The Capture the Colour competition required travel bloggers to submit their photographic interpretations of the colours blue, yellow, green, red and white. The competition attracted 587 entries, with each blogger submitting five photos.  TravelSupermarket’s panel of photograph experts then judged thousands of amazing images from all over the world to find a winner for each category.

The World Photography Map offers insight into the entrants’ most popular travel photography locations, pinpointing where in the world the entries were taken:

• Asia and Europe are the most popular destinations for travel photography, with over half of the images coming from these continents;
  • Nearly a third (32 per cent) taken in Asia
  • Over a quarter (26 per cent) from Europe
  • There were also entries which included images taken as far afield as Russia, the African Coasts and the polar continents.

Digging deeper into the continent galleries, the photos submitted highlighted interesting trends between destinations and colours:

• South America was portrayed with the majority of white themed photos
• Asia was portrayed with predominately red images of traditional dress and costume

The map was previewed to bloggers who were featured in the map and has received a really positive response. Leigh from HikeBikeTravelsays “I love what TravelSupermarket have done. There are some great images and it’s a really interesting way to feature them.” And Edith from www.edithlevyphotography.com agrees “I think this looks great and will be a wonderful tool to not only inspire travellers but photographers as well.”

Visitors to the site can browse a large selection of the travel photos by clicking the continents on the map to bring up photo galleries from that part of the world. The interactive design allows visitors to get a real sense of the atmosphere and beauty of different destinations around the globe.

Winner’s photos:

• Matt Chua All Souls Day livingif.com
• Andrew Marston Notre Dame unframedworld.com
• Anthon Jackson Sikhri Boys porangzen.blogspot.co.uk

Matt Chua All Souls Day livingif.com

Anthon Jackson Sikhri Boys porangzen.blogspot.co.uk

Andrew Marston Notre Dame unframedworld.com

The post Travel Supermarket’s world photography map appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

Going against oversexualised female icons such as pop siren Jennifer Lopez and “S&M” singer Rihanna, the desire to display a look of confidence was supported by 70 per cent of women and 69 per cent of men1, voting a ‘confident woman’ as being most attractive to them.

The moments that women voted as wanting to look most confident included job interviews (28 per cent), a night out with friends (26 per cent) and a date

(11 per cent), with make-up (37 per cent) found to be a leading tool for Brits to convey a confident appearance.

The poll of 1,000 women carried out by shopping channel QVC for June Beauty Month, also revealed that the beauty icon that best represents the look of confidence two thirds of Brits desire, is Jessie J (64 per cent), who is recognised for a strong make-up look with bright lips, colourful eyes and rosy blush. However, 77 per cent of Brits admitted they didn’t have the courage to showcase such a look and instead opted for a natural appearance like Kate Middleton, whose look 46 per cent of Brits try to replicate.

The top five traits that women want to convey in their appearance and the beauty icons that were voted as reflecting that look, were revealed as being:

1) Confidence (65 per cent) – Jessie J (64 per cent)

2) Femininity (52 per cent) – Gwyneth Paltrow (54 per cent)

3) Glamour (33 per cent) – Cheryl Cole (55 per cent)

4) Sexiness (26 per cent)  – Rihanna (58 per cent)

5) Sophistication (13 per cent) – Kate Middleton (69 per cent)

QVC spokesperson and psychologist Dr. Bijal Chheda-Varma, explains:

“Make-up choice can greatly influence how a woman wants to be perceived by

others   around her as well as how she feels about her self-confidence. Make-

up has been used for centuries to help women enhance aspects of their persona and improve their self-esteem in a quick instant manner, yet the study shows how many women don’t have the courage or knowledge of how to create a confident look.”

Tanned skin (36 per cent) was found to be the ultimate confidence boosting make-up fix, closely followed by a defined eyebrow (26 per cent), rosy cheeks

(17 per cent) and red lips (14 per cent).

Jo Lee, QVC’s Buying Director for Beauty and Jewellery, comments:

“Women love the look of a confident icon but don’t have the courage to wear it themselves which is such a shame. You don’t have to go from neutral to pillar box red lips in one jump, start with a cherry gloss and build up from there.

Make it a rule to try something new every month and before you know it you’ll be wearing that bold make-up look you’ve always craved.”

In order to help women create the confident look that they desire most, Dr Chheda Varma has worked with QVC make-up artists to create a beauty map of how to create a confident look – available at www.qvcuk.com.

