Day 21-25 Beauty Advent Overall Review

We made it to the BIG DAY!!
Christmas day didnt half fly round, maybe it because im not a child any more? Or maybe opening all these beauty goodies kept me going?

Im afraid I wasn't going to do this review on Christmas Day… Which is why I thought id wait until the celebrations are over - or at least that bit in the middle of Christmas and New Year when we don't know what day, time or date it is? Do you agree?

Im still in holiday mode, but if we all get back into it a little now then January won't seem so much of a black hole!
Although im so excited for wheat a new year brings, and first of myself and Grace (hairstylist) are bringing a 'Revitalising Hair and Makeup Masterclass' on the 28th January - showcasing step by step looks that can help bring you a new look to 2018 - start fresh learn new things.
See our event here - https://www.facebook.com/events/170747603660632/
Tickets are available now.

Anyway, back to what you came here for…
Hers my final product reviews form the advent calendar, then at the end I have told you my TOP favourite products from the past 25 days, for which i WILL be buying again!

Day 21- Balance Me - Rose Otto Facial Oil
You know im a sucker for oil, especially in the summer I was. But many people are scared to put oils into the skin, thinking it will make them oily, that is NOT the case - it balances out the natural oils, one the skin has been cleansed of all the oils produced throughout the night and day, an oil product then gets applied to clean skin and balances out the skin, inputting the correct oils for the skin to feed off.
Does that make it sound less scary?
Well this Balance Me one is a range of skincare which is directed at more sensitive skin, so people that cant play about with too much product. They can become red or become irritant to too many products on the skin at once.
I thought this was a perfect oil for those that don't want to 'feel' like their skin has oil on it, or those that are sensitive and oily normally.
For me i like to feel the product and it be very nourishing but it's definitely personal preference and not in my bad books.

Day 22 - M&S Hydrating Confidence Boost Primer
This primer sure did what it said on the tube. It really was hydrating but it felt just like a moisturiser to me, not so much a primer, even when it settled into this skin. Nice for those that have dry patches when they apply makeup!

Day 23 - M&S Formula Ultimate Sleeping Cream
I actually got this in last years advent. I liked it last year, but this year, they MUST have changed the formula because i loved it!!
The smell was sweet like raspberries when i applied it as night time, it was so nourishing and in the morning my skin looked radiant and fresh!
They describe this 'looks like you've had 8 hours sleep, even when you haven't' Haha! I can say that this sure gave me that look.

Day 24 - PUR Correcting and Illuminating Primer
Christmas Eve, I don't think i got ready… So i didn't use this until Christmas Day, but when i did, i thought it was great! It was a 'skin colour' shade which must have been the correcting side of it, and the radiance was beautiful as soon as it was applied on the skin.
My makeup looks glowing and even too! So I think i looked good enough on Christmas Day thanks to this.

Day 25 - 'My Favourite Things…' Beauty Bag
The big window at the top of all the countdown houses just looked exciting!
But i was disappointed… I don't think I will be using this, but I guess its a handy little makeup bag to throw in your handbags or to travel with.
Plus the design was Christmassy cute, but you could get away with using this all year round.

Heres my makeup look from Christmas Day - I pretty much wore a Big Red Lip all week!

Now heres the truth - 
The products I loved the most, and which i will buy in the future are;
- Rosie Amazing Radiance Body Glow - Day 1
- Rodial Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel - Day 5
- Eye Black Magic Mascara - Day 8
- M&S Formula Radiance Reveal Peel - Day 10
- Emma Hardie Morniga Cleansing Balm - Day 13
- Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion - Day 19
- M&S Formula Ultimate Sleeping Cream - Day 23
- PUR Correcting and Illuminating Primer - Day 24

I was not disappointed with this Beauty Advent overall, I think M&S do a great job with these products, great sizes and amazing choices from them.
I will sure be doing another countdown next year, let see who impresses me.

But first lets LIVE FOR 2018!
And make it your best yet.

Hopefully see you at the January Hair and Makeup Masterclass.
https://www.facebook.com/events/170747603660632/

Love Sophie xx

Day 16-20 Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

So many products, so little time - giving each product a period use of around 5 days is a major party of my life! Haha, making sure i'm testing out each product for you guys, especially these 5 days have been really interesting, as i do read reviews and application usage for each product so that I can take full advantage of them.
These products have been blowing my mind…

Day 16 - Percy & Reed Hairspray
I don't usually use any styling products on my hair when dry as i don't really have the hair style which needs hairspray, but i gave it a try to see how it set on my hair and it was a great hairspray, it lifted my hair when id sprayed in, disguised any fly aways, and easily brushed out without damaging my hair.

Day 17 - REN Instant Beauty Shot
Honestly, Ive never really been amazed with REN products, they scrape the barrel when it comes to natural ingredients which is the only benefit in my eyes, as i find the products very basic, but that can be good for sensitive skin types as you just want products to do enough.
The 'Instant Beauty Shot' really surprised me and i couldn't wait to find out what it was actually supposed to do - so when i researched I fount that it was a serum based product and is meant to really awaken and refresh the skin instantly! AND you can also pat this on your skin with your makeup on!!
I wasn't disappointed, I purposely wore this to the gym on the first day under my normal moisturiser to see if it really did make my skin look refreshed, it was great.

Day 18 - Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion
This one was another interesting product as when researched you should be using this body lotion twice a day for 4 weeks… Of course my sample size won't last 4 week but my gosh i felt an instant finish on my skin it was so smooth but i really didnt like the smell, it was very chemical - like you'd just had a piercing done - but only lasted about an hour then it fades.

Day 19 - Leighton Denny Nail Polish in 'Stardust'
As you all know im not a massive Nail Polish lover really, i tend to have to be in the mood or want to wear certain colours for occasions out.
Ive had lots of glitter and metallic shades in my beauty boxes over the month but with this one being silver AND Holographic I defo fell in love, although I would say the polish is quite grainy, so would need a base and a top coat for it to look smoother
Im going to have to whip this one out over the christmas period.

Day 20 - Pixi by Petra Lipgloss is 'Honey Sheen'
I gave this a try over the top of a Charlotte Tilbury rose pink shade lipstick so that it had a similar shade to the gloss.
What i loved was that the gloss had a more gold shimmer to it to other shimmery lip products, which kept the overall colour warmer, although it was quite sticky and didn't last very long, also the smell was menthol, mint scent, like some lip plumping ones Ive had in the past.

Now were onto the last 5 days!!
Christmas is nearly here.
I shall do my final review for you all on the 28th December filling you in with my final 5 products and what i thought out them.

Have an AMAZING CHRISTMAS!

Love Sophie x

Day 11-15 Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

This countdown is going so quick! Or is it just me…
Maybe i'm enjoying these products too much.

The past 5 days are still not disappointing, theres a great variety of products and they are doing 'as they say on the tin'
Heres my review on the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar days 11-15.

Day 11 - UltraSun Lip Protection SPF30
A lip protector doesn't have to be used just in the summer time (when we actually get sun that is) but SPF should actually be used everyday! Especially within your skincare routine. Sun rays get through all sorts of weather conditions, its where the day light comes from, which means sun exposure is present.
This lip protection is scent-free and feels light-weight and smooth on the lips. It would be good for anyone who hates lip products also, as you would never know its there.

Day 12 - Alpha H Liquid Rose Gold
I sure am a Alpha H Liquid Gold user, ever since I tried the original product in last years box, this years its rose gold, which is described to treat the skin and its pH balance such as the original but this one is targeting a more lightweight and hydrating usage.
I love applying this as an intense application at night, using a cotton pad.
This is great for more sensitive skin types as its not as strong as the Liquid Gold.

DAY 13 - Shay & Blue Fragrance 'Blood Orange' 
Shay & Blues fragrances are just so pure! They smell exactly as they say on the bottle (which is usually the scent of the fragrance) This one of course is Blood Orange, it actually reminds me of D&G Light Blue, as that had a really strong orange note, but this one is more sharp and intense.

Day 14 - Emma Hardie Morniga Cleansing Balm
This was in last years advent… ITS THE BEST!!
Literally need a 5pence size product on your finger tips and just massage over your 'makeup full' face and it just dissolves… Its soooo silky and feels too good to be true, it washes off easily and gets every last bit of makeup gone!
Its about time I invested in the full size.

Day 15 - Ciglione Lash Boosting Mascara
Never heard of this brand or product, but when I read 'Lash Boosting' I was really hoping it would be a primer, but im afraid its another mascara.
The brush is what makes this mascara different from the others - its like 3 little balls joint together on the wand, which is meant to create curl and texture to the lashes.
When i used this it really did separate my lashes individually and they were so long!! It was like fibre hairs were extending on the tips of my lashes.
I still which it was a primer though!

