Hello fellow make-up lovers,

Today I have my washing out on the washing line and the sun is shining! How exciting! Spring is my favourite time of the year! like makeup, it gives me a boost!

Christmas is not my favourite time of the year, for me, its too overwhelming and manic, plus we lose our routine, which for me, is so important for my mental health, boring as it sounds! Then we have to deal with the long, grey, dark days of the next 2 months, so thank goodness Spring is nearly here! I often turn to my skincare and makeup for solace!! it really is self-care.

This is the perfect opportunity to experiment with some new makeup looks. I am always on the lookout for new makeup or skincare products. Read on for a bit of inspiration and some tips along the way...

Most of my clients visit me because they want to look the best version of themselves. They can easily achieve this, by spending time on themselves with simple techniques, the best tools and products and a little bit of knowledge. My clients visit me as they do not like heavy makeup, they want to look stylish, natural and effortless, (my signature look, and one I am known for)...

Below shows a recent client of mine, Julie, who wanted to learn all about how to care for her skin and look her best self...(please also read her review if you scroll down). I really love helping people.

I have been so busy with my makeup lessons. I offer 1-1 or Joint makeup lessons in my countryside studio. These include thorough research prior to the lesson, (I send out an in-depth questionnaire), a no nonsense skincare guide and easy to follow advice, advice on what skincare is best for you and application demo, using the right tools and brushes, a demo on your chosen makeup look using the best makeup brands, you also receive a Makeup lesson booklet with tips and a personalised product list, (I am not affiliated with any brands, so do not receive any commission from any sales, so no hard sell), you also receive a 10% discount on any of my brush collections and a follow up Online makeup lesson, a before and after photo plus some feedback which is typed up and given to you on the lesson, which is gathered from the information from the questionnaire.

I absolutely love experimenting with new products and therefore, know what works and what doesn't work plus with my vast experience, (35 years) in the industry you can be confident that I help you.

The 3 tips that I always tell my clients if they want to enhance their faces -

1. Skin - "Skin is the foundation" so good skincare is essential, plus investing time in yourself plus applying the right products to your skin to make it look as naturally healthy as possible and its best is simple when you have the knowledge and the right tools and products.
2. Definition - Applying the right products in the right places will bring your features back, without looking overly made up, (we lose definition as we get older).
3. Colour - Applying the right textures and shades in the right places on your face will enliven and brighten your face, not only make you look good but also feel good too!

I meet so many women who sadly do not prioritise themselves, (so easily done I know, we all lead such busy lives these days), but, all it takes is allocating that little bit of time to yourself once you have your essentials and you will be well away, (and not overwhelmed.). It's not like you are filling out a tax return!! its so important you spend this time on yourselves before everyone else has a piece of you!! I really believe that this is self care and I know first hand, that it boosts you to be then able and more equipped to do everything you want to do...but with a spring in your step!

Mother's day is approaching and if you would like a Gift voucher for a Makeup lesson, you can purchase either via my Online store https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/online-store/ or contact me via email tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk and I will pop one in the post for you.

Check out my reviews via my Google page https://g.co/kgs/mQ52tYK and also my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TinaBrocklebankMUA/

Thank you for subscribing to my blog and I hope you found this helpful. Please do reach out to me if you would like to book and see your best self!

Love, Tina xx

Spring is my favourite time of the year and I don't know about you, but when the sun is out it always makes me feel better! ...it's such a tonic, and I feel that way about make-up and skincare too...

This got me thinking about things that can lift our mood, and for me, make-up hits that mark every single time. Even on my worst days, I always, at the very least, do my skincare, as it makes me feel so much better, even with a bit of moisturiser on or lip balm. It is no surprise to me that makeup works as an anti-depressant and a recent study proves this...

The article written by Beauty Journalist Inge van Lotringen resonated with me, its about how makeup has the power to lift your mood and the study has found that wearing makeup can have a marked effect on improving women's mood and even helps with maintaining good mental health - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13256199/lipstick-really-lift-beauty-writer-INGE-VAN-LOTRINGEN-rejoices.html

The study from the research team from Sao Paulo in Brazil and Queensland and Curtin University in Australia found that regular use of makeup was associated with lower incidence of mild depression and lower intensity of depressive symptoms. Professor Carmine Pariante, Professor of Biological Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry and King's college London, said: 'Make-up is a type of self-care and, as shown in this study, helps with depression. The benefit is clinically significant, as by using the Zung scale, (which measures 20 different feelings and emotions - before and after the experiment).

