My Strobing/Highlighting Product Recommendations

I'm now back from my weeks holiday in the lovely Canary Islands. It was a nice break and time to reflect on my plans for the rest of the year. (Something that has to be done)

So yes, I did miss last Fridays post but now this is the follow up to the last post on 'How to get Glowing Skin' 

This week is all about the recommended products that are perfect to use to achieve the glowing look.

I want to also direct this post on the latest trend 'Strobing' I did speak about this in the last blog post but this trend is basically all about using illuminating products of the high points of the face. So no more contouring with darker shades or highlighting with lighter concealers!

Using a flattering Powder, Cream or Liquid accentuating the high points of the face such as your cheekbones, brow bone, cupids bow and any areas you want to 'Bring out' on the face.

This is also a trend that is 10x quicker than highlighting and contouring.

Make-up Trends S/S 2016

I know we are only in February but I need to prepare you for spring/summer make-up trends that are just around the corner.

It will be spring in no time but maybe not English weather wise.

Whilst being a make-up artist one of the most important things are to keep up to date with all the make-up trends from season to season.

I have done some hard research as usual for the run up to Spring/Summer and I want to do a blog post to also keep you all up to date. I want you to take on each day bang on trend with your makeup looking hot!

I have 8 new looks that can be an excuse to go make-up shopping or pull out some old make-up products that you've missed using.

Trends are all about experimenting with new looks, so if you find some of the trends hard to pull off, mix it up a bit and try different applications or positions to apply to.

Apple Lips 

Red is backkkk... Big juicy RED apple lips! 

We all have a special red lipstick that we love the flaunt on a special night out, but this season you can flaunt it everyday if you like. 

Make sure you find the correct shade for your skin tone as this makes a huge difference when wanting to pull of a red lip. If the statement red scares you a little go for Raspberry, you'll still be killing the trend.

I would recommend Loreal Colour Riche Collection lipsticks (read my blog post HERE) 

These come in 4-5 shades named by each celebrity. They are made to match whatever skin tone you may have, so time to get matched up. (As seen at DKNY below)

2016 Beauty Resolutions

Yes I have gone and published at 'Resolution' post, I know we all hate them and never stick to these but you need this in January.

I'm not making you go out and change every product in you beauty cupboard but to make you realise that looking after your skin is very important to your appearance and your confidence.

Ladies if you have a spot you know you want to hide it and not let people see so you pack it will a bunch of concealers until your happy that it's invisible. But no! Thats not the way to do it.

If you look after your skin you won't need to cover and you will want to flaunt your make-up free face. Isn't that what we all want.

Well, keep reading and stick to my advice and I promise you will see a difference. 2016 may be your best beauty year yet.

Bridal Trends - SPRING 2016

2016 will be here in no time!

Its time to know the Spring 2016 trends so you can look stylish on your big day!
Of course ill start with the makeup trends, what other reason would you be sitting reading this ;)

First off we have the 'No Makeup Makeup' this look is of course your natural especially for you brides to be who don't wear any makeup on a day to day basis, maybe a little mascara and blush is as far as you will go, so i wouldn't push you to go all OTT on your big day, you don't want to look like a complete different person but the main thing to focus on would be your skin, you want to look flawless with that even skin tone and dark circles banished.
Luckily I offer HD Airbrushing which would be perfect for this look as theres nothing better than this product to give this trend effect.
Monique Lhuillier went Grecian with this trend.

Ombre Crimson Lip

Ombre is a faded lip from the outer, inwards. This kicked of big in the makeup world but not everyone was daring to wear this on an every day basis but now this has become a wedding trends it shows that everyone can pull it off. 

This look would work by a lipliner 1 shade darker that your lipstick then can be blended in with a gloss if you wanted it softened as it can easily look natural and will make your lips look fuller ready to pucker up at the alter.

'Crimson' is all about there reds to purples, if you love a bold lip get them bold colours out and go minimal everywhere else, if not so soft berry shade would be perfect for everyone to get that pop of colour. I will match you up with the correct shade so this complements your skin tone.

(There is a trick to this)

Badgley Mischka and Reem Acra brought this look to the bridal show, along with the Bobbi Brown Makeup team. 