Were nearly there!!!
Day 16-20 REVIEW will be up in 6 days time

Love Sophie x

Day 6-10 Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

Were nearly half way to Christmas - who's ready?
I feel like im not, but I have actually pretty much brought everything…

Anyway, im still loving opening my M&S Beauty Advent Calendar every morning and it honestly is staying just as good!
So its time to review the next 5 products…

Day 6 - Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in 'Perla'
Liquid Lipsticks are taking over many brands since Kylie Jenner launched her Lipkits.
I myself, have tried many different types too, and they all live up to what they say. Just like this Stila one, it does what they basically say… Its a matte finish and stays on for hours! Which is great, but i was disappointed in the colour due to it being too cool toned for me, it was a pale pink shade with a blue undertone, which because my skin tone is warm, I avoid these colours.
I did wear it for the day to test out properly and I would consider buying these again but of course in a better shade.
Also the smell wasn't amazing, it just reminded me of wax crayons from when i was young haha, with a sweet scent.

Day 7 - Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Cream
I LOVE a good sleeping cream. Every night I use my Body Shop - Oils of Life Sleeping Cream just because I love the more intense moisture that they give and I feel like i'm getting a facemark whist I sleep.
This Korres one smelt amazing, exactly a wild rose smell. The texture moisturised into my skin really well and quickly, but it felt like more of a normal night cream than a sleeping cream which usually feel more like a layer on the skin, but some people may prefer this.
Wild Rose is for all skin types and targets hydration, brightening and anti-ageing.

Day 8 - Eyeko Black Magic Mascara
I actually saw one of my favourite Make-up Artists 'Nikki Makeup' speak good words about this probably a month ago on one of her instastories and it intrigued me because Ive forever stuck with my all time favourite Lancome Hypnose mascara on myself and clients for the kit so I was definitely giving this a go!
First problem, I have individual lashes on and have done for the past 4 month, so i couldn't trial this that good, although my bottom lashes are very long and i do love them to stand out so i've been using this on them…
The brush applicator is a curved wand which is known for helping the lashes curl, it was also fibre hairs which were fluffy - this is great for volume and the tube of the mascara was my favourite as its not just an average mascara stick, it's a squirty tube thats amazing for pumping more product onto the brush, especially when it's running out, you will sure scrape every last bit out.
My bottom lashes did look lovely, and made them instantly long! Overall i really loved this and can see this becoming a favourite.
Although I didn't find it easy to remove, and that was with my cleansing oil!

Day 9 - Nails Inc Gel One Coat in 'Molton Star'
You know what, Im sick of getting Nail Polishes in all my boxes lately haha! I seem to get one every month in the powder box and now this… I honestly don't use nails polish, I cant be bothered, they just chip and i have to paint like every 2 days.
But! This bronze, gold shade really is nice! Its more metallic than shimmer, so looks great on all nails and as a one colour.

Day 10 - M&S Formula Radiance Reveal Peel
I love how this came on a Sunday!
Im a sucker for a Skincare Sunday routine, where I can just pamper myself for a few hours, so this was on the top of my list.
Seeing as I had the whole of sunday off, I used this straight after my morning shower, to see how much radiance it gave me through the day…
I wouldn't say radiance but this might progress the more I use it but no work of a lie, this peel rolled off all my dead skin (just like my Body Shop favourites) but this one seemed to get drier the more I massaged my skin - which isn't a bad thing, this actually helped remove the rolled of skin more easily with it just dusting off. I rinsed the excess of and carried on with my normal day time serum and moisturiser and my gosh my skin was baby soft! I even made my mum have a go.
I will be using this twice a week now until its gone!

Im ready to see what the next 5 days bring.

Only 2 more reviews then its CHRISTMAS DAY!

Love Sophie xx

Powder Beauty Box - November 2017

We're nearly at the end of 2017 - its scary…
but im looking forward to my December Beauty box, I mean christmas edition, its got to be a gooden.

Well before I get carried away with that, i need to fill you in on the November box.
This month they were targeting on those cold nights that are approaching and how life is basically going to dry our skin out this month. Its true, were going to be chapped out if we don't keep or skin conditioned.

Day 1-5 Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

It doesn't seem long since I did this last year…
If you followed me back then, you were probably one of my followers who really enjoyed my Christmas Countdown, reviewing each product every 5 days.
I got lots of people asking me if i was doing a beauty advent calendar again last year, my answer was, why not!
I did a bit of research to see what goodies were in the beauty advents this year, a few online beauty departs caught my eye, but M&S pipped the post again, as the products again, were unique brands and a great variety of all things beauty.
This year, for the packaging, it was cute little houses within a large house…

It costs £35 when you spend £35 in store at M&S or £250 to buy it on its own… That wasn't happening!

