Best Beauty Products of 2016

What a perfect way to end 2016
A blog post on my all time favourite beauty products from 2016.

These won't all be 2016 released products, this is mainly my overall products that I have used the most this year or have made a reappearance from my deep black makeup hole.
So these are all products that would be an advantage to your collections at any time of the year and they just wouldn't get old!

I could easily get carried away with hundreds of products on the post but I will keep it to a minimum of 10 as these would then be my main 2016 collection to tell you about.

1 - Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadow
This had to be number 1 on my list!! I literally use these all the time.
I love how natural but statement speaking these little shadows are
The best way to explain these are that they have hardly any colour pigment but its like a pressed glitter which come in multiple shades and make a massive effect on top of any eye look.
Check my full REVIEW…

REVIEW: Beauty Advent 21-25

The last part of my amazing 2016 Christmas Advent reviews.
I hope you all had a wonderful christmas and that you haven't stopped celebrating yet! We still have the rest of the week so lets keep the festive spirits going.
Its sad when you know christmas is all over but Ill just keep on going until new year :D

So its about time I ended my Beauty Advent reviews just going over my final thoughts and opinions on the products and overall list my favourites of the month…

Day 21
PUR Correcting Primer
I go through so many primers and I do admit, I have my favourites for certain skin types ect.
This one from PUR corrects and uneven skin pigments, dark circles, and mattifies for a perfect canvas.
I will admit I don't use primers every day, but this is one that I have been applying under my foundation just to give that smoother and flawless look for everyday.

Day 22 
Leighton Denny Mini Nail File
Since looking after my own nails, using strengtheners and my own colour polishes, having this mini file is a saviour in my handbag.
Since having my false nails removed for good, its easy for your own nails to get those jagged edges so I can save them before they get caught.
And its a beautiful crystal file and not those ones that just snap.

Day 23 
Studio 10 Firming Serum
WOW, this serum is worth £70, again like the other ageing products, my skin is not at that stage where I have deep wrinkles and lines so I can't see a massive effect. Its nice to know that I can keep on top of it for the future but right now I don't need something so strong.
Although this serum is described to have a miracle effect, reducing wrinkles by 16% in 15 minutes and helping long term effects within 2 weeks of using.
Reduces age spots, improves firmness, hydration, dark circles and increases luminous skin.

Day 24 
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
If this works as well as the hand cream ill be over the moon!
This lip balm is to help repair and hydrate your dry, cracked lips.
When wearing this balm it does have a menthol feeling which makes your lips feel tingly from the coldness but I can really feel this working and my lips feel totally smooth when applied which prevents me cracking them even more.
Ive been applying before bed every night so that I am sleeping with it on.

Day 25
Shay & Blue Fragrance
I was surprised I had a christmas day window as most calendars just go to Christmas Eve but again it was something I looked forward to on christmas morning while I was waiting for everyone to wake up.
This fragrance is very natural smelling, nothing to strong or sweet just refreshing. I did seem to smell quite a musky aftershave scent which put me off a little. So this wouldn't be a go to fragrance for me, just because I prefer sweet/oriental fragrances.

I hope you have all enjoyed going through my Christmas Beauty Advent with me.
Thanks to M&S its been a fun and interesting product journey that I will for sure be doing next year!

Here are my favourites from the calendar that I would consider buying again…
Day 1 -  Burts Bees Hand Cream
Day 2 - Rodial Super Acids Peel
Day 6 - Eyeko Liquid Liner
Day 8 - Alpha H Liquid Gold
Day 13 - Skyn Iceland Eye Cream
Day 14 - Rosie Lip Stick Gloss
Day 16 - Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
Day 18 - Rituals Body Lotion

Keep an eye out for my 'BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS of 2016' which will be published on 30th December to end the year on a Beauty high!

Sophie xx

Why You Are The TEMPLE!

Theres 2 types of people out there…
Woman 1 - Someone who cares for themselves, is a go getter and knows what they want in life, plans their days with aims and accomplishments…

Woman 2 - or Someone who thinks about what others are doing before themselves, rushes when it comes to 'me time' and just glides through day to day life without focus.

