WHY FACIALS AREN'T WORTH IT IF YOU HAVE ACNE. @SONIAXFYZA (accutane)

Hello lovely people reading this, hope you are well.  This post is all about ACNE! If you have been a long time follower you will know about my acne journey, if not read on! 

I have suffered from adult acne since I was 21 years old but it got worse as I got older. I got it on my back and chest and it would make me so uncomfortable to wear certain clothes. I was later told that I have cystic acne across my jaw, you couldn't see it but I could feel it and see it under certain lighting.

This made me very insecure as someone in the beauty industry, I had tried a lot of things to clear my acne. nobody bothered to prescribe me to accutane. I kept getting offered facials. Now this is why I decided to do this post. I want to educate all you guys about why I think facials are a waste of money and time if you have acne.

I would get a facial every two weeks, the first week my skin was phenomenal but later I noticed it would go back to square one. I decided to see another dermatologist and she was shocked at how long i had suffered without this medication. She got me to do a blood test and immediately after, she prescribed be to 40mg actuate for a total of 8 months.

It wasn't easy at all! I had to change my diet, I had to drink more water...I didn't like drinking water but working out helped me drink 3 litres a day. My lips swelled up a lot, my whole body was dry so I had to lotion twice a day, my nose looked smaller after 5 months (yesss!). I kept taking breaks because of how easily I would get burnt and I couldn't even wax or continue my laser hair removal.

I decided to stop taking it after six months and instead got into a regular skin care routine. I advise all acne sufferers to avoid facials, they pick and prod your skin making it worse later, there's no way the oil in your skin is even controlled. Facials are great if you want a glow complexion for an occasion, or a hydrating one anything other than that I am totally against and wished i didn't bother in the first place.

Tips on how to clear your skin:

1) Drink plenty of water!

2) Hydrate your skin by using sheet masks every few days! (This is something a lot of women in the Far East do which is why they have amazing skin) remember even oily skin needs hydrating.

3) Use an oil controlling facial wash 

4) Exfoliate your skin every week with natural products (it's gentle).

5) Use blemish and pore tightening serums

6) Use an oil-free moisturiser

7) Use a clay mask every two weeks to take all the oil out of your skin.

8) Change your pillow case regularly.

All these steps helped me clear my skin without carrying on the use of accutane. There's so many side effects to this medication and I even had to sign a risk form (yep!) 

Please remember this medication is prescription only, consult your doctor before trying any medication and do not try this if you are pregnant or trying.

I never let anyone tell me that having bad skin is okay because everyone should have good skin, there's so many remedies for this! I hope this helps some of you beauties out there, Good skin is healthy so please try and clear your skin because it will make such a difference to your confidence.

Love always, 

Fyza xo

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HUDA BEAUTY VS FENTY BEAUTY - SONIAXFYZA REVIEW

It's been a while beauties! My blog writing days are back, so many of you told me how much you missed us blogging so I thought why not come back with the ultimate review?!

Foundation is one of the biggest makeup struggle for us all! Being a apart of the beauty industry my sister and I are constantly trying brands. Some have broken us out, made our skin dry patchy - that's the life of a beauty blogger!

Last year beauty guru Huda released 30 foundation shades! Catering to all skin & undertones. Rihanna also released foundations that have a wide shade range. Both these brands have constantly been compared. I tried both myself for a few months an decided to give my review as a professional make-up artist and a consumer.

I have sensitive combination skin so Fenty was my first option below is my experience with Fenty Beauty foundation

First time blending the pro filtr foundation i was amazed at how smooth it was and how well it matched me, it felt like velvet and I didn't even have to set it! As my skin started to get used to this product I noticed it wasn't working the same when I traveled. It oxidizes (changes color), sticks to dry patches, becomes flakey and makes fine lines more prominent. It came to realisation that this foundation is catered for oily skin only. when people would tell me they were wearing Fenty I noticed it didn't have that "radiant from within" look, after a few hours it makes me look dry and tired. Blending cream contour always felt like a race because I have to blend it so quick otherwise it doesn't blend.

Packaging: pretty and slender, not travel friendly, because it's long it tends to knock over. glass could break on a hard floor.

