Collar Me Beautiful!

The neck has become the focus for accessories and detail in recent seasons with scarves, draping fabric and this winter, the polo neck.  The neck trend for Spring/Summer is the collar, and more specifically the Peter Pan collar. As the name Peter Pan suggests it can have a playful feel about it, but it can also look very grown-up and ladylike.

Romantic personalities will enjoy styles in pretty lace, chiffon and rounder edges which add femininity to an outfit.  Alternatively, you could try a little colour clashing and find a garment in one strong shade with the collar in a different bold shade.  It can also look very simple and neat in a neutral shade and with a pointy collar it can really smarten up an outfit.

Neck decoration isn’t for everyone and generally isn’t recommended if you have a short neck.  The Peter Pan collar can be very subtle or it can be the focus point of your outfit. It can be a great way to add interest to the top half of a triangle shaped body.  If you are fuller in the bust make sure you choose a soft, rounded collar as oppose to a stiff, starched pointed one.

If you’re very crafty and creative you can design your own and attach it to any garment you like, a la Gok!

Fresh Make-up for a Feel Good February

At this time of year we all want to look healthy and glowing and to achieve that, we need to be clever with our cosmetics.

So, whether it's a romantic Valentine's dinner, a job interview or you are planning a proposal of marriage - it is leap year after all ladies! - make sure you look radiant with your best make-up looks.

It's easy to stick to old make-up routines because you don't have time' to try new ones or you think the old ones still work fine. But, is your make-up making the most of you?

Is your make-up making the most of YOU?

Think about it: is your make up saying 'sexy' or 'overdone'? 'Subtle' or 'washed-out'? Part of the problem is that we inherit and pick up advice, habits - good and bad, and product knowledge from Mums, sisters and friends plus all the beauty information we can absorb but don't always consider what actually works for us.

Before and After from Colour Me Beautiful's New Make-up Manual (Hamlyn). 

What look should I go for at this time of year?

You are trying to achieve a Spring-like glow in the middle of Winter, so you want to keep your make-up simple, fresh and as radiant as possible. Your skin needs to look its best so look after it and use products that suit it. Do invest in a good blusher, don't go too heavy on eye make-up, use highlighter accordingly.

Take a tip from forties Hollywood camera-ready make-up with good-looking skin (even if it means extra foundation at this time of year), great eye lashes and fabulous lipstick.

There is more to make-up than meets the eye

The best lesson you can learn about make-up is what suits YOU. You need to understand your face shape, your colouring and your personality. Once you have mastered this you can create the looks that complement you AND ensure that you send out the right signals, whatever the situation or occasion.

Choosing the right colours

There are thousands of make-up colours out there - some will make you look radiant, while others can make you look unhealthy or age you prematurely.

Once you understand your colouring type and your best make-up colours you can limit the cosmetics you buy to selecting only those that make you look fabulous. Plus, the recommended shades will work with your wardrobe too!

To help you achieve your best make-up looks this season why not book a full Make-up Master Class from just £35.