Micellar Cleansing

French ladies have been cleansing with micellar waters for many years now but only in recent years have they gained popularity in the UK.  This is largely due to the favorite cult beauty product 'Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellaire' used by make-up artists, celebrities and models backstage at shows for its gentle and super swift removal of even the most stubborn make-up.  Bioderma however is still not that easy to track down mostly you have to trawl the internet to find the best price or alternatively stock up at a much better price if you happen to be visiting France. The good news is there is now an array of micellar waters available in the UK from chemists including Boots and Superdrug.

Just so you know Micellar waters are non-rinse cleansers that you sweep over the face with cotton pads to remove make-up gently and super efficiently. They are soap free, mostly good for sensitive skin types and remove even the heaviest of eye make-up.  I highly recommend these over rubbing with facial wipes (you know who you are!)

Below are some of the best micellar waters on the market that I have found!

The original Cult beauty best buy. £14.50 500ml http://www.escentual.com/

Loreal is one of my personal faves! £4.99 200ml

Available at Boots the Chemist.

Superdrug's version won't break the bank! £2.47 150ml

Another firm favorite of mine, and a great one for super sensitive skin.

£11.50 200ml.  Available at Boots The Chemist.

            £14.50 200ml
            Available at larger Marks & Spencer stores.

                      A special treat maybe! £24.00 200ml
                      Available at John Lewis.

                           £10.50 200ml
                           Available at Boots the Chemist

                Great for Lancome lovers! £23.00 200ml
                All good department stores.

                   £4.49 200ml
                   Available at Boots the chemist

Great value £4.99 400ml

Avaialable at Boots The Chemist

Happy Shopping X

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

January Update!

January is always a horribly depressing month the Christmas fun is all over and the weather is bleak!
I am seriously over the amount of rain we have had this year too and so not enjoying dog walks either in the rain or trying to avoid it!

I have spent most of January testing creatively and updating my portfolio.  This has also been a busy period of organizing most of this years brides, 2014 looks like a busy one for weddings!

I am thrilled to be the new recommended supplier for Make-up artistry at St .Michaels Manor, St.Albans.

Pinterest has also helped to lift my spirits this month, I love pinning everyday my favorite things to keep motivated.
http://www.pinterest.com/nikimakeup/

See some pic's from my month below!

 Beauty.

 Behind the scenes...

A rare bright morning walk!

Hailstones like you would not believe!

Splurge vs Steal:Longwear Lipcolour

I am loving the new long wearing lip colours on the market now. Gone are the days of dried out lips and cracked looking lipstick!

My favourite splurge purchase is YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres. The shine of a lipgloss and the stay put colour of a stain. Gorgeous packaging and a neat slanted tipped applicator for precision.
£23.50

My super-star steal is Loreal Paris Glam Shine 6HR Lip gloss.  Lips look glossy and plump! The colour lasts well, it feels nice on and it also has a good slanted applicator.
£8.69

News!

I am thrilled to announce I am the new recommended supplier for make-up artistry at St. Michael's Manor Hotel in St.Albans.

Here is a recent St Michael's Manor Hotel Bride Gill Webb on her wedding day 26th September 2013.

Here is what Gill had to say:
"Having tried two previous make up artists I really wasn't happy with the end result. I either looked too made up or just too old! Anyway, I found Niki online and visited her at home for a make up trial. She just totally got it! Colours, the look, everything! She's also a really lovely person! On the day of my wedding (26th Sept 2013) she was calm, totally professional and just went to work on me! My make up was absolutely perfect! It is such an important part of you to get right, for photographs if nothing else! I felt just amazing. Thank you Niki! If you do nothing else, have Niki do your make up!!x."

If you are looking for a stunning venue for your wedding day/special event see the St.Michael's Manor Hotel website http://www.stmichaelsmanor.com/

All bridal make-up enquiries please visit www.nikimakeup.co.uk for further information.

My top five bridal beauty must haves!

1 mini hairspray to fix stray hairs

2 lipstick or lipgloss to re-apply throughout the day

3 blot powder to blot excess shine and keep make-up in place

4 kohl pencil or liquid eyeliner to strengthen eye make-up for the evening

5 concealer for emergency touch ups

I have also just joined bloglovin so do also follow me there.

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9593321/?claim=zvc8kk8z7kp">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Spring/Summer 2014 Beauty trends.

I need a little something to brighten up the grey winter days at the moment! I am looking forward to testing some Spring/Summer beauty trends ahead of the change in weather to put a spring back into my step!

For loads of inspiration from the fashion week shows check out my pinterest link below.

http://www.pinterest.com/nikimakeup/spring-summer-2014/

This Spring/Summer its mostly about a natural look, the buzz words at the shows were "Raw Beauty"..."Natural"..."pure"..."minimal"..."youthful"..."bare"...and "fresh" looking skin.
This can be achieved using clever skincare application.

There were still some great variations on the catwalks. My particular favorites include gold thread cleverly glued to eyelashes for an 'oh so' subtle shimmering look and complimented beautifully with gold leaf applied to the hair parting as seen at Dries Van Noten.  I also loved the Givenchy Sequin face mask, Dior's gold eyebrows and the graphic 'graffiti' eyes created by Peter Philips at Chanel.

The so called 'IT' colour is 'Lavender' with the Pantone Colour of the year 2014 being called 'Radiant Orchid'. Colour was seen in the form of aquatic 'greeny blue' eyewashes and blue was definitely the standout colour. Vibrant 'Cobalt'and 'Electric'shades of blue eye make-up were seen at Prada, Mark Jacobs and Anna Sui. I must also mention the fabulous chalky pink matte lips as seen at Fendi and Prabal Gurung.

Some of the big hair trends included 'uber straight' ironed hair, low centre parted ponytails and low ponytails parted on one side  that were accessorised.  Wigs were seen in abundance, these were mostly short and choppy. Casually tousled hair also complimented the naturally made-up look.

Nails were seen to be bejeweled in Swarovski crystals and blingy nail tips were artfully decorated. Nails were also seen to be painted in two different tones. I particularly liked the tortoiseshell Manicure seen at Rodarte.

Beauty inspirations came from... the seventies...the fifties.... samurai warriors...Ibizan party goers...the young Jane Birken...The Ethereal future...The Parisian woman...Greek statues....and the tropical...to name a few...

Do check out my pinterest fashion show beauty shots, then adapt and take inspiration from these trends to suit you.