REVIEW - NEW Dior Addict Ultra Gloss

Huge new launches from Dior this month, with there 18 new formulated glosses.

I've always been hit and miss with lip glosses, due to the stickiness and the wind blowing hair stick! I know that's the reason you dislike them too ;) 

But I eventually found my favourites... Guerlain, Nars and of course Dior.
This month Dior brought out their new formulations lip glosses from the previous Dior Addict range.
Now it's Dior Addict Ultra Gloss. Their new make-up  designer Peter Philips has started of great in this brand and also has made lots of new products which will be released this summer. (I can't wait to tell you some of them)

My Daily Skincare Routine

'Feauture Friday' is back already and this week will be the follow up from last weeks post '2016 Beauty Resolutions' on my daily skincare routine.

If you missed last weeks (important) post on making a difference for the new year you can read it HERE. Its not too late to make these changes, every day is a different day no matter if it was January 1st, get this week out the way with drinking and eating and start Monday, theres nothing stopping you and I hope I have influenced a lot of people on making this change. Its for the best, and doing this will prove it.

Lasts weeks post was based on things you can change in 2016 for your beauty routine and a lot of it was down to looking after your skin so I said I was going to write a separate post explaining my full skincare routine from products to applications and here it is...

I couldn't imagine waking up in the morning at not washing my face at the minimum.

It may seem like a chore to change and do all this every morning and night but honestly you will just get used to it, by just getting into this routine it can be done within 5-10 minutes, now whats that? In that time you can spend waiting for a kettle to boil? Point proven :D

Bridal Collections (Autumn Photoshoot)

These past few months at my wedding trials I've realised i get a lot of brides that have no idea about makeup as they either don't wear much usually or just don't know how to explain what they are wanting for such an important day.

So I now have a new process that i discuss with my brides wither on the trial or prior to the trial if they want a small consultation.
I have 4 separate collection of looks under the titles of

I will explain a little about each collection and what it is described to be.

Classic Bridal - Ladies who don't wear any or much makeup on a regular basis and more aimed on perfecting the skin (HD Airbrushing is the perfect addition to this look) keeping this look natural with fushed cheeks and very minimal eye makeup, either excentuating the lashes to pair with the flawless skin - very Kate Middleton

Sultry Bridal - More exaggerated than the classic with the darker mysterious eyes such as a bolder cat eyeliner or maybe a smudged effect to give more edge - more Cheryl Cole

Radiant Bridal - Perfect flawless skin with that natural radiant glow can be on the face or eyes or maybe both with a more metallic or sparkle on the eyes to make the light enhance these features - think Jennifer Lopez

Statement/Striking Bridal - A more daring bride who loves make-up and has more passion to try different things. Can either go with a bold lip from Reds to Pinks or bold eyes with a pop of colour and more smokey. Bringing some glamour to bridal makeup. Photographers love more makeup anyway as it shows up on the photos better! - How much higher than Beyonce and Kim Kardashian!

(Each of these images are the covers on my Pinterest boards but are set as private for exclusive reasons for my clients)

You can view my other boards of ideas on www.pinterest.com/sdowningmua

At each brides trial or consultation i will be showing there each folder/board or looks for them to flick through and identify key images of what they are wanting their wedding day makeup like.
They can choose as many photos as they like to show what looks they want. I will then look over each image and match them to the collection that suits their needs most.

This will not only help them explain and show what they are wanting easier but also help me in understanding what it is they are wanting for me to create their dream bridal makeup look.

I care about getting everything right for my brides and all my other clients that book me for their makeup. So this is just a more personal one to one consultation that is simple and easy to communicate through.
Not only do i bring these folders along with me, I have the latex bridal magazine, season wedding trends and the everyday makeup trends, so everyone will be able to see these and maybe help influence a new look of wanting to try something different.
I also LOVE the ladies that have photos as they have done their own research into what they want their makeup like so i can then talk to them with their images and explain how to adapt these looks on to my individual clients to enhance and compliment them.