Huda Beauty Faux Filter foundation experience below

Sonia loves full coverage and encouraged me to try this, knowing I loved a natural finish I was surprised that she advised me to try it. Her skin looked amazing so I was sold on trying it. First pump scared me a little because of how thick it was! I used a gel based primer and one pump only of the HB foundation, the strong scent hit me but I ignored it and applied it with a flat brush and went to blend it with a damp beauty blender. My skin looked radiant, fresh almost doll like! I loved how it didn't dry so quick, it gave me time to blend in my cream contour and concealer with it. I had control over how much coverage I wanted & how I wanted the finish to be. The loose powder stuck to the foundation nicely and after I sprayed setting spray, I loved the finish look! I had it on for the whole day and at night so many people were complimenting my skin, it stayed looking fresh!

The primer broke me out into a cheek rash so I was scared to use it again.

Packaging: bulky, travel friendly, not keen on pumps.

Both foundations are great in their own way but Huda Beauty wins for us both! created by a woman with knowledge and experience in the beauty industry.

- Fyza

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Most Requested makeup class EVER

Hey loves! I get messages DAILY about makeup classes and the most requested has been LONDON! So i've decided to hold a one day intense make-up class. If you know anything about my style of teaching makeup you would not want to miss this opportunity.

On November 11th 2017 we will be hosting a live makeup class in London. Just a quick break down of the class so if you want to come you know what to expect.

Two looks demo
Talking skin care and prep
Foundation - The right way of matching, what you're doing wrong, learning about under tones and mixing.
talking about concealing in detail - how to correct under eyes, what products work best and why we choose to use them.
Color correcting and the real reason behind it.
Discussing Noses and contour in detail - how to create the illusion of symmetry on crooked noses and how to set nose contour.
FYZA SIGNATURE BUFFING TECHNIQUE AND SKIN GLOW!
Achieving a base that lasts 16 hrs+
day to night makeup

Enhancing eyes - how to make eyes appear longer, cat eye, smokey signature brown look
Eye brow technique
WHERE to apply blush correctly and knowing how to choose the right colors for your makeup look and skin tone.

Setting under eyes without cakey or dry feeling.

Detailed Question & Answer. (I answer each person)

1pm - 5pm
Location - London (Venue will be given to all attendees 3 weeks before)
To book your spot please email makeupclasslondon@gmail.com
Any other questions will be answered on email.
Emails will be answered within 24hrs

See you soon
Fyza x

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Concealer's that will give you photoshop skin!

If you have been following us for a while you'll know how much we are into skin. Anything that makes the skin glow and look flawless we want! The advice I have been giving to women over the years hasn't changed till this day and that is - Less is more. 

Saying "less is more" usually scares women. They think I mean they should wear less when in fact I mean make it look less, like 'no makeup, makeup'. we are creating an illusion. The trick is to use LESS foundation and more concealer.

The purpose of foundation is to even your skin, not mask it. That's where we are all going wrong, adding too much. This usually ends awfully. We get clogged pores, cakey skin, oxidise and it isn't easy on the eyes.

Concealer is what's your best friend, concealer is what is meant to hide your imperfections. Foundation + Concealer are your best friend when used correctly. 

These are the best picks for us at the moment!

1. Bare Minerals bare concealer is a must have. If you haven't tried this already what are you waiting for? this multi purpose concealer has a serum and is great for under eyes and the whole face, correcting discoloration leaving you with a smooth base.

2.  Rodial Airbrush concealer - the name just says it. This creamy formula is a dream to work with, best applied with fingers and blended with a damp sponge. This is best used on areas of the face where you want to conceal and correct.

3. Maybelline Fit Me concealer won't break the bank, this product is a must have. Don't let the affordable price fool you, it works better than some high end concealers (yes I said it!) smooth, easy to blend and has great coverage.

4. We think everyone loves Nars radiant creamy concealer the moment they tried it. The shade range is AMAZING. You can use this all over the face and blend out with a blender - GUARANTEED PHOTOSHOP FINISH!

No need for filters if you master how to get the perfect base ;)

Fyza xx

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MY DIOR BEAUTY ALLERGIC REACTION!!!! (my experience)

Hi everyone! Hope you're all well. Firstly I'd like to apologise for the lack of social media interaction from Fyza and I both. It wasn't on purpose we can assure you.

As beauty influencers/bloggers we are always involved with brands and get to try their products pre release which is great because we can tell you what we think. We have always been very honest regardless of if we buy a product or get it for free.

