STALF shoot

STALF studio shoot - a classic look for winter.

A very enjoyable morning this morning working with STALF studio in Lincolnshire.  STALF studio creates simple, elegant and wearable womenswear which is handmade in Lincolnshire - www.stalf.co.uk  /Instagram @stalf.studio

As the clothing is so simple and wearable, for this shoot I wanted to create a classic look, that can be created easily, but using minimal products - who has the time quite frankly, to spend 2 hours applying make-up!?

I used - Bobbi Brown vitamin enriched face base and then created a matte base to work out using Bobbi Brown Long-wear even finish foundation,applied with a Beauty Blender.  I then applied a creamy concealer and set with a little loose powder.  I then defined Avas' beautiful brows and set with a little MAC brow gel.  I then used a Bobbi Brown cream eyeshadow in Sandy gold all over the eye area.  Using a Maggie Hunt angled brush, I applied a MAC Black Ink gel eyeliner along the lash line and adding beautiful flicks, to elongate the eyes at the outer corners.  I then added some Ardell demi wispy lashes and added some mascara, (I love Max Factor 2000 calorie.)  I then used Cover FX bronzer and then some highlighter, (Gleam) by Illamasqua, (this was used on the top of the cheekbones only.)  I then moisturised the lips with a  lip balm, (Carmex is good), I then used an Illamasqua red lip pencil all over the lips and filled in with Hollywood Red lip colour by Bobbi Brown.  Leaving it matte with no gloss.

Black winged eyeliner look

Black winged eyeliner...

Today's blustery weather calls for a bit of drama I think - its all about the winged eyeliner today! I used Embryolisse moisturiser first and then used Cover FX compact foundation to even out my skin tone, Bobbi Brown corrector and concealer serum under my eyes, and then Anastasia Beverley Hills dip brow pomade on my brows.  To create the eyeliner look, use Urban decay eye primer first, then apply vanilla cream eyeshadow stick by Bobbi Brown all over the eye area, with a MAC 217 apply slate cream shadow (Bobbi Brown again), over the lid, up to the crease and below the eye, blending really well.  With a Louise Young cosmetics brush, (LY31), dip your brush into a black gel liner, (I used Black ink by Bobbi Brown, but MAC do a good one too - Black track.)  Start in the inner corner, applying right next to the roots of the lashes along the lash line, stop at the last lash and then use the full edge of the brush at the outer end of your lid to create a flick, (this should be in line with your lower lid.) Next create a triangle shape a little higher up and colour in with the liner.  Then, go along the whole of the lash line again with the liner, creating a thicker line.  Apply some Ardell Demi wispies, (false eyelashes) and you are good to go.  Keep the rest of your make-up quite neutral.  I used Bobbi Brown lip pencil in Beige and a little pink quartz shimmer brick.

 

 

Red lips and leopard print

Red lips and leopard print...

With the gloomy weather surely there is light at the end of the tunnel? or in my case, my make-up bag?!  Dark days call for a bright pop of colour so I opted for my trusty MAC lip pencil in High energy today and wrapped up in my Topshop leopard print coat.  If you are going to be wearing a red lip, make sure you get rid of any redness first in your face, (especially around your mouth, nose and chin.)  I must admit, I am more of a nude lippie girl, but I so needed a colour boost, and I felt really nice with a bright lip, plus it stayed on such a long time, (I prepped my lips first with a bit of vaseline, then rolled over a cotton bud to remove any bits that the lipstick may stick to.)  Then applied a bit of carmex lip balm then applied the lip pencil all over the lips, then traced the pencil along the lip line, smiling, but it wasnt prestine.

I used minimal makeup for the rest of my face - I prepped with Emma Hardie moisturiser, then applied Bobbi Brown serum foundation and corrector, I then groomed my brows with an Anastasia Beverley Hills brow pencil, a bit of Louise Young eyeshadow in Chic and Max Factor 2000 calorie mascara.  I then used Cover FX bronzer and then Bobbi Brown shimmer brick and that was it.  A look really out of my comfort zone but perfect for an Autumn gloomy day! (coat from Topshop by the way.)

Follow me on Instagram for more make-up shenanigans!

Halloween make-up

Halloween make-up fun...

I have been inundated with enquiries about halloween make-up since posting up the photo on Facebook, (below.)  The post created well over 300 likes and comments!  I was practising this make-up for a client who is going to a Halloween party and this is the look we decided on.

I am going to be posting more of these up soon.  Let me know if there is anything you would like me to recreate!x

 

Review for Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist

My make-up columns and make-up lessons...

I am very lucky to be a columnist for The Lincoln Journal and The Lincolnshire Journal magazines, (I also write columns for The Wedding Journal too.)

My most recent column in The Wedding Journal is talking about why you should book a Pro make-up artist on your wedding day.  Here's a snippet, "Weddings are a time of celebration and happiness and I am always honoured to be a part of someones' special day.  When choosing a Make-up artist, you can't beat a first hand recommendation or review.  Ask around and check out their social media accounts and portfolio too.  See how long they have been in the industry for, (I sang in the bathroom last night, it doesn't make me a singer, if you know what I mean.)  Getting your make-up applied professionally is a luxury, but with all things luxury there is a cost associated with it.  Yes, you could do your make-up yourself or get your friend, but would it look the same? and do you need that stress on your wedding day?  Price wise, a Pro make-up artist will charge what they are worth.  You are not just paying for their expertise, experience or application, but upkeep of their kit, time, travel, cleaning and sanitising their kit, answering e-mails, etc, etc.  Make-up artists work so hard, in and out of hours.  Basically, you do get what you pay for.  When you have chosen your make-up artist, book them...fast! A reputable make-up artist has a packed schedule and while that says great things about them and their work, it means you have to get a contract in place, (a professional will already have this in place as standard.)  I don't recommend not having a trial before the wedding day, and actually, I don't take Brides on without this anyway, it is far too important.  Not only should the makeup artist be amazing at make-up but you need someone who is going to be reliable, professional, keep you calm and also works well under pressure, you also need to have a good rapport with them.  I have lost count of the number of times I have given reassuring hugs, passed a tissue and wiped tears, or poured a glass of champers to a nervous Bride...but its all part of the job.  Make sure you wear waterproof products for obvious reasons! You don't want to have panda eyes or streaks ruining your look!  Lastly, embrace the whole experience of having a professional apply your make-up for you.  It is a most enjoyable experience and one which you will remember for the rest of your life."

My October Lincolnshire Journal "Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist knows good make-up..." talks about dark under eye circles, (something which I have myself.)  Products I recommend are a good eye cream, Bobbi Brown corrector and concealer, Laura Mercier secret camouflage palette, Louise Young cosmetics, Barry M concealers, Amazing Cosmetics concealers, YSL Touche Eclat, a Beauty Blender, Chanel powder, (if required) and Lancome Effacernes concealer.

There is no denying, that make-up can be our best friend, if applied correctly and use the correct products.  Make-up can enhance us and also play down the areas that we are not so comfortable with.  Don't be afraid of experimenting a little and investing in yourself.  Make-up is such a useful tool and a skill for life!  (I have been working with lots of lovely ladies recently, on make-up lessons, all ages.)  It always brings me such pleasure and is a real buzz when I make that person happy, just by applying a little bit of make-up, it can really boost someones' confidence and well being.  Make-up, to me, is so much more than applying it, it has such a positive effect on a person.  It really can make all the difference to your day.  Heres a few examples of some make-up lessons and reviews too...

Tinas studio (false eyelashes and make-up)

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 trying out the Pixiwoo hooded lids tutorial

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

 

 

Beautiful before and after makeup.

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

James Green studio.

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.

 

Photo by James Green.

The Guest Blogger - Alisha Brocklebank

The Guest Blogger: March (spring)

So, a new season, a new blog...hopefully I can give you, the teenage girls out there who need money saving alternatives; and easy application ideas; to get that fresh faced feel this spring.

As a fellow teenager, I know how tricky achieving that perfect median between ‘not looking like a ten year old wanna-be’ and ‘applying too much make-up like the girls on Towie’ can be. Therefore I have come up with a simple solution that has not only seen me through the changing seasons of nature and make-up, but also enabled me to apply enough make-up so I can still achieve the looks I see in the magazines- just without applying that much make-up and using Photoshop in the process…Don’t worry, I’m not going to be one of those people who go on a bit too much about stereotyping, but just a quick pointer: the people that you see aren’t really who they are in ‘real life’. But anyway, back to that solution I was telling you about- basically, what I do is look at a lot of pictures on Pinterest (if you haven’t got this, I highly recommend! I have my whole life planned on there, however sad that sounds…) and in fashion magazines such as Look- my personal favourite- every time I see a make-up look that makes me think “I want to copy that”, I use my brain to its full advantage: instead of being all ‘sciency’ and thinking logically, I just think of alternative ways I can re-create this look on myself, by using the products I already have. Easy, right? But, if you’re in a situation when you really don’t have any products that could possibly complement each other to look like a personalised version of what you see, you may have to go to the last resort; plan B- go shopping.

Not like shopping is a bad thing (if you absolutely loath shopping, I don’t suggest you read on), as I have been in this situation many times myself, and has always felt nervous every time I hand those golden coins of vanity over to the impatient cashier across the life or death boundary, that is, the till. But I sincerely recommend not shopping for make-up online, unless you a) have already tried the product in a store, or b) your mum has a discount card that can only be used on the website…so instead, take a trip down town (hopefully not to prison though, shop lifting is not part of the solution) and test out some products in Boots, Superdrug or even House of Fraser so you can find the product you have really been longing for. However, there’s always that possibility, a very likely possibility, that you will purchase more than you went in for, as all will power during those deciding seconds of “Do I go for the 3 for 2, or 50% off?” goes completely out the window. So, if you can hold on for a few days, weeks, or months (worse-case scenario) whilst you wait for the big bucks of a few pounds to roll into your purse, I recommend doing a spring make-up haul to spruce up your cosmetic collection. And I think you should look out for a few of these essentials, which I wouldn’t even miss:

Garnier BB Cream Special Combination to Oily skin (£9.99) 

Maybelline Dream Terra Sun (£6.49)

Illamasqua Gleam Cream in Aurora (£20)

Rimmel London Brow This Way Eye-Brow gel (£3.99)

Urban Decay Eye shadow Primer Potion in Original (£16)

Naked 2 Palette (£37)

MAC Sized to Go False Lashes in Black (£10)

Eyeko Eye-Do Liquid Eyeliner in Brown (£15)

Autograph Ultra-Rich Colour Twist-Up Lipstick in Pink Parfait (£9.50)

 

 

 

Booking

Lila Doe

+123 456789111

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Gina Copper

+123 456789222

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