Its already time to review Days 1-5 of the little houses this year…

Day 1 - Rosie by Autograph - Tinited Shimmer Lotion
Im a massive fan or this collection, I cant say a bad word about any of the products, I actually label it the high street version of Charlotte Tilbury, what a compliment!
Id also seen this lotion is the store, and the first thing that caught my attention was the smell.
I was happy to open this on day one and looked forward to using this on the weekend.
I didnt actually expect this lotion to be this tinted, i thought it would just be a more shimmery moisturiser, but no its defiantly a 'instant tan' just not as intense as the high street ones you buy.
I love it, i think this may actually be a daily cream that i can apply every morning, especially on my chest and arms, i feel very pale this time of year.

Day 2 - Filorga Radiance Mask
If i'm honest, I didn't expect the application to be like a light clay mask setting especially with it claiming to be a 'radiance' mask i thought it would be more shiny/dewy whist working on the skin.
So this made me more dubious of how my skin will look radiant when the mask was pretty much matte, although my skin did feel balanced one i had washed it off after 20mins.
The creamy texture is actually helping stimulate the collagen and cellular activity - after researching whjy this mask is so different.
Not only is this for radiance but also treats wrinkles and erases the signs of tiredness (which i definitely need on the run up to christmas!
I would say this mask is more for an overall health glow to the skin activity more than aiming for radiance but i will carry on using and see if it has later results.

Day 3 - Nuxe Precious Scented Shower Oil
Nuxe is known for their 'Dry Oil' which can be used on hair, body and face, and im a big fan that! So to see it in a shower gel form was like a magpie seeing silver!
I used this straight away in the morning.
From experience I would defiantly wash in my normal shower gel and use this as a second wash whilst I massage well into the skin so i get the benefits of the oil better.
Only because this didnt froth up like I preferred it too but I shouldn't expect this from a oil right?
Love it though, just not a fan of the smell.

Day 4 - Gatineau Melatogenine Intense Advanced Rejuvenating Cream
Never heard of this brand or product so it was nice to discover something totally new.
I used this in the day after I had cleansed and applied my day serum.
I found the texture of this moisturiser quite thick for a day cream actually, which did worry me with my makeup application after. Although my makeup applied perfectly and actually set really nicely so maybe this did have an input?
But when i researched more into it it said to apply in an upwards DABBING motion, which totally explains the thick consistency. after doing it correctly my skin felt a lot more plumped and protected with a nice even layer of moisturiser.
I can see this being a massive hit for over 50s!!
It claims to boost your natural radiance within the skin, and targets wrinkles, lines and sagging skin to prolong a youthful complexion - its what we all want right?
Its a Paris, French brand which actually explains the slight clinical smell to this cream, I imagine this being a pharmacy high end product over there, with well researched ingredients.
This cream is prices at a great £55 for 50ml.

Day 5 - Rodial Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel 
Every Rodial product that I have tried, i have loved, no lie!
I was exciting to start using this. I used this sculpting gel as a serum, after my cleanser but before my moisturiser.
It smelt gorgeous and left my skin feeling really smooth. Of course its a gel formula, so it is light weight and worked really well with my makeup on top too.
So I shall carry on using this.

Overall, after my first 5 days of this years beauty advent, i'm happy with the products so far, and have for sure discovered products that I would actually buy in the future!
So heres to the next 20 days on our Christmas countdown.

Follow me on Instagram for daily photos on what I have got each morning, before waiting for the 5 day review ;)

Sophie x

The Winter Lip Edit

I for one love a good lip shade!

I experiment with different colours, textures and brands.

Although a lot of you either have tons of lip products or very little, I'm going to make it more simple for you to narrow down a master the perfect lip colours this winter.

I still want to incorporate every shade or options, as I'm sure you have your favourites, but its the toning of these lip colours that I want to show you more in-depth about…

We all have a go to nude, pink and statement lip colour, I'm sure!

Keep it that way, the more options the better. Some go with outfit better than other, some compliment you skin tones more than others…

Before I dive in about what shades you need to own this winter, we firstly need hydrated, plumped and smooth lips which gives the perfect base for any lip!

Start off with an easy lip exfoliant once a week…

The body shop have an easy Lip Scrub stick which you just rub onto the lips in circular motions, rinse off and end up with smooth lips.

OR create you home-made lip scrub. Mix up sugar, Vaseline and a drop of water into a little bowl, paste onto your lips or a toothbrush and exfoliate with circular motions again and wash off leaving your lips silky smooth.