I spend so much time teaching other people about their skincare and their makeup, that I thought you may find it interesting if I shared my skincare and makeup routine. I would love to hear your thoughts too, including what you like using.

Being 54, the basics like going to bed early and getting enough sleep, not drinking alcohol, (i've yet to be tee total but heading that way!), exercising, eating good (non processed) food, having a good HRT regime, drinking plenty of water and taking a supplement is key for me. I try and exercise at least 3 times a week and this includes weight training.

(I check in with Dr Newson once a year, regarding my HRT regime and hormone levels too). If you haven't already done so, you can read my blog about my menopause journey - https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/my-experience-with-surgical-menopause-and-hrt/

Skincare wise - my skins needs, (like yours) will change throughout the year and it will look different from day to day, therefore, I always adapt my regime to how it looks and feels.

For my morning routine I am using my own Organic, cruelty free Cleansing oil, (which I make myself) it includes Coconut oil, castor oil, rosehip oil and blend in a Blue chamomile essential oil. I like to mix up my acids, (these are very gentle so don't be afraid! and you use these as you would a toner, after cleansing), so I either use a PHA or an AHA, as my skin is generally dry. The PHA is from Medik8 and the AHA is from Pixi, (glow tonic). These are very gentle on my skin, and you can always tell when I haven't used one, as my skin can look a bit dull and flat.

Serums next, and I use mainly Beauty Pie ones, and I layer these, some days I will use one or two. My favourite ones are the Vitamin C Superdose, Triple Hyaluronic acid, Superdrops, (Niacinamide), Japan Fusion and Genius lift elixir and Daily Vitamin defence serum. I then sometimes spritz on their Hyalurionic mist before moisturiser and then finally SPF! (no lower than a 30, all year round). I am always amazed at how many women do not apply SPF, (and also feel guilty for spending time on themselves, it makes me sad).

Generally I like to use a more hydrating moisturiser, such as Bobbi Brown Extra repair moisture cream Intense or a lighter option is Embryolisse Lait creme concentre. I always use a dedicated SPF, I have just finished my first bottle of Ultra Violette Super supreme skin screen SPF50, and I will definitely be re-purchasing!

For evening I will use Retinol and sometimes Tretinoin, which I have sent to me from my lovely friend in Spain and I use this 2-3 a week.

From a very young age I witnessed my Mum's daily ritual of applying her makeup. She always had a big pot of Nivea face cream too, (I loved that smell and glorious white cream in the tin. I also loved the way my cheek stuck to her cheek momentarily when I kissed her). She'd describe it as, "...putting my face on"! Admittedly, I was always a little embarrassed by her glamour when I went to school, (I am ashamed to say it now). She always stood out, (nice one Mum!) Her hair was beehived to perfection, set hard with hairspray - not a hair out of place and lipstick always on point, (her trademark bright orange, which I applied for her when she was in the hospice, 3 days before she passed away. Ever the glamourpuss).

I remember people at my school used to poke fun at me about her, but to me, it was normal and I loved her dearly. I absolutely idolised her. She was a strong, hard working Mum, (she kept an immaculate home, worked as a school cleaner and brought up 3 children almost single handedly, as my Dad always had to work away from home, abroad mostly). Even if she was doing housework she always had her "face on", she would be cleaning windows outside with her lipstick on...I was in awe of her from a young age and she rocked her hair and her makeup. Even on the wettest, most depressing days she always had her bright lippie on. I can totally understand now why she did that. It was such a beautiful and powerful lesson that she instilled into me - to give myself love and time everyday and to make the best of myself, for myself.

As I learned about skin and makeup over the years, (I was also inspired by my beloved Girls world toy), its become even more important to me to make that time for myself each morning. It really is self-care. Just like brushing your teeth or drinking water. For me, it is an essential part of my day and one I thoroughly enjoy doing. It's the only thing I have any kind of control of after all! It can really put me out of sorts if I don't get the time to do this, even if I am going to the gym! "The marvel of make-up is that it allows us to put on the face we want to present to the world. Feeling right in your skin means confidence - and confidence is the root of much of our achievements in life, as well as our joy".

Looking after my skin is just as important, after all, "Skin is the foundation", as skin guru, Caroline Hirons says, which is absolutely bang on! If you invest in your skin and yourself, then ultimately, you will "need" less makeup to correct those "issues" you may find on your skin/face.

