This week, we are so excited to be talking with Nikki Nelms, a celebrity hair stylist and brand ambassador for Maui Moisture. Nikki’s talent has attracted a star-studded clientele (Janelle Monáe, Zoë Kravitz, Solange Knowles, Björk, Beyoncé), and her creations are nothing short of iconic. She tells us how she got her start styling her family’s hair, why her creative process doesn’t require reference materials, and some of the surprising tools (think: Home Depot gardening tools) she uses to create her looks. Before the interview, we offer up help for makeup transfer on masks and discuss the latest beauty news: Venus Williams’ new sunscreen, beauty looks in the “Rain On Me” video, Nixit period cups, and a boom in DIY beauty searches online.
Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi) reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us voice memos of your beauty questions and Raise A Wand favorites so we can share them on the show. You can call us at 646-481-8182, and leave us a message. We love hearing from you.
This week in beauty news:
Can Venus Williams’ sunscreen launch bring more inclusivity to clean beauty?
Ariana Grande rocked floating eyeliner in the “Rain on Me” video
Nixit period cups are trying to end period shame
Online searches for DIY beauty treatments are booming
We also shared tips for preventing makeup transfer on your face masks:
Luke Henderson - makeup artist that Jess talked to
M.A.C. Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation
MILK makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - Jess says this as a slightly heavier coverage, but it lasts
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
During the interview with Nikki Nelms, we talked about:
“Walk in Wednesday” - Nikki’s IG lives
Hype Hair - one of the hair magazines Nikki was featured in at the beginning of her career
Essence Festival New Orleans - where Nikki met Lil Wayne
A Seat at the Table - Nikki did Solange’s hair for this album
Kanye West’s Gold Digger - Nikki worked on this video
Janelle Monáe’s googly eye hairstyle - Nikki shared the backstory behind this look
Flexi Rods - flexible curling rods
Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Vegan Shampoo - This is in Nikki’s “prep” kit
Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Vegan Conditioner - so is this!
Sebastian Professional Shaper Hairspray - in Nikki’s “on set” kit
Kate Somerville face washes - Nikki uses these
Shani Darden Skincare Retinol Reform - Nikki uses this because Kelly Rowland recommended it (and Kelly’s skin is amazing!)
Grapeseed Oil - mix into your conditioner for a DIY hair mask
Olive Oil - mix into your conditioner for a DIY hair mask
Diptyque Candles in Baies and 34 - Nikki’s favorites
Avon face wash - the first beauty product Nikki fell in love with
Erykah Badu
Banana Pudding from Doc’s Cake Shop (aka Doc D’s) - Nikki’s favorite desert
Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Wafer Cookie - Nikki also loves these
“My 1st Song” by Jay Z - The song that pumps Nikki up
Maui Moisture Weightless Oil Mist - makes your hair red-carpet ready!
#RaiseAWand:
Jenn: @basenote_bitch - Instagram feed with fragrance photos & reviews
Jess: Fleur Maxwell workouts