As a Beauty expert and Make-up artist of over 30+ years, I am passionate about not only my own skin, but my clients skin too. I am forever on the lookout for brands and products that work, (instead of all "fur coat and no knickers" type thing!). Trinny London https://trinnylondon.com/uk/ certainly fits the bill in my opinion - (as in a full fur coat and mahoosive knickers!)

I tried Trinny London quite a few years ago now and have used it in my pro kit and also on myself. The first product I purchased from them was their BFF cream, (£41). I was instantly pleased and often use this on myself and my clients too. I love natural, healthy looking skin. This is a "skin perfector" and gives your skin a lovely glow but not too shiny, just healthy looking with a bit of coverage. It's really good for good skin days or minimal makeup days. It is white initially when you squeeze it out of the pump but then adapts to your skin tone when you apply and blend it. It reduces any redness you may have too. It has an SPF30 in but I personally prefer to always use a dedicated SPF prior to using. My shade is Light-Medium. There are 5 shades. It has porcelain flower in which is a powerful antioxidant and this is what helps achieve that healthy glow. You just apply 1-2 pumps and blend with your fingers, (or brush if you prefer). This tube should last you about 3 months if you use it daily - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/bff-cream Its really nice for a light, sheer and easy summer look.

BFF All day foundation, £41 - I was actually sent this from the brand and it really is lovely, (I am not just saying that, it really is!) It has medium coverage and isn't a white cream, (like the BFF), it has more pigment in it. Trinny London do have a Match2me service online for help with choosing a shade). Great for all skin types and is buildable, if you need more coverage. It is a very natural foundation, (which I love), and isn't too matte but not too dewy either. There are 18 shades. I found it lasted all day and it did not crease or cake at all. It has pro-ceramide in which helps to smooth skin and also vitamin B3 in to help with fine lines, (think scaffolding for your face!) - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/bff-all-day

Serum - concealer, BFF eye - £29. I actually bought this product quite a while ago and had forgot about it, as I wasn't initially blown away. However, after trying it again it is actually quite nice. I think perhaps I hadn't given it a chance. It doesn't settle into fine lines at all. It is a nice, creamy texture and evens out any darkness under the eye area. It has a cooling tip applicator and has a duo peptide complex in to help firm and tone. It also includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and vitamin c to brighten too. You can build this up, if you need more coverage. There are 12 shades. I use this after my foundation and blend with my fingers and/or a brush and then sometimes use a bit of their miracle blur under my eyes too, (see below) - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/bff-eye

Miracle blur - £28. I am on my 3rd pot, so I guess that says it all really! It's a little pot of magic. It smooths fine lines, pores and any scarring. I like to use this under my eyes after concealer to reduce any fine lines and magnify. It looks quite waxy in the pot and you only need to pick up a small amount, (think pea size, if that). Warm it up on the back of your hand or in your palm and then gently pat where you want it to go with your ring finger. I also like to use it sides of my mouth, chin, nose...depending on the day and how I look! They also do a Face finish Mattifying balm @£25 https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/face-finishwhich has skin enhancing silicones to help magnify and blur areas. This product gets rid of shine whereas the Miracle blur softens and blurs. A must have in your makeup kit! https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/miracle-blur

Eye2Eye cream eyeshadow, £20. There are 23 shades to choose from. Highly pigmented and easy to apply and blend. You can also use this as an eye liner for definition. I have shades Fortune and Dawn. I do like to use an eye primer prior to using this, as my eyelids are on the oily side. This will help to prevent any creasing. A nice product to work with and great you can stack these so you don't end up with lots of makeup clattering around in your bag - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/eye-contact

Line2Define eye pencil - £24. 6 shades to choose from. I use Sabrina which is a rich brown, (but I am eager to collect them all!). Definition on a face is so important, it lifts the whole face and makes such a difference. This is waterproof which is an added bonus, so it will not smudge or end up making you look like a panda. It has a sharpener on the end too as it is a twist up pencil. Highly recommend - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/line2define?variant=chantelle

