If you've stepped outside recently, (or actually, even just stayed indoors!) and felt as though you've accidentally wandered into the Sahara wearing a cardigan, you're not alone. The recent heat has had many of us questioning our wardrobe choices and makeup choices.
I tested the new Jones Road Beauty Foundation stick (after finding a piece of beauty history in my attic!)
Great makeup isn't about owning endless products or following every trend. It's about understanding a few techniques that help you look polished, confident and like the very best version of yourself.
Whether you love a full glamorous look or prefer minimal makeup, mastering the basics can completely transform the way your makeup looks and feels.
Here are the makeup lessons everyone should know -
Great makeup always starts with skin -
No foundation can compete with dry, dehydrated or dull skin. Smooth, healthy looking skin creates the best canvas for makeup to be effective and beautiful. This was one of the reasons why I blend and make my own Organic TLC facial elixir oil - read about it here - https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/who-is-ready-for-a-bit-of-tlc-tina-loving-care/
Before applying anything, cleanse, acid tone and moisturise according to how your skin looks and feels on that day. Allow skincare to settle for a few minutes. If your skin is dry, choose a richer moisturiser, if oily, opt for lightweight moisture rather than skipping it altogether.
When skin is balanced, makeup sits better, lasts longer and looks far more natural.
Foundation should match your skin - not change it -
Foundation should even out tone, not mask your skin completely. One of the most common mistakes is choosing a shade too dark, too pale, too orange or too heavy.
Test foundation along the jawline in natural daylight. The right shade should disappear without blending.
Remember, coverage is personal. Some people love a tinted moisturiser others prefer medium or full coverage. The best foundation is the one that makes your skin look like skin and makes you look and feel great.
Less product often looks better
Applying more makeup rarely creates a better result, too much product can settle into any fine lines, emphasise texture and look like makeup, (which isn't the aim).
Use thin layers and build gradually. Start with less concealer, less powder and less blush than you think you need. You can always add more, but taking away excess is harder.
Brows frame the face
Well-groomed brows can lift and define the entire face. They don't need to be dramatic or overly sculpted, otherwise you risk them dominating the face.
Focus on brushing brows upwards, softly filling sparse areas and keeping the shape and shade of the product natural. Don't opt for anything too dark, lighter is always best. Avoid harsh, blocky lines. Brows should enhance your features, not overpower them.
Blending is everything
Even the most expensive products won't look good if they aren't blended properly. It's best to apply with fingers first, (as they are warm and avoids wasting the product in a sponge or brush), then use the sponge/brush to blend it gently.
Blend foundation upwards into the hairline, soften blush edges, diffuse eyeshadow and make sure bronzer melts into the skin with no harsh edges. Good blending creates that seamless, professional finish that everyone wants.
Placement changes everything
Where you apply makeup can completely alter the effect. Blush placed slightly higher can lift the face. bronzer around the perimeter adds warmth and dimension. Highlight on cheekbones catches the light beautifully. Concealer only where needed looks fresher than large triangles under the eyes.
Technique matters just as much as product.
Powder only where you need it
Many people over-powder the skin, which can leave makeup looking flat or dry. Instead, lightly powder areas prone to shine, such as down the t-zone, sides of nose and chin. Leave the rest of the skin with a little natural glow. Fresh skin always looks more modern than overly matte skin.
Eye makeup doesn't need to be complicated
You do not need five eyeshadows and cut creases for beautiful eye makeup. A soft neutral eyeshadow, definition at the lash line, curled lashes and mascara can open the eyes instantly. Simplicity is the most flattering option.
Lip colour finishes the look
Even minimal makeup looks polished with a lip colour. Whether it's balm, nude, rose or bold red. The right tone of lip colour and texture brings everything together.
If lipstick fades quickly, lightly line the lips first or apply in thin layers and blot between coats.
Confidence is the best beauty product
The most beautiful makeup always comes with confidence. Trends change constantly, but knowing what suits you never goes out of style. As the great Karl Lagerfeld once said, "Trendy is the last stage before tacky".
Use makeup to enhance, express and enjoy - not to hide.
Final thoughts
Makeup should feel empowering, not confusing. When you understand the basics - skin prep, shade matching, blending, placement and restraint - everything becomes easier and more enjoyable.
You don't need hundreds of products or hours in front of the mirror. You simply need the right makeup, tools, a bit of knowledge and practise and you will be well away, because the best makeup isn't about perfection, its about feeling your best self.
