Instagram's beauty queen predicts the biggest trends of 2020

Nicole Faulkner, aka @lipsticknick, is the Director of Global Artistry for Morphe, entrepreneur, podcast host and a twice Emmy-nominated makeup artist (for her work on Ru Paul's Drag Race). She's also the person beauty icons trust to help them look their most glam. 

Working with Jeffree Star, Jaclyn Hill, James Charles, Ru Paul and Cardi B (just to name a few) Nikki is arguably one of the most respected makeup artists in the industry. 

Someone with this much clout in the beauty community clearly knows their stuff, so we were honoured to be able to question her about her favourite products, as well as her predictions for 2020 makeup trends. 

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If you could only use one makeup product for the rest of your life what would it be?

"Mascara! I like the Benefit Roller Lash, it’s been my go-to for years and I just feel so pretty when my lashes are bold and black."

bh loves: Benefit Roller Lash, L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara, Revlon Volumazing Mascara

What is your favourite eyeshadow shade of all time?

"My favourite shadow would be the red in the 35B palette Morphe used to carry, I’m obsessed with grungy red smokey eyes."

What steps do you take to make sure your eyeshadow doesn’t fade on a hot day?

"I always use a slightly thicker base like the P. Louise Base Shade (available in the U.S) all over to ensure it grabs a lot of pigment when I pack on my shadow and will stay all day without creasing."

bh recommends: essence I love colour intensifying eyeshadow base and Clarins Pretty Day & Night - Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base. 

Who do you think will be the biggest celebrity beauty icon of 2020?

"Lizzo! My queen! She looks stunning in every colour and I love that she’s not afraid to let her glam team take risks!"

@lizzobeeating

What do you think the biggest makeup trends of 2020 will be?

"Hydrated skin, with subtle editorial pops of colour."

bh's hydration saviours: Simple Charcoal Purifying Sheet Mask, Kiss Honey: Nourishing Sheet Mask, Simple Radiance Boosting Sheet Mask, Skin Republic Green Tea Mud Mask Sheet 

What is your favourite beauty look you’ve ever done?

"Jaclyn Hill for one of her second collabs with Morphe, her face is a makeup artists dream and her skin looks like butter!"

Have you ever done a makeup look you regret?

"Yes of course! When I was younger, I thought everyone should have wing liner an inch long."

If you could do one celeb’s makeup in 2020, who would it be?

"Lizzo or Megan Thee Stallion."

What do you think has been your secret to success?

"Work hard in silence, be kind, and never lose hope."

What’s the best treatment you’ve had over the last year?

"I haven’t gotten any treatments in years! I think this question just inspired a spa day..." 

What do you think the future of YouTubers and beauty influencers looks like?

"I think there will always be people who enjoy YouTube for entertainment/learning in all areas, especially beauty, but I think there is a want to see more lifestyle, documentary-style content."

Who should we all be following on Instagram right now?

"I love following Jeffree Star of course, he’s my favourite, and a lot of makeup artists like Pat Mcgrath, Patrick Ta, Adam Burrell, Glamtechsteven, brands like Fenty Beauty and Juvias Place, and my favourite photographer Jon Sams."

Have you heard of Lipstick Nick? Who is your favourite makeup artist to follow on Instagram?

Main image credit: @lipsticknick