REVIEW: MAC Prep & Prime Essential Oils

I am so excited about the new Facial Oil trend that has hit the beauty world ready for spring 2017!
2016 was all about Glowing skin, mainly using radiant primers and highlighters but this year it's focusing on our natural radiance from the true shapes of our faces.
Anything glowing, highlighting or dewy looks hits from a light onto our faces and brings out the high points in our facial bone structure.
Natural all the way!

One of the first oils I found hit the market with such popular reviews was of course MAC's Prep and Primer range of Essential oils in different scents, and they do smell to die for!
I brought 'Yuzu' which is a really oriental warm but floral smell.
The other types are:
- Sweet Orange and Lavender
- Grapefruit and Camomile
I wanted to go for a scent which pretty much everyone will love as I don't want one being to sweet or strong for my clients plus I'm not a huge fan of Lavender although it did not smell too bad.

These oils are said to leave the skin 'feeling energised and moisturised with a healthy glow'.

There are many ways of using oils, my favourite is mixing your oils with your daily moisturiser before you apply your makeup (Leave skincare to develop for around 10mins before makeup)
By doing this you are inputing extra nourishment and natural oils into the skin by mixing with your moisturiser and not getting that oily look.
This is amazing for all skin types.

Another way which I saw this oil was great for was mixing with iridescent pigments to created liquid highlighters!!
Dominic Skinner a senior MAC artist (a guru!) Revealed this amazing technique on Instagram which pretty much made me buy this oil!
(I can't find his exact photo but here is one similar to what it can do)
I want to inject my whole oil into this…
So I will be making some separate pots and trying this method :D

You can literally use facial oils and mix them with anything, eyes, cheeks, lips? Basically a non-sticky gloss effect which you can't beat!

BUT, The way which I wanted to experiment this MAC oil with was to mix this with my foundation to give a more dewy and radiant look in my skin by sitting on the top of my makeup instead of dissolving with my moisturiser.
Although I didn't find this oil was much suited to this direction.
I found that it gave my foundation less coverage and left brush streaks on my skin which i needed to blend with a beauty blender which kind of lost the radiance about the oil.
So some oils may be better than others.
I did find an oil which was perfect for all the uses I wanted…
Maelle Skin Therapy Facial Oil!
It was so easy to use and blend. If you were interested in ordering this product follow this LINK
The Maelle oil is a MUST for you beauty bags!

You know what to do…
Get yourself a Facial oil for your makeup bags this Spring/Summer and get experimenting.
I'd love to know what you try…

Also find out WHY you need to invest in the new Facial Oils (more in-depth)
From last weeks blog post - HERE

For any makeup or bridal enquiries/bookings please email me on -
makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

And become a Subscriber to my Makeup Artist Newsletter
For all updates, offers and Makeup Talk!

Sophie xx

Why You Need To Invest In The New Facial Oils

This year Facial Oils are a skincare must have this year.

Ok not just Skincare buy also a Makeup bag must have and I'm going to tell you why!

Years ago lots of people wouldn't touch facial oils, just the people with dry skin.

Well now its proven to balance out every skin type and its a new Spring Trend for a makeup looks also.

So I'm a BIG believer of skincare routines as you all know, and hopefully those who have changed into one also then you will see the benefits and how much better your makeup sits and appears on your skin just because you have a good skincare routine.

Now add an oil to your skincare and see a change in the youthfulness and radiance in your skin!

Facial oils are amazing for ALL skin types to balance out your natural oils and help correct any uneven texture and controlling your natural oils which most of them we have to purify to balance out to a normal skin type.

Where Facials oils would mainly be used; Cleanse, Tone, FACIAL OIL, Moisturise.

You wouldn't so much need a serum in your skin regime when using oils as it has so many benefits but just switch routines for morning and night maybe if you still want to use your serums.

Don't know how much to apply? 3-6 drops is ample for your face and neck.

Don't drown your skin, your skin knows how much it can absorb, so test it out.

Top tip - Oils do not need to be rubbed into the skin. 

Apply your drops onto the palm of your hands, rub your hands together to warm up and spread the oil  then apply to the face in a sweeping motion and finishing with pressing the oil into the skin.

Heres an AMAZING photo about what oils work best for what skin type…

Now the exciting part…

Facial oils are now becoming a must-have for our makeup bags too!

We are mixing them in foundation to give us a radiant glow (without looking greasy)

Also mixing them in out under eye concealers to give us a natural highlight in a downwards triangle, this will need to be set with powder right under the eye area only - to prevent creasing.

Adding oils to highlighted areas only - such as cheekbones, browbone, cupids bow and anywhere else you want to add a natural radiance.

A fab one which is similar for this look is mixing the oil with a metallic pigment to create an intense metallic glow and even a metallic highlight which patting in with our ring finger to give a softer look.

Then one of my favourites, mixing it with our lipsticks and swaying away from a matte lip into a glossy lip but without the stickiness! How much better can it get.

