HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Just want to say a massive thank you for the support I have had in the past year. I have put my all into 'Makeupbysophiedowning' last year and i am more than proud and happy to say i have accomplished a lot by my little self.

I started of in the fashion/beauty photographic makeup industry from my passion for creative, statement makeup as I love doing big crazy shoots where i can incorporate lots of ideas, objects and accessories into my art work. (You can see my fashion portfolio on my website HERE)
I don't know what changed but something brought me into the bridal makeup industry and I will never turn back.
Don't get me wrong i will of course carry on doing odd crazy shoots to bring out my creative side but bridal makeup has made me content with my work, maybe because everything is so pretty and romantic, girly and just not stressful as its always about happy times surrounded round happy people.
Not only weddings but making you ladies look fabulous for any occasion from a girls night out to prom makeup is such an amazing job, making you happy and listening to everything you would like is a pleasure for me to make you feel and look your best.
My business is growing in the makeup industry and I am booking up fast so i would like to say a massive thank you and a cheers to the future!

Congratulations to my brides of 2015 and everyone that has got engaged over the festive period. Let me tell you, you have lots of exciting plans to come.
All my brides of 2015 have looked beautiful on their big days and I want to wish them all the best for the future and lots of happy times ahead.
From working with these lovely couples I have also discovered lots of stunning places in and around Derby that I pretty much didn't know existed and gosh did I expect less from my hometown haha.
All the work that gets put into someones special day takes the couple lots of time and thought which is pretty amazing, so well done :* and of course all the businesses that have worked on these weddings with them.

So much has happened and changed for me in the last year and I could be here all day, but I'm not going to put you to sleep going through the 12 months but this post is pretty much to say thank you and to wish you all the best in 2016.
My plans for 2016 are major and want you to keep your eyes peeled on what i have planned next.
Starting with my monthly newsletter tat gets sent out tonight. This contains everything in my makeup world from recent work, special offers for subscribers only, fun competitions for you all to win prizes and lots more.
LEAVE YOUR EMAIL HERE IF  YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE MAKEUP MAILING LIST.
Makeup Newsletter

A few of my upcoming plans are to work within a bridal shop with my own section where i will be holding Event Nights, Masterclasses and holding bridal trials if needed.
I am so excited and hope that all my plans are here to benefit you.
Feedback and any ideas are more than welcome to be messaged to me, I want to be here for all of your needs.

For any bookings or queries please contact me on:
makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk
www.facebook.com/makeupbysophiedowning
Twitter - @makeupbysophied
Instagram - @makeupbysophiedowning

Sophie xx

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

Contouring Masterclass

One of the biggest makeup trends for year!

Contouring - First thing that comes to most peoples mind is Kim Kardashian, I guess we can call her the queen on contouring as she did make it come alive. As you can see this changed the face completely also!

Her makeup artist Mario Must be the most wanted man on earth for the top contouring applications on you ladies now days.

If you came to the Wedding Event Night hosted by myself and Helena from 'The Wedding Boutique' in Ilkeston on Tuesday Night you ladies would have been the lucky ones to learn contouring step-by-step in my masterclass.

I had the most fun and amazing night with you all and loved how interested you all were in learning this big trend, also for my lovely models that were willing to give it a try themselves.

So as i said i would put a blog post up so that you have it all in one place if you are wanting to keep practicing nailing the look or if your notes weren't clear enough.

(Action shots from the Wedding Event Night - Taken by Paul @
www.pauleyreimages.co.uk)

Contouring is easily mastered in 3 simple steps. So no this won't take years to learn, everyone can do it when they are taught correctly. I just don't want you going round with brown lines all over your face so my key word... BLEND

What you need -

- Your everyday foundation 

(Apply your base and foundation before we start contouring)

- Your contour product (cream or powder whatever your preference)

So selecting your contour colour always go a shade darker than your foundation for a  natural look or 2 shades darker if you are wanting it more prominent.

- Brush, Fingers or Beauty Blender Sponge 

For CREAM Contour - i recommend you fingers or beauty blender as these will be the most easiest way to blend but if you prefer a brush make sure you use synthetic brush hairs (this will prevent ruining fibre brush hairs and also successfully smoothly contour)

For POWDER Contour - I recommend using either a angled brush or a tapered blush brush (these types will let you be more direct with the product)

Map Your Face

Remember, Contouring is all about hiding the features to make them smaller, basically bringing everything in.

Best start is to identify your face shape...

I have attached a photo of images to identify. In the masterclass i do help identify your face shape but i will do this in another post.

Today i am explaining the typical places everyone can contour.

To contour your cheeks to give a more slimmer look start with applying your product to the hallow of the cheeks - place your finger under your cheekbone as you will feel where the contour should be placed, another way to identify is to look from the top of your ears down to the corner of your mouth.

OR suck in your cheeks - thats easy!

To contour your nose place the contour product in 2 lines down the sides of your nose.

To contour your forehead place the product around the hairline.

To contour your chin and jawline place the product on the bone.

(Photo of how easy lining the face prior to blending is)

BLEND

The most important part... Blending will make the contouring look very natural and give you the desired face shape.

Basically merge the contouring into your foundation and leave it with the stunning shadow, in most cases blend in circular motions downwards on the face.

Beauty Blender - Dampen the sponge slightly and stipple onto the product, tightening your grip and squeezing the sponge to blend perfectly on different areas.

Brushes - Go back and forth along the contouring until it starts to soften on the line you have done then go back in circular motions and blend down.

SET

To finish the contouring process dust over your face with ideally a translucent powder to set the contouring (especially cream) then your ready to go!

Like I said 3 easy steps and you've nailed it, now its all about practice to make perfect!

Good luck, i can't wait to see all your perfectly contoured faces around.

If you missed the event on tuesday, don't worry. I will be holding more events in the future and i also take Personal Make-up Lessons that you can book me in for whenever you like.

Just contact me on 

makeupbysophiedowning@yahoo.co.uk

or visit my website at 

www.makeupbysophiedowning.co.uk

Starting in 2016 I will be holding group masterclasses at Bride Lounge in Derby so keep an eye out!

Thankyou xx

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