Wedding beauty, hair, makeup, skincare, fragrances and health & fitness

Pedal for mental health: The benefits of cycling during Mental Health Awareness Week

1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health disorders every year. This reality highlights the pressing need for awareness, support, and empathy towards mental health problems and people who experience them. Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event to raise awareness about mental health disorders, its causes, and effects. This year, Mental Health Awareness Week falls onto Monday 13th of May to Sunday 19th of May. The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is 'movement', in hope to encourage individuals to incorporate movement into their daily habits. The NHS recommends at least 2.5 hours of exercise a week. However, incorporating daily movement not only allows individuals to enjoy fresh air and outdoors time but also triggers the release of 'happy hormones', which positively impact people's mental well-being.

A PT's top tips for staying fit and motivated in the run up to your wedding

Ali Malik is a Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and founder of Fit Labs Kensington. Below he provides his top tips on how to stay fit and motivated in the run up to your wedding. Staying motivated and keeping fit can be a challenge, but with a bit of creativity and determination, you can make it enjoyable and effective. Here are some unique, out-of-the-box tips:

Tried & tested: Carol Joy London, Collagen Eye Mask

Loved by the press, make-up artists, and models for its instant results, this collagen-powered treatment from Carol Joy London is formulated to transform tired-looking eyes in just 15 minutes. Suitable for all skin types, the Collagen Eye Mask uses Collagen Peptides and Native Collagen Fibres to stimulate the skin's own collagen production process. This helps to rejuvenate skin and replenish epidermal moisture levels, increasing hydration by up to 51%. The innovative collagen technology also helps improve the appearance of fine lines, reducing wrinkle depth by up to 28%. Spiked with a potent dose of Hyaluronic Acid, the Collagen Eye Mask delivers intense hydration, plumps skin, and helps to counter redness and irritation.

Say 'I Do' to perfect lashes: Get wedding-ready with ARDELL Seamless

When it comes to big day beauty, the last thing you want to worry about is a strip lash mishap. But with ARDELL seamless lashes, you can achieve the perfect customisable lash look that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful so you can walk down the aisle, well, seamlessly. Say goodbye to the frustration of traditional strip lashes lifting or peeling off at the corners. These lashes are easy to apply and designed to seamlessly blend with your natural lashes, offering a comfortable fit that lasts all night. With ARDELL, you can enjoy full creative control over your wedding look. The lightweight, flexible design allows for effortless movement, so you can enjoy every moment of your special day without distraction.

An expert guide to lavender's health benefits

As the cold winter departs and spring brings a fresh new bloom of nature, the plant experts at Ashridge have revealed some of the most useful health benefits of lavender and professional tips for planting in your home. The scent of lavender has often been associated with sleep and relaxation. Both lavender oil and indoor lavender plants can be used to improve sleep quality. Research shows that inhaling lavender while asleep can boost the time spent in a deep sleep, as well as help relieve insomnia, depression, and anxiety by interacting with your brain and nervous system. There are various ways lavender oil can be introduced to your sleeping routine, including through skin application, pillow mist, tissue, diffuser, or a hot cup of lavender tea. 

This at home pilates routine will help de-stress ahead of your wedding

Low impact workouts like pilates have had a surge in popularity, and it's easy to see why. Super quick you can see results in short 5-20 minute sessions, it's suitable for all abilities and ages, requires little to no equipment, can be done in the comfort of your own home and has many many benefits for improving our mental and physical wellbeing. Below Gemma Folkard, Founder of Shape Pilates, provides a pilates routine that will de-stress, soothe stiff muscles and increase flexibility. Ideal for practicing ahead of your wedding day when you won't to focus on your mind, body connection and feel your very best self.

