NiiMD ARTIST ACHIEVEMENTS: AMBER CLARK

Amber Clark graduated just 3 months ago from Numa International Institute of Makeup and Design Calgary and is already making a huge impact on the fashion scene. Not only is she a very talented artist, she is a doll to work with. Clients love her for her easy going attitude, and rely on her for her dependability and creative edge.

Amber Clark Makeup Art

What inspired you to become a makeup artist? 

"I have always been Artistically inclined, and am a visual person and have been attracted to the Arts most of my life. I love working with people, so the idea of transferring art onto people was very intriguing. There is allot of great people in the Entertainment and Art industry in Calgary so I was excited to get involved."

What is your favourite part about makeup?

"I like that it gives people confidence, and can enhance their natural beauty. I love helping a client or model see their true inner beauty; watching the transformation of a client or model is inspiring."

What has pushed you to become the artist you are today? 

"I am an only child, so I am very driven to be successful in anything I do. All my family members are creative in some form, so it pushed me to explore a profession that allowed me to express my creativity."

How did your schooling help you accomplish your goal of becoming a professional artist? 

"The instruction at NiiMD was very insightful. Jaimie Rankin, my instructor was very inspiring and gave me the tools I needed to succeed. The school did a very good job of providing the hands on experience needed to learn the in's and out's of this industry.

I am a very hands on learner, so when I was given photo shoot and fashion show opportunities I was able to really take advantage and use the opportunities to develop a strong network for myself. I have made great friends, and strong connections within the industry."

What is your best accomplishment to date?

"I was just recently published in Vogue Italia with Johanna Stickland - www.vogue.it

This was the first high fashion piece I have had published. It has given me the confidence to take my career to the next level. I am very excited about the future opportunities to come."

What has been your favourite photo shoot collaboration so far?

"I recently had the opportunity to work with a good friend Johanna Stickland , She is very talented and working with her was very natural. The photos are proof that she is more then just a model. Check out the photos here: www.revsmag.com

NiiMD Caudalie Devine Oil!

We are NiiMD Makeup School are loving this Devine Oil from Caudalie


This multi-use miracle oil is ideal for hair, nails, bath, and massages. Divine Oil is a unique alchemy of four extremely fine and evanescent vegetable oils (60% of the formula). To ensure that the benefits are truly complete, Divine Oil also features patented antioxidant grape-seed polyphenols and fair trade shea butter.

A subtle fragrance that will make you swoon as it caresses your skin. For the signature note of the fragrance Jacques Cavallier chose the rose, both the Moroccan rose and the Bulgarian rose.

NiiMD 2 Eye Makeup Look You Have to Try!

At the Snow White and the Huntsman premiere in Sydney, Kristen Stewart walked the red carpet wearing a smoky/cat eye hybrid we love this look at NiiMD Makeup School! And while the sultry style looked complex, it's a lot easier to achieve than you'd expect: the trick is to use a combination of two dark colors for a diffused effect.

Mark. celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh began by sweeping the copper shade of the brand'sLongwear Eyeliner and Shadow in Surreal ($11) on the lower eyelids using a flat eyeliner brush. Then she used the same brush to smudge the black hue of the Longwear Eyeliner and Shadow in Entourage ($11) on the top lash lines, extending the stroke out to a wing shape. To finish, she combined the black and copper shades together, smudging them along the lower lash lines. A pop of coral lipstick on the lips elevated the look to superstar status.

NiiMD Bronzer You Can Wear All Over Your Face!

We at NiiMD Makeup School know how it can be with bronzers! No need to change your foundation one shade up this Summer when you can get a faux glow in seconds — orange tones and unsightly jawline streaks not included. All it takes is a little bronzing liquid, like Murad's Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15 ($38). The spreadable, easy-to-build-upon cream can be worn over moisturizer as a replacement for foundation or mixed in with your base to add warmth, depth, and a subtle sheen to your complexion.

You can even use the oil-free bronzer in lieu of a powder bronzer. Just apply about a quarter-sized amount to a stippling brush and tap it into the skin where bronzing is needed (typically where the sun would naturally hit your face). What you'll get is a natural-looking glow, not to mention regret-free "tanning." Talk about safe sunning.

NiiMD Fake an Airbrush Look!