Now if you don't own a Lip Liner, now is the time to get yourself one!!

It used to be a thing for older ladies to prevent our lip products from bleeding into lines around your mouth, but 2017 its all about enhancing our lip line and lining our cupids bow leaving out lips looks beautifully volumised.

All you need it a neutral lip liner which matches the shade of your lips, or 1 shade darker. This lip liner colour will set you up (until we sharpen it till there is nothing left) for life!

No matter what shade of lip colour we go for, a neutral lip liner is completely fine for every day.

My favourite lip liners are Charlotte Tilbury, MAC Cosmetics, Kiko or NYX, so plenty of choice to shop around and find your perfect shade.

Heres what you've been waiting for,

The Winter Lip Edit for 2017-18 are…

Nude Collection

Under the Nude title the toning we want for a neutral lip shade is deep, peachy nude such of a grey undertone to make this one cool

The perfect go-to colour would be Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in 'Very Victoria'

Pink Collection 

We all love a good pink shade to brighten up our complexions, it can really add a pop to our looks, so this season its all about the cool undertones again, but with this shade we want a violet/purple hint thoughout this lip.

An easy one to pull off is NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anita

Red Collection 

We all secretly love a good red lip! Lucky enough for winter were going slightly easier on you and swaying over to the berry side.

Keep this warm and and think blackberry or pomegranate for this colour to keep it berry and not too burgundy.

Heres 2 options - Yves Saint Laurent Liquid Matte Lip Stain in Violet Conviction

or Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy in Insolent Plum

Theres you 3 shades for the Winter Lip Edit that you need to know!

Do you have these shades in you makeup kits?

Love Sophie x

REVIEW: Smashbox Photo Angle Pure Pigment Gel Liner

You all need to know about this eyeliner…
Its up for grabs to WIN in my current Christmas Makeup Competition including a 1-1 Lash and Liner Makeup Lesson and a Half Price Makeup Application, all for one lucky winner - revealed on Christmas Eve!!

Which I felt it was the perfect time to give this eyeliner a full review from my experience of using this on myself and clients.
I honestly think this is the perfect eyeliner for beginners and advanced makeup enthusiast to use.
Mainly because the applicator is just what a beginner needs for starting out in applying liner, especially those hard to master 'cat flicks'.
As for you more advanced makeup lovers, you will find this liner the best 'smudge-proof' liner you have ever used! Literally permanent, goodbye flakey, worn off liner.

Smashbox describes this liner;
'Nothing makes pictures pop in our L.A. photo studio like some serious color. Packed with the intensity of a gel and the creativity of a magic marker, instantly draw on a colorful cat eye, graphic editorial look and so much more—no brush required. Bonus: this liner lasts for 36 hours!'

To cover every 'angle' of this gel liner I want to start off explaining the applicator of this liner…
The tip is actually angled on a slant to help pull and glide the liner across you eye shape.
It is a plastic/rubber tip, no brush hairs are used.
This makes it easier than those annoying moving fine brushes, or thick felt tips which dry up, that we sure have tried and tested.
Its the perfect gel liner brush, without the fibre!

Next comes the actually product…
To use this liner you twist the bottom until you have enough product to work with, which i find helps to not over apply and create lines thicker than you plan.
The formula of the product it exactly a 'gel' like texture, its not inky or runny, it glides on smoothly over the eyelids so that you can drag and move the placement of the product.

Heres a great image i found online comparing the finish to other liners…

The pigment of the product is also amazing! The name of the liner proves that the colour pigment pay off is a main point. Especially for brown shades, its a struggle to find a statement colour which actually stands out as a brown without it being to pale or sheer.
This shade of liner is called 'cocoa', it comes out as the perfect chocolate deep brown shade.
I especially love how this is brown and not black as we should all own a brown liner in our makeup bags, its a perfect every day shade which unlike black, will help prevent our eyes appearing smaller if applied all around - a lot of people think that black can make their eyes look bigger and stand out more but it does the opposite, so give 'cocoa' a shot and see how fresh your eyes become, even with the definition or a statement liner look.

So if you would like to win this eyeliner, a 1-1 'lash & liner' makeup lesson AND a half price makeup application (for any occasion) then please go ahead and enter the Christmas Makeup Competition with Makeup by Sophie Downing

All you have to do is 
Like - www.facebook.com/makeupbysophiedowning
SHARE the Facebook post (pinned at the top of my page)
Follow my Instagram - @makeupbysophiedowning
Submit your email to - http://bit.ly/2mvIYOY

Good Luck!
Competition closes on 20th
Winner revealed on 24th December (Christmas Eve!)

