Summer hair care

Whilst a holiday abroad maybe just what the doctor ordered and you think of coming home full of energy with a healthy, golden glow and sun kissed highlights, we forget the havoc this strange environment can have on our hair. With extra exposure to the sun's rays and chlorine, salts and mineral deposits from the water, we can end up coming home with dry, damaged and frizzy locks!

Fear not! We have researched into some of the best products out there to include in your travel case this summer to help protect and replenish your locks.

Phytoplage Sublime After Sun oil

Suitable for all hair types, this oil is perfect for re hydrating and repairing hair from sun -damage. A blend of rare oils which are high in nutrient value, it not only stops you hair from fading but in colour its formula provides maximum sun protection that softens the hair to create a healthy look.

RRP. £26.50, Space NK

Philip Kingsley swimcap cream

The perfect product to make sure your hair survives its exposure to the sea and chlorine this summer!  Swimpcap cream is water resistant and prevents your locks against dryness, damages and discoloration from the chlorine and salt, leaving you  with a healthy glow.

£10.50, philipkinsley.co.uk

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray

Not staying near the ocean but still want that beach babe, windswept texture then invest in B&B's Surf spray! Not only constructed to add waves and texture to your hair but filled with seaweed an kelp extract to help enhance moisture and manageability!

RRP £21.50, Boots

Fushi Hair Oil

A blend of five extemely nourishing and rejuvenating oils, it is the perfect replenishing shine and moisture product made up of Moroccan Argan and Virgin Coconut oils. Known for their strengthening and smoothing properties, it leaves you hair beautifully conditioned, healthy and strong.

RRP, £16.00, fushi.co.uk

Joico K pak Intense Hydrator

Perfect for post holiday rescue, this luxurious treatment helps to improve manageability to dry, damaged and frizzy locks which have been effected by too much sun exposure and environmental influences. A lightweight, hydrating treatment it helps to increase hair elasticity whilst retaining moisture levels and rebuilds our hairs follicles.

RRP £11.76, amazon.co.uk

Kerastase Paris, Elixir Ultime

An essential to not just your travel kit but everyday beauty regimes, Elixir Ultime makes your hair feel intensely conditioned! Enriched with four fantastic oils it leave hair weightless, soft and protected from the sun's rays and everyday environments.

RRP: £28.40, lookfantastic.com

Green People's Sport and sun conditioner

By the pool, beach or just out in the sun this summer, it is the ultimate repair for damaged hair. Made with Artichoke leaf extract, which acts as a protective shield to your hair's cuticles your hair is left with a glossy, sleek and frizz free finish. The shampoo is extremely gentle on the scalp, yet ensures all the chlorine and mineral deposits left on the hair after a dip are removed, with the plant protein ingredients restructuring damage and leaving it with a healthy finish.

RRP, £9.99, greenpeople.co.uk

Moroccan oil repair shampoo 70ml

Perfect for a day's exposure in the sun and sea, this shampoo gently cleanses your hair whilst infusing it with argon oil, keratin, fatty acids and other nourishing nutrients to improve its health and leave it full of body and shine. This deliciously, creamy shampoo is great or restoring moisture and repair damage from thermal exposures. 

RRP £6.25, feelunique.com

A Day in the Life of the Concierge at Oulton Hall

This is the third in our three-part series looking at what goes on behind the scenes at a luxury country hotel. In this article our ‘blogger in residence’ spent time with the concierge.

Albeit slightly in reverse the last but certainly not least member of Oulton Hall’s team I spent time with was Ian the concierge. Already, briefly introduced when I first arrived at the beautiful manor as he efficiently swept in to pull my bag out of the taxi and show me to reception, Ian was a delight to be re-united with. Like the grandfather you never had, he makes you feel instantly at ease giving a wonderful first impression to Oulton Hall’s arriving guests. Often overlooked, the concierge’s role is one of the most important, as apart from the magnificent view as you pull up the long, winding drive, he is the first member of staff you will meet and as the first and last impression counts for so much at a hotel, Ian is the perfect ambassador.