Perhaps you love the concept of airbrush foundation because we do at NiiMD Makeup School, but you don't want to fork over hundreds of dollars to purchase the tools to achieve the effect. Luckily, you don't have to look any further than what's in your makeup bag to mimic that flawless finish. First, just dot your liquid foundation on the following areas: the forehead, chin, cheeks, and tip of the nose. Next, using circular motions, simply blend in the foundation with a blush-sized brush, preferably one with bristles that are slightly more densely packed. This ensures your makeup will buff on beautifully for soft-focus results. Here are some great options:


- Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush By Tarte $32.00
- Buki Brush By Juice Beauty $18.00
- ULTRA Powder Brush By Ultra $18.00
- 23's Complexion Perfection Brush By Napoleon Perdis $45.00

NiiMD What We're Sweet On Mascara!

We are loving this mascara at NiiMD Makeup School! Even though Per-fékt Lash Perfection Gel ($29) is not technically called a mascara, it still lengthens, curls, and darkens much like your favorite mascara. But this product goes beyond customary lash offerings. Ingredients like marine plant glycogen strengthen lashes for added growth, while hyaluronic microspheres and panthenol moisturize (your lashes require hydration just like hair, you know). But my favorite element is the short-bristle brush, which makes it easy to get right down to the lash lines. And thanks to the smudge-proof formulation, even the most avid eye-rubbers this allergy season are safe from flakes and spots. Here's to your new daily mascara . . . ahem, lash-enhancing product.


For more makeup tips check out: www.bellasugar.com

NiiMD 4 Ways to Use a Primer!

Makeup artists are the masters of stretching out products and we at NiiMD Makeup School know all about mixing and blending to create a variety of results. And while your everyday primer might seem like it's just for prepping the face, it turns out there are a surprising number of ways to utilize this skin smoother beyond its primary purpose. See four tips for priming like a pro, with advice from the experts at Benefit and Sephora, when you read more.

1. To soften fine lines: Mix primer (like Benefit's Porefessional) with concealer to diffuse fine lines and wrinkles, explains Sephora national makeup artist Julie Taing. This combination, available in a new How to Look the Best at Everything kit ($30), is also great for adding extra coverage on areas that need it.
2. To change the texture of your foundation: Blend foundation with primer for a matte-finish makeup look.
3. To smooth out the décolletage: Just dab primer on the décolletage for a soft-focus effect.
4. To keep the t-zone shine-free: As a last touch, blot a bit of primer on the t-zone to keep the oil slicks away.

For more makeup tips check out: www.bellasugar.com

NiiMD Hydrating Spray!

What can a hydrating spray do beyond, well, hydrating and spraying? Glad you asked us at NiiMD Makeup School. Known by many names — hydrating mist, refreshing spray, purifying mist, or flower water — hydrating sprays are more than just a fancy blend of ingredients in liquid form. Find out four ways you can use them to add a little spring to your summertime step when you read more.

1. As a toner: Help prep skin for upcoming moisturizer, with a spritz of a hydrating spray. What you'll get is a plumped appearance.
2. As a makeup setter: Ensure that your makeup will stay put with a spritz of hydrating mist before you leave the house in the morning. Simply let it air-dry or lightly work in by patting with a sponge. You can also use a hydrating spray after the application of mineral makeup to prevent a dry, overly matte look.
3. As a touchup: Need a makeup touchup in a flash? Just mist on a hydrating spray and pat down with a sponge to refresh your makeup and redistribute it so that it doesn't settle into fine lines or wrinkles. For a velvety finish, dab on powder immediately after.
4. As a recharger of spirits: With an invigorating feel, hydrating sprays are perfect for providing a little pick-me-up any time of the day — particularly when they're formulated with aromatherapeutic scents. For an invigorating experience, refrigerate your spray before using.

For more makeup tips check out: www.bellasugar.com

NiiMD How Highlighters Change Your Blush

We know at NiiMD Makeup School that the benefits of using a highlighter are seemingly endless. While you can apply highlighters all over your face to strategically brighten, it turns out that highlighters paired with blushes make for quite the dynamic combination. The key is to blend, blend, and then blend some more.

Transform powder blush: To create a cream blush in an instant, shave a bit of pressed powder blush with a highlighter, like Benefit's High Beam. Mix together and apply on the cheeks for a subtly shimmery complexion. This combination is available in three new cheek and lip kits ($28 each).