Love Sophie xx

Powder Beauty Box - October 2017

Another month, another beaut box…
I just get excited every month. So whilst I play, trial and test my latest Novemeber Powder Box, its time to review my October Box with you all, and there sure was some future re-purchases that I will be making.

For October, Powder Beauty wanted to treat their subscribers to treating their skin, ready for the winter months.
They pretty much put together a routine that everybody can incorporate this month using these products all in one - From the facial wash, face mask, serum skincare steps to the foundation sponge, blush, nail colour and an on-the-go fragrance. Sorted!

It's All About The Eyes

Our eye area is the most delicate place on our faces, which means products can't be harsh or over applied.
I feel like the eyes are an important topic to speak about - we worry about wrinkles and ageing around our eyes but are also the first place we want to let our makeup do the talking.
So I am going to fill you in on my top tips, products and routine that we can all learn about our eye area.

When you have a special event to go to, we always want our eyes looking glam, from a smokey eye to a statement shimmer.
Of course do it but make sure the products you are using products purposely created for the eye area!
I want to make a point that applying makeup with your fingers is a great way to be delicate on the eyes as sometimes the motion of harsh brush hairs on the eyes can also cause irritation and dryness - so if your buying makeup brushes please invest in good brands.
My favourites are MAC, Zoeva, Body Shop and Real Techniques, these are pretty much all I own and work great for all eye products. (Cheap brushes will not only irritate but also just move the product off the eyes when blending, trust me!)

Many people including makeup artists like to use different products in any areas on the face, which is a great way to multi-use or achieve colours that are hard to find.
But when products are not made for the eyes, this can cause irritation or reactions to a range of people, and is also very important that you are removing all eye makeup in a gentle and caring way (NO Rubbing!)

This then leads on to the care we should be taking around our delicate eyes, our skin is so thin around this area, your eyes can only take a certain amount of product.
My daily routine on the eye area is… (I tend to use products on my eyes in the evening)
Every night I remove my makeup with Camomile Cleansing oil which is a soothing ingredient and gentle on the skin (with The Body Shop being all natural)
I then wash off with warm water and apply Vitamin E Eye Cream (this eye cream includes the purest ingredients at a brilliant £13 price tag)
- Vitamin E is a hydrating ingredient which gives the eyes moisture (your eye area may actually be the most dehydrated area of the face and you wouldn't even know)
The eye cream also contains Wheatgerm Oil which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

A major fact you need to know;
When your eyes are dehydrated this actually is helping the eyes develop lines and wrinkles as hydrated skin will prevent!

So if your forgetting an eye cream and not using any product gently around the eyes then now is a great time to start.
I also treat my eyes to an eye mask once a week, to add a huge dose of hydration at 1 time (usually left on for half an hour) and also brightens up the eye area as its very common for our eyes to look dark and tired, so an eye mask is a quick 'pick me up'
The eye mask I am using at the moment it 'Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Masks' - these are around £25 for a pack of 8 and come in the perfect under eye shape. These hydrate, soothe, firm and de-puff the eye area for an instant treatment.

I have used the Sheisedo Beneficance Eye Masks which are actually my favourite - i could literally see a difference straight after the usage but these came at an expensive £60 for 12 masks so i thought id try a different brand as i did love the Skyn eye cream.

Top Tip -
When applying eye creams, masks or gels gently tap the whole eye area in a figure 8 over and under the eyes, to help keep a good blood circulation going around then smoothing over with our fingers.

So I hope you have learnt the importance of caring for your eye area and not to negect our precious skin around our eyes.
If you have any enquires about the Body Shop products, please drop me a message and find out the current discount I can order it for.

Love Sophie x

Save your Pumpkin for your Face!

An odd and unexpected blog post, I bet you're thinking.

Today is the day we make everything scary, dark and spooky, especially for the kids but you have a sneaky love for it too. I sure do!

Many of you may have celebrated halloween last weekend with dressing up, partying and drinking. Its a good enough reason too.

Today I wanted to make some logic sense in other ways to use Halloween to our advantage…

You carved them pumpkins? Started to make home-made winter soups, now let me teach you about using Pumpkin on your skin.

Pumpkin is a vegetable, and a natural plant based food which of course makes this completely natural and reaping with benefits for our health.

First of all eating this vegetable is good for our bodies as it hold plenty of nutrients, filled full of Vitamin A, C and E, contains antioxidants and minerals just like lots of other vegetables. But this is for sure a seasonal vegetable that we need to take advantage of. 

