Wednesday 28 August 2013

The Best of August || Beauty

 Hello everyone, hope you're all well! Sorry for being absent from the blogging world for the past few days but I'm currently away on holiday and like the ever organised blogger I am, didn't prepare any posts in advance! As I haven't done a beauty favourites post in a few months, I thought I'd share with you some products that have been helping me survive the summer heat and have been general faves throughout the month of August!
 
First up we have Benefit's Porefessional which is a bit of a cheat seeing as I only bought it half way through the month but this beauty wasn't waiting until September! This is a product I've been lusting after since I received a sample back in November and it seriously hasn't let me down! This leaves a gorgeous, silky service to apply makeup onto and my usually large pores are next to unnoticeable!
 
 
Another product I've been loving throughout the month of August is the Kerastase K Lift Vertige* (full review) which has been an absolute lifesaver for my usually awful hair. As someone who quite frankly lives for a topknot, wearing my hair down is something of an occasion. I find my hair to have little volume or oomph when left to its own devices, but with a pump of this massaged into the roots before blow-drying, you can call me BeyoncĂ©! (Slight exaggeration, but you get the gist).
 
Fluorescent. Orange. The only two words capable of describing Model's Own Beach Party Nail Varnish (full review). This matt, long wearing polish has been perfect for the summer months and Model's Own is definitely a brand I'll be buying from again.
 
 
'It wouldn't be summer without a salt spray' is a club I recently joined when trying out Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray* (full review). This again gives my hair some much needed volume and has been an absolute essential!
 
Moving swiftly on to none other than the Soap and Glory Righteous Butter. On my quest to try every single product S&G has to offer, I seem to have neglected the old favourites. This scent will never get old and the moisture benefits are far beyond any other moisturiser I've tried. My heart lies with Soap and Glory, till death do us part!
 
Finally on to some makeup picks for the month (primer and polish don't count). Natural Collection's Blushed Cheeks in Peach Melba is a bit of a cult product in the blogging world and it's easy to know why. £1.99 is by far the cheapest blusher I own and the pigmentation definitely packs a punch! Topshop's Lip Tint in Jewel has also been a fave. Yes it looks like some weird orange jelly but it actually transpires as a pH reactive pink-y, sheer colour! The wearability isn't fantastic but the product feels comfortable, like a balm, on the lips and isn't something I would hesitate to recommend!
 
What are your August favourites?
 
Toodlepip!
xxx
 
 
If you want to do a blog button swap don't hesitate to contact me!
  

Friday 23 August 2013

Chewy Choc Chip Cookie Recipe

 
Hello everyone, hope you're all well! If you're in need for a recipe of big, fat, chewy chocolate chip cookies, then you've come to the right place! These mouth watering cookies have been tried and tested over many a tea break and never fail to restore happiness to the kitchen! So please, get out your mixing bowl, and lets get baking! 
 
 Ingredients (makes 20)
  • 350 grams of chocolate
  • 250 grams of plain flour
  • 200 grams of melted unsalted butter
  • 1/2 a teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
  • 150 grams of dark brown soft sugar (in the original recipe it's meant to be 200 grams but I only had 150 and I found it worked a treat!)
  • 150 grams of caster sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
   
  1. Preheat the oven to 170 C or Gas mark 3. Grease baking trays or line with parchment.
  2. Then, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and caster sugar until well blended. Then beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until light and creamy.
  4. Mix in the sifted ingredients (flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt) until just blended.
  5. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon (or a red one like me!)
  6. Drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking trays, with each cookie around 3 tablespoons of dough. Whatever you do, don't flatten it!
  7. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are slightly brown and the centre not too gooey.
  8. Cool on baking trays for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Eat them!
 
And that is my guide to the perfect cookies! Do you have a favourite baking treat?
 
Toodlepip!
xxx
 

Thursday 22 August 2013

The Versatile Blogger Award


 
Hello everyone, hope you're all well! Today I thought I would do a post that I was tagged in last week by the lovely Nadine from Rosy Blossom! Her blog is filled with great reviews and beauty advice and is definitely worth a follow!

Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you & link their blog
2. Each nominee must name 7 things about themselves
3. They must nominate 15 blogs or bloggers they've recently discovered or follow regularly
4. Inform the nominees about their award
5. No tag backs!
 
Seven Things About Me:
 
1. I am a massive fan of anything to do with Sherlock Holmes, particularly the BBC adaptation with Benedict Cumberbatch.
2. I like to have lots of good friends rather than one best friend.
3. Chocolate is my food of choice.
4. I'm very shy around new people.
5. I have a very loud laugh which I find hard to control.
6. Reading other blogs is one of my absolute favourite past times.
7. I have one wall of my room covered with Company Magazine clippings, photos, concert tickets and other meaningful stuff!
 
I Nominate:
 
Lauren from Mega Beauty
(Click here to read my post on why you should follow Lauren and Stef!)
Emily from Freckles and Flaws
Jordan from The Little Lace Bows
Anya from Crazylins
 
(I have only chosen five blogs as these are ones I love and read rather than random blogs!)
 
Thanks again to Nadine for nominating me!
 
Toodlepip!
xxx
 

Wednesday 21 August 2013

The Blogs I Love #1

weheartit.com- edited by me

When I started writing Beatrice Sapphire I only read a couple of blogs such as Zoella and Couture Girl and although those are great, there are so many others out there with only a handful of followers that definitely need to be more recognised. So today I have put together a post showcasing five of my favourite blogs, whether it be their fantastic product reviews, nail art tutorials or lifestyle musings, these are five blogs you definitely want to be following!

First up we have Stef's blog Scottish Stef's Nails and let me tell you, if you think you can do nail art, think again! This blog is the place to go for all things nail varnish and never fails to thrill me with all the different and unique nail tutorials. If you ever wanted to know how to make your nails look like Ladybirds or the Ocean Stef's blog is the place to go!
Before we get into the ins and outs of this wonderful blog may we take a moment to grace the beauty that is her blog design. Becky's personality always shines through her posts and makes me so envious of her writing style. She does lovely outfit and lifestyle posts along with the occasional beauty product review and this is one blog where I will ready every single post that enters my Bloglovin' feed. Ladies (and Gentlemen) I bring you Becky Bedbug!
Lauren's blog is another one I really love to read and just had to share with you guys. She often posts nail art, hauls and DIY offerings that always make an excellent read! I also love how laughing is listed as one of her 10 favourite things and how open and personal her blog posts are. Mega Beauty is a really lovely blog and whilst you're over there how about reading this post which is one of my favourites!
When in need of some outfit inspiration I'll be at Paige's blog, come join me if you want! This blog was the first fashion blog I followed and I've never looked back! Please go and check Paige Joanna out if you're not following already and I promise you won't regret it! On a side note her blog header is designed by Paige herself and she has a little etsy design shop if you're interested!
And last but not least is my favourite blog for all things beauty, Belle-amie. If you go on to read this blog (which I highly suggest you do) in depth reviews and hauls will no doubt follow which I guarantee will make you want to buy everything shown! I cannot fault this blog and would love if you check it out!

So those are my five favourite blogs, if any of these are your favourites tell me in the comments below!

Toodlepip!
xxx

Have you entered my 100 follower giveaway?

Tuesday 20 August 2013

A Bit of a Beauty Haul

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! Sorry for not posting lately, I have some exciting posts to make up for it this week though (excuses, excuses). Over the past month or so I've done a bit of shopping in Boots and the Cosmetics Company store and thought I'd share my purchases with you!
Starting with perhaps my most exciting purchase, MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup, which I grabbed for a bargainus price of £10.50 from the Cosmetics Company Store. Usually at makeup outlets you find yellow eyeshadows and super-glittery blushers so I was over the moon to find this gem! Another high end splurge was the Benefit Porefessional Primer which I've been lusting after since I received a sample back in November. I went to Boots looking to buy the Stay Flawless Primer but the lady advised that the Porefessional would be better for shine control and makeup wearability. Thus it fell into my hands and I dashed for the till (quite literally)! 
 