A few months back we were given Dior color correctors, the new range included 4 colors- Orange, Green, Purple & Yellow.
We spoke about them on snapchat and Fyza even used them a couple of times during tutorials.

After Fyza tried it she told me to try my corrector too, she was raving about the formula. So I tried the orange corrector under my foundation. A few hours later Fyza started saying how her eyes feel very itchy and she had no idea why. Later that day I told her mine feel weird too but we thought we had eaten something that we reacted to.

That wasn't the case... days go by and Fyza even snaps how her whole face swelled up from something. Fyza then said "sonia something is not right, have we used something new in our makeup routine?" that's when she thought about the corrector.

I told her no way, It can't be! She then said she will no longer use it and told me to stop.
I stopped using it from then. When i met with the Dior team i had told them about this and they assured me it can't be it and went on to say i should test it out alone. I went and used it again.

This time when I used the corrector I didn't only use it under my eyes but also blended it onto my eyelid area for the pigmentation to be covered. I really wish i hadn't! My eyes reacted SO badly I had to cancel all events, and missed out on many work opportunities. It came to a point where in the mornings my eyes were too swollen to open. They itched very bad my lashes fell out from rubbing. This is when i stopped wearing my contact lenses to see, my glasses would make my eyes worse, i was given allergy medication because eye drops weren't working.

I had to take photos of my eyes to send to the company just to ask for the ingredients in the product because I no longer had the outer packaging. My sister spoke to them directly and told them about the whole thing. We were both just told to take an allergy test on them when "we are next in London"
We never went to social media straight away as we wanted to tell them about our reaction so something could be done but nothing has.

This experience has traumatised me, my lashes are slowly growing back but being a beauty blogger that's obsessed with eye makeup, not having lashes makes me feel my worst. I'm just grateful at this point that I can see. This just goes to show bloggers and influencers don't always have it easy, anything like this could happen. I can't use any of my old eye products or even get lash extensions again because whatever it was has triggered my eyes to swell every time I use a lash serum or extensions. Eyelids became dry, flaky, skin was peeling off my lids by it self, I was shedding like a snake!

PHOTOS ATTACHED BELOW (these photos were taken 4 days after i could just about open my eyes)

Please be careful! Even now my eyes aren't the same and react to almost anything i use since. My lids are constantly dry and flakey.

Sonia

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Under Eye Concealing - What You're Doing Wrong

Mastering under eye conceacler has been a challenge through out the years. For myself and clients. It took me five years to finally get what I was doing wrong. If you suffer from dark circles or have trouble creating flawless under eyes then you are in for a treat with this blog post.

Middle Eastern skin tones are more difficult to match when it comes to concealer and foundation because it tends to oxidise. This is where the colour correcting method comes in (click here for more details on colour correcting if you're confused.)

The problem with creasing under the eyes is due to product layering. I discovered this once when i randomly decided to do my base but skipped adding foundation to my under eye area. All I used was an orange corrector, added foundation to my face but avoided the eye area. This gave the corrector time to dry*

*It's important to let you corrector dry as it avoids spreading orange to the rest of your face and stops it from oxidising during the day.

Once you are done with your base start applying a concealer under your eyes, making sure you warm the concealer with your fingers THEN press gently with your ring finger- doing so helps melt the product in and lowers the chance of creasing. A great option for under eye concealer is THIS concealer (available to order in the Middle East w/ cash on delivery option, app available to download in the Middle East only.)

After adding this concealer spray a fixing spray on the under eye area, go in to blend again with fingers (this is very good for those to have dry under eyes that look cakey) Using your damp beauty blender dip it into a loose powder (great for creasing under eyes powder here) 

AVOID baking if you have trouble with cakey under  eyes, the corrector and warming concealer method will help you with coverage and moisture, leaving powder for long will defeat the purpose of this.

Dust of powder with a small fluffy brush, something like MAC 224 (Available here to purchase from MAC site, cash on delivery option - UAE)

On top spray your fixing spray to the powdered area only. This is what helps avoid the creases, cakeyness, oxidising, eye bags showing, tired looking eyes. It adds moisture, keeps concealer on all day and you will look refreshed through out your day.

Be sure to try this technique, I can assure you it works like magic! Don't be disheartened if you can't grasp this the first time. It takes a while to perfect, patience is key.