 

A smile constantly but yet naturally and easily on his face, Ian’s gentle manner will make anyone feel at ease as they step across the threshold. Bags and belonging removed from your grasp, he will quickly lead you to ladies manning the front desk before guiding you to your room if it isn’t busy or ensuring that your bags will be there shortly. Smartly dressed in grey trousers, pristine white shirt and black tail coat, he gives off the perfect first impression which in a way puts the rest of the hotel and staff under pressure to deliver their services and appearance to a very high standard.


Not exactly in his duties, I was very lucky to be given a grand tour of the golf clubhouse also known as the Claret Jug which houses a swish golf shop equipped with all necessities and relaxed restaurant with comfy sofa’s, large flat screen TVs and balcony with views out onto the course. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf or simply soak up the atmosphere and watch the latest games with a pint or two. Not a massive fan, I have never actually participated in a round of golf let alone drive a golf buggy but this didn’t put Ian off as he encouraged me to take the wheel so I could get the ‘full Oulton experience’.

Slightly shaking, I do as I am told and put my foot down on the pedal and off we go, somehow managing to keep my cool as we whizz around the grounds (maybe not smoothly) and chat about his past at Claridges, digging for gossip about the A list celebs.

Starting to feel comfortable in the driver’s seat, I am enthusiastically informed that I have to experience the full ‘Pepsi Max’. No, I didn’t have to down the drink in one; ‘Pepsi Max’ is Ian’s own indulgence and mini thrill ride. Before I knew it, I was revving up the rocky hill path, around some trees and being instructed to put my foot down (yes I realise the vehicles are capped at their minimal speed limit of 10mph but still) and too scared to rebel I found myself hurtling down the other side and over a small bump! Stomach in mouth, I turn to look at my companion who is chuckling to himself at my poor lack of bravery. Needless to say this concierge is a cheeky one!

As the ride comes to an end, we head back to the clubhouse, where I tactfully decline a golf lesson from the secret pro and head back to the hotel and part ways. Sad to be leaving the company of this lovely gentleman, the next time I see him is on my departure, where his service is still of a high standard; carrying my bags to the taxi and ensuring I had everything and enjoyed my stay before saying farewell with a little bow. If you weren’t satisfied with your stay at the hotel – which I imagine is very rare, you are certainly left with a feeling of content from Ian’s impeccable service.

The Details
Oulton Hall, Rochwell Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS26 8HN
Tel: +44 (0)113 282 1000
Web: www.devere-hotels.co.uk

A Day in the Life of the Head Butler at Oulton Hall

Not long after my arrival at Oulton Hall was I whisked away into the Drawing Room to be greeted by one of the most charming men I think I will ever meet. Suitably dressed in trousers, white shirt and waistcoat, the Head Butler, Peter led me to a small round dining table surrounded by two plump armchairs in front of the grand floor to ceiling Victorian windows giving me the perfect view to the gorgeous gardens.

Peter manages a team of six to seven waiters on a daily basis who attend to the needs of those in the dining room and terrace. Well known for its delicious and perfectly laid out Afternoon Tea, Oulton Hall is frequently fully booked for Hen Parties, business meetings and family get-togethers.

 
The ability to turn around tables in the flash of an eye, the Drawing Room often sees around 30 covers each day and despite the busy atmosphere, the staff ensure no one is kept waiting long and as soon as a party sits down, tea and coffee orders are taken and guests informed that it is a busy day and they will be back for their afternoon tea orders soon.
“It is all about communication and detail to attention, once one thing goes wrong then a snowball effect occurs and guests start looking for other things that are wrong or start picking up on a slack service” comments my trustee head butler. There is a fine line between delivering an efficient, quality service to being annoying and too attentive which ultimately irritates diners as they feel they cannot enjoy their time in peace.

Day-to-day duties don’t just involve waiting on customers but making sure that all the silver such as teapots, spoons and knives are polished and glasses steamed and pre -bookings laid out. In between parties, the staff will use a silent hoover to clean up crumbs, plump cushions and reset dining wear.
With a three month induction period, Peter looks for certain qualities in his staff, from efficiency and mannerism to pristine attire and an upbeat attitude, ready to hit the ground running and showing an interest in learning more about their traditional Yorkshire tea which is frequently served to guests.


