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Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist - Day make-up.

My day make-up products and routine...

I don't get a lot of time in the morning for make-up, but saying that, I do make it a priority. I can wake up feeling pretty crappy and frankly, looking it too! So the whole ritual of looking after my skin and applying make-up, for me, is a necessity and if I don't do it, I feel rubbish all day, not to mention look tired, and well, lets face it, ill!!

I like to start by cleansing my skin well and I am using Paula's choice Hydrating cleanser and I really am quite firm with the cleansing! I then like to splash it off with lots of really cold water. I then pat dry, allowing my skin to still be damp. I then use my faithful and trusty Bobbi Brown Extra repair moisturising balm, SPF 25. I love this product as I have really dry skin and using this makes it look fresher and a tad younger if anything else! a lovely glow is given, (which I badly need!) I then use the Bobbi Brown Extra repair eye cream, tapping it in lightly, under the eye area. I have really noticed a difference as I am getting older, (I am now 47). Fine lines and dark shadows are a bug-bear for me! grrrrr.....

Once this is done, (which takes about 5 minutes), I start my make-up.

Depending on how my skin looks and feels, (and how knackered I look!), I chose my foundation according to this.

On the photo, that particular morning I was looking my usual ill unmade up self, so I needed a bit more warmth in my skin, so I go one shade darker with my foundation/tinted moisturiser. Todays ammunition was the Charlotte Tilbury Healthy glow, I use this on top of the Bobbi Brown moisturiser. Its a strange product as when you squeeze the tube, it comes out light grey and then when you blend it into your skin, it morphs into your skin and transforms your skin into a warmer shade, but natural. This is suitable for men and women. (A great product, but no SPF.)

So, once I have a bit of a good base to work with, I then go to work with concealing any blemishes and uneven areas. I use Bobbi Brown Instant full cover concealer in the shade Sand. These concealers are the business! They stay on all day, do not budge and look very natural. I work this in with my fingers, just tapping lightly.

Next I go to work underneath my eye are, (not my favourite part of my face, as I have mentioned!!) I look tired and very dark under here...but I have my secret weapons! (thank goodness!)

I use the same Bobbi Brown Instant concealer but one shade lighter under here, (if I am particularly dark I will use a corrector too, my favourite is by BECCA in Peach.) I keep layering the concealer until as much darkness is gone...so it may take a few layers, but they need to be light. I use my ring finger to blend. Don't forget, this is the deepest part of your face, so naturally, it is going to look darker, (even though I don't remind myself of this!)

OK so next, I work on my brows. When I was in my early twenties, it was fashionable to have a very thin, almost Biba-type brow, (a trend worn by Kate Moss, and of course, I thought at the time, I could carry this look off. Looking back, I looked more like Barbara Cartland.) So to "plump" up my almost non-existent brows, I use Maybelline Brow precise fiber filler, (which is really a brow mascara, which helps to bulk up what hairs you do have there. A clever little product.) Go easy here, you don't want to end up looking Denis Healy. If there are any sparse areas I then use Anastasia Beverley Hills Dip brow pomade in Ash brown with a MyKitco My tiny liner 11 Pro brush. I use the tiniest amount of product and mimic little brow hairs, finishing with some Maybelline Brow drama gel through the brows to set and to add further texture.

Eyes are next - I use a cream product usually as a base, (its called a Primer nowadays.) I apply this with my finger and blend. This ensures longevity if I use a powder eyeshadow and makes sure it doesn't crease. I use Bobbi Brown Long wear cream eyeshadow in Sand dollar or Cream eyeshadow stick in Truffle, I take this right up to the brow.

Next I use my Charlotte Tilbury Instant look in a palette, (Beauty glow.) I use a mixture of the 2 darker eyeshadows and apply to the outer areas of the lid, above the crease and slightly under the eye area. I use a MAC 217 for this. I have seen as I have got older, I "need" more definition and colour. I never really used to wear eyeshadow.