I also picked up a new face wash from Neutrogena which smells absolutely amazing! The Pore and Shine Daily Scrub was on offer at Boots and anything that promises shine control I'm all over! A little while back I also picked up the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze which every blogger and their dog barks on about and a Sinful Colours polish in Boogie Nights which I've yet to try.
 
I hope you enjoyed this little haul and I'll talk to you all soon! Have you picked up any beauty products lately?
 
Toodlepip
xxx
 


Thursday 15 August 2013

NOTD #11 || MUA's Koala Bear and A Touch of Sparkle

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! When MUA released their Essie inspired £1 polishes I was desperate to try them however only last week did I actually get round to wearing Koala Bear which had been sitting in my collection for months. As grey can get quite boring I also opted for an accent nail and lots of glitter (who doesn't love a bit of glitter)!
From L-R: Topshop's Pillar Box || Urban Outfitter's Pick and Mix || MUA's Koala Bear
As Koala Bear was only £1 my expectations weren't particularly high, but I was pleasantly surprised! In the picture above I have four coats and although that sounds like a lot it dried very quickly, so they didn't take a very long time to paint. The polish also lasted five days completely chip free and I'll definitely be purchasing more from this range! I also might add that Pick and Mix by Urban Outfitters was easy to apply and gave a good load of glitter!
 
Koala Bear is available from most Superdrugs.
 
Toodlepip!
xxx
 

Monday 12 August 2013

Liebster Award #6, #7, #8 and #9

Source

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! I have chosen a very extravagant Liebster Award Logo for today's post as I have been nominated a further four times by the lovely Rachel, Gemma, Dani and Holly who all have wonderful blogs that you should definitely check out! I didn't want this to be a super long post so I thought I'd choose my favourite three or four questions from each blogger! If you're unfamiliar with the rules click HERE to read my previous posts. Now, shall we begin? 

Rachel's questions:

What is your favourite makeup brand?
Any regular readers may already be able to guess this one. I'm absolutely in love with the whole Topshop makeup range and I think I even prefer it to MAC. That's a compliment indeed!

Who is your favourite YouTuber?
Can I give you my top three? I absolutely love Zoella, no reason necessary! I'm also a big fan of Louise (Sprinkle of Glitter) whose videos never fail to make me smile! Finally, two of my favourite youtubers, who have a joint channel, are In Full Atire (Previously Whimsical Paste). They do gorgeous look books and great hauls!

Who would leave you starstruck  if you met them on the street?
Probably Benedict Cumberbatch or Laurence Fox! Purely because of the acting skills of course...

Any middle names?
As you can probably tell by the title of my blog, Sapphire is my middle name!

Gemma's questions:

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to start blogging?
I'm by no means a blogging expert, but I'd probably say interact with and appreciate your readers. I try to reply to most comments because if someone has spent the time commenting on a post, the least I can say is Thank You!

What is your favourite savoury or sweet dish?
I'm a chocolate cheesecake kind of girl!

What's your favourite film?
I think I've mentioned this on another post, but I love Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Never fails to make me cry!

Dani's questions:

Where is your favourite place to eat?
I've always been a fan of Wagamama's and I love Nando's too!

Would you rather be a singer or an actor?
I've always loved performing and really enjoy drama, so I guess acting!

What is your favourite clothing shop?
Again, no points for guessing this one! I'm a Topshop girl through and through!

Holly's questions:

What encouraged you to begin blogging?
I was inspired by some absolutely amazing blogs such as Becky Bedbug, Zoella and Couture Girl and thought 'hey, that looks fun!' I'm so glad I started my little blog and if you'd told me a few months ago that I would have over 100 followers I wouldn't believe it!

What is the one fashion item of 2013 that you cannot live without?
I live in my Topshop Joni Jeans, I just wish they were better quality!

If you could branch out into another area of the blogging world, what else would you blog about?
Not branching too far, I would like to try some nail art and maybe a bit of D.I.Y?