As Head Butler, it is not just traditional Afternoon Tea dining or coffee mornings that are attended to but the service extends to private dinners, butler for the night experiences and suite requests. Private parties can choose to exclusively hire out the drawing room and service where by champagne and canapés are served by Peter and his team before the head chef cooks a delightful three-course meal for the guests, carving the meat on show and creating the ‘full Downton Abbey experience’.

The Afternoon Tea experience is not only a wonderfully polite and attentive service but the quality and variety of sandwiches, cakes and teas are exquisite with the perfectly warmed soft sultana scones accompanied by fruity jam and smooth cream! With a rumbling stomach, I happily indulge myself before being brought my own ‘Wimbledon’ gift bag, reserved for birthdays and Hen Parties and a glass of their finest champagne.



It is no wonder Oulton Hall manages to retain so many of its customers, with some regular visitors having been guests at this beautiful hotel for the last 15 years or so, I am sure in no small part down to the calm yet premium service and quality of the food served.

The Details
Oulton Hall, Rochwell Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS26 8HN
Tel: +44 (0)113 282 1000
Web: www.devere-hotels.co.uk

Head Housekeeper at Oulten Hall

The first in a three part series looking at what goes on behind the scenes at a luxury country hotel for OMOTG.com based on ‘blogger in residence’ - here about my time with the Head Housekeeper at Oulton Hall near Leeds in Yorkshire.

Perched on a vintage, emerald green rather uncomfortable chair in the entrance I click away a few snaps of the reception as I wait to meet the Head Housekeeper. A few moments later, I am introduced to said housekeeper Anne, as I follow her to what can best be described as a very small office.

Unsure of where to take a seat as I am instructed to, for there seems to be folders and pieces of paper everywhere and I have no idea how more than two people could be squeezed in at once but I am assured that it is ‘organised clutter’!

At 11:00am, Anne is already five hours into her day with the first round of her chores done. To you and me, the mundane tasks of collating room reports of guests which are departing, arriving and staying and allocating said rooms to different maids to list making and room ‘inspections’ may seem simple and non rewarding but these strict procedures and necessary to do’s are anything but and without such organisation, it is more than likely Oulton Hall would not run as smoothly as its reputation projects.


Again reminded of the choice of three types of accommodation from standard, traditional rooms to the recently refurbished doubles and suites, I am quick to learn that whilst the overall process is the same, simple and subtle changes and elaborations make the rooms different, such as the standard rooms not being kitted out with spa toiletries (fortunately I was staying in a refurbished double with said toiletries)!


With so many people burdened with a number of OCD tendencies these days, Anne doesn’t fall exempt and as head housekeeper they are probably heighted. “The bed is the focal point of the room” and as one of her many maids would inform you, I am sure if the bed isn’t right then everything looks wrong! Sheets pulled tight and tucked under with no marks or scuffed, cushions plumped and duvets spread even, there is a certain way she wants them made and I am left without a doubt, I would never be employed as there is no way I could get them to look this way! “It is the little things” she drums into me that make a guest’s stay a pleasant or dreadful experience, so attention to detail is essential as you “don’t want to walk into the bathroom to find hairs everywhere” – I know I would be complaining especially with my phobias.

Insistent on squeezing in lunch, between 12:00 and 12:30pm, you will find Anne retreating back to her office to chow down some much needed substance before heading back out of her cubby hole for more room inspections and task delegations. From a bright blue folder, she pulls out previous sheets to demonstrate how they have a colour system in place to inform whether rooms are ready or need attending to, and whether guests have made certain requests for their stay.

 
A true romantic at heart, I can completely see the place as one perfect for a proposal with many couples retreating to the picturesque grounds and vintage suites for romantic weekends away, prompting me to ask about special arrangements. Chatting away, she certainly holds no praise for the male take on creativity and often finds herself talking them through the usual decoration of rose petals on the beds, champagne chilling and tokens of affection in the form of chocolates and bouquets (could I not have had this arranged for my arrival, the idea of being snuggled in my robe and slippers whilst munching on choccies and sipping champagne would go down quite nicely).