Definition is next, so I use my Maybelline Lasting drama gel eyeliner in Black and I apply with my Maggie Hunt No7 angled brush, (amazing brushes by the way by the wonderful Maggie, who I aim to go and visit early next year.) I start in the middle of the eye first, (top lid), and push it right into the roots of the lashes and underneath, in the top waterline too. At the ends of my lids, I extend the line slightly, to elongate my eyes and to mimic slightly longer lashes at the ends. The line goes right into the inner corners too.

I use about 3 layers of Max Factor 2000 calorie mascara in Black, (curling first with a Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler.) I always encourage more curl as the mascara is drying, by pushing up the lashes slightly with my sides of my finger!

A little bit of the Charlotte Tilbury highlight is dotted in the inner corners of the eyes and under my brow arches, (which is in the palette.)

To add a bit more warmth, if needed, I use Bobbi Brown Bronzing gel, (Joe Brown.) I am not sure if they are selling this anymore, as I have just checked on their website. But, its a great product. You just pat it on and blend well. I use it on my forehead and on the tops of cheekbones.

Blush is next. I like a dewy look, (more youthful!) so I use a cream product - I love either Bobbi Brown cream blush, (Fresh Melon is so natural!) or Make-up Forever HD cream blush in Flamingo Pink - 215. I only use a tiny amount on the apples of my cheeks and blend towards the outer part of my face.

I use a little bit of the highlighter from the Charlotte Tilbury palette, along the top of my cheekbones sometimes for more glow.

Lips - I always revert to a nude lip. If I go darker or brighter, I just don't feel like me! First I use a pencil all over the lips, (Charlotte Tilbury Lip cheat in Pillow talk or Bobbi Brown Beige.) I then use a lipstick over the top, my current favourite is by Charlotte Tilbury Hot lips, Kim K.W. However, I can't seem to get over Tom Ford Nude blush lipstick, its my absolute favourite. I then lightly define around the lips, in Charlotte Tilbury Lip cheat - Iconic nude.

...and that's me for the day! I can't say bright eyed and bushy tailed but I can say, ready for the day! Feeling, (and without a doubt, looking!!) a better version of myself.

The whole routine takes me about half an hour. Now I now a lot of ladies say, "half an hour?!!" like that's some sort of crime! but I always say; that is the only time you have to yourself the whole day, the only time you do something for yourself, so why not half an hour?! Get up a little bit earlier?! Maybe invest in yourself? Don't feel guilty about it!! We could all stay in bed a bit longer, and I always want to! But the if its a toss between extra minutes in bed and looking and feeling rubbish the whole day, or getting up earlier and looking and feeling ok all day, then you know which I choose! I certainly feel the rewards, and for me, that is what make-up and skincare are about, not just visual, but actually a little bit of therapy and self-love!

Thanks for reading my blog x x x

News & Events - 11/28/2017

My top 4 cleansers...

Yep, I'm a sucker for trying out new products, lotions and potions. My bathroom shelf resembles a shelf in Boots the chemist, I'll admit.

I have tried most cleansers and for me personally a good cleanser, has to smell nice, be of a good creamy consistency, isn't harsh or too strongly perfumed, and makes my skin clean quickly and effectively, ready for toning and moisturising.

Obviously, there are so many different cleansers available now, its easy not to get a bit bewildered and overwhelmed with them. Here are my top 4 cleansers which I always use -

Best budget buy cleansers - Aldi Hot cloth cleanser, £3.99 - To rival the liz Earle Hot cloth cleanser, (which I love, but lets face it, if a cheaper product does as well and is as luxurious, then I am going to buy the cheaper option.) 85% cheaper than the Liz Earle product. Gorgeous and creamy with a smell very similar, if not identical to the Liz Earle product. Removes make-up very quickly and feels refreshing and soothing. Gimme, gimme gimme! Back on the shelves 30th Nov!
Garnier Micellar water - £3.29, as good as the original cult classic - Bioderma - which I use in my make-up kit. A one step cleanser, no fuss and no rinse. Great for even sensitive skin.

