November Update!

I am already enjoying the festive season! Our tree and decorations are up early this year on November 23rd! For me it just makes the cold and darker days so much brighter adding in a little bit of Christmas magic!

We got a shiny new tree this year too which I actually love as I have always preferred a real tree but had heard such good things about the Balsam Hill ones that we had to give them a try! We are both really pleased as it is just what we wanted narrow and full and very realistic. https://www.balsamhill.co.uk

November began with me hosting a makeup workshop which was a lovely morning spent with a great group of ladies learning new make up tips. If you are interested in 2026 workshops keep an eye on my website https://www.nikimakeup.co.uk  for dates or Instagram updates @nikimakeup.  The next dates are 23.01.25 5-7pm and 24.01.26 11-1 pm in Harpenden, Herts.  I can also offer bespoke workshops if you would like to do one with 5-6 friends.

My last November wedding was at the beautiful Huntsmill farm in Buckinghamshire https://huntsmillweddings.co.uk where I am very privileged to be a longstanding supplier.

I loved creating this soft loose bun style with dried flowers.

This month I have also been busy with lots of 1:1 makeup lessons and pre-wedding trials as well as special occasion hair and makeups for Christmas parties and birthdays!  Christmas came even earlier to my makeup studio on 12th November! I am loving all the lips and makeup baubles I am finding too!  I have enjoyed meeting so many lovely new clients recently and working in my studio has been just the dream!

Charlotte Tilbury kindly sent me a wonderful package of goodies in a gorgeous Charlotte Tilbury stocking, do go check out the Black Friday sale and grab a great saving! https://friends.charlottetilbury.com/a/niki.l

Outside of work I have been enjoying getting festive from Christmas decorating and shopping to a few early Christmas celebrations as well as my much loved dog walks although it has been too cold for me... We even had a smattering of snow in Hertfordshire. 

If you love dogs you can also follow Rufus's adventures over on Instagram @rufustehredtoypoodle

I dabbled with a little art here and then too!

We visited for the first time https://thewoodyardbrasserie.co.uk for the most delicious roast lunch and we will definitely be back, a lovely festive experience. We both felt like we had stepped back in time!

We also had a great Italian lunch whilst Christmas shopping in London and they allow dogs too so Rufus could join us.  I love it when the great restaurants allow dogs!  https://www.boccadilupo.com We are also taking him with us to https://joeallen.co.uk and http://josepizarro.com/venues/pizarro-restaurant-bermondsey/ in December, he is a very spoiled pooch!

We visited The bear club a great little gem in Luton, do check it out if you are local we have seen some great jazz here multiple times!  https://www.the-bear.club

If you are looking for a unique gift why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a makeover or a makeup lesson with me.  Vouchers can be purchased easily in a couple of clicks on my website right up until midnight on Christmas eve https://www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Thank you for reading!

Niki x

FRIDAY FAVE! Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner

I love the Victoria Beckham Eye Kajal pencils, shade Cinnamon in particular is my go to shade as it is not too dark it has just enough depth to enhance eyes.

These liners are waterproof, long lasting and extremely soft to apply making them glide on easily and blend seamlessly. 

Cinnamon is a warm shimmer brown shade, which I wear myself daily. My other favourite shades are  Black, Sequin Green and Cocoa.

I must admit when I first tried them I wasn't a fan.  I found them too soft to apply but with practice I have got use to them now and love them, a definite "Friday fave"!  Plus 25,000 five stars reviews  to date agree!

If you order online you can also opt for a complimentary pencil sharpener.  The sharpener itself is the best I have ever used and I've tried a lot in my twenty year career! The design also makes it very easy to keep clean compared to all other ones that I use.

Pro Tip!

Use the smudger end of the pencil to smoke the colour around the lash line and blend the edges of the liner that you have applied to soften any harsh lines. Make sure you apply the lid to the pencil on the correct end as it comes to keep the pencil air tight.

Available in 22 shades.

RRP £32.00

https://victoriabeckhambeauty.com/en-gb/products/satin-kajal-liner

October Update!

October began with a bridal hair and makeup for a St Albans wedding at https://thehubonverulam.com such a popular choice for Brides this year! I have yet to visit myself but it is on my list! 

I also had a personal branding shoot for myself so the first few days of October were pretty intense before I left for a two week holiday on the 4th! The shoot took a lot of planning on my part from a running order of all the shots that I wanted, as well as sourcing props' and clothes/accessories for my model and myself. I am really pleased with how the shoot went and I love the images.  Personal Branding is such an important part for a small business like myself to use across social media/website. I highly recommend Stephanie Belton https://www.stephaniebelton.com who I have worked with on shoots and couldn't wait to book for my own! If you are planning a new headshot or a branding shoot do consider having your hair and makeup professionally done as well as it makes a real difference in the photographs.  Hair & Makeup will be applied to best suit you and your brand and will hold well through out the duration of the shoot but the process will also make sure you look and feel your best in front of the camera.  I think it is a necessary investment for professional images that you are 100% happy with, plus I can always tell when someone has done their own hair and makeup!  You can see some of my work here   www.nikimakeup.com

We had an amazing two week holiday in Marbella, the weather was perfect not too hot like in the summer, we both enjoyed some sunshine, rest, fresh air and great food! We explored so many beautiful white washed villages including Istan, Casares, Tolox, Monda, Coin, Gaucin, Genalguacil and Mijas - we like to do a bit of a road trip and see the real Spain! We stayed at https://www.marbellacasa.eu.com 

There was also some lovely rural and beach walks we returned fully refreshed and recharged!  

Straight back into a wedding at one of my favourite venue https://www.farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk the next day! Such a gorgeous bridal party to work with!

I have also held three makeup workshops which were so nice thank you to all the lovely ladies that came along. These are held in my garden studio in Harpenden throughout the year on select dates. I will be launching 2026 dates soon, check my website www.nikimakeup.co.uk and Instagram @nikimakeup           

I can also offer bespoke workshops if you and 4-5 friends would like to celebrate a birthday, hen party or other special occasion.  I generally do a day to evening look that suits most people and will help you choose the correct colours and products for you. All makeup and brushes are provided as well as nibbles and drinks and you'll leave with a goody bag!

Now we are in autumn mode we are enjoying roast lunches and autumn walks with @rufusthetredtoypoodle and I am already feeling festive!