Best Make Up Mistress offer I've ever known!

So what is Nadira Make Up Mistress, simply put, the best way to learn new looks, tips and tricks, revive your make up bag and get the best out of your products! 

Since launching about 4 years ago, Make Up Mistress has gone from strength to strength introducing all things make up in bespoke sessions in Central London locations, for all age groups and for any occasion.  Clients have included busy professional women in need of a well groomed daytime look, teen make unders, brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride have who require well defined eyes and flawless long lasting make up, as well as those ladies in need of a complete introduction to a beauty regime. 

Sessions now take place in the serene surroundings, QMS Medicosmetics Flagship Skincare Spa in Sloane Square, a stones throw away from Peter Jones.

This January and February I have the best offer not to be missed, 'New Year, New You', a 1 hour Make Up or Break Up session to declutter your make up bag, discover new products and key looks in quick easy steps along with a 30 minute QMS Medicosmetics Power Facial providing your skin with a highly effective deep cleanse and exfoliation.  All this and you receive a Make Up Mistress Starter Kit (worth up to £90) of beauty essentials and personalised Make Up Menu, a complete guide to advice and tips covered during your session. 

I have had a enormous response from women wanting to ditch the old and bring in the new and also men, who have discovered its a lovely gift for the lady in their life and a reassuring way of giving her what she wants.

For bookings and enquiries go to www.nadiramakeupmistress.com contact page.

Lines, wrinkles and creases!

There isn't a day that goes by without someone stating 'they are beyond repair' or 'in desperate need of cosmetic surgery'.  We all have moments of insecurity, some more than others, though the majority of women I come across put themselves and their looks down along with declaring themselves old and adamant they want to turn the clock back as fast as they can by any means.
Well, hold on a minute!  I've been thinking quite hard about my process of ageing and yes, I believe I have aged somewhat, more so in the past two years but as I take a closer look and study my eyes, the new creases and open pores, I have no feelings of dismay, not one. Why?
It's the process taking place and I really cannot do an awful lot about it without surgery, plus I feel quite proud of getting older and certainly prouder of getting a little wiser.  Yes, I admit, I could recommend myself a stockpile of award winning anti-ageing beauty creams, serums and potions as I do others, after all  they are not a complete waste of time and money, 'every little helps' as they say and a product that blurs, smooths and fills in is welcome in my beauty bag but I don't think lines, wrinkles and creases are to blame for appearing older nescessarily.
What am I banging on about?
When I accessed my ageing process, especially after my recent holiday, it boiled down to one factor, sleep!
I slept for 9 hours every night whilst I was away, undisturbed, unbroken sleep, pure and utter bliss and a darn shock to me after being an insomniac since my teens and serial bad light sleeper.  After 2 weeks of 9 hours sleep my eyes refocused to appearing brighter with less fluid retained under my eyes whilst the new and even newer creases seemed less noticeable as I looked fresher...younger even!
I know some of you may be reading this thinking, 'yeah, yeah, whatever', 'where's the product mention and has she lost her marbles?'
Quite simply, we all pat ourselves on the back at times for achieving a great deal in a short amount of time, for working till late, having no time to wind down and then moan about what little sleep we've had.  Of course, I am one of those types too and yes, it can't always be avoided but seriously, as well as that very boring beauty tip of drinking 1.5 litres of water a day (which works), allow yourself a good nights sleep, it will do you the world of good in terms of concentration, energy and your ageing process, plus this is the crucial time for skin to repair and replenish itself.
For those women with deep enough wrinkles to bury hidden treasure in, sometimes life is cruel but we can be pretty cruel to ourselves too and maybe genes haven't been so gracious to you but I am sticking to this, sleep has the X factor and I shall remain optimistic that I shall never endure another 20 years + of insomnia again.

Beauty Alert: Dior Skinflash Primer!

This year will be the year of more outstanding, 'I must have it' beauty products, I can feel the beauty editors trembling with anticipation for the next big thing, though let us not forget some of our essentials keep improving with technology, ingredients etc. and this includes a make up bag mummy, the primer.
Primers tend to be unsung heroes in the grand scheme of make-upping, yet at the same time hailed as an essential item by pros - the good and reliable step hence 'mummy', but also classed as unnecessary by some, others will declare Laura Mercier's the best of all but I have a few favourites in my kit, which I choose to use depending on the foundation I have chosen to apply.  These brands range from Sisley, DHC, Illamasqua and Hourglass, all possessing necessary functions to this key step.  I love primers and all is revealed in the name, they prime and prepare skin, some can smooth and fill in pores with silicon ingredients, whilst others add a luminous or even waterproof quality to skin, as well as working hard to adhere to foundation, making for a longer lasting base.
Seeing as I like to mix my kit with budget and premium brands, I would stress that primers are a good investment, much like foundation, therefore a little more money spent on these will go a long way.

Some of us lucky MUA's have been sent a trio of gorgeousness from Dior. I very much doubt any of them stored these beauties away for future use but instead, like me, pretty much couldn't wait to open the outer packaging, remove the soft cushion case to reveal some truly magical products! 

So roll on February so you can purchase Dior's new launches, Rosy Glow Blush, Radiance Booster Pen and SKINFLASH Primer which happens to be my new work kit essential, 'glowful' on pale to mid complexions with brush on applicator  (looks familiar) and I do not recall Dior ever bringing out a Primer, I could be wrong, I am certainly not complaining, this is a welcome addition to my kit and everyone I apply it to is overwhelmed by the appearance of their skin and they adore the light fragrance too!  I cannot stop using this primer on shoots and the next two images show you why.

The gel cream formulation applied to the back of my hand shows off how hydrating and comfortable the Skinflash is.

And when smoothed, adds a sheen and delicate veil.  Yes, I am well aware this might not be the right type of primer for dark skins but I think applying to my skin really displays the texture and quality.  What do you think and which primers do you like?

The Marie Claire Best Beauty Blog & Twitter Awards and...

...guess who's nominated?
Me!  So if you enjoy my Twitter feed you can cast your votes here: http://blogs.marieclaire.co.uk/more-blogs/enter-the-marie-claire-blog-twitter-awards/

It means an awful lot to be nominated and I very much appreciate it, after all its me spurting on about beauty and what not in 140 characters!

Congratulations to all blog and Twitter nominees and further more, good luck!

@nadiramakeup xxx