Hello!

I am chuffed that I have reached 250 subscribers! I wanted to do this blog as I get a bit fed up with social media and so wanted to keep what I write about solely on my website.  So then I know when I post it is going to people who are genuinely interested!

I have been taking quite a few bookings for 2022 and I have had a very busy summer so far...

I enjoy getting your messages, especially so this year, its really helped me and I hope it has helped you too.  Some people contact me to ask about makeup products or techniques, or skincare, and I really don't mind answering, I love helping you, so do keep in touch, I really don't mind.

So, with one recent message in mind, I am going to tell you about my skincare regime and what I am into using at the moment, (although, skincare addict that I am, it can change every couple of months or so...!)

I bought the Caroline Hirons "Skincare book" and it has become my "bible" so to speak.  I loved reading it, (I am such a geek!!) I could not put it down...I binge read it in 2 days!

I did train as a Beauty therapist when I was 20, (before I moved to London to train as a Makeup artist), so I have that knowledge and experience.  Doing the Beauty therapy course was a godsend to me, it has helped me so many times in my makeup work, as if anyone visits me with a skincare complaint or disorder, I can help them, (or point them in the right direction).  It is invaluable to know about skin when you are a Make-up artist, so it was a great beginning for me.

So, that was 30 years ago now, and things have changed SO much.  Even I have become bewildered and overwhelmed with the sheer amount of products out there and I just didn't know where to start! It is so confusing isn't it!  I hear this all of the time.

I wanted to know what to use, (now I've hit the big 5-0....don't tell anyone!!).  I have always looked after my skin, right from being a teenager and carried that through into my 20's, 30's and 40's.  I have always cleansed, toned and moisturised and always used a SPF daily, so I knew the basics.

But, I have seen a change in my skin.  Theres a few more lines now and areas of pigmentation, not to mention the dark circles!! HELP!!

So, I thought I would tell you what I use.  It is definitely working for me, as my skin is behaving.  I had been suffering with sore, bumpy spots, mainly on my chin and I was getting a bit fed up!!...(and with us all having to wear a mask these days, it is playing havoc isn't it!!)

So here goes -

I do change my skincare according to how my skin feels and time of the year.  Mornings I like to always cleanse my face, (just the once, a double cleanse on an evening). At the moment I really love The Inkey List Oat cleansing balm.  As I have "older" skin, I like to ensure I use something that is creamy and won't strip my skin, like a gel wash or *shudder* face wipes.  Soap only dries out your skin too, so don't use that.

Used on damp skin, the balm is a lovely consistency.  You only need a tiny amount.  It's lovely and rich.  There is no fragrance, so great for sensitive skins too.  Massage it into damp skin, (I like to treat my skin to a bit of a facial massage in the mornings to put a bit of colour in my face as I usually look really scary in the mornings! (I frighten myself some mornings!!) this gets the circulation going and then I like to use a wet, soft flannel and remove the cleanser.  It does leave a lovely glow to the skin and it feels hydrated, so I like that feeling.

Next I am really into PIXI Clarity tonic.  This is a BHA, (Beta Hydroxy Acid), which basically means a stronger version of an AHA, (Alpha Hydroxy Acid.  Which is a more gentle exfoliater).  The BHA is basically Salicylic acid, which is a go-to ingredient if you want to keep your skin looking smooth and prevent build up of dead skin.  Just use this as your "toner" after cleansing.  It has really helped my skin.  I use this every morning. (You can use this twice a day if you wish).

Next, "the filling bit of the sandwich" as Caroline would say.  Serums are so important for your skin, but there are so many different ones out there its difficult to know which one/s to use isn't it.

I chose The Inkey List Vitamin C as this helps with pigmentation, boosts radiance (gimme some of that please!!) and stimulates collagen, (yep, need that too please...tick!)  It doesn't really matter which order you apply your serums in.  I always think it smells a little bit like coffee this, its quite pleasant though, don't let that put you off if you don't like coffee!

Next I apply Niacinamide from The Inkey list.  This is a "blemish busting serum", and yes I need that too!  It doesn't strip the skin as it also has Hyaluronic acid in it.  I apply this just in the morning.

Next I apply Hyaluronic acid, (I got this one from Amazon, its Hado Labo, but actually I have just ran out of the gold one and that is actually the better version).  Hyaluronic acid is very important for the skin. This hydrates and plumps the skin, as we lose moisture as we age...boo hoo 🙁

Next I apply another serum!...I find my skincare routine quite therapeutic and "me time" - it might come across as a bit faffy, but I think well, if I cant give myself 10 self-care every morning then its a sorry state of affairs, and then at least I know my skin is sorted for the rest of the day, and it makes me feel better and I need less make-up.

So, the next serum I like is from The Ordinary, "Buffet".  This has various peptides in for the skin, (an essential mix for good skin).

And so next, the last step! Moisturiser.  I have started using the Sarah Chapman Skinesis skin Insurance, SPF 50, (nothing less than a 50 please, all year round!) I first saw the Pixiwoo sisters, (Nic and Sam), using this, and they swear by it, so I thought I would give it a whirl.

It is lovely and light.  Great for everyday use.  It has a slight tint to it, like a tinted moisturiser I would say, but you put it on and it just melts into the skin.  Take it right underneath the bottom lash line, as that is where it shows the first signs of ageing there, so protect that area with SPF too. Also use on the back of your hands and neck, top of ears.

Lastly, (and not pictured), I like to use a bit of eye cream to keep me hydrated and I just love the feel of it,  Only a tiny dab mind.  Use your ring finger to dab and apply, don't drag under the eye, be very gentle.  I love the Bobbi Brown Eye repair cream. I love it so much.  I even use a bit on my lips if they are dry. It lasts ages.

So, that is it!  Would you like more updates like this? If so, please let me know! Next, I will post about my evening skincare routine, but please let me know if there is anything else you would like me to blog about, (although, I will let you into a secret, I am going to be blogging about the Menopause and HRT what I have learned this year after speaking with the wonderful Dr Louise Newson, (check her out on social media), and also the fab Diane Danzebrink, (who has managed to get the menopause on the curriculum finally!)

If you are struggling with any of the following symptoms then you are suffering with the menopause - it is no longer a taboo and lets get it all out there.  Let's educate ourselves and also get more GP's to stop dishing out anti-depressants like they are sweets!! -

Palpatations, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, lack of concentration, feeling tired, loss of interest in most things, dizzy spells, tight feeling in the head, headaches/migraines, hot flushes, sweating, loss of interest in sex...

I will be posting about my experience and give you lots of pointers.  Please feel free to email me - tina@tinabrocklebank.co.uk if you have any questions and I will try to help you.

Til next time, take care! Tina xx