Friday Fave! YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer

I have been testing out this primer for some months now, I like it so much it has remained in my makeup bag rather than going into my kit after initial testing so clearly I need to get another one! 

Firstly I love the bottle with pretty little flecks of expensive looking gold within the transparent serum.  It is super smooth and silky in texture and easily smoothes fine lines and open pores as well as providing a smooth base before foundation. Makeup glides on top of this primer beautifully, blending seamlessly.  I apply a small pea sized amount (one pump) to the back of my hand and smooth over my cheeks, forehead and chin using my fingertips.

A primer to blur any imperfections and boost skin's radiance at the same time as well as keeping makeup in place all day what more do you need? 

RRP £32.00

https://www.yslbeauty.co.uk/en_GB/makeup/complexion/primer

Super Supplier Saturday! Michelle Shulman @ La Belle Cakes

This month's Super Saturday Wedding Supplier is Michelle Shulman, Cake Couturier & Owner at La Belle Cake Company covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London.  

Michelle established La Belle Cake Company back in 2006 and it is now run by both Michelle and her husband Daniel who joined the company full-time in 2015 . Daniel bakes and manages behind the scenes whilst Michelle is much more about creating all the prettiness with her beautifully skilled sugar crafting.  

I met Michelle some years back at the prestigious wedding venue Luton Hoo Hotel where we are both recommended suppliers.  I can honestly say Michelle is always professional, hardworking, caring and fun and her cakes are delicious as well!

La Belle, make bespoke delicious cakes for all occasions and are luxury wedding cake specialists plus they have also had many celebrity clients along the way which is always nice to know!



Shelley Shulman  Q&A:

What advice would you give to couples currently searching for a Cake Maker?

When looking for a cake maker, look for one that matches your style. Do they types of cake they make look like style of cake you would want at your wedding. And make sure you get the opportunity to try some cake too! After all a cake need to taste as good as it looks! 

How far in advance should a couple book you?

We recommend couples book at least 12 months in advance. Whilst we don’t have to confirm an exact design at the point, booking early ensures you get the suppliers you want for your big day. 

What is your top tip for Brides?

My top tip for brides is to remember the phrase 'two many cooks spoil the broth’. Whilst it is lovely that friends and family want to be involved, sometimes their well meaning opinions can get overwhelming and your wishes can get lost. We limit the amount of people who attend our consultations so that our focus remains 100% on the couple and what they want. 

Why do you love working in the wedding industry?

It may be a cliche but it is wonderful to be surrounded by love! It is such a happy industry to work in and it is a true honour and privilege to be included in one of the biggest days in a persons life! 

Describe your style?

We create, what we would describe as 'clean and fresh' wedding cakes. Modern and contemporary with beautiful detailing and a flourish of sugar flowers. 

Why should a couple choose you?

The wedding cake is one of the most photographed parts of the wedding day. In fact it’s one of the only parts of your ‘wedding decor’ you actually ‘pose’ with so it is so important it is perfect. We work closely with all our couples to make sure they have the perfect wedding cake for the picture perfect cake cutting moment.

If you have a vision for your dream wedding cake La Belle Cake company can turn it from your dream into reality.

See more of Michelle's work and get in touch with Michelle below:

https://labellecakecompany.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/labellecakecompany/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/Labellecakeco/boards/
https://www.instagram.com/labellecakecompany/

TUESDAY TIP FOR BRIDES! Have 2 Bridal Emergency kits!

It is a great idea to have a couple of bridal emergency kit's on your wedding day to help with anything unexpected, which trust me will likely happen!  I have worked at hundreds of weddings now and these thing's in my recommended emergency kit lists below I have seen get requested time and time again.  Often they have been forgotten about entirely amongst all of the more important pre-wedding things to do.  I am sure I must get asked for a pair of nail scissors at every wedding I am working at!


Image via www.wedmagazine.co.uk

The first emergency kit is to have with you on the wedding morning whilst all of the fun bridal preparations are taking place with rest of your bridal party.

Kit One
Mints
Tweezers
Nail scissors
Nail polish remover
Nail polish clear or a nude shade
Nail file
Small deodorant
Plasters
Travel toothpaste & spare toothbrush
Anti-histamine tablets
Bottled water & snacks
Tampons/Sanitary towels
Needle & thread/small sewing kit
Anti-bac wipes or gel
Universal phone charger
Handcream

The second emergency kit is take along with you on the wedding day for use throughout the day.    Simply add the contents to a small bag and give it to a bridesmaid or mum to keep safe for you.

Kit Two
Tissues
Hair grips
Small hairspray
Powder compact with mirror
Lip colour
Cotton buds
Safety pins and pins
Perfume
Paracetamol

The motto is 'be prepared', for example there will always be a hungry bridesmaid even if you won't be!

Happy wedding planning,

Niki x

May Update! Warning contains a lot of Dog photos!

A little late with my May Update as the days all merge together lately.

I have been doing a lot of painting and drawing during May to keep myself motivated and busy. Also taking lots of lovely dog walks in the marvellous spring sunshine we have been so lucky to enjoy.

I have also been looking at my current hygiene practices in preparation for when I return to work which have always been high priority for me but now will have to be increased even more where possible. I have taken Barbicide Hygiene training and Barbicide Covid-19 hygiene training, purchased lots of disposables, hand sanitiser, cleaner and disinfectant to use regularly in-between clients.  All clients will be made aware of how makeup and/or hair bookings will be taking place going forward via both direct email and social media.  I am planning a separate blog post on this as well.

I have become a founding member of The Association of British Wedding Businesses.  It is positive that the bridal industry now has an overall body and more importantly a voice.

 





I had lots of fun picking wild flowers which inspired me to do some hairstyling on my dolly head and accessorise the styles with flowers.











My little munchkins!  I warned you there would be dog photos! They are loving having us at home all the time... it is going to be shock for them when we have to go back to work.







Someone had a lockdown birthday! He is actually smiling here!



Desperately in need of a long overdue haircut...



Waiting in the car and got a little bored so I made us into a cartoon!



Before & after Haircuts!





My lovely Mum sent us a lockdown cake! It was yummy! https://www.fionacairns.com



Art stuff keeping me sane on Instagram @nikicreates























All Makeup enquiries to nikimakeup@aol.com
www.nikimakeup.co.uk

October Update!

October has been a lot calmer after the busy summer season!!

Autumn brings with it wedding show season I have exhibited at https://www.lutonhoo.co.uk and https://stmichaelsmanor.com/marry/ as I am a recommended Makeup Artist at these venues.





Amy had her October wedding at https://www.tewinbury.co.uk where I am also lucky to be recommended.  I styled Amy's Hair & Makeup on her wedding day as well as her bridesmaid's hair who all opted for soft textured bun styles.







Kara came over to the UK from the USA for her traditional English wedding at https://www.lutonhoo.co.uk

I only met her a few days before the wedding day for a makeup trial along with Jaydean who styled her hair https://www.hairbyjaydean.com





On the wedding day we changed from the grey-toned smokey eye shades used at the trial to warmer bronze-gold tones.



Kara's Beautiful Mother



Gorgeous Bridesmaids







Special Occasion Hair & Makeup at https://www.lutonhoo.co.uk





On the last Saturday in October I arrived at stunning https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/weddings/ at 7am to do eleven make-ups!! It was a busy morning so I didn't grab many photos but this was just one of the glamorous ladies i had the pleasure of meeting.



Wedding dates for 2020 are now limited.  Check availability and reserve your date now via http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk