Why Vitamin C is good for your skin

Vitamin C is a popular vitamin most people are aware of, especially in our oranges.

Today I want to explain how important and effective Vitamin C really is, for our skin and bodies.

C - Clarity.

Clarity is the perfect work to go along side Vitamin C. The outline that I want to get across for why this is good for the skin and this corrects any uneve skin/pigmentation with the well researched brightening benefits.

By managing the skins brightening effects this will then correct any pigmentation areas, either caused naturally, sun exposure and even post-acne redness.

Usually most of us have some sort of uneven skin to our faces, which can be an issue when applying a makeup base and getting that flawless effect.

If focusing on your vitamin C either through intake or appearance using products this will give huge benefits to your skin inside and out. So with a month of dedication you will see a difference.

REVIEW: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

The most popular question I get asked is 'How do you do black flicked liner and make it so straight?' 

My answer is Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Liner. You would think pens or liquid sticks would be the obvious answer but a gel pot is all it takes.

The more practice you get, the more perfected finish you will achieve! 

So of course I have to review this product on 'Feature Friday' 

Bobbi brown products have my heart right now. There are so many product I love and couldn't live without and even some I'm still yet to get my hands on.

Holiday Beauty Best Buys

I was lucky to fit a holiday in March this year, I was indeed needing a break with time to unwind and relax my little head.
Im always on to the next thing with my business and although I love it, I do need to give myself a rest every now and again.

I went to Lanzarote on the Canary Islands, I have been a few times some years back but it was nice to go back and see the pretty island again. I went to Puerto Del Carmen which is known as the more lively area so there was more things to do with lots of Cafes, Restaurants and Bars. I did experience lots of different foods every night out there. I don't think i had the same thing once!
Yes you all know I'm a health and fitness freak but I only let myself indulge on the evening meals but now its nice to be home and back to my old habits.

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.

AUTUMN/WINTER 15/16 Beauty Trends

My favourite time of year... Definitely not for the weather but I love the trends for Fashion and beauty. The time of year where I dig out my berry shade lipsticks and dark nail polishes.

Im making sure i fill you all in with these trends as soon as i could so you can all get stocked up and look on trend all winter, especially now i don't see us getting any more sunny weather :( but bring on film nights wrapped up by the sofa.

I have put together 4 main trends that also include small extras that will benefit the look. I will also relate to MAC's A/W named trends that match up with more reality looks along with their created face charts of the looks that they are advertising.

Dramatic Grunge

What would winter be without the dark hues!
MAC TREND = Love Worn

- NEW smokey eyes
I love a good smokey eye but some people just can't go too black! Im one of them people, with the New smokey eye look it is a lot more subtly and sophisticated. I still want to see this day and night but don't forget to pair this one with a nude lip.








- Black/Berry Lips
Love, love, love. Don't let anyone tell you you have that colour! There are multiple shades to buy and I can never get enough and this season its not just Matte, try iridescent and play dramatic.



- Graphic Liner (Used on the lower and upper lash line)
Im not just taking about the cat eye. This trends all about smudging, multiple and abstract lines. As long as its bold your on trend!





All these looks were seen on a mix of shows including - Olympia Le-Tan, Trussardi, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermanno Scervino, Bottega Venta Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Rochas, Paco Rabanne, Rick Owens, Rag & Bone Dries Van Noten, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Ann Demeulemeester.

Accessorise Eyes

MAC TREND - Beautiful and Damned

Glitter/Diamonds - Lines of Diamonds under the lash line and glitter on the tips of your lashes shouts Festive! Don't forget your glitter smokes ladies.

Glossy Lids - High shine eyes which you can create with clear gloss to give the natural look or go for metallic shines on the centre lids or inner corners of the eye. No one can go wrong.

Face Art - Bringing this trend from summers festival look but without the bright colours. The mini tattoo transfers can create a wild night time look with an edge.

Trends seen on = Anthony Vaccarello, Giamba, Jacquemus Mary Katrantzou, Rodarte

Toffee Tones

MAC TREND - Red 70s

Warm Tan - Just because summer has gone doesn't mean we can't still look brown. Keep that glowing tan or just go for a warm blush.

Orange - Gone from pinks to warm oranges, like apricot, coral and mandarin on the eyes, this is a colour that a lot of people are scared to experiment with but there are shades out there for everyone, ill be pulling out my MAC Red Brick eyeshadow out so try this colour and mix it with warm browns for a soft smokey eye.

Trends seen on = Dsquared²,  Moschino, Chloé, Michael Kors Alexander McQueen, Emilio Pucci, Rodarte, Altuzarra, Boss, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney

Nude Skin

MAC TREND = Strength of Beauty

Brows - Still wanting that defined face and well groomed look. Ditch the tweezers and get a gel to keep them in place.


Glow - The most beautiful looking skin has a luminous glow but the make-up artists on the shows were not only giving a glow to the face but also to the lips and eyes all to highlight where the light hits.
Hydration - A lightweight foundation which contains a luminous finish to the skin which gives a hydrated translucent look. We still don't want the matte dry skin look in the winter. Keep that after-summer glow.

Trends are seen on = Jil Sander, Donna Karan, Missoni, Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs  Lanvin, Christopher Kane, Nina Ricci, Emporio Armani, Paul Smith, Carolina Herrera Gucci, Marni, Ralph Lauren Collection, Alexander Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Haider Ackermann, Lacoste Balenciaga, Nina Ricci, Giambattista Valli.








I think all these trends are wearable unlike some seasons so make the most of it and get them trends bang on for christmas. 
I would love to see your creations of 'Toffee Trends' to see how you all work your oranges. TAG ME!

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