My lovely nominees are:
I've decided to pick only a few bloggers as I wanted to nominate blogs that I read and enjoy rather than just any blog with under 200 followers that I could find!

Hannah, Michelle and Megan

My questions:

What is your favourite television show?
Would you ever consider YouTube?
Who is your favourite YouTuber?
Which is your favourite high end makeup brand?
Why did you start blogging?
What is the best thing about blogging?
What is the worst thing about blogging- if anything at all?
Which bloggers do you aspire to be like?
If you had one plane ticket, where would you go?
Do your friends and family know about your blog?

 
Thanks for reading
xxx
 

Sunday 11 August 2013

Weekly Wishlist #3 || It's All About Topshop

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! This Weekly Wishlist would more likely cover a whole year of lusting rather than a week but, hey, a girl can dream! I've picked some of my most wanted tops, skirts, lipsticks and more, so what are you waiting for? Get on reading!
I love the printed midi tube skirt style at the moment, it's more flattering than you would think! I already have the flower skater in yellow and it's absolutely perfect for summer with bare legs and I'm sure it would look great with tights too! Unfortunately the mint skater skirt is sold out in my size but I think it looks really pretty and girly! Moving on to the Aztec shorts which I really hope go in the sale soon as I think £38 is a bit expensive! I'm also in quite desperate need for more jeans and I love Topshop's Leigh style! (Exclamation mark overload!)
Shell tops are my new love! I saw the Map Print shirt when I was in store and its absolutely gorgeous! I also think the lilac jumper would look great on slightly cooler evenings!
As always I had to include some Topshop makeup. I'm always lusting after more of their cream blushes and lipsticks! Peaches and Cream has been on my wishlist for ages!
You can't beat a good statement necklace or beanie if you ask me! It may be ending summer but I like to buy my sunglasses in advance!
 
I hope you enjoyed reading this rather long wishlist! What shops have you been loving at the moment?
 
Toodlepip!
xxx
 
 
 

Friday 9 August 2013

I may be on the side of the angels, but don't think for one second that I am one of them

 
 
 
Top || Topshop
Skirt || Topshop
Shoes || Primark (extremely old!)
Bag || New Look (even older!)
Bracelet || Local Boutique
Nails || Topshop Pillar Box


Hello everyone, hope you're all well! I finally roped Lettie into taking some OOTD pictures and for a six year old I think she did a pretty good job! During the blissful brake from the hot weather (I prefer rain to sun) I thought it would be fun to play in my Grandma's garden with Lettie so that we could have a good old natter, whisper secrets and look for flower fairies. This skirt from Topshop is one of my favourite things to wear at the moment and even though it's not to everyone's tastes I like it and I'm the one wearing it so what they think needn't bother me! The shoes and bag are both worn to death and the bracelet was a birthday present from a few years ago.
 
I hope you like this different kind of post! Have you found some Topshop gems lately?
 
Toodlepip!
xxx
 

Thursday 8 August 2013

100 Follower Giveaway (CLOSED)

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! Today is a slightly more exciting post than usual as I'm holding my first ever giveaway! I can't believe how far my blog has come in such a short amount of time and I thought holding this giveaway would be a good way to say thank you! Unfortunately this is just a little giveaway and open to UK residents only, however I hope to host a bigger giveaway in the future. The prizes you can win are some of my favourite picks from Boots and Superdrug and I hope you like what I've chosen! This giveaway will close on the 8th of September!
What you can win!
2 Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paints in Papaya and Blueberry
A Barry M Glitter Varnish in Lavender
A Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Shade 20
An MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette

Rules
You must be a UK resident
Follow my blog via Bloglovin' and GFC
Leave a Blog Post comment with your email address so that I can contact you
To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thank you for entering and good luck!
xxx
 
For more ways to read click HERE.

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Review || Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! It seems a long time that I've actually sat down and written a review however this summer I've been all over Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray* and I felt it essential to tell you lovely lot about it. I may have been late to catch on but hey better late than never! This highly coveted product is something that I've been uhhumming  and aahhing over for a little while so when I won the spray in Sophie's  giveaway I was really excited to give it a whirl! For someone who is a lover of volume, texture and more volume when it comes to the hair department, this product ticks all the right boxes.

