Empties Review...

I'm not even joking guys, I'm going crazy at the moment with studying which is why my posts have been a bit thin on the ground... or non-existent on the ground! However, I have a quick empties post which I've added a couple of mini reviews to... so here goes...

As you can see, I've finished using my Dead Sea Spa Magik Bath Salts which I got in a Glossybox my sister was forced to buy at The Clothes Show. I also used up my lovely Pantene Repair and Protect samples sent to me by the hair-geniuses (what is the plural of genius? Genii? Let me know in the comments!) And finally, although it's not technically empty, I've included my balance Me Super Moisturising Body Wash, as I actually won't be using it again unfortunately :(

Dead Sea Spa Magic Bath Salts

This was one of the 'gems' I found in the Glossybox my younger sister was pressured into buying at The Clothes Show. Despite finishing these salts, it's almost as if they never existed as they don't really have a scent, don't do anything to my bathwater, and also don't make me feel any different when I'm relaxing! According to the company, in theory 'The salts contain 21 beneficial minerals and are used on the skin for their curative and therapeutic properties. Particularly beneficial in alleviating dry skin conditions as well as acting as a natural exfoliant, remarkably improving skin texture. The wonderful relaxation sensation is caused by the bromides, and magnesium and potassium help soothe aches'. They are supposed to retail at £5.50 for 1 kilo and to be honest, I wouldn't pay 5p for them, sadly.

Pantene Repair and Protect Range

I'm now a huge fan of this range! Even after just two uses I am hooked :) Next trip I take into Anywhere-That-Sells-Shampoo I'm going to be purchasing this sharpish. This range is great for those with Normal to Thick hair, and had tons of Hair Fixing chemicals which are ideal for sorting out heat damage and chemical damage also. I used the shampoo which lathered into a really rich creamy texture. Plus, it smelt delicious! Then it was time for the conditioner which was the only but which I wouldn't really rate, just because it was a bit too 'slippy'... I know that is generally the nature of conditioner, but it was the kind of texture where it literally slipped right off my hand, and I'm sure that most of the product ended up on my shower floor than in my hair. BUT NEVER FEAR because the next step is uber-conditioning and acts as a lush treatment. The 2 Minute Intensive Repair Treatment was quite a thick creamy formula and I did exactly as the instructions suggest working from the tips of your hair upwards towards the roots. Using a wide-tooth comb I made sure my hair was nicely de-tangled and then put it in a loose plait. I was a bit naughty and left it for about five minutes before rinsing it off and I genuinely found that my hair was thicker and full of shiny volume after I'd allowed it to dry naturally. I really want to invest in more of their products, but for now all you need to know is that the shampoo is £4.69, the conditioner is £4.69 and the treatment is £4.69 also! Ideal :) You can buy them here... if they work for my crazy mane I'm sure they'll work for you!

   balence Me Super Moisturising Body Wash 

This was another item which I got at The Clothes Show as it was hidden inside an ELLE magazine goodie bag. I ran out of my Clean on Me by Soap&Glory the other day, so I grabbed this when I was in the bath, splodged some into my hand and my eyes filled with tears. I experience eczema on the palms of my hands and on my fingers when I'm stressed, and as I have three assignments due in very soon, my skin is painfully cracked and looking very sore. The citrus-y ingredients in this product stung the tiny cuts on my hands and I couldn't even have my hands in the bath after I'd rinsed it off because it was so ouch-y. This is a huge shame as the product itself is very nice. It even boasts on the back of the bottle that it is so moisturizing that if you were in a rush you could skip your moisturizing/body butter routine! Again it had a very rich lather and smelt delicious... would be perfect as a wake-up call in the morning as its fruity and tangy smelling. I know this is really random, but it's really pretty in your bathroom too! The bright orange colour makes me smile so I'm not going to throw this out but give it to my sister. I would recommend this to anyone without skin irritation. However, at £12.25 this is quite a lot for a shower gel... You can buy it here.

So that's it for my most recent empties! I think I'll be running this kind of post as often as I can because I think it's interesting for people to see what my thoughts were on a topic, especially if I've been so addicted to it that it's now empty! 

