

 

 

These are the ones I chose for this first application session, I didn't want to go too mental! You can be sure that as soon as these fade I'll be topping up my collection (follow me on Twitter @textbookloser for updates when I do...) update a week later : the one on my ankle has barely faded, I am so impressed with the quality of these!

If you buy these tattoos please let me know, I'd love to see which ones are your favourites!

- Sophie x

So.. I suck

As we have all now established I cannot stick to a schedule. Every time I write a post saying yay I will get back into blogging! I slack off again. I've written that I upload weekly onto here on my personal statement, so I guess I probably should... I'm going to ease back into blogging with a #original post. 5 facts about me. I have done a 7 facts about me video BUT I'm going to include different facts about me here so basically you have a grand total of 12 facts about me and that's my lucky number so we're all #winners.

1. I love knitting! My nan taught me how to earlier this year and I have a ball of wool by my bed. Every time I get a wee bit stressed, I pick up my needles and clack away (if you've heard the sound of knitting you'll know what I mean.)

2. I desperately want to live in America for a year (Kent Uni with a year abroad holla at me)

3. One of my life goals is to publish a book, whether it be aimed at young children or adults!

4. My favourite song atm is Shut Up and Dance by Walk The Moon, what an absolute banger.

5. I am absolutely terrified of being stabbed / drowned / burnt alive. Woo.

Thanks for reading, see you next week - maybe!

- Sophie x

Top Tips For Going Back to School!

So, the dreaded day has come. Tomorrow I go back to school. It's year 13 for me, so my final year of life as I know it! If I'm being honest I'm absolutely dreading it but who isn't? Here are my top tips for going back to school! 

1) Get enough sleep the night before

We all know that no one goes to bed before midnight over the summer, or if you're like me - ever. But getting a lot of sleep the night before school is key into having an alright first day back! You need the sleep to be able to function and cope with the early morning start. 

2) Prepare everything the night before

I'm a dope, so completely forgot to order a new school bag until yesterday. Yeah I know. So I won't be able to get everything completely ready, but will pack  into last years bag instead! I went out today and got three books, a post it note set and some chewing gum. 3 necessitates for going back to school! The books cost £3 each from Tesco, which at first seemed like a lot of money but is a lot cheaper than somewhere like Paperchase. They have separators aswell which is key for subjects that have a combination of coursework and exam. Choose your first day outfit too, there's nothing worse than having to piece together an outfit at 7am. 

3) MOTIVATE. 

I'm really determined to apply myself this year, and hope that writing this is another form of self motivation. I want/need BBB to get into uni so I want to make sure that this is going to happen. Buying the books and post it note set is a form of motivation, writing in nice paper is a good way of making sure that you actually want to write! I've also been looking for quotes and trying to find study buddies to make sure that I keep this up throughout the year. If you see me on social media too much then PLS send me a message and try to get me back on track! 

4) Be friendly! 

Making friends, or acquaintances, on the first day/week will benefit you throughout the year. There's nothing wrong with getting on with your teachers and do not let anyone tell you there is. If you need to rely on a teacher to go above and beyond for you, being nice to a teacher from the get go is a definite. They are people too and they have feelings, they're not just teaching machines! Also, with students. If you end up in a class with no one you know, don't be a bitch and end up singled out - it's common sense.

5) START WORKING HARD FROM THE BEGINNING.

I let myself down a bit last year and a large majority of the reason for that was because I had to catch up on stuff that i decided it would be a good idea not to do at the beginning of the year. This year I'm going to put in 100% all year and hope that I have some different results. 

I hope you enjoyed this post!! Let's all go back to school and cry. 

- Sophie x

Oops!

I think we all knew this post was going to come. I failed at BEDA. Surprise Surprise! However, it has completely motivated me into a weekly schedule. The daily thing was just too much and along with having ridiculously busy days, I just didn't find the time to write or post!

I can't decide whether to attempt for a blogpost & video every week (one different days, obvs) or to alternate with a video one week and a blogpost the next. Your opinions would be much appreciated pls. 

Hopefully see you next week! 

London In Photos

Today I went to London with 2 of my friends, Emily & Megan, to celebrate Emily's birthday. We had a pree fab day, doing the Topshop personal shopper! It was great fun and I spent too much money. We went to Bill's in Covent Garden for lunch, which is difficult to find but well worth the adventure. It wasn't ridiculously priced and the food was delicious! The decor was also lovely. Here are some photos I took throughout the day (I didn't take many because we were in a rush all day...)

Not London but there was a pretty sunset last night.