You now see why Spring is one of my favourite seasons when it comes to makeup, as everything gets brighter and fresher and I suppose more natural? Dare I say…

So get a facial oil in your beauty bags for 2017, you'll find multiple ways to use it.

Heres what I grabbed this week to use for multiple make up reasons and an addition to my kit.

BRIDAL - Spring/Summer 2017 Makeup Trends

Goodbye Winter 2016, HELLO Spring 2017!

Its the time of year where all spring/summer brides start to panic and realise their wedding is THIS YEAR!

Im going to bring you into the spring sprit and get you all makeup ready!!
Spring officially starts in March, so you have 2 months to get prepared ;)

Of course all my brides know that they get an insight to my 'Bridal Bible' with all the top trends and colours that are taking over the catwalk for their wedding season.
So I'm going to bring you all up to date and help you 'hopefully' find your bridal makeup look which can be incorporated/requested for you big day.

White Lashes
So this is the only 'rare' makeup look which is probably not wearable, but its here anyway!
White lashes struck on the S/S 17 catwalk shows and really gave the models a wide eye effect!
White is a key colour when giving the eye a bright, wide eye look. To incorporate this trend in your bridal look it would be great to apply white mascara to your bottom lashes, this then is not too over powering and will help focus on the make up around the eyes.

Oils
Oils all together are a big trend this year!
Spring becomes about radiant skin to every day makeup so artists will be mixing dry facial oils with foundations to give that radiant, dewy skin effect, which is gorgeous! (Its what ill be doing!)
For brides the big oil trend is for their lips! Last year brands released lots of lip oils which I was a huge fan of. It gave the effect of a glossy, plumped, high shine lip but without the stickiness AND it conditions at the same time! No cracked lips this year.
This is perfect for brides wanting a fresh look when concentrating on flawless skin to strike that luxurious lip look.

Pink Lips
Go hand in hand with the oil trend! Baby pink lips look a dream on an English Rose skin type so add the oil and add the show into show-stopping.
If you have medium to dark skin tones warmer pinks work a treat as well, giving that more feminine, romantic look for your special day.

Rosy Cheeks
Another pinky theme to the bridal look this year. Depending on your skin tone the main shades you will be looking at to get that rosy look would be pinks and corals.
Perfect to perk up the skin and to let your skin look so healthy (when really you've been stressing ;))

Platinum Eyes
A new one on the list this year! Another word for Platinum would be your silvers and metal greys.
Now I wouldn't recommend a grey smokey eye on most people due to this giving a 'cool' overall look which can make your skin look dull.
Put a layer of silver sparkle on the centre of the eye lid or a metal grey on the outter eyelid and blend through with metallic shades.

Fresh Face
This one never leaves the trends, all brides want a fresh face for their wedding day.
I believe that 90% of this is your skincare! Get your skincare in a routine and see the effects happen dramatically, you will have a 'fresh face' within a month of sticking to this!
Then its your choice to go matte or dewy on your big day.
Don't forget HD Airbrushing is the 'ultimate' fresh face for my brides.
I do offer this service.

Subtle Smokes
For brides its not all about the dramatic smokey eyes, they always want a toned down effect but still giving a sultry smokey eye in a 'romantic' way.
Which fits right in with this seasons trend.
Subtly smokes from the catwalk was worn using soft brows and smoking out the eyeshadow under the BOTTOM lashes and softly bringing into your crease.
I love this one!
On our trials I can guide you with wearing this look to compliment your eye shape and not everyone has the same application positioning.

Pearlised Eyes
Similar to the 'Platinum Eyes' but pearlised comes more under a different effect.
Pearlised eyes are like a toned down holographic effect, so perfect to use on the eyelid.
This is gorgeous in a soft pink shade bringing a really romantic feel to a look and turning it more sultry when incorporating the 'Subtle Smokes'

Inner Corners
The inner corner trend was a huge one for A/W 16!
I most definetly took advantage of this one by wearing a lot of sparkle and iridescent pigments in my inner corner.
This not only looks shimmery but also opens up and brightens the eye and also recommended for anyone with 'close set eyes'(Again I can help identify your eye shape'
You could also incorporate the Platinum eye trend by wearing the silvers in your inner corner also but the catwalk showed a lot of Golds and Brass bronzes for this look.
Depending on your skin tone certain colours can work better for you.

False Lashes
Last but not least, the year after year eyelash lovers!
They can be bold, feathered, sparse, mix of lengths, you name it!
But I can never recommend my Flutter Lashes treatment any more than I do.
These are feathered individual lashes and are my favourite for all brides as they are not too heavy, look natural and they don't hide your eye makeup (BIG ONE)
Flutter lashes can be booked in for anyone, Just £15

And thats our Spring/Summer 2017 Bridal Trends!
I hope this has either helped or gave you an insight in what can be requested for any bridal look and also keep you on trend for your 2017 wedding.

These can all be tried and tested at your trials where i can help identify and recommend ways of which these trends can personally work for you.