Who would you rather be?
I hope you are thinking the first one!
These 2 types of people are a world apart and its time to turn your attention to the first option.
2017 can be your fresh start to focus on positivity and mindset, mastering these will help you become your amazing self in no time.

The reason I am publishing a post like this is that I believe YOU are the Temple in life and lots of people loose focus on themselves due to day to day life jobs and people that surround them with any negativity.
Yourself and Life are two completely different things.
The way you act, feel and appear has a separate outlook on your day to day life. Imagine this on a monday morning…

REVIEW: Beauty Advent 16 - 20

Over half way though the countdown now and we are in the christmas week.
In other words, Panic Week. Those impulse buys just incase and all last minute gifts that we thought would be ok to leave so late.
Yes, you know what Im talking about haha.

Well I'm here to do another review for my last 5 gifts in my M&S Advent Calendar.
Everyday I'm still excited to see whats in them and I love that it goes to christmas day and not just christmas eve :D

DAY 16
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
This man is hugely known through the hair care industry with his recommended duo hair washing products and special treatments.
The elasticizer is best for fine-medium hair types as it is claimed to deeply condition and add that bounce and shine which helps prevent breakage and hairs less breakage.
When I gave this a try it did feel like a thick consistency which really sat on the hairs to make them stronger so I will carry on using and see how better my hair gets with the condition.

REVIEW: Beauty Advent 11-15

Another 5 reviews to blog about since 10th December in my M&S Beauty Advent Calendar.
This is so much better the chocolate. Trust me!!
Every morning I'm still excited to open the next window and see what hair/beauty product I've got, so lets go more in depth with my 11-15 products.
I do load my advent products every evening on my instagram - @makeupbysophiedowning

DAY 11
Emma Hardie - Cleansing Balm 
So you all know my love for skincare. And a cleansing balm is something i have tried in the past but I've always stuck with my Cleansing oil.
It was great to test out a different texture when removing makeup, but with cleansing oils i find it easy to put on a cotton pad and wipe my makeup off from scratch where as I need to take the bulk off first then use cleansing balm as you do need water to make this work into the skin.
Although the feeling of a cleansing balm is much more silky to get your hands into.

REVIEW: Beauty Advent 6-10

Nows time to review my next 5 days of my M&S Beauty Advent calendar which I am still in love with.
I get excited every morning to see what I have received, whether its something new to me or a product that I have had my eye on.
So far so good!

Heres my product reviews from day 6 - 10.

DAY 6
Eyeko - Liquid Liner
Always used to struggle with finding liquid liners. I went through a stage on fine brushes, gel pots and I'm now settled with my liquid liner pens. Although this wasn't easy to find a pen either!
So many pens dry out within weeks or just have to be a certain size and length to be able to applier easier and quicker for us all.
I have found my favourite so far but I am open to testing this one out and see how I go.
4 days after using, I am still pleased with this Eyeko pen, its well pigmented, doesn't fade, lasts all day and dries quickly which is an overall TICK!
Lets just see how long it lasts me without drying up…

REVIEW: Beauty Advent 1-5

You can't have a December Christmas Countdown without an advent calendar, no matter if its Chocolate? Gin? or Beauty Products.
You know what I went for!!

After my blog post on 'Beauty Advent Calendars 2016' I narrowed down the options and thought M&S Beauty Advent was the one for me.
Just the fact that I wasn't stuck with one brand throughout the countdown and they have unique and even unknown brands to me which this was of course the best way of trying new things.
At the price of just £35 from £250 you can't really go wrong!

This weeks ⌗SundaySkincare

If you have me on Facebook  you may have noticed me upload a photo of me sitting in a face mask this afternoon. Not the most usual thing you see at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon.
Maybe more winter walks, hungover bed photos or family get togethers seem more normal, but no, i had a mission plan this week.

As I had the full day off I decided not to set an alarm…
Waking up at 9am is the perfect time for me, as when I wake up too late I feel like I can't get enough done. So I had a healthy winter breakfast of porridge and blueberries before setting off for a 2 hour gym session and getting back home for half 1.

A Christmas Beauty Gift Guide 2016

No better time to publish a blog on Beauty Gifts just before we enter December
I would have thought you have all started your lists by now, as the Black Friday week was a BANG!
The discount online was to irresistible, even I fell for the trap, and thats before Cyber Monday on the 28th Nov.
My eyes are covered…

Beauty Advent Calendars 2016

December is fast approaching!
Which means were getting ready for the Christmas Countdown. I still don't fail to get a sneaky chocolate advent calendar, don't deny you don't either ;)

Opening the number of each day makes christmas feel closer and closer but maybe your trying to be good and resist the chocolate until christmas day or you may fancy something a little different and more exciting!
The beauty advent calendars. Forget about counting down to christmas day, just look forward to the little beauty gift you will receive EVERYDAY!
So today I'm going to fill you in on the Beauty Advent Calendars you can all get your hands on. Although they sell out fast so get them whilst you can.

The Everyday Winter Makeup Essentials

The temperatures dropped, nights are darker and winter is here!
A perfect way to start of November is revamping our makeup bags with 'Winter Inspired' products for your everyday look.

We all have those summer essentials that bounce back in our makeup bags, wether its that cream blusher? Liquid bronzer? or your favourite peach lipgloss?
Well we should do the same in winter. Only lets make these shades warmer and feeling comfortable on our skin.

REVIEW: Arbonne Skincare & Cosmetics

I'm back from my winter holidays after a lovely relaxing week in the beautiful Marrackech, Morocco.

Although before I went I met up with a lovely Arbonna Representative who wanted to give me a few products to try out.

And seeing as I had this holiday booked I thought it was a perfect chance to try out each product whilst I was away, as usually when I go on holiday I try to mix up my regular makeup products with ones that are either new, or products I haven't used in a while just to recreate my love for them, and it works.

Heres a little quote from Arbonne -

'Arbonne transforms lives through pure, botanically based ingredients in scientifically tested products; a pure, healthy lifestyle; and the pure joy of helping others.' 

REVIEW: Primark P.S Pro Oval Blending Brush

When do I everrrrr buy cheap makeup brushes?
I actually believe and advise that you do have to spend that bit more on brushes to give that perfect makeup look.
Lots of cheap brushes are way too silky, synthetic, too long, and just overall floppy which gives no precision to a makeup look what so ever.

But hang on right there, this PRIMARK brush at just £3 may have just told me wrong.

5 Ways To Get Your Makeup Lasting All Night

Ahh the question on everyones mind either when they are going out or booking me for makeup.
Of course my makeup applications will last you till morning, so no need to worry about that ;)

But when it comes to DIY heres my top tips...

KEEP HYDRATED
If your night out is a planned occasion, just slightly alter your lifestyle and drink more water, ideally drink 2 litres of water a day, everyday! This flushes toxins out of your body and keeps skin clear and replenished. Why wouldn't you want this everyday?
If its a last minute night out, keep drinking lots of water through the week/day, you will still see and feel a difference.
(Some great moisturisers to benefit hydration)
Bobbi Brown - Vitamin Base
The Body Shop - Drops of Youth Cream
Loreal - Skin Perfection

Review: The Body Shop British Rose Plumping Mask

I brought this mask a few weeks ago, I didn't go in the body shop planning to buy this...
What happened was, my favourite Bobbi Brown Day Moisturiser didn't come in time. I was on my emails as usual and came across a Body Shop offer which was 30% off any products and a free gift when you spend £25. This offer was sent to me because I have a rewards card with them (I advise getting yourself one)

What do Mascara Wands really do?

So many mascara wands, so little time.

Many of you are just sold by the adverts when it comes to mascara, but what are you really buying it to do? 

Today's Feature Friday is on identifying different types of mascara wands and what the do for your lashes in a more personal description.

