Boost Your Morning Beauty Routine

This is a really big topic that I focus on, every waking morning.
I love a routine and trying/adding ways to boost my overall health and beauty.
Self-care practices have really took off within peoples everyday life, and we are more open, and curious to feeling new ways.
Beauty doesn't just come from the outside, and what we all visually see. Beauty comes from within, the way we make ourselves feel through mindset, health and beauty care.

Luckily at the moment we are in Summer months so I have switched up my morning routine to take full advantage of the sun and bright morning skies.

Firstly ill explain my Morning Beauty Routine.

• I wake up around 7am and make the bed!  (I am a good morning person and would prefer to get up and go rather than have a late night and love a neat and tidy bedroom)
• Drink a pint of water (sometimes lemon or cucumber)
• Make a Matcha Green Tea (I drink my water whilst waiting for the kettle to boil)
• Take my hot drink outside, sit and think of 10 reasons of what I am grateful for that morning.
• Breathe deeply 10x (light meditation)
• Ive pretty much drank my green tea by this point so I read a couple of chapter of a book that I am currently reading (Julys book = Chillpreneur - Denise Duffield Thomas. I aim too read 2 books per month)
• I then go to make breakfast (I also go back and eat outside)
• Wash my face, Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise
• Clean my teeth
• Go to the gym.

This is all done by 8am.

That routine is a regular for me 4 times per week.

As I always go to the gym in the mornings, this sets me up for the day, getting me motivated and ready to start clients or paper work throughout the day.

Usually the other 3 days I have early clients/early weddings on the weekend.

On those other 3 days, I always make sure I do my daily morning drinks and skin routine without fail, and say goodbye to the books and gym.

But, remember, only YOU know what fits in or enjoy as part of your Morning Beauty Routine

So lets give you some ideas.

• HYDRATE! Make sure the first thing you do is drink a pint of water!! (Wether this is next to you from the night before to remind you, or leave a glass out for when you walk straight down the stairs in the morning)
• Try and incorporate something you enjoy - mine is a chapter of a book, you could do watch 10 mins of a series, 10 mins of yoga, walk the dog? - think about what you would love to spend 10-15 minutes doing to boost you for the day.
• Experiment with a health boosting drink, smoothie or breakfast? (I love having my matcha and a healthy breakfast, I can then drink coffee later!
• Include your skincare routine! 
• Start your day on a positive note… (Journal, gratitude, mantras)

By creating YOUR personal Morning Beauty Routine, you have then experienced a morning of you-time and joy to set you up for the day, hoping to continue the light-hearted, great day you have ahead.

This is a great one I found on pinterest…

My routine definitely keeps me calm and relaxed rather that stressing a rushing from the moment I wake up. 

I knew I needed to spend more time in the outdoors, and hearing the birds tweet and the warmth of the sun just makes all the difference to me.

Im then completely motivated for the rest of my day.

I would LOVE to hear about your new or current Beauty Morning Routine, maybe you can give me some ideas :D

Happy Summer!!

Sophie xx

Perfect Your Nearly There Foundation Into The Correct Shade

A very interesting - need to know tip that many people question when the season changes, weather brightens up and out skin tone slightly changes.
And were left with half a bottle of foundation either too light or too dark…

My answer - Colour adjusting drops!

Yes they really are out there. You can actually keep using your normal foundation when you get a glowing summer tan or when winter comes around and we lose that sun kissed colour leaving us a bit more paler.

To darken your current foundations;
Nars Laguna Bronzing Liquid

My holy grail product when Ive been on holiday! I just add 1-2 pumps of this lightweight liquid bronzer and mix into my foundation.
It evenly glides onto the skin and adds a beautiful glow to the skin with its hidden highlight within the bronzer, that really perks up your sun kissed tan - theres no need for powders!
This is also great for those who love bronzing powders but want to avoid the powdery finish.

To Lighten you current foundations;
Body Shop Lightening Drops

Its the perfect porcelain to lighten your foundation base until you have the perfect blend to match your skin tone.
Although a disclaimer for this, it has no cool/warm undertone, it is basic neutral which makes it perfect for many skin tones, so make sure you are buying the correct foundation with your suited undertone to add 'life' into your skin.
You can always add a brush on bronzer over the top if you need to warm your skin up a bit.
Winter skin shouldn't make us look dead. Add a lovely cream highlighter to make your skin look more healthy rather than setting powders that can flatten any radiance in the skin.
It can also add a little bit more coverage to your original foundation as it is  quite a thick formula but it doesn't make your skin feel heavy.

