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

Tres bien, Chanel Perfection Lumiere!

Chanel have an outstanding reputation for the quality of their foundations, which I doubt many MUA's would turn their noses up at. I have relished in using Vita Lumiere Aqua for a light, dewy finish for portrait shoots, brides etc. or when someone has requested 'the lightest foundation you have, as I don't like the feel of foundation on my skin'.  This has served me well but not every skin is going to benefit from such 'real' qualities especially when they haven't the most even skin tone.
I too prefer using weightless foundations, however, when coverage is high on my list of priorities when faced with a complexion of blemishes, broken veins, pigmentation marks and sun spots that has to last for several hours, I find I have to tend to those imperfections either before or after with maximum strength concealers.  This is no bother to me but if one needs time on their side Chanel have come up trumps with their new addition, Perfection Lumiere.
Many of you would have read lots of review about this flawless beauty solution, which is remarkably (and most genuinely) the best coverage without the heavy duty feel....one could apply this, then run their finger over it and find not even ounce of residue or feeling of anything but skin.  Perfection Lumiere reminds me of Givenchy Mat Mate (which I have sadly just had to bin as they've separated, boo hoo!) another unique and superb foundation from another of my French pals discontinued, never to be seen again which had a matt finish and extreme coverage even when using just a few drops.   So it is lovely to find a very new alternative from Chanel in such an astonishing array of shades, see image above if you don't believe me!
I'm beyond relieved and excited to have such an addition to my kit and in good dark shades too, which is always a moment of awkwardness when recommending shades to each and every individual out there who deserves to be catered for.
The cost is not an issue, I think £36 is worth every pretty penny as such a small amount goes far, plus it builds effortlessly if you do require maximum coverage without the weightiness.
Bravo Chanel and thank you for yet again coming up triumphantly in the world of foundations!!

Rare Beauty Treat: Ar457 Elixir Metaserum

I love a rare find and this has to fit into a category as one of those beauty products you wish you'd had when you first begun using skincare as I am convinced I would be able to stand the test of time.  I tend to by pass packaging but no doubt, this is beautifully designed, light to carry and unfussy.   Ar457 Elixir Metaserum is a highly concentrated, powerful serum heaving with active ingredients such as Argan Oil, very much the buzzword in beauty over the past few years and a long time loved oil in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, lucky them. 

I have had this in my bathroom since the beginning of the summer and since I've been overwhelmed testing so much skincare I really had little time to put this through its paces, until now.  Branded as the 'do-it-all' elixir as it also tends to blemishes, dry nails and hair it does seem too that a little goes a long way. 

You'd expect this to feel oily and as heavy as Argan Oil but no, it has the quality of something a little like honey in appearance, without the stickiness and once a few drops are smoothed over skin, it gleams and sits a little, which I just love in this wintry weather, as my skin feels protected.   As you can see from the image above it adds a glow and can be worn alone, at night too, though I have experimented a little by mixing a few drops with daily moisturisers, a light-weight formula, Skin Science Bio Active 24hr Protective Complex Cream

 and Dior's Hydra Life Pro-Youth Protective Cream SPF 15, a rich cream where both appear to benefit by an all day radiance and hydration. 

A rare find that is Ar457Elixir Metaserum does carry a hefty price tag, approx £78, though saying this I believe it is a good, economical investment seeing as you need only a few drops for every use.  I'm in!

Jean Paul Gaultier, the feathery fragrance!

I had the pleasure of being a guest at the instore launch of Jean Paul Gaultier's new fragrance, Kokorico which was wafting in the air all evening.  I adore JPG fragrances as they have depth, many layers and the packaging is always intriguing and tactile.   On entering the soiree, I wondered then why Fragile, one of my all time favourite scents had disappeared from our shelves.  Please bring it back!!

Kokorico is nothing but a musky scent for men that I found so appealing, I already have it listed as a product to purchase for myself (or birthday present, hint, hint).  I love heavy notes so I think a little squirt wouldn't be too offensive or make me smell like a macho lothario (or at least one hopes not).

Ah, the name, well, its cute and if you look carefully at the design you see stylised feathers...the tv campaign gives you more of an idea once you see dancing, drums and a rather attractive model with a feather collared suit. Cocker-doodle-do!  Yep, that's it!

The smooth, almost pebble like bottle takes on a male profile - that sure is one romanesque nose.

And at another angle, the male torso, clever huh!  Very JPG.

So if you are keen to snatch this rich scent it will be launching on the 27th December in Harrods, then nationwide shortly after.

Backstage of You Magazine Shoot with the Inbetweeners girls!

About a month or so ago, one weekend, I was heading to a North London location for a You Magazine shoot with the fabulous girls from The Inbetweeners movie.  It was a pleasure working with the team, including photographer, Steve Schofield, who's work I've admired for some time and I was overjoyed to see him again after a recent shoot for Soap & Glory.

Here are some of the stunning girls behind the scenes in between shots.