Through different uses, I have found this is best applied to 70-80% dry hair and whilst blowdrying if 'm feeling wild! I then use a Zoella inspired movement of scrunching the ends of my hair to give a tousled, 'I've just come of the beach after a long morning surfing' look. A quick mist of my Theo Amplifying Spray seals the deal.
 
Retailing for £21.50 for 125ml this is definitely a middle priced product, not the most expensive but by far not the cheapest. Bumble and Bumble also offer a travel sized version of 50ml and both are available from Boots.
 
 Thus the love affair with Bumble and Bumble begins. If found gazing at the Foam Wash Shampoo or Thickening Spray (next on my list) please return me home before my purse is completely empty...

Toodlepip
xxx

For more ways to read click HERE.

Sunday 4 August 2013

Liebster Award #4 and #5

 
Hello everyone, hope you're all well! I seem to have unexpectedly taken a week off blogging but I'll be getting back into the swing of things this August!  Last week I was lucky enough to receive two nominations for the Liebster Award from the lovely Paula and Lisa. They both have great blogs and you should definitely check them out! As I'm combining this post I thought I would chose 5 questions from each blogger to answer! (sorry for the excessive number of exclamation marks!)
 
Rules
1.Answer the 10 questions which your lovely nominator has given you!
2.Nominate 10 bloggers who have under 200 followers and link them in your post.
3.Come up with 10 more cool and crazy questions for your nominees to answer!
4.Inform your lovely nominees so they can do their responses!
 
 
Here are my answers to Lisa's questions:
 
Why did you start blogging?
I don't really know to be honest, I was inspired by a lot of other bloggers such as Zoe and Louise and thought, 'hey, that looks fun!' I never really put much thought into my blog at the start but now I really enjoy it.
 
What do you want to achieve with your blog?
I guess I just want my readers to enjoy what I'm writing. I want people to find reviews helpful and posts interesting. For me, that's what is most important.
 
What are your favourite shoes?
I'm only fifteen and quite tall so I think I look a bit odd in heels but the shows I've been wearing everywhere lately are a £3 pair of white converse-y plimsoll type shoes from Primark. Classy, I know.
 
What is definitely a must-have?
As I have quite blemish prone skin with redness a must have for me is concealer. I especially love the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer and Benefit Erase Paste.
 
If you had one plane ticket, where would you go?
I really want to visit Italy! I think I've mentioned this before, but after watching Eat Pray Love I knew it was a place I had to visit.
 
Here are my answers to Paula's questions:
 
Favourite makeup brand?
No points for guessing this one, Topshop!
 
Favourite ice cream?
I'm a chocolate girl myself!
 
Lipstick or Lipgloss?
Definitely Lipstick! My favourites at the moment are YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in number 12 and Topshop's Jewel!
 
Music or TV?
Since discovering YouTube I don't watch much TV but I absolutely love Sherlock and I really don't think music could beat that!
 
Favourite colour to wear on your nails?
At the moment I'm really loving Topshop's Flying Saucer with Urban Outfitters Pick and Mix on the accent nail.

My Nominees:

I thought I would choose four blogs instead of ten because I want to nominate people whose blogs I love reading and deserve the award rather than just picking anyone under the sun! I also went via Bloglovin' followers.

Gina at Lipgloss on my Latte
Kristie at Kristie Blogs Beauty
Laura at Lippy Lau
Hannah Lucy at The Hannah Lucy Diaries

My Questions:

Why did you start a blog?
What is your favourite blog?
How did you choose your blog name?
Smokey eye or bold lip?
Which is your favourite place to shop?
Who is your favourite YouTuber?
Do you remember your first follower?
If you had one plane ticket, where would you go?
Which is your favourite makeup brand?
How many times do you blog a month?

If you've made it this far well done and I hope you enjoyed reading!
xxx
 
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