Tuesday 30 April 2013

April Update

Easter seems a long time ago now as I sit writing this....I definitely had a chocolate filled Easter! My lovely husband brought me a three layer box of my favourite Leonidas chocolate's. We spent the holiday decorating our bedroom in pale duck egg blue shades (see pictures below).

April was a good month mostly due to the weather at last the UK saw some sunshine which was so long overdue.

This month I have been a little obsessed with heated eyelash curlers trying to make the most of my short fair lashes. It has also been a monumental beauty month as at the ripe old age of 33 I decided it was time to start using a face serum! I opted for the long established favourite Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair and I have to say my skin has visibly showed a brighter clarity almost immediately.

It has been a busy month with wedding season in full swing now so lots of brides to beautify as well as bridal trial runs, make up lessons, and photo shoots. I also spent an informative training day at Dermalogica HQ and received lots of fab' Dermalogica goodies for my kit (see training day pic' below).


Thrilled to say I have just been awarded 'Best Make up Artist Hertfordshire' in The Wedding Industry Experts Awards 2013 and I am now ranked top 20 in the world! See my work at www.nikimakeup.co.uk













Monday 15 April 2013

Focus on lashes

With all the focus on lash treatments such as LVL (lengthen, volume, lift), lash perming and permanent false lash application I thought I would share some less severe and less damaging options.

Mascara...I usually opt for less expensive brands of mascara as it has a very short shelf life once opened (3 months max). Maybelline, Max Factor and Loreal all do very good ones. If you prefer a more luxury brand Lancôme, Dior and Benefit offer great options.

I recommend applying 2-3 coats of mascara. To help separate and lengthen lashes wiggle the brush in a zig zag motion from root to tip. I suggest applying mascara to the bottom lashes first to avoid getting mascara on your eyelids when you look up slightly to do the bottom lashes.

Curling lashes....
I always curl my eyelashes and highly recommend to most women that I meet. If you are using metal or plastic lash curlers use these before you apply mascara to add curl at the root of the lash which in turn opens the eyes. Don't be scared they look more scary than they actually are! Hold the curler open and position close to the lash root then shut and squeeze for approximately 20 seconds. I like to pulse open and shut as I find I achieve a better result, find which method works best for you.

Body shop do very good eyelash curlers as do MAC but if you have the cash to blow on your beauty budget opt for Shu Uemura, a cult favourite.

Another lash curling option is to use a heated eyelash curler, this you press at the root of the lashes and gently lift through to achieve a curl. Heated lash curlers are best used after mascara is applied as the mascara when heated acts as a curling catalyst. I favour the Japonesque heated curler available at John Lewis £12.50.

False lashes...
Apply lashes if you really need extra wow or maybe for a special occasion or night out.
I highly recommend individual lashes or corner lashes for a more natural effect. Corner lashes will be easier to apply as individuals are a bit more tricky applying to yourself. I always recommend DUO adhesive, this is a glue suitable for sensitive skin that really keeps lashes in place without being permanent. Purchase DUO adhesive at MAC cosmetics.
I usually apply a little glue to the back of my hand, pick up the lash with a pair of tweezers, dab into the glue and apply as close to the root of your own lashes as possible for a natural finish.

I hope this has helped you with a few new lash techniques to try.

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Splurge & Steal Beauty!

Here are some of my personal favourite beauty best buys for any budget.

Splurge Lancôme Definicils mascara £22.00
Steal Barry M Lash Vegas mascara £6.49

Splurge Lancôme Bi-facil waterproof non-oily instant eye make up remover £21.00
Steal Loreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Absolute make-up remover eye and lip £4.99

Splurge OPI Nail colours £11.50
Steal Barry M Nail colours £3.99

Splurge MAC spice lip pencil £11.50
Steal No.7 nude lip pencil £6.75

Splurge Dior top coat gel mani £18.00
Steal Barry M nail Gelly high shine £3.99

Splurge Shu Uemura Eyelash curlers £20.00
Steal Body Shop Eyelash curlers £5.00

Splurge MAC 130 short duo fibre brush £29.00
Steal Real Techniques stippling brush £11.99

Splurge Bobbi Brown BB cream SPF 35 £28.00
Steal Loreal Nude Magique BB cream £9.99