Love, F xo

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How you can achieve my no akeup look with drugstore alternatives

Hi guys! So recently I showed you all a step by step tutorial on how to achieve the no makeup makeup look on snap chat. A lot of you girls loved how natural it turned out. This look is a great choice for daily makeup wear because it makes you look way better at events when you use more makeup.

I have come up with some alternatives for my younger followers who have easier access to drug store brands at great prices. This look is great for school, office, brunch with your girlfriends, first date!

Primer
NYX PORE FILLER

BB CREAM
MAYBELLINE DREAM FRESH BB CREAM


Concealer
MAYBELLINE AGE REWIND SPONGE TIP CONCEALER

Contour
KIKO COSMETICS SCULPTING CREAMY CONTOUR STICK

Mascara
LOREAL PARIS VOLUMINOUS MASCARA IN BROWN

Cheek & Lip stain
THE BODYSHOP CHEEK AND LIP STAIN

Setting powder
RIMMEL STAY MATTE FINISHING POWDER

Brows
PIXI NATURAL BROW DUO

Bronzer/powder contour (optional)
you can use any cool tone brown eye shadow


TIP: APPLY FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER WITH YOUR HANDS SO YOU GET MORE OF A SKIN LIKE LOOK ON THE SKIN

Blend contour with a brush

Use fingers for  cheek and lip stain

This look is super easy because you are barely using tools.

Hope you guys create this look at snap us at @soniafyza on snap!

Can't wait to see, love Fyza xo

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Cosmetics and fashion storage tips

I am such a organized person, that I even like to have my makeup in its packaging if it’s that pretty. When it comes to storing my fave fashion pieces and cosmetics I wanted something clean and easy to work with.

Since being into fashion and makeup I would opt for organizing storages from IKEA because it was the best option in terms of value for money, how easy it was to get at a really good price. I believe that you don’t have to spend so much money to get storage items such as makeup organizers and wardrobe space savers.

I used a mix of clear storage cases and other organizers such as the SKUBB collection. These clear storage cases are perfect for any vanity and I find it so easy to find the makeup I’m looking for. It’s clean and organized. I am hoping to help a lot of you girls with some storage tips so here’s my top picks from IKEA for storing and organizing:

GODMORGON Series

This is a clear 3 story organizer that doesn’t take up too much space. I like to organize my bronzers, blush’s and shadow palettes in this. Neat and tidy looking!

SKUBB Series

White square that’s has 7 compartments, not too big and fits in drawers! I keep my packaged makeup in here and I love how flexible it is. You can fold it away too. I have two of these but IKEA has them in so many different sizes and colors too!

I hang this on my clothing rail, I like to fill it up with packaged makeup, palettes, liners, but in organized rows. Easily accessible!

Shoe Storage

I like that I can see my shoes!, I keep these under my clothing rail because it’s not messy, such a more convenient and tidier way to store my shoes. I prefer this to shoe racks because they don’t catch dust.

I hope this post helped a lot of you guys, as you can tell I love the convenience of the pieces I have because they are easy accessible and don’t make my room look cluttered. Light weight, flexible, neat and pretty looking – my kinda style.

Happy organizing – S 

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BB creams - the best ones and why

BB creams were something I never understood, why would I want to use something thats not full coverage? my perception of BB creams has changed this past year. I started using them this summer and I have been hooked since and here's why...

What's BB cream?
BB cream is a blemish balm that is meant to even complexion and help blemishes fade. It is made to replace foundation, primers, serums and sunblock.

If you don't feel ready to where something light weight I recommend you use a solid concealer on imperfections before applying your BB cream. Applying a solid concealer first wont move as it dries onto the skin so when you apply your bb cream it will glide on smoothly. Best way to use BB creams is with a damp beauty sponge or hands.

My top picks

1) Dior Dream Skin
This is actually a skin cushion but I found it felt so much like a BB cream and has the same benefits. I have worn this to the gym too. love the application and the feel of it on the skin. Sheer in coverage but made to even complexion. SPF 50.