Miracle Halo - Multi-use completion illuminator - £32. This is a tinted cream that has a pearly sheen to it and you use it as a highlighter. It also adds radiance and brightens your skin. Use on the top of your cheekbones or wear alone or even just under your makeup for a lovely, dewy finish. You can also mix with your usual foundation or moisturiser. It did remind me of one of my old favourite highlighters from BECCA, Shimmering skin perfector, (now discontinued). Note : Use sparingly so you don't end up looking like the Tin man! - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/miracle-halo

Trinity - Lip, cheek and eye stick, £36. I have the shade Mustique. There are 2 cream based shades on the stick which you twist up on either end. You can use this for lips, cheeks and eyes. One end is glowy and one is matte. I love the peachy shade as it is very beautifying and "lifts" the face. Great on cheeks and also lips. Makes me look alive in an instant so I am all for that! - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/trinity

Also an update about my September column in the Lincolnshire Pride magazine, it is now live online via their website (and free to read too!) https://www.pridemagazines.co.uk/lincolnshire/view-magazines?magazine=September-2025 You can subscribe to read this which is free too, (although not free if you wanted a paper copy). I have had lots of good feedback about this and love writing about all things beauty and makeup. I am currently working on Decembers column, which is all about Party makeup. November's is about concealers and correctors. I am really excited to be their Beauty Editor and I really enjoy doing this, (in-between working on makeup lessons and special occasion makeup).

(Above - me in my studio and below my August column in the Lincolnshire Pride magazine).

(Above - the beautiful Amanda, who had visited me for her 3rd makeup lesson. We focused on special occasion makeup this time, false lashes and also a beautiful bright lip, which is from Lisa Eldridge and one of my favourites - https://www.lisaeldridge.com/products/skyscraper-rose-insanely-saturated-lip-colour

Anyway, bye for now, thank you for reading my blog. Don't forget to subscribe as I will be sending out offers and discounts plus lots of tips and product recommendations.

Next time I will hopefully have some really exciting news for you!!! Watch this space makeup lovers!!

Keep cool!

Love Tina x

Hello! so with Summer now upon us, (she says looking out of the window and it is heavy rain!) I thought it would be a good idea to send my loyal subscribers and followers, details of some Summer offers that I will be running from now up until September the 17th 2023. I am offering 25% off to the below bundles/services!...

A 1-1 Make-up lesson at my studio, including my 12 piece Make-up brush set and brush wrap is £268.98 (a saving of 89.67!)

A Make-up lesson at my studio, including my 12 piece Make-up brush set with bag is £240.48, (a saving of £80.17!)

An Online makeup lesson via Zoom with my 12 piece Make-up brush set with brush wrap is £231.48, (a saving of £77.17!)

An Online makeup lesson via Zoom with my 12 piece Make-up brush set with bag is £202.98, (a saving of £67.67!)

Once you have had the Makeup lesson with me you then qualify for a *Follow-up Online Makeup lesson with me, at the reduced rate of £75, (a saving of £25!) The follow up lesson will enable us to run through everything and you can ask any questions or go over anything you want to discuss, all in the comfort of your own home!

*Please note the follow-up lesson must be booked within one month after the lesson with a 3 month deadline for the follow-up lesson.

When purchasing any of these services and products together quote the discount code tinab25% to activate it, (when you contact Tina). A deposit will be required and if you wish, you can also pay in instalments.

Should you like to book any of these options please email me - tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk telling me that you are a subscriber and we will get you booked in!

I have been busy with makeup lessons recently and also sorting out my makeup kit in my studio. I have also been trying out some new products and I am going to be aiming to do a monthly blog about these products.

I have been really busy too with Prom makeups! Here are a few photos -

I've also launched some homemade, natural skincare oils - the first is a Cleansing oil and the second is a Facial oil. I really enjoy making these! and have been making them and using them on myself for quite some time. I kept getting complimented on my skin so thought it was a good idea to spread the love...(or oils!)

