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.

 

Tina Mum.

The Journal magazine.

I love writing, it enables me to talk about my make-up, (I can talk forever about this subject!).  So I am so grateful that Laura, (the Editor) allows me artistic license over my column.

In my August column I talk about one of the Summer catwalk trends - "Barefaced beauty."  How scary does that sound?! But why are we so insecure about our looks these days?

I have included some photos of my beautiful Mum.  One when she was younger and one taken on Mothers' day this year - she is still as glamorous now!  She has been my main inspiration in making the best of myself and indeed, other people.  I love being able to make someone look better...therefore, feel better.  I get such a buzz out of it.  There is nothing like someone looking in the mirror after I have applied their make-up, (after they have pulled themselves down!), to then look at themselves and say, "Oh wow...I look amazing! I feel fantastic!!"...I have had ladies hug me...cry even! (tears of joy obviously!)

Many ladies feel like this, and they are not on their own.  I can totally relate.  But make-up is such a powerful tool to a woman, and to learn how to apply it is a life skill.  Once you know what to use, with the correct products and tools you are well away...it becomes an addiction almost, (a healthy one I feel.)

I have had ladies actually say they feel like skipping home, they feel so great after having their make-up applied.  I always recommend the use of false lashes, they have such bad press though.  I do find myself repeating myself all the time.  False lashes are there to enhance what you have, and if chosen wisely then they will enhance and define your eyes to perfection.  My Mum swears by them for a special occasion.

I guess we just have to do what feels right for us, whether we wear make-up or not.  As long as we feel good in ourselves, that is what it is all about isn't it?...

 

Mature makeup/Mother of the Bride. Mrs Johnson.

Mature make-up/Mother of the Bride...

Busy day today, writing for my August column for the Journal magazine.  I have decided to write about mature ladies and make-up.  I do lots of make-up lessons and I love being able to help mature ladies with looking their best.  After being trained by Bobbi Brown I fully understood the method of how to make older ladies look amazing using the right tools and products.

Its all about "making you look like you...but better".  Sounds cheesy I know, but it is so true.  You don't have to apply  a lot of make-up just the right make-up! and you will look amazing.

I love using Bobbi Brown make-up still to this day, on myself and on my clients, since I worked for them over 15 years ago now!  It is just so easy to use and helps you look your best with minimal effort.

February 2013 make-up column in the Journal by Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist.

When ladies book a make-up session with me, more often than not, most ladies are very concerned about their looks.  They feel under constant pressure to look good, however, most ladies struggle with where to start with make-up and skincare.  This is where I can help them with my 24 years of experience.   But to quote Bobbi Brown, "All it takes is the right tools, products and a bit of knowledge."

Most ladies haven't a clue about make-up, afterall, we haven't been taught at school have we, how to make the best of ourselves! That is something instilled into us from a young age either from our parents or siblings, or maybe as we get older we take an interest in enhancing our appearance, however, sometimes we are advised wrongly, hence those tell-tale marks around the jawline from the wrong foundation shades or too much eye make-up or incorrect lip colour.
I have lots of bookings for this year and 2014 already and also a few new projects up my sleeve too so watch this space!  Meanwhile, if you do fancy booking in for a make-up lesson feel free to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.  I am also running a competition on Facebook, where you can win a make-up  lesson with me, you need to join the event and also comment on my page to be in with a chance of winning.  Good luck, Tina x

Booking

Lila Doe

+123 456789111

Aenean ut nisl nunc. Proin maximus, lectus a rhoncus eleifend, ipsum dui efficitur enim, vitae egestas diam felis non lacus. Nullam semper lectus massa.

Gina Copper

+123 456789222

Aenean ut nisl nunc. Proin maximus, lectus a rhoncus eleifend, ipsum dui efficitur enim, vitae egestas diam felis non lacus. Nullam semper lectus massa.

Address

178 S 1st St, Brooklyn 277
NY 11211

Phone Number