Best mid-range cleansers - Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa cleansing balm - £39 - An indulgent, buttery balm with a heavenly scent. A little goes a long way, (I was very sad to use the last bit.) Leaves your skin clean, hydrated and luminous. Can also be used as a face mask.

Best high end cleanser - Bobbi Brown Extra balm rinse - £50 - Gorgeous, conditioning cleanser with a refreshing, lemony scent, leaves skin feeling smooth and looking radiant, my favourite cleanser, (and I love to use this when I am feeling tired or hungover, as the scent really helps lifts the spirits! pardon the pun.)

News & Events - 11/19/2017

Make-up tips for the day after the night before...

The November Lincoln Journal is out and my column for this month focuses on "morning after make-up"! Something which I know a lot about sadly! After abstaining from drinking alcohol for about 4 months I thought it was a good idea one night to drink quite a lot, which left me feeling, and looking, like something from The Walking dead.

Needless to say, I had to venture out, so I needed to apply a tad of make-up, just so I didn't scare people, (the photo I have attached obviously is not the day of the hangover, that is not for public viewing...I wouldn't subject anyone to that!)

The party season can certainly take its toll on us and it reflects not only on our waistlines but on our skin too. Skin can look very dehydrated, sallow and a build up of toxins can cause irritations and blemishes.

I always find Christmas and New Year difficult, as its such a indulgent time of the year, and I do like to look after myself during the rest of the year. I find it difficult not to get caught up with it all!

However, saying that, regardless of how much I drink or eat, or how I am dreadful I may be feeling, I always make sure I remove my make-up before I go to bed.

I have just discovered an excellent product by Paula’s choice, (Skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid exfoliant - £25.) You apply it after you have cleansed and toned your face and leave it on to work its magic. It removes dead skin on the surface and inside the pores. The magic ingredient is BHA, (salicylic acid) and has anti-inflammatory properties, so helps to reduce any blemishes and blackheads. The Resist Anti-aging cleanser is amazing too, to use beforehand, (£21.) I like to cleanse twice to ensure my skin is really clean, splash with very cold water and then apply the exfoliant. I also use the Resist Anti-aging 1% retinol booster, which you can mix with your usual moisturiser for a boost. I like to use Bobbi Brown Extra repair moisturising balm SPF25.

If, like me, you suffer with dark under eye circles or puffy eyes, make-up works a treat! But you can also try some cold cotton wool pads on them or cucumber. Anything cold will soothe and help with puffiness. You can also buy gel masks to apply, which you keep in the fridge. Eye gel is another way to de-puff the delicate under-eye area, and there are lots on the market to try, but make sure they are not too perfumed. Apply with your ring finger and apply in a light patting motion. My favourite eye cream is by Bobbi Brown, the Extra eye repair cream, which I use before make-up and before I go to bed.

If your lips tend to go dry, apply good old Vaseline or a lip balm before bed. Use an old toothbrush or cotton bud to remove any loose bits of skin.

Prior to make-up if I am feeling particularly ropey, I like to use City Life facial mist by Oskia, (£48), as it assists with rehydrating my dull face, prior to make-up. It adds luminosity and radiance, and lets face it, we don’t always feel like putting on a full face of make-up, especially if a hangover is in full effect!

With make-up, less is more, the last thing you feel like doing is applying lots of make-up. Its best to spend time prepping and perking up the skin.

Good bases that aid the alive look are - Bourjois healthy mix serum foundation and Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturiser. Both give a lovely dewy finish and radiance, when you may need it the most!

For under the eyes, after eye cream, if you are dark try BECCA under eye brightening corrector, then apply your usual concealer on the top. If you are very dark try the Laura Mercier secret camouflage concealers, (but mix them a bit with a little eye cream, as they are a bit dry.) Benefit also do a lilac, Instant eye bright stick, which you apply after eye cream and then conceal on the top. Its good to use peach or lilac to counteract any darkness under the eyes, it can disguise the heaviest of nights out!