Make a cheek tint glow: For a lit-from-within effect, apply highlighter in a large dot on the apple of your cheek. Add a cheek tint in the middle and blend, adding more color as desired.

For more makeup tips check out: www.bellasugar.com

NiiMD Too Light Foundation?

In the makeup world, there are few things worse than discovering you've purchased a too-light foundation shade. (Cullen family, anyone?) But before you send it to the junkyard or head back for a refund, make your mismatched makeup work for you. Here's so tips from NiiMD Makeup School:

If your foundation is too light:

• Use it as a highlighter: For a nonshimmery take on a highlighter, apply your light-toned foundation to the middle of the nose to elongate, on the upper cheeks to add brightness, or on the top of the Cupid's bow to lend definition. On the eyes, use it on the inner corners and under the eyebrows for an instant lift.
• Rev it up: Intensify a too-light shade by mixing in a bit of bronzer (whether it's gel or powder). Or, if you're feeling artistic, blend it with a darker shade of foundation for a completely customized palette.
• Save it for another season: Skin can lighten and darken depending on season, so use that to your advantage. When well blended, a lighter foundation shade in the Winter might just match your complexion perfectly. Still off? Apply it with a wet sponge to blur its paleness.
• Recognize the power of powder: If the shade is only slightly too light, then still wear it as normal, but consider layering a darker powder on top. Or just add a bit of bronzer as a finishing step, targeting the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

For more makeup tips check out: www.bellasugar.com

We at NiiMD Makeup School are loving this new products from TOO FACED its unique and creative!


What It Is:

A triple-tip lash-emphasizing tool that fills in spaces between lashes, giving the natural impression of thicker, more luscious lashes. This innovative 3-in-1 design makes lash emphasizing dots, tight-lining and traditional lash-lining easy. Great for cat eyes! 

More To Love:

• Lash-Emphasizing Innovation: Dotting ultra-black liner BETWEEN lashes at the root gives an instantly thicker lash look, even without mascara. 
• 3 Ways To Use 3 Way:
  • Lash-Emphasizing Dots: Unique triple tip easily stamps dots between lashes right at the lashline.  
  • Tight Lining: Fine points make it easy to line inside of eye, or at the base of lashes for a more smoldering eye look. 
  • Eye Lining: The 3 tips ensure a triple coating of the blackest carbon black formula and smoother, steadier application. Perfect for cat eyes!

NiiMD Ciate Velvet Manicure!

We at NiiMD Makeup School are loving these new Ciate nail trend! The options when it comes to obtaining fabulous looking nails are endless as Ciate proves by launching a new nail polish collection that pushes the boundaries of nail color. The brand's new Velvet Manicure collection created for the fall of 2012 has sparked a massive wave of interest, so find out what's the fuss about! 

NiiMD 12 Summer Drugstore Buys!

Here are a dozen of NiiMD Makeup Schools favorite beauty steals, all available at your local drugstore for $13 or less!

Neutrogena body oil ($10.49)

Revlon Top Speed nail polish ($5.99)

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer ($8.99)

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($5.79)

Covergirl Natureluxe SPF 15 Lipgloss Balms ($7.49)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush ($12.99)

Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls Bronzer ($10)

eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream ($4.49)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer ($11.99)

Organix Renewing Moroccan Oil ($7.99)

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub ($7.99)

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock ($9.99)

NiiMD Eyebrow fillers!

We at NiiMD Makeup School understand when you go to get your eyebrows waxed and accidentally get too much taken off. This is every woman's worst nightmare. Maybe you went plucking crazy or you weren't blessed in the eye brow department. Whatever the case, have no fear, this eye brow round up will have your brows looking amazing in no time!


Here are some great eyebrow fillers for you to check out!
1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color (C$27.00)
2. Sephora Eyebrow Editor Complete Eyebrow Kit (C$23.00)
3. Benefit Brow Zings (C$35.00)
4. Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil (C$8.39)
5. NYX Cosmetics Eyebrow Cake Powder (US$8.99)

NiiMD Tight Line!

We at NiiMD Makeup School want to give you some tips for doing eyeliner for the tight line:

1. Reach around and over your head to gently lift the lid upwards, giving you better access to the lashline.
2. With a felt-tip liner pen, fill in the “holes” or anywhere you see exposed skin by sneaking the liner in between your lashes and marking over the space.

