This morning I got the opportunity to pick the brains of Estee Lauder’s global make-up artist Alan Pan on how to achieve the perfect look at different times of the year.

How can a bride make sure her make-up stays put during hot summer months and does not dry out and lose it’s ‘dewyness’ in the dryer, harsher winter weather? And do they need different products/techniques in Summer and Winter?

Never forget how important exfoliating the skin is, whatever the season. By revealing fresher, radiant skin – your foundation will look smoother and last longer. Next apply a serum based on your specific skin requirements.

In the winter I always use a luminous liquid highlighter and mix it with foundation to create a dewy, healthy glow. Makeup is generally heavier in the winter so this softens a full-coverage foundation and refreshes dry, dull skin. I love long wearing foundations as they last all day without you worrying about touching up or smudges.
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Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and is best known for its numerous magnificent temples, lush tropical countryside and fiery northern Thai cuisine. It represents a slower paced and more rustic alternative to the bright lights of Bangkok and is a wonderful honeymoon destination for anyone looking for a taste of Eastern culture.

In the heart of the Chaing Mai’s old town, an area over flowing with spectacular Buddhist temples, you will find Tamarind Village which is an ideally located romantic haven from which to explore this amazing and exciting city.

The Tamarind Village was one of the first boutique hotels in Chiang Mai to be designed with Chiang Mai’s rich traditional northern Thai architecture in mind. The hotel, really a complex of smaller, individually styled cloisters arranged around a series of small courtyards and gardens, features elegant exposed dark timber beams, whitewashed walls and clay tiled roofs and is really quite beautiful. The tropical grounds are meticulously maintained and the paths that wind between them are lit-up at night by scores of candles. The centerpiece of the complex is a majestic 200 year old tamarind tree which towers over the central courtyard and was the inspiration for the hotel’s name. Read on…

Once a month I sit down with some of the countries top wedding planners to pick their brains, asking them to spill the beans on all their tips and secrets. This month I interviewed the fabulous Bernadette Chapman of www.dream-occasions.co.uk

What is the best way to start your day when you wake up on the morning of the wedding?
Ensure you have a good breakfast as it will be many hours before you eat, we don’t want brides fainting!
Also ensure only people that are calming are with you, I know some brides have banned their Mothers from their room because they were getting too stressed with each other.

What are your best tips to ensure the big day runs smoothly?
Forward planning, ensure everyone knows what they are doing and when. On the day delegate to a wedding planner or good friend that has all contacts details, the schedule and design set up so they can fix any problems on the day without disturbing you.

What is the most common thing to go wrong on a wedding day?
If a bride is late for her ceremony by just 15 minutes then it has a knock on effect for the rest of the day, it can also be quite usual to have a 10 min delay starting the wedding breakfast if guests are slow taking their seats. This could mean evening guests arrive during the speeches or that the band has to reduce their set lengths as there is not enough time. If you PLAN to be late, then incorporate this into the schedule from the start!
The other element that can go wrong is the wedding cake, especially if it has been made by a relative. I have had cakes collapse before which I have to fix and camouflage so the bride isn’t aware!
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Camp Jabulani Relais & Châteaux guarantees a unique honeymoon experience for unforgettable shared memories of a magical start to married life.  Nowhere else in the world is it possible to take an elephant-back safari at night, watch the 15-strong herd (including three young born in the Camp) playing in the river at noon, or interact with these engaging animals, which were saved from death in Zimbabwe.

On arrival at Camp Jabulani, guests are partnered with an elephant for the duration of their stay.  Each elephant has its own character, and pairings are decided by the elephant-master based on temperamental compatibility.  Guests mount via a ramp designed for the elephant’s comfort, sit in an exclusively designed saddle and soon settle confidently in to the gentle sway of their mount’s steady gait. Jabulani, the first elephant to be rescued, leads the safaris, which offer Big Five wildlife sightings and a unique insight into the natural environment of the bush.

