Top 5 Holiday Beauty Essentials

Hi there :)  

As I’m writing this post now, I am sat on the train heading back to University in Edinburgh so I can fly out to Malaga with 3 of my uni friends! Excited is an absolute understatement - I'm buzzing for this holiday; the chance to relax, tan and spend quality time with some of my favourite people. 

As I’m sure you are all aware, packing toiletries for most people is hard, but is double the work when you’re a beauty lover. Trying to limit the makeup, skincare and haircare that I take on holiday with me is an absolute nightmare! 

So here are my top 5 items that I am taking with:

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in ‘And On Bronze’ 

This is a staple in my holiday makeup. I feel like regardless of the destination, a bronze-gold look can never go wrong and is always super flattering with a tan. This cream product is perfect for holiday as it is gentle on your eyes after the chlorine and salt that they have been exposed to during the day, and stays put so you don't need to worry about it sliding off. The colour pay-off is also perfect!!

Boots Smooth Care Facial Wax Strips For Sensitive Skin

I used these for the first time yesterday and they worked like a dream on my upper lip. For only £2.39 you receive 20 wax strips and 4 after-care wipes. Not only did they do the job, but also left me with no rash or stinging sensation after. I’ve taken them away with me incase I need to sharpen up my eyebrows or go over my upper lip.

Garnier Pure Active 3-in-1 Wash, Scrub, Mask 50ml

I always take an exfoliator away with me to unclog my pores from the suncream and natural oils that come about in hot countries. I’ve found that this Garner one is amazing because not only is the packaging a convenient size, but the product is also 3-in-1 so your skin is never lacking. 

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte lip cream in ‘London’

These matte liquid lipsticks are perfect for holiday due to their creamy formula. This means that they wont dry out your lips in the heat but still give a lovely matte finish. I particularly like the shade ‘London’ because for me it is the perfect nude and goes with any makeup look or outfit on holiday. 

SOAP & GLORY™ One Heck Of A Blot™ INSTANT-PERFECTING POWER PRIMER

The soap and glory primer is an absolute winner for me both in my everyday routine and on holiday. The tacky formula means your foundation or BB cream will not budge no matter how oily you are in the heat - such a fantastic product at an extremely affordable price. 

What are you holiday essentials? Let me know in the comments below, I’m always eager to try new products!

Sophie x

Instagram: @sophhelmanmakeup

Twitter: @sophie_helman 

Welcome back!

Hello and welcome back!

I guess the main questions is: where have I been?! It has been more or less two years since I have posted on this blog and a lot has changed. 

To start with, I am no longer a teenager - which has completely scared me as I am no way near ready to accept that I am an adult. I have also made the transition from sixth form to university, having just finished my first year and could not have moved further away from home, from London to Edinburgh.

I am currently studying British Sign Language at Heriot Watt University - a very unique course, I know! - and although it is very hard, I absolutely adore it. It is an extremely rewarding degree, and the people I have met through it are incredible. 

Since going to university I have also started cheerleading competitively - who would have thought it?! I cannot recommend the sport enough. It has such a family atmosphere to it, meaning the friendships you build are like none other. I have even been nominated social secretary for next year. 

On our way to National Championships

A straddle stunt

Performance Day

Though life is pretty great right now, the two years before university were not so great and I had to overcome many things to get to where I am now. I won’t go into to much detail, but dealing with severe anxiety and depression was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and is something I continue to struggle with. I am so proud of where I have got to in the past two years. If anyone is interested in hearing more about how I overcame my issues, please leave a comment down below and I may write a post on it - especially as May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

So what can expect from this blog in the future? Of course a lot of beauty and makeup - this is still one a huge passion of mine and it will be the main focus of my blog, some mental health and wellbeing tips/advice/experience and much more!

So please stick around - I have so much planned for this blog and I’d love for you to follow my journey! Also, please check out my makeup instagram account @sophhelmanmakeup to see the looks I have been creating!

Sophie x

Instagram: @sophhelmanmakeup
Twitter: @sophie_helman