Simple, easy and adjustable!
No need to buy 3 foundations a year! But be aware that seasonal change can effect the way your skin reacts to products and textures which is why it is important to switch up your seasonal makeup bags - Download my Summer Makeup Guide.

Have a FAB Summer!
Check my beauty blog posts every friday
#sdiariesmakeupblog

Follow me at;
@makeupbysophiedowning
www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk

Love Sophie xx

Top Glowy Makeup Bases

I've missed my lovely beauty blog and readers!
So I asked my Instastory followers to suggest what they would love to see on the beauty blog this week, and Top Glowy Makeup Bases won the vote.

Its the perfect time of year to prep our skin and switch up our makeup bags for the summer months (Download your Summer Makeup Bag Revamp)
Glowing skin is not oily, or overusing highlighting powders. Its a natural, dewy radiance that our skin, makeup and finish can give out in natural daylight.
It gives out a healthy glow that we all want our skin to have on a regular basis and in summer months it just makes us look healthy, happy and fresh.
But still make Vitamin C and Water your best friend. (Its the homework that helps)
Look into your skincare background and choose skin products to help your get a natural glow as well as eating healthy foods that feed your skin goodness!

I have my top 4 products to achieve different finishes to your Glowy Skin!
These are all bases that are to be applied either;
- Mixed with your daily moisturiser
- Used on top of your mosturiser
- Before your foundation!
- Mixed with your foundation (depending on formula - best with light-medium liquid coverage)

Mac Strobe Liquid
A famous 'prep & prime' product that MAC now have in multiple shade, they now also have a body edition.
The glow that the Strobe liquids give out have an undertone colour and a glow to die for.
If you don't use foundation, use this alone and its subtle enough to give you that healthy glowing look.

Iconic Illuminator
This glow base is much more intense, I apply this on my clients before foundation so that the foundation can dilute this glow and shine through naturally.
You will look like tin-man when you apply this, but if its too much glow, use this on the high points of the face so that you can target where you want your glow to come from.
Then apply your foundations and see how natural this actually finishes.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter
Perfect for all skin types! Multiple shaded product, as this glow base does come with a light coverage to even out the skin tone and add a natural glow.
This would be a top product for the summer months as all you need to do is your skincare and spread the Hollywood Filter all over the face. DONE

Becca Backlight
THE glow base that is so universal and naturally enhancing, is the perfect 'primer' layer in your base routine. This not only adds glow but holds makeup on and evens the skin, to help give you that naturally flawless finish. Suitable for applications day or night!

Im just going to sneak this glowing product in too…
Nars Multiple Stick - in 'Copacabana'
This is best for after makeup to pop onto your highpoints of the face - just like a cream highlighter but more subtle to give a more naturally glowed look.
I love applying this with fingers as it blends in perfectly on top of your makeup.

Now its time you add some GLOW to your face and give your skin that healthy finish with makeup or without.
Dont forget to DOWNLOAD your free Summer Makeup Bag revamp and turn your simple bags into summer style!

For more info on lessons, looks and lifestyle see my website -
www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk

Love Sophie xx

Can Your Makeup Really Be A Real Life Filter?

The social media influences have TAKEN OVER - and were constantly looking at them for inspiration, and jealousy?
Their flawless skin, toned bodies, glossy hair - but it's not real life right?

Well its time to share the makeup artist tips when it comes to looking like our trusty filters…

Its about focussing on 3 'editing' points when it comes to your makeup products.
Smooth, Brighten and Sculpt.
Before I start, please know that this is on an application basis only and the underlying answer for flawless skin is a healthy, clean diet, lots of water and a good skincare routine (yes that means DAY & NIGHT)

(Heres a couple of edited photos of well know celebrities)

Makeup wise, we can all do little things to step towards looking like our favourite filters, such as;

Smoothing Primer - First part is to find a primer which is suited to your skin type; a popular pore filling primer is the key product to search for, as this will apply a barrier across the skin and smooth out any open pores/fine lines with its filler concept.
Try; Body Shop Instablur, Loreal Magic Perfecting Base or Bobbi Brown Line Corrector

