REVIEW: Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palettes

As you may all know I have recently purchased 2 of the Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow palettes from Selfridges over this year.

My past 2 makeup Monday's have been focused on my most recent buy and I promised you I would do a review this week. 

Pretty obvious that I'm going to say I'm in love with them, but my reasons why are different to every other palette....

The 2 palettes I own are 'The Sophisticate' and 'the Dolce Vita' 

Charlottes makeup collections have different range names which work together as a whole look.

My first buy was 'The Sophisticate' which is aimed at one of the most natural, minimal looks of them all.

REVIEW: New Dior Forever Foundation

The As you may or may not know the original Dior Forever foundation has been reformulised, along with new additions the the range including loose powder and primer base (this is perfect if you have dry skin but still want a flawless matte finish, as this product hydrates and makes foundation glide on smoother)

I have recently been doing the latest promotions with Dior Fragrances for Valentines/Mothers day which are all just round the corner.

I have previously used the original Dior Forever foundation, what drew me to this range was the claim of it being their highest coverage, when I did try the old one I didn't love it as much as I love the latest one.

I never thought it looked flawless and even on my skin but it did give a medium-high coverage as it said.

Since trying the new formula for the Forever Foundation I have got to say this is 10x better, it feels a lot more smoother to apply which gives a more flawless and even finish as well as the amazingly high coverage which makes skin look so clear.

(Top tip: great applied with a dence round foundation brush)

REVIEW: Diorshow Maximizer Mascara

Ever struggle with getting those long lashes no matter what you do or try.

Well trust me on this one... Get yourself Dior's Diorshow Maximizer backstage mascara.

This is not a normal mascara, it is a serum (primer) based mascara.

The first base mascara that Dior have ever produced and it doesn't fail to disappoint. I promise you this mascara will give your lashes twice the volume!

This product was designed for Dior backstage fashion shows being used by the top makeup artists, to use this product you should apply to clean lashes before your usual mascara.

REVIEW: Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadows

After starting of the year giving you my advice on beauty/skincare tips I decided to squeeze a 'sparkly' eyeshadow review before we forget about glitters.

Most people think as glitter and sparkles more of a Christmas thing or only on special occasions. That doesn't get said in my mind! I would wear glitter and sparkles all year through, no reason would stop me.

Or maybe you've been told too many times that you can't wear glitter as you get older. Put it this way, don't listen! There are all sorts of different ways to wear glitter, it doesn't have to be extreme glitter pigment as you may be thinking, there are pearlised shimmer that are already put into basic eyeshadows and also reflective glitter that is noticed within different lights which doesn't look to over the top.

REVIEW: Loreal Colour Riche Collection

Now this may not shock you but I LOVE the Colour Riche Exclusive Collection.

You may recognise this easier by the Loreal TV advert with the celebrities on...

Eva, Blake, Jlo, Cheryl and more. So far there are 3 collections Pure Reds, Nudes and Pinks.

The point of the multiple shades in each collection is a tailor made colour for everyone's skin tone.

They all all enriched with jojoba oils with a velvet texture and pure colour intensity pigments.

I first brought a pack of 4 from the Pure Exclusive Reds range, this was a travel retail buy so it was not available on the high street, but this pretty much started my 'slight' obsession. 

Before these I don't think I owned any Loreal lipsticks as I was never keep on the pearly shines to most of there lipsticks, but these reds where amazing pigments and best of all matte, matte lipsticks are my favourite as I love my lipstick to have the strong bold colour pigments, and these formulas were not drying on your lips at all like some matte lipsticks can be.

Reds Collection Shades: Blake, Eva, Julianne and Liya 

I also have Freida which is not available any more.

After my positive experience with the Pure Reds collection I then moved on to the Nudes...

As well as my love of the formula, colours and textures I new I needed a good collection of nudes in my kit that would suit everyone's skin tone and what better to buy the whole collection if that's what each shade is told to do? 

So yes I went out and brought them all haha! 3 for 2 offer at boots helps a bunch too! 

The nude collection are not Mattes they have a pearly luminescence which I usually steer from but for nude colours it compliments the skin and hair colour to each individual especially when paired with a smokey eye.

Nudes Collection Shades: Jlo, Eva, Doutzen and Julianne.

I do not own the Doutzen shade as I found this didn't have a high colour pay off like the others as it was quite a pale pink although I do have Cheryl's shade but this is not available to buy anymore.

I then saw the latest Loreal advert for the Pink Exclusive Collection and of course pinks are my favourite lip colours I had to start my next collection, as they are Exclusive after all.

The nudes collection do have slight pink shades within a few of the celebrities but this pink collection contains more vibrant, bold pinks to soft romantic warm pinks.

With this collection the formula is back to matte again like the reds which makes that point a lot better.

They claim this collection to be 'most sophisticated pink lipsticks in a velvet matte finish' and again there is a shade for each individual.

Pink Collection Shades: Blake, Eva, Helen, Liya and Naomi.

So far I own Blake, Eva and Naomi. I also need Liya in my kit as I love the neon and orange undertone to this colour! Although Helen doesn't appeal much to me as it is a very pale pink and can't see it doing much justice for many people haha, we don't want to bring back foundation lips that's for sure.

I usually swear by MAC lipsticks from the great colour pay off and long wear but I can put these on neck and neck as I am very pleased with these collections. So if your wanting to save or even splash on the whole collection like me then go for it! You won't be disappointed.

I hope they bring out more.

Sophie x

Review - Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Decided to blog about my most recent concealer which is the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla.

Its always been at the top of my list but have always thought I don't need it desperately like other things, but my gosh I was wrong! I will re purchase this as soon as it runs out without fail! 

I love how creamy and smooth this is to apply, I use this under my eyes only as it has radiance in which should not be used over any spots as this would just highlight them and make them shine in all the light, that's not what you want a concealer to do, so this is made for under eyes only.

The product is of course 'creamy' and very luxurious to apply under the eyes, it's not only medium to high coverage but also enriched with hydrating skincare benefits that smooth out the complexion, hiding fine lines and any signs of fatigue, along with the light diffusing radiant technology.

What more would you want in your concealer? 

When choosing under eye concealers always go 1-2 shades lighter to highlight the area which will also give you face more structure in the way and shape you apply, such as a triangle under eve so that  contouring will compliment this. 

Top tips for this is to apply using the brush provided in a triangle shape under the eye to the apple of your cheek, tap and blend with your fingers and set over with translucent powder to set the product and prevent creasing and over shine (especially people with oily t-zone)

This concealer sells at the retail price of £21.00 but for all of the benefits this gives it is definitely worth it.

If you was to give this a try before you buy a great opportunity would be to book on to one of my masterclasses or a 1-1 makeup lesson to learn more tips and tricks and apply it the correct way.

Or if you are going out and need your makeup doing why not book a full makeup application, saves you time and gives you the chance to try all new products

Contact me on makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

Or follow me on Facebook - Makeupbysophiedowning 

Sophie x

Charlotte Tilbury Experience and Review

I remember the first time I went to visit the Charlotte Tilbury counter in Selfridges Birmingham, I wanted to buy something for the sake of it and took around half an hour deciding on the colour I most liked and ended up leaving without buying as I just couldn't decide.

So the second time I visited was last Tuesday and I've heard such good reviews from the products and even customer service on counter so I was determined to buy something and fine out for myself.

One of the consultants did ask me if I needed any help so I took my chance in trying a few lipstick combinations with the nude lip liners and lipsticks. The nudes appealed to me the most and the dark red shades but I decided to play safe and go for nudes as I knew I would get more use from them.

I ended up purchasing Pillow talk Lip cheat (liner) and Hepburn Honey K.I.S.S.I.N.G (lipstick) 

This comes under the Sofisticate Look.

These shades are soft nudes with a caramel undertone which is a lovely warm colour throughout winter.

And when you think that was enough I couldn't walk away without a eyeshadow palette.

I love every palette but I went for the Sophisticate Palette, which all together is a coincidence as I pretty much got the whole collection.

This palette was all matte shades with soft Browns, the consultant did apply these shades on my eyes and I loved it, any colour can be incorporated with this palette, i loved all the others also but felt like I had similar shades even though I will go back and buy more.

So yes that was enough, she then also gave me a sample of the the Magic Foudation.

Which I have tried out. It claims to give you flawless, poreless coverage with a weightless formula, concealing all imperfections.

When applying it on the skin I used my fingers as it felt quite thick and knew a could massage it in better, it did feel quite sticky also which could be a sign on the long wear/high concealing description but I prefer it to glide on smoother than what it did.

I do agree with the concealing aspect as it was a good amount of coverage. It did also last all day but by the end of the day my nose and chin looked like it was sliding off so powder over the top may have set it in longer. 

I did like the look of the foundation but the only negative side was the sticky part, other than that I would recommend for people that want a high coverage.

Overall I've loved my experiences with Charlotte Tilbury and the service and will defined purchase more from her range.

Sophie x

REVIEW: YSL Volupte Tint-In Oil

Oil not Gloss!!

For those of you that hate sticky glosses but love the high glossy shine then this product needs to go on your 'to buy' list.
This product is full of 5 nourishing precious oils including Apricot Kernel, Jojoba Seed and Passion Flower Oil. With all of these ingredients it will guarantee to leave your lips feeling hydrated and moisturised to banish those dry lips especially with winter coming. Chapped lips is a no go!
Not forgetting the plumping effect it also gives the lips.

The formula is extremely light weight so it doesn't feel to thick on the lips as well as the oil having a soft tint which comes in 8 various shades from rose to oranges.
I brought number 4 (I rose you) which is a soft rose shade, i do use mine over the top of lipsticks to give that glossy shine look but when used alone it boosts the natural lip colour with a pretty tint.
If your not fussed on a coloured tint then number 2 (oh my gold) is a perfect shade as it is a clear with the hint of gold to enhance the shine and give definition.



With all YSL lipglosses/oils they have the perfect shape wand applicator to apply easily on the lips as it is shaped for your lips to sit in.

At the price of £23.50 i know you are expecting it to work wonders, and there is nothing to let you down on that statement either. It really does do everything it says, trust me and give it a try yourself.

Sophie x

REVIEW: Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil Set

Hello...

I've decided to do this blog post about Urban Decays 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil Set that I received at Christmas.
I'd heard that they were one of the best eyeliners as there pigments are so intense. I do always struggle to find good eyeliners with good colour pay off as some are quite hard and cannot see the colour, and others are lovely and creamy but the colour doesn't last long enough through the day.

Well these liners are 'Smudgeproof, Budgeproof and Waterproof' and last '24/7' What more can you want!
When I say that the colour pay off for these liners are great I sincerely mean it. I wouldn't use these pencils otherwise. When buying eyeliners you need ones that have good colour pigments, last long enough to get you through the day/night at least and ones that don't just break constantly when sharpening as I always find that high street brands do this.

I always say if you will use things on a daily basis and are essentials in your everyday make-up bag then you do need to invest in something that little more expensive. You don't want to be spending money trying multiple different products just because you don't want to pay for premium brands because of the price, at the end of the day it will end up being less expensive if you do so.

Obviously I saw this set as a better investment for myself and for my kit as this set of 10 has a range of shades that I would get use out off and it worked out cheaper anyway. I remember seeing this and thinking that I can't miss out on that bargain.
I don't think this is still for sale now but maybe you wouldn't all need this many colours so buying the odd colour from the counter would be worth it as they are also pretty much double the size.
But the shades in this set are NOT available to buy separately, they do however have a wide range of colours that you will be able to find similar shades of.

Urban Decay describe these liners as 'The best eye pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds) then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge.'

What did I just say :)
I love how these liners do feel velvety-soft as you don't want them hard pencils anywhere around your eyes as they do hurt! I agree with the blending also as a smudge effect on the upper eyelid always looks great, especially with these dreamy shades.

In this set, the colours I got are;
- Perversion (Jet Black)
- Mugshot (Bronze)
- Faint (Matte Grey)
- Moonspoon (Silver/Grey)
- Smokeout (Brown with a hint of Purple)
- Glitter Rocks (Shimmer Pink)
- Stargazer (Glitter Gold)
- Voodoo (Vibrant Grape)
- Gonzo (Matte Blue)
- Vacancy (Turquoise)

Some of these liners are linked to the eyeshadows which you may realise have the same name.

Without Flash -

With Flash - 

Do you have this set?
Are you thinking of buying these liners?

Sophie xx

Urban Decay Naked Palettes 1,2 and 3

When I am doing my clients make-up they always love all of my Urban Decay Naked Palette's so I thought it would be perfect to write up a review with advice for which one would suit you.

I brought my first Naked Palette when number 1 came out.
The best time to buy these palettes is when Debenhams do there 10% weeks or point offers as you save a fair bit of money as they can be expensive when you especially wanting to buy all 3 palettes.

I would recommend Urban Decay as my number 1 go to brand for any eyeshadows as each shade is highly pigmented, stays on your eyelid, and there is no fall out with the sparkly shades. There is a shade for any colour you are after and you can also build your own palette with them.

Naked 1 was the perfect neutral palette when it first came out. It had all the colours you would ever need to do numerous eye make-up looks.
It is full of 12 Bronze-Hued neutrals in a range of textures including Mattes, Satin, Shimmers and glitter eyeshadows.
With this palette you can go as neutral or smokey as you like with champagne to gunmetal shades.
From Naked 1 my most used eyeshadows are Virgin, Buck, Half-baked and Darkhorse. Definitely my go to bronze smokey eye.