I am a firm believer in the less is more approach, as you may know. When I graduated from The London college of Fashion in '95 I went on to work for Bobbi Brown essentials, at the first store in Nottingham. I had the best training and loved going to London at the Estee Lauder head office. Working on the counter was second to none. I learned such a lot. I love Bobbi's philosophy that, "makeup is not rocket science" and "makeup that looks like you, only better". It has stuck with me to this day and I pass this knowledge and message on to my clients and I get huge satisfaction from helping countless women look and feel the best version of themselves, using the right tools, knowledge and products. Bobbi does not own Bobbi Brown anymore and has her own different brand, Jones Road beauty, which I love and use in my studio too. You can shop her products here - https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com

Makeup is such a powerful tool and to me it really is self care - feeling and looking good, for myself and nobody else! (so thanks Mum x x x )

Here is what make-up I am loving using at the moment -

After my SPF I like to use something that keeps my makeup looking fresh and is the best base for it too, so something like the Bobbi Brown Radiance primer, Beauty Pie Brightening primeror IT cosmetics CC cream, (the CC cream I use very minimally, where needed as it is quite heavy coverage, and I don't like that look).

For years I have used the Bobbi Brown foundation stick as it is so quick to use and is very natural, you can also apply in light layers and build up the intensity. It is also good as it covers any redness on your skin, so good around the nose and chin for me. I also rate their concealer, which is very hydrating and I like to layer this and blend with a soft, fluffy brush. If I am particularly dark under my eyes I find that Beauty Pie Under eye genius is excellent as a corrector, so I use this first, (before concealer). I might also use a bit of my old faithful YSL Touche eclait, (I only use the Radiant touch shade though, which is the only shade that looks slightly pink so to counteract any grey/brown tones under my eyes). I hardly ever use powder on my skin.

For my brows, which I stupidly tweezed away in my 20's, (damn you Kate Moss!!), I use a mixture of Maybelline Brow drama and an Anastasia dip brow pomade in Ash brown, applied in hair like strokes to mimic my brow hairs, (bane of my life!!) Thank goodness my daughter has listened to me about this and has kept her beautiful, thick, natural eyebrows).

For eyes, I find NARS Pro smudge eye primer very good as a base for eyeshadow. Beauty Pie do some lovely eyeshadow palettes, and this one is a James Malloy one. The eye pencil is excellent, again from Beauty Pie in Turkish coffee, and does not budge, as is the same story for their Wrap star tubing mascara. Its amazing.

I like a pop of colour on my cheeks, so this powder and highlighter duo works well, its a pinky tone with a highlighter with it, but to get that glow I mix the 2, I also use the Beauty Pie Luminizing wand on the top of my cheekbones for added glow! (I need all the glow I can get at my age!!...)

For lips, I like a natural shade with a pinky tone, not brown. I usually mix 2 lipsticks as I still haven't found my perfect nude lipstick. The ones in the photo are from Revlon in 008 That girl, (a rose pink) and then I mix on top a Charlotte Tilbury Kim K.W lipstick which is lovely light pink tone. I define my lip line with an NYX liner in Nude beige.

Above is another example of my day makeup items. I bought the Jones Road beauty Miracle balm, but didn't get the hype and wanted desperately to love it, so keep using it. It is yet to convince me, as it is quite heavy, maybe nice for cold days. I have mixed the shade Au Naturel with a Jones Road shimmer oil in Cool rose for a bit of colour and more luminosity and to loosen it up a bit. Seems to work so far.

I am a huge fan of Lisa Eldridges work and as I got to meet her last year, I have bought more of her makeup products to try. The latest one being her Enhancing skin tint. It is sadly in a very small bottle, but you only need a small amount as it is very watery. It is gorgeous on the skin and gives a light coverage and a lovely even, dewy finish. I chose shade T7 as I like a bit of warmth. The blush here is Bobbi Brown in Modern shimmer and the gloss by Lisa Eldridge in Song bird, a beautiful fresh, brightening pink gloss.

Pic above - me playing around with my makeup - here I used some Swarovski crystals and MAC Holographic loose eyeshadow pigment, plus some Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow crayons.

Below pic - Here I used mostly Lisa Eldridge makeup including her Liquid lurex eyeshadow in Maya. Lipstick is Sunday Matinee with Petal lip pencil.

I really love Beauty Pie makeup at the moment!

The bright lip colour above is from Lisa Eldridge in Rainbow spill with her lip pencil in Carnival. You can shop her products here - https://www.lisaeldridge.com/collections/insanely-saturated-lip-colour

Here I am when I met Lisa at Liberty in London last year...(pic below), I look a bit deranged and star struck haha.