Concealer wise, I like using the Bobbi Brown Instant Full cover concealer, as it doesn’t crease and it is great coverage. I still like to use the cult product by YSL, Touche eclait on most days, but only on the actual recessed parts of the eye socket. I use lots of light little layers to camouflage any tell tale signs of over indulgence! I don’t use any powder under the eye, but if it does look a little shiny, then a small amount of loose powder should be used here. For any blemishes try the Bobbi Brown foundation stick.

Brow gel is a quick and easy way to boost your brows, try Maybelline Brow drama, and then fill in with an eyeshadow if needed.

Obviously, the last thing you want to do is apply lots of eyeshadow, so choose something that is close to your natural skin tone. Groundwork by MAC in a cream eyeshadow does the trick, or just apply a mid-brown shade. This will cover any redness without being too heavy and you can use your fingers, so very easy! It also has a slight sheen for a bit of radiance. No7 Stay perfect smoothing eyeshadow in Nude is also lovely. Pop it in the corners of the eyes to brighten. Don’t use anything too dark.

Eye curlers are a must, these will open up your eyes prior to applying mascara. I like the Kevyn Aucoin or Shu Uemura ones. A little mascara goes a long way when you look and feel tired. I like Max Factor 2000 calorie mascara.

If your waterline is red apply a flesh toned eye pencil. Try Illamasqua’s eye colouring pencil in Vow.

To brighten and add radiance, use a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks, blended towards the hair line. Try Pink Lemonade by E.L.F, its very hydrating and soothing and gives a lovely healthy glow. You can even use this on your lips too or try Sisley Phyto-blush twist stick in Petal.

For lips, something quick and with a pop of colour to perk up your face. Try Benefit Ultra plush lipgloss in Dandelion or Delilah lip gloss in Modesty.

If you prefer lipstick, try Colour Intense cream lipstick by Delilah in Flirt.

Of course, failing all of this you could always crawl back to bed with a pot of Haagan Dazs ice cream! (a lot less hassle!)

I will be busy with weddings over Christmas and New Year. I travel all over the U.K and I can’t wait to be working in Liverpool and London on weddings in December. Next year looks to be another busy one too!

Please contact me as soon as you know your wedding date to avoid disappointment.

News & Events - 11/08/2017

My day make-up faves...

My day make-up favourites include -

(Skin prep is - Paula's choice Hydrating cleanser, splash of very cold water and then Paula's choice Anti-ageing moisturiser SPF50. Bobbi Brown Extra repair eye cream. I am also using Paula's choice Skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid, Anti-ageing 1% Retinol booster and/or Resist C15 Super Booster.)

Base - Bobbi Brown retouching wand in Light, warmed up with the Bobbi Brown Bronzing gel in Joe Brown. BECCA Peach corrector under the eyes. Bobbi Brown Instant full cover concealers in Sand and Warm Ivory, (little light layers of each, blended well.)

I don't use face powder as my skin is quite dry.

Brows - I first use 2 Maybelline Brow drama brow gels in Medium brown and then dark brown and then use a My Kit co My tiny angle brush with an Anastasia Beverley hills dip brow pomade in Ash brown.

Eyes - I use Truffle cream eyeshadow stick all over the lid and slightly above the crease, as this acts as a primer and prevents creasing and my mascara smudging.
I then use my Charlotte Tilbury Instant look in a palette, Beauty glow. The eyeshadows are so nice. I use with a MAC 217 to blend, along the top lid and underneath slightly. I then use a Black gel liner by Maybelline and use with an angled brush by Maggie Hunt - available here - www.maggiehunt.com/buy-make-up-brushes/
Mascara is Max Factor and is Curl addict 2000 calorie, which I love.

I then use a bit of Bobbi Brown bronzing powder, but use it as a blush in the shade Maui. If I use a cream blush I will use Fresh melon pot rouge by Bobbi Brown.

Lips - I love a nude lip, so I fluctuate between a few! Currently I am into my Charlotte Tilbury Liquid matte lipstick in Charlotte darling, (this acts as a great base for any lipstick to be honest, and makes it last longer.) I then use either Tom Ford Nude blush, Charlotte Tilbury in Kim K.W or my current fave is by L'Oreal and its a Matte liquid lipstick in the shade Babe-In. I then finish with a lip pencil by Charlotte Tilbury in Iconic nude.

Get the look / Make-up tips / Mature Ladies Make-Up / News & Events - 10/20/2017

Less is more?

I was inspired to blog today, after working with a lovely lady who travelled from Hull to have a make-up lesson with me.

During her initial telephone enquiry she was very concerned about her make-up, skin and wanted to have a "make-up overhaul". She had been thinking about coming to see me for quite a while. She didn't really wear foundation and just wore a little bit of pencil underneath her eyes.

Irina's concerns included -

Is her 80's make-up outdated now?
What should she be using for skincare and make-up?
How could she make her sparse brows, (from over-tweezing) look better?
What is going on with the Instagram style make-up?
Should she be contouring?
How come girls as young as 14 are going to school wearing false eyelashes?!
Why do girls these days want to look suggestive and older than they are?/why do they wear so much make-up?
Why is everyone getting fillers in their face and botox? even at a young age?
Why doesn't anyone actually look like their photo anymore?/why do they lie and use filters?

It is a very common conversation I seem to have with a lot of my clients, and the only answer I come up with is social media and the pressure to conform and look a certain way, especially for the younger generation.

Most of my clients come to me, as they like the fact that my work is very versatile but also that I specialise in a "natural" looking make-up style. Something which I am very proud of and I guess, that sets me apart and goes in my favour, as I refuse to conform.

To me, real make-up for real women/girls should be there only to enhance what they naturally have, not to mask or to dramatically alter their face, e.g, like contouring can do, or applying too much make-up. (I don't mean to offend.)

Don't get me wrong, I love to experiment with make-up for shoots and creative projects, but I think that real make-up has kind of gone out of fashion it seems. It seems more is more! Make-up companies are cashing in on this!

For day make-up I love classic and natural make-up, for me, it's what I believe in and what I think that most girls and women look better and real wearing. "Make-up that looks like you, but better" - a quote from Bobbi Brown, which I still use today.

I simply don't see the point of dramatically altering someone's face, to make them look like they are wearing a thick mask of make-up with dark brows and dark eyeshadow, with dark lipstick and blush and lots of contour and highlight. That only suggests that that person's face has something wrong with it that needs masking or altering surely? And why do people think they have to do these things?...Social media! (No harm done I know.)

I suppose I am quite lucky in the fact that my 18 year old daughter doesn't wear a lot of make-up, (admittedly, she does wear foundation, but she certainly doesn't like wearing it, as she has acne.) But she has the best skincare routine and uses non-comedogenic make-up. Her aim is to just wear moisturiser and a little bit of make-up, perhaps a touch of concealer for any little blemishes, brow gel, mascara and a little bit of lip balm. That is it. She is not into the whole Instagram style make-up trend. (I suppose I have had a hand in that.) She wants to look like herself still, (thank goodness!)

Now, each to their own and all that but I just wished that the internet didn't exist sometimes, (or at least didn't have all of these images/videos.) You know the ones, the ones where theres a girl there, dripping foundation onto her skin and then bouncing a make-up sponge, then tapping her finger on her cheekbone, pouting, looking so pensive!....It's all a bit overwhelming I feel. I think it certainly feeds any insecurities and therefore unfortunately makes people compare themselves to unreal images and make-up trends that just do not do anything for a face...apart from drag queens of course. I do love a drag queen make-up...on drag queens!

And so, Irina sat in my make-up chair and I taught her each step, from using the right skin prep to the last step of applying a pop of lipstick. I only use a tiny amount of each product, and she looked like herself, and felt so great! Its all about using the right textures, products and techniques to enhance. She left still looking like herself, but she looked a better version of herself? I hope you agree.