Winged Liner 

I don't think this will ever go out of fashion for many years to come, winged liner can define an eye shape and even give a lift to those who want a more awakened look.

Winged liner doesn't scream Amy Winehouse no more. Its an elegant touch to lots of brides out there who just want a slight change for their big day. 

Don't only go for black, we can go browns for a more natural look or a deep purple which is an amazing shade for a mature bride!

Ines Di Santo was the key to this trend.

Rosy Cheeks

One beauty product that needs that extra application on for your wedding photos as blusher can easily fade away on photos, I'm not talking about 'coco the clown' cheeks just a soft rosy pink or coral layered a few times to at least show up on your photos and also gives you that perky fresh look.

Purple/Marroon Eyes

So i would say that this trend is going to be the main one for Spring 2016!! all you brides should incorporate the colour purple on your wedding day makeup. Easiest way would be a purple waterline, this changed that boring black to give a better dimension which will open up the eye area more, or like mentioned before use purple to wing it.

Theia models wore a fuchsia/purple shades under there eyes this show and teamed with a highlight on the inner corners.

Carolina Herrera also rocked these shades at their show!

  

                 

White Liner

Not only do we have purple but white was a bold colour on the catwalk this bride season, we saw a lot of white waterlines and even white flicks. White is the best colour to give that wide open eye effect, it lightens the area and makes your eyes become more awake and gleaming.

If Marchesa did it, You can do it!

Flushed Coral Pout

This is a trend that has carried on from Winter 2015 brides, its just a go to shade that easily matched everyones skin tone which looks fresh and clean and also leaves you to play with more colours on the eyes.

Jenny Packham shows always nail this look!

70's Smokey

So on the highstreet right now 70's is everywhere, from fringing to tan colours every shop has it, but its been brought to the brides for 2016 and what better than to get them warm smokey eyes back, using golds, bronzes and brows to give out them warm shades.

Galia Lahav took us back to the 70's this season.

Orange/Pinks

Ok, these are the colours that scream No to everyone on the eyes, none of us want sore looking eyes on their big day but you don't know the way to get this right... Certain shades match certain skin tones so i would match you up with the correct colours to complement your skin, these colours can looks hugely effective on the eyes and can make your eyes pop by it still looking natural.

I would give this a go on your trial ladies, you won't be disappointed.

The Lela Rose show incorporated this by using it on the eyes, lips and cheeks and finishing it off with a fresh dewy highlight.

Metallic/Wet Look

A trend that always been Couture and High Fashion. But a glossy or metallic eye can look really effective and futuristic. Team this with a flushed coral pout and you will be screaming 'Bobbi Brown did this look'

Wedding Trends 2016

Now you've all seen the Make-up trends for Spring 2016 i couldn't help but put a little post together on the Wedding Dress trends, they just caught my eye so much as they're are some stunning designs and ideas that you might want to cooperate in your choice of wedding dress.

So to list a few of the main ones we have:

- Appliques (Lace, Floral & Embellished)
(Christos Costarellos) 

- Lace (Sleeves only & Dresses)
(J.Mendel)

- Cap Sleeves
(Victoria Kyriakides)

- Plunge Necklines
(Ines Di Santo) 

- Keyhole Necklines
(Blush by Hayley Paige) 

- Feathers
(Isabelle Armstrong) 

- Tulle/Tiered Over Skirts
(Jenny Lee)

- Mermaid Dresses
(Rivini by Rita Vinieris) 

- A-Line Dresses
(Alvina Valenta) 

- Peplum (Short) Style
(Oscar de la Renta) 

- Belts
(Victoria Kyriakides)

- Sheer Skirts
(Houghton) 

- Wave Detail
(Rivini by Rita Vinieris) 

- Thigh High Slits
(Victoria Kyriakides)

There are tons of different style trends this season as usual, but there is a style for everyone so the more trends the better for yourself.
A lot of the trends were corporated into one which made me fall in love with them all. I honestly don't know myself what trend that I would choose.

Hope this gave you some inspiration for the choice of your dress, or maybe you have realised that your dress will be bang on trend :D

Sophie xx

Bridal Make-up Trends 2015

Hi Everyone, 

I want to direct this post to all my lovely brides-to-be and any other brides interested in getting their make-up bang on trend this year.

