There's something about this time of the year that makes me reassess everything - my routine, my energy, my skin, even my pace.

I always crave simplicity, with makeup and life in general!...less noise, fewer steps and more intention.

As many of you may know, I love focusing on my wellbeing behind the scenes, protecting my energy, building more gentle routines and being more mindful about what I put on my skin, (and what I expect from myself), and interestingly? my beauty routine followed suit.

Here's what I've actually been doing and the products I keep reaching for.

SKIN:

I have completely shifted my focus to nourishing my skin barrier after making my own Facial oil and learning how to make it. When my skin feels calm, everything else looks and works better - makeup sits better, texture is smoother and that elusive glow appears naturally.

Right now I am loving Boots Oat Cleansing balm, (£9.90). It contains oat oil to soothe, hydrate and moisturise my skin and it also supports the skin barrier. It helps my skin look lovely and dewy. It is also 100% vegan. I use it with a white microfibre cloth and I find this very gentle for eye makeup removal too.

I love using acids, they sound brutal but in fact, they are very gentle and one of the best things we can do for our skin. I love Paula's choice 2 % BHA Liquid exfoliant and I also alternate this by using a Paula's choice 6% Mandelic acid and 2% Lactic acid, AHA Liquid exfoliant, (£29.75 - 88ml). This gently tones and exfoliates, I can use it twice a day. Mandelic acid is the gentlest AHA and Lactic acid is derived from milk, (or lab made). It also helps with fine lines and discolouration. The BHA I use if my skin decides to have a little breakout or if I wanted to go a bit more intensive with exfoliation.

Next come serums - Hado Labo Super Hydrator lotion, (£18.99 from good old Superdrug, 150ml) - is a light lotion that absorbs easily and has 7 types of Hyaluronic acid in so helps to retain moisture in the skin, (I sometimes mix a few bronzing drops into this too and TOP TIP - also use this as a lovely eye serum before makeup, to really boost hydration).

I sometimes use Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C serum, (£45, 30 ml). This helps to brighten my skin and helps with any pigmentation. Great for sensitive skin and also has jojoba seed oil in to nourish.

My TLC Organic Super Nutrient Facial elixir, (£35, 50ml). Perfect for nourishing, calming, restoring and feels luxurious. I use this morning and evening. Available via my Online store https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/online-store/ or in studio.

I love yoga as it helps me to be present and I love doing my skincare for this reason too! What I am not doing?...layering five actives, over-exfoliating or chasing perfection!

LIMITED EDITION! - I have made up a limited amount of these new Gift box sets. Above, my Organic TLC Facial oil and New Travel set with double layer makeup case = £125, (Gift voucher optional, for a Makeup lesson or Special occasion makeup.) A gorgeous gift for yourself or a loved one. Email me to purchase - tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk

MAKEUP:

You know my approach to makeup is less is more, and I will always lean into that. Skin always needs to look like skin, not matte, flat or dull. Less powder, more cream textures and strategic glow.

Trinny London Mustique Trinity Lip, cheek and eye stick. Beauty Pie Super luminous under eye genius. Trinny London Miracle Blur. Huda Beauty Faux Filter concealer. Lancome Skin Idole Serum foundation. YSL Touche eclait. L'Oreal Lumin Le Glass stick. Jones Road Beauty Facial shimmer oil. NYX Warm neutrals eyeshadow palette. Kat Von D Tattoo eyeliner pen. Beauty Pie Pro liner in Turkish coffee. L'Oreal, Panorama mascara. Ciate Dewy blush. MAC Locked Kiss liquid lipstick in Mischief, and MAC lip pencil in Cool spice. Beauty Pie Wonder gloss collagen lip oil in Nude nectar. (Brows - I am loving the ELF brow pencils, they seem to be superior to anything else I have tried, and I have tried so many!!).

TOP TIP - Get yourself to Aldi, there are some great makeup dupes in there! I love their brightening concealers! I am also loving the RIMMEL Multi Tasker - it gives my skin that lovely glow, if I am feeling (and looking) a bit crap...

The bigger picture - What's changed most isn't the products - it's my mindset. I am not trying to look 30, I am not trying to fix every line, I am not chasing every overpriced launch. I am choosing what works for me, editing ruthlessly and prioritising how I feel...and that has transformed everything. If you are feeling a similar pull towards simplicity, let this be your permission slip, you don't need more, you need better.

I'd love to know what you are using (and loving) right now. I am always testing, but the recommendations from this community are often the best ones. Thank you for subscribing and reading my blog. I would love to hear from you! email me tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk

With love, Tina x