Welcome and thanks for stopping by!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by. A friend of mine who owns a really amazing magazine called Ocean (www.oceanmag.com) and I were talking about Mission Statements recently. It got me thinking about my mission statement for this site.

The reason that I thought you’d want to hear from me is bottom line, because I have something great to share. I’m a makeup artist, businesswoman, self-professed product junkie, a sister, a daughter, niece, cousin, granddaughter, soul searcher, life lover and the list goes on.

But let’s get back to the first part of that list…I’ve worked for many cosmetic lines and done makeup on photo shoots, at fashion shows, weddings, commercials and red-carpet events. I’ve been a beauty director for a major US department store, worked for a cosmetic company in London and been professionally trained by most of the major department store cosmetic companies. Most importantly, I am a regular person and it is my mission to empower women to ask the right questions when purchasing beauty products.

My Philosophy:
Put simply, it is my mission to give all of you ALL of the information you need to look like the very best version of your natural self.  I will share all of my knowledge and experience with you with regard to drugstore and department store products, makeup technique and the latest trends, how to get the look of your favorite celebrities and what products to use; I’ll answer your questions as well.

My Vision for you, the Beauty Consumer:
I want to take the guesswork, the “randomness” and the anonymity out of cosmetics. When you spend your hard earned money to purchase a new cosmetic item, I want you to feel like you are buying the right item for you, not because it’s what your friends’ daughter told you about or because a faceless beauty editor is telling you is a hot, trendy item. It’s about the knowledge and confidence that putting your best foot forward brings.

My Promise:
The other thing that it’s important that I mention is that my information, product faves and suggestions are NOT ADVERTISER DRIVEN and 100% unbiased…that is my commitment to you.

I urge you to look around the site, let me know if you would like more info that what I have given….welcome again to Nicciknows.com!!!

My skin is SO oily!

Q:
Dear Nicciknows,
My skin is SO oily. How do I control the oil but still maintain a natural look with my foundation?
Signed,
Carrie

A:
Dear Carrie,
Help is here! Use an oil-free moisturizer with SPF to both protect and hydrate. Oily skin that is deprived of any moisture can tend to overcompensate with more oil. Next, take an oil-free primer (I love Laura Mercier’s oil-free foundation primer) and use about a thumbnail amount for your whole face. A foundation I recommend for you is Stila’s oil-free natural finish foundation (www.sephora.com).

Private Consulting Services

Available for private consulting, demonstrations, group seminars,makeup parties and weddings.Email Nicci at nicci@nicciknows.com

Smoky, sultry, old Hollywood glam

The Makeup:
Smoky, sultry, old Hollywood glam

Where you know her from:
The Cosby Show

How to get the Look:
Even out your complexion with a matte finish foundation,
then take a charcoal pencil around your entire lash line (top & bottom)

Products to Purchase:
Smolder black kohl liner from MAC
($13.50 www.maccosmetics.com)
Flawless Skin liquid foundation from Prescriptives
($35, www.nordstrom.com)

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream

This product was recommended to me by my dermatologist for nighttime use. I use a moisturizer with SPF during the day. This is the most gentle, hydrating “drink of water” for your skin! Q10 is a new anti aging technology and it’s never too early to combat the signs of aging. For women and men of all ages and skin types, this product is truly a must have! TIP-you only need about a fingernail amount per application! Great on the neck and décolletage as well!  You can purchase at drugstore.com!

Neutrogena Body Oil Fragrance Free

A little known secret to soft silky skin is body oil. This one by Neutrogena is gentle and fragrance free so you can still wear your favorite fragrance. The best way to use it is right as you are getting out of the shower before you put your towel on. Your skin will feel instantly smooth and the oil will absorb as you dry off and then voila….soft skin that lasts all day. TIP-Follow with your favorite scented body lotion for an extra luxurious feel!Purchase at walgreens!

Loreal Paris Full Definition Voluminous in Blackest Black-$7.49

Let’s face it…Loreal seems to have the market cornered with regard to mascara. Lancome is part of the Loreal family as is Giorgio Armani cosmetics so it goes without saying that this is a winner. This full definition, volumizing mascara pumps up lashes, separates and doesn’t put a dent in your pocketbook. TIP-For best result, place the wand at the base of your lashes and zig zag back and forth. This will create more volume. Purchase at walgreens.

MAC Mattene Lipstick-$14.50

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from these new MAC lipsticks and they absolutely BLEW my mind! Beautiful shades (Tango is my favorite color) and amazing color payoff. The thing that makes them so different and so revolutionary is the fact that they deliver full color with a sort of velvety matte finish that not has unbelievable staying power, but it’s totally non-drying. With most matte finish lipsticks, by the end of the day my clients’ lips are as dry as the Kalahari desert but this feels virtually non-existant on the lips. Weightless and non-drying are a killer combination with a glamourous velvet finish to complete the trifecta. Purchase at mac cosmetics.

Ponds Cold Cream-$7.99

This is the best makeup remover ever invented. Super gentle, ultra moisturizing and gets the job done with no stinging the sensitive eye area. I use it after I cleanse and gently rub into my area and tissue off.
You can purchase this cold cream at www.cvs.com

MD Skincare All-in-One Facial Cleanser with Toner-8oz $36

This cleanser is THE best. It removes all of your makeup and sunscreen and delivers a toner, all in one step! It’s a very deep cleanser but it is not drying at all. With ingredients like Vitamin E, Witch Hazel and Chamomile, it’s perfect for all skin types and I’ll stress again that it’s a cleanser, makeup remover AND toner all in one. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE the idea of a product that does many things in one step. This means less time spent cleansing and less money spent on several products! I have pretty sensitive skin and it is truly the best cleanser I’ve ever used.Purchase at Nordstroms.