The post Confident is the new sexy when it comes to makeup appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

The bottle is a bright strawberry red with a pretty red bow and cherry stamped enamel seal (just incase you weren’t sure of the scent within!)  Hidden away on the back are cherries imprinted onto the bottle.  It’s a pretty container and livens up any desk or shelf area!

What does it smell of?

Well obviously cherries!  But as with all perfumes it has layers of complexity which diminish towards the base notes – more so in an eau de toilette which is what you get from Cherry in the Air.  The marshmallow notes in the heart of the fragrance give it a lickable, foodie type aroma – commonly referred to as “Gourmand”  Thierry Mugler Angel is a classic example of a gourmand.

Top Note: Black Cherry, Raspberry, Mandarin

Heart Note: Marshmallow, Gardenia Petals, Coconut Orchid

Base Note: Sandalwood, Suede Accord, Oakwood

It is sweet as you would expect from a ripe cherry but there’s also a hint of the fresh tartness – it’s not too sweet at all which was the danger with too much cherry.

This is a perfectly lovely, light summer fragrance, great for popping in your bag for a day to the seaside, summer picnic or lunch with the girls.  It will last a few hours before breezing away so will require top ups.  I’d probably only wear this one in the summer so if you are like me, remember to keep the box and store it in a cool, dry place over winter.

Cherry in the Air Eau de Toilette Spray

The post Escada Cherry in the Air fragrance review appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

www.ashfootwear.co.uk

The post Italian footwear brand ASH tell us the raffia wedge is hot to trot this summer! appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

Over 400 swimming pools nationwide have joined this initiative, including public pools and members-only facilities, providing a splashing choice of locations in every region.

Swim with Nectar from as little as £1.50, or 300 points for a child’s swim and £2.50, or 500 points, for an adult. Even better, a family day swim starts from as little as £7.50, or 1,500 points, meaning it’s easier than ever for families to enjoy a day out.
To tempt you further, paying for a swimming session with Nectar points is approximately 40% cheaper than paying for the same session with cash.

“With over half the country’s children unable to swim and one in ten parents saying their kids only ever swim when on holiday*, Nectar Swim is the perfect way to help make swimming more accessible and affordable,” comments James Frost, Marketing Director at Nectar, the UK’s largest loyalty programme

Customers can use the Pool Finder on www.nectar.com/swim to locate nearest participating pool. To redeem points, customers simply log-in using their Nectar card number and a voucher valid at the selected pool up to 30 days from the issue date will be emailed to them within 48 hours. The voucher and nectar card should be presented at the swimming pool.

Vouchers cannot be exchanged or refunded once issued, in accordance with the voucher terms and conditions. Full terms and conditions online at www.nectar.com/swim

*Source: ‘Learning the Lesson: The Future of School Swimming’ (report by The ASA and Kellogg’s, 23 May 2013

About Nectar:  Nectar, the United Kingdom’s leading coalition loyalty programme, is owned by Aimia, a global leader in loyalty management.  In 2012, Nectar celebrated 10 years of rewarding British shoppers and has given back £2 billion of rewards to collectors, including money off shopping, travel, days out and cinema tickets

The post EXCHANGE NECTAR POINTS FOR A FAMILY DAY SWIM AT YOUR LOCAL POOL appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

We recently got our mitts on goodies which our tester, a WOC with a medium yellow based complexion, sampled. All the below are available online at http://avonshop.co.uk/.

DOUBLE CLICK THE IMAGES FOR A FULL SIZE DESCRIPTION

For the Face

Ideal Flawless Invisible Coverage Foundation In Caramel And Sable  The 30ml pump action bottle delivers liquid colour that you blend to the intensity you require. With built in sun protection factor 15. From 15 shades, we found at least six good for women of colour. £12.00

Avon Glow Bronzing Pearls In Warm  Complete with sponge applicator, the pearls are a combination of high and low lights. The result is quite red so use sparingly unless your natural skin tone is red. We couldn’t ignore the gorgeous aroma of these pearls. £5.99

Avon Glow Bronzing Powder In Deep Glow  A compact powder with shimmer effect. Left our model’s skin with ‘low’ lights.  The four shades are suitable for all skin tones. £10.00

For Eyes

Cosmic Eyeshadow In Purple Haze  Combines three shades in one tub for an out of this world look. Lilac, purple and beige blend to a fresh effect on our model. Use wet for an intense appearance. On sale at £4.99