Whether you are a teenager learning the essentials, a busy woman wanting an easy daily routine, a Bride preparing for your big day or someone looking to refresh and modernise your makeup style, the right guidance can make all the difference...
My personalised makeup lessons in my Lincolnshire countryside Makeup studio are designed for all ages, all abilities, every ethnicity and every occasion - helping you to discover what truly works for your face, your lifestyle and your confidence. From beginners to Brides, teens to mature ladies, I will show you how to feel your absolute best with makeup that enhances rather than overwhelms, because great makeup is a life skill and has no age limit. It's about feeling beautiful, confident and completely yourself.
Ready to feel more confident with your makeup?
Sometimes all it takes is one personalised lesson to make everything click.
Whether you would like to master everyday makeup, update your current routine, prepare for a special occasion or simply feel more confident applying your own makeup, my 1-1 Makeup lessons are tailored entirely for you.
I also offer Joint Makeup lessons where you can bring your friend/relative along! -
I even offer Virtual makeup lessons! so you can learn in the comfort of your own home if you cannot visit me in my studio. (See below for a couple of Virtual makeup lesson clients)...
I would love to help you. Get in touch to book your Personalised Makeup lesson today! - https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/get-in-touch/
Let's be honest, most mornings I am certainly not aiming for "red carpet ready" I am aiming for "well rested" (even if I am absolutely not). Over the years, (and countless early starts), I have narrowed my daily makeup down to a reliable little lineup that helps me look and feel better...even when I am still mentally in bed.
Skin first, (because I am not 21 anymore)
Gone are the days of a bit of concealer and hoping for the best. Now, it's all about skin that is older but well cared for. I always take the time to do my skincare each morning and night, consistency is key. I enjoy this time to myself and the whole process. (because I know if my skin is well cared for, I will not need to spend as long on makeup or use as much, plus it makes me just feel better!)
I use a clean white microfibre cloth each day with a cleansing balm, (I like the Boots Oat one or the Skin Rocks Gel cleanser - which feels so luxurious and very nourishing, not like a gel at all). I sometimes use a CeraVe Hydrating cleanser in the mornings too. I use warm water, (not hot) and give my face a good old massage! I double cleanse in the evenings. Using a microfibre cloth means I don't have to work too hard to remove my eye makeup in the evenings, as my eyes can be a little sensitive. The cloth is very gentle.
Next I use an Acid toner, (about 3 times a week and depending on how my skin feels and looks). My favourites are The Gentle acid toner from Skin Rocks or Paula's choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. Mornings I will then use either a Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin c serum and/or the Skin Rocks The Amplifier to increase the results of actives I am using. I have started to use an eye cream by Skin Rocks and it is great under makeup, I also love their Rich cream moisturiser but I do also use my TLC Organic Facial oil either on its own or with, depending on how my skin feels and looks. I always wear SPF and my go to is La Roche Posay, Invisible fluid Anthelios Fluid SPF 50 as it is very light and doesn't sting my eyes.
Evenings, (after double cleansing), I am currently using Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 and will apply a few drops of my TLC Organic Facial oil once it has absorbed, just to add more moisture and to ensure no dryness.
Base - For day, I go for something light and enough to even things out without setting into places that I don't want. I rate the Erborian BB Creme for this, it's wonderful, not heavy and stays put, very natural too. If I am a bit grey looking or a bit dull under the eyes, I like the Beauty Pie Lilac Super-luminous corrector, as it brightens before I add any concealer. I will use the Erborian Skin Hero Eye here and perhaps a bit of MAC Studio fix concealer, (if I look really tired, I will use my trusty YSL Touche eclait in Luminous radiance as it has enough pink in it to brighten up this area.
I only tend to use a bit of powder strategically placed, (on the tip of my nose, sides of mouth and between my brows), or I will warm a bit of Trinny London Miracle blur and tap it onto these places. I find if you put this under the eye area, it can crease a bit. A bit of glow is good, I hate that, "mattify the life out of the face" look. Glow says healthy.
I thought I would try out some of the Aldi, (Lacura) products and I was pleasantly surprised with their Bronzing drops. Nice for a bit of added warmth, (apply sparingly on the outside of the forehead, on the top of cheekbones and down the front of the neck). No7 also do a good cream bronzer, (a lot cheaper than the Chanel one).
Brows - The instant face lift. Brows are magic. Truly. A few quick strokes or a swipe of eyeshadow and suddenly I look ok. It's the closest thing to a mini facelift, (without having to lie down or have any pain!) I was daft in the 90's and followed trends, (damn you Kate Moss!) I plucked my brows away and lived to regret it, so I have them micro bladed, (Carrie Fuell in Lincoln is the best in my opinion. Check her out on Instagram, but book in advance as she's very popular! and rightly so). Carrie gives me a suggestion of a brow and then I just add to, using what I need. Currently I am using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder duo in Ash brown,(there's a lighter and a darker shade in there and I just use the lighter tone on the inner part of the brow and darken slightly with the other shade). I then set with a clear MAC Pro locked brow gel. You can also use this as an eye definer, (just use it damp along the top lash line) and smudge in). NYX also do great brow pens.
Eyes - I don't want to spend three hours blending or applying eyeshadow, (even though I am sure I would enjoy it). A neutral wash of colour, bit of definition along the lash line and swipe of mascara and there I am!! For ease I love the Lisa Eldridge Liquid eyeshadows, I have most of the shades, and they are also great as an eye primer, (I apply it before any powder eyeshadows). For smokey eyes I love the Natasha Denona Mini eye sculpt (Cool toned), see photo above. Finish with a good, black thickening mascara, I love the L'Oreal Panorama one. Good pencils to use are from Beauty Pie, Lisa Eldridge and I love the Kat Von D Tattoo liquid liner ones. I also love the NYX Warm neutrals eye palette or the Delilah cosmetics one in Venus.
Blush - My secret weapon and one of the most underrated makeup products. It brings back life into the face faster than anything else. I love the Armani luminous liquid ones. You wouldn't think to buy a red one, but the number 41 one is excellent, (just remember we have that beautiful blood red colour underneath our skins, and we want to try and mimic that a bit, its super flattering and you can mix it with other shades, like Apricot). I do like to set sometimes with a powder one, I like the MAC Extra dimension ones as they have a nice amount of pigment and slightly sheeny, (I like the shade Cheeky bits). For highlight I like the Merit balm stick in Cava.
Lips - I don't have the emotional capacity for high maintenance lipstick, but I do love applying it, the whole process of popping off the lid and applying it. My go to is a MAC Macximal Silky matte lipstick in Kinda Sexy and use lip pencils from Lisa Eldridge - 1c/Fawn, or Pillow talk from Charlotte Tilbury. This is something I can apply without a mirror and keeps on really well too.
My daily makeup routine is quick, doesn't require perfection, (it's more about effect), and isn't about looking flawless. I just want to look like the best version of myself and feel better, it goes hand in hand.
I have been really enjoying working on my Makeup lessons. My Brush collections are also proving very popular and I am just about to make up another batch of my Organic TLC Super Nutrient elixir Oil! You can purchase these from my Online store https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/online-store/or email me tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk for more details!
Love, Tina x
Spring has finally arrived, which means three things: the daffodils are out, my dogs are tracking mud through my house and my skin is emerging from winter looking like its just completed a long, emotionally challenging hibernation.
Historically it was the source for the vibrant red pigment called Vermillion which was very fashionable and worn on lips too. Blusher symbolised wealth and vitality. Men wore it too, (often more lavishly than women).
As a loyal subscriber, you are the first to know about my new Make-up lessons for the New Year!
There’s something about December that invites a little more sparkle into our lives. The calendar fills up with gatherings, the sequins come out of hibernation, and suddenly makeup feels less about routine and more about celebration.
Hello friends,
Introducing TLC - My Organic, Super Nutrient Facial Elixir by Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist.
I've poured my heart and expertise, (plus a lot of skin-loving science with the help of a Cosmetics chemist) into this product - meet my brand new TLC Organic Super Nutrient Facial Elixir...
TLC stands for Tina Loving Care, because that's exactly what your skin deserves - a daily dose of kindness, nourishment and glow. When my clients visit me, a bit of Tina Loving Care is exactly what I provide for them. "Skin is the foundation to beautiful make-up".
I created this elixir after over 3 decades of seeing and feeling skin up close. I was also inspired by my daily country walks in the Lincolnshire countryside where I live. I often see Rosehips, Chamomile and Rosemary growing. Over Covid I started making my own oils, experimenting and looking into the many benefits of using plants, oils and herbs in skincare, so this is a long time coming!
When I was younger, (1990) I trained as Beauty Therapist so I learned a lot about skin. I then went onto London to train as a Make-up artist and worked Freelance for many years travelling all over the U.K, working on London Fashion week, enhancing and creating beautiful skin on a diverse range of clients for commercial, editorial and T.V work, clients and models who were up close and in-front of the camera and under all sorts of lighting. I also worked for Bobbi Brown in Nottingham, working with so many different clientele, learning more about skin and makeup. It was great experience.
Eventually I started my own Makeup artist business in 2003, working with clients of all ages and ethnicities. My clients just want to look the best version of themselves, and it's the same with skin, we just want it to look its best, not necessarily younger.
One thing I know for sure? Skin looks its best when it's hydrated, balanced and cared for. That's where TLC comes in.
What makes it special?
TLC isn't just another Facial oil - it's a nutrient-rich, natural powerhouse that feeds your skin exactly what it needs. It's organic, gentle, and perfectly balanced offering long-lasting nourishment, without ever feeling heavy or greasy.
Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, combination, troublesome (or just somewhere in-between all of these!) TLC helps to :
The hero ingredients-
Each drop of TLC is packed with skin-loving goodness:
Rosehip Oil and Rosehip co2 Extract - rich in vitamins A and C for renewal and radiance
Chia Seed Oil - packed with Omega-3s for moisture and barrier support
Argan and Avocado Oils - help smooth and soften the skin
Olive Squalane - mimics your skin's natural oils for light, silky hydration
Vitamin E Blend - protects against environmental stressors
Chamomile and Rosemary Extracts - soothe, calm and add a gentle botanical boost
This unique blend means your skin gets everything it needs to glow - no fillers, no synthetic fragrance, just pure, organic care made by Tina.
How to use -
Morning or night, (or both!) - warm 2/3 drops between your fingertips, take a breath and gently press onto clean skin. You can wear it alone, mix a drop into your moisturiser, (always before SPF), you can mix it into your usual foundation for a beautiful lit-from-within effect or use it as the final step of your makeup application by adding 1-2 drops onto your fingertips and then pressing onto the top of your cheekbones or anywhere where your skin looks like it needs a bit of a dewy glow. You can also use it as your final step in your nighttime routine and wake up to beautiful, radiant skin.
Your skin will drink it up, (and thank you for it!)
Why I love it, (and you will too)...
I wanted TLC to feel like a moment of calm - a ritual, not a routine. Its not about perfection; its about connection with yourself and taking that small pause each day to care for your skin, to breathe and to show yourself a little loving care - that's the heart of TLC.
Ready to try it?
TLC Organic Super Nutrient Facial Elixir is now available to purchase and I can't wait for you to experience the difference it makes, because great skin doesn't happen by chance, it happens with a bit of TLC.
Available to purchase in my studio or my Online store - Click here to view the product
Love, Tina xx
Hello fellow makeup and beauty lovers, thank you for subscribing to my newsletter.
Since my last newsletter I have been updating my kit and working with lots of ladies wanting makeup lessons and special occasion makeup which I have been loving and getting lots of positive feedback via my Google reviews - https://share.google/Xxe8PrCqFjvmhJmOo
I have also been busy writing my monthly column for The Lincolnshire Pride magazine, for which I am the new Beauty editor. We write about 3 months in advance! so I have just submitted my December column which is all about achieving that polished Party makeup, in a very simple and elegant way. There is also lots of product recommendations and tips on there too. You can read this for free online via https://www.pridemagazines.co.uk/lincolnshire/view-magazines?magazine=September-2025 (September is the one currently up). There are around 24,000 online readers per month currently!
I recently did the beautiful Tilly's makeup for her brother's wedding here in Lincolnshire. I last saw Tilly over 10 years ago, (she has since moved to Scotland, so it was so great to see her again, she is so stunning). She was a pleasure to work with.
I was recently sent some new products from Lancome, as I am renewing my foundations and concealers in my pro kit. I have used Bobbi Brown for nearly 30 years! and still love the brand, (but not as much as when Bobbi was with them. She now has her own brand called Jones Road, and it is excellent. I have lots of Jones Road in my studio and kit).
These new foundations are epic! They are quite similar to the Long wear Bobbi Brown foundations as they are oil free, (so great for a special occasion if you want your makeup to last and you are not a big fan of the dewy look). They are medium to full coverage and buildable. Very natural looking too. The concealers are just as nice and you only need a tiny amount. A little goes a very long way. To prevent any creasing under the eyes, a good tip is to apply an eye primer over your whole eye area and then with what is left on your ring finger, dab a little underneath the eye area, ensuring it is blended in. Then apply a little bit of concealer and blend again. This will ensure it keeps those pesky creases away. Make sure you don't apply too much concealer, as the more you apply the more risk you run of it creasing.
I am a big fan of Max Factor, (especially their mascaras), so was chuffed when they sent me their new Long lash era 2000 calorie mascara. I think it's basically the same as the previous 2000 calorie mascara, just different packaging?! but it's a great, affordable, thickening and lengthening mascara that doesn't budge - https://www.boots.com/max-factor-2000-calorie-long-lash-era-mascara-10372414?traffic=paid.shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19973637790&gbraid=0AAAAA-AdmwSJzGZLfMrHlgGtZX8G9P1X3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4JP74O_BjwMVK4tQBh3UwCIMEAQYASABEgIbzvD_BwE
Above - me in my studio.
I recently worked with the gorgeous Julie, who wanted to be shown how to apply makeup and to define her eyes, as she wears glasses - she loved the result...
...as you can see, I evened out her skin, defined her eyes and added a pop of colour. She was so chuffed with the result and she bought my Luxury brush set too, which will help her too!
Above - my everyday makeup items that I am currently loving. The Lancome Skin Idole 3 serum supertint is so gorgeous, it evens out the skin and is quite light, I also think it adds a lot of luminosity to the skin, great for dry/mature skins - https://www.lancome.co.uk/makeup/face/foundation/skin-idole-3-serum-supertint/01172-LAC.html
Pressed powder from ByTerry - its Hyaluronic so doesn't end up making your skin look too matte, it's such a gorgeous face powder, I only use a tiny bit down my t-zone, to stop any shine - https://www.byterry.com/products/8ha-hyaluronic-pressed-hydra-powder
The Beauty Pie violet corrector - I use this if I am a bit dark under my eyes, it brightens the area and then I add a bit more of the Supertint on the top - https://www.beautypie.com/products/superluminous-violet-brightening-booster?srsltid=AfmBOooDIbVRG4PuNs3XbcLQqdtXkyHHLX6EebBwC4uM4I3Puy7XdJ1-
Another Beauty Pie firm fave of mine is their Wrapstar Tubing mascara - no panda eyes here!! It's an amazing mascara. It wraps each lash with a tube and then sets and does not budge until you remove with warm water, you will see little clumps coming off in the sink, it saves you from rubbing your eyes or using any eye makeup remover. Very gentle.
Pencil wise, (along my top lash line) I am loving the Lisa Eldridge eye pencil in Ground coffee https://www.lisaeldridge.com/products/ground-coffee-seamless-glide-eye-pencil it applies like a dream, not dry at all, and you can smudge it a bit before it dries down, it doesn't budge at all. Great for tightening too. I also love her Pinpoint concealer, if I have any red areas or blemishes I want to cover - https://www.lisaeldridge.com/products/pinpoint-concealer-micro-correcting-pencil-shade-no-3
I was sent the Trinny London Miracle halo and it reminds me of the Becca Shimmering skin perfector, (if you are familiar with that? although it is discontinued now). This is a lovely highlighter, very natural. You can wear it alone or mixed with moisturiser/foundation for a glow, or use on the top of your cheekbones, or high points of your face for a beautiful highlight, very soft and subtle - https://trinnylondon.com/uk/products/miracle-halo
I also recently visited the lovely Maggie Hunt when I went to visit my daughter in London. (Maggie kindly helped me produce my brush collections). I used to follow Maggie's work in the 90's when I used to read Vogue, Elle and all of the glossies. She has worked with Princess Diana and David Bowie, (the list is endless!) I was honoured to spend time with her and have lunch with her, a real treat. I am a huge fan of her beautiful work.
I also tried out the new RUM mascara, (a collab by beauty industry veterans, Samantha Chapman Andrews, Sali Hughes and brand strategist, Jo Jones). They created the mascara to address their own frustrations with existing mascaras, aiming to develop a perfect, non-smudging tubing mascara that delivers volume and length - and they have definitely delivered on this, so well done ladies!
Anyway, enough for now. I hope you have all had a nice Summer. I honestly can't believe Autumn is here already! this year has whizzed by.
I shall be offering a 10% discount to all of my subscribers/followers if you book a 1-1 Makeup lesson with me, from the 1st of October until the 15th of December 2025. Early booking is advisable, as I do get booked up very quickly and there will be limited availability, so ssssh don't tell everyone!! I hope to hear from you soon!
Thank you for reading,
Love, Tina x
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Aenean ut nisl nunc. Proin maximus, lectus a rhoncus eleifend, ipsum dui efficitur enim, vitae egestas diam felis non lacus. Nullam semper lectus massa.
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