Niya Baxter began dabbling in makeup at the age of 13. Eyebrow shaping, a little mascara here, a little color there, and voila! Niya became fascinated with doing makeup. Niya’s talent escalated with the help of YouTube and beauty influencers. Nine years later, groomed and prepared with countless hours of tutorials, research, and practice, Niya opened her own beauty business, ParisDiorBeauty. Today, several years into the business, Niya enjoys doing makeup for weddings, commercials, cover shots, and headshots for men and women. Special occasion on the horizon? Niya can be at your house, the day of, so your face is flawless for your event. You can find Niya’s creations and services, as well as her special fragrance oils, on Instagram @_parisdior_.
Niya offers insight into today’s trends, products, and what is best for healthy skin. Niya likes to keep makeup applications on the lighter side. “I always want you to look like yourself. That is my specialty. It’s about looking natural, just enhanced.” Natural blush, natural contour, and not as much heavy foundation is what Niya is seeing and providing for her customers. “More skin tints and moisturizers with a hint of color help enhance that natural look.”
Use a primer to smooth the skin and fill in lines and wrinkles. Your makeup application will be easier and your makeup will stay in place. “There’s a range of primers. I can tell which primer would be best for the client. Sometimes the client knows exactly what’s best, or not so good for them based on past experiences. I ask the right questions and I have all the products any of my clients would need.”
When it comes to lips and cheeks, “Lip gloss is what’s happening. It's everywhere and most beauty companies have some sort of lip gloss. I use a clear butter gloss by NYX that I love. Blush is making a comeback. I love me some blush. Pinky - something natural is always my go-to.” Niya suggests, “Stay away from cosmetics that are fragranced and flavored. It’s not the best for sensitive skin.”
For Niya, the best part of doing makeup is a satisfied customer. “I love seeing the look on their faces when I'm done. They feel pretty. They feel confident, and I feel good having a small part in that.”