A slight random change of subject, we go from loved up couples to those doting on their canine companions and the type of service which is accompanied. Those who love nothing better than a weekend away in the country, taking their pooch on long walks (I am thinking of my mum and her partner) are in luck as Oulton Hall is nothing but dog friendly with ground floor rooms equipped with doors onto balconies and soft, comfy beds. Gifts of affection don’t stop short on these four legged creatures with ‘doggy gift package’ waiting on arrival including rubber toy and a chewy, prompting me to question whether it was the dogs being treated like royalty and spoilt my the housekeeping staff rather than the owners.

With the long day coming to an end around 5.30pm, the night supervisor takes centre stage after receiving detailed notes, sheets and tasks from Anne so the good work carries on straight through the night.

Sensing I have long overstayed my welcome and her itching to get back to her busy schedule, I grab one last question about her attitude to work. “To be honest I do whatever it takes to keep my department running and with such a good team put together it doesn’t feel such a burden as some may think”.

Just by looking at the hotel, it is safe to say Anne keeps her team under a tight rein with jobs being carried out to the highest level and careful attention paid to guest requests and needs. She may love it but I think for now I will stick to writing as my inspection skills aren’t quite up to scratch!

The Details
 
Oulton Hall, Rochwell Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS26 8HN
Tel: +44 (0)113 282 1000
Web: www.devere-hotels.co.uk

Jenifer Howard is a London based freelance writer and recently stayed at Oulton Hall as a ‘blogger in residence’. She spent some time working with the Head Housekeeper, Head Butler and Concierge to get a behind the scenes look at what goes into making a hotel tick and run smoothly.

Oulten Hotel

Set amongst picturesque grounds and stunning greenery, Oulton Hall is a magnificent converted manor house that offers a unique twist of historic charm and swish amenities.

Just a 20 minute journey from Leeds city centre, this country retreat offers guests modern spa facilities, a 27 hole charming golf complex and an authentic drawing room, perfect for Afternoon Tea or glass of champagne overlooking the terrace and the ideal place for a relaxing, romantic weekend away or group golf day out.

With its peaceful country environment and friendly, highly trained staff, Oulton Hall finds itself booked up nearly every day over the summer months for weddings and summer parties. With a variety of spaces to choose from, each with antique chandeliers, high ceilings and beautiful views overlooking the grounds, you are quite literally spoilt for choice.

The guest rooms are undeniably beautiful, from the premium authentic suites to the more standard rooms; all offer the height of comfort and are kitted out with Egyptian cotton bed linen, complimentary Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs, not to mention impeccable room service.

The converted manor house has kept many of its traditional rooms with inter-connecting suites suitable for bridal parties and families, yet still offers its refreshed standard Deluxe rooms and has recently introduced more modern, contemporary 'Chambre Uniques', offering that little bit extra. Chic, crisp with a light finish, the beds are heaven to sleep in with modern bedrooms complete with luxurious spa toiletries.

You have two restaurants to choose from when it comes to dining.  The Claret Jug has a more relaxed atmosphere located in the golf house with a decked out balcony overlooking the grounds.  It offers a simple, traditional menu which can be enjoyed in plush leather sofas in front of huge, flat screen TVs. It is perfect for golfers to drop in for a drink but equally attracts guests who want to dine somewhere more in the open.

Set in the heart of the hotel, the Calverley Grill has a more upmarket and classy ambience, offering a mouth-watering menu made from deliciously fresh locally sourced ingredients. Friday and Saturday evenings are nearly always fully booked not only with hotel guests but with locals who are frequent guests, so be sure to make a reservation in good time.

It is worth mentioning that the hotel is dog friendly, so much so that it kits out ground floor rooms with balcony’s leading out onto the greenery. The maids also make sure that upon arrival, the rooms are complete with doggy bowls, comfy beds, a toy and treats! Perfect for all your pooch’s needs.

Whether you are enjoying a traditional Yorkshire Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room, sipping Champagne on the outside terrace or indulging yourself in the Spa at The Oulton Club, the unique atmosphere is so inviting and natural, that any stay at Oulton Hall will be most memorable.

The staff are absolutely delightful and will enhance anyone's stay or visit to the hotel. From Ian, the most friendly and helpful concierge to the head butler, meeting every random request in the Drawing Room, and not forgetting the head housemaid ensuring that even doggy water bowls and beds are kept in tip-top condition in the rooms.
  
**Insider Tip**

I would recommend checking into the Spa out of peak times as it is quite small and you want to make sure you leave time for the Relaxation Room after your treatments for some more indulgent ‘me time’.

How do I run a marathon

Did you get a place? Most of us who entered know if we got a place in next year’s London Marathon. And if like me, you did, are you wondering, ‘how do i run a marathon?’ A marathon, a whole one! Wow, what was I thinking! I’m a mixed bag of emotions, from super-psyched to looking up tropical diseases I can get to back out of it!
 
Well don’t fret – we know how crucial your training plan is to your success on the day and it isn’t just about how far and fast you’re running so we’ve pulled together a list of top tips and products to kick-start you into action and get you fighting fit for the big day, along with some awesome recipes to make sure you are putting the right stuff into your body.

Your footwear
It’s essential that you have a shoe that fits you properly to avoid unnecessary injuries, so head to a pro running shop and get your gait anaylsed (that’s your running style) because if you’re serious about running the marathon it’s worth the investment. If you find a pair that fit well and are great to run in, then I’d recommend buying two pairs of them! With the distance you’ll be covering in training, you’ll be clocking up the miles and you don’t want them to wear out before the big day. We love RunnersNeed, Sweatshop and Asics flagship store for our gait analysis.

Be prepared
 
Ever heard of DOMS? It stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – basically after a long run or heavy workout you’re more likely to feel the effects in your muscles several hours later, or even the day after, and sometimes the day after that! But amazingly these nifty firefly sports recovery devices will help to reduce this. Popular with athletes, simply pop them on behind your knee after a run to increase blood circulation to your lower leg muscles and get you back into training quicker!

From £29.99, fireflyrecovery.com

Speed up
If you are really serious about performing at your best, it really is worth getting a gait analysis to assess how efficiently you run. Using video software and movement specialists, the assessment helps to improve your running technique so you run more efficiently and therefore quicker! It also helps reduce the likelihood of injury.

Your diet
 
All that pavement pounding can have a real impact on your body so keep your calcium intake high when you embark on your marathon training. You can supplement with a calcium supplement (go for calcium citrate, over calcium carbonate (aka chalk)) or why not start your day with a delicious, calcium-rich blackberry cheesecake smoothie by Kath Eats

Blackberry cheesecake smoothie

We Heart Living – blackberry cheesecake smoothie

Serves 2
2/3 cups rolled oats
½ cup cottage cheese
2 cups milk
2tbsp chia seeds
1 cup frozen berries
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a blender.
Stir together.
Put in fridge overnight.
In the morning, blend away!
Toppings included two blends of granola and Cacao Bliss chocolate coconut butter

For more great tips, check out next’s week!

Hot new products for the face this autumn

  

What better excuse than a new season to splash out on some autumn face creams?

As we leave the bright, warm days of summer behind, it’s not just wrapping up on our minds, but our beauty regimes, too. For many, the chilly autumn months don’t just bring out a natural rosy glow in our cheeks but dry, tight and uncomfortable skin. ‘As soon as you turn the heat on indoors, the skin starts to dry out,’ Bonnie LaPlante, an esthetician with the Canyon Ranch resort in Lenox, MA, explains. However, there’s no need to panic, as we’ve taken a look at some of the best beauty products to add to your collection this season to keep your skin in top condition.