To give you a little idea of these looks I teamed up with some talented people in the industry to create these stunning photos for you all to see.
Each look from these images shows an idea of each collection that i offer.

We had dresses from 'The Wedding Boutique' in Ilkeston, they let us use 4 of their dresses that are sold in their shop and a range of jewellery, shoes and hair pieces.
Our photographer was of course the talented Elena from 'Elen Studio Photography' who specialises in wedding photography.
The stunning professional model Molly Dutton and Kirsty Louise
Hair by the wizard that is Annette Gray
and of course the makeup was all by myself Sophie Downing.

I love doing this shoot as everything was just so dreamy and fresh, the dresses were breathtaking with intricate designs and the hair was highly technical. I planned each look in order of my collections and gave them a romantic feel so it wouldn't outshine the main focus' of the photoshoot.
We of course got the most perfect images from Elen as you can see here.

Classic Bridal with a modern 50's feel from the short dress and lace accessories and perfected undo.

Sultry Bridal with an intricate embroider dress, back detailing also linking with one of the trends from Spring 2016 dresses and a volumised undo.

Radiant Bridal with a Grecian themed dress, very soft, light and elegant to match the glowing dewy makeup, perfect for overseas wedding inspiration on a gorgeous beach. Hair also long soft curls like beach waves to keep the elegant touch.

I hope you love these images as much as we do and maybe this has helped you get ready for our upcoming trial or occasion.

If you love the idea of how i work and how i can adapt all these looks for you then don't hesitate to get in contact, i don't want you loosing out on a big date just because i booked up.

'To look beautiful is your right, to make you beautiful is our duty' My quote explains all!

I look forward to hearing from you and hope you keep up to date all my upcoming posts - makeups a fun world!

Don't forget to like and follow my pages on-

Facebook - www.facebook.com/makeupbysophiedowning

Twitter - @makeupbysophied

Instagram - @makeupbysophiedowning

Contact me on 

makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

Sophie xx

Make-up Trend Report S/S 15

Hi my lovely readers...

One of my favourite posts is keeping you all up to date with the top make-up trends each season and it looks like you all take quite an interest in this section also.
Before each season begins I like to post this so that you are all prepared and beat everyone else before the trends begin ;)

I have got 2 Sections to this post as I have done my main research for the MAC Trend Report for Spring/Summer 15 which also falls into place with the Runway Trend Report that is contained in all the fashion magazines which is what my second section will contain.

So we have 4 main trends from MAC -

1. RE-VIEW

2. ENLIGHTENED

3. FREE PARTY

4. NO-MAKEUP

RE-VIEW

Focussed all on the eyeliner with multiple ways to wear it to draw attention to the eyes.
Eyeliner was either painted looking, as if you have used your fingers or the complete opposite of harsh graphic lines giving a more futuristic look.
All about changing the classic flicked liner to a more biker rough look.
Not only was the liner confined to the lash line it was also sculped through the socket like using a sharpie pen.

The lashes were big, bold and clump. Even colour for the doll-eye effect either bare or paired with glossy shiny lids.

As bold as the eyeliner the lashes played a major part so this trend is all about the eyes.
The lashes were mainly cut into chunks and applied in sections to enhance certain parts of the eye.
Black, browns and teals were mainly used on the lashes.

The eye shadow used for this trend was blown out with burred edges. Soft taupe and warm browns were used to give this trend a massive 70s feel.

ENLIGHTENED

Enlightened is all about flawless skin with less coverage to show the real skins shine for maximum radiance as well as using highlighters to enhance the natural shine.
They use maximum brightness with pigments and gloss but steered away from the extreme contouring from the past season.

Less coverage but more clever concealing being very precise when applying. Gaining points from the skin almost looking plastic.
The final goal was to give a dewy, holographic, luminous, porcelain effect more than sun-kissed tan.
White was used and mixed with the base for the skin and also through the lashes.

This look was also teamed up with a bold lip. A ruby red and mirror finish clear gloss.

