How To Get Better Brows & Glowing Skin: Tips From A Top Make-Up Artist
Don’t Take Primers For Granted
Primers are such an important step in your routine, helping you to achieve the desired look you want from your base. Trust me, you’ll notice your foundation glides on much more evenly after using one. My go-to is BECCA’s First Light Primer Filter. Not only does it neutralise dullness, it brightens the complexion thanks to its silky formula. Instead of glitter, it contains crushed pearl for a flattering, suits-all highlight, so all skin types and ages can use it. I also recommend applying your primer with a brush over fingers. It will help you to control your application as well as ensuring the product doesn’t end up where it shouldn’t be – like in your brows, or in the hairline.
Use Soap For Bushy Brows
Like most people now, I love to have thick, fluffy brows, it’s part of my signature look. Nothing gives mine more oomph or definition quite like Soap Brows by West Barn Co, which is basically a clear glycerine soap in a handy tin. It’s become a staple in my make-up bag for creating volume and weight in my brows, as well as making sure they stay smooth all day. I always use a spritz of a facial setting spray into the tin then use a brow comb to pick up a small amount of product before brushing it through.
Cleanse With A Thick, Juicy Balm
It is absolutely vital that you thoroughly remove your make-up at the end of each day. Balms works to dissolve everything while nourishing the skin. I love Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. It keeps my skin in great condition, feels super luxe and gets rid of even the most stubborn make-up, such as waterproof mascara. I massage it into the skin and use a warm muslin cloth to remove everything, this just adds the benefit of exfoliation and leaves my complexion feeling really refreshed and clean.
Never Skip Your Eyelash Curlers
It sounds basic, but eyelash curlers are essential. The Kevyn Aucoin ones have an unbeatable grip, catching every lash for a smooth curl that will last your all day. My top tips are to curl them before you go to sleep, that way, when you wake up, they’re already softly curled in the morning but have had time to settle for a natural finish.
Learn How To Create Feline Flicks Like A Pro
I wear winged eyeliner every single day but so many people find it hard to create a flawless line. The Delilah Cosmetics Gel Eyeliner makes light work of perfect flicks and stays fluid right from the first use to the very end. This is thanks to its clever packaging which seals out the air that normally dries out gel liners. I also love Sensai’s Liquid Lining Pen for its fine nib that gives precise, sharp lines in seconds and is really easy to draw with.
Invest In A Worthy Lip Balm
My desert island product would be the Sensai Lip Treatment. Without fail, it’s always in my handbag as my lips get so dry and this is the only thing that’s ever worked to keep them feeling nourished and plump. It’s a huge favourite among lots of A-listers too with good reason. I apply it before bed, so I wake up with super smooth, hydrated and luscious lips. It also ensures your lipstick lasts longer and you reap the full benefits of the pigment, rather than it seeping into dry, flaky patches.
Boost Your Body Without Fake Tan
When you want the skin on your body to look flawless but can’t be bothered with the faff of a fake tan, look to Vita Liberata’s Body Blur. It’s an essential for night’s out, or on holiday, when you want your limbs to look smooth. It gives a gorgeous bronze hint to your skin, so you look tanned, but also completely airbrushed, concealing any blotches or bruises. Apply it after using a very light body lotion so it doesn’t slip off after. I like to use the Fenty Body Brush to apply it evenly for a Photoshopped finish.
Always Apply Blush With A Brush
My favourite is Benefit’s Benetint – a cult classic but it really does give the most beautiful flushed from within glow. My top tip is to apply it to a brush first and work it in quickly to the apples for that subtly blended flush we all crave. Start with just a little and then build it up is layers to get your desired coverage.
Focus On Where You’re Placing Highlighter
I always use the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid to highlight on both myself and clients. It’s such a versatile product in my kit and I don’t go anywhere without it. You can mix it into your foundation for an all-over glow, or use it add a gorgeous sheen to the skin. When using it as a highlighter, the key is to know where to place it, which is usually where your face mainly reflects the light. Think centre of your lids, cheekbones, bridge of your nose and cupid’s bow. Highlighter looks prettiest as little accents in these areas, you don’t need to wear it all over, subtle flecks give just as much impact. Another trick is to use the Perfector Liquid mixed into your body lotion – it’ll give your skin a really luminous finish, perfect for summer.
Try A Colour Corrector
Many of us don’t have time in our daily make-up routines to introduce colour correctors. But they really work to prevent creasing and BECCA’s Under Eye Brightening Corrector is so quick and easy to use. It brightens under the eyes, removes signs of dark circles and also acts as a great base for concealer, which lets you be a little more light-handed with concealer for a natural finish.
Nikki’s Little Black Book Of Treatments…
For A Facial…
I am obsessed with facials. If I had to pick just one, my favourite at the moment is the Nuriss Clinic's Hydra-Facial. Nothing gives you a glow quite like it. I always schedule one of these in before a speacial event so my looks at its healthiest.
For Hair…
I go to George Northwood in London. His sister Sally is a colour genius and I won’t let anyone else dye my hair.
For Nails…
It’s definitely DryBy in London. Their nail technicians are very creative and highly skilled and it’s a gorgeous chic salon. I also love that I have the option of getting different finishes, be it shellac, nail art or just a simple manicure.
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