The Cleansing facial oil is good for all skin types. Coconut oil acts as a nourishing base and has amazing moisturising and nourishing properties with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Castor oil acts as a purifier and cleanser and encourages collagen production penetrating deep into the skin, giving you a healthy glow. Rosehip oil is high in anti-oxidants and helps regenerate damaged skin tissue. Lavender and chamomile essential oils have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral and skin soothing powers. (Avoid use around the eyes).

The Facial oil is very nourishing and great for dry skin. It's full of protein and fats. Avocado oil is ideal for dry skin, rich in Vitamins C, E and K, magnesium and potassium. Rosehip oil is very high in essential fatty acids which helps regenerate damaged skin tissue. It penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates collagen production. It is also moisturising and anti-inflammatory and helps heal wounds and soften scars. (This is not for use around the eye area).

If you would like to purchase any of these please email me.

Here's some information about some products I have been loving -

Bobbi Brown Tinted moisturising balm - Sadly discontinued, however, this has been one of my fave products for years. So now that Bobbi Brown doesn't own the brand anymore and has her own brand called Jones Road Beauty, I can see that after being an avid fan of her and her products, (since working for her in 1997!), that most of the Jones Road Beauty products are her going back to her "essentials" - and by that I mean products that are easy, classic and natural. So, it makes me very happy that she has remade the Tinted moisturising balm for Jones Road called 'What the foundation"! (£42) its exactly the same. Perfect if you want a lovely dewy glow with a slight tint, excellent for dry skins. It has a slightly heavier texture than your usual tinted moisturiser and gives a lovely glow. Great for Autumn/Winter months too. It has a light-medium coverage. You just scoop out the desired amount and apply it to the face using fingers/brush/sponge, (I prefer my fingers), it blends seamlessly and easily into the skin and makes my skin look so much more radiant and dewy, it's a beautiful product.

Maybelline Brow drama - Sculpting brow mascara, (£7.99). I have been using this for years now and the shades are bang on and a great price too. You just apply your brow product first for definition, (if required), then use the brush applicator to gently swipe through the brow hairs to set the hairs in place. I like a natural, feathery look so this is perfect for this kind of look. It is also great if you have any stray hairs/grey hairs in your brows as it will tame them and tint them effortlessly.

3INA The no-rules stick 503, (£15). I first saw this being used by the fab and beautiful, Sam Chapman on her Instagram. It looked amazing on her, (but then everything does!) Basically, it's a multitasker product. A gorgeous nude pink shade and you can use it for lips, cheeks and eyes. It is creamy but not too creamy, and easy to blend. Great for mature skin and quick to use, but I wasn't feeling the "sheer-ness" it didn't really do anything for me at all. I think it would be more suited for a holiday look, just to add a little bit of colour.

UK Lash serum, (£37.99) - I am always up for a lash serum! I previously used Lilash, but it was working out expensive every 3 months or so, I think it was about £80/£90, it had seemed to have stopped working for me too, so I had heard good things about this new lash serum and my lashes were looking very stumpy and I was a bit worried about them to be honest! I started to use this and I am about 6 weeks on I would say, and the amount of clients who have commented and asked me if I am wearing false eyelashes! My lashes are definitely longer and thicker and when I apply mascara it's so much better now. I would highly recommend this product its so good.

Max Factor Miracle pure range - I got sent lots of products to try from this brand, (I love me a bit of Max Factor I must say). The foundation is lovely. Great shade range and even has an SPF30 in, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid so great for dehydrated skin, (like mine!) I also love the Infused cream blush, this has Hyaluronic acid in too, the shade Sunlit coral is especially pretty. A lovely texture and vegan too! You only need a very tiny amount because it is so pigmented! Apply it after foundation and blend with your fingers or a brush. It's nice and creamy so makes you look fresh and it's very natural, once blended. I much prefer a cream blush these days, I think on my skin it is a lot more flattering and I use a cream blush lots on my clients. You can always layer too with the same shade in a powder blush if you prefer.

