Sophie's Everyday Makeup Look

This is my usual everyday makeup look when I'm going out for the day.

Money-saving Monday: Tip #17

Tip #17: Student discount [Part 2 of 2 - UNiDAYS]
UNiDAYS is another form of student discount and this one is free to access, unlike the NUS card. UNiDAYS is more suited to online shopping, but the mobile app does allow access to student discount on the high street too. UNiDAYS also have a Share & Earn scheme, by which you can earn a little bit of money by sharing UNiDAYS with your friends. We'd love it if you could help the upkeep of our blog by joining UNiDAYS through our referral code (it's available to anyone aged over 16 and in full-time education). It offers great discounts at a huge range of stores, including Hollister, Cath Kidston and H&M.
Our UNiDAYS referral link is:
https://www.myunidays.com/r/AMci63p_gCM

Thank you!

Sophie's Outfit Of The Day

Today I went into town to look around and do some window shopping.

I am wearing:

Black Cami Top - River Island

Black Leather Look Skater Skirt - Miss Selfridge

Purple Knit Cardigan - New Look

Black Suede Ankle Boots - New Look

Tan Tights - Marks & Spencer

- Sophie x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #16

Tip #16: Student discount [Part 1 of 2 - NUS]
In the UK, there are two major types of student discount available. The first is NUS, a card costing about £12 a year, which is well worth it as I personally have saved over £150 in my first year of owning one. NUS discount is available at places such as Superdrug, Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Accessorize, as well as allowing you to save on things such as meals out at Pizza Hut or Frankie & Benny's, helping to make your overall budget go further.

Molly's Night-Time Skincare Routine

After removing my contact lenses, I start removing my eye makeup with the No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Makeup Remover (1), which is an oil-based makeup remover so it's really good for getting off stubborn and waterproof mascara, and it also conditions the lashes. Usually I shake it first to mix the solution together and then tip it onto a wet cotton pad which I hold on my eye for a few seconds to take everything off.

Money-saving Monday: Tip #15

Tip #15: Check your wardrobe
Before you go clothes shopping it's useful to check out your wardrobe and identify any 'gaps' you may have - this way, you can buy something you need to match with something you already have to complete an outfit.
Additionally, you can avoid wasting money on something too similar to something you already have.

Ditch Or Download: Ensemblr App for iOS

Ensemblr is a great idea for an app, and I like how you can find outfits that fit together and imagine it being laid out, as well as you being able to see immediately the price of the item and where to buy it.
The settings allow you to filter by item, price range, brands and retailers. Using the settings, you can also look for recently released items.
When looking at items you find and love on the app, you're able to look online for the item too, to buy it, and there is the option of putting it as a favourite in your wardrobe for later.

However, I found it slightly annoying to use as you could only scroll forwards and it takes ages to find something you want, and when you do, the system may not be up to date and the items may be out of stock online. I also found if you go off the app for a second, when you go back on, it takes you back to the start of the clothes - meaning you have to start scrolling again.

Overall, I found the app a little boring and pointless as although it's a nice idea, I personally find it much easier to search for items on retailers' websites. The app simply wasn't for me.

Verdict: Ditch

Sophie's Face Of The Day

Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation in 'I'm Pure 4 Sure'

Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer Kit in 'Light'

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer & Highlighter in 'Ivory'

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer In 'Fair'

Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot

Soap & Glory Love At First Blush

Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl In 'Superblack'

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara

Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil in 'Deep Brown'

Barry M Kohl Eye Pencil in 'White'

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in 'Black'

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

NARS Sheer Lipstick in 'Dolce Vita'

- Sophie x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #14

Tip #14: Dupes
There are many dupes (cheaper and similar alternatives to the more expensive products) in the makeup world. Dupes for clothing and accessories also exist, often sold by Zara and Primark.
Lancôme, L'Oréal, Bobbi Brown and Maybelline are all owned by the same parent company, and often they may sell the exact same product but with different packaging and for a different price.

Ditch Or Download #4: H&M App For Android

Upon recently installing the H&M app on my phone, I have not been disappointed in doing so! The app's design is very neat, professional and easy to navigate, as well as the app serving all the functions that I would expect of it - and more!

