Inside my summer makeup bag!

Here is what I am currently using in my daily makeup routine during the summer.

Base:
Laura Mercier Bronzing gel
Creme De La Mer The reparative skin tint spf 30 (I am loving this right now!)
YSL touche éclat no. 2
MAC Prep + prime 24 - Hour extended eye base

Eyes:
Nars Isolde eye shadow duo
Loreal eyebrow pencil in 02 Blonde
Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow pencil Bronzed garnet
Bobbi Brown long-wear cream eyeshadow stick Golden Bronze
Maybelline Brow drama transparent (a staple in my makeup bag and professional kit)
Rimmel Volume colourist black mascara (not impressed, it does not do as it is claims!)

Face/cheeks:
Kiko bronzing powder 100 (I think this shade is now discontinued but I love it as its not too orange)
Bobbi Brown creme pot rouge Calypso coral

Lipstick:
MAC Bombshell (not seen here) A nice summer pink.



www.nikimakeup.co.uk

March Update!

I hope you have all enjoyed a lovely Easter break and lots of chocolate bunnies and eggs!

I have spent the break decorating my home office into more of a studio environment.  Firstly the ceiling was re-plastered, then I got on with filling, sanding and painting which I have to say I do love doing!  I have ordered a few very exciting things, this being one!
Available at http://www.whitemint.co.uk

Most will be fitted in soon after the industrial carpet cleaning takes place next week.  Hopefully next month I can show you the finished article!





I have worked on some truly lovely brides at their March weddings.




Above Makeup http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk  Hair http://www.hairbyjaydean.com

Below hair and makeup http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk


Makeup only


I also met up with brides for trial's ahead of their summer weddings. See some of my hair and makeup trials below.





I have enjoyed some nice spring walks with my pooches even seeing some sun and blue skies occasionally.



Shoots in Rickmansworth, Milton Keynes, Slough, Abbots Langley and Stanmore.



All Bridal enquiries via http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk
Shoot/Event enquries via http://www.nikimakeup.com

Bridal Make-up for Kym.

On April 25th I was lucky enough to do wedding make-up for beautiful Kim, her two lovely bridesmaid's and adorable flower girl at Tewinbury Farm Hotel. 

For Kim's bridal make-up we created an effortlessly natural look in keeping with her relaxed and informal wedding style. To achieve this look I used a lightweight foundation form Kiko cosmetics, Bobbi Brown concealer, MAC eyeshadows in neutral shades, Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in black, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, MAC lipliner in Subculture and MAC Brave lipstick. To complete the look I applied some individual natural eyelashes from Ardell. 

Kim was really fun to work with and I was so pleased to be a part of her special day.

Kim's testimonial...

"Niki is wonderful, so lovely, warming and welcoming. The trial at her home set the tone for the make up look I wanted on the day, and she altered things as I wanted because what I initially thought would suit me really didn't. So accomodating and helpful with tips on what to buy / use before the big day. I have never looked so flawless in my life and I have acne scarring and pigmentation. This woman is a genius. Also my bridesmaids, who both hated the thought of having their faces touched and done up by someone else, were both at ease with your calming presence and absolutely loved their make up. My sister never wears makeup and finds it hard to pick anything due to her red hair and fair skin but you matched her perfectly on the day without even needing a trial, she said she's never felt so pretty!!!

I just personally wanted to say a massive thank you for doing my makeup on our wedding day. Your calming presence in the morning was just what I needed and your advice in between my trial and the big day was so appreciated! I cannot praise the end results enough, you made me feel so beautiful but still like myself. I still looked fresh after a night of partying with the band and being spun around within an inch of my life on our finale song… and not a single eyelash fell off!"

All enquiries via www.nikimakeup.co.uk

All photography courtesy of www.mikiphotography.info

October Update!

Wow! I cannot believe it is October already where did the past 10 months go?...

I have been very busy with weddings this year in particular but wedding season has now come to an end!  I am so lucky to have been a part of so many beautiful weddings.  I have worked with so many lovely brides and I truly love my job. Recently I have been catching up on things I didn't have time to do during the busy summer...getting organised!

Here is just some of what I have been up to this month.

As the recommended Make-up artist at The Luton Hoo Hotel & Spa in Bedfordshire I attended the exclusive wedding showcase event on Sunday 26th October exhibiting alongside the talented Hair by Jaydean.

Enjoying some gorgeous country walks during the mild October weather and saw the first Holly this year. Christmas is in the air!

                         Spending time with my gorgeous boys!

                                    Lucas just loves a selfie!

Yes I must confess after looking at the above I am a Make-up addict not just an artist.

Here is a behind the scenes sneaky peak at an upcoming shoot that I just worked on and is not yet published.

                               Christmas puds are in the making!

Happy Halloween! X

Bridal Beauty Inspiration 2014

This year has definitely seen an interesting shift in bridal make-up and hair trends.
As this years bridal make-up trials began in January it soon became apparent that many of my brides were opting for a more glamorous 'made-up' look for their big day as opposed to the very popular 'boho' natural make-up and very soft hair styles over the past couple of years. I have seen many brides with red painted nails and hair artfully perfected into glamorous waved and curled styles. I have applied a lot of red lips and defined eyes with dramatic smokey brown and grey hues and precise eyeliner flicks.
Hollywood glamour and the roaring twenties for example have heavily inspired many of my 2014 brides.
There has obviously still been many brides opting for the more natural make-up and softer hair styled looks and there always will be but it has been fun to do these stronger looks as well!
The pictures below are images brides have sent to me as there inspirational hair and make-up pictures.

Here are just a couple of my very glamorous brides and I hope to share more professional images with you soon.

For more hair and make-up inspiration follow my boards on Pinterest, I update daily with new inspirations : )

http://gb.pinterest.com/nikimakeup/

For all make-up enquiries please visit www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Exclusive Valentines Professional Make-up session.

Love is in the air and what better way to treat yourself or your loved one than to an exclusive professional make-up session.

Book now and find that perfect red lipstick shade you have always wanted!

A one hour professional make-up session with me in the comfort of your own home or visit me if preferred.

*£50.00. Gift Vouchers available.

*A travel fee may need to be added depending on the location.

This offer is valid exclusively throughout Februaury 2014 only. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Email all enquiries via www.nikimakeup.co.uk