I have put together this post with all the information for each trend this season for you all to incorporate into you're wedding day makeup.

We have 4 main trends this season, I have described each trend and how to pair it with your Bridal look.

First we have ‘Just Bitten’

Brides all year round will be glad to know the coral lip is back! How more fresh can you look with a soft peach lip to give your skin that flawless glow whist still looking natural but with that extra effort. Think ‘English Rose’ for this trend, feminine, soft and subtle and pair it with fresh minimal skin and luminous cheekbones to create that extra dimension.

Secondly ‘Colour Contour’

The Kim Kardashian deep contoured face is now gone with the wind. The new look is a more natural fresh contour for the summer.

From a palette full or dark bronzed tones 2015 bides with be adding colours such as soft peaches and warm pinks that still gives a look that’s a little chiseled but more natural. Brides will look beautiful when going for this trend as not only will it frame your face but will also give you the fresh rosy glow for your big day.

Next ‘Metallic Peepers’

Add a little metallic shine onto your eyelids for your big day, a trend that will never fade. As brides usually love the soft gold smokey eye but this time try bronze or grey foil look just in the centre, not only will this be bang on trend but can do wonders for your eye shape depending where you place the metallic shade.

Finally ‘Innocent Vamp’

While Bridal makeup is always minimal and natural, you are in for a treat this year as the bridal runway has introduced a more high fashion bold look that we would normally see on a catwalk show.
A burgundy to deep red lip is going to be a hit for you brides if you are more daring this season, give yourself a popping lip and a look to remember or try the opposite and go heavy on the eyes. Stick to your warm toned shadows for this look and blend it all around the eye.

Throughout this Spring and Summer these key trends will be bang on and can be lightly put into your wedding day make-up without each trend looking so extreme.
Each of my brides each season will get to see my ‘Bridal Bible’ book when they see me on their trials. This book will show each trend and you brides to be can decide if you want to incorporate these trends in your Bridal look.
I feel that this seasonal project of mine will show you how dedicated I am to helping brides to be like you look and feel your ultimate best on your big day.

For Bookings please contact me via Email - makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

or visit my website to answer any enquires you might concern - www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk

S x

BEAUTY TRENDS: Autumn/Winter 14-15

After reading 'September Issues' and seeing the latest shows I have narrowed down to the top 5 Beauty Trends for Autumn/Winter 2014-15.

Metallic Eyes: From extreme metallic eyeshadow to a touch of metallic in the inner corners anyone can pull of the trend as you can wear as little or as much as possible. I love my Illamasqua Metallics palette and it is perfect to use for this seasons trend.

Donna Karan (Left) showed us the smoked out slier metallic look where Issey Miyake (Right) showed us the minimum look using a bronze gold in the inner corner then dragged out along the bottom lash line.

Pop of Colour: Similar to the metallic trend but using bold primary and secondary colours, mainly blues took over the catwalk but colours such as greens, purples and oranges showed up too.

Its a similar trend to the metallics as you can use as little of as much as possible from covering the eyelid in colour or just a cat eye flick like our Kenzo (Left) show. Dior (Right) went for covering the eyelid but keeping that cat eye flick and introducing glitter to the look (expect no more from Pat Mcgrath)

360 Liner: Eyeliner never goes out of trend, my day to day work look is winged liner and nothings changing this season. Focussing on eyeliner on top and bottom lash line creating a 360 liner look was seen on Marc Jacobs show. Others were sticking to the same look but bringing out more of a smokey eye or winged liner.

No Make-up, Makeup/Glowing skin: Like last season this trend is following through with the bare faced look but using ALOT of makeup to look like your wearing none, make sense? Well lets just say they use layers of concealer, correcting colours and highlighters.
Stella McCartney (left) showed us bare faced beauty and Ralph Lauren (Right) brought the glow into the bare skin making it look flawless and fresh.

False Lashes: The 60's inspired look isn't going anywhere, while were hanging onto the winged liner and beehive hair we also keep seeing big lashes over the catwalk too.

Easy day to day look with a feminine twist we see Gucci (left) and Versace (right) fluttering their full feathered lashes.

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