True Colour Eyeshadow In Fresh Cut Greens From palest cream and green, to olive and dark sexy sage. Light and shimmery on the skin, smooth feel. Comes with sponge applicator and mirror. Choose from eight palettes. £8.50

Supershock Mascara In Blackest Black  (main photo)  Lightweight tube, the brush separates with an impossibly black coating. Contains a thickening base so brush on more layers for fuller lashes. £8.50

For Lips and Cheeks

Perfect Kiss Lipstick In Make Out Red  With a gentle pink tinge this lipstick sirens without being too brazen. Contains natural oils and triple action complex to smooth, fill and soften. Choose from 24 shades on sale at £4.00

Perfect Kiss Lipgloss In Plum Bitten  If you don’t fancy the heavy coverage of a lipstick, slip on glossy colour. Contains fruit enzymes for softness. In six shades. On sale at £4.00

Ideal Luminous Blush In Soft Plum  This pale pink blusher is probably suited to WOC with lighter complexions. Feels silky, with a light shimmer. £6.50

The post Avon Cosmetics For The Woman Of Colour appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

You need to join the waiting list over at Boots where if you sign up you will receive a complimentary 2ml sample!

We’ve talked about the new BOSS Jour launch here if you would like to read more about it.

Gwyneth as BOSS Jour brand ambassador.

Boss Jour

*NOT* a sponsored post

The post Join the Boss Jour waiting list for a chance to win a £1000 shopping spree! appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

Michael Van Clarke knows the answer.  The reason is because your hairdresser has been taught the classic method of wet cutting…washing your hair, cutting it to shape whilst wet and then blow drying amazingly well so you can leave the salon happy!  This doesn’t work because unless you have totally poker straight hair that is the same length and dimension when wet or dry then your hair will change shape once it is dry.  My hair has a natural kink and bounce to it, so that cut that suited me wet (cut longer at the back than the front) will, once dry, no longer be the same cut!

Michael has mentored all his stylists in the “Diamond Cut” style of cutting which involves rough drying the hair to the point where it changes shape and then using the shape that’s there – style the hair in the manner requested of the client.  The cut you walk out of the salon with is the cut you will have until your hair starts growing back to the length it was.  I was amazed and still am – my hair has looks great every time I’ve washed it – whether I’ve styled it or not.

http://www.vanclarke.com/

Gustav the amazing stylist!

I’m a convert to the dry Diamond Cut…check it out!  Various prices are available based the stylist chosen.  My stylist was the amazing Gustav – talented friendly and has a brilliant eye for the right cut.  I’m going back to get it reshaped before I let it grow a bit longer!

Michael’s Salon is in Marleybone, London

1 Beaumont St  London W1G 6DF
020 7224 3123

The post Finally – a cut that lasts beyond the hairdressers chair appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

Quick and easy tarts, ideal for using up leftover poached salmon and perfect as either a light lunch or as nibbles at a party.

Serves: 4 as a light lunch or 8 as party nibbles

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

You’ll need:

1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry

2 packs traditional cooked beetroot, drained

350g cooked salmon (or hot smoked salmon fillets)

3 tbsp full fat crème fraiche

Small bunch of dill chopped

Salt & freshly ground black pepper

What to do:

Preheat the oven to 220°C

Unroll the sheet of pastry and cut into 4 equal rectangles. If you want to make smaller tarts for a party buffet, cut into 8 rectangles. Arrange on a baking sheet, leaving a little room around each, and score a fine line 5mm in from the edge all around each piece of pastry creating a border.

Slice the beetroot into narrow wedges. Flake the salmon into bite sized pieces. Arrange the beetroot and salmon onto the pastry, keeping within the border.

In a small bowl mix together the creme fraiche and dill and season with a little salt and pepper. Spoon a little onto the centre of each tart.

Bake in the oven for around 15-20 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Small tarts will take a little less time.