This bright, big and cheerful vegetable also helps the bodies;

- Immune System

- Asthma Suffers

- Heart Disease 

- Stress/Depression

and many other health issues 

(This does not cure! It can help towards, so every little counts)

Look at this beautiful Pumpkin and Lentil Salad - I even saw Pumpkin Hummus!!!

Now on the the fun part!

Start using PUMPKIN on the FACE!

Its great for all skin types and helps with many skin issues such as acne(from the zinc), dry skin(from the fatty-acids), sensitive skin, dark spots and anti-ageing.

Pumpkin also smoothes and brightens the skin naturally 

These are all home-remedies that are natural and can be used with products already in your home cupboards…

Oily Skin =

Pumpkin Puree and Apple Cider Vinegar together will help balance out the pH levels of your skin to control the oils and treat the production of your oily skin 

Just apply to a damp face, leave to dry then rinse off with warm water - followed with your skincare routine.

Dry Skin =

Pumpkin Puree, Honey and Milk Let this mixture nourish and condition your skin leaving those dry areas hydrated - follow with your skincare routine 

Dark Spots = 

To help fade the pigmentation in your Dark Spots use Pumpkin Puree, Honey, Lemon and Vitamin E oil together, apply on the areas and leave for 30 minutes then wash off with warm water - followed by your skincare routine.

Body Mask = 

Want to go the extra mile and cover your body in pumpkin? Why not… Pumpkin Puree, Coconut oil and Cinnamon will mask your body into a refreshed and relaxed state, taking in all of the skincare benefits for around 10 minutes then just wash off with warm water.

(and add some SUGAR for a scrub)

Dry Lips or Cracked Feet =

Mix the Pumpkin Puree and Vaseline together for a nourishing treatment (Pop socks on for a deeper mask)

Don't always rely on going out to the shops and buying creams after creams for certain issues for the skin, natural ingredients are the best you can get (which is why I make sure my skincare is all natural ingredients) and home-remides make it extra special with the care and treatment you put into your skin to nourish and care for you face and body.

 

Want to Pumpkin Skincare treats, Message me for discounted Body Shop 'Vanilla Pumpkin' Skincare  

Enjoy your Pumpkins this Halloween and make use of them with skincare and food recipes!

Happy Halloween 

Sophie xxx

Powder Beauty Box - September 2017

Finally getting round to sharing my review on last months Powder box, which I spent the full month trialling the products for you and of course I am currently testing out the October box as we speak.

September seems like a new beginning for some of us, we start new things, its a new term for the kids and its a fresh season with autumn approaching.

Theres a great variety again in the September box, from makeup, removers, tanning, hair products and nails, and it really was coconut inspired!
I will say… one product scared me, one surprised me and the rest were just gorg' anyway!

Heres the 8 goodies this box contained…

1 - St Tropez Express Face Sheet Mask

This is the product that scared me… so I can get pretty pale when my holiday tan wears of, don't get my wrong I tan so easily and love the golden bronze look that I get but come winter and I'm back to a ghost, so I knew that my body needed to be a decent colour for me to first experiment this with.
I was using the Dove gradual tan in dark, to warm my skin up more slowly than just whacking on the fake tan, and once the colour came through i tested this mask out…
This is a REALLY easy-to-use sheet mask which is really thin fabric that easily sits on the face.
Depending on the tan you are wanting to achieve their are 3 levels of colour that you can choose from, which all depends on how long you leave the sheet mask on your face for.

For me I did the light effect which was a quick 10 mins.
Apply this onto your skin after you have cleansed so that your skin benefits from the ingredients and helps the finish to be more even.
The next day my face tan actually looked really natural and bronzed giving me that healthy look, and I wouldn't be afraid to leave it on longer actually.
Another AMAZING part to this sheet mask is that it contains Hyaluronic Acid which is known to get your skin super hydrated which I love!

2 - Seacret Spa Makeup Removal Wipes

You all know I'm against makeup wipes and recommend everyone to have a proper skincare routine using products that are right for your skin type, so using makeup wipes really tested me!
These wipes are infused with dead sea minerals like zinc and calcium that do fight off acne breakouts and keep the skin clear.