Thanks for reading, and please bear with me whilst I have all of these deadlines coming up :) HauteFuture is and will always be my first love, but I need to get my degree!

What products have you been rating recently? Does anyone know a good body wash for those with skin irritations? Would you spend £12.25 on a shower gel??? Leave it in the comments below <3

Love

gabriellasofia

Pre-Party Preparation Routine... Hair, Make-Up, Nails...

I was about to get ready for my aunt's birthday party last weekend and I started to wonder what steps everyone else takes when they are getting ready for a big evening event, a date, a party, a premier (I wish!)... I figured I'd record my steps in between getting ready for the party so you guys can all see the transformation which I make when I'm getting ready and how I get there!

Please take the time to check out my other sites... I have a Twitter, a Facebook AND a blog too and there will be a giveaway soon where you'll need to be following at least one of these to be able to be entered so don't forget to his follow, like and subscribe!

Please follow me on Twitter at:

http://twitter.com/hautefuture

Subscribe to my Youtube channel where I post hauls, tutorials, outfits of the day and WAY more:

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Also check out my facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/HauteFuture/149057205180776

Please rate, like, follow, comment and subscribe and I promise there will be loads of beauty, fashion, lifestyle, culture and gossip material going up on here each week :)

Thanks for watching, guys and I'll see you soon!

Love

gabriellasofia x

Top Tips for Bikini Wax Virgins...

If you've never been for a wax, then I know what you're thinking; 'No. No. No. It's not for me.' Well, I'd say that's a shame! Are you really prepared to give up having a neat bikini-line just because you're too chicken to endure fifteen minutes of discomfort? After all, variety is the spice of life! I'd tell every girl (and maybe even guy) out there to suck it up and try something new for a change... it's not like it wouldn't grow back if you changed your mind at a later date.

So why is waxing the way to go with hair removal? Well, unlike shaving where you can't quite catch every stray without nicking yourself or taking hours of standing, legs spread, over a mirror, waxing is something a professional can do for you and it is over in minutes. Not to mention, hairs tend to grow back finer after a wax rather than stubbly after a shave, and as the hair is tugged straight from the root rather than slicing the visible part of the hair off, nasty ingrowns are less likely and the smoothness lasts for 3-6 weeks (depending on your rate of hair growth) in comparison to the 2-4 days with shaving. AND you don't get shaving rash, but quite the opposite as most wax formulas these days are infused with aloe vera and the like to sooth skin and keep it soft also.

Perhaps you prefer depilatory creams for hair removal on your legs, or underarms? Why not use them down there, I hear you ask? Well, pluck a hair from your leg, then pluck one from your bikini-line. Obviously the latter is much thicker, which means you would need to leave the depilatory formula on for longer than you would with your legs... This is longer than is advised on the bottles and leaving the creams on for too long can irritate your skin and in extreme cases, burn it off. Not to mention that it probably still wouldn't touch the hairs! Again, even if it did, it wouldn't dissolve the hair from the root, meaning that ingrown hairs and quicker re-growth are to be expected.

Threading, epilating and plucking? Don't be so ridiculous! You don't have time for that nonesense and anyway, why would you want to drag the pain out?

So now you see, waxing is really the only way. Now that you know this, perhaps you need some tips to get you wax virgins out there started. Here goes...

1) DON'T do it yourself until you've had it done a few times first. Unless you want to rip your skin off. Raw is a look for meat, not bikini-lines.

2) DO research salons and DON'T just go to the cheapest one. If your hairdressers do waxing and you're pleased with their work on your head, give them a try down there. If not, then ask friends or your mom for a recommended salon. Otherwise, check the papers; there are often salon adds in there and having an add in the paper means they have money, meaning they earned money by being bikini-wax-wizards. Probably.

3) DO appear confident and like you know what you're doing there. Just like hairdressers and beauticians, these artists can sometimes get carried away with their own 'vision' and push you into something you may not be after.

If you didn't go in there wanting your pubic hair shaped into a rose, or ten grand's worth of Swarovski crystals on your bits then don't come out with it! Simples.

4) DO start slowly unless you're absolutely sure of what you want. If it's your first time and you are only just coming round to the idea of waxing then just have things neatened up a bit. If you've been sporting a power-muff for years, coming out with what my friend once charmingly referred to as a 'chicken-arse fanny' might be a bit of a shock to the system.

