NiiMD Purple Pop!

1. Shade: Royal Violet, Finish: Glossy — This one is very wearable because the glossy texture gives it life. Try: Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Wet Violet.

2. Shade: Lavender, Finish: Satin — This is reserved for our readers who are a little more fashion obsessed and love to try all trends. And it’s great for a fun night out with the girls (and for those of you who are like me and dress for girls, not guys!). Try: Lime Crime Opaque Lipstick in D’Lilac or Airborne Unicorn.

3. Shade: Dark Eggplant, Finish: Matte — This one is surprisingly very wearable and a great version of a vamp lip. Try: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist in 49 Satin Blueberry.

4. Shade: Purpley-Pink, Finish: Slightly Pearlized — This one is definitely the most wearable of the four as it’s as equally pink as it is purple, making it a perfect baby step into this trend. Try: Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in Amethyst Shimmer.

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

NiiMD Make The Connection Eyeliner!

We at NiiMD Makeup School don't want you to forget about all the ways you can wear your eyeliner try not to forget about this lovely option, integrating all three lines into a sharp and gorgeous wing! It’s such a stylized and dramatic way to make a statement. But, inherently there are a couple ways you can go wrong with this one so try to follow these guidelines in this specific order:

1. Start by rimming the inner water line with a black longwear liner instead of a kajal or kohl liner that will slowly dissipate throughout the evening. I’m currently obsessed withNARS Larger Than Life Liner in Via Veneto and Revlon ColorStay Liner in Black. Don’t forget to lift your upper lid up gently and line the upper inner waterline too. The sensation feels a little weird but it’s important not to do things halfway. Then blink your lids together to merge the two.

2. Next line your bottom lash line. It’s critical to line your bottom before your top because the bottom angle determines the top wing’s angle (brilliant!). So start at your inner corner and sweep the liner across to the outer corner. Then continue tracing along the angle where the outside lower lid turns upward as you drag the brush/pencil towards the end of your brow. To recreate the finish+ texture of the look above, try Chanel Illusion D’ Ombre in Mirifique or Babor Liquid Eyeliner in Black.

3. Then starting again at your inner corner, line your upper lash line, making sure it is all one width and doesn’t incrementally get thicker as you might do with other looks. When you reach the end of the eye, continue past it until you intersect with the bottom line.

4. Make sure to go back and fill in any spaces so that every millimeter has been painted black and no skin is peeking through.

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

NiiMD 3 Ways to Make Your Makeup Last Longer!

Here are some tips from NiiMD Makeup School to make your natural makeup last longer!!

1. Moisturize first. Make sure your skin is properly hydrated. “If you put makeup on dry skin, it will be difficult to blend, and it will more likely disappear more quickly,” You don’t want your skin to absorb the cheek colors.

2. Use a hydrating spritz. For midday touch-ups (when moisturizing before reapplying is not an option), opt for a hydrating spray like Tata Harper Floral Essence. Spritz, let it absorb, then touch up your face.

3. Dry your eyelids. Eyelids can be oily, in which case the creamy color will slide right off. “Make sure to wash or rinse your face and blot the eyelids dry before applying color,“If your lids are on the dry side, it’s easier for the color to adhere.” 

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

NiiMD's M.A.C To Launch Marilyn Monroe Collection

After finding quirky make up muses in Daphne Guinness, Beth Ditto, and Iris Apfel, M.A.C. has announced a new collection based on the Ultimate Muse – Marilyn Monroe. (A little late to jump on that bandwagon, but hey, Michelle Williams could still win an Oscar for My Week With Marilyn, right?)

The cosmetic line is partnering with Authentic Brands Group LLC, who acquired the intellectual property of Marilyn Monroe LLC last year, WWD is reporting. The limited edition collection of about 30 pieces will be priced between $15 and $27 and include MAC mainstays like lipstick, eye shadows, nail polish, and eyeliners. No further details are available at this time, but we’re willing to bet there will be at least one red lipstick (and probably very little saliva and pigeon blood). The line will launch at MAC stores worldwide this October–will it blow your skirt up?

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

NiiMD's Spring Trend Alert 90s Goth Lipstick

NiiMD's Makeup School has been noticing something really strange on the red carpet this spring–starlets and A-listers alike have been digging out their darkest lipstick. Forget about pretty berry, bright pinks, and cool corals (spring trends, all). It’s all about goth, 90s, Courtney Love-circa-the-Hole-era wine pouts. And here’s a secret: We (NiiMD Makeup School) like it.

We’re going to blame/thank Pat McGrath for this one–she painted black cherry puckers on the models for the spring 2012 Balenciaga runway show (McGrath layered CoverGirl Queen lipstick in “Fine Wine” over LipPerfection lipstick in “Euphoria”) and the look really stood out among the sea of nude faces that have been the norm on catwalks the last few seasons. And stars–or their stylists–have taken note.