Naked 2 contains another 12 shades but this time they are Taupe-Hued neutrals. Again with textures of Mattes, Shimmers and Glitter eyeshadows.
This palette is best for Neural looks, soft smokey eyes and more dramatic looks as it is not a shimmery than Naked 1.
My most used eyeshadows from this palette are Bootycall, Tease, Verve and Blackout.

Naked 3 contains another 12 BRAND NEW shades which are Rose-hued neutrals. Textures of this palette are Mattes, Pearls and Shimmering Metallics.
This palette is best for you ladies who want to experiment more with on-trend make-up looks.
It is not the easiest palette to mix and create tons of different looks as they are all pink shade with warm undertones. For people who have always wanted that pink eyeshadow that doesn't make your eyes look sore then you need this palette!
You can create soft romantic looks with these colours as well as making a more dramatic eye looks using the right side of the palette as this contains the more bronze to red shades.
My most used eyeshadows from Naked 3 are Dust, Burnout, Nooner and Blackheart (the amazing black with red glitter)

I hope this has helped you decide which palette is best for you or even just an understanding of each palette for your future make-up looks.

Sophie xxx

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

REVIEW: Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

I first brought this before summer, back around May time as I knew I would be in need of a good bronzer for when I came back from my holidays. I read a lot about this before I purchased it and I read good reviews over and over.

When I got my hands on Soleil tan de chanel I tried it for the first time and I really couldn't get on with it. I tried applying it all over my face and it was just too heavy, then I moved on to certain areas and it still didn't look right, so another option was to apply it mixed with moisturiser so it didn't look so dark, it did look better but I still wasn't happy. I then went on to trying it with different tools. I started off with a beauty blender so I wouldn't layer on too much, then the real techniques stippling brush and I struck gold!

Before putting this straight onto my skin I moisturised with Loreal, sometimes applied Smashbox Primer (mainly when I went out), then used my usual Revlon ColourStay Foundation and applied this Chanel Bronzer over the top (with my stippling brush) - in circular motions I worked the product in to give it a flawless finish and I was addicted! I pretty much wore this every day through the summer, minus the Foundation when I got back from my holidays. I just applied it onto moisturised/primed skin. 

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel gives a beautiful Sun-Kissed glow, It's a smooth, velvet, mousse-like consistency, it blends easily on the skin, just make sure you moisturise as it will help this product glide. Cream Bronzers don't agree with everyone but I honestly recommend to keep trying different ways like I did as you will not regret it.
Not only can this product be used at a bronzer but also for contouring.

It is a bronze shade with a yellow based undertone that also contains flicks on shimmer but nothing extremely visible. This product lasts on my skin throughout the day and I never notice that it has faded or that I need to top up and also with me buying this bronzer so long ago it has also lasted me a good 4 months and I've only just hit the pan so a little does go a long way!

I know summer is now over but who doesn't love a glow all year round. I highly recommend this bronzer and you can buy over any Chanel counter and is priced around the £32 mark.

My next purchase from the Chanel Complexion Range will be their new Loose Powder so I look forward to trying that out and giving you a full review.

Sophie x

Bobbi Brown Make-up Manual

I got this book a couple of years ago when I first got into make-up as I wanted to train myself up with more knowledge in the industry and thought this book was a great place to start as it talks you through everything for your health to the applications, I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in make up or even make up artists who just like to read up on things over and over like me, I love collecting books and it has everything you need to know!

It has 12 chapters in with 221 pages of great information.
Chapter 1 - Make-up Artistry
Chapter 2 - Equipment
Chapter 3 - Skin
Chapter 4 - Face
Chapter 5 - Lips
Chapter 6 - Eyes
Chapter 7 - Ten-step Guide to Perfect Make-up
Chapter 8 - Special Make-up Applications
Chapter 9 - Artistry
Chapter 10 - Essential Equipment for the professional
Chapter 11 - Advanced Make-up Applications
Chapter 12 - Memoravke Makeup Moments and Legends

I could write in depth paragraphs for each chapter but ill be here all day.

Obviously when you read books you don't remember each and every fact or story that happens but with this book you can just flick through and remember everything again, it is not fully packed with so much writing and it is a very visual book which I love, especially when it's about things like make-up because you like to see what they are talking about and visualise the make-up.

So to everyone that wants a good book that they will actually learn from then I recommend this. 100%.  Bobbi Brown is such a good brand which all the top make up artists use.
The step by step guides are great but simple so you can expand on ideas and put your own touch to doing makeup on your own clients.

What do you think of this book?
Do you recommend any?

Sophie x