Tuesday 31 December 2019

December Update!

December has whizzed by far too quickly much like the rest of this year as indeed life as we get older it appears!...

I have had a busy month of shoots unexpectedly many of which were rather last minute most involved travelling, I have been working in Oxford, Peterborough, Cambridge and London which has been really nice!



I have brought lots of new kit additions this month including my new hair kit bag which I love! It is so lightweight holding all my hair tools, products, grips, clips and pins available at   https://www.salon-services.com



I have met some gorgeous 2020 Brides for makeup trials ahead of their weddings.  Availability next year is now very limited, please do get in touch to check if your wedding date is free sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment and be aware that a booking deposit is essential to secure your wedding date.  There will also be a price increase in January 2020 book this year to secure 2019 rates!
See www.nikimakeup.co.uk for testimonials, pricing and full portfolio.



Both of these brides wanted beautifully natural glowy bridal makeup, what I do best! You but better!



I enjoyed a lovely family Christmas lunch in Balthazar covent Garden, London was looking gorgeously festive.  https://balthazarlondon.com

My last Christmas 2019 Winter weddings were at Coltsfoot Country retreat and Hanbury Manor

Braided curls and defined eyes for Jess at www.coltsfoot.com





Holy wood waves and smokey eyes for Sally at www.hanburymanor.co.uk



Charlotte Tilbury liked my Instagram post @nikimakeup









Obligatory Lipstick tree decoration!



I love Christmas and every year we get a real Christmas tree mostly because I love the smell and all the fun of going to choose it.



I made a Christmas cake this year I hope it tastes good!!



Niki Makeup HQ



Friday 27 December 2019

Friday Fave!: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponges

I have recently started using Real techniques Complexion sponges in my Professional Kit and I really like them!  I must admit they are designed to be used with foundation but I still prefer a brush or fingers for that, however I absolutely love them used with powder to set makeup.  The mini miracle sponges sold in a set of four are a revelation as I can use them to get really close in under the eyes and around the nose to set base and blot shine well.  I am totally hooked on this new technique now as I always used a small powder brush or powder puff before.

I can fit all four mini sponges into the Real Techniques sponge case (see previous blog post) and have since brought another case to keep my full size complexion sponge inside!

These sponges are great for blending and building up coverage with foundation and the different sizes available fit the facial contours really well.  Pro Tip: I recommend you try them with your pressed or loose setting powder too!






A firm new favourite in my kit!


https://www.boots.com/real-techniques-mini-miracle-complexion-4s----10228006

https://www.boots.com/real-techniques-miracle-complexion-sponge-10164142

Friday 20 December 2019

Friday Fave!: Real Techniques Premium Sponge case.

Little things please they say and my goodness they do! I love my Real Techniques sponge case to carry my makeup sponges.  I know they are kept clean, safe and organised within my professional  makeup kit.
The case itself is washable as made from silicone and travels well inside any makeup bag. There are also holes within the case to let air circulate, although you should dry sponges thoroughly after washing them before popping them back inside.

There is no better storage for a makeup sponge!

Real Techniques Sponge Case https://www.boots.com/real-techniques-sponge-case-10267902

Real Techniques Mini Sponges https://www.boots.com/real-techniques-mini-miracle-complexion-4s----10228006

Neon Lips https://www.next.co.uk/G838026s8?dp=a&gclid=Cj0KCQiA89zvBRDoARIsAOIePbDXkGu66k3p2xNUq7wG7y1YOfovYnExTaCIkCV3I82WjQMmnOGbjvEaAguwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#535516

Monday 2 December 2019

November Update!

November began with a beautiful wedding at St Michaels Manor hotel, St Albans  https://stmichaelsmanor.comin  where I am lucky enough to be the Recommended Makeup Artist. I did Makeup and Hairstyling for beautiful Viveka and her bridal party whilst we watched the rugby, it was a fun and memorable morning!






Stunning Bride Julie also married in November, I did her wedding hair and makeup at home in Kimpton then she went on to celebrate at https://www.dodfordmanor-venue.co.uk



I held a smokey eyes workshop and the lucky ladies received a goodie bag too!







Special Occasion Makeup's for the festive season!




I spent a couple of touristy days in London this month, I couldn't resist a snap of Fortnum & Mason it looks so beautiful decorated like an advent calendar.   The Lucian Freud exhibition at The Royal Academy is a great one if you like portraiture he is the king!
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/lucian-freud-self-portraits











It has been wedding show season in October & November, I am recommended at Brocket Hall and Offley place so really enjoyed exhibiting at these shows.





Behind the scenes on a shoot with the very lovely Jacquie who is fabulous travel blogger @flashpacking_family / www.flashpackingfamily.com



Lots of Bridal trials ahead of upcoming weddings, below are just a couple of the gorgeous brides I will be working with next year, 2020 is THE YEAR to get married!
I now have very limited dates available so please do enquire and reserve your date early to avoid disappointment www.nikimakeup.co.uk  I also do wedding makeup in Andalusia Spain www.marbellamakeup.com and LOVE working on Brides in the sunshine!





The longest natural hair ever!






Love my new neon lips sign available at Next!

https://www.next.co.uk/g838026s8#535516



Christmas is coming at Nikimakeup HQ!



www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Saturday 2 November 2019

Smokey Eyes Workshop!


If you are based in or around St Albans I will be holding a one off 'Smokey Eyes Workshop' on Thursday 21st November from 7pm to 9pm just in time for the party season!

Come along to the  https://www.loftstalbans.com where I will be hosting the event in a private dining room. Enjoy a glass of prosecco and learn all the professional tips and techniques to achieve a perfect smokey eye.

Go home with a gift as well as the confidence and ability to wow your friends and family this festive season with amazing smokey eyes to suit you!

All tuition, makeup and tools will be provided for you.

Email nikimakeup@aol.com to book your space. Please note spaces are very limited book early to avoid disappointment.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Niki x

Wednesday 30 October 2019

October Update!

October has been a lot calmer after the busy summer season!!

Autumn brings with it wedding show season I have exhibited at https://www.lutonhoo.co.uk and https://stmichaelsmanor.com/marry/ as I am a recommended Makeup Artist at these venues.





Amy had her October wedding at https://www.tewinbury.co.uk where I am also lucky to be recommended.  I styled Amy's Hair & Makeup on her wedding day as well as her bridesmaid's hair who all opted for soft textured bun styles.







Kara came over to the UK from the USA for her traditional English wedding at https://www.lutonhoo.co.uk

I only met her a few days before the wedding day for a makeup trial along with Jaydean who styled her hair https://www.hairbyjaydean.com





On the wedding day we changed from the grey-toned smokey eye shades used at the trial to warmer bronze-gold tones.



Kara's Beautiful Mother



Gorgeous Bridesmaids







Special Occasion Hair & Makeup at https://www.lutonhoo.co.uk





On the last Saturday in October I arrived at stunning https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/weddings/ at 7am to do eleven make-ups!! It was a busy morning so I didn't grab many photos but this was just one of the glamorous ladies i had the pleasure of meeting.



Wedding dates for 2020 are now limited.  Check availability and reserve your date now via http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk