I get to meet so many lovely Brides, I really do love my job! I always say it is such an honour to be part of someones special day.
A quick update!...
I haven't been able to update my blog for a while, as I have been so busy with bookings. I am going to do a more in-depth blog as soon as I can!
Since my last blog I have been working flat out with make-up lessons, weddings, shoots and make-up trials. I have also taken on lots of bookings for 2016 and 2017 too, (try not to be too late booking, as I have had to turn away lots of disappointed ladies just recently...it breaks my heart to do that! I try and help as many people as I can.)
I had the pleasure of working on a shoot recently in Sheffield with the amazing Jess Petrie photographer and lots of other talented individuals, (I can't say too much about this, but its quite exciting!) We used some beautiful dresses by Claire Pettibone, (from The White room Bridal) and Nina Marika was the amazing stylist for the day.
I wanted to create a soft, glowy, natural make-up - inspired by the "strobing" trend, (which is something I have been doing for years, its really highlighting, and a lot more natural than contouring, which I have never been a fan of anyway...)
I have also updated my kit, yet again, to include lots more false eyelashes, as these are something I offer as standard now - I simply don't want to compromise and not make the best of my clients features - I feel false eyelashes always enhance and don't have to look..well...false! I have also bought lots of new Bobbi Brown make-up, I love her sparkle eyeshadows...(aswell as all of her other products...)
I have also entered The Wedding Industry awards - I haven't really been interested in entering competitions, but lots of people have told me to just show off my work and not be afraid of entering it, so that is what I have done! I am so proud of my work to date and really wanted to prove to myself of how far I have actually come! The logos/links will be added soon (although you do need to have been a Bride of mine from the 1st of November 2014 - 23rd November 2015.) Thank-you x
Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist - wedding make-up season!
Well, since my last blog I have been flat out! Since the body painting shoot its been make-up lesson after make-up lesson and lots of bridal make-up trials and then weddings every weekend...I need a make-over myself!
Saying that, I am really happy at the moment, as I am lucky working with such great people and getting to see such beautiful venues. I was lucky to work at the stunning Knowsley Hall in Liverpool recently, (Gary Barlow had turned up the night before to sing to the very surprised Bride!) and I really enjoyed looking around this opulent stately home.
I have been so busy, and I will post a few of my make-overs below, however, I will try and do a more detailed blog soon! Thanks for reading x
Body painting by Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist - Stroke UK
I was approached by the charity Stroke UK to do a body painting for them for #MayMayPurple campaign. I jumped at the chance as I love body painting and had been yearning to do another one, as I hadn't done one for years. Obviously, the theme was purple, so I know I had to incorporate that into the design. I didn't just want to paint anything basic, like a t-shirt with the logo on, I wanted to go all out and do something glamorous, especially as Siana Hemmings, (Miss Lincolnshire), had agreed to be our model.
Stroke UK supports survivors to make their best possible recovery, as they come to terms with life after stroke. There are 1.2 million stroke survivors in the U.K. (The Stroke helpline - 0303 303 3100, www.stroke.org.uk)
Aaron Cheeseman, (Ched53), also agreed to be our photographer - I had admired his work and was chuffed that he wanted to help out too for this great cause. I also contacted Healing Manor and they agreed that we could do the shoot at their beautiful venue, in my favourite room - the bridal suite. Rachel Courtney from Cherry Blossom hair boutique also agreed to be the hairdresser for this, so we were all organised.
I started body painting at around 9 am that day, first sketching out the design and then colouring with the purple. I also had to use a black shade to give the purple depth. I finished with neatening the lines with pencils. I used MAC chromacakes and Make-up Forever products, bought from Guru Make-up Emporium in London, one of my favourite make-up shops. I had also bought a purple Face lace mask, as I knew I wouldn't have much time to be able to do Siana's face make-up, and I wanted to concentrate more on the body painting.
The whole body painting took me around 7 hours to complete and I also had bought some lovely purple sequins to compliment the design. I think you will agree, the image came out beautifully. I am really proud of this, especially as my Nanna was victim to many strokes, and passed away when I was about 13 years old.
2016/17 bookings.
Well, here we are already in May! I've been busy doing a lot of make-up trials and lessons recently. I've also been busy preparing for a very special shoot, which I will go into more detail about soon.
Wedding season is in full flow and I am just about fully booked up for this year, (weekends), apart from the odd few, but I could probably use those for the rest! 2016 and 2017 are filling up very fast too.
I've been loving writing my columns for The Lincolnshire Journal and The Lincoln Journal, I do love writing - I think I may have found another avenue to vent my make-up obsession
I have received some more wonderful feedback recently, I also receive lots of thank-you cards - I keep them all and display them in my studio.
As mentioned, I have been busy preparing for a very special shoot. I was contacted by Stroke UK about doing a body painting for them, I have completed it this week. This was for #MakeMayPurple so I had to think of a beautiful, purple design to come up with. I used MAC and Make-up Forever to achieve it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jo Banks, (an amazing local body painter), and Julia Townend, (who was one of my teachers at The London College of Fashion, and who advised me prior to me doing this body painting...oh, and thanks to Pixiwoo for reminding me to contact Julia in the first place!) Julia herself is a brilliant body painter and hair/make-up artist, and has her own beautiful line of make-up products - JT Make-up studio, check out her website - www.jtmakeup.co.uk
I got to work with some amazing, local, professionals - Aaron Cheeseman, (Ched 53 photographer) whose work I really admire and love, Siana Hemmings - who is Miss Lincolnshire and has the most amazing body to paint! Rachel Louise Courtney hairdresser from Cherry Blossom hair boutique. Also, Healing Manor were extremely kind and supportive, by letting us use their beautiful venue to shoot in. I started the body painting at 9.30 am and finished it around 4 pm (ish), I was shattered, but it was well worth it, and can't wait to share the final photo with you soon. I wanted to get involved as my Nanna had strokes. Here is my design for it...
I have also been busy with make-up lessons and have worked with a lot of people who have had bad experiences with makeup or other people applying it badly for them. This does tend to frighten people and give make-up a bit of a bad name, but once I have helped them, they are soon reassured.
Thank-you for reading my blog xxx
Blog update!...
Things have been very hectic lately, (again!), ive been really busy with make-up trials and make-up lessons - the wedding season is in full flow it seems - this weekend I am working in Bedfordshire at Wyboston lakes for a wedding, and I have also recently taken on a wedding booking for Liverpool next month at the beautiful Knowsley Hall. I get to see so many lovely venues and work with such great people.
I have been doing lots of make-up lessons for ladies recently, for all ages - I even had one lady who was going to go for botox for her wedding, but after I did her makeup, she decided against it! It always gives me so much pleasure to give another lady such a gift, a gift of looking and feeling amazing. Make-up, to me, is so much more than just applying a bit of make-up, yes, it is also about knowing your craft/speciality and having lots of experience, but it is also about making that person feel good and look good and once you have all of those ingredients, then the women who leave my make-up studio leave happy and safe in the knowledge that they will be able to keep in touch with me and also be armed with all the products they need and new techniques they need to practise, so they can enhance their appearance naturally, and embrace what they have and work with it, instead of against. Make-up doesn't have to be heavy or unnatural - the best make-up is soft and pretty to enhance each individual, (some ladies like their make-up dramatic, each lady is different and unique, and therefore should be treat as such.)
I have also been travelling about recently, I had a great trip to London to see the Alexander McQueen, Savage Beauty exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, (my favourite place to go in London.) I have also been to Silverstone at the weekend too, (a Christmas present for my Husband! he loved driving the Ferrari and Aston Martin at 120 mph! my daughter and I loved watching him, so I would highly recommend, if you like that sort of thing or if your Husband does!)
I found the time to try out a new make-up look on myself - I often say I could do with a make-over myself! as I get so carried away doing everyone elses' make-up, I somehow forget about myself! So, I tried out the Pixiwoo hooded lids tutorial - I must say, as a Make-up artist, you never stop learning ever, so its great to watch Sam/Nic and keep updated and refreshed. I am as guilty as the next person as getting into a bit of a rut, but I do know what works for my face...and most importantly, what doesn't!
I have also been stocking up on false eyelashes, (I must have hundreds of pairs! - these always enhance the eyes and there is a pair for everyone for all ages nowadays - they are hugely popular.) I have also bought some new make-up products/skincare to add to my kit - I will try and blog about them soon.
Please get in touch if you want to book for this year - weekends are very limited now, and for next year too! I have already taken bookings for 2017 too. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter - stop by and say hello, (links on my homepage.)
Hope you enjoyed reading my blog and thank-you for taking the time to read, Tina xxx
How to treat/camouflage dark circles...
One of the most common concerns for the ladies that I meet are dark circles. Dark circles are different to an eye bag, and eye bag is a "sag" and no amount of make-up can conceal this, (I will blog about this hopefully on a later date.) There may be different causes for the dark circles, one could be hereditary even. All is not lost, as we have my secret weapon of choice...make-up!
Firstly, you do have to make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well and drinking plenty of water. Next, comes skincare advice...
To fade the dark pigmentation underneath they eye area a great eye cream is RoC Retinol correxion eye cream, it has a vitamin A derivative and increases the collagen too, (but don't apply too much too often.) There is a prescription formula called Renova, with low retinoid content too.
Choose a correct make-up remover and don't rub too much, this will cause inflammation and capillary damage. I use Bioderma Crealine H20 or Bobbi Brown cleansing oil. Never wash your face with hot water either, this can irritate.
For creams - look for brightening ingredients, such as Arbulin, kojic acid, licorice, vitamin c or daisy extract. (The gold standard is a prescription cream with hydroquinone in, but it maybe quite irritating.)
Make-up wise - for an instant vanishing act a corrector and creamy concealer are the only things that will camouflage this, (I know all too well!) The correct ones will make you look younger and well rested. The best ones have more coverage and don't wear off.
Use 2 shades to camouflage - a peachy toned one first, (the corrector) - this neutralises the blue/grey underneath the eye. Apply in thin layers on the actual darkness itself, not too close to your lashes, as it will crease, apply in light layers and build them up. I like to use a clean brush for the corrector and concealer, (try a Real Techniques detail brush or LY08 brush by Louise Young.) Next, apply the concealer which needs to be creamy, again, in light layers over the corrector. You can pat gently with your finger too, but don't wipe it away, just gently pat. Corrector wise I either use a Bobbi Brown one or the Laura Mercier one in the Secret Camouflage palette. For concealer, again, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier.
Apply a small amount of yellow-based loose powder, (very minimally, as you don't want it to settle in any fine lines. To be honest, I don't do this step on myself, as the concealer tends to last well enough.)
If you find it is creasing during the day, rehydrate with an eye cream - I love using Lancôme Absolue Yeux.
Choose the right eyeshadow - a fine, shimmering nude cream eyeshadow works well on most skintones, as a base. Use an eye curler too.
Use a soft peach eye pencil along the bottom waterline, try Jouer eye clarifier, this disguises any redness and makes you look less tired.
Of course, more make-up techniques need to be followed to compliment this to enhance you.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this and don't forget to leave a comment on my Facebook or Twitter, thanks! x
Organic glam review -
I was kindly sent some products from Organic Glam. Created by a highly experienced Pharmacist who specialised in homeopathy and well being. She then created an organic brand, free from chemicals and now has stores nationwide, with their flagship store being at Kings Road, London.
I tried the following products on one of my best friends, Sharon -
Luminous antioxidant foundation, eyeshadow shimmer, liquid shimmer highlighter, concealer palette and lipstick.
I loved the packaging, it looked expensive with a designer edge to it, in its sleek black and white packaging. It looked high-end and classy.
I applied the foundation with fingers. It was quite runny but it looked like there was a lot of pigment in there so good coverage. The colour did look a little orangey, but when applied it did actually blend quite nicely into the skin, without any traces of discolouration. It gave a lovely luminous glow and the coverage was buildable. The antioxidants in it help protect the skin from pollution and mineral pigments correct imperfections. It did however, begin to flake a little after a while, but this could be that the model had slightly dry skin.
The eyeshadow shimmer was a dream to work with, (however, for hygiene reasons, I didn't use the applicator with it - beware, as it does drop eyeshadow particles quite a lot so make sure to take off the excess on the back of your hand first, then apply.) The colour pay-off was very good and gave a lovely shimmery, sheen to the eye, it also blended very well too, great for a smokey eye look.
I also tried out the concealer palette in medium, however, this was too dark for my models skin, so the light palette would have been better. I didn't like the consistencies of the concealer, they were far too dry and powdery - ok if you were using a little, but if you were using under they eyes, then it could be a problem. I wasn't a fan of the concealers - I would love to see them to be more creamy.
The liquid shimmer highlighter was a dream to work with. It had a tiny little brush with it, and I used this on the inner corner of the eyes, in a sideways "v". It dries very quickly so you do have to blend quickly, but it did leave a lovely gold highlight. It could also be used underneath the brow, top of the cupids bow and perhaps a little on the top of the cheekbones. It could also make a cool eyeshadow for a shoot, as it has lots of colour in it.
Lastly, the lipstick. I was sent the Deep Fuschia shade, which was a rose pink shade. After applying a lip balm then blotting off, I then applied a lip pencil all over the lips, then applied the lipstick. It went on very smoothly and was a very sheer, so great if you don't want a full-on colour. It lasted really well, apparently, but then, most lipsticks do when they are applied correctly.
Overall, a lovely brand, which I would use and recommend to ladies who are mindful about what they are putting on their skins and for ladies with sensitive skin. Check out their website - www.organicpharmacy.com for further details.
The glamorous life of a Professional Make-up artist...
It's that time again! I am very mindful about keeping my make-up kit and brushes all sanitised and clean. So, when you book a Professional make-up artist, take into consideration not just the time she puts into applying your make-up but also replying to e-mails, cleaning and stocking up her make-up kit and brushes not to mention her experience and portfolio. This sets the professionals apart from the amateurs, thus is reflected in their pricing.
Between clients, my brushes and make-up are sterilised and cleaned, ready to use on the next client. Once or twice a week I will thoroughly wash my make-up brushes with an anti-bacterial liquid. This ensures there are no germs lurking on them and therefore, keeps my clients free from any infections.
Also, certain measures are taken whilst applying your make-up to ensure a hygienic make-up application, such as using a disposable mascara wand and not just the mascara wand in the actual mascara itself.
All these steps ensure my clients receive the best possible service and I am very lucky to meet and work with such lovely people. I have received so many hugs and thank-you letters recently, I always feel so happy when this happens, it makes it all worthwhile and drives me on to carry on doing what I love.
Make-up, to me, is much more than just applying make-up, it is also about making that person feel their best and is such a confidence boost, which sadly, most women lack, (including myself!) As soon as I have finished putting on the make-up, I have seen tears, (of happiness), and its always great to be on the receiving end of a big hug and a heartfelt thank-you. I think it is such a great gift to give to someone, the gift of looking and feeling amazing, its a lot deeper than just applying a bit of make-up...as many women soon find out when they book me.
Product reviews...
Silk fibre brows - £19.99. Brows are definitely "the thing" at the moment, the more natural looking the better too. I am always on the look-out for a great brow product as I opted for the Kate Moss "Biba" brow many years ago sadly, hence, my brows have never been the same since and I have to shade them in. When I opened this bottle, my first impression was not good, the applicator was far too big I felt to apply to something as small as an eyebrow, especially if you wanted to shape and enhance naturally. However, I wanted to like this product so gave it a go. I abandoned the applicator and tapped out a little of the product into a lid, then picked up the product with my Louise Young angled brush. Using small strokes, to mimic brow hairs, it actually didn't look that bad, you really have to apply less first and then apply more, rather than apply too much too soon. The end result was natural and as it is available in 4 shades, there is a shade for everyone. This product works by filling in the brows with tiny fibres and is water-resistant. You then just remove with warm water.
Nail HQ - (cuticle oil and Protect and Repair) - I loved both of these products. My nails are very dry at the moment so I find using the cuticle oil between manicures ideal. You brush on the oil onto your cuticles and then I like to massage it in before bed. It has a conditioning vitamin complex with apricot, jojoba oil and beta-carotene in. It is non-greasy and works to rejuvenate dry cuticles and prevent cracking. At £5.99 well worth the investment in money and time if you want healthy looking nails.
The Protect and repair treatment is a great little product. You apply 2 coats with the little brush. I found that reapplying it after 3-4 days was beneficial to my nails. The treatment contains root ginger and hydrolysed collagen and rice and soy protein to hydrate and condition. Apparently, this is a great product to use if you use acrylic or gel nails - (I use neither.) for £7.99 a great price if you invest in a little me time once every few days. My nails have definitely seen a difference and are a lot stronger since using both of these products.
Bouffe dry spray - I love this product! I have long hair and like to have a bit of root lift. You spray this onto dry hair in sections and work it in with your fingers, it instantly thickens and texturises your hair like magic! It is available to buy in different shades, so if you do have root regrowth (ahem) then just spray it on in your hair colour shade near your roots and it covers them up. A lovely smell too so will definitely be buying more of this! £5.99
bouffe dry spray
So?...with attitude - Dry shampoo spray - I tried the Glamorous spray and has notes of mandarin, jasmine and sandalwood, it smells really lovely! Not only does this refresh hair but it also acts as a texturiser and thickening spray too. Apply on dry hair - I like to apply it near to my hair roots, scrunch it in a little and your hair goes from flat to fabulous in seconds. £4.95
so?... dry shampoo
Booking
Lila Doe
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Gina Copper
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Address
178 S 1st St, Brooklyn 277
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