Lilly Ghilachi VS Amsi Beauty Lashes

As you may all know, I have recently teamed up with Amsi Beauty - a UK based online Beauty retailer stocking the famous Lilly Lashes, and Lipland Cosmetics. They are now setting up their own line of lashes inspired by lily lashes offering you the best quality and designs for better prices.for
I will be their personal make-up artist to test products, give reviews, do onine videos and much more to come in the pipeline, it will be an exciting journey and I look forward to keeping you all updated and in the loop.
I will have a page on their website which will post all recent updates from our work together, and any event/news we have planned.
www.amsibeauty.co.uk

Autumn/Winter Bridal Trends 2016/17

Its September already... Which means 'Fall' wedding season has approached us.

So a bridal trend blog post is in order to help any of my fall brides and all upcoming brides who are just interested and doing their bit of research on the makeup trends.

Its a hard decision when your getting married and it comes down to the way you look. 

Dress shopping has to be down to your figure and what suits you best, hair styling depends on the texture and length of your hair and makeup is as important when it comes down to your face shape and skin tone. 

Of course I'm not sat in front of you right now, suggesting what is best for you when it comes to your makeup look but these trends will help narrow down any thoughts of maybe new ideas for you that you would be willing to try.

Every look is adaptable and enhancing for every face, is just finding the correct way.

When booking me as your personal makeup artist on your big day I will listen to your thoughts, ideas and requirements to how you want and normally have your makeup on a daily basis as this is important to feeling yourself on your wedding day then I would recommend and adapt more ideas to compliment your looks incorporating these trends or any ideas you may like.

REVIEW: Pure Avocado oil

Welcome back to another review this week, on the amazing top superfood... AVOCADO'S

Last week you may have noticed that I began testing out a new skincare product, which was pure Avocado oil.
I brought this whilst I was on holiday in Corfu, they had over 20 bottles of pure oils (I will list all the available oils at the end of this post) but this one caught my eye the most, especially as on the back it read 'Nourishes the skin, increases elasticity and helps treat wrinkles and signs of ageing. Suitable for all skin types but essential for dry, dehydrated and mature skin.

I decided to test this out for you all and give my honest thoughts and opinions.
So my skin in completely Normal, when I categorise it into a skin type. It could be paired with combination as I can go through patches with oiliness and dryness.
From previous skincare posts you may know that years ago I suffered with very oily skin but through the years and different skincare routines I have managed to completely improve on this area and now am in a great position with my skin. Yes you may think I'm lucky but you HAVE to be religious with your skincare routine. I honestly swear by it.

REVIEW: Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

I thought this was a perfect time to blog about one of my favourite skincare products as summer is the time of year when you get sunburn or your children getting cuts and grazes from running around.

Well this is the product you need! It's like a doctor in a tube, I know!!!

I've always got this on hand but amazingly I brought Septemebers issue of 'Hello Fashion' magazine and noticed that if you subscribe for a year (just £12) you receive a full 50ml tube of 'eight hour cream' 

Seeing as I pretty much buy this magazine at £1.50 every month I may as well subscribe AND get this cream (worth £15) 

My Summer Holiday Skincare Routine

The second edition to 'My Summer holiday' but today is all about ,y skincare routine and products which I used while I was in Corfu for 2 weeks.

Like I always say, your skin is the most important thing to getting flawless, stunning makeup.

For reasons which your skin needs certain ingredients, care and attention on a regular basis. 

I had a completely different beauty bag compared to my makeup kit this holiday, which of course I filled to my hearts content.

So today I will list and breifly describe each product in which order I used these.

First of, being on holiday in a hot country like Corfu, you NEED hydration and moisture products.

You may say, 'no, my skin is oily I don't want moisture' but no matter your skin type, in this humidity and heat your skin needs it! 

My Summer Holiday Makeup Collection

I think I take longer deciding on what makeup products to pack rather than what outfits I'm taking.

With me going to Corfu for 2 weeks I knew I needed radiant skin and striking eyes (more than lips was my mood) so after I while stripping my makeup kit to pieces I decided to take at least a universal eyeshadow palette then a mix of new and old products.

I love mixing up my makeup routine when I go away. It makes me use my old products and any new buys that I have lately purchased for reasons that it lets me try them in different ways and gives me limited choice on what I can use so I know I will create looks that I may never have thought of.

So if your going on holiday why not try packing some old makeup products that you've thrown to the side for a while or just totally forgot about. It makes you re-love these products all over again, trust me.

Autumn/Winter Makeup Trends 2016/17

We are all making the most of the summer trends with our sun kissed, radiant faces while we enjoy the sun that we are kind of getting, but now I'm about to put you into Autumn/Winter thoughts for the makeup trends in the upcoming season.

You can either get stocked up or start experimenting now as there are lots of exciting looks for this season that I am so excited to try!

First ill recap the main trends in the major cities...
Paris - Seductive eyes, and statement coloured lips
Milan - A statement feature, either lips, cheeks or eyes
London - Fresh and bright skin, still following from the summer (I think were trying to keep the summer in our minds)

FRESH SKIN
This trend is not going to fade for a long time. Everyone is loving the fresh, healthy, glowing skin to enhance our glowing features all year round.

REVIEW: NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

After Wednesdays blog post on 'High Coverage Foundation Recommendations' I promised to feature the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation on Fridays post.
This is my latest daily foundation since getting back from my holiday in May.
I'd heard good reviews on this one for so long and the fact that it was still high coverage (which is what I look for in a foundation) and that it was a luminous finish made me want it even more.

Spring/Summer is all aimed at radiant, glowing skin which I wanted within my foundation for this season. I do find it important to mix up your foundations each season to change your skin finish as each season effects your skin differently.

Full Coverage Foundation Recommendations

Been a rubbish Beauty Blogger this week, but I've been a busy bee!
I thought i'd do a random blog post today on 'Full Coverage Foundations'
For saying its summer i'm still getting lots of ladies ask me about the best full coverage foundations. (Summer should be for lightweight, radiant and sheer coverage foundations you knowww)
But you've probably had enough of me rambling on about radiant skin, although if you still want that finish read HERE on how to prep the skin under your foundation to give you radiant skin even through the heavy coverage foundations that i am about to tell you about.

My Top Recommended Face Primers

For Feature Friday I did a review on my favourite face primer 'Guerlain Meteorites Peales Primer.
Read it HERE to get the full review including what it does and how it works...

Today is a post based on a range of face primers that I recommend which are all great for different skin types.
Getting the right product for your skin type is very important, imagine your skin being dry and you get a primer for oily skin? This will not have the right benefits for you and will probably effect your skin more than you expect.



In my upcoming 'ONLINE MAKEUP LESSONS' which will be released this summer will explain and help identify your skin type within the lesson so that your makeup goes on and lasts like a dream.
Follow me on Facebook to keep updated with this launch.

You may be thinking 'I don't need a primer' because... 'I can save money without one' or 'I can keep touching up my makeup' or many more excuses?
I would highly recommend a primer! Consider it more of a skincare routine... something you always need.
Primers are known to keep your makeup lasting longer. Which is a great bonus as you know you don't want to be touching up your face every hour of the day when your makeup is sliding off.
This prepares the skin to grab the pigment you put on top, this is of course how the foundation lasts longer on a primer base than when you don't use one.
Another bonus from a primer is that it helps smooth out and even your skin tone for when you apply the rest of your makeup. This is where your skin type comes into your choice of primer.
Carry on reading to see which primer would be best for your skin.

Ok so let me get started on my favourite primers that I would recommend you all to consider in your makeup routine...
SMASHBOX have a wide range of primers now, also known as the 'Photo Finish Foundation Primer'
With this product their literally is one for every skin tone, so this brand makes it easy.
They have, Original, Light (thinner consistency), Hydrating (Dryer skin types), Blemish Control (Oily, spot prone skin)
More fab extras are considered for - Colour Correcting, Luminising, Pore Minimising, Dark Spot Corrector and I think thats all!
Exactly, there is one for everyone... So I could stop there but there are other amazing brands with all in one primers.
They also now sell 'Primer Oil' and 'Primer Water' if you preferred a different texture, they all work the same.