Beetroot’s health benefits

Not only is beetroot great for boosting stamina and making muscles work harder, it also contains potassium, magnesium and iron as well as vitamins A, B6 and C as well as carbohydrates, protein, powerful antioxidants and soluble fibre. What’s more, just three baby beetroot equal one of your recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. For more reasons to love beetroot, see below:

• Reduces blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes - Research has shown that beetroot can help reduce blood pressure as well as its associated risks such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the high content of nitrates in beetroot produce a gas called nitric oxide in the blood which widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A daily dose of 250ml of beetroot juice or 1 to 2 cooked beetroot (approx. 100g) can help dramatically reduce blood pressure and its associated risks.
• Powerful antioxidant properties - Betacyanin, the pigment that gives beetroot its colour, is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants are believed to help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, in turn protecting artery walls and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Folic acid - Beetroot contains folic acid which is essential for normal tissue growth. Folic acid is crucial to the development of a baby’s spinal cord during the first three months of pregnancy and can help prevent spinal cord defects such as spina bifida. Beetroot also contains iron so is a fab pick-me-up for mums-to-be suffering from fatigue during pregnancy. Expectant mums must remember though that cooked beetroot has lower levels of folic acid than raw beetroot.
• Reduces risk of osteoporosis - Beetroot contains the mineral silica. This helps the body to utilise calcium, which is important for musculo-skeletal health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Lowers cholesterol - Beetroot contains soluble fibre, which has also been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities. It also contains carotenoids and flavonoids, which help prevent LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol from being oxidised and deposited in the arteries.
• Stabilises blood sugar - Beetroot is virtually fat free and low in calories. Although it has a ‘medium’ GI (Glycaemic Index) of 64, It has an extremely low GL (Glycaemic Load) of 2.9 which means it’s converted into sugars very slowly and therefore helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.
• Helps slow progression of dementia - A recent study by Wake Forest University in North Carolina, USA has shown that the high content of nitrates in beetroot may also help fight the progression of dementia, as nitric oxide in the blood (produced by the nitrates in beetroot) also helps increase blood flow to the brain. Beetroot’s folic acid may also play a part as studies suggest it can help protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

For more recipe ideas, health information and fun facts visit www.lovebeetroot.co.uk

The post Beetroot, salmon, dill & crème fraiche tarts appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.

CLICK ON THE BELOW IMAGES FOR FULL SIZE DESCRIPTIONS

For The Face

Checkout Be Beautiful Blemish Balm – an easy on all-in-one apply cream with built in sun protection factor 15. It conceals, repairs and protects. Red algae assist in the prevention of wrinkles, and vitamin C combats skin discolouration. Medium 01 no 807 RRP £8.99 50ml

Face Contour Kit

A combination of contour powder for defining and covering, and highlighter for sculpting / dusting/ drawing attention to particular areas. We tried Medium, which will encompass most hues. Medium no 885 RRP £6.49

 Blush By 3

This gorgeous blusher set has intense pigment that will linger and show up on darker skin. Achieve matt effects with the red or orange hue – depending on your skin tone. The muscovado caramel highlighter will ensure that your face will be seen in exactly the way you want. Sugar no 364 RRP £9.99

For Eyes

i-Divine Palette in Au Naturel – 12 silky-feel mineral based shadows, three of which are shimmery. As the title suggests these tones embrace natural earthy hues guaranteed to enhance most shades of darker skin. For daywear we liked nubuck and conker – for after dark, smoky glam in noir and regal was a must! This palette stood out with easy colours good for all environments. Choose from 12 other palettes. RRP £7.99

For Lips

Lip treatments bursting with luscious colour for office, evening or party time. Guaranteed!

Matt and gloss preview
Divine or what?  Described as a liquid lipstick, Matte Me does indeed dry to a flat matt that lasts as long as your day. Use with caution as the effect is very bright! RRP £4.99 available from 28^th August in store, 28th July online.  Gloss Me is Sleek MakeUP’s new full coverage lipgloss that gives a dazzling pout. RRP £4.99, available from 31st July. Gloss Me and Matt Me are each available in six juicy shades.

Lip 4 Lipstick Palette

Softness can be achieved with this lip quartet complete with mirror and brush applicator. We’d describe this as a ‘sweeter’ selection that showcases the demure woman in you. All the pinks in gloss, matt or satin finish. Showgirl 857 RRP £8.99

Sleek MakeUP is dedicated to providing comprehensive makeup for al women. With 30 shades of foundation they have the most comprehensive selection on the UK market. Buy nationwide in Superdrug stores or order online at http://www.sleekmakeup.com to learn more about this brand.

The post Sleek MakeUP – Premier Cosmetics For The Woman Of Colour appeared first on Simply Woman Magazine.