5) DO take a painkiller before and DON'T go during your period. As well as pain thresholds being lower during that 'time of the month' you also don't want to make a mess when your tampon string gets stuck on a wax strip... Grim.

6) DON'T be shy. Each day beauty therapists wax bikini-lines, ball sacks and butt cracks. It's really nothing new! If you are feeling a bit timid then DO wear a skirt so you don't have to properly remove your clothes and take some small knickers with you. The therapist may ask for you to remove your knickers, or she might be able to give you a paper pair which might allow more space for manoevre. However, if you want it all off, it's way easier for both parties if you stop being a baby and wang off the panties.

7) DO take a look at the job and have a feel before you leave. A pet hate of mine is to be having a shower and then find three random hairs that somehow managed to escape the Wax Massacre. If you want a full Hollywood (like a baby's bottom... literally) then you might want to offer to flip over so she can make sure you're taken care of at 'every angle' if you know what I mean. Make sure you leave with it exactly like you intended, because once you're home it's so much more of a hassle to go back in, row with the therapist so you don't have to pay more for her to finish her job, or try to do it yourself.

8) DO chat with the therapist and follow her instructions. When you first go in she might ask you to lift your skirt, remove your knickers and bend one leg to the side. Then she might ask you to hold the skin taut or hold your clothes out of the way. Do as she says. You don't want her to hurt you, now do you?

9) DO use moisturiser afterwards. Most salons with use an oil to remove any wax residue afterwards and this is usually full of essential oils to sooth the skin, but a layer of body butter will really seal in that moisturiser.

10) DON'T cry and think you've made a massive mistake when you're skin is looking pink and puckered. It's supposed to look that way, I promise! Just keep it moisturised and cotton-pantied for 24 hours then take another look. You'll love it... and so will he... or she... whatever floats you boat!

So I hope those tips really help. I genuinely think that everyone should at least try new things as often as possible, and it's those that scare you that end to have the biggest pay-offs. Go for it and you'll never look back :) Let me know how it goes!

Love
gabriellasofia

Letter From the Editor: Finding the Balance!

What a lovely start to October here in the UK! The weather has been glorious for the past couple of days, I've been able to wear my 'Florida-clothes' for a couple of days longer which is just lush... The only real downside to all this beautiful sunshine is the heat in the evenings. It has been really too warm for the past four or five nights which means that I've been sleeping really quite poorly. Considering my boyfriend came to meet my parents for the first time for the weekend, I've been caravaning with my grandparents AND I've just begun my last year at university, I could really have done with a regular sleeping pattern, but alas, no such luck! I know it's no excuse, but this business and tiredness has resulted in me skipping a couple of blog posts, but never fear, I promise I will deliver each of the posts I promised on September the 1st. I just need a little time to get myself back into a routine and I'll be on it :)

This is something that's been really playing on my mind recently. I'm not sure about you guys, but I need to get organized. I love my day planner, and highlighters, and Post-It Notes and more importantly, I feel less stressed when I put them all to good use. October is all about getting settled for me. Getting used to the differences in my life since summer-time (like not being able to sit for hours at a time sipping ice-cold strawberry cider, or whiling away the time slicking on suntan lotion, or trying out bronzer after bronzer for that 'natural' tan look... ahhh to reminisce!) and falling back into the likes of work, university, blogging, socializing and keeping on top of my extra-curriculars! Sound like a lot to think about? Well it is!

I'm sure you've all got responsibilities of your own so we all need to make sure we've got the balance right. Let me know how it goes, and in the meantime keep checking back here at HauteFuture for your latest dose of beauty, fashion and lifestyle chitchat :) Here's what's coming up this month:

2nd October - Blog - Beauty - Review - Garnier BB Cream

3rd October - Blog - Fashion - My October Wish-List

4th October - Video - Beauty - Groomed Eyebrow Tutorial

5th October - Blog - Feature - Tips For Bikini-Wax Virgins...

6th October - Blog - Feature - Knowing Your Worth!