Colour Corrector - Be sure to know what colour/issue on your skin you are wanting to correct.
Is it Dark Circles? Redness? Dark Spots? A makeup artist can advise the perfect shade that will cancel out the colour that we dont want to see(its usually opposite shades) and brighten the area to even the toning with the rest of our face.
Try; Bobbi Brown Correct and Conceal pots, or Becca Colour Correctors

Enhancing Base - This is usually a base with a luminous ingredient, helping the skin brighten and look radiant and healthy when applied under, alone or mixed with makeup.
A more natural way of making the skin glow without looking like a disco ball.
Try; Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter (Review)

Application Technique; Beauty Blender! WET the sponge through and finish your foundation application with a dabbing motion all over the face to soften the foundation brush lines and fill-in any open pores. (Review)





Airbrushed Powder - Stock up on Translucent Powder, the white loose powder that is basically invisible on the skin and adapts to your skin tone once applied - you can apply this on your t-zone if you want to keep the radiant skin finish.
Try - Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (Review)

Scuplting - Sack the contouring sticks, instead find your perfect bronzer (2 shades darker than your skin) and naturally sculpt the faces contour to give a more holiday bronze look.
Try - Guerlain Terracotta, or Too Faced Bronzer

Lash Booster - Pre apply a Lash Boosting Serum/Primer before your mascara to really pick up the smaller lashes and have fun making them white - the apply your mascara over the top for a real instant lift.
Try Diorshow Lash Maximiser (Review)

HD Liner - Gel liners are the real deal when it comes to that filter makeup application, the perfect precision you can created with an angled liner brush and a gel liner pot will be your go to product to really enhance , elongate and lift your eye shape.
Try Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner pots (Review) or NYX Gel Liner

Lip Toning - Whiter teeth just like the filters? Look for lipstick with 'blue' undertones which gives the illusion of brighter, whiter looking teeth, but be-careful to not look washed out - mix it with your favourite lipliner to add and compliment your fuller lip shape.
Try Lipstick Queen 'Hello Sailor' and Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lipliners

Now go ahead and look like the real filter that we all want to achieve!
Knowing your colour toning will enhance your makeup looks and make it much easier for you to shop and apply when it comes to looking your ultimate best.

For all makeup lessons see;
www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk/makeup-lessons

Love Sophie

How To Choose Your Perfect Wedding Makeup Artist

Its a busy industry out there,
The Makeup Artist population is forever growing, thanks to the world of social media and self-taught talent that we all watch and admire.

But you're wedding makeup is a very different style.
Bridal Makeup has to be
- Long lasting (ideally 24hours)
- Photographic
- Complimentary/Natural
- Up to your expectations
- HD Airbrushing option

Finding a makeup artist is very personal experience, not only do you want to look your ultimate BEST but also consider that your artist is in close proximity of your space, where you want to feel comfortable and in good spirits on your big day.

There is a wide variety or makeup styles out there without you even realising - each artist does have a unique style that may not be your end vision - which is where finding the perfect artist to suit your style is very important!

When you are on the hunt for you're wedding makeup artist, consider the following points and look at what your artist specialises in when scrolling through their feed.
There are key artists that aim to focus on;
- Media Makeup (theatre/stage)
- Fashion Makeup (photoshoots/catwalk)
- Prom/Glam Makeup (inspired through instagram trends)
- Wedding Makeup (soft, natural and specific)

With makeup being such a personal service, ideally most brides want to look like themselves but a better version;
You need to ask yourself these important questions…
- Do I want my makeup looking natural or very made up?
- Do I want to feel like I am wearing lots of makeup or a very little?
- Do I want neutral/natural tones or bolder/brighter colours?
- Do I want to look like me or slightly alter my features?

These may seem like deep questions that you would not normally consider - but with makeup artists inspired by instagram/youtube their makeup finish may be more heavy than what you are used to.

An important point that I will make is that your makeup will always be that little bit 'more' for wedding makeup due to the photographic reasons,  for colours and pigments to pick up on cameras.
This balance is a specific skill that 'Wedding Makeup Artist' can achieve.

Of course you don't have to go with a 'Wedding Makeup Artist' if you are wanting a more glam look, or maybe more vintage or themed idea to your bridal makeup.

