NiiMD Eye Focus Inner Corner!

We at NiiMD Makeuo School love applying a light color to the inner corners of the eyes because it brightens the face and widens + separates the eyes by creating the illusion that they are further apart.  But using a gold shadow takes it to another level of sophistication and elegance. The only rule is to pair it with darker shades on the lid, as the gold has to be the lightest shade on your eye. Here’s exactly how to pull it off:

TOOLS

Highlighting eyeshadow or shadow stick in a light gold shade , dome-shaped shadow brush or fingers. We at NiiMD Makeup School love Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow in Sandy Gold andNARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in HollywoodLand. Our favorite brush for the inner corners is Space NK’s Domed Smudge Brush.

After finishing your eyeshadow and liner, but before applying mascara, swirl the brush or pat your index finger in the highlighting shadow then with eyes closed, press it directly on top of your inner corners (the width of your finger/brush will automatically cover both the top + bottom part of your lids directly to the sides of your nose). If you’re using a shadow stick, pick a wide + chubby one and cover the same areas as listed above, just make sure to go back with your finger and blend.  Such a little thing to do that does so much!

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

NiiMD Cake Liner!

Here’s a big secret from NiiMD Makeup School for those of you deathly afraid of liquid liner! Cake liner (invented a century ago and used on all the Hollywood icons) is the easiest way to define your eyes… be it winged, cat eye, or simply lining. It’s merely a black matte shadow applied wet with a pointed liner brush. Here’s all you need to know:

1. Dip your brush in running water from your sink to wet it then swirl it in circles in the shadow to load it up.


2. Practice drawing lines on the back of your hand by applying more/less pressure to see how it affects the width. {More pressure = wider, less pressure = thinner.}3. Start at your inner corner and sweep the brush to the outer corner. You can also extend it out for a winged look or out + up for a cat eye. If desired, line your bottom lash line as well.


That’s it! Our favorite at NiiMD Makeup School is Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner because it comes in seven shades.

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

NiiMD Got Glitter?

Here are some quick tips & tricks along with some of our favorite glitters at NiiMD Makeup Schools, glues + tools. We’ve also listed which stores will have them so you can go in and pick them up last minute…

1. NYX Cosemetics “Glitter Cream Palette” $5.50 Urban Outfitters, Ulta & some CVS stores

2. Deborah Lippman nail polish in “Boom Boom Pow” $20 Nordstrom

3. OPI Muppets Collection in “Rainbow Collection” Ulta or your local beauty supply

4. Sephora Collection Glitter Eyeliner $12. Sephora

5. Sephora silicone glitter applicator brush $3 Sephora

6. Makeup Forever Glitter Pots $13. Macy’s

7. Makeup Forever Eye Seal $17 Sephora

8. TooFaced Glitter Glue $18 Sephora, Ulta

9. Urban Decay “Heavy Metal Collection” $14 Ulta, Sephora

10. NARS “Super Orgasm” blush $28 Sephora, Neiman Marcus

BEST TIPS + TRICKS:

• If you choose silver, gold or opalescent glitter, you can wear almost any shade of lipstick with it (red, vamp, fuchsia, nude).
• If you choose colored glitter (blue, green, purple, red), you’ll want to pair it with a nudelip as you’re already making a strong statement with your eyes.
• Use a longwear cream eyeshadow (like the NYX palettes above) or use a glitter glue as your base so the glitter can adhere.
• Don’t apply under eye concealer or foundation until after you finish your glitter shadow. That way the glitter won’t have anything to stick to if it falls.
• For bigger glitter chunks, you can individually place pieces using lash glue.
• Use a piece of paper or a business card and place it underneath your eye to catch the glitter that falls off as you apply (or) apply extra face powder underneath your eye just before applying the glitter so you can easily swipe off the excess that falls below your eye using a powder brush and nothing will stick to your makeup.
• WASH OFF YOUR MAKEUP WHEN YOU GET HOME.
• Soak glitter glue with warm water.
• Gently go in with a makeup towelette afterward to clear off any remaining pieces of glitter so they don’t get stuck in your pores!

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

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!