Splurge vs Steal:Longwear Lipcolour

I am loving the new long wearing lip colours on the market now. Gone are the days of dried out lips and cracked looking lipstick!

My favourite splurge purchase is YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres. The shine of a lipgloss and the stay put colour of a stain. Gorgeous packaging and a neat slanted tipped applicator for precision.
£23.50

My super-star steal is Loreal Paris Glam Shine 6HR Lip gloss.  Lips look glossy and plump! The colour lasts well, it feels nice on and it also has a good slanted applicator.
£8.69

News!

I am thrilled to announce I am the new recommended supplier for make-up artistry at St. Michael's Manor Hotel in St.Albans.

Here is a recent St Michael's Manor Hotel Bride Gill Webb on her wedding day 26th September 2013.

Here is what Gill had to say:
"Having tried two previous make up artists I really wasn't happy with the end result. I either looked too made up or just too old! Anyway, I found Niki online and visited her at home for a make up trial. She just totally got it! Colours, the look, everything! She's also a really lovely person! On the day of my wedding (26th Sept 2013) she was calm, totally professional and just went to work on me! My make up was absolutely perfect! It is such an important part of you to get right, for photographs if nothing else! I felt just amazing. Thank you Niki! If you do nothing else, have Niki do your make up!!x."

If you are looking for a stunning venue for your wedding day/special event see the St.Michael's Manor Hotel website http://www.stmichaelsmanor.com/

All bridal make-up enquiries please visit www.nikimakeup.co.uk for further information.

My top five bridal beauty must haves!

1 mini hairspray to fix stray hairs

2 lipstick or lipgloss to re-apply throughout the day

3 blot powder to blot excess shine and keep make-up in place

4 kohl pencil or liquid eyeliner to strengthen eye make-up for the evening

5 concealer for emergency touch ups

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Spring/Summer 2014 Beauty trends.

I need a little something to brighten up the grey winter days at the moment! I am looking forward to testing some Spring/Summer beauty trends ahead of the change in weather to put a spring back into my step!

For loads of inspiration from the fashion week shows check out my pinterest link below.

http://www.pinterest.com/nikimakeup/spring-summer-2014/

This Spring/Summer its mostly about a natural look, the buzz words at the shows were "Raw Beauty"..."Natural"..."pure"..."minimal"..."youthful"..."bare"...and "fresh" looking skin.
This can be achieved using clever skincare application.

There were still some great variations on the catwalks. My particular favorites include gold thread cleverly glued to eyelashes for an 'oh so' subtle shimmering look and complimented beautifully with gold leaf applied to the hair parting as seen at Dries Van Noten.  I also loved the Givenchy Sequin face mask, Dior's gold eyebrows and the graphic 'graffiti' eyes created by Peter Philips at Chanel.

The so called 'IT' colour is 'Lavender' with the Pantone Colour of the year 2014 being called 'Radiant Orchid'. Colour was seen in the form of aquatic 'greeny blue' eyewashes and blue was definitely the standout colour. Vibrant 'Cobalt'and 'Electric'shades of blue eye make-up were seen at Prada, Mark Jacobs and Anna Sui. I must also mention the fabulous chalky pink matte lips as seen at Fendi and Prabal Gurung.

Some of the big hair trends included 'uber straight' ironed hair, low centre parted ponytails and low ponytails parted on one side  that were accessorised.  Wigs were seen in abundance, these were mostly short and choppy. Casually tousled hair also complimented the naturally made-up look.

Nails were seen to be bejeweled in Swarovski crystals and blingy nail tips were artfully decorated. Nails were also seen to be painted in two different tones. I particularly liked the tortoiseshell Manicure seen at Rodarte.

Beauty inspirations came from... the seventies...the fifties.... samurai warriors...Ibizan party goers...the young Jane Birken...The Ethereal future...The Parisian woman...Greek statues....and the tropical...to name a few...

Do check out my pinterest fashion show beauty shots, then adapt and take inspiration from these trends to suit you.

My Top Beauty products for January 2014!

1) Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer.
For fabulous long lasting coverage.

2) Creme de la Mer:  The Eye balm Intense.
Miracle cream to hydrate, brighten and banish skin conditions such a eczema.

3) Lucas Papaw Ointment.
The ultimate lip balm and a super ointment for dry skin conditions.

4) BioDerma Crealine H2O cleanser.
Super gentle cleanser that easily removes even stubborn make-up.

5) YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres glossy lip stains.
Superb array of colours that shine brightly and really last without drying the lips.

6) Kiko Cosmetics lip pencils.
Fabulous long wearing colours at an even more fabulous price.

7) Kiko Cosmetics Lipsticks.
Super range of colours and different finishes at a super price.

8) Stick on nails
My new Obsession for trendy nails. Check out some of my recent choices below!
Different brands are available at most good Chemists and make up stores.

9) St. Tropez Gradual Everyday Body Moisturiser
Keep that gorgeous glow even in winter.

10) Loreal Absolute Make-up Remover Eye & Lip.
My all time favorite eye make up remover, non-oily and removes even waterproof make-up.