A great one for Oily Skin/Large Pores (which can be created from oily skin) is 'BENEFIT Porefessional', This one is a thick consistency, more like a paste which goes all over the skin. Although it is thick this product easily blends and absorbs into the skin leaving your skin feeling so smooth and silky.
Benefit also do a 'Porefessional Matte Rescue Primer' now so this would be more for oily skin wanting an extra matte finish which controls the oil all day long.

Do you have one or more of the following?
- Uneven skin?
- Pigmentation?
- Normal-Combination skin tone?
Well the 'GUERLAIN Meteorites Peales Primer' (Which was my last product review) is the one for you, this evens out and corrects your skin tone with the luxurious beads which burst in every pump to leave you with flawless, even skin and a matte effect.

Dry Skin types I would recommend 'GUERLAIN L'or Primer' This is pretty much the opposite to the Meteorites so it is aimed at the opposite skin type more for Dry/Dehydrated skin, wanting radiance and glow to brighten up your skin tone.
This one comes like a lightweight clear gel with Gold Leaf specs throughout the fluid, these burst with hydration and radiance as soon as the pump is applied to the skin.

All these primers are used in the same way. As a base to your makeup which is applied after your skincare routine but before you foundation.
They can be all applied with your fingers as this warm up the product better on the skin and helps absorb straight into the layers of your skin, preparing your skin for the next step which will leave you with flawless, long-lasting makeup.

I hope this has helped you with identifying a primer which is perfect for yourself
Or made you realise you need a primer in your routine. You will see a difference!
Some of these primers do things that your skincare and foundation can't. Primers are made for being applied before your foundation so they know they need to work their magic to leave your face looking amazing!

Love Sophie x

REVIEW: Guerlain Meteorites Perles Primer

So I have touched on the importance of skincare, now I need to introduce the importance of Primers for the skin and before the makeup.

Primers are an amazing base for your makeup which you apply after you moisturiser. All primers have different benefits which I will explain more in Tuesday's Blog Post as that one will be all about primers and my top 3.

This post today is a review on one of my favourite primers which I repurchased to take on my holiday in May. 

So you will learn how good and benefital Guerlain's Metoeorites Primer really is, and it's a brand that no one boosts about enough!

I did work for Guerlain for 6 months last year as their Account Manager/brand consultant. And I will say it was my favourite employed job to date. Of course my buisness in number 1. 

I had the full product training from everything Guerlain sells (makeup, skincare and fragrances) this primer was in my top favourite products from their makeup range.

Not only is the product just amazing but the smell of the meteorites collection is to die for!

All of the meteorites smell like Violets, similar to their 'Insolence' fragrance.

This primer is known as their 'light diffusing pearlised primer'  this means that this will naturally reflect and enhance the light shone onto the face through the foundation. This gives your skin such a healthy radiant glow which is completely effortless, it also has anti-dullness benefits from the ligh deft users which brightens the skin tone.

The rosy pearls plump the skin whilst the formulated powders help neutralise excess oil on the skin and help conceal blemished and uneven skin tone from the pearlescent beads which burst onto the skin then set leaving a long lasting matt complexion.

Now as that may all sound so scientific and that it does so much from one small product but this actually works wonders.

The best thing about it is that it keeps your makeup on COMPLETELY all day/night. I feel it set on the skin which makes my foundation stick to the primer a whole lot better than other primers I have tried.

And this is proven when you try it on a night out, your makeup will not budge.

This is everything we need in a primer, we all want even, radiant, plumped skin and for our makeup to last all day.

Them this is the primer you need.

It's so easy to apply, just pump 2 pumps on the back of your hand or on your fingers and spread it all over the face, leave it for a minute to let the penalises work their wonders and you good to go with the rest of your makeup.

I do use this product in my kit, along with lots of others but I can identify exactly who needs or who will benefit from this product.

I hope this has helped you if you were on the hunt for a primer that actually works, or maybe just gave you an insight to a brand or product that you hadn't considered before.

Keep updated for Tuesday blog posts all about primers and my top rated ones, this of course will be included.

Love Sophie X 

My 'On The Go' Make-up Bag

A lot of people struggle with what products/tools they need in their handbags everyday.
Some people throw their whole makeup bag in, others just keep a lipstick in a pocket.

Well today I will list my 'on the go' makeup bag as these are the products that I need most throughout the day once my makeup is on since morning.

Review: MAC FIX+

We are approaching June - Summer Time, and I thought a perfect review would be this refreshing mist from MAC Cosmetics - Fix +
This product isn't just for refreshing the skin... This is why I though this review would be perfect for you to discover the best usages for this product.

I use this product mainly like a toner for the skin, I spray this on my clients before I apply the makeup. This refreshes the skin and gives it a moistures base so that the makeup glides on easy.
It can also be sprayed at the end of your makeup routine to help your powder dry in a more moisturising way to prefect the dry matte look that powders can give a cakey look.
Also spraying this throughout the day over your make-up instantly refreshes the skin and brings that natural glow back which wakes up the skin.

Another amazing usage from this product is to spray on your brush before using loose pigments on the eyes - this intensifies the colour and sets looking bold and striking.
You can also mix this in with loose pigments to create a creamy eyeshadow which glides on perfectly when using synthetic makeup brushes.

The smell of this product is also very pleasing to the nose when it gets sprayed all over.

MAC describes this product as -
A lightweight mist of water packed with vitamins and minerals, infused with a blend of green tea, chamomile and cucumber to gently soothe and refresh the skin. Gives an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup.

This product can be purchased in the full size of 100ml and a travel size of 30ml which is perfect to take on holidays or just to throw in your everyday handbag.
Usage Tip - Hold this product away from the face around 12 inches, and spray evenly.

This product is perfect for the summer months ahead, we all need a refreshing spray when were in the heat all day, otherwise our makeup doesn't feel great!

This retails at £17 for full size.

Do you use fix +?

Are you looking for a fixing spray?

Sophie x

REVIEW: My Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick Collection

My go to lipsticks always seem to be these CT ones, maybe because Nudes are like the biggest trend in like forever right now so they defiantly brought the 3 perfect nude shades for my skin tone.

There's not many other shades that people are wearing right now, the nudes have taken over from peachy nudes to deep browns. There is a shade for everyone's skin tone, We just don't want to be walking around with lips paler than our skin. So match your shade correctly! 

I would advise a nude that is a shade deeper than your natural lip colour for a warmer glow.

With these K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipsticks they come in full face collection, like I explained in my previous Charlotte Tilbury post. Collections such as 'Dolce Vita', 'The Sophisticate' and lots more. So this helps you get the perfect overall makeup look with matching lip liners, glosses, and eye makeup.

The K.I.S.S.I.N.G Collection 'Falling from the lipstick tree' comes in 10 shades, from nudes to reds.

These lipsticks protect your lips for UV Damage and pollution which is important to your skin in this era. The formula is blended with special waxes and light diffusing pigments which leave your lips soothed and hydrated, luminous and a multi-dimensional finish. (Great for those who dislike wearing lipgloss to create shine) 

The shades I have are 'Hepburn Honey', 'Bitch Perfect' and 'Very Victoria' - this shade is from the 'Matte Revolution' Collection.

See below for each lipstick shade. 

HEPBURN HONEY

BITCH PERFECT

VERY VICTORIA

For the 'Matte Revolution' Collection 'Luminous Modern Matte Lipsticks' come is another 10 shades. The formula contains lipstick tree and orchard extract which again protects and softens the lips.

It has 3D glowing pigments which although these are matte lipstick this makes the lips appear wider and fuller.

These lipsticks also have a square angled tip that acts like the shape of a lip brush for better precision, the other collection has the basic pointed tip.

I love the way they glide onto the lips so smooth, even the matte lipstick feels hydrated on my lips.

They all stay hydrating too, even after a few hours of wear. I find the pigments stay on throughout the day without losing the colour which is perfect when I'm rushing around forgetting to top up my lips.

They are just comfortable and generally nice to wear on a daily basis, so I would highly recommend.

And I can not forget to mention the GORGEOUS packaging, I fall in love every time! I think this is why I want more. The casing is a rose gold cylinder shape with a 3D stripe feel., they just look gorgeous to show off when applying haha.

I still want more shades so everything I visit the Charlotte Tilbury Counter I always buy another one.