2) Garnier BB Cream
The first BB cream I tried and it was by mistake! I got this thinking it was a tinted moisturiser. I needed a new one because I had just got a spray tan. When i applied it on my face i was confused as to how it was so smooth on my face and the scent was so fresh. It gave me a mannequin-like effect (in a good poreless way) SPF 50

3) MISSHA M Perfect cover BB Cream
A bb cream i had never heard of but it changed the game for me. I was introduced to this by a client who was convincing me to switch to BB creams. She told me how she discovered this brand and she is in love with it. She always stocked up and gifted me one to try and I have not been disappointed. such a great "no make up makeup" effect that people at 7am breakfast meetings have complimented how "naturally" flawless i look in the morning, haha! Comes in a tube/pump. SPF 42

4) Guerlain METEORITES Baby Glow
The fresh scent! The BABY GLOW! The packaging! Such a lovely dewy effect, when applied with fingers it looks like your skin is FLAW-LESS! It gives a very pretty sheen to the skin so it's great for oily skin too. SPF25

5) L'oreal GG glam bronze
Not a bb cream but gives the same feeling. you get a gorgeous sun kissed jlo glow, minimizes the look of pores so it looks like you have a filter. Use with a damp sponge and your faVe concealer, it is my every day go to! Great for dry skin. SPF 25.

I highly recommend you guys ditch foundations for everyday and switch to BB creams. They are so much better and are better for your skin. Leave the full coverage for occasions, it will be a better difference too when you want to look more glam for events. SO for daily use, pick a BB cream!

F x

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Brows that Wow #PrestigeBeauty

Brows are a major staple of a Middle Eastern woman’s beauty regimen and now that thick brows are vital in the fashion world too – picture the perfectly sculpted brows of Cara Delevinge and Diala Makki – we can use our time-honoured tips and tricks to initiate those less experienced into effortlessly creating a thick brow that’s clean and fabulous.

PENCILS 
Eyebrow pencils are great go-tos for changing your brow shape, amplifying thin brows. Try Estée Lauder’s Brow Now Brow Defining Pencil to give your brows more definition. To really work a strong brow, try Tom Ford Brow Sculptor, angled filler. It’s easier for beginners because the ‘calligraphy’ end of the pencil allows you to have more control, plus the shade choices are great. The brow comb allows you to brush the hair into place as you fill, keeping the shape natural.

GLOSS
The aim is to keep the brows looking tidy but strong, and to frame the eyes with a full arch. Smashbox’s Brow Tech Gloss Stick is perfect for over-plucked brows. The pencil has a delicate retractable point to create the illusion of natural hair strokes. Make sure your product’s colour has a cool tone, to mimic natural hair.

GELS
Those who already have bold brows can opt for an eyebrow gel, which is used to simply set the brow shape, add a hint of colour, and manage unruly hairs one swipe at a time. This is an effortless process with Bobbi Brown’s new Long-Wear brow gel paired with the their two-in one brush tool. With a huge color palette, it’s even easier to find that perfect match for natural looking brows. Estee Lauder’s Brow Volumizing brow tint and Stay in Place brow gel are the perfect duo to bold brows all day long.

POWDER 
If you lack the steady hand necessary for sculpting an ultra-precise shape, select a powder formula instead to gradually build up colour and volume. Tom Ford’s Brow Sculpting Kit features two blendable shades to create a personalised, natural-looking hue. Finish with a colourless wax which sets the brow shape and gives a polished look. If you're lacking time but still want a glamorous look, the new More Than Brow from The Estee Edit, which helps you get dramatic brows, a smoky eye or a soft shading on the lids all the in the same pencil!

Top Tip While in town, why not pop into Selfridge’s (London) and visit Bobbi Brown’s exclusive Brow How and enjoy expert tips through a one-to-one Makeup Lesson to help you create, enhance or change your brow shape using a multitude of products. Lessons can be booked for RRP £17 redeemable against products on the day of the lesson

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Peachy makeup look for Olive skin featuring BUFFING TECHNIQUE

I recently created this peachy glow look for a shoot. I was happy with the overall look so decided to write about it on the blog as it's perfect for girls with medium/olive skin tone.

The main tip for a summer makeup look is to use the right primer and less foundation. regardless of your skin type. Adding layers of foundation could end up making acne marks or bumps more prominent. You want to use concealer for the covering and the buffing technique is whats seals the deal with this summer look that will last you all day and night!

Skin prep

- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

-Giorgio Armani master fluid primer - This primer doesn't have the typical chalky feeling that most mattifying primers have. It has a silky skin like feeling that allows your foundation to glide on and blend perfectly.

Acne scars and colour correcting

For redness from pimples and skin I use a green corrector because it has something to stick to (primer)

pressing it into the skin rather than rubbing it. If there is discoloration (under eye circles) or uneven skin around the mouth add a orange tone corrector.

Foundation & Concealer

I used a light layer of Makeup Forever foundation blending it with a beauty blender slightly dabbing so i do not disturb the colour correcting under it.

For under eye concealer I used Charlotte Tilbury retoucher concealer and set with a loose translucent MAC powder.

Sculpting the face

I used Sleek cosmetics cream contour to define nose and cheekbones, blending with a beauty blender until naturally blended into the skin. 

I used a cream Sleek highlighter on top of powder by blending it with my fingers gently. 

Also adding this cream highlighter down the nose and on cupids bow

Eyes

on the eyes I like to use creams.YSL metallic cream in number 4 as the base and Golden goddess eyeshadow palette by Charlotte Tilbury. 

Mac Zoom lash mascara

Setting contour and buffing technique

I used Rodial Contour powder in number 3 to set cream contour

Style Blusher by MAC

To set and buff everything I used MAC mineralise skin finish natural in medium with a big brush starting down from the neck working my way upwards in circular morion blending everything and going over everything except eyes. This technique sets everything and helps even set the glow. 

Makeup takes around an hour to set and this technique is what helps your makeup last until you decide to take it off.

Lips:

Mufe 2c liner with Nude Kate lip stick by Charlotte Tilbury topping it with L'Oreal Nude Ballet gloss.

Like an every day filter.

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My skin care by Fyza

Growing up with acne was probably the most difficult things I had to deal with. It had nothing to do with my diet. I had a horrible habit of touching my skin and popping pimples! Your hands carry so much bacteria that the acne starts to spread.

I have tried so much products for my skin but never wanted to take the route of pills because i'm honestly scared of the side affects I have seen from my friends. Step one was to quit drinking any type of fizzy drinks, especially Coke! Water only and then to stop touching my skin. I noticed that every time I went to London I would get the worst breakouts on my cheeks, cystic acne! the water in London is so harsh compared to here in the UAE. My skin would always calm down when I came back to the Middle East and my makeup would apply so much smoother.

I'm going to list what helped clear my scars and acne. I'm really into all natural products, I try my best to use naturally made remedies now and then.

First and foremost you should ALWAYS remove your makeup no matter how tired you are! Not only with a makeup removing wipe but actually wash your face with a cleanser. I started doing this and i would dry my face with a paper towel rather than a face towel.

I remove my makeup with Ritual essentials wow by wojooh makeup remover using a cotton pad to remove all traces.

I then use Dermologica facial wash followed by Lush Cosmetics angels on bare skin to gently exfoliate my face. This is a dry product that you make into a paste and make it the consistency you prefer. This really helped with fading existing scars.

After this step I press a paper towel gently on my face to dry it. For two days a week I would use the Glam Glow clearing mud treatment. focusing on my pores and pimples. I would wash this off and dry my face.

Rose water is your best friend!!!!! I poured rose water into a spray bottle and sprayed it onto a cotton pad and applied it all over my face.

That is basically my night routine and I can honestly say I saw results within 4 days. I knew about Glam Glow for a long time but only properly started using it when I found out how it is made and what the key benefits were. It's a treatment with allows you to use it as many times as you wish per week.

For moisturizers I go between two. One for day time before makeup is Charlotte tilbury magic cream. For night time I use Origins Zero oil moisturizers. I love the minty cool feeling of this. I have combination skin.

BRIGHTENING SKIN BEFORE APPLYING MAKEUP.

I love quick pre makeup treatments. I use GlamGlow flash mud brightening treatment before applying makeup. I use it around chin and cheeks to brighten the area.

Photos of all products below.

Makeup Remover

Exfoliator

Treatment Mask

I use this every day, helps with Middle East heat too 

Pure Rose water and cotton pads

Moisturiser

Spot and blackhead cream

via snapchat/ brightening mask GlamGlow

Facial Wash

Brightening mask

Yes this is my full skin routine, Always take time out for your skin. I'm not a dermatologist but I know what works for me. I believe you can see results if you're religiously doing a skin care routine. I noticed a huge change from no touching my face and going on a detox of no drinks except water!