Bridal Makeup artists are more designed to target bringing out your natural beauty, enhancing what you love about your faces, and making you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Its a skill I am proud to be able to achieve for my beautiful brides.

Pricing
You may notice that pricing can differ when it comes to wedding makeup.
The main reason to this is a Bridal Artist has a premium product kit and uses specific products, application techniques and skill for your wedding makeup to LAST.
'You get what you pay for' is a massive saying in the industry and it is completely worth the extra bit of money when it comes to looking and feeling amazing for that 1 special day - your on EVERY photo and in the eyes of ALL your guests!
Your face is the million dollar question right?
It is noticed as much as your chosen wedding dress!

I hope finding your personal Bridal Makeup Artist is now much easier after this little blog.
Be sure to check reviews, photos and other services that artists offer, to see if it matches up with your makeup ideas/wedding theme.
Also, try meeting face-to-face with your chosen artist, as gaining trust and feeling a positive vibe makes you're wedding day even more perfect.
Many brides will still be open to have multiple trials, and maybe test out different artists until they are happy with the right artist for them - there is nothing wrong with this.

For Brides who would like to enquire their weddings date with me, please contact me and I can get back to you with my Bridal Packages.
www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk

Love Sophie xx

The Makeup Tool I Couldn't Live Without…

We all have a go to beauty product or tool. One that we use on a daily basis, and your heart drops when you see they are out of stock.
I cant live without this makeup tool, theres multiple ways to use it and can change you makeup finish in seconds.

Can you spot it?

The Beauty Blender!
Personally I use the beauty sponge by 'Brush Works' just because of its unique shape and texture.
I have used many different sponges, from top brands to high street dupes, and i've never fell in love with this tool until I finally found the texture that 'works'.
If you went around feeling each and every sponge from different brands you will tell the difference, and maybe not know which texture will even be best?
Look and feel out for sponges that are airy, and light - avoid the sponges that feel hard and stiff, these sponges don't 'give' enough.
Plus a sponge should expand when wet!
So after many years of trial and error with beauty blenders I'm now obsessed with using mine everyday.
Heres the sponge I buy.

Because of its many uses and perfecting finish this tool gives to everyones skin, I'm going to dedicate this post on how you can use a beauty blender and exactly what this little sponge can do for you!

It's a tool that we do not need to personalise depending on our skin tones or textures, its more about the shape of the sponge and how well you work with its contours against your facial contours - basically let the sponge do the talking and let it fit onto all the angles of your face.

The beauty blender is the easiest way to achieve that real life, soft-focus finish to your skin.
BUT this isn't just to apply your foundation, you can multi-task this tool for baking, concealing and highlighting also.

Foundation
The main use of a beauty blender is to apply or set your foundation.
Firstly WET your sponge so that it is completely soaked and gently squeeze out the excess water that you don't need. The sponge will absorb the perfect amount of water from doing this.
I personally apply my foundation first with my stippling brush, and with the remaining foundation left on my hand I use my beauty blender to smooth and even out the top layer of my base.

All it takes is gently bouncing the sponge along the skin, this evenly spreads and blends to leave a more natural, airbrushed finish on the skin.
The more pointed area of the sponge can then reach the smaller areas of the face, such as around the eyes and nose.

Cream Blush
Many people are swayed away from cream blushes due to its intense application when applied directly on the cheeks. Try applying the cream blush onto the back of your hand first, then lightly bounce the wet beauty blender onto the cheek area and build up the colour/pigment until you are happy.

Concealer
Just like the foundation application, apply your concealer first, with a brush or your fingers, then using the same sponging motion, blend out your concealer with the pointed tip to fit perfectly under your eyes.
Finish with dusting a light layer of loose powder under the eyes to set, if you get creasing problems throughout the day.
You can do the exact same application to cover any blemishes and imperfections with the beauty blender too.

Baking 
Yes you can apply powder with a damp sponge - just be sure to really squeeze out the excess water to prevent a transfer.
Just apply the bulk of the powder to the pointed end of the sponge and 'dab' the powder under the eyes and down towards the cheekbone to fully set your skin.

Highlighter
Using the rounded side of the sponge, dab your beauty blender into the cream highlighter, and apply in a 'C' shape in a bouncing motion from the top of your cheekbones up towards the temple, to give a natural highlight leaving an airbrushed, smooth finish.
Flip the sponge around to apply your highlighter using the pointed tip to the inner corners of your eyes, cupids bow and brow bone for extra glow.