I adapted to removing my makeup with these and I actually loved the texture and feeling of removing my makeup with such a soft silky wipe that actually made my skin feel refreshed and protected, I really did feel the ingredients adapt onto my skin compared to normal makeup wipes leaving my skin dry in the past.
You get 25 wipes in the pack and you literally only need one! It took my makeup off really quickly but did leave my skin looking a little red, but i think this is normal for all wipes as you  are agitating the skin from wiping back and forth.
I really did like these wipes and I would recommend them to people who HAVE to use makeup wipes as they moan about cleansers… But after a week i did get a few blemishes appear, Im not sure if i can direct this at these wipes as my skin did feel really good but sometimes a change of products can cause people to breakout so I recon that was my problem.
The Powder tip that the beauty box gives is the pop these in the fridge for mornings when you need a wake up call, i love this idea!
So of course I also tested these out in the morning to clean and refresh my skin before makeup… I actually wouldn't recommend this, I think the wipes contain that much ingredients that my makeup didnt sit on my skin like normal and felt like it was gliding all over. So if you invest in these, stick to just removing makeup.

3 - Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black 

I actually already have this eyeliner and its one I always recommend, so an easy review for this liquid liner. Its a pen form liner which is so easy to apply, its like a mini pen so great on travels or on the go, but you will NEVER need to top this up, this liner is 24/7 trust me! As well as being budge proof.
The tip is a fine felt tip so you can do really thin liner and create them as thick and bold as you like.
Also never dries up, Love it.

4 - Magnitone London Wipe Out: The Amazing Microfibre Cleansing Cloth

This product was my 'surprised' reaction. When I read this and it said 'All you need is water' I thought eww! my skin is going to feel horrid. I love a foamy cleanser and a remover which actually makes my skin feel cleansed.
This cloth is for removing your full face of makeup with just water… everyones dream right?
Well it worked! My makeup came of from just wiping my face with this cloth, I was amazed, but because i was just using water my skin didnt feel cleansed but on the important side it took my makeup off and my eye makeup included, Mascara YES!
Its great that this cloth is so gentle on the skin with it being microfibre so its a win win.
The only downside is that the cloth literally needs to go in the washing machine after, especially when you see all you makeup and black mascara on the beautiful pink cloth haha.

5 - Lee Stafford Coco Loco Light Serum Spray

Im dubious of any coconut sprays and I already have a current love with my Revlon 10 in 1 Spray, which I use overtime I was my hair.
So yes I swapped this for you… I used this for a good week, so around 3 hair washed days.

This serum is a light-weight spray, so basically a oily serum in a spray bottle so that it doesn't way your hair down from the oils and leaves your hair non-greasy whilst also smelling like coconuts and holiday inspired Pina Coladas.
Yes I loved the smell but for me this wasn't intense enough for my hair… I have very thick hair and lots of it, with it also being blonde I like it to feel smooth and conditioned and this didnt feel like it did much, but for those with finer hair who can't use too much product on it without it getting to greasy then i would recommend for you.

6 - Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo with Vitamin E

Lately I'm all about natural hair products for washes that do not contain any of the bad stuff, and since converting to these products I can really tell a difference when i use cheap or high street shampoos.
So when I saw this Palmers was all natural then I was excited to try and I new it wouldn't dry my hair out.
At first it took a while to froth up, which I feel that if my shampoo doesn't do this, my hair doesn't feel clean and washed, so i did have to use a lot of the product for it to get creamy and bubbly.
But this shampoo smelled AMAZING, coconut again of course and it made my hair feel really healthy and nourished.
This shampoo, aside from coconut oil does also contain keratin which is proven to help soften and lock in moisture to prevent frizz, and it sure did what is says on the bottle.
Im still using this now, and these sizes were perfect for my to take away on holiday last week.

7 - Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Repairing Conditioner with Vitamin E 

And the matching Conditioner… Of course gets the same review, and i loved this completely, i comb through my hair when i apply conditioner in the shower so this made my hair feel so smooth.
This conditioner is said to give your hair that glossy shine and help repair heat damage.
It sure again hit the point with the finish of my healthy looking locks.

8 - Nails Inc Nail Polish in 'Uptown'

Last but not least another Nails Inc polish. To be honest with you I'm not a fan of nail polishes on my hands, I feel like they chip off no matter what and I get a french Gel Polish on my toes.
But I did try this out, its a beautiful autumn warm pink shade which is perfect for this season and would go with everything.
The brush is also a great shape for all nails because i hate those thin floppy cheap brushes on nail polishes where as this one is a wide oval shape which applies really easily.

What a box I got for September, good right?
I also got 3 discounts/offers to use up until the new year from a few of the brands… Seacret, Magnitone and Eyeko.

What did you think to these products?
Are you interested in trying any of these out?

Well I'm not in the middle of testing the October Box and again i excited to tell you about the products I have this month…

Catch my next review on the first week of November

Love Sophie xx