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

NiiMD's Bronzed Goddess

No matter your skin tone, one can always go for a little more skin bling. We (NiiMD Makeup School) have compiled our favourite body and face bronzers, in both liquid or powder form to suit your preferences. We recommend going with powder for face if you tend to use more of a full face makeup every day. If you’re a breeze-out-the-door kind of gal, opt for the stila bronzing moisturizer, it gives a nice glow and evens skin tone without looking heavy. We also love the Bourjois bronzer, fondly nicknamed the “chocolate” bronzer because it looks like a chocolate bar and smells like one too–but it’s a bit dark for extremely fair tones.

The nice thing about bronzer is it’s temporary – no need to worry about knees, elbows, or (gasp) your face being orange-y. 

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

NiiMD's Surprising Beauty Products!

ESTĒE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR $52-$80

NiiMD Makeup School is absolutely, head over heels in love with a new-to-me beauty product. After we heard a recommendation online for it, we had to investigate. Estēe Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair serum is more of what someone would think to be an anti-aging, anti-oxidant, protective serum. But it repairs damage wonderfully. And what’s even more amazing  is it is nothing short of a miracle worker when it comes to healing acne.

Apperantly it helps your DNA Polymerases (enzymes) repair damaged DNA that happens from free radicals (which cause the oxidationbehind the word anti-oxidant). Pretty neat stuff from a biological perspective.

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

NiiMD's Melt Free Summer Must Haves!

Summer is finally here! It’s time for long days on the beach, lounging on the boat, and cookouts to end the fun-filled days. As much as everyone loves the summer sun, sand, and water, they are not always tangible with our usual makeup favorites. The summer not only calls for new wardrobes and new diets, it also calls for new makeup, and who doesn’t love to refresh their makeup bag?

 Three simple steps to a beautiful and melt-free summer look. Tinted moisturizer is the first summer essential.  Foundation is the basis of many people’s daily makeup routine, unfortunately it clashes with the summer lifestyle. Trade your foundation in for a light tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizer is a great way to even out your skin tone

and lighten up your face.  Our favorite summer-time tinted moisturizer is NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer ($42), it comes in a range of colors that can match any skin tone. This tinted moisturizer has SPF 30 so you don’t need to worry about piling on the sunscreen. It’s cheaper twin is Aveeno’s Active Naturals Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer ($14.99).  This moisturizer has the same affects, including SPF 30, as its NARS doppleganger and it is a steal!

The next summer essential is waterproof mascara, my personal favorite is L’EXTRÊME WATERPROOF-Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara by Lancôme ($26). A cheaper version of this mascara is Maybelline Define-A-Lash Lengthening Waterproof Mascara ($7). Both these mascaras do a fabulous job at lengthening and separating the lashes.

They create long luscious lashes that keep their style in the ocean, pool, shower, and put up a great fight against tears! My third summer must-have is moisturizing lip tint. Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 by Fresh ($22.50) is my favorite moisturizing lip tint.  It comes in six different colors and adds color and protects lips from the summer sun. It’s an easy way to keep

your face looking fresh and make sure it’s protected! Maybelline’s Baby Lips Lip Balm ($3.99) creates the same look, has six available colors, and adds SPF 20.With these three essentials in your makeup bag you’ll stay nourished, protected, and fabulous this summer!

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

NiiMD's Lining The Crease In Two Easy Steps!

Did you know you can use your eyeliner to contour your crease? I prefer it to shadow when I want a really strong + matte look. Here’s how:

TOOL: I used Le Metier de Beaute Dualistic Eye Pencil in Champagne (a smoky taupe) to show you the most natural version. But you can certainly use brown, dark gray or even black for a more Sixties-inspired version. Just make sure it’s a kohl pencil and not a longwear or kajal liner as it needs to be blendable.

STEP 1: Practice first with the cap still on or with the back end of the pencil by starting in the inner corner then tracing in a half-moon shape so you can  ”feel” out where the hollow socket is. Technically you’re tracing the outline of your eyeball (oh so chic!). Now that you’re confident where to draw the line, take the cap off and sweep the liner back and forth like a windsheild wiper from one end to the other until you have a nice color payoff.

STEP 2: Blend the line gently with your finger to smooth out any edges. That’s it! I didn’t go further with Carissa’s makeup because I wanted this technique to be the only focus but you can then trace the same liner on your bottom lashline for balance and finish with mascara.

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

NiiMD's Behind These Hazel Eyes

Hazel eyes are also a dream for makeup because like brown eyes, most shades are harmonious next to them, but with their green undertones and hints of gold and even grey, hazel eyes sparkle and are hard to take your eyes off of! Here are a few of my favorite tips + palettes:

GO MATTE: As you can see on Mila, Dianna + Emily above, matte shadows create the most drama and invoke a moodiness that’s undeniable. Try Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Palette or Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette.