The power of a pre-wedding sleep routine

Aside from looking radiant and well-rested on your wedding day, getting enough sleep offers additional benefits that extend beyond the surface. In this article Alison Hughes, Interiors Director at Coast Road Furniture, shares her tips for a healthy sleep routine ahead of your nuptials. As the excitement builds and the countdown to your wedding begins, there's one often-overlooked aspect of wedding planning that can significantly impact your overall experience: sleep. Amidst the whirlwind of preparations for your big day, it's easy to neglect this essential component of self-care. Establishing a pre-wedding sleep routine not only ensures you look your best for your wedding but also sets the stage for a calm and joyful celebration. Here, I'll take you through some of my best tips for getting the rest you need ahead of your big day.

Helping brides and grooms usher away the pollen this summer

HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balm can help brides and grooms usher away the pollen this summer with its pollen blocking attributes. Hay fever symptoms can be a complete distraction in spring and summer, with constant sneezing, runny nose and sore eyes. HayMax works as a prevention, helping stop or lessen the symptoms, and is drug-free with no drowsy side effects, letting you get on and enjoy your wedding day and honeymoon. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and other airborne particles. Most people who suffer from hay fever are allergic to grass pollen, whose season runs from May to August with peaks in June and July.

Podiatrist expert reveals how to have perfect feet on your wedding day

With the average wedding lasting somewhere between 7 and 10 hours, your feet are going to get pretty tired. From pinching heels to dancing the night away, your feet are likely to take a battering when it comes to the big day. Sarah Bryning, wedding coordinator at Lake District Country Hotels, says: "Looking and feeling your best should be from head to toe on your wedding day. Many people consider booking a hairstylist and makeup artist for the day, but we often forget our feet deserve the same care. Nothing can ruin your day more than discomfort. So, avoid getting cold feet by caring for them in the run-up to your wedding."

Lake District Country Hotels pairs up with local podiatrist Sally Wilson at James Pittam Health and Fitness to give you some top tips for your feet during the big day.

Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley shares her expert advice ahead your big day.

Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, shares her expert advice ahead your big day. If you're prone to a flaky and/or itchy scalp, your scalp flaring up just before or on your wedding day may be top of mind. While it's true that dandruff commonly pops up during times of stress (even when it's linked to a very happy occasion!) - luckily, there are many things you can do to help ensure your scalp is calm and comfortable on your big day. I don't recommend trying out new products right before a big event, so it's best so start prepping your scalp in the months before. More severe cases of dandruff (called seborrhoeic dermatitis) may also take a few weeks to get under control.

New fragrance launches from Issey Miyake, Serge Lutens, Tory Burch and Zadig&Voltaire

In 2024, Issey Miyake introduces two new and intense Eaux de Toilette: L'Eau d'Issey Solar Violet and L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Solar Lavender. Serving as an ode to nature's beauty, these olfactory narratives now commemorate the fusion of water with two innovative materials. This unique occasion celebrates the transformation of water after encountering the sublime, now infused with luminous violet and striking lavender.

Elie Saab launches Le Parfum Bridal

Elie Saab launches La Perfum Bridal, created by Aurelien Guichard of Takasago House, who worked around beige, the emblematic colour of bridal creations. Evoking an idea of movement the texture of lace, the rustle of satin, the skin grain, beige comes in an infinite number of textures and hues. A floral bouquet composed of Ylang-Ylang and Orange blossom, as precise and delicate as lace, these dazzling notes are enveloped by Madagascan Vanilla and Ambroxan to bring volume to the creation.

Biomed®’s new Natural Mouthwash Collection

Say goodbye to ordinary oral care products and embrace a new standard in dental hygiene with Biomed®'s groundbreaking formula! With scientifically tested effective formulas powered by natural origin* active ingredients, we understand the importance of a confident smile, and that starts with fresh breath, healthy gums, and comprehensive protection against oral issues. The new mouthwash makes the perfect addition to the existing line-up of oral-care products. With a distinctive flavour of mint and herbs, this natural mouthwash contains essential oils of anise, clove, eucalyptus, rosemary and cedar to promote gum health and deliver a fascinating aroma to transform your routine and healthy gums after just four weeks of use!