I love a good beauty blender and I know you will to
Please be sure to always use it WET, many people still use the sponge dry and honestly, it does not give the same effect - a sponge needs water to survive right ;)

Also heres a top tip, to store a clean beauty blender…

Use an EGG CUP.

Love Sophie 

Do You Know Your Own Face?

We see our faces in a mirrors/reflections on average around 50 times a day!
Do you look every time? Guiltily yes…
Life's always about our appearance now days, wether it spikes from Social Media or we just look in a mirror and notice the things we dislike; well its time to turn the negative into a positive and notice what we LOVE!

Look in a mirror or reflection right now and list 3 things you like!
NOW…

You have just realised what features you should be enhancing in your daily makeup routine.
Its time you get to 'Know your own face'!
Just by doing this, your beauty and makeup routines should be easy and maybe even help you get ready quicker in the morning.

Knowing your own face is not just pointing out the features you like, thats step 1.
Step 2 is identifying how you can enhance those features with colours and application techniques.

Your skin tone, eye colour, brow hair, undertone and pop of colour are the other areas you need to identify, some people don't have an underlying colour knowledge, but thats why you have Makeup Artists like me here for you!
Just 1 fun, easy, comfortable makeup lesson will teach you skills for LIFE!

Your skin tone, eye colour and facial hair shade will not change!
(When we get a tan we achieve a deeper shade but this will still link to your undertone)
Because these unique features will not change - this makes your makeup lesson a LIFE LESSON that you can go back to in years to come, on beauty shopping trips or when you are wanting to switch up your looks.

Knowing your own face also relates to your unique beauty, the features you can compliement that only YOU have. So why not enhance it, we dont want to look like clones of celebrities, friends or people you see on your instagram feed. They may be inspiring but at the end of the day, no matter what you do or try we will never look the same as someone else.
My message is to really enhance and compliment your features so make your feel and look amazing in your own skin and own you unique beauty, thats why we are all different .
Start by focussing on the areas that you love about yourself, the 3 features you names at the start of this blog post.
I want you to apply you makeup focussing on how to enhance those 3 areas, wether that is LESS product on the areas, or just wearing 3 products for that area of your face.
By doing that you are letting people notice your unique beauty in your own way.

If one of your favourite features is something such as your eye colour, do some research, find out what colours you should be using on a regular basis to enhance your eye colour and make everyone else notice it too!
Start off with downloading my Eye Makeup Guide with a full guide to the colours your should wear and avoid when it comes to your eye colour.

Maybe you love your brow shape, so just minimise the amount of makeup on your eye lids and focus on adding texture to your brows with 'Brow Mascaras' or 'Gels'.

Honestly, knowing your own face can boost your confidence and just make you feel good as soon as you step out the house in the morning, it lifts your mood and lets other admire your natural beauty.
Its the way forward, I will shout my message to the rooftops until EVERYONE knows that they have Natural Beauty everyday!

If your ready to change your mindset, feel more confident and progress your skills in makeup knowledge from applying to choosing products then book in for you 1-1 Makeup Lesson 'KNOW YOUR OWN FACE' and help you become more aware of your natural beauty and showcase these features to the world then what are you waiting for.
Your appearance and personality is what everyone SEES first, so take your Self-care and Self-Love to the next level and focus on YOU for a change.

To book in for a 1-1 Know Your Own Face Lesson, please contact me HERE.

I cant wait to hear from you, and show you how to enhance your natural beauty.
Sophie xx

Why I don't stick to ONE Beauty brand

A question that comes up a lot, either when enquiring any makeup services with me, or just my general opinion on beauty brands is; What beauty brand do you use/love the most?

Now this is possibly the hardest question for me and maybe any other makeup artist in this case.
To narrow down one brand that has amazing products for every area of you makeup needs is pretty damn hard.
Let me tell you, there is always at least 1 product which is not 100% amazing, BUT thats doesn't mean they don't have a ton of amazing products in their overall brand.
Which does make this question a very varied answer.
In other cases, you may be brand loyal and there is nothing wrong with that, if you want to support and recommend one brand then that is great, but for a makeup artist it is good to have a varied kit which I can then pull out the best products from every brand and use them on a more regular basis.

