Introducing Natalie - Our New Hair and Make-Up Stylist

We would like to welcome the lovely Natalie Guest to The Divine Image.  Since moving to London in early 2009 from New Zealand, Natalie has been working on film, fashion and beauty makeup and hair styling work. Natalie has worked on feature films, high profile ad campaigns and has had work published in local and national magazines in London.

Camelia Fredericks, our founder and MD of The Divine image has personally interviewed Natalie and has nothing but praise for her. Competing against numerous applicants, Natalie was offered the job almost immediately after her mock session with Camelia due to her passion in what she does, her excellent hair and make-up skills, her professionalism and friendly and warm nature. 

Getting to know Natalie…….

Isabella: What’s the top hair trend for this season?

Natalie: Hi Isabella, firstly I'd like to say hello and thanks for the warm welcome!

Going into winter, trends are getting longer and more relaxed after a summer of high ponys and side braids. I'm seeing a lot of 40's inspired waves and curls, along with long tousled bobs with strong fringes. Having said that I think Emma Watson's pixie crop is going to start being replicated pretty soon, even though we are approaching winter! It's quite a statement cut, so it's not for everyone, but it's another sign that short, slightly androgynous cuts are still on trend, in keeping with Rihanna's short do last year.

Isabella: Top hair colour, in your opinion, for this season?

Natalie: Well red has been a very popular colour all year, with celebrities such as Florence Welch and Paloma Faith sporting vibrant reds. This seems like a trend that is not going away just yet so I think we'll see lots more cherry reds all over the place going into winter.  In-keeping with this flash of colour, there has also been a bit of a back lash against going darker for the winter season with rich golden blondes being very popular as well. This is probably due to the popularity of retro 40's styles which always look great with a warm blonde

Isabella: Favourite celebrity hairstyle and why?

Natalie: I love Scarlett Johansson's style. Whether she's wearing her hair up or down she always gets it right. She is often sporting lovely vintage inspired waves and curls, which look really great on her and are not too far fetched for us ordinary folk to try!

I also love how Jennifer Aniston's style has pretty much stayed the same for about a decade! She knows what works and she sticks to it, looking great the whole time - a lesson in if it's not broke, don't fix it!

Isabella: Do most models really have fabulous hair — or is that the work of a gifted artist such as yourself?

Natalie: Most models don't have fab hair - unless they are hair models of course! There is a lot to be said for a good smoothing serum, cleverly placed hair and of course great photoshop I'm afraid! 

Isabella: Which make-up brand do you mostly use on your clients and why?

Natalie: I use a broad range, from pro artist brands to luxury names to high street brands, depending on what job I am doing and which product is best for that particular task. This is all based on the performance of the product, not where I bought it or how much it cost. Having said that, I do have a bit of a favourite - Make Up For Ever, which is a pro makeup artist brand. I use their HD Invislible Cover Foundation as it is almost invisible to both the eye and cameras and feels amazingly light, while still providing a great coverage - especially good for brides and my work in film. 

Isabella: What is your beauty advice for our clients?

Natalie: Your skin changes as you age so it's important to keep your routine and products appropriate to your skins condition.

I believe everyone should have a daily moisturiser with at least spf15 in it as the sun is a big threat to youthful looking skin. Wear it everyday, all year round. Also remember to take your makeup off before bed and drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and elastic.

Isabella: Any favourite hair and beauty products you would recommend?

Natalie: Yes! For fuss-free hair brushing, get yourself a Tangle Teaser and say goodbye to knots. For the face, I love my Soap & Glory face massage mini mitt for gentle exfoliation before bed followed by a couple of drops of Bio Oil massaged into my face at night which leaves my skin feeling so smooth - great if you have dry skin.

Isabella: What made you join The Divine Image team?

Natalie: As soon as I knew what The Divine Image was about I knew I wanted to be part of it. I love the idea that through teaching the Makeup Masterclass I might open the door to a new outlook on makeup and feeling good for someone who just needs a little guidance in looking great, and therefore feeling better about themselves. 

Thank you, Natalie and welcome to The Divine Image. 

Isabella, Marketing Manager for The Divine Image x

Clinique Mascara - Free Sample

Get a free sample of Clinique High Impact or High Lengths mascara when you trade in your old mascara at Boots. It can be any brand of old mascara, it doesn't have to be Clinique.