Situated in South Africa’s northernmost Limpopo province, Camp Jabulani is in the heart of the majestic Mpumalanga region and enjoys spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains.   The Camp has six secluded and quite private suites. And, set slightly apart, the Zindoga Villa launched in October 2009 offers accommodation for up to six guests.
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From August Luella’s Boudoir will be a hosting a fabulous designer evening once a month. The idea behind these evenings is that brides-to-be can go and meet the designers to ask them questions, gain expert advice, hints, tips and styling. The  first designer evening will be held on Wednesday the 18th of August from 5.30pm-8pm with London based shoe designer, Freya Rose, the Yarwood-White jewellery design team and Alexis Daly, hair and make-up artist.

Take a peek at the designers’ websites:

www.freyarose.co.uk
www.yarwood-white.com
www.hairandbeautyonthebigday.co.uk

Make sure you phone Luella’s Boudoir on 0208 879 7744 to reserve your place for what promises to be an inspiring evening!

Every bride wants to feel like royalty on her wedding day and what better way to make dreams come true and stay on trend than to follow in the footsteps of history’s Kings and Queens with a classic Winter Wonderland wedding in the magnificent Tudor Manor House, Fawsley Hall.

Interestingly, Summer has not always been a popular time to marry. In the 18th century the colder months were the most fashionable. The famously romantic marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert began with a wintery February wedding in 1840. This tradition has been followed by many royals including Queen Elizabeth II who wed Prince Philip in November 1947. Recent research by wedding website Confetti shows a return to this trend with a 200% rise in winter weddings since 2007. Celebrities such as Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum have taken note and opted to exchange vows in January earlier this year.
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On Sunday 5th and Monday 6th September, Suzanne Neville will be holding a one off sample sale, giving brides the opportunity to snap up a stunning designer wedding gown for as little as £300.  The sale will offer hand made bridal gowns for a fraction of their original price. Dresses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there as early as possible so as not to miss this fantastic opportunity!

Sunday 5th and Monday the 6th of September – 11am to 4pm
29 Beauchamp Place
Knightsbridge
London
SW3 1NJ

Over the Summer I have been searching high and low for the best products for your Big Day! I have spent the last weeks trying out all the best beauty products I can lay my hands on, so I can report back to you on which are the must-have, can’t-live-without products for your wedding day!

Elizabeth Arden – Sheer Lights Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser
If you are after a sun kissed complexion then this is a great tinted moisturizer, the colour is easy to build up from sheer to heavy depending on the look you want. It is not ideal for covering blemishes but with a dab of concealer this won’t be a problem. It goes on nicely and doesn’t feel heavy on your skin. It also contains SPF 15. £19.50
www.boots.com

Silk Touch Brush On Silk
This is a really fab little powder. It is in a small pot and the powder puff is attached to the pot so you simply tip it upside down to release the powder and then glide it over your face. It gives a gorgeous matte finish and is super handy for blotting away shine, perfect for photo touch-ups.  £10
www.cosmeticsalacarte.com
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This Summer I  have been searching high and low to bring you the best products for your Honeymoon! I have spent weeks trying out all the best beauty products so I can report back to you on which are the must-have, can’t-live-without products for you to take away with you on your honeymoon!

Korres Watermelon Tinted Moisturiser
This is definitely one of the best tinted moisturisers I have come across, not only does the watermelon scent make it smell divine but it gives fantastic coverage without being heavy. I blended the moisturizer in to my skin and all my flaws seemed to magically disappear. It comes in 3 shades and it contains SPF 30 so you know your skin will be safe in the sun. I highly recommend this! £18
www.bathandunwind.com

No7 Sun Drenched Lip Gloss in Golden Peach
This limited edition lip gloss from No7 is perfect to finish off your sun-kissed look, it is a gorgeous translucent peachy colour with tiny flecks of gold in it, simply stunning! Just dab on your lips and you are ready to go, it is non sticky and feels lovely.£9.50
www.boots.com
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