And a closer look at the captivating, Laura Haddock, the cover girl for this issue of You.

Laura has a delightful face to work on and what a shock to see dark locks instead of blonde. Nevertheless, I added moisture to her hair with Sebastian Potion 9 and used large Babyliss barrel tongs to get a 50's style set with a modern twist.  And Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet La Fascinante lips to finish such a chic youthful look.

Then, the intriguing beauty of Lydia Rose Bewley, who's titan hair was boosted with movement, again with large barrel tongs and spritz of Sebastian Trilliant, then seeing I wanted it all about the lips, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet L'Exuberante, added a sexy pink finish!

A peek at the cover...

See the final results of the shoot in today's You Magazine or online here!

Organic Surge Shower Gel.

I am not going to go into the 'ethical' nature of the brand, as it's quite simply a 'no-brainer'.  What I will say is I didn't expect to write up about this product, it is a shower gel after all and what can be said about that other than it cleans me and smells nice.  

It is clearly stated on the front of Organic Surge Sugared Almond Shower Gel, "Your Skin's Best Friend" and I would admit to this, it is like a best friend. It's reliable and enhances my mornings, although it doesn't laugh at my jokes, I still love it so and would stock up on this product again.

The essential oils, namely palmarosa and almond are not sickly sweet but aromatic, in a grown up way.  I expected this shower gel to be grainy because of the words 'sugared almond' plus with the labelling 'softening' I really did expect quite a 'bitty' exfoliating texture but no, it's smooth and leaves my skin feeling soft, refreshed and revitalised.

Organic Surge shower gel is a lovely addition to my winter routine, it is all about hydration and lifting my spirits on these dull mornings with the added bonus of being 100% natural, it's only £3.99.

My 'Painted' beauty shoot from start to finish.

I love my freelance life, being part of a team on set, plus seeing my portfolio grow with work I am proud of, though recently I have noticed my 'Celebrity' and 'Advertising' pages in my portfolio stacking up with new images but not my 'Beauty' page.  It has been some time since I have produced a beauty shoot for my book as work flows in and updates itself, I crave to occasionally go back to basics to rediscover why I took a leap into this profession in the first place almost 20 years ago.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy creating characters for TV commercials such as The Sun Bingo Bubbles and being closely involved in the process; attending meetings, making prototypes, researching etc, etc.  But I have felt the need to push myself further and going back to techniques, styles and a way of working I was once used to, with an immense passion for art.
A few months ago, I emailed the sensational, advertising photographer, Karan Kapoor, who I've worked with for many years, to ask if he was interested in doing a beauty shoot, captivating colour with a loose, painterly feel.  I sent references and my inspiration and prayed to get a positive response considering he is very much sought after in the advertising world.  He immediately said yes, phew!
The hardest task was to find the models, so Karan took this up and contacted the model agencies.  Every so often I'd be cc'd into an email or sent a large file of model cards from various top agencies to select two models, which doesn't sound too taxing but I had a specific brief and vision for this shoot, so we were prepared to wait some time to get the right girls, one dark, one blonde with delicate features.
About 3, maybe 4 months later, the date was set, studio booked, models chosen and I had gathered drawings and notes to redefine 4 definite looks.

Before the shoot day, I took the time to play around with colours on myself and to think outside the box with free reign.  Admittedly, I never worked well in the fashion world, all a bit too much for a sensitive type like me but I still have artistic flair and style.

I played around with textures as well as complimentary colours to see whether I could capture what I had imagined in my head and in my notes. Would it all be down to post production or my ability of trickery? Seeing as I started out in the 90's I hold the skills and conduct myself for make up that should be perfected before being put in front of the camera, as we used polaroid to check the lighting, then shot with film.  Today with digital, there are opportunities to play around a great deal in post and I am not opposed to this, it has its place but I never want my eye for detail to get lazy.

On the day of the shoot, the photographer, Karan, assistant, Dan, models, Egle (all pictured above), Rosie and not forgetting the my wonderful shining star, Tasha, all descended on a West London studio to create beautiful skin, splashes of colour with loose, free application.  My first look was on Egle, using neon colours from Belle Pierre, Sleek, Make Up For Ever and Illamasqua all applied with a light touch and close attention to flawless skin.

A closer look at some of the products I used!

Tasha, kindly prepped Egle's and Rosie's skin with QMS Medicosmetics Deep Cleanser and Freshening Tonic, then smoothed Sisley Instant Perfection to prime the skin before I brushed on Givenchy foundation and indulged in captivating colour.

Throughout the day, I covered more looks than I had hoped to, which was very exciting and I gave myself the chance to use my reliable and effective cosmetics such as Front Cover Cosmetics and Blink & Go to push the boundaries and to discover more from them, but there is no point in me droning on about the background goings on, here are some of the final looks.

'Painted 4' with model, Egle.

  

'Painted 3' with model, Rosie. 

I would love to know what you think, just comment below or view more at www.nadiramakeup.com