Guest Blogger: 5 From A Makeup Artist

Hello Fellow Makeup Mavens! My name is Nicci and I am a beauty blogger at nicciknows.com.

I have my fourth grade teacher to thank for launching my love affair with makeup by giving me detention (that was pretty cool “back in the day”) for sneaking into the bathroom at recess and applying my favorite florescent, metallic pink lip gloss.

I’ve been a professional makeup artist for over 10 years, and a devout makeup aficionado (sounds better then a makeup junkie, because I don’t like to use the words “makeup” and “junkie” in the same phrase, thank you very much) FOREVER. Like many of you out there, my favorite products change quite regularly. I’m always looking for the best new products out there, which is why Sephora.com is No. 1 on my favorites list.

Speaking of favorites, here are some of mine of the moment:

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
It’s an ultra smooth, fine finishing powder that comes in translucent for all skin tones. Perfect over any foundation or even alone, this heavenly 100 percent mineral powder sets makeup perfectly, looks totally natural on the skin and never looks dry or powdery. I only wish this came in a gallon size.


Too Faced Lava Gloss Eyeliner in Chocolate
This pencil is super silky, long wearing and the chocolate color is simply divine for all shades of blue and green eye color! It is infused with Cocoa Bean to hydrate the base of the lashes too! I like to rim the waterline of my eyes with it (top and bottom) or I use it as a shadow base on my eyelid and put my favorite shadow over it for a sultry, smoky look.


Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
I mentioned earlier that my favorite products change quite regularly, but this under-eye concealer has been a consistent must-have for me for years now. The perfect combination of great coverage with a creamy-but-not-cakey texture, this color is ideal for taking the darkness out of dark circles. Truly the best I’ve found.



NARS Powder Blush
We know that Orgasm is the color that everyone thinks of when NARS blush is mentioned….but the color Deep Throat is my silent beauty assassin! A soft, bright peach shade with a light gold shimmer make it both a blush color and a highlighter in one. Works well for all skin tones and lights up the skin. I apply with a blush brush to the apples of the cheek and blend upward to give skin a lift. Think of a motion like the Nike swoosh.


T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Dryer
The most amazingly unbelievable hair dryer I have ever come across. It is worth every single penny and then some. It is formulated with Tourmaline and literally has cut my drying time down to 5 minutes (I’ve timed it!). In five minutes, my hair is smooth, soft and dry-literally a dream come true. Plus, my hair stylist told me at my last appointment that my hair is in the best condition ever.