Super Supplier Saturday! The Salon Collection: Maltings - Nails by Eva

My next Super Saturday Wedding Supplier is Eva Ntontou, Salon Manager at The salon Collection Nail & Hair Salon at The Maltings, St Albans, Hertfordshire.
Eva was a Nail Artist of the year finalist in Specialist Nail Art 2019 and has established a huge presence in the industry with online bloggers and influencers now following new work from the salon.  
I am lucky enough to have found a great nail artist in Eva! I always visit for my nails as she really listens and understands exactly what I would like and loving nail art like I do, I do like to give her a challenge!
The salon itself in the heart of St Albans is a lovely relaxing environment to be pampered and Eva is always super friendly, reliable and professional.

Eva Ntontou Q & A:





What advice would you give to Brides currently looking for a Nail salon/Manicurist?

Wedding means a lot for all women as it is a fresh new beginning of their life. You must consider every detail carefully to make each and every moment of this ceremony is memorable. It's very important to find a nail salon/manicurist to fulfill your expectations, who can carry out quality treatments and make you feel confident, for the big day. 



How far in advance should a Bride book her wedding nails with you?

A bride should book her wedding nail appointment a few months in advance. She should also book some pre-wedding nail appointments starting at least 6-8 weeks before the big day. That will give her enough time to make decisions about the final colour and nail design. 



What is your top tip for Brides?

My top tip for brides is: Make sure you do a trial for your wedding nails with plenty of time to make changes and find the right look. This will ensure that you feel confident with the look you will be wearing in advance, avoiding any last-minute stress.

Why do you love working with Brides?

It's such an honor to be asked to be a part of someone's very special day. Doing the bride's wedding nails can be very stress.  Doing the bride's wedding nails can be very stressful, but as I've done a lot of wedding parties in the past, it's always such a beautiful feeling to witness the joy of a woman getting pampered before the big day, while having friends and family around her. 

What is your style?

-My moto is "There are no rules". I like playing with colours and nail designs. I like anything from a simple plain colour to nail art and bling. 



Why should a Bride choose you?

I feel very confident of doing someone's wedding nails. I've also have the experience to advice proper the bride for colours and give some nail art ideas, getting inspiration from her personal style and making her big day feel extra special.



See more of the salon and Eva's work below:

https://www.thesaloncollection.co.uk/nails/

https://www.instagram.com/tscthemaltings/

https://www.instagram.com/nails_by_eva/

TUESDAY TIP: My Top Ten Summer Beauty Feel Good Tips!

Summer is just around the corner which means it is time to consider your beauty regime a little more closely.  Here are my personal favourite products that serve me well throughout the summer months and my tips on why I use them.

1.  Protect your hair from the suns ray's, especially if your hair is highlighted or colour treated.  Spray a heat protection spray through wet hair and comb evenly through and dry as normal.  I love L'Oreal Elnett Satin Heat Styling spray.

2.  Don't forget to hydrate and add moisture to your hair as the sun can make it extra dry.  Condition your hair with a leave-in conditioner, this can be a nice enjoyable pamper for yourself as well!  Or if you are super busy leave it to do it's thing whilst you are busy getting on with something else. I LOVE OLAPLEX NO.6 Bond Smoother, a tiny bit goes a long way and has such a dramatic effect on the health and appearance of your hair.  When I say "love" this is by no means an exaggeration!

3.  Don't forget to protect your lips, as these can also burn as well as becoming dry, sore and cracked.
I use Palmers Cocoa Butter SPF 15 lip balm daily thought the summer even under lip colour.

4.  If you have moles, birthmarks, scars... anything you want to focus more attention on protecting, it may even be your ears which are often forgotten! Opt for a small stick or tube in a high SPF50 sunblock to apply specifically to these areas.  I like Piz Buin Mountain Sun cream 50+

5.  Wear SPF on your face and body, a minimum SPF 30 and ideally SPF 50 to protect against skin damage and aging.   I have used Nivea Sun Pocket-Size Protect & Moisture sun lotion for years now as it so small and handy to keep with me in my bag, my professional make-up kit and even in the car so I am never caught out!  La Roche-Posay Anthelios is another recent favourite of mine as it is SPF 50 for sensitive skin, it is a lovely light fliud and non greasy.... just lovely to apply on the face.

6.  If you want to warm up your skin tone a little, on pasty pins for example, just add a little liquid bronzing fluid to your favourite moisturiser and apply to the body for an instant sun-kissed appearance.  I love NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer.

7.  Bronzer instantly makes you feel better! Use creme, powder or gel whichever you prefer to warm up your skin a little. I like Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Creme Bronzing make-up base for a natural sun kissed glow.

8.  Use a Tinted moisturiser, BB cream or Bronzing Tint to keep your make-up base light whilst giving your face that summer glow.  I love Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow, a small amount goes a long way and makes you feel healthy and happy instantly (no joke!).

9.  Carry a translucent blotting powder compact with you to keep your make-up set though-out the day and blot any shine away.  My favourite is MAC Blot powder in shade Medium Dark.

10.  Summer make-up is a must so finally always add a bright pop of lip colour to finish your look and make you feel great. My favourite is a Tom Ford Lip colour in shade Twist of Fate the perfect coral shade for me!

What are your summer faves? Do share with me I would love to know!