Elemis Hydra-Boost Day Cream (£38, timetospa.co.uk)

This ultra-nourishing day cream provides continuous hydration throughout the day giving comfort to normal to dry skin. Fortification from hyaluoronic acid, starflower oil and marsh samphire extract helps to lock in essential moisture while its antioxidant-boosting ingredients and vitamin E protect skin from harmful free radicals. This lightweight, silky cream instantly leaves skin looking healthy and supple throughout the day.

Garnier BB Cream + Blur (£12, boots.com)

This new innovation from Garnier combines several steps of your beauty routine into one, creating a long-lasting, matte and velvety finish. Say hello to a creamy, lightweight emulsion which not only hydrates the skin but, with its new cutting technology, adds a hint of perfecting primer to even out skin tone and blur fine lines and imperfections, too.


Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark circle minimizer (£32, selfridges.com)

A complex of rosa roxburghii, white peony, ume and magnolia extract make up this delicate serum that visibly improves the overall appearance of dry, dark and discoloured eyes. The refreshing formula has been clinically proven to reduce dark circles and minimise the puffiness of tired eyes while helping to strengthen the delicate skin area and boost brightness.


Khiels Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate (£40, johnlewis.com)
 
‘As we age, the concentration of moisture-binding molecules within the skin progressively diminishes, allowing essential moisture to escape. This makes the skin prone to showing signs of age-related dehydration,” shares Dr. Adam Geyer, Consulting Dermatologist for Kiehl’s.
As a result, Geyer has helped to develop a new technology to combat the effects of age-related dehydration. By ‘flooding’ the deepest layers of the skin, this smooth serum restores vital levels of moisture and alleviates the look of dull, tired skin.


Bioeffect Daytime Rich (£55, net-a-porter.com)



Formulated with Bioeffect’s Epidermal growth factor (EGF), this cream plays an integral part of the cells signalling process to maintain a healthy, youthful-looking appearance. The rich, velvety cream helps to keep skin hydrated and maintain its moisture. Packed with barley extract and shea butter, it’s quickly-absorbed into the skin to renew its youthful glow and maintain overall vitality – perfect for combating very dry skin.

The Harley Medical Group Anti-Ageing Moisturising Complex (£60, harleymedical.co.uk)

A powerful anti-ageing complex, this light eight cream helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles by relieving tension while also increasing collagen in the skin. The complex combination of a biopeptide and potent antioxidant found in vitamin E works to improve overall skin tone and texture.



Eve Lom Daily Protection + SPF 50 (£70, spacenk.com)

This lightweight formula is fast-absorbing, instantly creating an even-toned, glowing and radiant complexion. Formulated with powerful UV shields and antioxidant vitamins C and E, it protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, ageing free radicals and daily environmental damage. The silky cream is also enriched with niacinamide to encourage new collagen growth and plumpness in the face.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Eyedration Moisture Eye Créme (£35, johnlewis.com)


Looking for a light and buttery cream which instantly soothes the delicate eye area? This eye cream does just that, while providing a refreshing and awakening effect, too. Enriched with vitamin A, mango butter and beetroot extract, this smooth and nourishing formula reduces the appearance of fine lines and minimises the signs of ageing. Quickly absorbed into the skin, it increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture and improves the overall skin texture around the delicate eye area.

Give back with your beauty fixes

We all have our favourite makeup brands and go to products but there are some in particular that we should begin to favour slightly more, mainly down to their commitment to supporting and giving something back to charities close to their heart. So, why not begin looking beyond those go to names and start choosing products that not only ultimately make you look and feel good but see you helping to give something back to the world. 

Keep reading for some of our favourite products that help you do just that...

Bonne Mine Palette 

Instantly waking up your skin, Laura Mercier’s Bonne Mine Palette leaves skin with a healthy and natural ‘no makeup’ glow. Totally weightless, this creamy formula is easy to blend and evens the skin’s texture for that perfect finish. With 100% of the profits going directly towards the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer fund, to raise awareness and fund research for the disease it is a great product to invest in. 