So the answer your all wanting to know is, what brands are up in my top 3??
Im going to give you this and tell you exactly what area I love from these brands…

Charlotte Tilbury
I have a great obsession for buying her eye shadow palettes, they are one key collection that I want to own them all in my kit
She also does great Lip products and Base makeup.

Bobbi Brown 
The natural, bridal brand that hits many nails in the head for my clients needs
Her Blushes, Sparkle eye shadow singles and concealers!

Nars
FACE products, all day, everyday.
Every foundation they have is just a perfect blend of textures and finishes!
Also their Climax Mascara is up there, and thats saying something with my fussy mascara finds.

Theres no issue at all having a good mixture of brands, its down to your experience on using when you know something works just right, and it may take a lot of trial and error but thats life anyway right?

So when you come along for a makeup service with me, now assured you will be getting the BEST product choices from my years of experience within makeup, and its nice to have a varied collection of pretty looking product in your makeup bags.

Love Sophie xx

REVIEW: Foreo Luna Electric Cleansing Brush

An exciting edition to my daily Skincare Routine is the fab 'Foreo Luna 2' Facial Brush
Basically a massaging facial brush that is to be used whist cleansing your skin.

The online Description for Foreo Luna…
An ultra-gentle yet seriously effective way to enhance your everyday skin care ritual, the LUNA mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush features three cleansing ‘zones’ with thin, thick and broad touch points to target delicate, normal and congested areas. With twice the power of the original, this accelerates your cells’ metabolism to help eliminate accumulated toxins and leave skin enviable clean, clear and luminous. 100% waterproof and completely hygienic, you can also expect up to 300 uses per single charge – it’s a skin care game changer!
Cleansing Brush generates 8000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute to maximise the efficacy of your cleansing routine, with minimal time and next-to-no effort. One minute is all it takes to leave your face feeling peachy-soft, clean and glowing as the sonic wizardry promotes micro-circulation to ‘feed’ your skin cells and encourage elimination of accumulated toxins. Perfect for those prone to breakouts, this unclogs pores and follicles to quickly counteract congestion, while simultaneously loosening the dead cells that contribute to dullness and pimples.

I love being able to add this extra treatment to my skincare routine to give my face a deeper cleanse every day and really remove the makeup that hides deep into your pores.
Theres nothing better than clean, fresh skin before you go to bed. Helping to keep your skin more smooth and cleansed and be able to gain higher benefits with your cleanser so that it is actually absorbing those great ingredients into your skin.

I have been using Foreo Luna for around 8 months now, since buying my first 'travel sized' one on my flight to Greece last summer which I couldn't believe the difference on how much cleaner my skin felt just from the first application 
Due to the travel edition only being battery independent that it would only last 100 uses, so for my late Birthday Present I asked for the official Luna 2 edition which is chargeable and will last me forever basically!
Also just to state that I have only charged this cleansing brush ONCE since Ive had it!!

Not only can I review the amazing clean feeling this little tool gave my skin, its an advantage to know that I am daily massaging my skin to keep its elasticity plump and active which will be effective in the future.
By regularly massaging your skin it helps the blood circulation deep within the skin to work at a good process and help eliminate those toxins that store around the surface.

Through this deep cleansing it is really good for all skin types, from dry skin that needs to absorb more moisture from their skincare products to the oily skin types that are prone to breakouts prevent the skin getting congested from remaining dirt that can get left on the skin without using a facial cleanser.
Just from the massaging it also keeps skin cells renewed so that all dead skin is getting gently removed daily.

So if your looking to upgrade your skincare routine then I would highly recommend the Luna Facial Cleansing Brush.

Sophie xx
www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk

The Importance Of Updating Your Seasonal Makeup Bag

It's that time again… Were stepping into SPRING!
And I'm excited to put away the coats, bring out the sandals and enhance the glowing skin.

As always, I have created the latest Spring Makeup Bag Revamp to download for you to adapt your Spring look into your current makeup routines.
Its more simple than you think.
Just switching colours, products and adding any newbies to your everyday look is not only fun but beneficial to you skin; and im going to tell you why…

We have 4 seasons every year - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. We roughly know when they are, clocks tend to change and usually gets you in the mood for the upcoming season, wether its looking forward to cosying up by the fire or getting ready for your holiday breaks.

