Friday Fave! MAC Blot Powder

This has been in a staple in both my professional makeup kit and my personal makeup bag for my entire career spanning over fifteen years! I cannot say many products last as a favourite for that long.

The powder comes in five shades for all skin tones with a powder puff in the compact.
Light, medium, medium dark, dark and deep dark
I use medium dark and this is the most used shade in my professional kit as well.

I like to apply it with a brush on clients for a natural finish or with a puff if shine on the skin is strong.
I use the puff in the compact on myself and control shine and keep my makeup set all day using this powder, it never leaves my handbag!

This powder is great for oily/combination skin, professional makeup work and special situations in life when you really need your makeup to last without looking shiny.  It also achieves a sheer and natural finish which I absolutely love.

It is an oil control powder that has super minimal colour so it will not change the colour of your base foundation the more you apply throughout the day.  It simply sets makeup in place very well and blots shine.

I 100% recommend this product and have yet to find anything thats beats it.

Retail £22.50

https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13849/301/products/makeup/face/powder/blot-powderpressed

Friday Fave! La Mer The Eye Balm Intense

Continuing from Last week's luxurious skincare "Friday Fave" post I am happy to share with you my all time favourite eye moisturiser... drumroll please....The Eye balm Intense by Crème de la Mer!

This eye balm is a true miracle in a pot as far as I am concerned along with many others I might add just read the reviews!

I began using this cream in my early twenties when I randomly developed Eczema on my eyelids and after talking with the Creme de la Mer consultants and reading up on the brand and reviews I decided to give it a try. My eczema immediately improved and believe me I had tried a lot of different lotions and potions including prescribed medication. Very quickly my eczema became well controlled using this eye balm to the point when it eventually went away.  I occasionally can feel a flare up starting due to seasonal changes so I simply apply a little more than usual twice daily and it stops it in its tracks every time!
I therefore swear by this miracle eye balm, I am very happy with it and would never change.  I believe the appearance of the skin around my eyes is all thanks to this little pot of pure magic!

The balm smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and diminishes puffiness.  Deeply emollient, it conditions, hydrates and softens.

Key Ingredient: Miracle Broth TM & Marine De-Puff Ferment TM.

£160.00 15ml (it lasts ages though as you do not need to apply a lot).

https://www.cremedelamer.co.uk/product/20652/13071/face/eye-treatments/the-eye-balm-intense/eye-cream-for-puffiness#/sku/26149

Friday Fave! Omorovicza Gold Flash Firming Serum

If you are looking to indulge in luxurious skincare then this is surely it!

I have been using the Omorovicza Gold Flash Firming Serum for a couple of months now and I really love the feel of the product and the fact my skin instantly looks and feels healthy and radiant.  I must say I do think the clarity of my skin has improved overall as well.

It is not cheap at £140.00 available at Space NK https://www.spacenk.com/uk/en_GB/home-uk. This is certainly a luxury purchase but I have always chosen to spend more on skincare and I believe this is worth the price tag.

This serum will reduce the signs of ageing by hydrating, smoothing and firming the skin.  It also heals and repairs micro damaged and uneven skin. The complexion instantly appears brighter and healthier.

The serum contains Collodial gold which has inflammatory properties.

An oil free formula suitable for all skin types including sensitive.


*If you are not familiar with face serums this should be used in conjunction with your moisturiser. Apply this first as it will penetrate the skin deeper to deliver the active ingredients then apply your moisturiser on top.

February Update!

February began in Snow and freezing cold and ended basking in 20 degrees of heat and sunglasses!

My pooches certainly enjoyed the former.







It has been a really busy month after a very quiet January, the joys of being freelance!

Behind the scenes shots...













Hair & Makeup for my first Bride of 2019, the lovely Catherine and her Maid of Honour Sophie.





Lots of Hair & Makeup trials ahead of Spring/Summer weddings in the UK and Spain.











A little hair practice at home.









A sunny trip to Norfolk



All enquiries for prom, weddings, special occasions, and lessons via 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

January Update!

I began 2019 in Cornwall having a little break with family which was lovely, we especially enjoyed a meal at Rick Stein's St.Petroc's Bistro, it was absolutely fabulous food do go if you get a chance!
https://www.rickstein.com/eat-with-us/st-petrocs-bistro/


Truro, Cornwall



St Petroc's Bistro, Padstow




The food was soooo good!




I had serious food envy with my hubbie's beetroot soup!










I received some great new books for Crimbo!  I am enjoying some inspirational reading on these cold January evenings!



My home studio set up for Make up lessons and Bridal Hair &/Or Makeup trials.





I received these gorgeous photos of Kathryn whose makeup I did for her wedding in September at  http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk





I have been doing a fair bit of hairstyling for brides in January...









Just a few of the beautiful ladies I have had the pleasure to meet for their wedding makeup trials in the last few weeks...








For those that would like to follow my artwork you can keep in the loop @nikicreates on Instagram or head over to Etsy shop to purchase @nikicreates Limited Edition Giclee prints.









We spent a lovely day in Finchingfield for a Sunday stroll and pub lunch in nearby Great Bardfield, it was freezing even the ducks were walking on ice!



Very pleased to have received this award from wedding planning site  https://bridebook.co.uk



All enquiries for weddings, Occasions and Lessons via www.nikimakeup.co.uk

I will be working in Marbella during some of June and August so do get in touch if you have a wedding or event!
www.marbellamakeup.com

For Shoots/Events please see www.nikimakeup.com