T.G.I.F. with Nikki French
How long have you been in the beauty business? About 10 years. I started out as a Ford model in Manhattan. After working with many different photographers on set and being glammed up to the gods my love and respect for the art form grew. I would start doing makeup on myself for shoots and from there on I was hooked the whole process of the transformation that make up can provide made me want to pursue it fully.
Where are you from, and where do you currently reside? I'm from a very small town in Massachusetts where there's not even a traffic light it's so tiny. Now I live in New York, yes I know quite a change LOL and I love it!!!
When did you first fall in love with makeup? I think I've always been fascinated with makeup. I was the girliest of girls growing up always playing with Barbies and wanting to re-create their beautiful looks.
What is a day in your life like? As soon as I wake up, my mind starts to race....what can I create?! What can I make?! I go through my emails and get the business portion out of the way for the day so I can completely set my mind free into creative mode. I love that every day I'm able to totally transform myself into somebody else. Whether it be me sporting a aqua mermaid wig or bringing myself back to the old Hollywood glamour era. My life is basically eating, sleeping, and breathing makeup. I'm so lucky to the have the opportunity to be working with such amazing brands that I'm able to try out new innovative makeup and beauty trends. If you were to come to my house on any day you would expect to see swatches all over my hands and wrist some days they even travel all the way up to my forearm accompanied by mixing palettes and mediums, basically feel like a mad beauty scientist on a daily basis, Lol!
What is your daily beauty regimen? Amongst taking care of my skin and ALWAYS washing off my make up. Yes, I see you girls out there... wash your face it makes the biggest difference! I think even more than that, surround yourself with good positive loving people and when you do that you'll instantly be and look more beautiful. It's such a simple thing but when you're happy it just shows all over your face!
What are our essential beauty products? Whew that's a loaded question LOL. I have so many. I think it's really important to have a good face primer. People seem to skip the step but it makes all the difference in the world. I'm also obsessed with face oils, argan, grapeseed, coconut oil... You name it. Fabulous make up starts off with the great skin!
What inspires you to do what you do? It could be a number of different things. A great red lipstick that I'll work a look around or material from a fabulous dress. As far as what makes me keep on doing and pushing through beauty boundaries.... it's you guys. I have the most amazing followers that are so supportive along with a great husband and family that fully believe in me!
If you could advise our readers of any one thing, what would it be? To never give up! My motto all my life has been to strive for the best. All you really need is strength, courage, and determination and with that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
How did you hear about AEsthetica Cosmetics? Why, social media of course!
How often do you contour? Every day that I wear make up, go big or go home!!!
What is your advice to those that are new to contouring? Every face shape is different, if you have a round face you should be contouring differently than someone that has a very elongated face. So, customize it to you whatever you want people to notice first. Highlight the places of the face that you want shown and contour the areas where you want to minimize or recede.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far? It was quite recent actually. I attended IMATS LA a couple of weeks ago and I had the amazing opportunity to share the stage with the incredible Brian Champagne. Where he hosted a class on demystifying Instagram success. I was so honored that he asked me to be a part of it. Not only because I look up to him with the utmost respect, but also because it shows my growth in the industry; I once was trying to have a successful social media platform - and here I am now, teaching people how to do it!
What are you looking forward to most for the coming year? I'm looking forward to continue on building and connecting with my social media following, and just excited for all the opportunities that pop up. That's what is so great about my job is you never know what's around the corner!
Who's on your playlist while you're working? It really depends on the look I'm creating for the day. If it's around Halloween there's definitely some Marilyn Manson in the background, or if I'm creating something ethereal, I'll have some Lana Del Rey playing, but whatever it is there's always music playing while I work.
Do you have any pets? Yes I have a dog, he's a white fluffy Pekingese and his name is monster... full name Monster Mash French.lol!
Where can you be found if you're not working? I have to admit I'm a self proclaimed workaholic. So when I'm not working that's when I usually take vacation. My favorite vacation spot is Hawaii. My husband and I go there every year since we got engaged there in Oahu.
What beauty secret can you share with our readers? Take a little bit of your favorite gold, bronze, or copper pigment and place it in your lotion it will give you the most super healthy glow to your skin.
Who is your fashion influence or icon? Jennifer Lopez without a doubt she always gets it right!
Huge thanks to Nikki for being such a wonderful friend to the AE brand and for spilling it to us! If you have a question you’d like us to ask future experts, or if you’d like to suggest an expert for inclusion please let us know!
Connect with Nikki on Instagram @NikkiFrenchMakeup or visit her youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/nikkifrenchmakeup
Comments
Karen
February 22 2016
Thank you Lizette!!! We love Nikki too!! <3
Lizette
February 19 2016
Wow! I love this article, love how you integrate social media into your marketing and gotta love Nikki French ❤️
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