FREE PARTY

Spring/Summer is known for the festival fun vibed make-up looks, the only time of year that goes abit out of the box. Mixing and matching like the fashion trends.
Saturated colours that have been washed out and bleached by the sun using a smudged effect as nothing is structured in any way.
All about mixing fruity colours like lime and watermelon that gives a effortless, playful, young look ending with a candy popping lip.

Freckles also make a huge come back which goes perfectly with with the flawless sun-kissed finished skin. Sequins were also adorned on the face to reflect light.

"NO MAKEUP"

The ‘No Make-up’ trend comes around time after time each season but this time it has a little difference that makes this season top the rest.
The no-makeup look always tends to require more time and attention to get everything precise to achieve that natural, glowing and well contoured skin.

Brows are again given the time so that each strand is well groomed and that the shape suits your face shape as well as setting them so they stay in place at all times.

So overall the trend includes immaculate looking skin, well grommed brows, chissled contoured face,  naturally defined crease, splattering of honey freckles and a natural lip colour.

A look to enhance your beauty and not to change it.

Now Section 2 of this post is about the Runway Trends for Spring/Summer 15 which you will hear more about as this gets reported in all magazines and online beauty websites ect. This may also be easier to relate to as they are more specific trends which can fall into the 4 main MAC trends.

I will quote in brackets which MAC trend they relate to...

RUNWAY MAKEUP TRENDS

Golden/Copper Eyes (Enlightened)

Seen on - Givenchy

Glitter Eyes (Enlightened/Free Party)

Seen on - Ashish, House of Holland, Anna Sui

Orange/Bold Lips (Free Party)

Seen on - Tanya Taylor, Dolce and Gabanna, Burberry

Rosy Cheeks (No-makeup)

Seen on - Thakoon, Erdem, Matthew Williamson

Pastel shades (Free Party)

Seen on - Elie Sabb

Face Adorments (Free Party)

Seen on - Dries Van Notem, Tommy Hilfiger

Long lashes (Re-View)

Seen on - Rochas, Nanette Lepore

Liner (white/Neon (Re-view)

Seen on - Dior, Fendi, Holly Fulton

High Shine (Enlightened)

Seen on - Balenciaga, Christopher Kane

Hope you love these trends as much as I do and i believe that everyone can pull these looks off!

Sophie xx

REVIEW: NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette

My Instagram feed was full of people receiving this palette for christmas as a gift. I couldn't wait that long so I treated myself at work as soon as it hit the shelves. Thats my problem with makeup products...

It was perfect really because I've been meaning to buy more blushes for my kit as I always find people stick to the same shade of pink and I wanted a wider variety for my clients to have the option or experiment with a change.

This palette contains blushes that are sold individually at Nars but put into one and of course a hell of a lot cheaper!

- Miss Liberty (Highlighter)

A shimmery peach shade is a perfect highlighter for your cheekbones and brow bone, it contains white sparkle which gives out that illuminating glow for a finishing touch to your makeup looks.

- Sex Fantasy (Blush)

Limited Edition Soft Lavender Pink Shade which warms to all skin tones but does give out that cold purple undertone which i was worried about, it has a matte finish but a soft smooth application and feel on the skin.

- Deep Throat (Blush)

One of the very popular blushes from Nars. A warm coral peach with flecks of gold and pink shimmer, very good pigment and can be build able on the skin from the smooth silky texture. Perfect for day and night!

- Final Cut (Blush)

Limited Edition bold peachy coral with warm orange undertones that gives out a flawless glow (especially in the summer on bronzed skin) Again another great pigmented blush that is build able, one of the colours to experiment with!

- Laguna (Bronzer)

The famous bronzer that Nars is known for! Ive been meaning to bag this bronzer but now I not only save money, I get it combined in this beautiful Limited Edition collectable palette.

From Left to Right - Miss Liberty, Sex Fantasy, Deep Throat, Final Cut and Laguna
(Daylight Shot)

(With Flash)

The Virtual Domination palette comes in a gorgeous white case with patterned overlay. The thick casing means its perfect for travelling so is less likely to break up into crumbs (fingers crossed) Its very bulky but doesn't look cheap, also includes a mirror inside. I also love that its different packaging to the average black cased Nars products as the White gives it that special edition theme.

