How to be Fabulous

My Four Fabulous Commandments

If you like the thought of looking and feeling fabulous, there are key ways to ensure you make heads turn for all the right reasons. My Four Fabulous Commandments give you the quick guide to looking and feeling your best, concentrating on Lashes and Lips, Heels and Hair.

Much of feeling fabulous is in your head, but we all need a little helping hand so I show you how to perfect 'the fab four' to unleash your fabulousness…

Commandment One: Lashes

The mind has a lot to do with permitting us to be fabulous, but when you look your best, you feel your best and since they say eyes are the windows to the soul, making your peepers pretty will leave you feeling wonderful (plus the adoring compliments you'll get will help boost your ego)!

Up your flutter-factor with some eyelash extensions – the latest beauty craze. Blink & Go is the fastest eyelash extension treatment out there. In just 20 minutes your eyes can be transformed by thick, luscious lashes that last for two weeks.

The Blink & Go technique starts by using a framework with 10 individual lashes placed on top of your own lashes, building layers of more lashes for instant glam.

You don't need to wear mascara with these so you'll always look extra gorgeous, even in your sleep!

T: 0845 644 3994

Available in 600 salons nationwide, including Benito Bars and Urban Retreat at Harrods.

W: www.blinkandgo.co.uk

Commandment Two: Lips

Being fabulous is also about being unique, so experiment with a new lip colour. Wearing a bold shade like red can lift your mood and boost your confidence (thanks to colour therapy), and Gwyneth Paltrow has famously said, "Beauty, to me is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick." I completely agree.

However, it is also a tricky shade to get right. The wrong shade of red can leave you looking more drag queen than beauty queen - you have been warned.

So, how to perfect? Firstly you need to match a red lipstick to your skin tone. If your skin has pink undertones you should stick to reds that also have a pink base. If you're pale, lipsticks that have a touch of blue will be best for you. Richer tones like plum and cherry really suit dark and Asian skin and if you have warm yellow tones, you will best suit a red with a golden base. It's also key to play down the rest of your makeup for the most natural look, so opt for a natural base and keep eyes simple. If you opt for lash extensions, this is all you will need!

If you still need some help finding your red, choose LipInk.

LIP-INK Lip Colour is a semi permanent lipstain that stays put so you can have luscious looking lips minus the boring top ups and cringe-worthy lipstick-on-the-teeth moments. The colour lasts so you can pout for hours. If you order a Kit (Mini or Sampler) after looking at the online colour chart or testing on the Look-Alike Models  you can try before you buy by requesting 'Testers' to be sent too - to ensure you get the perfect shade for you.

Commandment Three: Heels

Wearing high-heeled shoes not only makes you taller but you also feel confident, ultra-feminine and slimmer. How? The heel elongates the calf region of the leg giving the illusion of longer legs, and consequently, slimmer ones.

All you need to pay attention to is walking with extra care so as not to risk your health. In terms of posture, keep your back straight, shoulders back and lift your chest. This forces you to pull your stomach in and is the basic principle of good posture, making you feel better and look more confident.

Keep your head held high and by looking confident, you will start to feel it too.

If you find that the High Street versions aren't comfortable enough or generally don't fit your feet properly, get some tailor-made shoes! Hetty Rose produces shoes made to your personal foot measurements, re-using and re-working vintage materials in a creative and sustainable way, to create hand-made gorgeous, feminine shoes that fit. www.hettyrose.co.uk

Try not to wear heels everyday and always carry a pair of flats with you to rest your feet. There are plenty of designs that fold in half so they're small enough to carry in your handbag.

Avoid any accidents by scouring the bottom of your shoes with a pair of scissors to create more grip and avoid slipping over!

Protect your feet too with some foot gel cushions and blister pads by Love your Shoes, a foot care essential. www.loveyourshoesforlonger.com

Finally, ensure you treat your tootsies to a monthly pedicure, at home or in your favourite salon. After being tucked away in shoes all day, they deserve a little pampering. Keep them looking good with little effort with Bio Sculpture Gel, used at various salons nationwide and comes in various colours from clear to hot pink. You can choose a colour or have a French manicure finish that lasts.

The gel is applied and each coat is set under an ultra-violet lamp which leaves your nails strong, yet flexible. Apparently, Victoria Beckham has both her fingers and toes done – well, if it's good enough for her… Participating salons are nationwide. Harvey Nichols nationwide offers the treatment at their champagne nails inc. nail bars but call head office for your nearest: 020 7529 2340.

Commandment Four: Hair

We all know how a bad hair day makes us feel – naff. Having clean, shiny and lustrous locks, whatever the length can really make a difference in boosting your self esteem.

It is very simple but having fresh hair will make you feel 100 times better and is vital for those close moments with your other half.

Supersoft Smoothies from Schwarzkopf are delicious-smelling, yoghurt and fruit based Shampoos and Conditioners that leave hair ultra smooth, silky and fabulously fragrant.

If you're in a hurry or want perfect locks without having to wash and style your hair every day, then my secret weapon is Batiste Dry Shampoo, available in a range of fragrances. It cleverly saps any grease and leaves locks bouncy and full. With just one spray of this fine mist, your hair smells shampoo-fresh and wonderfully clean.

Healthy hair means fabulous hair and my home-made recipe is sure to keep your barnet in tip top condition. Mayonnaise makes a great hair conditioner! It is not very glam but your tresses will thank you for it afterwards.

Simply massage in the mayo to your scalp (avoid your scalp if your hair gets greasy quickly) and work through the length of your hair by gently smoothing it through to the ends. Wrap your hair in cling film or a disposable shower cap and wrap in a heated towel. Put your towels in the tumble dryer for 10 minutes beforehand. The heat will help the nourishing benefits penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. As the mayo works its magic, heat a second towel and ten minutes later, replace your original towel with your newly heated one and enjoy for a further ten minutes.

A total of 20 minutes later, remove the towel and shower cap, work shampoo through your hair WITHOUT wetting it, rinse and then repeat until your hair is clean.

Silky soft locks on a budget!

Now that you're looking and feeling terrific, throw a party for your friends, for your accomplishments or just because it's Friday. Having people you care about around you will improve your self esteem even more and if you believe that you are fabulous, and of course you are, then be happy about it.

Bethanie will be appearing at The Glam Show Live later this month, where she will be divulging more of her insider secrets and further advice on her four fabulous commandments!

The girls at Glam Show Live have kindly offered Bookshelf Boyfriend readers a £5 discount on the Silver Day Ticket* - simply enter the code BETHL0709 in the promotional box on the ticket form.

*discount code valid until 15th October 2009

The ultimate day out for women is coming to Earls Court London Saturday 31st October – Sunday 1st November - The Glam Show in association with TV's lifestyle expert Nicky Hambleton-Jones.

Showcasing the latest in women's fashion, lifestyle, health and beauty the event will combine fantastic shopping opportunities together with fabulous fashion shows and the latest in products and services.

The two-day exhibition will host fashion shows throughout each day, featuring the most up-front fashion trends for autumn/winter, alongside vintage style presentations and expert demonstrations in all aspects of beauty, health and lifestyle.

**WIN WIN WIN** A VIP GOLD DAY TICKET TO THE GLAM SHOW LIVE!!!

To help kick off the fun, the Glam Show has also donated six Glam Gold VIP tickets which include entry to all eight feature zones, access to the VIP lounge, a Glam luxury goody bag and a Glam event guide.

To be in with a chance of winning one, fill in the subscription form on Bethanie's blog being sure to state your full name, postal address, email address and which day you would prefer (Saturday or Sunday) – and winners will be picked out of a very stylish hat!