I still have a couple of dates free for 2017 brides.
Please contact me HERE to enquire your special day.

(Click the link or email - makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk)

Have a FABULOUS wedding and all the best for the future!
Sophie x

Your 'Overslept' Beauty Essentials

My January posts, pretty much are all realisation points you all need to know for a new start to the year.
Especially todays!

Put your hands up if this is an easy mistake to make after the Christmas break!
All those late nights, and lie in's we had in December have all knocked us out of routine, BIG TIME.
Now setting them 6am alarms are constantly turned into 'snoozes' - then the snoozes end up not working… Ive had this experience as well.
Or maybe you just want that extra bit longer in bed?
Then this is the post you need to read.
Let me tell you about the 'overslept' beauty essentials you need on you're dressing table this month.

Beauty Hacks for Tired, Dull Skin

Firstly Happy New Year to you all!!
I hope you all had an amazing start…

Secondly, we are all feeling the christmas/new year come down knowing that we are back to work and reality properly this week.
Theres not much more to look forward too, but keep your spirits high and set some 2017 resolutions - and I don't mean boring limited goals. Make these exciting!
Mine is to give myself 1 day a week for 'me time' and have the whole day off, because trust me, I did this on the 1st Jan and I felt AMAZING!
Its the little things that count, so maybe its treating yourself to a pair of shoes that you've had your eye on for months, or investing in that 'Temple' Makeup lesson with me to revamp your old look and bring out that new year glow with an updated image.
These are things we can look forward to and feel happy about.

I wanted to start the year off with a post on hacking the tricks for tired and dull looking skin after all that alcohol, naughty treats and lack of sleep.
So I hope you have all started on the water challenge, your skin will thank you later!

But not only have we seen the dull skin effect from lifestyle changes over the festive period but also the harsh, frosty, winter weather would have made a difference to the way our skin looks.
I feel like in the cold weather my skin goes grey and dull because I'm basically just cold and have no perky endorphins jumping out of me like i do in the summer.

A favourite one of mine is COLD WATER.
When washing your face in the morning and evening, make sure you are washing and cleansing with warm water then ending with a splash of cold water to not only wake you up but to close your pores and best of all shock your blood vessels to give you that well-rested, perky skin.

I can never say this enough!! HYDRATE your skin with moisturiser every morning and night without fail!
You know what, I brought my sister a whole skincare routine for christmas because hers was just shocking before. Since christmas day she has stuck to the full skincare routine as I explained to her and her skin has never felt or looked better, she absolutely loves doing the routine as well.
Just the routine itself is just a little 'you time' to care and pamper yourself.
So my point is, having this skincare routine and especially a moisturiser to brighten up your tired and dull looking skin is a must.
Vitamin C is a saviour when it comes to brightening the skin, not just the food but you can purchase Vitamin C Skincare products.
I did a review on this a while back, Read it HERE.

Skip Alcohol and Coffee. Christmas is over now, we don't need no more alcohol for at least a month, so throw it out, keep it locked up and do Dry Jan ;)
Coffee also dehydrates the skin so its best to avoid this high caffeine drink and change to Green Tea or lots of water, again your skin will see and feel the benefits.


Its still winter but who says we can't have a glowing TAN.
Grab yourself a gradual tanning lotion over the winter months, a full fake tan will more than likely look fake this time of year but a gradual tan is a perfect solution just to brighten and perk up your body and face to give that healthy glow up until spring.

HIGHLIGHTERS will be your god sent for jan!
Getting the perfect under eye corrector and concealer will cancel out any dark circles or uneven skin toning. Then layer over the illuminating concealer to grab the reflective light at every angle to really make your skin pop with a glow, and don't forget to add some to your cheekbones and cupids bow.
No more tired and dull skin now!
(I love Bobbi Browns shimmer brick)

Throw out the smokey black christmas eyeliners and grab a WHITE EYELINER.
Draw this along the water line or your eye and you will instantly brighten and awaken your tired looking self.
This is one of my favourite tips!

and finally BRIGHTEN up you LIPS.
Im a sucker for the burgundy, plum lips in the winter but if you want to get rid of your tired, dull looking self then swap it to a coral nude.
The reason I incorporated nude was because we haven't quite hit spring yet so we still want to have that wintery feel, so a coral or pinky nude will be the perfect combination to the rest of this look.

Its as easy as that!
and I bet most of you don't even need to buy anything new. Its just the way we use and apply products which make such a difference.
I want to see the town full of perky, flawless ladies through January!!

I will also be posting the Spring/Summer 2017 Makeup Trends in the next few weeks so keep an eye out for that.
Also don't forget to check out my BRAND NEW Makeup Lessons which I released on the 1st Jan!
2017 is the perfect time for a new makeup look, or a revamped routine that you have had for too long now… Learn something new, and book your 1-1 makeup lesson with me.
www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk/makeup-lessons

Love Sophie
x