The season change is not just the change in the weather and the flowers that blossom or disappear, it has effect on our hormones, health and skin.
Its a topic that gets ignored as we all just get on with our everyday issues but are our issues raised from the season changes?
Such as a breakout, dry cracked lips, freckles looking more visible and so much more.

This really does play a huge part in the environment and the way our skin reacts to change, which is why it's really important to work with the season change - from adding in a new skincare product or adapting colours to a change in our skin tones.

Skincare is one of the changes we cant control, but listening and visually changing our routines with what our skin is trying to tell you is the best thing you could do.
Your daily routine SHOULD contain Cleanser, Toner, Moisturiser and Eye Cream these are the essentials for everyday/night of our growing up life.
By adapting our skin to the changes will help your skin in the long run.

Making these changes to your essentials would just be a matter of adding more moisture, radiance and hydration during some months and other would be to consider environmental factors, SPF, and oil control into others.
Everyone is different but certain seasons are known for certain trends;
Summer - Warmer tan,
Spring - Radiance glow,
Autumn - Cooler Tones,
Winter - Hydration

Then with the Makeup side to the seasonal change, this is more down to the matter of upcoming catwalk trends and local trends that many people like to incorporate into their makeup look, from a smokey eye, to a bold lip but still bringing this down to what suits our personal features for it to work on each individual - this comes down to makeup knowledge that may come down to lessons teaching you what are the right colours/tones for you - many people do not know this and can take a makeup artists recommendations to understand the background of their unique beauty.

Not only is it a must that we should use and change products every season but it is also FUN to do!
We can treat ourselves to a couple of new products every few month making it feel like a 'reward' or 'self-love' buy throughout the seasons also making you appreciate the new buys rather than an annoying mascara running out and having to spend money on a new one ASAP.

It is also interesting and fun to change our daily makeup looks and experiment with new colours and products launches that happen every season, making our daily applications more interesting AND learning new skills when it comes to applying products in new ways.
A lot of us get stuck in a rut when it comes to our daily makeup look, many people admit that they have applied the same products and applications for over 5-10 years straight, more the fact that you dont dare to try something new and step out of that comfort zone for what reason?

So its time to make your seasonal beauty looks more interesting and enjoy the beauty process that we all go through in life
To ageing gracefully, feeling and looking your ultimate best!!

Click to download my FREE Makeup Bag Revamp Guides.
Released every new season, with exclusive 1-1 Makeup Lessons helping you personally change products and apply ways which work best for you.

For enquiries on Makeup Lessons or booking to change your seasonal looks and techniques
Please contact me; makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

Do you own your true Beauty?

Its a WOMAN WORLD in this day an age.
No more housewives, cleaning and cooking for our family, we are now Women of the World and Girl Bosses killing it everywhere!

But does this effect our appearance?
The pressure to live up to being and looking a certain way?

Ask your self these questions…
Do I dress for MYSELF every morning?
Do I wake up excited for what MY day holds?
Do I feel like ME?

If your answers were no, you need to cut one day a week out of your diary and spend that day doing YOU!
Book that spa day.
Go get them shoes you've had your eye on.
Treat yourself to that premium foundation

Its time we focussed on ourselves more.
Made more time for something we enjoy doing, or just get a thrill out of something so simple but is just always getting put aside.

Try and make it into a daily routine, such as getting up 10 mins earlier to do your makeup to make you feel and look amazing
Or one a month where you deserve to spend an extra £10 on your mascara.

Its a sad that times have changed and we think about others more than ourselves, I'm even going to go there and say; we have a lack of confidence when it comes to our own beauty.

Did you know that when we focus on ourselves and make time to do something YOU love, this makes everything around your 10x happier and easier when your ora is up high in the sky!
So next time you're sacrificing some alone time, consider that if your down, everyone else feels your emotions.

I find all of this spreads out to our beauty confidence and the way us women go about our days feeling low because we were too tired to get up and pamper ourselves that morning, or grab that killer work outfit that makes you look like a boss!
We need to own our uniqueness EVERYDAY!

I feel very lucky in my job that I have the ability to make my clients feel and look AMAZING because I focus on what suits them!
Have you ever considered if you daily makeup application/look is actually bringing out and enchanting you natural beauty?
Or are you one of those women who apply their makeup because they've seen it or read it somewhere that it 'helps make your cheekbones pop?'
I hear this all the time…  my clients watching YouTube videos - this does not enhance your true beauty in any type of way!
Each woman is UNIQUE, DIFFERENT and BEAUTIFUL in 101 ways, and no one is the same.

