Freelance make-up artist @HQ Nina Thompson

After seeing Nina our freelance makeup artist in the press last week, we thought we'd share with you some of the stunnning photographs from the collection...

After training at Jemma Kidd's school of make up in Notting Hill Nina worked of various  shows with her, and then continued working freelance assisting shows and editortal work. After leading the busy life in London Nina moved to the tranquility of Whitstable and appreciating the beautful standard of wedding venues noticed there was a calling for freelance makeup artists. 

She still has some celeb clients (can't say who) and continues to travel all over taking her makeup global, from Scotland to Spain and across the Atlantic.

Nina continues to attend pro classes to learn new techniques, she loves how creative she can be and how she can express that through her work whilst also working alongside the bride, model or friend. 

''My heros are Alex Box and Andrew gallimore, I just love the art and expression in make up, understanding the person, the look and how everyday I work with a new canvas'' 

Some of our favourite works from Nina on Halloween!

There's something hiding around every corner: Beauty Express

I was in the salon last week and could help noticing how my eyebrows had strangely disappeared, all the sun had bleach them blonde and what was usually a light brown was almost non-existent blonde bushes surrounding my face, so I was relieved to find Nina's Express Beauty menu could help me out. Within minutes Nina had slotted me in and my invisible brows were tinted and back accompanying the rest of my face...phew!  

Nina's in Neon

 This summer,  neon polish shades will be big business for young clients  for festivals and parties,  whether that be traditional polish or gel polish you'll be seeing neon shades for months to come.

Nina x

Nina's HANDi Work- The Manicure Routine

Step 1: To get a salon manicure down to a tee,  it's all in the nail preparation.  Always make sure hands are clean and use a good quality hand moisturiser.  

Steph 2: Start by tidying the cuticles without damaging them, file and buff.  

 Step 3: ALWAYS!! use a good quality base coat.  We use OPI Base coat for natural nails.  

Step 4; Apply 2 coats of polish making sure there is a free edge at the base of the nail to get a clean professional line and to get the true depth of the colour.  

Step 5: To complete the polish stage use a a quick dry top coat and also if you're in a hurry use a freeze dry spray.  

Nina x

D.I.Y- Nina's HANDi Work Tutorials

Nina's been giving us some the lastest trends and tips for our nails this season, so if you want to get salon nails at home, don't miss out on Nina's HANDi Work tutorials in this blog series. 

Before we go into procedures we wanted to share with you some of Nina's go to products. It's always good to have some top quality products if you want to achieve the best look from home. 

Nina Loves; 

O.P.I Natural Nail Base Coat,

 It's enriched formula leaves ensures manicures last longer.

Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat

This product will give the most durable finish, it penetrates to the very base coat meaning your nails will remain chip resistant thoughout your whole manicure. Nina also loves this product as it does not leave nails yellow but clear, crisp and silky looking. 

O.P.I's Avoplex Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil

Nina featured this as her product of the week, check out the post here for all the information HQ's favourite Replenishing Oil

O.P.I Rapidry 

This is a great protection formula for those who want sleek nails. It gives a perfect finish to any manicure and is great for our clients on the go

Follow our series on Nina's tips every week for stunning, long lasting summer nails.