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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I really love Beauty Pie makeup at the moment!

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

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

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

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

Tina x

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the moment I am using the following products -

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

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

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

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

Makeup wise my go-to's are -

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

NARS Light reflecting eye brightener.

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

Maybelline brow drama eye brow gel in Medium brown

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love and best wishes,

Tina x

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.