Every year Nars brings out Limited items and I will most definitely be getting my hands on the next lot after this being as good as I expected.

Have you got this palette? If so what did you think to it?

Sophie xxx

REVIEW: Nars Lipgloss

The one brand I have always been missing out on, for my big make-up kit was Nars!

Everytime I went I didn't know where to start, what I needed or what was a good product. I did my research and there was a few I narrowed it down to, so I still have a list for what I want next.

My first 2 purchases were the original Lipglosses in 'Turkish Delight' and a Multiple Stick in 'South Beach' (I will soon do a review on my multiple stick)

This gloss is highly known for it to be Kim Kardashians go to Lipgloss. 'Turkish Delight' is a Sherbert Pink shade. I mainly use this over a nude/pink lip crayon which is perfect for giving an extra dimention. I didn't think this shade was highly pigmented enough for me as I love a bold colour on my lip. I would use this without a base colour though as its has a sheer candy pink look when applied on its own. Perfect for those who love a more natural lip and it is also enriched with Vitamin C.

Obviously there are tons of shades to go and buy but I do not regret buying this one. 

I just LOVE the feel and finish that these glosses give on the lips. 

Ive never been a big lipgloss fan for a good few years now as I love my lipsticks. Just because I hate the sticky, tacky feeling that they give on my lips especially on an everyday basis and getting my hair sticking all over my face but with this gloss I do NOT have this problem. I need every colour in this product. It feels like satin on the lips, luxurious creamy formula which glides on evenly and stays put for hours so when I top up I still don't have that sticky feeling on my lips which in my opinion makes these the best glosses I have ever brought.

The gloss goes on with a medium thickness so it is build able especially for the pigment when you want more.

I would highly recommend these glosses as my go to product so I say go out and treat yourself to one.

£18.50 may be a little pricey for a gloss but if it's the glossy look you love or you want to find a non-sticky gloss then it needs to be done.

Sophie x

Make-up Trends Spring/Summer 2014

We're all ready for some sun now (fingers crossed we get some) but I thought, why not get you in the mood like seeing the new spring/summer make-up trends of 2014.

They all look summery to me and thats just how I like it. Pastels, brights and whites, what more could summer ask for?

I've came across 5 trends that I think will hit the top trends and see the most of.

Firstly I want to start with the;

No Make up - Make up -

We don't want our make up dripping of our faces in the hot sun so what better trend could hit the runway? Saves us all a lot of bother and our skin will not be able to thank us enough.

The best product you could use on this look is 'MAC Strobe Liquid Lotion' it has no foundation or colouring to this lotion just a simple cream with amazing highlighting effect particles. But if you feel like you can't go without foundation why not try the new CC creams? 'Clinique CC cream has been voted most popular, as it has basically everything in one tube!

This trend has been strutting itself down Victoria Beckham, Balmain, Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant and Valentino.

Orange Lips-

I haven't heard a more talked about upcoming trend than the Orange Lips this season. Last season was the deep berry colour now its been flipped around to a bright neon orange which looks to die for!

This trend would pair perfectly with the No Make up trend as I myself can never look too simple and this will pop out amazingly, nothing beats a statement lip in my eyes.

The product you need to all be reaching out for is 'MAC Morange' Lipstick, it is the perfect orange that doesn't look too glossy or matte, and also has a silky, long-lasting effect.

If you don't want to be that daring go for 'Revlon Matte Colour Burst in Mischievous' which is similar to a Chubby Stick but because it is Matte it should look more pigmented on the lips so the orange stands out.

We have seen this trend on DKNY, John Galliano, Rag and Bone, DSquared and Prabal Gurung.

White Liner-

Some people use this trend more often than we think, especially using it on the waterline to give your eyes a more wider effect, but instead of black for winter, how more summery than to bring white to everyones make up looks. Everyone will look a lot more fresh faced when using white eyeliner as it looks very clean. This can be applied on the eyelid, upper lash line and lower lash line.

