September Update!

September has gone by in a flash and the end of the summer has definitely arrived!
With this in mind I escaped to Spain for some sun and sangria with my family for a week which was so relaxing and 28 degrees of sunshine and blue skies every day. Returning to the grey clouds is not at all fun so I am currently plotting my next trip away!

September also saw my birthday so I visited St Michaels Manor in St Albans (see some photos below) for a lovely evening of cocktails and a delicious dinner with my husband and spent the day relaxing with my book in the sun and had a lovely long country walk with my poodles.

This month I have mostly been busy with my much loved bridal work as September is always a super busy month for me... six weddings this month and lots of trials and special occasion make up's as well. I have also launched my make-up tea parties this month which I have been very busy working on during August.  I am very excited about this new venture working with my mum to combine afternoon tea with a professional make-up lesson, sounds like heaven to me!
I have also had a few fun shoots recently, one in particular shot in such a beautiful countryside location in Henley with its own private railway, it really was amazing see a few of my images below.

For all enquiries please see http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk/

Macmillan Coffee morning!

I hope everyone all 150.000 of you who are doing a coffee morning with the official date being today enjoy lots of delicious cakes and raise lots of money for Macmillan! I am doing my coffee morning on Sunday October 6th as I am hoping more people can make a lazy Sunday morning for coffee and cake!

New Make-up tea parties!

I am excited to announce that September sees the launch of my new make-up tea parties!

What better way to spend a couple of hours than enjoying a glass of bubbly with friends followed by afternoon tea and a professional make-up lesson with me included?

Perfect for birthday celebrations, baby showers, hen parties and pure indulgence.

Please see http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk/tea-parties/4578863746 for further information.

Niki x

Bride Emanuela

A recent bridal make-up for the stunning Emanuela Tilley, April 26th in Woburn.

I did the make-up for Emanuela and her bridesmaids at a Woburn Hair salon http://www.onesalon.co.uk/index.html where she began getting ready.

Photography by http://www.momentscaptured.co.uk/

Read their fabulous blog here documenting the day http://www.momentscaptured.co.uk/emanuela-and-steven-wedding-at-woburn/

Here's the touching testimonial Emanuela left for me... "It is my absolute pleasure to write about the incredibly talented makeup artist, Niki Lawrence. Niki was the first person I emailed to inquire about doing my bridal make-up AND the makeup of all my bridesmaids! I am so glad she emailed back and said that she was free on my wedding day. Niki is such a professional but more importantly such a delight! My trial went so smoothly, she listened to me talk about how I usually do my face up and then proceeded to work her magic... Picking colours, covering my scars, highlighting my favorite facial features and introduced me to the one, the all important... Yes MY NUDE lippy! That is no easy task! She kept me incredibly calm whilst sitting in her chair on the morning of my big day and she spent the rest of the morning, making up my fav girls (who all traveled from Canada) and even managed to sneak in my no-fuss mom and auntie, as if she wasn't busy enough! My bridesmaids were so grateful to her.. They felt incredibly beautiful as she turned each one of them into radiant ladies ready for a lovely spring affair! From all of us, Niki we Thank you and Good Luck in the future!"

All 2014 booking requests to http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk/

MAC Veluxe Brow Liner

I am loving the new MAC Veluxe Brow liners!

I personally usually prefer powders over pencils for a natural finish but even I am won over with smooth glide of the MAC Veluxe Brow liner. A Double ended pencil that has a brush at one end to soften the colour after application.

MAC says "The artist's pencil of perfection"... "...powdery formula that's matte and velvety smooth"...

I am using shade 'strawberry Blonde' a great colour for fair brows but there are another four colours in the range including Redhead, Brunette, Deep Brunette and Deep Dark Brunette.

I recommend using a well sharpened pencil for a super defined and professional application and finish.

Available at www.maccosmetics.co.uk priced at £15.50

Autumn/Winter 2013 make-up trends!

The Autumnal chill is in the air so as we head towards winter here are a few make-up ideas to keep you fashion forward.

Autumn/winter make-up and hair looks are polished, ladylike, sophisticated...all a little grown-up!

Choose berry/wine stains for lips, the finish is stained and matte.  Apply using a finger and blot well.

The defined red lip will always be around.

Skin is velvety, flawless and matte set well with powder.

 Choose any garnet shade of red nail colour.

If a berry/red lip is just too much opt for the nude lip trend instead.

Hooray! heavily made-up, dark statement eyes are back for autumn/winter. Go smoky or bold with your colour.

Go easy on the blusher, best used barely there in a pretty pink shade or skip altogether.

                                                         
Long lashes rock!

Brows go bold define using a pencil, coloured brow gel or powder for a softer look.

Create a bold, black feline flick to define your eyes using liquid liner.

 I hope this helps you create and experiment with some new looks and techniques over the coming months, one quick change in your make-up routine can make all the difference.

A recent Bride: Tara

I did Tara's bridal make-up back in May this year for her wedding at Sopwell House in St Albans.

Amanda Tweed (http://www.wedding-photographers-berkshire.co.uk/) provided the stunning photos of Tara below and Jaydean (http://www.hairbyjaydean.com/) provided fabulous wedding hair. Bridal make-up services are available at (http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk/).

Tara's review:

"Niki is a true professional from start to finish. I have always felt a little worried about other people applying my make-up. All my worries were put to rest after meeting and having a trial with Niki. She took note of my likes and dislikes. I felt completely relaxed and enjoyed the experience of getting ready on my Wedding day. My make-up stayed on well into the evening all that was left for me to do was apply lipstick and gloss. Would recommend and definitely wouldn't hesitate to ask her again. Thank you."

A recent Bride Naomi

On the 22nd June I had the pleasure of doing Naomi's wedding make-up at the stunning Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa in Bedfordshire.  I am the recommended make-up artist at Luton Hoo (www.lutonhoo.co.uk) so I am lucky enough to work there frequently and it is always truly a pleasure.

Naomi was definitely one of the happiest, most relaxed brides I have ever worked with, which can absolutely be seen by her fabulous smile in her wedding photographs.  I also did make-up for Naomi's bridesmaids, mother, nan and added a touch of sparkle and gloss for the gorgeous flower girl ...so make up for quite a few generations which was lovely.

Make-up brands used on the day to achieve a flawless and long lasting finish include Bobbi Brown, Daniel Sandler, MAC and Lancome.  Hair was beautifully styled by Deborah Dowgiel at  http://www.brideswithstyle.co.uk/

See some of Naomi's stunning pictures from her big day below captured by the wonderful husband and wife team at www.masonphotography.co.uk

Here is Naomi's comment:
"Niki did my make-up for my wedding June 2013 at The Luton Hoo, she also did 6 of my bridal party, they ranged from my flower girl to my grandmothers, they all were very delighted with the results especially as they had not had a trial. My make-up looked fantastic and flawless and it lasted all day. Niki was very calm and efficient and I would highly recommend her. I will definitely use Niki’s services for any future events. Thank you so much Niki!"

www.nikimakeup.co.uk

For all UK bridal enquiries please see www.nikimakeup.co.uk

For all Spain bridal enquiries please see www.marbellamakeup.com