July Update!

July has been quite busy considering I am not actually back out physically doing my job yet.  I have been busy working with brides to reschedule, book and postpone weddings.  I still have surprisingly quite a number of weddings going ahead this year although not as many as I should have for obvious reasons!  Next year is crazy busy with wedding bookings so I really hope we are in a better place by then, fingers crossed.  Any Brides thinking of booking don't delay secure your date with me now as I already have very limited availability for 2021. See my Bridal website https://www.nikimakeup.co.uk

I have been lucky enough to be invited to work on a couple of styled shoots recently, one at Huntsmill Farm https://huntsmillweddings.co.uk where I am lucky enough to be a Recommended Supplier.  The other was at  https://www.thebarnatbrookendgreenfarm.co.uk organised by @misscarlysleandco_events.

These images were taken by me behind the scenes at The Barn at Brooke End Green Farm.

The below shots were taken behind the scenes at Huntsmill farm by me, I had so much fun styling this pretty pink wig for the shoot from https://www.starstylewigs.co.uk

I have also been working behind the scenes on training, preparing new hygeine measures when working in light of COVID_19 and getting used to wearing a visor and mask when working.  I now have a whole bag of cleaning equipment and PPE to take on every job as if I didn't have enough to carry!

Photo taken at my last wedding in March just days before lockdown for Beautiful Rachel's wedding.

Photo credits for x2 below images https://www.beckyharleyphotography.co.uk

Please follow my Instagram @nikimakeup for regular COVID-19 and work updates.

I have also made time to do what I love and have been doing lots of drawing and painting from pebbles to flowerpots to prints, many new additions have been added to my Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Nikicreates and I still have a huge amount of work to go through and select additional pieces to add.

My Nikicreates website for my art works is coming soon! http://www.nikicreates.co.uk

FRIDAY FAVE! Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil Ballet Pink

This is such a great nude pale pink that suits so many people! I literally use this all the time in my kit it is one of my go-to lip liners.  If you are looking for a perfect natural pink liner this will likely be it!

It also comes with a sharpener which is an added bonus, I don't know many beauty brands that do this!  The velvety formula smoothly glides on and gives long-lasting definition and these pencils really do stay on well! I often wear it alone applied all over the lip with a little lip balm on top.  Alternatively you can outline lips before or after applying lip colour whichever suits your preference.






.

RRP. £19.00
https://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/2343/32757/makeup/lips/lip-liner/lip-pencil#/shade/Ballet_Pink

Tuesday Tip! Exfoliate your way to gorgeous lips!

Exfoliating is important even more so if you have dry, flaky chapped lips.



Keep your lips conditioned by exfoliating the lips no more than once a week.

Exfoliating regularly will remove dry dead skin to achieve smooth soft lips.

You should prep' the lips in this way before you add colour.  Lip colour on chapped lips does not look good!

My favourite way to exfoliate lips is to apply some Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream or you can use vaseline. Then rub gently with a cotton bud all over the lips to lift off the dry skin.

You can also use a soft toothbrush gently in circular motions.

Alternatively use a lip exfoliator or sugar scrub and gently rub off with a warm flannel.

Make your own scrub easily by using one teaspoon of honey mixed with two teaspoons of sugar.

Now you know how and why you need to exfoliate the lips give it a try!

Makeup Lessons, Occasion & Bridal Enquiries via www.nikimakeup.co.uk

FRIDAY FAVE! LA ROCHE-POSAY TOLERIANE SOFTENING FOAMING GEL

I love a gel facial wash and this one from LA ROCHE-POSAY is my new favourite!
I have been using it for around six months now, I love the feel of it on my skin it actually feels soft as you apply it to your skin.
I take a large pea sized amount into the palm of my hand lather it up with warm water and apply to my face in gentle circular movements rinsing off well.  It removes all traces of makeup leaving skin feeling refreshed and gently cleansed.
This is great for anyone who has sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic, suitable for normal/combination intolerant and sensitive skin and is ph 5.5.




Interesting facts!

*Toleriane is the first skincare range to be given the Seal of Approval by Allegy UK

*9/10 Dermatologists would recommend La Roche-Posay for sensitive skin


RRP £12.50 150ml

www.laroche-posay.co.uk
www.boots.com

Super Supplier Saturday! Personal Trainer James Lenaghan

This month's Super Saturday Wedding Supplier is James Lenaghan, Personal Trainer at New Mission in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
He began his career in the late nineties and since then has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience as a health and fitness professional. He constantly updates his knowledge  by training with various experts in their fields as well as combining his own ideas to achieve optimum results with his clients.
New Mission is an extensively equipped fitness suite with an onsite treatment room set in an exclusive and private environment, the perfect place to help you reach your personal fitness and weight loss goals.  Packages are tailored to suit each individual.

James Lenaghan Q&A:

How do I find the right trainer/training regime for me?

Do your research. Use a personal trainer to define exactly what you want to achieve for your goal set.  Rely on referrals. Results speak volumes. 

How long will it take me?

Each goal is individual & timescale dependant. Get some guidance don’t wing it. 

What do I eat? 

A nutritionally balanced diet to suit your profiling.  

Get sound advise and be careful what you read. 

When should I purchase my dress with my target weight in mind? 

Be smart 🤓 &...

• Specific 

• Measurable 

• Achievable 

• Targetable 

Tips for brides to be?

Take Time - enjoy the journey and try not to leave it to the last minute.. 

What does New Mission offer brides to be?

Clear goal setting 

A Training programme & Nutritional profiling to achieve your own specific goals for your special day

One to one PT with access to all NM classes



To keep up to date with James at New Mission see links below:

http://www.newmission.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/newmissionstudio/

June Update!

June has been spent mostly practicing hair styling, doing lots of painting and drawing, working with brides on postponed weddings and prepping a lot of hygiene and PPE for when I am able to return to work.

Firstly, yes, for one day I was THAT person... I made lemon drizzle cake and chocolate brownies although I forgot to photograph those.  

What changes have you made during Lockdown? I would love to know so do comment below.

Change is always good! If life is not going as you want it to make a change, nothing will get better staying in the same funk!

I start most weekdays with pilates and meditation to me keep me fit, in a good mindset and calm.  Although pilates is not a new thing for me except I am doing my own sessions at home during Lockdown whereas I used to go to classes.  

I have made some Lockdown changes though and I do think they have made a difference.  I have started meditating each morning on weekdays to calm me and put my head in a good space for the day ahead.  I drink green tea occasionally now which I could never stomach before lockdown so this is a big change.  I have been cycling occasionally too with my husband which I haven't done since being a child when I was always on my bike.  I am also being more mindful of my thoughts, feelings and behaviours and making more time for me to just do the stuff I love to do like drawing and painting.

I started my Etsy store in 2018 when I had a creative patch and then didn't do anything with it so lockdown has been great to get back into creating some illustrations and paintings to add to my shop.  I also love painting pebbles which I find is both fun and therapeutic, these make great paper weights and keepsakes.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Nikicreates

I have spent my whole career working from the back of my hand as a palette this has to change! I have brought this clever little palette that attaches to your hand and now I have to practice working a little differently form now on.

http://www.makeupboxldn.com

Mermaid braids, boho curls and glam waves.

Following so many postponed 2020 weddings as well as new bookings being taken 2021 is looking to be a very busy year.  Do enquire and reserve your wedding date with me soon if you are interested in booking me. http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk