Thursday 22 December 2022

December Update!

I am just getting ready to sign off for a week for a Christmas break, just one more wedding (22nd),  a Christmas cake to ice, one more present to buy a few more to wrap and I am so ready to relax!

Thank you to all of you who are here reading my blog, to those that comment, like and share my social media posts it means so much as a freelancer running a small business entirely by myself.

I have had the busiest year on record for weddings which has been so fantastic after the last few years, a big thank you to all my wonderful brides it is such a honour for me to be a small part of your big day!

Thank you to all those suppliers, colleagues, clients and friends that have kindly recommended me as well this is always very much appreciated.

Below is a few of my December snaps!

How amazing was the snow? I don't know who loved the snow more me or my little poodle, and it was so magical to see it in December ahead of Christmas.


































It was my first Christmas in my garden studio so I had get a real tree it has been a dream come true this year having a studio of my own to finally work in after many years of wanting one.





























I have met some beautiful brides in recent weeks for pre-wedding trials here is just a few!










































A few December weddings this month too.  St Michaels Manor in St Albans was so gorgeously decorated this year just look at that tree!




































I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the happiest and healthiest 2023!

See you on the other side!

Niki x

Tuesday 29 November 2022

November Update!

Finally out of crazy wedding season what a year it has been! I have just had a few weddings this month so have tried to take some down time after what has been a treadmill of a year so far! I am so lucky I absolutely love my job it helps with the back breaking exhaustion of carrying heavy kit and standing all day, not to mention some of the ridiculously early starts! I am grateful everyday for every client that chooses to work with me and I really do give 110% to each and every one of you.  I actually have a couple of weekends off this month and intend to fully make the most of them!










Below is one of my gorgeous November Brides that I styled hair and make-up for at Milling Barn https://www.millingbarn.co.uk.


















Lots of my recent hair work below, its funny I find it so much easier to get hair images than make-up ones, the majority of people are not so keen on photographing their faces as opposed to the black of their head!  I also do a lot more bridal hair styling than I did ten years ago which I am also enjoying, part up part down styles are definitely my personal favourite.



































I am currently receiving a high volume of wedding enquiries for 2023 and 2024! Do book early to avoid disappointment, I now have very limited availability in Jan, Feb, May, June and August next year.
See www.nikimakeup.co.uk for further details.





Thursday 17 November 2022

Friday Fave! NARS Crème De La Bronze


I am loving cream bronzers lately, the application of a cream bronzer is just dreamy! I have been using the Charlotte Tilbury one since it launched but I wanted to try the Nars one to compare! Basically I love them both and would happily use or recommend either! I do like the compact size of the Nars one though somehow it works better for me in my make-up bag but that is literally the only reason I would favour it over the Charlotte Tilbury one.

This crème bronzer comes in five shades I opted for '02 Original Laguna Bronzer' (light to medium bronze with neutral undertones) which is perfect for my skin tone and I would also be able to use this on most people in my professional kit as well.

This crème bronzer glides on smoothly, its buildable, blends seamlessly, looks natural and is long lasting what more could you want?

It can be applied with fingers, sponges or brushes choose your favourite technique! I personally like to use an angled foundation/blending style brush to buff the product gently into the skin.  I also build the product in layers to achieve the desired colour so as not to add too much in one go.

Definitely a firm favourite and one for the Christmas list ladies!

RRP. £32.50 19 g






























 


Saturday 29 October 2022

October Update!

Wow! Wedding season has officially come to an end, what a year! I had eleven beautiful Bride's in October unheard-of!  It has been such a busy fun filled year of work and I am so grateful for every Bride that chose me to be a part of their special day and all the other clients that booked me this year too... what a come back after covid shut down mine and so many other businesses and very sadly some that were not so lucky to survive.  

I still have a few more winter weddings but the peak is over so definitely a couple of weekends off for me ahead! 

What gorgeous warm sunny autumn days we are having!  I have been enjoying some lovely dog walks and just check out so many clear bright blue skies in my photos!


















Here's a few of my recent work pictures captured on my I-phone!

Coltsfoot country recent has been my office for the last three Sunday's working inside a cute little shepherd hut surrounded by sheep! 































































I met beautiful Karla for the first time on her wedding day at Sheen Mill, she did not live nearby so there was no opportunity for a trial run. This rarely happens but on the odd occasion it has I am pleased to say all has gone very well! I did both Karla's hair and make up.





























I visited stunning Notley Abbey this month a venue I have not been to in a while but definitely a favourite!

























































I also visited Plum Park hotel, my first time to this venue but hopefully not my last.  The staff here were extremely helpful to me when I arrived.











































I was at Luton Hoo for my last October bride where I am lucky enough to be a Recommended supplier, such a beautiful location to work at with the best bridal preparation views I have seen.   
I loved creating this hairstyle, part up part down variations are definitely my favourite style to do.
 




























Pendley Manor was the Location for this beautiful Bride's hair and makeup.













































As a Recommended supplier at beautiful St Michaels Manor it is definitely my favourite venue locally, and what a gorgeous October day it was for a wedding here!





















































































I am taking bookings for 2023/24 weddings. Book early to avoid disappointment via www.nikimakeup.co.uk