LUCY’S GOT TALENT

The movie star turns artist.

Who knew? When she wasnt starring in Ally McBeal or Charlie’s Angels, Lucy Liu was studying drawing, painting and sculpture at the New York Studio School. Taking inspiration from everything from Chinese calligraphy to prehistoric cave art, her portfolio spans more than 20 years and her finest, unseen work is now available in book form. Lucy Liu: Seventy Two, from £250, features 72 ink and acrylic paintings on paper. Stunning!

BRIGHTEN EYES Tarte!

Rimming the waterline of the tower eyeLids with white or nude-colored eye Liner has tong been a secret trick of makeup artists’ to brighten the eyes. Tarte EmphasEYES Natural Inner Rim Brightener acts in the same way. Plus, when the aloe- and vitamin-rich creamy penciL is used on the brow bone, it acts as a hightighter for a ‘wakening’ effect.

QUENCH DRY LIPS

Lips that are dry, flaky and just uncomfortable tend to respond well to natural moisturizers. Since aloe binds to water, it works to alleviate dryness and tightness. A key component of the vanilla- and jasmine-scented Clark’s BotanicaLs Ultra Rich Lip BaLm, this long-lasting hydrator delivers moisture where its needed most so lips feel velvety smooth and soft for hours on end. $19.

Au Naturale is the way forward

High street health experts Holland & Barrett recently carried out a UK-wide survey revealing that British women prefer the natural look with almost half saying they regularly ditch their make up. According to the study women like to go ‘au naturale’ mainly to show off the quality of their skin.Despite healthy skin being top of their agenda many are still unaware of the unnatural chemicals contained within the products they use as part of their daily skincare regime and the harsh effects they could have on their skin. In fact, only one in ten of the women asked use products free from harsh chemicals such as parabens and sodium laurel sulphate (SLS).Holland & Barrett’s Group Director of Marketing, Phil Geary believes that millions of people are being – “tripped up by using products which are the beauty equivalent of junk food.”According to Phil there’s also “emerging evidence that chemicals such as parabens could have a harmful effect on health, yet they are found in the majority of high street beauty products. Holland & Barrett is the only retailer to have banned products containing parabens and SLS, and is committed to providing true natural beauty products”.Exclusively available in Holland & Barrett stores nationwide, Dr Organic is the first natural, organic, paraben and SLS-free beauty product range.

Bikini Glam

We may not all look as good as Kelly Brook in her gorgeous New Look bikini but whatever your figure you can make the most of it by wearing the right swimwear. ESP’s style guru Sue Donnelly has our guide to making the most of your beach body look…Boyish figures look great in halter necks – they widen shoulders and make your bust look larger. If you’re long bodied try a tankini, as it’ll feel more comfortable. Beware of triangle tops, as they can flatten your breasts if not padded. Bandeau tops, in a textured or detailed fabric, can flatter and add inches. Boy shorts only work if you have long legs.

• If you’re hourglass or curvy, keep it simple. Block colours look best and always opt for underwired
tops. A belted one-piece looks great if you have a tiny waist. A sarong, a large hat and huge sunspecs
will give you film star appeal. Avoid a kaftan as it’ll hide your curves.
• If you’re a little top-heavy avoid halter or high necklines as they’ll accentuate your bust. Tops should
have support under the bust but a keyhole top can be surprisingly effective. Tie a sarong no higher
than your waist.

The Norman Cross Art Gallery

The Norman Cross Art Gallery is a venue with a difference, and will be holding an open day in July for couples to view thebrand new wedding venue in the city.The Commandant’s House has been beautifully restored, and is situated in stunning grounds, just off the A1.Couples will get the chance to look around and talk to wedding celebrant Kay Evans about the exact wedding ceremony you want. The Gallery’s described as a beautiful place to express your love for each other, and is situated in picturesque converted stables – meaning you’ll get some fantastic photos of your big day! The open day will be on July 17 between 11am and 4pm, so come and see this romantic venue for yourself. Call Kay Evans on 07986 869 893 to be added tothe guest list for the day.

don’t you love M&M’s?

Im excited that Europe’s first M&M’s world store is opening in London’s Leicester Square. From July, the four-floor megastre will stock M&M’s chocolate and merchandise, including kitchenware, bedding and glassware. It even has giant wall of chocolate, where you can create your own M&M’s selection-pack from 22 colours options.

What is your MQ?

Introducing Sheer Genius, the brainy new foundation and the Mighty Concealer Pen,the clever new cover-up Our skintelligent formulations fuse the wonders of makeup with the benefits of skincare. Together, they’re the smart choice in beauty. Get one today at Napoleon Perdis.

Eyes that Pop for a look that Wows!

Introducing the New Revlon Custom eyes Shadow and liner for a dramatic,eye-popping looks like never before. The counter display is an arrangement of expertly coordinated palette of eye shadows and eye liners in a range of rich shades and finishes. Concept of the eye shadow is the ability to mix & match and create new shades and looks based on moods.