That’s it! Remember, makeup artistry is not only about pretty palettes and making statements with bold lips, it’s also about creating illusions by playing with depths, shadows + light. This small effort really helps make the difference of having the eye appear more awake and open.

For more makeup tips check out: www.thebeautydepartment.com

Hey tastemakers, this one’s for you from NiiMD Makeup School! Ombré, with its gorgeous slow fade from dark to light, has found its way from fashion to hair color and ended up smack on your lips! It’s not just a trendy look though, it’s actually a really pretty effect that highlights your top lip, bringing all of the attention there. And there’s something a little effortless and less “done up” about not having your bottom lip as dark as your top lip. Anyway, I’m loving it lately and wanted to share the easiest way to re-create it yourself.

1. Paint your top lip with any lip color. I used MAC Pro Longwear Lip Creme in Faithfully Yours with my favorite flat lip brush.
2. Smack your lips together to press the lip creme unto the top half of the bottom lip.
3. Smear the bottom edge with a Q-tip.
4. Paint the top lip again so it’s one shade darker.

That’s it! You can finish it with a coat of clear gloss if you love the look of a shiny lip.

For more makeup tips check out: www.thebeautydepartment.com

NiiMD Eye Focus Hooded Lid!

Heres some tips from NiiMD Makeup School for hooded eyelids, we thought you’d love this one fun one for summer! The trick to this slight illusion is to create a “crease line” that is a few millimeters higher than your actual crease, therefore making the lid area appear bigger than it really is. And the best way to do this is with two colors; here we used favorite blue cream shadow for the lid with my favoritesmoky taupe kohl pencil to create the new “raised” crease line. Super easy and so pretty… here’s how:

1. Apply the cream shadow with your finger by smearing it across the lid and crease.
2. Line the bottom lash line with a black gel liner {I love this one because it’s super blendable (to make it appear more dark grey} and has an angled brush on one side to perfect or smudge the line), making it thicker at the outer corner.
3. Using a smoky taupe kohl liner, line above the actual crease to create a new crease line, then blend with your finger.
4. Apply mascara {we’re obsessed with this one because it’s so rich, you literally only need one coat}.

For more makeup tips check out: www.thebeautydepartment.com

NiiMD Mascara Resi Don't!

Here’s the 411 on mascara residue from NiiMD Makeup School. To apply mascara properly on the upper lashes, you have to really get in there and wiggle the wand at the roots of the lash line, but that’s hard to do without getting it on the water line. So why make a case to go back and clean up the mascara left on the inner rim. Why? Because it seeps into your eyes and irritates them throughout the day, causing redness. Not pretty. So why not take the few seconds to clean it up? Here’s how:

After applying mascara, rim your inner waterline with a Q-tip by starting at either corner and sweeping the cotton swab across the eye gently to the other corner.

There is never a day that goes by that I skip this quick step. You can go back after and add eyeliner to the waterline if you wish, but mascara doesn’t belong in there {your eyes will thank you!}.

For more makeup tips check out: www.thebeautydepartment.com

NiiMD Caviar Nails!

When we at NiiMD Makeup School love this new and cool way of doing your nails! Its easy and fun! Comes in Pink, White and Black! You can find Caviar Nails at any Sephora location.

NiiMD The Matte Attack!

So here’s a little matte lipstick 101 for you from NiiMD Makeup School:

>> Matte lipstick is a type of cosmetic known to last all day long and for it’s lack of shine. Matte lipstick photographs better than high glosses, and will give you a rich deep color that really soaks in to your skin.

>> You don’t have to go out and buy new lipstick. Nope, we said it. If you have a favorite shade and want to remove the shine, try applying the lipstick and then blot with a tissue. Brush a small amount of translucent powder on top and BAM. You have a brand new lipstick without spending a penny.

>> With that being said, there are so many amazing matte lipsticks that I wish I could get my hands on. What are NiiMD Makeup Schools favoSo here’s a little matte lipstick 101 for you:

>> Matte lipstick is a type of cosmetic known to last all day long and for it’s lack of shine. Matte lipstick photographs better than high glosses, and will give you a rich deep color that really soaks in to your skin.

>> You don’t have to go out and buy new lipstick. Nope, I said it. If you have a favorite shade and want to remove the shine, try applying the lipstick and then blot with a tissue. Brush a small amount of translucent powder on top and BAM. You have a brand new lipstick without spending a penny.

For more makeup tips check out:  www.thebareintimates.com