Can I wear SPF on my Wedding day?

SPF can cause flashback in photographs taken using a flash.  Flash back is a white cast that appears on the skin in photographs. 

The main ingredients causing this are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  Silica and Silver Mica often found in mineral makeup and high definition powder because of the silky smooth finish they achieve are also a major culprit.

Be mindful when choosing 'Illuminating' and 'light reflecting' highlighters, moisturisers, primers, setting sprays, concealers and foundations as these can also increase the risk.  

Sunscreen products are designed to bounce light off the skin so therefore are definitely best avoided. 

It is worth noting SPF will not cause flash back with digital photography.

The safest foolproof way to avoid it is to not use SPF on the wedding day.  

Charlotte Tilbury now has a Primer SPF 50 that has no flashback I use this on most of my bridal clients as it keeps makeup in place, adds glow and smooths pores as well as protecting the skin. I  recommend this although when studying the ingredient list is also contains titanium dioxide. https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/invisible-uv-flawless-poreless-spf-primer

There definitely are cosmetic products containing these ingredients that can be used, I advise always testing by taking a flash photograph before the big day.  For example, I have used Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation in my professional kit forever and never had any flashback issues however I know a lot of people do with this particular foundation that contains SPF 10.  It could be down to the amount used/how it is applied as I use very little normally as I like to achieve natural looking skin or the powders that are used on top of it to set the makeup.

Chemical SPFs often used in makeup will also not cause it however mineral SPF such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide mentioned above can.  This is because of the opaque white pigments designed to reflect the suns harmful rays, reflect a camera flash on top of this and you are left with a white appearance.

Below are just some of the famous faces that have been caught out in the past!

All Wedding Enquiries via 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

October Update!

October has been a quieter month for me wedding season has finished giving me some time to catch up on other aspects of my business that don't involve makeup brushes!

I have been taking a lot of bridal bookings for next year recently and doing some trials ahead of some winter and early spring weddings.  Hair services are by request only as I prefer to specialise in makeup however I really did enjoy creating these two slightly different styles at one brides recent trial.

Polished smooth curls...



or messy curls with braids...



I adored making up this face with a bright red lip at a recent wedding!



Pretty glamorous makeup for a bridesmaid



Action station at South Farm, absolutely one of favourite wedding venues.
www.southfarm.com



Couldn't resist snapping this barge on my way to a photoshoot in Huntingdon near Cambridge.



Behind the scenes on a shoot...



It has been wedding showcase season!  I am lucky enough to be recommended by both the The Luton Hoo Hotel and St Michaels Manor Hotel and participated in both of the recent wedding showcase evenings meeting lots of potential brides and I have already made some 2018 bookings : )





I am interested in Art in particular pop and contemporary. I visited The Frieze Art Fair in Regents park and was thrilled Tracey Emin signed a copy of her book for me. www.friezeartfair.com

Peter Blake studio finds...





Andy Warhol



Lichtenstein



Tracey Emin book signing.



I am currently receiving a high volume of bridal bookings for 2018/19 and do now have limited Saturday availability in particular the months of September and July if you would like me to reserve your wedding date please get in touch early to avoid being disappointed. www.nikimakeup.co.uk