FRAME IT BLACK: If you really want to demand all the attention to your eyes, frame them by rimming the inner waterline with a black kajal or longwear liner. Our favorites:Estee Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal Liner in Blackened Black or Blackened Plum (perfect to contrast the hazel!) or NARS Larger than Life Liner in Via Veneto.

HAZY SHADES OF PURPLE: When you want to bring out the green part of your eyes, turn to lavender and violet like Nicole and Kate. Try Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumieres Palette, the mecca in the world of purple palettes.

For more great beauty tips check out this great blog: www.thebeautydepartment.com/

Makeup Morning Must Do's!

Morning MUST Do’s!

It’s important to treat your skin right! At NiiMD Makeuo School, using a fresh, clean and bright face as a blank canvas provides us with a million opportunities to be creative! Use a gentle cleanser every morning and night to remove makeup and oil build up on the skin. Never pull or tug on skin, massage cleansers into face using gentle upward circular motions, taking extra caution around sensitive skin under the eyes. After rinsing away the suds, apply toner with a cotton pad to help reduce pore size and brighten up your skin. Finish off your skin regiment with a moisturizer that suits your skin type and Voila!  A face ready for a masterpiece!

NiiMD's Tricks To Blend Away Those Bags!

Blend away those Bags!

Don’t you just hate those dark circles under your eyes? Choose a thicker, cream based concealer with a peachy undertone to mask blue or purple veins and under eye bags! The skin under our eyes is thinner and can be more transparent, causing it to appear dark. Using a foam sponge or brush, apply your concealer to those dark areas and make them disappear! Don’t forget to apply a primer or SPF moisturizer as a base for a smooth application under any foundation! Learn Tips like these, and more by becoming an NiiMD Student!

NiiMD's Fast Flawless Face!

A Fast Flawless Face!

Trouble masking that red splotch or bump with your regular foundation? Try a concealer with a hint of green in it. Green is opposites of red on the color wheel, so the green in your concealer will help to mask the nasty red blemish that just won’t seem to disappear! At Numa International Institute of Makeup and Design, learn how to make your Makeup work for you! We can teach you to create a Flawless Face, Fast!

NiiMD Makeup Tip Of The Day!

Make That Look Last!

After achieving that perfect fresh face with your foundation and concealers, set it in place with a light and even dusting of translucent powder. Use a powder-puff or brush to apply the powder all over your face and neck, this also provides a smooth base to apply your blushes and eye shadows. To learn more about your makeup, contact NiiMD for upcoming classes!

Neon Nails!

Nails are a great way to play up your look one thing we are loving at NiiMD Makeup School are neon colours! One of our favorite looks are Neon marble nails! To achieve this look you will need, 

- Two or more neon nail polishes
- Tooth pick
- An old glass or bowl filled 3/4 room tempature water
- Nail polish remover
- Q tips
- Tape
- Top & base coat

This look is easy, Just follow the easy steps!

Step 1 - Apply the base coat
Step 2 - Put 1-2 drops of your nail polishes in the water in the center
Step 3 - Tape your finger (not the nail)
Step 4 - Put your nail right in nail polish water & use a tooth pick to pick up extra polish
Step 5 - Apply a top coat 
Step 6 - Remove tape & use a Q tip & nail polish remover to remove any extra polish

Love makeup? Not very good at it?


We at NiiMD Makeup School have a look for you that is simple you could do it without a mirror! A great trend this spring is a pop of colour! It's so easy and you can do it anyway you like! All you need is some fun eyeshadows
to create that pop of color you can choose to put your color in your waterline, on top of your lashes, or in your crease, there are so many options! This is a great way to also extenuate your eye color by using colors that make your eye colour pop!

Neon or Barbie pink lips!

One look we love at NiiMD Makeup School is the neon Barbie pink lips! This is an extremely easy and simple trend to follow. 


1. Exfoliate and moisturize your lips
2. Apply your favorite lip liner all over your lips for longer wear and to intensify your color 
3. Apply your favorite pink lip stick ( we love snob by Mac)
4. Apply a highlight color on your cupids bow
5. Apply your favourite gloss!

We recommend keeping eyes & cheeks very simple for a bold and sophisticated look. 

NiiMD Loves Doll Lashes

Doll lashes! 

Here at NiiMD Makeup School we like to stay up to date on fashion trends, and one of the trends this spring is definitely doll lashes! Long, sexy, wispy lashes!  This is such an easy look to achieve....


For a cheaper more subtle look try a lengthening & volume mascara. For just a few $ more & a much fuller look try strip lashes - they are easy to apply and re usable! If you want Lashes that last - try eyelash extensions! Perfect for a natural doll look! How will you wear your lashes?