Available at Selfridge’s and sephora.com, RRP £37.00

Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection

To support the efforts of the Breast cancer awareness campaign, Bobbi Brown have produced their limited edition Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss collection. A gorgeous selection of four pink and creamy shades that help any female go from ‘being pretty to pretty powerful’ with every £5 from every sale going toward the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Bobbiebrown.co.uk, RRP £35.00

 

Bee Happy Body butter 

Inspired by the environment and plight of the honeybee, Beefayre has created a luxury beauty, fragrance and home ware range, which donates 3% of its total profits donated to the bee conservation. At the moment, we love their Bee Happy Body butter perfect for lathering up with - a creamy concoction of cocoa and shea butter creams,  it’s natural infusion of  orange and jasmine essential oils help sooth your skin whilst it’s fresh, citrus fragrance boosts your mood and feelings. 

Beefayre.com, RRP £15.95

Dragon Fruit lip butter

The body shop’s scrumptious Dragon fruit lip butter is not only great for keeping your lips super soft and hydrated this Autumn but 100% of the profits are being split across their chosen three charities; Erb's Palsy Group, Wild Futures and Book-cycle. Deliciously zesty, this buttery balm is the perfect addition to your make up bag!

The body shop, £4.00

‘Paint for life trio’

In aid of Breast Cancer awareness this month, Beauty UK have developed the ‘paint for life trio’! A gorgeous range of three vibrant shades of pink, each individually named, ‘hope’, ‘strength’ and ‘love’ which have been inspired to continue to raise awareness and generate funds for Cancer research UK. Not only do these shades make the perfect addition to your nail polish collection but a £1 from every set sold will be directly donated to breast cancer research. 

Superdrug, beautyukcosmetics.com, £5.99

Autumn Beauty trends

Summer might have been and gone, but these autumn beauty trends are reason enough to get excited over the new season

As we sadly leave summer behind, we enter into a new and exciting season. This calls for an update on our beauty bag essentials to ensure we stay on trend. From electric colours to cat-like flicks, the focus is on the eyes this fall – going bolder and brighter than usual. However, for those who prefer a subtler look, don’t fret as the natural look still remains.

Here at WHL, we have compiled a list of the top trends to embrace this autumn with some of our favourite must-have beauty products.

The lash effect

Definition is key this autumn when it comes to your eyes – false lashes, volumising mascaras and slick eyeliners are a necessity to prepare you for the trending heavy smokey eyes look. Try Revlon Bold Lacquer (£9.99, boots.com) – perfect for creating those sought-after lashes – teamed with Glo Precise Micro Eyeliner (£9, beautyexpert.co.uk) for added definition.


 All about blue

 
Blue eye makeup is making an interesting comeback from the 90s this season, with shades of sapphire, azure, cobalt and teal making an appearance. When it comes to creating bold, bold, electric eyes, it’s all about pushing the boundaries and experimenting with your application. Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Stick (£4.49, boots.com) is great for experimenting with the vibrant colour.


Go metallic
 
Those who love a bit of glitter are in luck as metallics are taking centre stage this season, from a light dusting of shimmer in the corner of the eyes to full-blown gold lips and glittery eyelids. Try Lavera Illuminating Blue Galaxy Eye Shadow (£11.50, pravera.co.uk) which hits two trends in one with metallic flicks and a gorgeous blue glow.

Flawless décor


With the natural look remaining very much on trend this season, makeup kits should be packed with taupe eye shadows and great highlighters for perfect contouring and illuminating. Famous makeup artist, Mally Roncal recommends sweeping a sheer shimmer powder along the top of your cheekbones and just under your temples to create natural-looking yet killer cheekbones. Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand (£25, smashbox.co.uk) works wonders for creating that radiant glow and natural dewy finish.

Colour me brown

The everlasting smokey eye look still remains this autumn but this time it has taken a coppery turn, with makeup artists playing with greys and browns to create a simple, sultry daytime look. Keep the structure loose and blend your lines – it’s all about creating a soft, modern look with a cool tone. Invest in Bobbi Brown Smokey Nudes Eye Palette (£48, bobbibrown.co.uk) – a great collection of colours to achieve the look in an instant.