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

My summer make-up bag!

I Summer is just around the corner, we hope...it is a great time to shake up your make-up bag!

Here is a peek of what I will be using mostly.

Make-up bag @ www.charlottetilbury.com

Nail polish Boots No.7 Gel-Look Shine shade 'Hotting Up'

Laura Mercier Bronzing gel

Bobbi Brown BB Cream shade 'Fair'

MAC studio finish concealers in shades 'NW20' and 'NW30'

YSL touché éclat shade '02'

Barbara Daly Trade Secrets dream shine highlighter 

Kiko Bronzer shade '100'

MAC Eyebrow pencil shade 'Strawberry Blonde'

Maybelline Brow Drama transparent gel

Bobbi Brown pot rouge shade 'Calypso Coral'

NARS eyeshadow duo shade 'Isolde'

Kiko eyeshadow palette clic system shades '257' and '236'

Bobbi Brown long wear cream shadow stick shade 'Golden Bronze'

Bobbi Brown Smokey eyes mascara shade 'Black'

Bobbi Brown lip liner shade 'Ballet pink'

Bobbi Brown shimmer 24 Karat shimmer brick 

Charlotte Tilbury lipstick shade 'Bitch Perfect'

 

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

LHave you tried the new Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow sticks? 

I think they are fabulous! They are so quick and easy to use, just one swipe of the stick and you have defined or highlighted eyes.  The best bit, they do not crease and wear off throughout the day.  They are completely long-wearing and waterproof.  Easy to blend with your fingers or a brush if preferred.

My favourite shade is 'Golden bronze'.

Do check them out and have a play with the colours if you are looking to update your summer eye make-up with great ease!

Eighteen great shades, RRP £20.00 available at all good department stores!

April Update!

This month....

Our Kitchen/Bathroom extension has finally begun! 

Definitely no going back.

Wedding season officially kicked off for the summer and the weather warmed up too : )

Bridal hair and make-up for Anna at St. Michaels Manor, St Albans.

Cutest wedding manicure for the little bridesmaids at Emily's wedding in Flamstead.

Sunny and warm walks at last!

Just a few bridal trials below and I had some fun shoots at Hotel chocolate HQ and on a farm with no electricity for hair appliances and I had to do make-up sitting in the boot of my car in a field. It's not all glamour in this job!

www.nikimakeup.com www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Barbara Daly Trade Secrets dream shine highlighter.

Whilst on a recent visit to a Tesco Extra store I spent far too long browsing the excellent beauty products on offer.

Barbara Daly an exclusive brand to Tesco is a product line I have not used until recently, I have been trying a few different products in the range and I have to say I am impressed.

I particularly love Barbara Daly Trade Secrets dream shine highlighter.  Packaged in luxurious gold with an indictor on the side so you can see just how much product you have used. Press the pump and a beautiful lightweight golden 'serum-gel' is deposited into your palm.  I have been applying this to my cheekbones for weeks now and I absolutely love it! My skin instantly looks and feels more youthful, healthy and has a fresh radiant glow - just perfect for summer. An absolute bargain at £7.99 and is currently on a 3 for 2 offer until 20th April. This is also voted product of the year 2015 for product innovation in the hero beauty category. 

March Update!

A busy month of weddings, wedding trials, special occasion make-ups and shoots....

Stand out moments for me were I had a really long day driving and and tough day shooting in Suffolk, too many insanely busy Saturday's and a lovely shoot at stunning Warren Weir at The Luton hoo hotel where I am the recommended Make-up artist.

Behind the scenes on the Warren Weir shoot.

Below are taken at Emily's wedding at Luton Hoo this month what a view from the makeup chair!

I have been doing a lot of hair styling this month as well, see some of my hair and makeup piccies below.

Some of my recent beauty hair and makeup work

No.7 Nail colour Gel-Look shine: Purple Bouquet

I am loving this beautiful spring nail colour from Boots No.7. to cheer me up on this grey Monday!

Gel -look shine in shade 'Spring Bouquet', a lilac pink (note it looks more lilac and less pink than in this photo!)

RRP £7.00