I hope you all had a lovely Easter break. I have lots of makeup lessons booked in at my studio, (1-1, Joint and Group), and look forward to meeting you hopefully soon!

Follow me on Instagram @tinabrocklebankmakeup https://www.instagram.com/tinabrocklebankmakeup/ or my Facebook page Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist for behind the scenes updates and more tips and products info!

Tina x

Well, it's coming to the end of the year and it's given me time to reflect on this year and how much I have achieved and what I would like to achieve next year.

As you may know, I have reduced my wedding work. This means I can focus on my studio work and makeup lessons, Online makeup lessons, makeup artist training and my makeup brush range.

It's been a busy old year, just nice and steady. I have met some really lovely and interesting people this year, all of which I have been able to help with their skincare and makeup dilemmas. I get great satisfaction and feedback from this, and this keeps me motivated!

My diary is filling up fast for 2024 and I have bookings for 2025 too. I am taking on weddings, but these are by special arrangement only, (I offer a complimentary Zoom consultation prior to booking).

I always test out any products before recommending them to my clients. I have really enjoyed trying out new makeup this year. It can be a bit overwhelming with the makeup market having so much out there, and it's hard not to get sucked into it all. I do like to still keep things simple and always promote this when I meet my clients. I loved visiting London this year and meeting the lovely and talented, Lisa Eldridge.

For my own skincare and makeup I have been trying out some new skincare and makeup, so I thought I would write about it, as I get so many compliments about my skin and makeup, which is really lovely.

I am quite "reserved" shall we say, on social media. I don't really like putting myself out there a lot, just when the mood takes me! I am not really a "showy offy" person, so it can be quite challenging at times, especially in this exhibitionist day and age...

For skincare, again, I like to keep things simple and assess my skins needs on a daily basis and according to the time of the year, so I don't use the same things everyday.

At the moment I am using the following products -

I am making my own skincare oils but I also love the CeraVe Hydrating cleanser, as it was developed by dermatologists and has ceramides and hyaluronic acid in to nourish the skin. My Husband even uses it! It doesn't strip the skin either. If my skin is feeling dry I will use my cleansing oil, (I make these to order) or a balm, something like The Body shop Camomile cleansing butter.

I do still get quite open pores and sometimes spots on my chin, (annoyingly), so I will often use a Paulas Choice 8% AHA lotion which is a moisturising exfoliator, (you leave it on, and you can use this twice a day, its very gentle).

I have really got into Beauty Pie. You do have to pay a membership fee of £59 but once you have done this, it entitles you to lots of great, high end skincare/makeup, etc at reasonable prices. I really like their Vitamin C Superdose Brightening serum, so I use that as my next step and then a Beauty Pie Hyaluronic acid. If my skin is dry I will use a bit of oil, (again I make my own) or use another brand such as Squalene from The Inkey list.

Moisturiser wise I am using a Lancome one at the moment and then I layer on an SPF after. I always use a factor 50 all year round. At the moment I am using Ultra Violette Queen screen luminising serum, as I like that dewy finish, it is more flattering than being matte.

Makeup wise my go-to's are -

Bobbi Brown foundation stick, (I only use it on areas that need coverage or evening out).

NARS Light reflecting eye brightener.

Anastasia Beverley hills dip brow pomade in Ash brown used with a very fine (old!) Shu Uemura brush.

Maybelline brow drama eye brow gel in Medium brown

Beauty Pie eye pencils are very good and I usually use one along my top lash line and then finish with their Wrap star mascara, (it does not flake or budge!)

I love a cream blush so at the moment I am using a Jones road stick one in English rose, but I sometimes layer a powder one over the top to set it, (I love Apricot by Bobbi Brown) and then on the top of the cheekbones I use my Beauty Pie Luminizing wand in Champagne.

Lips wise, I love a lip balm especially this time of the year, (Glossier are my favourite ones, they do lots of different flavour ones, the birthday cake one is especially good!) Lipstick wise I use MAKEUP FOREVER rouge artist in Tender nude with NYX lip pencil in Nude beige, I also sometimes use a Charlotte Tilbury lip pencil in Iconic nude. Here I have a Victoria Beckham lip gloss on in Bikini.

My brushes have been really selling well and I have had some amazing feedback! I am very proud of them. You can purchase these via my online store on my website. They also include Gift sets with a Hollywood travel mirror in too!

I am looking forward to 2024 and meeting new clients as well as returning.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I wish you all a very happy new year too. Thank you for your support and kindness this year.