10th October - Video - Nails - Rocking The Gothic Trend

11th October - Blog - Health - Keeping Our Immune System's in Check

12th October - Blog - Beauty - Review - Estee Lauder Free Gift Review

13th October - Video - Hair - 'Nice Buns' Tutorial

14th October - Blog - Guest Feature

17th October - Blog - Beauty - Review: Beauty Counter V Drugstore Foundation

18th October - Video - Beauty - Estee Lauder's Alan Pan's Beauty Tricks

19th October - Blog - Health - How To Get a Good Night's Sleep

20th October - Blog - Feature - Finding a New Boyfriend When 'The One' Becomes 'The Ex'

21st October - Blog - Fashion - Blog Sale!

24th October - Video - The 'What's In My Bag' Tag :)

25th October - Blog - Feature - Who's That Girl?

26th October - Blog - Guest Feature

27th October - Blog - Beauty - Review - Dermalogica Range

28th October - Blog - Feature - How Many Free Beauty Products Can I Get in Selfridges? UNDERCOVER REPORT

31st October - Video - October Faves

Hope these are all to you liking :) As September has proven, I may not ALWAYS begin to stick to this schedule as strictly as I'd like, but this serves as a general guideline as to the posts that I want to get out there! Also, like I said, I will work hard to get any missing posts/videos from September out to you as soon as possible... The posts I owe you include; A New Spin on the Smoky Eye, How the Mouse Stole My Magic, Disco Ain't Dead Nail Tutorial, a Guest Feature, How I'm Wearing the New Season's Trends, a-Who's-That-Girl?-post and of course my September Faves which are due to be posted tomorrow!

Ciao for now, Lovers

gabriellasofia

Marie Claire Inspire and Mentor How to Get into Beauty with Estee Lauder!

Monday night was one of those life-changing times when you have an epiphany and just KNOW what you want to do for the rest of your life. If that's not inspiring enough then I don't know what is! The How to Get into Beauty with Estee Lauder evening was a cut above the rest... The previous two Inspire and Mentor sessions I've been to with Marie Claire featured skin-care company founder, Liz Earle, and one half of the power siblings which dreamt up Premier Model Management, Carole White, both of whom I found incredibly inspirational, and yet neither of those seminars compared to this.

Marie Claire's Inspire and Mentor campaign basically encourages women up and down the country to get involved in their dream careers, from publishing and fashion to business and (in this case) beauty. A collection of seminars, lectures, networking opportunities, one-on-one mentoring sessions and frequent updates at www.marieclaire.co.uk have made the campaign a success so far with hundreds of women chasing after their career dreams and testifying that they have Marie Claire to thank for it. I really hope and expect that one day I will be one of them!

As a subscriber to Marie Claire's email newsletter, I received an email about two weeks ago, telling me that I could attend the Estee Lauder Inspire and Mentor session in Manchester for just £10 rather than the usual £35... Knowing how great these seminars have been in the past, I leapt at the opportunity, especially because I obviously have a massive interest in all things beauty. After roping my dad into accompanying me on my first motorway-drive to Manchester, I found myself sitting with a glass of sparkling rose wine in hand in the plush reception of Malmaison hotel at 6.30pm.

I got chatting to a couple of lovely girls including a fellow blogger Jessica Louise (who's blog can be found at www.forevermissvanity.com) as I nibbled at (ie. scarfed down) some of the yummy little smoked salmon and goats cheese canapes and made sure that my lipstick was still intact.

I decided to wear a little pink, black, tan and lavender watercolor-print skirt, (all items can be seen in my Fall Haul video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dTbp0uQL6s) with the maroon colored sweater, gothic cross necklace, tan brogue heels and camel blazer from Forever 21 and as it was a little chilly out I also threw on my granite-like tights from Delia's. I'd curled my hair then raked my fingers through it for that 70's look and kept my make-up relatively simple with a neutral eye, rosy cheeks and wine-colored matte lips, courtesy of MAC Cosmetics... I felt super-comfy in my outfit yet also felt like I looked good; RESULT!

Anyways enough about that. Once the seminar started we noted the panel of super-chic, beauty royalty... Lisa Oxenham Beauty Director of Marie Claire, Anna Rozelaar Communications Manager for Estee Lauder and Alan Pan Global Make-Up Artist for Estee Lauder. Of course they all had perfect complexions and generally looks super healthy and happy to be there!