In the Shop section, you can filter products by item, colour, size and 'concept' very easily, and you also have the option of choosing multiple colours, sizes or 'concepts' to filter by in any one search. As well as this, I found it very hassle-free to add products to the bag for checkout.

The Inspiration section is great for finding outfit ideas, or keeping up with the latest trends. There are lots of videos, photos and articles to really get you inspired with fashion and beauty.

The My H&M section of the app has the option of location-based offers and fashion news via push notifications to your phone, as well as an order tracking service.

In Support, I found information on contacting the company, or following their social media, and the Store Locator picks up your GPS to find a store nearby, whilst also specifying what departments the store stocks (Ladies, Kids, etc.).

The app seems to run very smoothly and is very easy to use, whilst also having so much available at the simple touch of a button.

Verdict: Download

Sophie's Outfit Of The Day

Brown Suede Ankle Boots - New Look

Tide Beach Tank - Hollister

Jeggings - River Island

- Sophie x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #13

Tip #13: Split the delivery cost
If your friends are planning to order from the same store as you, order together and you can split the cost of delivery - or even get free delivery by spending a certain amount between you!

US & Canada One Direction Makeup Giveaway

A new cosmetics range has recently been released in the USA (in association with Markwins Beauty), Makeup by One Direction. It first made its way to Macy's earlier this August and has since been released at Stage Store, Dillards, Beauty Brands, and Lord & Taylor. International release dates are yet to be announced. The collection includes three different travel-ready makeup kits, named after One Direction's hits: Midnight Memories, Take Me Home and Up All Night. All of the kits include a lip gloss, an eyeshadow palette, a lipstick, mascara, nail varnish and eye crayon. It strikes me as a perfect gift for the teenage One Direction fan, and the three different kits include different colour schemes, described by the brand as one for the 'rock n roll girl', one for the 'fun party girl' and one for the 'girl next door'.

For our US and Canada readers, Markwins Beauty is hosting a giveaway! You can find the details of how to enter below - good luck!!

Find the brand on Facebook

Ditch Or Download #3: Boot's App For Android

The Boot's app is quite a new release for both Android and iOS, and on the Android operating system, I'm having mixed views about it. A lot of other users have been having issues logging into the app at all, and although I personally have not experienced this, I feel that the app can take a little longer than I would like to load things. Despite its slowness, the navigation buttons are well-sized, unlike some apps with which great touch-screen precision is required to get around the app.

Molly's Outfit Of The Day

It wasn't particularly Summery today - typical British Summer! So I opted for this cool and comfortable layered outfit.

Kimono - New Look

Cami Top - Dorothy Perkins

Jeggings - River Island

Converse - Office

- Molly x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #12

Tip #12: Delivery options
Ordering to store is often cheaper than home delivery. Also, standard delivery is much cheaper than next-day delivery so it's helpful to get organised when thinking of placing an order for something!

Ditch Or Download #2: NUS App For Android

NUS App For Android

Although, this app sometimes lags a little, it is very useful for owners of NUS cards (student discount) as there are so many stores and businesses offering student discount it can be hard to keep track. This app neatly organised them all into different categories, such as ‘Fashion & Accessories’, and ‘Hair, Beauty & Chemist’, as well as there being a search bar to make finding out about student discount very quick and easy.

Verdict: Download

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this app, or any other shopping app recommendations you may have! Thanks for reading, the rest of the Ditch Or Download series is here.

- Paris x

Paris' Outfit Of The Day

Playsuit - Warehouse

Denim Jacket - New Look

Shoes - New Look

Bowler Hat - Miss Selfridge

What are your favourite pieces of clothing for the Summer? I'd love to read your comments!

- Paris x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #11

Tip #11: Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay often have deals on, with lots of discount codes flying around the internet for a wide range of products!

Primark Travel Minis Haul

Primark is usually the last place I would shop for toiletries, but whilst browsing around Primark recently I took a stroll down the cosmetics aisle, where I spotted shelves of travel minis! I decided to purchase a few to help lighten the load of my (always full to bursting) toiletry bag, ready for my holiday.