Its time to identify your;
Face Shape
Skin Tone/Undertone
Skin Type
Eye Shape
Eye Colour
Colour Palette to Use/Avoid
Features you LOVE

All this you can study and research but best of all you can fast track your Personalised Beauty with my 'Know Your Own Face' 1-1 Makeup Lesson.
This identifies all of the above
Teaches you how to apply products from Skincare to Makeup
Discovers what products that would be perfect in your Beauty Bags
and a Full Step-by Step lesson on the full look.

My main message in regards to my business is to 'ENHANCE AND COMPLIMENT YOU NATURAL BEAUTY' and I stand by that through and through.
I only want you to focus on you, become confident and be happy.

Now spend the rest of your day thinking about this message and how its TIME to be YOU!!

Love Sophie xx

Why is my Eye Colour important to my Makeup Look?

A makeup artists secret to enhancing your eyes and personal features.
We don't all want to look like a celebrity clone! Nor do we want to copy our friends makeup look, just because it looks great on her…
Because it won't suit you!

We are all unique and individual for a reason. We all know our personalities reflect this and our genes are what makes us different. So why do we want to blend into the background?
We can be 'inspired' by other and put our own spin on fashion and trends. All by making our inspiration more personalised to you!

(We can get blown away by the amount of Eye Makeup Palettes available on the market)

Assess your personal features, likes and changes by considering our uniqueness.
Which is why I wanted to dedicate a blog post to 'why your eye colour is important to your makeup look'.
Our eye colour can enhance our facial shape, and make our features pop in such a simple way, we just need to remember to think about OURSELVES before what everyone else is doing/looking like.

Self-care is getting bigger and bigger as the months and years go by, and everyone is now telling us to put ourselves first to make you happy, then happiness for everyone around us will happen naturally.
All makes perfect sense to me, so its time to assess your beauty and create the personalised, complimentary look for you and your future makeup looks.

(Im going to take you back to primary school lessons…) - THE COLOUR WHEEL

Your eye colour is complimentary with opposites - Got green eyes, go for pinks etc.
Using the correct shades with our eye colour will

• Brighten the eye area, giving more radiance and glow to our happy, talking eyes on a daily basis.
• Will make you look more healthy and alert
• Create a more glowing, refreshed look to your skin 
• Makes your eye colour pop - and people will compliment your eye colour more (I bet you!)
• Also make you eyes appear more open and bigger.

Now why wouldn't you want to use the RIGHT makeup shades on your eyes?

Your eyes do the talking when it comes to your feelings and thoughts…

'You look knackered today'

'Are you unwell' 

'Are you coming down with something'

'You need a day off'

None of these are compliments, so don't let people think that just from looking at your eyes - maybe the shades you are currently using are really giving a flat, dull colour to your makeup looks

Such as Greys can really dull your radiance.

Avoiding certain shades that do not work with your eye colour is very important to know too, as many shades can really wash you out if its not enhancing certain areas or tones.

So such little effort can completely change the way your face looks and talks to other people.
From your physical appearance to the emotions talking in your face and eyes.

Now its time to discover the colours and tones that you NEED in your makeup bags and which colours you need to avoid and bin in your makeup bags.
I promise you will feel and look on top of the confidence world when you make these changes.

I have created a full, descriptive guide for each eye colour…
For just £6 (RRP:£10)
Download your Eye Colour Guide and find out what colours you should use and avoid when it comes to your makeup
AND find out where to apply these shades when it comes to putting on and using these products everyday.

Follow my guide and your eye colour will pop like never before ✨✨

Blue Eyes - https://payhip.com/b/Il5W 

Green Eyes - https://payhip.com/b/XHFf 

Brown Eyes - https://payhip.com/b/Iynr

Hazel Eyes - https://payhip.com/b/aXI6

The most important thing is… Your eye colour never changes, so this knowledge and lesson will last you a lifetime.

You will forever know what makeup colours to invest your money in when it comes to makeup shopping, and how to enhance your full look for the rest of your life.

Thats why personalised services are worth your time and pennies.

Let 2019 by the year to ENHANCE your Beauty, and learn what it right for YOU!

Love Sophie xxx