Amora Is The New Romantic Among Wedding Shoes

UK designer Oliveira has created a delicate and romantic wedding shoe to fit brides and bridesmaids like a satin slipper.

Amora by Oliveira (£90 www.olviera.uk.com) is a shoe of sheer beauty, with silky cream 3¾" heels, shimmering strap detail and a twinkling diamante toe post to reflect the sparkle of a diamond engagement ring.

Handmade for sublime quality and comfort, Amora is designed for wedding ceremony through to the final dance of the reception, and are so light and dainty that it's easy to forget they are on!

Amora is worn here with the breath-taking Amelie wedding gown (£420 www.findadress.co.uk), made-to-measure in ivory chiffon to a flattering A-line halterneck style with exquisite scattered beading highlighting the waistline and wispy two-tier veil.

National Honey 'til 13th May 2012

Honey - the famous natural sweet stuff that is good enough to eat - is also renowned in the beauty world for its skin soothing and antibacterial properties. With its delicate fragrance and beautiful consistency Lush has created a gorgeous range of bath, shower and skincare products all filled with this natural, miracle nectar...

For the shower

Flying Fox (£4.50 for 100g/£8.95 for 250g/£15.75 for 500g)... This sensual shower gel is made with four different kinds of rich, golden honey from all over the globe. Combining a wonderful blend of jasmine absolute and ylang ylang - known for their aphrodisiac qualities - Flying Fox is a luxuriously decadent shower treat.

For the bath
Honey Bee (£3.10)... This classic bath ballistic is a calming blend of rhassoul mud, honey and aloe vera combined to create an intensely soothing bath. Each ballistic is hand pressed which helps achieve the gorgeous bee-like striped pattern which means each one is entirely unique.

For the body
Honey I Washed the Kids (£3.25 for 100g)... This is the irresistible Lush honey soap that smells like toffee and is topped with a layer of honeycomb. One of Lush's all time best selling products, made with honey water and aloe vera to both moisturise and soften the skin, this sticky toffee pudding scented soap is a favourite for all the family - even those delicate skin types.

For the face
Brazened Honey fresh facemask (£5.75)... Refreshing herbs and fruit juice are blended with warming ayurvedic herbs and spices along with kaolin and talc to provide a deep cleansing facial treatment. With almonds to polish the skin and honey acting as both a natural antibacterial agent and moisturiser, this fresh facemask leaves the skin vibrant and reinvigorated. Lush's Fresh facemasks are so fresh and preservative free they must be kept in the fridge and used within 3 weeks.

For the lips
Honey Trap lip balm (£5.25)... a tasty blend of white chocolate, honey and sweet orange oil all blended with organic extra virgin olive oil and shea butter for extra nourishment. The perfect natural, colourless balm that will ensure lips are soft and supple this summer.

To pick up these and many more ethical, cruelty free cosmetics, visit Lush stores nationwide now or online at www.lush.co.uk.

For shop details and mail order contact 01202 668 545.

Introducing The NEW Blusher Brick From Miners Cosmetics!

Build a stunning base with Blusher Brick!

Blusher Brick is a collection of face powders created to leave you with a stunning and natural glow. The bricked powder is specially designed to give your complexion an all over, even coverage allowing you to build-up your favourite blush shade.

Whether you want to create a warm glow or add a rosy flushed colour to your cheekbones, Blusher Brick has it covered with a clever collection of Pinks and Browns:

Pinks: This multi-tonal Blusher is made up of three contrasting bricked pink shades, ranging from an illuminating barely there pink to a deep colour-injecting rose.

Browns: This multi-tonal Blusher is made up of three contrasting bricked brown shades, ranging from highlighting natural sand to a deep sun-kissed bronze. RRP £4.49

www.minerscosmetics.co.uk

Hairtrade expands its cosmetics range with the introduction of Daniel Sandler

Hairtrade, a leading retailer of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products has recently expanded its cosmetics range with the introduction of Daniel Sandler professional finish make-up.

British talent Daniel Sandler has taken the cosmetic world by storm and his full range of multi award winning mineral makeup line is now available at Hairtrade, consisting of foundations, watercolour liquid blush, and the most beautiful shades of mineral eyeshadow.

Keven Kou, managing director of I&K International Limited said: "We decided to increase our range of makeup as we have recently realised an increase in interest, as well as sales, of our current makeup brands including New CID Cosmetics and FakeBake."

He went on to say: "We decided to add Daniel Sandler’s range as it’s an exciting, upcoming brand that fits in line with the current brands at Hairtrade. Customers are looking for something fresh and that’s exactly what Daniel Sandler provides with its mineral eyeshadows and water colour liquid blush."

The brand, already hugely popular across the UK with top beauty bloggers, is available now from www.hairtrade.com and consists of foundations, concealers, powder, bronzer, liquid blush, eyeshadow, mascara, eye liner, lip gloss, lipstick, and makeup tools to create the most professional make-up finish.

Lack of 'Real' Sized Models Causing Chaos for Clients

Mention the word 'model' and more often than not people think of tall, ultra-skinny woman sauntering down brightly lit catwalks in Paris or Milan. But in reality, most modelling work that takes place here in the UK is far more down to earth; in fact there's currently a distinct shortage of 'real' sized women in the industry.

Clients such as catalogue companies, production houses and high street retailers are becoming increasingly frustrated with modelling agencies at the lack of strong size 10 models in the industry and the hunt is on for agents to find them.

"We're really not sure why it's the way it is" concedes Neely Reyes, the founder and MD of Sapphires Model Management, a London based Modelling agency. "Perhaps it's the fact the stereotypical image of a model is really skinny and so girls with a few curves don't even try to get into the industry! The fact remains though that more and more clients are looking for size 10 models and there just isn't the supply to meet the demand."

Part of the problem could be that the perception of beauty has changed a lot and now even size 10 girls don't feel they are slim enough to work as a model. "I've often approached girls who I thought had great model potential but the response is always that they thought they were 'too fat' to model, which really isn't true" Neely continues.

"In fact we're so desperate for tall, attractive size 10 girls that we've even had to start flying them in from abroad! Of course, we'd much prefer to develop home grown talent so we want to put the call out for all those perfect 10's to get in touch!"

Applying to a modelling agency is a really simple process. A couple of clear snapshots taken with a digital camera, or even a camera phone, along with measurements and contact details is all a model hopeful needs. If an agency thinks you might have potential they'll invite you in to discuss more and who know where it could lead?

Sapphires Model Management is a London based modelling agency with offices in South Molton Street, Mayfair. The company was founded by entrepreneur Neely Reyes and have a reputation for treating their models honestly and ethically and rejecting the 'size zero' image so prevalent in the industry.

Your One Stop Wedding Shop

 

Tying the knot this year? Then look no further than Ragdale Hall, your one stop wedding shop!

Perhaps you’re looking at booking a relaxing hen party for you and your girls, a spa day is the perfect way to enjoy your hen party and everyone will love it…even your mother-in-law!!!

Ragdale has plenty to offer and there’s heaps to do with the wide range of spa treatments and facilities including use of the Thermal Spa, a luxury playground for adults with a series of different heat and water experiences. If you want to have a real giggle with your girls, why not join in one of our dance or exercise classes such as Zumba or Legs, Bums and Tums in the studio and Wild Woggles or Aqua Dance in our Exercise Pool?

After a full day of relaxing and unwinding, you’ll be exhausted! – and you won’t have caught up with half of the gossip, so why not treat yourselves to champagne and canapés to round off your day? Don’t forget if you’re off into town after a visit to Ragdale Hall, we can do your nails, hair and make-up for you – there’s no need for you to lift a finger!

If you and your hens want to stay over at the Hall and make it a hen weekend to remember, you could always stay in The Lodge. The Lodge is a country cottage that sits separately to the Hall, with 4 bedrooms it’s the perfect pad for your lively hens and you won’t need to worry about disturbing the other guests at the Hall!!

Our beauty and spa experts have also designed some treatment packages especially designed for the Bride-to-Be:

Bride to Be De-stress Package
On your big day, we all know you want to look good and feel your best but we also know how stressful a wedding can be for all those involved. The Bride to Be De-stress package, which includes the treatments listed below, is the perfect preparation for your dream day.

Decleor Aromatic Body Massage
Clarins Tri Active Facial – choose from The Detox and Shine Stopper, The Skin Healer, The Radiance Reviver, The Lifting Line Smoother, The Youth Activator or The Moisture Replenisher
Clarins Pampering Foot Treatment plus a complimentary nail paint
Complimentary make-up advice in the Beauty Shop

Price £171.00

Bride to Be Finishing Touches

Expect all eyes to be on you on your big day so invest in a spot of pre-wedding pampering to add those finishing touches.

Shellac Hands
Shellac Feet
Fake Bake
Complimentary make-up advice in the Beauty Shop

Price £108.00
Alternatively, if you’re the bride (or bridezilla – it happens to everyone!) and the ‘W’ word sends shivers down your spine, then perhaps you and your chap should spend some quality pre-wedding time together. With all the organising and dashing around trying make everything perfect, tempers and patience can begin to fray…but at Ragdale Hall, a day is all it takes! There’s a huge selection of spa treatments for him and her, from facials to feet, all needs are catered for. Why not have a Shellac Long Lasting Nail Colour applied, it lasts 14 days (dependant on nail types) it will take you to your wedding day, through to your honeymoon and it’s one less thing to worry about!

Also, if you’ve got 2012 fever and are celebrating how fabulous it is to be British, why not look at having your honeymoon at Ragdale Hall too? With a vast range of spa breaks available from The Great British Summer Break to The Luxury Break and even the seven night Unwind and Relax Week Away, there’s no better way to celebrate your love than in the surroundings of a beautiful English country house! For those little added luxuries take a look at the package enhancements the Hall can offer – don’t forget Ragdale can also mark out a space for a helicopter to land, so why not be whisked away from you’re wedding reception in style!

Hotter Shoes smart comfort shoe collection for special occasions

Hotter Shoes has revealed its new smart comfort shoe collection, which features a range of comfortable and stylish footwear for weddings and other special occasions.

Designers at Hotter Comfort Concept shoes created this range of stylish, comfy women's special occasion shoes to help women keep a spring in their step at this season's 'must-attend' wedding.

Paul Sayers, the Range Director, said: "We've been creating comfortable footwear for over fifty years, and over one million happy customers enjoy the feeling of comfort that we carefully design into every pair of Hotter shoes.

"Whilst many of our styles are suitable for everyday wear, over the years we have seen a growing demand for comfortable shoes for special occasions. Our design team has worked hard to create a selection of smart styles that are perfect for the wedding season; with classic designs and on-trend colours. Each pair includes secret comfort features which will ensure that wedding guests will still be smiling when the bride and groom enjoy their last dance."

Darcy and Allegra, with smart low heels, flexible soles and room for toes to wiggle and flex, are available in a selection of colours, including pretty Hibiscus, neutral Nougat or versatile metallics.

For a little extra height, Quickstep, Valetta and the Surabaya sandal are the perfect finishing touch to any special occasion outfit, and are also available in extra wide fit .

For a nautical twist, or a flash of red to add spark to an outfit, Hotter's newest style peep-toe, Gaby, is a heeled espadrille sandal. Gaby has an adjustable sling-back with hidden elastic, softly padded leather footbed and suede flower detailing.

In addition to women's heels, Hotter also has options for the male wedding guest. Hotter has created a range of men's special occasion shoes that are packed with comfort features such as shock absorbing soles, leather insoles and built-in arch support. Available in classic Black or Brown, Road is a plain fronted lace-up, Town is a brogue style and City is a smart slip-on.

The full Hotter collection is available at www.hotter.com where customers can download their personal shoe fitting guide to help them find the perfect fit. Hotter also offers a free personal shopping service where its experts provide help and advice on customers' footwear queries.

Hotter has 25 stores nationwide, with plans to open a further 20 by the end of 2012. The company is the UK's biggest shoe manufacturer and is expected to make 1.5 million pairs of shoes in its Lancashire factory in 2012. It has recently launched a Great British Shoe to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics and has been nominated by its local MP to be part of the Made by Britain campaign.

FACTFILE:
Hotter Comfort Concept, which was set up in 1959, is the UK's biggest shoe maker, with one of the most advanced production facilities in Europe. The company makes a range of Comfort ladies shoes for women and men which include 'Comfort Concept' features such as smooth internal seams, removable insoles, soft leather uppers and soft padding.

The 1.5 million pairs of comfortable shoes designed and made in Hotter's UK factory in 2012 will have shock absorbing soles which contain millions of air bubbles, making Hotter shoes incredibly light, giving the feeling of walking on air. The company has recently been nominated by their local MP to be part of the Made by Britain project.

(EDITOR: My wife swears by her Hotter Shoes!)