Although this isn't the most groundbreaking of posts, I had to share my excitement over the mini shaving cream! As we all know, shaving cream is impossible to transfer into a smaller, travel-sized bottle and is not only heavy, but bulky, to pack. I didn't want to go without any and cause razor burn, so this was a great find.

I also thought that the four-pack of powder puffs for just £1 was great value for money, and I will definitely be stocking up on them.

All items pictured above are available cheaply from Primark.

I hope you enjoyed this little travel-themed post in light of the peak travel season. Let us know your favourite travel and packing tips, we'd love to hear from you!

- Molly x

NOTE: Apologies for the change in posting schedule, we'll return to our Ditch Or Download series next Friday - we just wanted to get this Summer post out sooner rather than later!! x

Product Review: Body Sorbet (The Body Shop)

The Body Shop recently released a new product, a Body Sorbet. It's a version of the traditional body butter we all know so well, designed more for a warm Summer day. As I liked the free sample I was given on my way into the store so much, I decided to go ahead and purchase a couple for myself.

The Body Sorbet comes in five different scents - satsuma, strawberry, mango, moringa and pink grapefruit. I purchased the Strawberry Body Sorbet and the Mango Body Sorbet, and the 10% off I receive on all purchases with my Love Your Body Membership Card (which, by the way, is free for students, and well worth the £5 if not), knocked the already great price of £8 each down to a happy £7.20 per Body Sorbet.

My favourite thing about this new product is how great it is for hot Summer days, being very cool against the skin on application, with its gel-like formula being far lighter than a body butter - avoiding the 'cakey skin' feeling that body butters can sometimes leave you with.
The product claims to "leave the body instantly moisturised" and I can't argue with that. After applying the sorbet, it soaks quickly and easily into the skin and leaves it feeling cool, refreshed and - most importantly - moisturised.
In terms of the scent, I don't find either scents to be overpoweringly fruity. In fact, they're just the right strength to make your skin smell naturally fresh, and not as though you've just spent the past hour having strawberries and mangoes pelted at you.

I do however find it a shame that the product isn't available in smaller, travel-sized tubes as, unlike a body butter which is generally only used after baths or showers, it's a great on-the-go moisturiser for cooling down and refreshing your skin on a hot day! But, with its claim of "up to 24 hours hydration", the product's lack of portability isn't a particularly huge issue.

Overall, I think that as an 'industry first', The Body Shop have given us rather a treat with this light, cooling and hydrating moisturiser for only £4 per 100ml! I'm in no doubt that I'll be keeping stocked up on the Body Sorbet for many Summers to come.

Have you tried the new Body Sorbet from The Body Shop? I'd love to know your thoughts on it or on your favourite body moisturising products, so please feel free to leave a comment below.
- Paris x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #10

Tip #10: Online shopping discount codes

Wait! Before you head to the final checkout, quickly google for any discount codes - you can often find one that works!

Money-saving tips posted here every Monday at 1pm

Ditch Or Download: O2 Priority Moments App For Android

For O2 customers, a lot of 'priority moments' are available, and they're constantly updating so you can usually find something you like at some point (although you have to check back quite regularly to make sure you don't miss anything).
There is often an offer for The Body Shop for half price on a purchase after spending a certain amount (with the amount having to be spent being changed every so often). It’s a great offer to make the most out of by perhaps splitting the cost between friends. Discounts are also often available at places such as The Fragrance Shop (such as £10 off anything with no minimum spend), or restaurants and cafés - to help stretch your overall budget that little bit further.

The offers are categorised into ‘Nearby’ and ‘Online’, with the ‘Nearby’ section picking up your phone’s GPS and finding discounts close to you. The offers are further categorised into sections such as ‘Food & Drink’, ‘Shopping’, and many more, so you’re never far from finding a great bit of discount.

The app is free, and available for Android and iOS, but only for customers of the O2 mobile network.

Verdict: Download

I hope you enjoyed the first app review in our Ditch Or Download series. We'd love to hear your opinions on the app, or any other app recommendations you may have so don't hesitate to get in touch via our social media, linked to on the sidebar!

