FRIDAY FAVE! d'Alba Piedmont FIRST SPRAY SERUM

Oh my! I am so happy to tell you about this one, that is, if you haven't heard already about this TikTok viral trending Korean white truffle serum spray!

I brought one for myself to try because lets face it everything that goes into my pro' makeup kit gets thoroughly tested on my face first and if it doesn't live up to my high standards it just does not make the grade!

Well let me tell you I absolutely love this product and I am literally spraying it on my face all day, so yes I have already purchased another one for my pro' kit.

This has become so popular for achieving that ultra-glowy glass-like skin effect.

It can be used before makeup, during makeup, after makeup and throughout the day for refreshing makeup. In my pro' kit I use it on clients before moisturiser to add hydration and glow, also during makeup layers to melt makeup into the skin and after makeup to take away a powdery finish.  

It is great for mature skin, dry/dehydrated skin, makeup prep, glowy makeup and reviving makeup!

Skin will look and feel super hydrated and radiant. The glow is instant, the mist is super fine and the smell is like stepping into a spa!

A  blend of oils including avocado and sunflower, hydrating serum ingredients, niacin amide, vitamin E and white truffle extract.

This is a dual-action formula so shake the bottle to mix the liquid before spraying and spray from a distance (10-20cm away) to avoid overloading the skin with too much product especially around the eyes and mouth.  Spray 3-5 times to mix the layers!

Ultimately if you want to achieve a glowy, dewy, youthful and refreshed look this is the product for you.

Vegan & suitable for sensitive skin.

PRO TIP!

Spray onto a mini sponge before blending out makeup especially around the eyes and laughter lines.

Let me just leave this here.... you NEED this in your life....

Definitely a "Friday Fave!"

Shop the link here:

https://go.shopmy.us/p-59091759

Check out that glow! X

FRIDAY FAVE! Schwarzkopf got2b glued wax stick

I have long been a fan of the "Cult favourite" Got2b blasting freeze hairspray (if you haven't tried it you really must!) and I am now loving this chunky wax stick. This is a new firm favourite in my pro' hairdressing kit as well as my bathroom cabinet!

Simply twist and apply directly to hair.  Style your hair in your chosen up-do, from buns to ponytails and apply the wax stick onto your hair to sleekly set your style in place or simply and easily use it to tame frizz and flyaway hairs. 

I like to wear my hair up in a high bun on hot sunny days and I can honestly say this has been game changing for keeping my hair sleek and well set all day, before I would get bits falling out all over the place - very annoying!

Pro Tip: Apply the stick to your finger tips, pat and gently rub together and smooth over any flyaways or the ends of your hair for a smooth polished finish.

There is no greasy or crunchy hair with this and the styling lasts up to 24 hours.

Contains a blend of nourishing coconut oil, castor oil and shea butter.

Vegan, silicone-free formula.

"Absolutely a firm Friday Fave!"

RRP £5.755 50g Shop the link below:

https://go.shopmy.us/p-57703098

APRIL UPDATE!

April has been lovely mainly due to the warmer, sunnier and longer days!

I have been busy planning a some exciting new business ideas behind the scenes which has kept me very busy...watch this space!

I have also had some lovely spring weddings locally as well as makeup lessons and workshops, special occasions and pre-wedding trials so a busy month that has gone quickly. I am definitely looking forward to some May bank holiday down time!

Easter art! These Egg designs were painted using acrylic paints. you can see more of my art @nikicreates on Instagram. 

I have been loving spending time outside and long sunny walks with Rufus my toy poodle he is the cutest although a lot of work! You can follow more of his antics @rufustheredtoypoodle on Instagram.

I have been making and enjoying some delicious salads!

All enquiries to www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Friday Fave! Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer

I have been testing this concealer for around a month or so now and I like it used in small amounts, a little goes a long way.  This is a good full coverage concealer hence why a little goes a log way. I have found it covers blemishes and redness very well, as well as not feeling too heavy applied under the eyes.

The coverage is very good, the overall finish looks and feels natural and it stays on well all day.  This concealer feels hydrating and comfortable to wear and I have not felt any creasing but then I am not prone to concealer creasing.

The concealer moisturises for 24 hours and doubles the hydration after one hour, I have to say my skin has definitely felt more hydrated since wearing it and even looks more glowy!

The applicator is diamond shaped for easy application, I apply a few dabs onto the face using the applicator and then tend to blend in well with a separate concealer brush.

It is a firm  "Friday Fave" and is remaining in my makeup bag - always a good sign!  I have also stocked up on various shades for my pro' kit.

The Magic!

*powered by advanced skincare

*powder blur technology smooths and blurs

*24 hour oil and shine control

*weightless full coverage

*water resistant -sweat proof, humidity proof and transfer resistant

* Elastic stretch that flexes with you.

*Natural Matte finish

* 24 hour creaseless wear

*Available in 34 shades

*Non Comedogenic

RRP. £31.00

I have a unique Charlotte Tilbury discount code that can be used at online check out.

CT-PRO7ALRD8Q5 

Happy Shopping!

FRIDAY FAVE! Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2: In Love with Olivia

A satin finish muted nude soft pink lipstick, for me the perfect nude natural lip colour!

Hydrates and conditions (lipstick tree extract) and moisturises (crumb oil).

The lipstick casing is beautiful and this lipstick is also interchangeable and refillable with the other eleven Hot lips shades, there are five different designs of the lipstick casing.

The Hot Lips 2 range was created in collaboration with 11 incredible Icons. The shade 'In Love with Olivia' was made in homage to Olivia Palermo.

This is great colour for any Brides looking for a natural lipstick shade, a new staple in my pro' kit.

I honestly think this lipstick would look stunning on almost anyone, definitely a "Friday Fave!"

RRP £30.00

I am part of Charlotte Tilbury's Magic beauty Stars programme (AD) use my unique code to save 15% at checkout.

nikilSME32

Pro' Tip! Apply lip liner lightly all over the lips prior to lipstick application.  I like to use the original Pillow talk lipliner with this lipstick for my perfect natural day look.

FRIDAY FAVE! Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-wear Foundation SPF20

I recently brought a bottle of this foundation to try. I usually stock the iconic Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation in my professional makeup kit but I wanted something a bit lighter for myself to wear every day.

I have to say I love it!! I honestly think this is the holy grail of foundations and I wonder where it has been hiding all of my life! 

I could literally use this base on every single client in my makeup chair... there I have said it is out here in the world! Look no further for your perfect base just head to an Estée lauder counter today! Just pointing out that I am in no way affiliated to Estée Lauder and this is not an AD.

For me this is the ultimate foundation.  I will be wearing it myself going forward and I am shortly off to look at the colour range properly and stock up my pro' kit!

Why do I love it so much?

Suitable for all skin types 

Great colour range

Non-Comedogenic

Blends like a Dream!

Sheer matte application yet evens the skin tone to absolute natural perfection 

Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested

12 hour wear No caking, creasing or streaking 

Oil free and controls oil

All day hydration with hyaluronic acid and red fruit complex

SPF 20 to help protect against UV rays / Vitamin E Anti pollution protection

Light weight, breathable and comfortable to wear.

Sweet and Humidity resistant ...Calling all Brides to be!!

This foundation is a fluid consistency in a bottle, shake before application. 

RRP £39.50

A definite "Friday Fave!"

PRO TIP!

I like to apply a large pea sized amount to the back of my hand and apply with a foundation brush starting in the centre of the face and blending out to the hairline and jawline, blend well for a flawless finish. 

FRIDAY FAVE! Schwarzkopf got2b GLUED blasting freeze hairspray

got2b GLUED blasting freeze hairspray.

This has been a staple in my kit for years now, if you are looking for a strong hold hairspray without hair feeling crunchy this is the spray for you!

Easily spotted in its bright yellow can this is often seen in any pro' hairstylist's kit bag backstage and on set. It is a go-to reliable choice for strong lasting hold without stickiness and flaking.

The best bit! It is super affordable often found under £5.00 and is easy to purchase in Tesco, Boots Superdrug and many others.

For me it is essential for long lasting and well set curls for my Brides.

It is quick drying and brushes out of the hair easily, with a light citrus scent and is a vegan formula.

This product is great for helping to achieve and hold extreme hairstyles even in challenging conditions such as humidity and wind...  Spiked styles, sleek updos, taming flyaways you name it ...this hairspray is all you need.

Pro Tip! For max hold and zero church layer the application. A light spray, let it set for around ten seconds, then add a second light spray. This tried and tested method builds a strong yet flexible hold- perfect for styles that need staying power without looking stiff.

A cult favourite and definitely a "Friday Fave!"

FRIDAY FAVE! Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

As a natural makeup expert I am always trying and testing the latest bases to achieve a natural, beautiful complexion on my clients. Lisa Eldridge’s seamless skin enhancing tint certainly ticks the boxes! A firm "Friday Fave!"

The Details…

This is a beautiful natural base that is buildable, perfect for achieving a fresh radiant complexion.