Maybe I'll sway away from nudes next time. Will see.

Do you have any Charlotte Tilbury Lipsticks? 

Are you considering treating yourself to one? 

How To Achieve The 'No-Makeup Makeup' Trend

If you haven't heard of the 'No-Makeup Makeup trend this is a massive one for Spring/Summer 2016.

It is a look which is focussed on perfected skin and everything looking very natural, minimal and flawless although the sound of 'No-makeup' sounds easy but is actually one of the harder trends to get right.

It may sound like there are minimal products to use to achieve this look but it is the complete opposite.

Professionals tend to use twice as many products as you would think.

So for today's post I wanted to explain a few products and techniques to achieve the perfect 'No-makeup makeup' look.

I will also recommend some of my favourite products to achieve this look.

I always say that skincare is one of the most important parts of getting your makeup perfect and for this look skincare is definitely no.1

You wouldn't want to wear no makeup if you had terrible skin would you? 

So first of would be to get products that achieve a hydrated, radiant finish.

You can do your usual routine of Cleanse, Tone. Now I'm advising you to add a serum.

This serum is best if it contains brightening ingredients to brighten and give radiance in a natural way so that you skin adapts to this in its daily cycle.

(The Body Shop Drops of Light Serum)

After your serum then comes Moisturiser. Dont get these steps mixed up as lots of people ask me which way around this goes.

The serum sinks into the skin better with the help of the toner then the moisturiser secures the ingredients in and gives extra benefits to the skin.

Again you need a moisturiser which helps brighten and give that natural radiance under any makeup, all this skincare base will make the makeup look much easier.

(Nuskin AgeLOC Radiant Day cream - SPF 22)

After skincare comes the makeup.

The biggest tip to this look is a BB, CC or DD cream instead of a foundation and a Dry Oil.

I would recommend a DD cream (KIKO) as this is a tinted moisturiser, primer, protector and hydrating all in one product.

The dry oil now comes in, mix your DD cream with a drop of Oil and mix together then apply to the face or certain areas you most want the natural radiance.

By mixing the 2 together this will give a natural finish feeling like a second skin and it has that beautiful glow without highlighter. So this will give radiance on all the high points of your face which will glow beautifully in the sun this summer.

I get excited for that step! 

(KIKO Sunshine DD Cream)

(Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil)

Now onto a flush of colour, wether you prefer bronzer of blush, just sweep your powder brush in a 3 shape motion down the sides of the face. Forhead, temple, cheekbones and jawline.

These are the areas that shapes your face without the need for contouring.

Also don't forget about the top of your nose and chin, as this is where the sun hits your first.

(Guerlain Terracotta Compact bronzer)

Lightly full in the brows in an upwards motion and brush over with a spoolie to groom the main hairs on your face, this will shape your face and make your features pop.

Now apply your mascara to give your lashes that curled natural look.

A Nude pencil liner should be then applied on your waterline. This will make your eyes pop and look a lot brighter and wider for that No makeup makeup.

(Dior Brow Pencil)

(Nu Skin Curling Mascara) 

(Lord and Berry Nude Eye Liner) 

Lastly outline your lips with a lip liner 1 shade lighter than your natural lip colour. This will prevent your lips looking to full so that we stick to the no makeup makeup look.

After the lip liner a lip balm or lip oil is perfect to hydrate the lips and give them a natural shine which looks effortless.

(Charlotte Tilbury lip liner in Pillow Talk)

(KIKO or YSL lip oils)

(Nuskin Contouring lip gloss)

Now the perfect final finish that is perfect for you to carry throughout the day would be a Moisture Mist.

These are perfect for the summer to refresh your skin throughout to cool, hydrate and keep you makeup from budging.

Nu Skins Moisture mist can also be used on your body and hair which include ingredients to refresh and add moisture.

I will be doing a blog post next week all about the benefits of Moisture Mists for this summer. So keep an eye out.

I hope you gained some ideas from this look, to go "makeup free" (we wish) this summer.

If you want any Nuskin Products ordering please feel free to message or email me at makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

Sophie X