Max Factor 2 in 1 Lash wow mascara, (£12.99) - I was sent this to try from Max Factor. I always usually use Max Factor anyway for my mascara, (the 2000 calorie Curl addict one). This one is bloody lovely though! thickening, lengthening and has a gimmicky brush system where you can choose which brush you wanted to use to create different effects by twisting the handle. No flaking or smudging and you just remove with an eye makeup remover. It is not waterproof but most aren't anyway, even when they say they are. This is very long lasting and I would recommend.

Danessa Myricks beauty, Magic set and seal Color fix, (£20). This is a mixing medium basically and it helps to ensure products are waterproof. I like to apply it over eye pencils and sometimes over a lip pencil before lipstick. This ensures that the product doesn't budge or transfer anywhere. A really great product. I got mine from Guru Makeup emporium in London.

Beauty Pie products - Well, what can I say about Beauty Pie?! To be honest, I think I am a little bit hooked! there are so many great products to choose from, great quality and great price too! My favourites have to be the All-in-wonder Illuminating primer and Triple luminizing wand.

The primer has a little bit of tint in it so it evens out the skin. The shade is Nude glow. It’s one-part opalescent light-refracting magic, one-part Diamond Core Powder, and laced with Vitamin E for a perfected, protected celestial complexion. Use alone to illuminate, or layer under your base for a brightened, beautiful, budge-proof finish. For sleepy, sad or sallow skin, it's really beautiful and only £10 for members! (You pay £59 to subscribe for the year and this enables to access to lots of savings).

The luminzing wand (£9), is fab and my fave product from them at the moment. A lovely creamy texture and much cheaper than the Charlotte Tilbury highlight wand and gives a beautiful, natural sheen to the skin. I use it on the top of my cheekbones, inner corners of eyes, under the arch of my brows, bridge of nose and cupids bow. It has Soft-Blur Microspheres and UltraGlow Coated Pearls for a natural-looking glow without the glitter, really beautiful.

The Beauty Pie Wrap star tubing mascara is really fantastic too. It wraps every lash in a glossy, smudge-proof colour for ‘locked and loaded’ lashes. 

"The Absolutube™ technology coats every lash in a smooth, glossy polymer tube for dramatic length and lasting curl. Stays smudge and flake free until you remove by simply sliding off with warm water. From Korea. Innovative and deluxe". It does what it says without a doubt!

Barry M Lid Lock, (£4.99) - I thought I would give this a go, as I have always used the NARS Pro prime one but I was in my local Tesco and bought some. It's really good - nice texture - great if like me, you have oily lids. It preps your eye area and smooths. It also ensures it doesn't crease. You just apply with your fingertips and blend. Really great and great price!

Anyway, bye for now as I think that is enough to be going on with!

Have a great Summer!

Tina x x x

Hi all, just thought I would touch in with you all. I hope you are all doing ok.

I haven't been posting much on my social media just lately, as I am not really into it all these days. I find it quite draining and I find I am much more productive when I haven't been down the rabbit hole, so to speak! I have been focusing on walking, yoga and baking in-between working. It is working for me.

I had the urge to do a drag makeup recently, after the sad news of Paul O'Grady aka Lily Savage and also Dame Edna Average. I had seen a drag makeup that I been inspired by too, so thought I would have a play and create something. I had forgotten how time consuming it all is, doing something like this...this one took me nearly 5 hours, but I think I was just happy in my own little world, playing with makeup, rather than being on a deadline with it. It was good to go back to my creative roots and do something different.

I used some Mark Traynor tapes, and you attach these either side of your temples or underneath your jaw at the side, to create a face lift effect. I used tonnes of makeup - mainly my Kryolan supra colour palette, Illamasqua, MAKEUP FOREVER and MAC products.

I've also recently subscribed to Beauty Pie. I have been wondering what all the hoo haaa, was about. I was dead impressed with my haul. You pay £59 for the year and get lots of high end products but without the price tag. I highly recommend it.

See below what I bought...

Here is me, (below), after using the products and my fave has to be the All in wonder Illuminating primer, it's sooo nice! it really evens out the skin, isn't too shiny on the skin but gives a lovely, natural finish, quite dewy.

I also really rate the Superluminous under eye genius if you have darkness under your eyes, I like to use it first, then go over with a yellow based concealer. Just use it on the dark part of the darkness to add luminosity and correct the darkness.

I also bought the Super drops flash face lift, (great name eh! and yes, it caught my eye! I am such a sucker sometimes!!although, to be honest, I was not impressed with the drops, I much prefer using an oil). I found this a bit meh and underwhelming.

Wondergloss collagen lip oil - Yes, a nice sheen and for £10 I can't grumble!

I have been suffering from dry/sensitive eyes, so bought their Perfect eye, Bi-phase, gentle eye makeup remover - its quite good and doesn't sting or irritate my eyes. So far so good.

Wonderful long wear lip liner in Vanilla nude - not a fan of the colour, seems a bit 'brown based' for my liking, but I have been using it as a base to see if it helps the longevity of my lipstick and seems ok, as long as my lips aren't too dry. I much prefer using a mixture of priming my lips first with a bit of concealer or primer, then applying lipstick, (ideally matte), then blotting again and reapplying a lipstick, then defining my lips.

Shine up lip colour balm stick in Baby bare - a nice texture, VERY sheer, almost too nothing-y?? but nice if you like that kinda thing. I personally like a bit more pigment.

Triple Hyaluronic acid dewy skin mist - I am really into this. It's nice to add in-between a skincare layer, (usually just before your moisturiser). Or nice even before you add your foundation or at the end of make. My skin is quite dehydrated and dry, so find this adds a lovely glow.

Uber youth peptide cream - I bought this as my eyes are getting a bit dehydrated and I have used the Bobbi Brown Extra repair cream for yonks. This texture is quite a bit lighter so I was a little disappointed with that, (after being spoilt with the texture of the Bobbi Brown one). Anyway, I will keep on using it and see if it helps...

Triple beauty luminizing wand - I really like this, and for £9 it's a good product! It's very much like the Charlotte Tilbury highlight wand, but without the ridiculous price tag. I hate the applicator though. I much prefer a pot and just use a brush or fingers, not the spongey tube applicator.

Supercheek cream blush in Astro pink - I do love a cream blush. It is very sheer but has a good amount of pigment in it. Easy to blend and looks very natural. Again, a good price at £12.50!

I am also loving me a bit of NYX - their lip pencils and eye pencils are very good! again, a good price point.

Work has been keeping me busy, although currently I am experiencing Benign positional vertigo! has anyone ever had it? if so, please get in touch with any tips! I have been to a physio and I am doing some exercises but it is VERY scary!! It is worse when turning over in bed, honestly it is so weird and I hope it buggers off soon!!

Oh, here is a recent lovely review. It is always so nice to see a review, especially when someone is so kind and has taken the time to write it...

Here is a recent client who visited me for a makeup lesson, after her Mum had bought her a Gift voucher. A 'no makeup, makeup' lesson. She also wanted to learn how to conceal under eye darkness...

...I think you will agree, she doesn't look like she is actually wearing much makeup at all, and to me, that is the best kind of look to go for, as why would we want to look like anyone else or mask our skin, especially if its this beautiful?! I just used a Moisturising balm from Bobbi Brown, (discontinued, but you can get the same from Jones Road called 'what the foundation'. It's a beautiful product. Brows were just softly defined with eyeshadow and set with a bit of Charlotte Tilbury Legendary brow gel. I corrected any darkness with a Bobbi Brown corrector stick and also used this on top of the eyes too, as Emily did not like her darkness on top of the eye either, then I just set this with a bit of powder.

One coat of Jones Road black mascara, (Emily did not want any liner or eyeshadow). I then applied a bit of cream blush, this one I think was Max Factor but Glossier do beautiful ones too called Cloud paint, which are very sheer and dewy. I then used my new Beauty Pie Luminizer on the top of the cheekbones.

Emily just usually uses a clear lip balm, so I just used a Glossier one first, blotted it off, then applied a Charlotte Tilbury lip pencil in Pillow talk and then used a Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Bellini on the top. Emily loved the result!

I have been quite busy with Online makeup lessons and I am really enjoying doing these! I can connect to people all over the U.K and my newest client is from the Lake district and I am teaching her how to do her wedding makeup, ready for her big day in August. I have also doing some Online lessons for clients who wanted help with their own makeup dilemmas and I always include skincare in this. I am very thorough. I have had some great feedback and love doing these. It seems I have ventured into the world of technology, (it has been a long time coming!) who knows, I might even dabble with some lives soon or a spot of videoing...who knows?!

I really like the quote below, as it reminds me why I dislike social media so much, as personally I do think the comparison trap kills creativity. I think that these days if you don't get 'likes' it can really affect your mental health and it can make you feel very inferior, (I know it tends to have this effect on me), so now what I do is post something, (now and again) and then delete the app after, and not look to see who has liked my post, because for me, it really isn't about that, it is more about connecting to people, being helpful and not showing off. I do find it a bit cringey.

I love spending time offline. I love being with people who make me laugh, (I have found a few new friends recently at the gym. We always have a laugh when we hear people breaking wind in the class, especially during a yoga class!!!) I think we should never underestimate the power of being with good people, and not virtually either I mean.

I love doing yoga and walking my dogs. I have also been doing a lot of cooking and baking!...the more time I spent offline, it makes me realise how little I need it in my life...(and how much I love my dogs).

Here are some examples of my makeup lesson work and my makeup studio too...

My Pro brush set, available to purchase online now.

I am really proud of my brush set. Vegan and each brush is hand made in the U.K. I think once you have a good set of makeup brushes it makes your makeup so much easier to apply and also last longer plus looks so much better than if you use one brush for everything??!! I was actually given the contact details from one of my lovely Make-up artist friends, (and idols), Maggie Hunt. I have been in touch with Maggie for a few years now and she often messages me and I sometimes ask her for her opinion about something. I always admired Maggie's work when I was in my 20's and living in London. I used to look for the credits in Vogue and Elle and often, Maggie had done the makeup for the shoots.

I got in touch with her a few years back to tell her I was a big fan, and we have been in touch ever since.

Maggie is Sam and Nic Chapmans Aunty, (Pixiwoo and Real Techniques fame), and she used to do Princess Diana's makeup, David Bowie and all of the celebs! I am so honoured to be in touch with her and she says my work is 'exceptional' and that makes me happy! You can purchase them via my website and I highly recommend them! I am so confident about them, that yes, I have put my name on them, (go me!)

Maggie gave me a contact for my brush range and I shall ever be grateful for her helping me to do that, as it has been a dream of mine for a long time. Maggie also has her own brush range.

Anyway, bye for now and please get in touch if you want me to blog about anything or if you want any questions answering.

Keep smiling x x x :0) and thank you for subscribing to my blog. I may be introducing some new classes soon, so keep your eyes peeled. These may be Online or in my studio. Let me know if you are interested. They may be mini classes, such as foundation sessions or covering up under eye darkness. Just bitesize classes...what do you think? let me know.

P.S -(Below see my Re-touch kit which includes 3 of my brushes, pressed powder, lipstick and lip pencil, one of my compact mirrors and a makeup bag - these are a good idea if you have had your makeup done by so you can re-touch, if needed). You can purchase one of these online too, as well as purchase Gift vouchers.