The only problem is finding a good white liner that stays on is very hard unless your up for trial and error with all different products. I would say look no further than 'NYX White Jumbo pencil' it is a big chubby pencil but still doesn't mean you can't apply it on your water line, it is so easy and soft (just make sure you buy a jumbo pencil sharpener)

This trend has been killing it on Kenzo, Tibi Catwalk.

Blue Eyes - 

People always stick to neutral browns on their eyes too often. Why not try out the new blue trend! You don't have to go OTT with blues but bring a flash of blue into your simple eye make up. Everyone does suit blue eyeshadow even if they think they don't, its just a trial of getting the right shade of blue then you will hit this trend bang on! 

Try to go more down the royal/navy blue such as a 'Urban Decay Eyeshadow' Urban Decay in my eyes has the best pigmented eyeshadows by far. If you wanted a palette that has different shades i would definitely recommend 'Estee Lauder 5 colour eyeshadow palette in Blue Dehlia' where blending will be your best friend.

Blue eyes made an appearance on Armani, Marc Jacobs, Prada and Celine.

Purple Make up - 

Like I said, Pastels for spring. Looks like they are bringing it all to eyeshadows this season, but don't forget about those pastel purple lips. I will warn that it is a hard trend to pull off and i wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but nothing harms giving it a try.

But for purple eyes this will definitely be one of my favourite trends this season, Purple/Plums look so flattering and you can create so many looks with any purple shade. I'm in love!

Firstly I will recommend maybe splashing out on the 'Urban Decay naked 3 palette' as this palette has the best warmth colours to use on the crease before starting your purple trend, then for purple eyeshadows try 'MAC Fig.1 and Vibrant Grape' These colours were at the top of my MAC list this month and I've been looking for good purples for a while. If you prefer more of the easy one colour option on a rushing work morning try the 'Maybeline Colour Tattoo in Endless Purple' it will stay on all day and it's an amazing colour.

Not forgetting the Purple/Lilac Pastel lip my go to product would be 'MAC Nicki Minaj 2' 

Purple Make up was seen on Holly Fulton.

These 5 are the trends I think will hit off mostly this spring and summer but other extra trends that have been seen are:

- Graphic Liner 

- Stained Lips

Can't forget to show you how gorgeous this is... (Cara at Moschino) 

What do you think of this season trends?

Are you stocked up and practicing?

Sophie xxx

Make-up Trends Autumn/Winter 2013

My favourite time of the year for big trends, think after a while I start to get sick of my summer wardrobe as the fashion is 10x better in winter. I've always preferred my big coats over frilly dresses, but back to make-up everything goes more daring in the winter as your not always sweating your foundation off, haha - nice ay!

The big trends this season are;

Cat Eyes - All about the flicked liner. I suppose I constantly wear this look throughout the year anyway as it gives a great shape to anyone's eyes, but for this season you can go as thick, thin, long or short at anytime of day even bring in a bit of colour for a twist.

Copper Shadow - Well this would be the least of colours I would expect to hit the big trends as its a colour that can go all wrong if your don't get the correct shade, as it can make eyes look a little sore, but after trying it on myself I LOVED the overall look it gave as it was different to what I usually go for. Be daring and smudge it all around the eyes then you will be hot on trend!

Red/Purple/Wine Stained Lips - A bold Red or Wine lip looks great on anyone, its the colour of autumn, definitely my go too colour as winter approaches. Either use a matte lipstick or dab it on with your fingers to give a stained effect which is the way everyone did it on the catwalks.

Smudged Eyes - Black, Grey, Charcoal colours for this seasons 'smudged' trend are the colours to use. MAC went for the grungy/rebellious look which includes these colours but going for the messy look, so you people that aren't that into applying make up then this trend should be easy to achieve just don't worry about it looking perfect...Its not meant to!

To me all these colours and looks make me think of Autumn/Winter so I think everyones going to look great this year ;)
I will definetly be daring and creative this season, along with my upcoming photoshoots, keep updated on my blog to see all the new work that I have done.

What do you think of these trends?
Like? Dislike?

Sophie xxx