Make-up can be such a confidence boost, its a very powerful tool, if used correctly. I just think that there is too much brainwashing going on. I am hoping it will all calm down soon and things will get stripped right back...wouldn't that be great?! Imagine...women/girls feeling like they don't need to post selfies all of the time wearing a lot of make-up, feeling insecure about their looks, waiting for those all "important" likes!! Surely being themselves and looking like themselves is better for their confidence than masking their beauty with a tonne of make-up?

Thanks for reading x

Let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear from you. E-mail - tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk

Make-up tips / Mature Ladies Make-Up / News & Events - 10/19/2017

Halloween/spider lashes.

I was inspired to create this look as I had some Eldora feather false eyelashes which I had bought a few years back, and I was waiting for the right opportunity to use them!

I used Make-up Forever HD foundation and highlighter. I then used a Rodial contouring powder. Brows were blocked out using Urban Decay Subversion white mascara and concealer by Bobbi Brown using a MAC fan brush. I then used an Urban Decay Naked heat palette. Lips were overdrawn in by using a Make-up Forever Aqua paint in Black. I used 2 sets of feather false lashes, brown and black.

Get the look / Make-up tips / News & Events - 10/17/2017

My current 5 faves...

OK, I admit it, I am a make-up and skincare junkie. I love trying out new brands and products and I often get sent new products to try...someone has to do it!

Amongst my current favourites are -

1. Paula's choice - Skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid exfoliant - Removes built up dead skin cells and fights blemishes. BHA is salicylic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties. I saw the difference in my skin only the next morning. It looked more polished and glowing. Buy from - www.paulaschoice.co.uk

2. Embryolisse Radiant eye - Clever little cooling effect stick which boosts radiance and brightens the eye area, making them appear more illuminated, use before make-up or when eyes need a bit of a boost if they feel tired - buy from www.gurumakeupemporium.com

3. My Kit co - No 17, My tiny angle brush - £13. Brilliant little brush which I use with my Anastasia Beverley hills dipbrow pomade, to fill in my brows. Made of synthetic fibre. Available from - www.mykitco.uk

4. Make-up Forever Ultra HD foundation, Invisible cover, £29.90 - Great range of shades for all skin tones and types. Flawless and long lasting, not too heavy coverage - medium coverage. Light diffusing and moisturising. Great for day wear if used with a damp Beauty blender sponge or for photographs, apply with fingers/sponge or brush. Available from - www.gurumakeupemporium.com

5. Charlotte Tilbury Hot lips lipstick in Kim K.W - £24 - My current favourite lipstick which I wear most days, as I prefer nude lipsticks. This one is lovely and creamy and seems to last well, especially if I apply the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood lips, Liquid lip before, (I use Charlotte darling with Iconic nude lip pencil as the liner.) Available from www.charlottetilbury.com

Make-up tips / News & Events - 10/09/2017

Halloween make-up by Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist.

Halloween/spider make-up/ramblings...

I love getting creative with make-up, it takes me back to when I was in my teens at school, loving Art. I used to sit for hours drawing faces, (especially eyes for some reason!) listening to music.

In my twenties I discovered Body painting whilst I was studying Beauty Therapy, (I was doing a City and Guilds course at North Lindsey college.) I always knew I wanted to get into Make-up artistry, but there wasn't anything happening where I lived in Grimsby, in that line of work. I had done various dead end jobs and felt frustrated.

I completed my first body painting when I was about 20, and I was hooked and knew I had to go further afield to chase my passion and dream of becoming a Make-up artist.

When I completed my course there, I was 22 years old, (I'm 47 now but don't tell anyone.) I applied to The London college of Fashion, and I was over the moon when I was asked to go to an interview. I turned up, very nervous but confident I could do it. (Wearing the latest fashion helped! Black flared trousers and high, platform heels! Goodness knows how I managed to not fall over.)

I was so happy when I received the letter to say I had been successful in gaining a place on the H.N.D, 2 year fashion styling course for Hair and make-up. I started the course when I was 23 years old. I loved it. I had gained accommodation in Hampstead, (funded by my lovely parents! My Dad was working in Bahrain.) Lots of famous people lived there, I even saw George Michael one day!)

Make-up artistry then, was SO very different to what it is now of course. It was a relatively unheard of career to be in, and I was told, that to expect not much help upon graduating, as most seasoned Make-up artists were not going to assist in furthering any of our careers, as they had spent decades trying to climb the ladder themselves.

Our tutors were very experienced, respected Make-up artists who had worked on numerous high profile jobs and celebrities. I was in awe. Especially when I met Sheelagh Wells, (she was the Dr Who Make-up artist, amongst many other things.) I wanted to get into being a Fashion make-up artist or be a Make-up designer for T.V.

I loved being in London. It was of course, very different to the small town I lived in. I loved the vibe, hustle and bustle and diversity that it provided. It helped so much with the creative process. I was very lucky that my parents supported me through the whole of my time in London, so I owe them everything.

Whilst studying I got to work on lots of different fashion shows at London Fashion week, St Martins Graduate fashion week and we even put on our own London college of Fashion body painting show, where we were given a brief and had to design our own body painting and then apply it to our model to be shown on the catwalk one evening. The body painting took nearly all day! but once on the catwalk, it was so exciting and a very proud moment to see mine, and all of my college friend's works of art. It was a very special time for me. Polly Osmond was in my group, (check her out.)

Upon graduating, when I was 25 I moved to Nottingham to be nearer home, (after being majorly let down by my dream job in Manchester. I had applied to be a Make-up artist for Granada T.V. I had got to the 2nd stage but was just pipped at the post...I was devastasted to say the least.)

I didn't want to move back home as there wasn't any opportunities for me. I gained representation with numerous Model agencies, (who represent Make-up artists), and find work for you nationally, on lots of different commercial and editorial projects. I absolutely loved it. I worked with lots of professional photographers and models and brands such as Loaded magazine, Marks and Spencer, Boots, Vision express, etc. I also worked in Theatre and T.V and even at The Royal Opera house. It was hard work and entailed lots of travelling and waiting for pay, (3-4 months after the job usually!) But I loved it, and it was all worth it, as you gained the valuable prints most of the time, from the photographers, so you could build your portfolio up.

I also was trained in London by the new brand, Bobbi Brown and went to work for them in their first store in Nottingham. I totally understood and fell in love with the whole ethos of Bobbi Brown and loved working for the brand and using the products, which I still use today. I still adore the Make-up artist Bobbi Brown too. "Less is more." However, I am very sad that she isn't part of the brand anymore.

Without going into too much detail, I fell ill and had to move back home. When I was 30 years old I had my beautiful daughter, Alisha, (who is now 17 years old.) I sorely missed doing my make-up, but I loved being a Mum and as soon as Alisha was able to pick up a brush or pencil, we sat for hours sketching, cutting and generally making a mess most days. One day I even let her paint her own face and the whole of her body with paint, she loved it!

Alisha is an incredible artist, (I am not just saying that, but she is.) Some days I could be found visiting Alisha's nursery painting the faces of the whole of the class! I was in my element! Unpaid, but I just loved anything to do with make-up and art and I needed my art fix somehow!

When Alisha was about 3 years old, I began dabbling into offering make-up for brides for weddings. I still had all of my make-up kit and there were no other Make-up artists in the area or even advertising in The Yellow pages! (I am showing my age now!!) The internet was in its early stages, and it was a lifeline for me, as it meant I could then order professional make-up for my kit. It provided a whole new window in to the world for me.

I also dabbled with teaching and passed a teaching course. I taught make-up for a year or two, but I got fed up with it as it was too basic.

Very slowly and with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, I began building up my business from nothing. Brides loved it and I also began offering Make-up lessons. Women loved that too! I saw a niche and just went for it, slowly developing my reputation.

That was 15 years ago now, and I am so proud of myself that I have built up my business from nothing and have earned an excellent reputation not only locally, but nationally too. My career started 27 years ago...where does the time go?!

I wasn't from a wealthy background as such, and it has been very difficult for me in that respect. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I always say, that I was too stubborn and passionate to give up on my dream, merely because of just where I live and wasn't going to let anything hold me back. I have proven that it isn't where you are from, it is where you are at and as long as you have the passion, determination and drive to do something, it will come. Some days I didn't believe it would.

Most of my weekends now are taken up with wedding work and during the week, I offer make-up lessons and of course, my make-up trials for weddings and shoots. It is tough, juggling everything but I love my work and helping people. Its such a lovely feeling to look into a lady's eyes after doing her make-up and she is so happy or has happy tears in her eyes, as I have helped her not only look amazing, but feel it too. Then of course I get a lovely big hug too! What is there not to love?! I have clients all over the U.K and I get to visit lots of beautiful venues.

Yes, I don't have the creative opportunities that I initially wanted and craved when I was younger, things and people change with time, but I am working for myself, with lovely people and doing what I love, earning a living in beautiful Lincolnshire, using the best products in the area and travelling all over the U.K, working on the happiest days of people's lives, I consider myself very lucky! Most of my student friends are not even working as Make-up artists now, its a very tough industry to be in, but I am pleased that I started when I did. I would hate to be starting out now.

To satisfy that creative yearning, I often fulfil that by applying weird and wonderful make-up on myself or models. The most recent one was for Halloween. I love this time of year and I was inspired so I went for it!It takes 3-4 hours to get it just right, I am a perfectionist. I love the feedback that everyone gives me after posting my work, even if it is for wedding work or the more theatrical type of make-up. I put my all into every job I do, with the same passion and precision.

Watch this space for more competitions and make-up looks! Thank you for reading my blog and for all of your lovely comments and support, it really means a lot to me. x

Get the look / Make-up tips / News & Events - 09/23/2017

Gold tears...

I love working on weddings and make-up lessons, but my first love is fashion/editorial make-up. I was trained at The London College of Fashion and graduated with a H.N.D in 1995. I loved my time there and met some amazing people.

Here I used some RCMA Liquid tears mixed with Mehron gold metallic powder. I also used my new Urban Decay Naked heat eyeshadow palette and on the lips, a liquid lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury in Charlotte darling.

I can't wait for Halloween, and I have lots of ideas...I can't wait to get messy! watch this space x

Get the look / Make-up tips / News & Events - 09/08/2017

Holiday make-up.

Summer is here at last! I have just arrived back from a lovely holiday in Ibiza. When I go on holiday I like to wear minimal make-up, especially if I am in a hot climate. As long as I have my SPF 50 on I am quite happy during the day.

Here are my essentials which I took with me -

P20 spray, (which is an SPF 30.) I also took an SPF 50 dry mist spray from Amber solaire. For evening I love using my Bobbi Brown moisturising balm SPF 25, (on my face.) Lip balm by Burts Bees.

Brows - Maybelline brow drama and Anastasia Beverley hills dip brow pomade used with a My Kit co Pro Tiny angle brush, (my brows are shocking without these products!)

Charlotte Tilbury Instant look in a palette - Beauty glow. (However, I use a long wear cream eyeshadow first by Bobbi Brown in Sand dollar.)

Maybelline gel liner in Black and Max Factor 2000 calorie, curl addict mascara in Black.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing gel - Joe Brown.

Daniel Sandler Radiant sheen palette as a highlight.

Lip colours - Tom Ford Nude blush/Charlotte Tilbury Bitch perfect or Valentine.

Make-up fixer - Ben Nye final seal.

Get the look / Make-up tips / News & Events - 06/14/2017

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Lila Doe

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