I hope this helped you, for more skin care updates and makeup routine videos follow our shared snap chat - SoniaFyza


Love, Fyza

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Making your makeup last this summer

I recently noticed how my makeup started looking better as the day went on since using this tip my sister shared with me. I will be sharing my makeup routine through this blog post with you guys because it has survived this Middle East heat from 10am application through 12am!

A common mistake we all make is not letting our moisturiser or primer sink in before applying our foundation and concealer. I noticed that no matter what primer I used or even when switching moisturisers my base would still oxidise and start separating in certain areas of my face.

From the most expensive primer to a drugstore one they all didn't seem to last in this heat longer than 4 hours. I had my sister do my skin and foundation routine for me and I noticed that day my application was flawless through out the whole day and she used exactly what I did. Below I will list in order.

1)
prepped skin with Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

This was left to set for about 60 seconds

2)
Prime skin with YSL touche eclat blur primer
(use with fingers)

Leave for 60 seconds (in this time foundation was being mixed and matched)

3)

Apply Estee Lauder double wear foundation with fingers and the blend with a beauty blender
This application process was around 1 minute long because the more time you spend on your base everything else is quicker and comes together easily.

4)
Apply YSL Neutralizing corrector in apricot bisque for my under eyes, blended with fingers

5)
Using Tom ford concealing pen with the sponge applicator to go over under eyes. Blended with Micro Blender

6)
Using a large powder brush Swirl it into MAC studio fix powder foundation compact and set whole face.

7) in between at a facial mist to keep the skin looking refreshed and not drained looking.

8)
use only powder products for contour, blush and  eye shadow.

9) Contour with Too Faced chocolate bronzer

10) Liquid highlighter to strobe - longer lasting and can be used over powder if you press in using fingers. Benefit Cosmetics Sun Beam.

11) Fill Brows in with brow powder - Smashbox Brow tech shaping powder is amazing for summer heat.

12) Curl lashes and apply waterproof mascara - Christian Dior Dior show waterproof mascara

using a waterproof mascara after lash curlers will help keep the curl.

13) After applying powder blush, buffing technique is used to set the final look.

14) Spray Urban Decay All Nighter spray.

This is my every day makeup and waiting in between applications has helped the lasting power and it doesn't get oily. It's not always about what you are using, it's how you use it.

Hope you all have a glam summer, Sonia x

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Glowy Skin with Smokey Grey Eyes

I think we should ditch the over contouring look, let's focusing on keeping the skin dewy and bringing eyes out!

First things first is prepping your skin. If you want the dewy look it's best to use a glow primer on the high points of the face such as cheek bones and brow bone. Next use a foundation of your choice. I personally like Dior skin nude for the all over glow. Using a Beauty Blender to blend everything together keeps that healthy dewy look. Making sure your Beauty Blender is damp. At this stage you can start contouring if that's what you like, I prefer to use creams as they are much more softer and subtle looking on the skin. I am currently loving the Sleek cream contour kit, it's creamy and the colours are just right in term of tones. The formula of the Sleek contour kit goes perfectly with the foundation choice.

Next you can start concealing under eyes, I like to go between Tarte Creaseless concealer if the under eye circles are more prominent and Charlotte Tilbury retoucher concealer if theres slight eye bags or discolouration. I use a Micro Beauty Blender to blend the concealer out.

Blending your contour

People will tell you mixed things about what's the best way to blend your contour with your foundation. I think it's all to do with personal preference. If someone has more oily skin I like to use a brush to blend in the cream contour with the foundation and if someone is closer to the dryer side I use a beauty blender. This is just my own way of blending, you can try either one and see which worked better for you.

Setting your base

I like to set the whole face with a powder foundation, this may sound scary or too much but it's more to do with the tool and how light handed you are with this. I like to use a big brush to set the face foundation just so the glow is still there and the powder isn't over powering or chalky looking.

Pop of colour

Pink tone's are really pretty at the moment so opt for the pastel tones when choosing a blusher colour.

The brands and colours I usually go for at the moment are Urban Decay blusher in the colour Cherry from the Gwen Steffani collection and L'Oreal Blusher in the colour 145 Rosewood.

Extra glow?

If you can't get enough of your glow then try Nars Illuminator (cream) in Orgasm it adds that extra strobing effect that so many of us crave! Don't worry about using it over powder, gently press on to the skin using your ring finger. It will blend into your blush and dry after a few seconds leaving you with the 'glossy' look.

Eyes

Save time with your eye makeup and use one palette! For grey tones I like 'Rock chick' palette by Charlotte Tilbury. Using the matte grey all over the lid and bottom lash line and the shimmery silver pressed onto the middle of the lid. I like to slightly smudge a black Kohl Pencil by Mac in smoulder and blending it out with a My Kit.co brush. Adding medium individual lashes by Ardell with a coat of Lancome Hypnose mascara on top and bottom.

Best products to achieve this look: (Clickable links!)

Chanel Multi-Use illuminating Base

Dior skin nude foundation

Beauty Blender

Sleek Contour kit

My Kit.co Brush to blend contour

Tarte Creaseless Concealer  

Tom Ford Powder foundation

Gwen Steffani x Urban Decay Blusher

L'Oreal Blusher

Nars Liquid Highlighter

My Kit.co Smudge Brush

The Rock Chick Palette

Lancome Mascara 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post. I love sharing my favourite products as well as mixing brands.

Love, Fyza :)

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LONDON MAKEUP COURSE - TWO DAYS FINAL ONE.

I actually got asked at my last workshop "why did you only pick 10 people? what's the catch?" It made me think, do people think there's a catch? The only reason I do these classes so small is because I get to know the crowd more, it's intimate and the group learn so much more. I answer every question without hesitation and I used the line "there is a difference between passion and greed" I'm not bashing any other artist when I say this though! I just love the vibe of a small crowd we have fun, share makeup secrets and they get to see me live in action, up close and personal.

Manchester was my final stop EVER for the UK. But since last weekend the emails have not stopped about one in London and i thought why not? I want to hold a two day intense hands on course.

Everything from the base to brows gets covered, matching foundation perfectly to the best techniques in achieving flawless under eyes. Then you get to practice it, there's no secrets in beauty which is why I want people to experience this in person. I love putting together goodie bags with all my favourite brands. The feedback I have received has honestly been so motivating. I love meeting you all and I don't want to have to say this but this truly will be my last one as wedding season has started so I will not get the chance.

COURSE DETAILS:

12 STUDENTS
TWO DAYS
16TH AND 17TH APRIL
CENTRAL LONDON
LIVE DEMO
BRING YOUR KIT
-we discuss kit space, advice, best products to take, how to pack a kit
PRACTICE
HANDS ON
SKIN PREP
CONTOUR
HIGHLIGHT
SKIN TYPES
SOCIAL MEDIA ADVICE
STROBING
GOODIE BAG

Spaces are EXTREMELY limited, first come first serve. If you are serious about booking the final two day course by soniaxfyza please contact soniaxfyzacourse@gmail.com with your full name, age, Instagram page, where you will be coming from. Further information will be given in email.

please note i don't deal with these emails.

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My Lash Growth

This post has been in my drafts for so long because I never got the chance to complete it. I don't know if many of you noticed but during August last year I decided to stop wearing false strip lashes. It was way too time consuming when it came to getting ready and I could never find the perfect ones for my eye length.

Naturally my lashes are very fine and I've always had trouble finding the right mascara that would both thicken and add length. I tried rapid lash growth serum and that helped to an extent. I later decided to do some research on some natural ways I could help my lashes grow.

I made a mixture of caster oil and avocado oil, I mixed the two together in a small Muji container. Every evening I would apply the mixture on to my lash line with a small eye liner brush, now I didn't notice a difference instantly it took a while for me to notice, In fact it was other people that would start asking what lashes I'm wearing. You don't usually notice a change when it comes to things like this because you see your own face daily so when someone else notices you know it's working!

5 months later I started using a lash primer by Urban Decay, One coat with Baby Doll Yves Saint Laurent mascara and my lashes looked insane (by the way, I applied the oils on top and bottom lashes.) using a lash curler first helped keep the curl up.

I'm pretty sure this will work for a lot of people which is why I wanted to put it to the test before writing about it. I don't wear any falsies anymore, I sometimes get individual lash extensions in between if I have an event just to give my eyes more drama.

It's worth a try guys, it's safer than the lash growth serums on the market because you know what the ingredients are if you're making your own! It will leave your lashes soft and add thickness.

If you try this please tag us on Instagram and let us know @soniaxfyza

Love, Sonia x




*please note results may vary depending on individual, refer to your GP if you have a reaction.

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