Introducing Batiste’s smartest dry shampoo yet – 24H Active and 24H Fresh

New research from Batiste has found that 44% of women have avoided working out to save their hair. With on user stating 'washing my hair is such a hassle and my weekly schedule is built around it. I often change my plans to save my hair from sweat, oil or smell and I wish I did not have to compromise between saving my hair and doing what I love!' After listening to their customers, Batiste has found the solution no compromise on workouts and great hair days with it's latest innovations that provide up to 24-hour freshness with new sweat-activated technology! The new 24H Active and 24H Fresh Dry Shampoos are powered by Batiste's sweat and touch-activated technology.

Green People’s new scent free hair and body care collection

Experts in sensitive skin since 1997, Green People firmly believes that everyone should be able to wash without the worry of skin irritation and has reimagined its scent-free hair and body care collection with new Prebiotic formulations that soothe, balance and protect. Naturally free from SLS, fragrance and essential oils (all known triggers of skin irritation), the certified organic collection is eczema-friendly and formulated with gentle, natural actives chosen for their ability to calm, soothe and repair for healthier skin and scalp balance.

ghd launches the holy grail of styling - introducing Chronos

The pinnacle of more than 22 years of mastering how to heat style, has landed: ghd Chronos! This ultra fast HD styler delivers one stroke styling, for fast curls, waves or straight looks that last 24HRs, for an enhanced and simplified styling routine. With ghd Chronos a powerful goddess is born to empower the world with ultra fast styling, ghd unveils British body positivity advocate, model Charli Howard as the global hair and face of ghd Chronos, embodying the power of the new tool.

Let your hair bloom with Hair Syrup’s new hair oils

Enjoy healthy hair in a hurry. The cold, harsh chill of the winter can cause brittle breakage and split ends but Hair Syrup's impressive range of TikTok-viral pre-wash treatment oils can offer a radical transformation from the very first use.

The best-selling brand has just dropped their hotly-anticipated new leave-in hair oils and customers are already going wild. Having launched in January, The Hair Syrup Rose Bloom, £24.99, is a real multi-tasker. The perfect primer, finisher and protector for your locks, it can be applied to damp hair to lock in moisture or dry hair to offer some hydration between washes. The blend of rose hip, wheat germ and calendula also creates a floral cocktail that smells delicious.

Newly launched Narciso Rodriguez for her Musc Nude & for him Vetiver Musc

New fragrances for him and for her from Narciso Rodriguez parfums. Created to complement and celebrate the wearer's own skin, this sublime fragrance embraces the body like a second skin. A radiant new interpretation of the timeless chypre structure, for her MUSC NUDE infuses the iconic heart of musc with delicate flower petals and warm facets to create an addictive scent that celebrates the sensuality of one's own skin.

Clinically effective oral care, for whiter, glossier, healthier teeth with Krush

KRUSH, a leading UK-based oral care company, is proud to introduce the launch of an innovative 6-in-1 toothpaste in an easy-to-use, travel-friendly, tablet format. Redefining oral care, the new product is not only waterless and plastic-free but promises an unrivalled level of convenience and environmental sustainability. With the introduction of the term 'waterless brushing' into the mainstream, KRUSH aims to highlight the eco-benefits and user advantages of minimising water usage in oral care routines. While dentists have long advocated for 'dry brushing,' conventional toothpaste products still heavily rely on tap water, contributing to unnecessary environmental harm. Moreover, traditional toothpaste formulations often list water as the primary ingredient, leading to concerns about excessive water usage and environmental impact.

Pre-Wedding pamper timeline

Data shows that Brits spend over £22,500 on their wedding, on average. From everything from the venue to beauty treatments, getting the most out of your money and easing some of the preparation stress means knowing when to plan everything. Sarah Bryning, wedding coordinator at Lake District Country Hotels, a wedding venue in Windermere, says: "You deserve to look and feel your best on the big day. The stress of planning everything is enough to make anyone sweat, but making sure you're planning your beauty treatments in the right order is essential for making sure everything is done smoothly, so you can enjoy your big day without worrying about a faded tan or suffering from a bad hair day."