It hydrates, nourishes and plumps the skin as it is made up of 78% skin care ingredients.

The comfortable light, crease-proof formula means it blends seamlessly even around the eye area too!

Available in 20 shades. There are some incredible pale shades too for those ladies that struggle!

I absolutely love the clean, white, simple packaging inspired by Lisa’s love of the Artist Barbara Hepworth.

Those that know me will know I have long adored MAC Face & Body radiance foundation but this is definitely a great similar alternative.  I also find I can achieve more coverage with this so it’s a great new addition to my pro’ kit.

Plus points!

Contains no parabens, alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, mineral oils, talc, microplastics, PFAS or gluten!

Vegan and cruelty free.

My Pro Tip!

Shake before applying in very thin layers (Lisa recommends 2 drops on the back of your hand to begin).  Blend each layer well using a brush until you reach your desired coverage. Apply more or less in different areas of the face where you may need more/ less coverage.

Definitely a firm Favourite in my pro' kit!

£37.00 Available in 20 shades from www.lisaeldridge.com

FRIDAY FAVE! MAC Brush Cleanser

This liquid brush cleanser has been a staple in my pro' kit for over twenty years now!

It cleans and conditions make up brush hairs quickly and they dry fast.

You can use this product daily, weekly or alternately in between shampoo washes. 

Your brushes will be kept super clean and free from bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

It leaves makeup brushes smelling fresh and clean and aids in the drying time.

This is great for me if I need to get my brushes clean and dry quickly in-between clients.

I pour a small amount onto a piece of kitchen paper and gently wipe the brush hairs back and fourth or in circular movements.  I repeat this until there is no more coloured makeup residue on the paper.  I then re-shape the brush hairs into a tapered point or dome depending on the brush and leave to air dry with the brush heads over the edge of a table/counter.

In my opinion it is the easiest and fastest way to clean and dry your brushes. 

A firm Friday Fave!

RRP. £15.00 size 225ml

My Ultimate guide to Make up Brush Cleaning!

My Ultimate Guide to Brush cleaning in Five steps!

1. Invest in a pair of rubber gloves just for using with cleaning your makeup brushes.  

Use the palm of the glove which is textured to add a pea sized amount of a gentle shampoo. For very stubborn makeup use washing up liquid.

2. Use hot water to clean your brushes. Gently wipe back and forth and move the brush in circular rotations to remove makeup from the brush hairs.  The texture of the glove really helps to dislodge makeup gathered in the brush hairs.

3. Rinse the brushes under clean hot water from the tap until there is no makeup or shampoo left in the brush hairs, now gently squeeze out any remaining excess water from the hairs. 

4. Shape the brush hairs to a point or dome depending on the brush type using your finger tips before laying to dry.

5. Always lay brushes flat to dry on a towel. At this stage I usually wipe the brush handles with a Dettol wipe (or similar product) before using a separate towel to make sure each brush handle is dry.  Now lay brush heads over the edge of a table so that air can circulate the entire brush head.  This step speeds up the drying process and stops water running back down into the ferrule of the brush which is usually glued and will therefore loosen over time with repeated washing.

Happy Cleaning!

MARCH UPDATE!

March has been a lovely month after the longest winter ever I am out of hibernation finally and spring is  in the air!

I have been really enjoying working in my garden studio which I have had a few years now but it really feels like home at the moment! A safe and friendly space to relax, be present and most importantly for me be creative.  The little monkey aka @rufustheredtoypoodle (check out his Instagram if you are interested!) can't wait to sneak in to the studio in-between clients.

I can honestly say I have met and worked with the most lovely clients of all ages in recent weeks as you can see from the beautiful faces below I snapped on my iPhone. 

It has been a busy month of make-up group workshops, 1:1 Make-up Lessons, Bridal trials and Branding shoots.  

See my website https://www.nikimakeup.co.uk if you are interested in any of these services for pricing and more details.

In other news I finally did after years of wanting to... a beginners photography course with the fabulous Stephanie Belton https://www.stephaniebelton.com  and I am really enjoying practicing what I have learned.

I was working Mother's day weekend so I treated my wonderful Mum to a mid week Mother's day treat at https://thehandandflowers.co.uk.  It was fabulous we both really enjoyed the food and atmosphere.

... and obviously crazy days with my side kick Rufus who is certainly keeping me on my toes! My fourth poodle and definitely a little quirky this one to say the least!!

Fresh haircut & me practicing my photography skills on my muse!

Thank you for reading and wishing you a very Happy Easter! X