Niki x



www.nikimakeup.co.uk
Socials @nikimakeup

FRIDAY FAVE! Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Original Matte Revolution Lipstick

Pillow Talk Lipstick is Charlotte Tilbury's iconic matte nude-pink lipstick which is a very wearable shade for many hence why it created makeup mania globally.
In 2019 one was sold every two minutes!

Pillow Talk is formulated for every woman of any age and skin tone, although you cannot please everyone!  Lipstick is so personal, however the majority will and indeed do love it.

The colour enhances the natural hue of your lips so it is unique to your natural skin tone and lip colour.

It is a long-wearing matte lipstick that lasts for up to 10 hours as well as hydrating the lips.  It is very comfortable to wear and not drying.

The lipstick bullet is square shaped making application easier and more precise.  There is also a matching lip pencil which is equally as great.

It is one of my go-to colours for a natural lip and a firm staple in my professional make-up kit plus a perfect shade for a lot of Brides.





RRP. £25.00
https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/

TUESDAY TIP: De-Clutter your Make-up Bag!

Spring is well and truly here now so it is as good as time as any to spring clean your make-up bag.

Firstly check the expiry dates on all products (this should be done regularly) and throw out items you have had for too long, ladies you know who you are!! Any makeup that smells, has changed colour or texture or that generally looks dirty throw it!  Every cosmetic has a small open pot logo on the back with a number written inside it, this is the number of months or years it can be used after opening.

Throw out any item you have had for years and never use and any make-up that you have had for over two years should definitely go!
Wipe clean your makeup bag regularly with warm soapy water both inside and out.  Products can be easily and quickly cleaned with a dettol/antibacterial wipe or a similar spray and kitchen towel.

Here is a general guide to how long you should keep makeup:
Mascara - 3-6 months
Eyeliner 3 months-2 years
Powder eyeshadow, blusher, bronzer, powder - 18 months to 2.5 years
Foundation 6 months-2 years
Concealer 6 months-2 years
Lipstick - 2 years





Below are the essentials you should include in your make-up bag for a day and/or evening look.

My Top Ten Make-up Bag Essential items!
Base
Concealer
Primer/eye primer
Eyeliner
Eyeshadow
Brow colour
Mascara
Blusher
Bronzer
Clear brow gel

Inside my current makeup bag!
Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow - I am also finishing up the last of La Mer reparative skin tint spf 30 (now discontinued)
MAC studio finish concealer
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise creme shadow in shade Jean (used as a primer)
Charlotte Tilbury Barbarella Brown Eyeliner pencil
Nars Isolde Duo eyeshadow plus a Smashbox mixed palette.
MAC Brow duo powder
Charlotte Tilbury Legendary lashes Mascara
Bobbi Brown Pot rouge in Calypso Coral
Chanel Soleil Tan Creme Bronze Universal and NARS Laguna bronzing powder
Maybelline Brow Drama transparent



Keep your makeup brushes and tools such as sponges, pencil sharpener and eyelash curlers separately to your make-up bag. Likewise keep your powder compact and lip colour separately in your handbag to keep with you for touch ups during the day.  In my handbag I keep my trusty MAC Blot powder in shade Medium dark, Tom Ford lip colour in Twist of Fate and a Charlotte Tilbury lip liner in Pillow talk.

It is important to review your makeup regularly, as your face changes colour, texture and general condition with the changing seasons, age, hormones and environment so your makeup should be adjusted accordingly.

www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Super Supplier Saturday! Hair by Jaydean

May's "Super Saturday Wedding Supplier" is Jaydean Lenaghan, a Hertfordshire based fully qualified freelance hairstylist who covers the south east region and beyond. Jaydean has over fifteen years experience in the hairdressing industry and previously trained and worked within the Saks & Aveda salon groups. She specialises in Bridal hair, vintage hair and all other occasion hairstyling as well as cutting and colouring services.

Jaydean began her creative journey into hairdressing at a young age styling the hair of her dolls in her own words all perfectly lined up, hair neatly barrel rolled!

I am lucky enough to have found a great friend who I have worked with at so many weddings for almost ten years now.  Jaydean is always a calming presence on a wedding day and is super talented at what she does, my wedding partner in crime!

Jaydean Lenaghan Q&A

What advice would you give to Brides currently searching for a hairstylist? 

Use the time to do your research... there are lots of online platforms created by wedding suppliers that aren’t hugely experienced in the wedding industry. Linked suppliers and recommendations work best.

How far in advance should a Bride book you?

As soon as you’ve secured your wedding date. These days prime spots get booked up! 

What are your top tips for Brides?

Try not to sweat the small stuff

Book a venue you love the look and feel of without any added decor

don't scrimp on the styling - taking the pressure off having your hair and makeup done on the day will ensure you can look and feel your best!

Why do you love working in the wedding industry?

Adding the instant feel good factor to each brides special day is an amazing privilege 

Describe your style?

Hmmm. I call it a blended style. I can adapt depending on my mood haha and the weather!

Why should a Bride choose you?

“I’ve been working in the wedding industry for 15 years it has taught me a lot about wedding days, wedding pressure, brides expectations and I’ve seen a lot of change over the years. 

Things keep evolving with trends but when it comes down to it, people choose people for a reason. It’s personal, it’s style, experience, personality - someone you can connect with and rely on .. on the biggest day of your life.”

www.hairbyjaydean.com

https://www.facebook.com/HairByJaydean/

https://www.instagram.com/hair_by_jaydean/