Lisa 'I-Want-Her-Job' Oxenham (as I so fondly refer to her) inspired me with her story of how she went from a History of Art student at Manchester University to the most influential beauty guru at one of the top magazines in the country. Initially wishing to become a fashion stylist, work experience at Cosmopolitan and More magazine (amongst others) fueled her interest in journalism, a passion which she initially pursued by working in the Beauty PR industry, writing and styling the odd photo shoot. Now, having worked her way up through More magazine, transferring to InStyle as Beauty Editor then transferring again to her present role, Lisa Oxenham has spent the past four-and-a-half to five years working for Marie Claire and seems to really love her job. Hence the 'I-Want-Her-Job' part :)

With a CV like that, it can't be argued that if there is ever going to be someone to trust regarding this season's beauty trends, it's her! That's why when she told the group about how Full-Bodied Lips (a trend I was already rocking during the seminar... 1 'Cool Point' for gabriellasofia :)), Chrome-Themed Eye Colors, 'Liner Love', Hair Buns, Red Nails and Hair Braids are going to be in for Autumn, I jotted all her tips down! Currently having a bit of a disaster with my camera, but once it's fixed I'll be posting pictures of me working these very same trends, so be sure to check back!

Of course Anna and Alan were very interesting too. Alan in fact was hilariously funny and is obviously very talented at what he does; the models one whom he demonstrated two different smoky eye looks (one natural, one drama for 'boogie nights'... his words, not mine!) looked absolutely beautiful. As for Anna, during these mini-tutorials she told us all about the products Alan was using, describing them in so much detail and with such passion that I now know that I absolutely NEED to try Estee Lauder! When someone refers to a lipstick as something 'Like a chocolate truffle, the outside gives you what you want in color whilst the inside gives you that added moisturizing luxury...' I really stood no chance... Pure Color Sensuous Rouge by Estee Lauder is officially on my Christmas list. Yes, I still write Santa a list. If you don't ask you don't get, right?

After the seminar there was an opportunity to ask questions, but I think everyone found the session so informative that the questions were very basic and there weren't many. And yet once it was all over, each of the speakers was surrounded by a gaggle of girls wanting more... Of course I was one of those girls, but rather than jumping straight into line with the others, I took a moment to write a little note with my details down for Lisa... At the beginning of the seminar she advised anyone interested in Beauty to have cut-outs, clippings, swatches, photographs etc of anything that inspires us to be creative with beauty. The fact that I've been doing that since I was a little girl is neither here nor there, because the nub of the story hinges on her following statement, 'I've still got all of my cut-outs although they really need organizing...' BOOM. Once I'd finished writing down my digits, email address and the title of this blog (Hello Lisa if you're reading :)) I approached her, introduced myself and told her that I would like to organize them for her if she'll let me. Lisa was as lovely in person as she had appeared during her presentation and asked me some questions about myself, my course and my plans for the future.

I explained as simply as I could with all my nerves sending my hearty a-flutter, that I want to be a Beauty Writer because I find a million things to say about every beauty product I use. I feel like I can find a story in every mascara, a culture in shampoo, a history in a vitamin supplement... I know I don't know everything about beauty, but that's what excites me, the fact that the industry is rapidly changing with new science constantly inspiring fresh ideas. All of which culminate in that sexy feeling which millions of women across the world experience when they step out wearing a new truffle-like lipstick (thanks again Anna Rozelaar!)

Anyways, the result of all that? Lisa urged me to keep contact with her which sounds like a good sign :) I am going to forward her a copy of my CV soon and hopefully get some work experience with her at Marie Claire... watch this space and wish me luck, Readers!

The whole point of this blog is for me to share with you the extra sparkle that I had in my smile after the Inspire and Mentor seminar. The panel really pumped me up, educated me on a topic which I adore, and made me realize once and for all that beauty really is for me! Beauty is for everyone. If you don't believe me, just refer back to the one theory which upon the humble beginnings of her company in 1946 inspired Estee Lauder herself; that every woman can be beautiful.