Love and best wishes,

Tina x

Hi everyone, I announced on my social media this week that I am no longer going to be offering mobile wedding makeup.  After over 20 years working on hundreds of weddings all over the U.K, working with hundreds of Brides, Mums, Grand mums and Bridesmaids, I feel the time is right for me to focus on my studio work.

Eco bridal shoot with Sanyukta Shrestha. Makeup by Tina Brocklebank. Photo by Kev Elkins, Flowers - Limewood flowers.

My make-up studio is currently being refurbished and I am excited to be focusing on Make-up artist training, one to one/joint/group makeup lessons, online makeup lessons and special occasion makeup, (in my studio).  If you are getting married abroad or away from the area and would like a Bridal/wedding makeup lesson, then I can help with that too.

I have loved working and travelling over the years and I have met so many amazing people and worked with many talented wedding businesses, it really has been a pleasure for me. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity and to help so many people and provide the best service.  I am very proud of my achievements and reputation to date.

Tina applying makeup at Aswarby rectory. Hair by Mon Amie wedding hair.

I will be posting updates every now and again on my social media, but I really want to focus my energy into another direction now, mainly in makeup education.

I shall still be honouring 2/3 weddings next year, so if you have not heard from me, then please don't worry, I will still be working with you.

My new studio should be ready in the New Year and I am already taking bookings for makeup lessons.  Here is the info - https://www.tinabrocklebank.co.uk/make-up-lessons/

I have already been very busy with Online makeup lessons and this is something that I am very much enjoying.

The Online lessons start with a basic questionnaire where I find out a little bit about you and what you like and what you don't like, plus any skincare regimes and issues.  I then offer a complimentary 30 minute initial consultation via Zoom and we go through everything and discuss any key points.  You will have already sent me a photo of yourself too, wearing no makeup and with your usual makeup on.

I will give you the opportunity to purchase my Makeup brush set.  These brushes are an investment and ensure your makeup is easier to apply and to ensure a natural, flawless finish.

Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist brushes and bag.

I then go away and design your makeup for you and perhaps a new skincare regime, ready for your 2 hour makeup lesson.  I then send you a product list and face chart, together with a Makeup step guide and any other information which I think may be useful for you.

Every lesson is bespoke and I really enjoying treating each person as an individual and looking into any concerns and coming to a solution with advising the best skincare and makeup for you.

On the lesson you will have your items to hand that you may have bought from the product list I sent to you, (I am not affiliated with any brands so do not work on commission if you buy anything. I just know what works for you from my 30+ years in the industry).

The lesson begins which checking you have everything and sat in good, (natural if possible) lighting and I start guiding you with your skincare application. I then talk you through your makeup steps. I try and make it as fun and easy as I can for you. It can be quite daunting and overwhelming trying something new, but after a few times I have found my clients to really enjoy applying their makeup and understand what to use, where and why.

Natural makeup by Tina Brocklebank.

Time permitting, I can advise on another look for you and we can also discuss anything you find difficult or want to go over.

After the session you will have the opportunity for a follow-up makeup lesson at a discounted price.

If you are interested in this please email me - tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk and I will send you some information.  I also offer Gift vouchers too.  Something a little different for that person who you never know what to buy for at Christmas!! and it will be a skill for life for them.

I have yet to finalise the Makeup artist training information yet, but already had quite a lot of interest. Just to confirm, this will be a taster day course for any aspiring Makeup artist/or a Makeup artist who feels they would like to expand their knowledge and skills and learn from me and my 30+ experience.

Tina Brocklebank Makeup artist. STALF shoot.

They will be able to come to my makeup studio for the day and work/learn with me, experiencing working on real people.   The training will be bespoke to each individual's needs, background and requirements.

I will still be offering special occasion makeup in my studio, so if you would still like to look amazing for that special occasion I can still provide that service for you, but just not mobile.

All of the lessons will be fun, factual, educational and there will even be nibbles and fizz provided! I can't wait to share with you, photos of my new makeup studio!

As a loyal email subscriber you will receive 10% off any service, (excluding a Makeup artist training workshop). This is for a limited time only and will be given to clients on a first come first served basis. This offer will end January 31st 2023.

Anyway, bye for now, thank you to everyone who I have worked with over the years, (if I have worked with you on your wedding in the past, please do get in touch and send me a wedding photo! I would love to see!!)  Keep in touch!

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and a very Happy new year.  I hope to see you in 2023!!

Tina x

Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist.