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

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

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

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well and keeping as cool as you can in this hot and sticky weather!

Just a quick email to let you all know that I have been appointed Beauty Editor for the Lincolnshire Pride magazine! I will be writing a monthly column for them and I will be covering all things beauty, skincare and makeup.

I used to be Beauty Editor for The Journal magazine for 8 years before it stopped being published and I really missed writing, so I am back on it, (thank you for Lincolnshire Pride for giving me this opportunity).

In the July's edition there is a double page article about me and you can read this online via their website and see pic in my blog too. I also began my column and it was about SPF and holiday makeup. I really hope you enjoy reading this. Let me know what you think! As you know by now, I really love my work and have lots of knowledge to share with you all and this gives me another outlet to share with you tips, techniques and my favourite products and brands. I really could talk all day about skincare and makeup!!

I have been so busy with my makeup lessons and I love meeting people of all ages and ethnicities, helping them to not only look their best, but to feel it too.

My makeup lessons are proving very popular and I am currently working about 6 weeks in advance. My makeup brushes are very popular too and I have just managed to re-stock them! so I am busy preparing them ready to sell.

I was able to produce my brush collection with the help of the brilliant Maggie Hunt, (who was one of Princess Diana's Makeup artists, amongst other celebrities). I have admired her work for many years and so I am honoured that she helps me. I hope to be meeting up with her soon, so watch this space!...

If you would like to purchase any brushes they are available via my online store via my website - https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/online-store/ or via my studio. I am so proud of them. They not only look great and of the highest quality, but they make your makeup application easy and so quick. A true investment.

Anyway I am signing off for now as I have to get my brushes prepared and kit all tip-top for another busy week. Thanks for subscribing to my blog and please let me know if there is anything you would like me to cover in my blog.

Love from Tina x

(P.S - I will also soon have some more exciting news for you, so watch this space too!!)