TUESDAY TIP: De-Clutter your Make-up Bag!

Spring is well and truly here now so it is as good as time as any to spring clean your make-up bag.

Firstly check the expiry dates on all products (this should be done regularly) and throw out items you have had for too long, ladies you know who you are!! Any makeup that smells, has changed colour or texture or that generally looks dirty throw it!  Every cosmetic has a small open pot logo on the back with a number written inside it, this is the number of months or years it can be used after opening.

Throw out any item you have had for years and never use and any make-up that you have had for over two years should definitely go!
Wipe clean your makeup bag regularly with warm soapy water both inside and out.  Products can be easily and quickly cleaned with a dettol/antibacterial wipe or a similar spray and kitchen towel.

Here is a general guide to how long you should keep makeup:
Mascara - 3-6 months
Eyeliner 3 months-2 years
Powder eyeshadow, blusher, bronzer, powder - 18 months to 2.5 years
Foundation 6 months-2 years
Concealer 6 months-2 years
Lipstick - 2 years





Below are the essentials you should include in your make-up bag for a day and/or evening look.

My Top Ten Make-up Bag Essential items!
Base
Concealer
Primer/eye primer
Eyeliner
Eyeshadow
Brow colour
Mascara
Blusher
Bronzer
Clear brow gel

Inside my current makeup bag!
Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow - I am also finishing up the last of La Mer reparative skin tint spf 30 (now discontinued)
MAC studio finish concealer
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise creme shadow in shade Jean (used as a primer)
Charlotte Tilbury Barbarella Brown Eyeliner pencil
Nars Isolde Duo eyeshadow plus a Smashbox mixed palette.
MAC Brow duo powder
Charlotte Tilbury Legendary lashes Mascara
Bobbi Brown Pot rouge in Calypso Coral
Chanel Soleil Tan Creme Bronze Universal and NARS Laguna bronzing powder
Maybelline Brow Drama transparent



Keep your makeup brushes and tools such as sponges, pencil sharpener and eyelash curlers separately to your make-up bag. Likewise keep your powder compact and lip colour separately in your handbag to keep with you for touch ups during the day.  In my handbag I keep my trusty MAC Blot powder in shade Medium dark, Tom Ford lip colour in Twist of Fate and a Charlotte Tilbury lip liner in Pillow talk.

It is important to review your makeup regularly, as your face changes colour, texture and general condition with the changing seasons, age, hormones and environment so your makeup should be adjusted accordingly.

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

Friday Fave! NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer

I love this bronzing fluid by NARS in the iconic NARS Laguna bronzer shade.

Shh... don't tell anyone but I am not a massive fan of the feel of foundation and haven't actually worn it myself in many years!  Instead, I opt for a bronzing gel or fluid with concealer on top, this way I achieve the golden glowing skin that I absolutely love without wearing heavy makeup.

The Laguna Liquid Bronzer achieves a simply divine sheer texture that blends into the skin effortlessly.  I like to apply it with my fingertips and blend well but you can equally use a sponge, beauty blender or brush of your choice.

You can also mix it with your regular moisturiser to sheer it down a little, this would be great if you are very pale skinned or try mixing it with your favourite foundation for a beautiful golden glow that suits your skin tone.

A little goes a long way, you will only need to use a few pumps maximum so a bottle will last you very well. I have also been know to apply it to the backs of my hands, arms and feet if I need a quick emergency fix of colour! Therefore it is also a great one for the Professional Makeup Artist's Kit!

This literally makes me feel like I have spent a gorgeous day in the Mediterranean sun but in England... in January... and without the sun damage!! : )




RRP. £27.00
https://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/en/laguna-liquid-bronzer/0607845051152.html?cgid=bronzer

Friday Fave! - MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot

This is my go-to eye base for most of my clients!



It is a perfect primer before eyeshadow keeping eye makeup in place all day without any creasing or wear.  Although it is not specifically sold as a primer more of a longwear cream eyeshadow.  I however have always preferred eye primers to have a little creamy colour to even skin tone so this does the job perfectly.

I like the shade 'Soft Ochre' as it evens out the skintone of the eyelid before colour is applied on top.  You also get the true eyeshadow colour this way as you have a perfect even skintone to apply the colour on to, as opposed to the reds and blues that are naturally on our eyelids which will change the colour of eyeshadow if you apply directly onto this.

I usually set the paint pot with a neutral cream shade of shadow first before applying coloured shadows to set it similar to how you set a foundation with a powder before powder blusher or bronzer is applied.  A colour like Bobbi Brown 'Bone', MAC 'Brule' or the lightest shade in any Urban Decay Eye Palette would be perfect for this.

Eye Primer is essential to keep eye makeup in place and this is definitely my favourite, in my pro-kit as well as my personal makeup bag!

There are nine shades available.  RRP. £16.50.

https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13840/1573/products/makeup/eyes/eyeshadow/pro-longwear-paint-pot#/shade/Soft_Ochre

Friday Fave! Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2

Legendary Lashes Volume 2 is a great mascara in my opinion, although I think I was one of the minority that loved the original it was the perfect mascara for me and my short fair eyelashes!

It is a new staple in my makeup bag which is fast becoming a bag of Charlotte Tilbury!!  I apply a good two or three coats and it really builds the thickness and length of my lashes.  I also love the fact it is an intense jet black mascara.  The brush is a good size, it is quite big to build the lashes but not too big and works perfectly on my bottom lashes as well.

A brand new Long-wear, smudge-proof and humidity resistant formula.

Increases Lash volume and thickness after just one application.

Paraben and Fragrance free.

It is a definite thumbs up from me!

£25.00 www.charlottetilbury.com

Friday Fave: Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask

My "Friday Fave" this week is Charlotte Tilbury's 'Goddess Skin Clay Mask'.


I must admit I have never really been that good at using masks at home in the past but I absolutely love this one! I use it 2-3 times a week. I smooth it on to my face in a thin layer using my finger tips and leave for 10 minutes before massaging my face as I wash it off.  I am left with glowing, super soft clear skin. I follow up with the Charlotte Tilbury 'Magic cream' moisturiser http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/charlottes-magic-cream.html which is equally as fabulous!  
My Makeup even looks better and sits on my skin just beautifully after I have used this mask.

I would especially recommend using this before an important social event like a wedding when you really want your skin to look and feel amazing...this is a great product for Brides to be!

The formula itself consists of Spanish clay with almond oil to nourish, BioNymph Peptide to promote collagen and elasticity, Frangipani flower extracts that have antiseptic properties to soothe and essential oils to hydrate.  

Even better it is 'Vegan Friendly' and not tested on animals.

Goddess Skin Clay Mask.  £38.00 75ml
http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/goddess-skin-clay-mask.html

I 100% recommend this product, Happy Shopping! : )

Friday Fave: Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Conditioner 300ml

This week's "Friday Fave" is Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Conditioner which I have been using for a good month or so now.  I am a huge fan and indeed of the daily shampoo.

This is excellent for colour treated hair.  My hair colourist for the first time ever said my hair seemed in much better condition, I am convinced it is totally down to this Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner combo!

Enriched with proteins, amino acids and panthenol it strengthens and moisturises helping to repair colour treated hair.

Apply a small amount to your palms and massage into the hair, you will notice hair instantly de- tangles and feels silky and smooth.

My hair feels shinier and healthier than it has in a long time. I recommend using this in conjunction with the daily shampoo (£11.75).



Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Conditioner Retails at £14.50
Available at www.lookfantastic.com