- Paris x

Liebster Award

Thank you so much to Hannah at http://the-thing-about-my-life.blogspot.co.uk/ for nominating us for the Liebster Award! We have in fact moved web addresses since the nomination, so we apologise for any convenience that may cause.
EDIT: We were also nominated by Eera at http://adventure-fairytales.blogspot.sg/ and Caiti at http://caitlintries.blogspot.co.uk/ - Thank you! 

The rules for this award are:
You must answer all questions that are given to youMust link back to the person that nominated youNominate 11 bloggersProvide nominees with 11 questions of your choiceCannot nominate the person who nominated youMust inform nominees of your nominationProvide nominees with a link to your post for more info

Questions:
1) Who is your favourite Disney character who is not a ‘main character.’
Paris: Jock from Lady & The Tramp
2) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sophie: New York!
3) What is your ‘go to’ fancy dress costume?
Paris: my Eleventh Doctor-inspired outfit, I'm waiting for a Doctor Who event to wear it at :D
4) Name three films which make you cry every time you watch them.
Sophie: The Notebook, Titanic and Marley & Me
5) Favourite sandwich filling?
Sophie: Ham salad
6) What is your worst habit?
Paris: Biting my nails...
7) If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?.
Molly: Spaghetti Bolognaise
Sophie: Shepherd's pie
8) Who is your style icon?
Molly: Selena Gomez or Emma Stone
9) What is your life’s greatest ambition?
Paris: To see as much of the world as possible
10) Who is your most embarrassing crush?
Molly: Michael J Fox Jr - from watching Back To The Future when I was younger
11) Who is the most influential person in your life?
Molly: Probably my mum

Our questions for our nominees:
1. What is your favourite makeup brand?
2. What is your favourite clothing store?
3. Your most-used makeup product?
4. Your go-to skincare product(s)?
5. What is/was your favourite subject at school?
6. Your favourite music artist?
7. The best holiday you ever had?
8. Your favourite TV show?
9. What is your favourite social network/social media?
10. Who would you want to play you in a film about your life?
11. Why did you start blogging?

We nominate:1. http://vanillainnovember.blogspot.co.uk/
2. http://www.brendabusybee.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://ellawashere.com/
4. http://www.kayleighanderson.com/
5. http://marthadahhling.blogspot.co.uk/
6. http://reflectionofsanity.blogspot.co.uk/
7. http://emlota.wordpress.com/
8. http://marshmellowbyeva.blogspot.com.es/
9. http://www.christinanista.com/
10. http://www.justkirsten.co.uk/
11. http://ellenwarnerxo.blogspot.co.uk/

Hello from Cosmetc's new web address!

You may or may not have noticed a lot of posts being published today on this blog. That's because we are currently transferring our blog from Tumblr to Blogger/Blogspot. We feel that Blogger is much better equipped to our needs as beauty and fashion bloggers, whilst Tumblr is better suited to other styles of post.
We have already transferred all 29 of the posts published on Cosmetc's tumblr so far, and we will be posting straight to Blogger from now on. Our tumblr will still be used, but more to link our Tumblr followers over to our new blog.
Thank you for stopping by, we look forward to our fresh start here on Blogger.

- Cosmetc x

Item Of The Week: Primark Marvel Shorts

Recently, I purchased this great pair of shorts from Primark. The pattern is Marvel-inspired and features Spiderman, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk and Iron Man. The shorts currently cost just £12, and there is a similar pair featuring Ariel and Flounder from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

This is one of my favourite pieces of clothing and I’d love to hear about any items you’re seriously loving right now (whether you own it or are admiring it from afar). We’d love you to get in touch via our social media!

- Paris x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #9

Tip #09: Cheaper repurchases

Where can my favourites cheaper? I often find my regular repurchases of products a pound or two cheaper in Bodycare or Superdrug than in Boot’s. However, you must be careful to factor in things such as discounts (e.g. 3 for 2), reward points and any other opportunities for money off.

Paris' Quick FOTD

I often don’t leave myself all that much time to apply makeup in the mornings so I generally don’t put on very much, and I like to experiment with how much of a makeup look I can create using as few items as possible.