Thanks again Marie Claire, Lisa, Anna and Alan for a fantastic evening. I recommend Marie Claire's Inspire and Mentor seminars to everyone! So what are you waiting for?

gabriellasofia x

Letter From the Editor: Welcome!

*My Moral For The Month...*

Dear Readers,

Finally having arrived back from what was shockingly quite a testing summer working in Walt Disney World, I am now as eager as ever to maintain my blog. My summer was incredible, really, it was.

My days off were some of the best in my life so far, and yet, Working for the Mouse taught me that when I do eventually choose my official career path, I can't just slog through five days a week just because my two days off are good fun. It has to be something which I'm passionate and excited about, something that gets me up and out of bed at the crack of dawn with a smile from ear to ear. While I was going about some menial task like using my 'Disney Point' (a two-finger point as it's apparently more polite) to direct the thousandth guest over to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular which was clearly sign-posted for all to see, or explaining to a guest that, "Yes, the three o'clock parade is in fact at three o'clock" I remembered the words of Liz Earle and many a wise person before her... 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.' I wondered to myself if I had ever worked such a job and immediately my work experience at Conde Nast Traveller leapt to mind.

My next few days were spent pining over how much I adored completing even the dullest tasks when working at the magazine; organizing the travel library, handing out the post or scouring the newspapers for the latest in travel news. I started to imagine where I want next for my work experience, or where I wanted to go to study my masters in magazine journalism and how I can work towards that. Of course, the first thing I thought of was by working on my blog. A platform which I can use daily to get my written word out there is invaluable to me and almost as soon as I thought it, I actually wished to myself that I was home, blogging on an almost daily basis.

So that's what I did. I came home. I came home early and terminated my Disney International College Program, changed my flight and three days later I was back on English soil.

With a new academic year comes a new look for my blog. I want this to be almost like an online magazine, a 'blogazine' if you will. Almost daily I will post various stories from fashion pieces, to beauty tutorial videos to relationship features and all that's in between. I have even posted my schedule for the month of September, just like a 'Contents' page so you know what is coming...

But enough of that, hopefully you'll all get used to the new look and can see just how much work I'm going to be putting into this blog from now on, so please tell your friends, get involved, rate, comment, like, follow and subscribe if you can; it would be a great help! :)

The moral of this 'Letter From the Editor' is that life is too short to waste it doing something you don't want to do. Don't get trapped by the financial stability, or the pride of the people around you, or even the ease of the tasks required of you. If you do then you run the risk of spending five sevenths of your life being painfully unhappy and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Don't be afraid to be a quitter if it's really not what you want, and don't be afraid to shoot for something you think is totally out of your comfort zone. Follow your dreams, reach for the stars. You'll thank me one day :P

Love

gabriellasofia

*What's in this month?*

2nd September - Video - Beauty - Tutorial: Sweat-Proof Make-Up

3rd September - Blog - Fashion - My Autumn Musts

4th September - Blog - Health - The Importance of a Balanced Diet and Frequent Exercise

5th September - Blog - Feature - Age Gaps in Relationships

6th September - Video - Beauty - Tutorial: The New Season Look

9th September - Blog - Beauty - Review: Lip Stain Comparison

10th September - Blog - Health - The Number-One Stress Related Syndrome in Young Adults

11th September - Video - Hair - Tutorial: The Re-Birth of the Hair Braid

12th September - Blog - Guest Feature

13th September - Blog - Beauty - Review: Clarins Eclat du Jour Range

16th September - Video - Fashion - A Mid-Month Haul!

17th September - Blog - Feature - Are You A Feminist?

18th September - Blog - Feature - Why Good Customer Service is More Vital Than Ever

19th September - Video - Beauty - Tutorial: A New Spin on the Smoky Eye

20th September - Blog - Beauty - Beauty Without Breaking the Bank

23rd September - Blog - Feature - How the Mouse Stole My Magic...

24th September -

Video - Nails - Tutorial: Disco Ain't Dead

25th September - Blog - Fashion - Who's That Girl?

26th September - Blog - Guest Feature

27th September - Blog - Fashion - How I'm Wearing the New Season's Trends...

30th September - Video - September Faves

Hope you enjoy this month's blog as much as I enjoyed writing it! What are you most excited for?

God bless

gabriellasofia