I am using:

Primark eyelash curler
Soap & Glory's Thick & Fast Mascara In 'Superjet Black'
Benefit Magic Ink Eyeliner
SEVENTEEN Brow Sculpting Pencil
Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm In 'Unapologetic'

Thanks for reading, if you have any questions or requests don’t hesitate to ask us. Look out for some Summer haul posts coming soon!

- Paris x 

Money-saving Monday: Tip #8

Tip #08: Giftcards

Know where you can use your giftcards. Got a giftcard you think you won’t use? See where else you can use it! Often shops owned by the same parent company will allow you to use the giftcard in many of their shops. I have often used a Topshop giftcard (or my brother’s Topman giftcard!) in Miss Selfridge or Dorothy Perkins 

Closet Confidential: Sophie

1. What is the oldest item in your wardrobe/closet?

White Lace Top from A|Wear - bought around 2012 for a wedding to go with a pink vest underneath, all tucked into a pink skirt.

2. What is the newest item?

Coral Floral Shorts from New Look (see my recent purchases post)

3. What is the most expensive item?

Black Knit Ugg Boots - I treasure these shoes!

4. What is the cheapest/most affordable item? (that you wear/use a lot)

Animal Socks from Dorothy Perkins, River Island and Accessorize

5. What was the biggest waste of money?

Customised Nike Blazers - I’ve never gotten round to wearing them :(

6. What was the biggest bargain?

I don’t normally shop in sales, so I’d say my biggest bargain would be anything I am able to get student discount and free delivery when shopping online

BONUS: Show us your three favourite items now

Mid Wash Jeggings from River Island

Black Basic Cardigan from H&M

Leather Jacket from New Look

- Sophie x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #7

Tip #07: Newsletters & E-Mails:

Sign up to newsletters/e-mails from shops or brands you often buy from. Not only are you notified of new products and when sales are on, but you’re also given exclusive deals and discounts such as free delivery, money off and competitions.

Rimmel Lipsticks Review

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick In ‘Coral In Gold’

Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick In ‘Shade 08’

Recently I’ve found myself purchasing a couple of Rimmel lipsticks, one from the Kate Moss collection, and the other from their Lasting Finish range.

The Lasting Finish lipstick I purchased from Rimmel is shade 210, ‘Coral In Gold’ and a swatch can be seen above. In terms of the formula, this is pleasant to apply - it isn’t sticky, and it doesn’t feel at all drying. The pigmentation is also good and I find myself needing only two swipes of the lipstick for a colour I’m satisfied with, and it is easy to build colour too. This shade in particular has a shimmer to it, so if you’re looking for a more matte finish, ‘Coral In Gold’ is not for you. But generally as a coral lipstick, this isn’t too bold or brash, and makes a good everyday shade.

However, I do feel that the lipstick’s ‘lasting finish is not really all that lasting, with just one bite of food or a sip of water sends me off to reapply the whole thing.

So, if you’re looking for a shimmery everyday shade without fear of having to reapply a few times a day - this shade is perfect for you! If not, then perhaps you should avoid Rimmel’s Lasting Finish ‘Coral In Gold’ lipstick.

Now onto my second Rimmel lipstick. This, like the previous, is also labelled as a ‘Lasting Finish’ lipstick, but instead is from Rimmel’s Kate Moss range. I own this in ‘shade 08’, a pink which is swatched above.

This, like ‘Coral In Gold’ has a pleasant-to-apply formula which isn’t sticky or drying, and is even better than ‘Coral In Gold’ in terms of its pigmentation as I find just one swipe of the lipstick results in a colour I’m satisfied with - although there is less opportunity for colour-building as additional coats don’t change the already-fairly-dark colour much. The shade of the lipstick acts to define the lips nicely, whilst staying subtle, and the finish is as nice and smooth as I’d expected from a lipstick, without a glossy shimmer like ‘Coral In Gold’.

However, like ‘Coral In Gold’, the finish does not survive much eating and drinking, being worn away very easily.

Generally, the lipsticks are a quality I would expect for the price and I do like them both and will continue to wear them for my everyday use, but in future, I may prefer to shop around other brands.

- Paris x