To get the freebie, simply visit the Clinique counter in your nearest Boots and hand in your old/empty mascara. Then choose which one of the two Clinique samples you'd like. The offer ends Tues 16 Nov.

The Art of Conversation

The art of conversation is a skill shared by most successful people. Good conversation promotes an image of self-confidence and intelligence. People who speak effortlessly and efficiently with others are generally well liked and highly successful

If you need to improve your conversational skills, here are a few tips that can help enhance your conversational skills and boost your image.

Be well versed on current events.
Make it your mission to be a generalist. Read local and national newspapers and magazines. Be up-to-date on current events in the UK and around the world.

Ask questions
People loved to be asked questions. Ask people for their opinions, ask what they think of various topics. Add what your opinion is; but steer clear of controversial topics. When you ask questions, be genuinely interested in what your asking. Ask about their family, or what is their interests? You’ll be sure to get a response! On the other hand, it’s rude and unmannerly to hound someone with a bucketful of questions.

Always listen
Listen to the other person talk above all else. Ask questions about their interests, family, work and background to get to know them better. As long as you can pay attention to what they're saying, paraphrase what they've said or formulate more questions to keep the discussion going, they'll find the conversation fascinating.

Attending an event
Before you go to an event, think of who may attend. Then think of a few questions you can ask to start a converstation. When you arrive at your hosts home, take a look around and inside their home, see what may be their interests. If your hosts, for example are interested in art, you most likely will see many paintings or artistic features displayed around the home.

Know when the conversation is over
Even the best conversations eventually run out of steam. Shake hands with the other person, and be sure to tell them that you’ve greatly enjoyed talking with them. Ending a conversation on a positive note, will leave a good impression, and likely bring them back later!

Camelia Fredericks, Director of The Divine Image x

A Pinch of Posh

Some say good manners and proper etiquette are out of style. 

Not so, according to etiquette coach and London's leading personal stylist, Camelia Fredericks of The Divine Image. "Most people don't realise having good manners, knowing your etiquette and having top-notch social skills can, not only increase your standing in the eyes of others, it can make you feel more confident, and more poised. The fact is, being polished and having the right attitude gives you an absolute advantage in every area of your life".

Here are some tips from Camelia Fredericks, for the most common social situations that make people feel uncomfortable and how to deal with them:

1. What To Wear?

"Always dress up, because you can always dress down. Never dress down, because you can never dress up!"


What you wear, at any age, expresses one's lifestyle. Studies indicate successful people in virtually every business have developed a look and image that says success. Think of clothing as currency used to barter goodwill. What you wear conveys messages of status: authority, power and rank; personality: friendliness, dependability and adventurousness; character: trustworthiness and good judgment.


Hire a personal shopper, image consultant or personal stylist to advice you on how to project the brand you wish to reflect to others. It is a true investment and will only enhance your life both in your personal and professional life.


2. Is that the time?
In the olden days it was rude to arrive late for a party or event. There was no such thing as being “fashionably late”. Lateness was rudeness – always. "To arrive fashionably late is to be without social grace" says Camelia Fredericks. Do not arrive late and do not leave too early or too late.

3. Chivalry still exists
A true gentleman would always open doors for ladies. Whether it be the lady they were driving, or a stranger entering a building, it was always the done thing. This has now almost entirely vanished – and it is not entirely the fault of the men. I have seen women sneer at men for opening a door for them. They seem to be confusing manners with chauvinism. Our advice in this case is to smile at the sneering lady and open the door anyway. Likewise, it should not stop a lady from keeping a door open for a man who is right behind her. This is merely good manners.


4. Is that my phone ringing? 
Mobile phone abuse is common these. Monitor the volume of your ringtone and remember there's always the vibrate function. Ensure your conversation is not disturbing others. Intimate conversations are never appropriate in front of others. Camelia Fredericks advises to try and respect other people's privacy. Never use bad language, have rows or talk about money in front of others in public places.

5. Which knife do I use?

It can be overwhelming to sit down to a formal dinner and have an array of plates, utensils and glassware before you and no idea which ones you should use. Remember, your napkin and bread plate are on your left and your drinks are on your right. If you are concerned about your utensils, work from the outside to the inside in the silverware placement. It’s good to remember that dirty silverware should never touch the tablecloth and neither should your elbows. Do not eat until everyone has been served, and even so, wait until your host begins. When in doubt, always follow your host. 


6. Write a thank you note.
It is never too late to thank someone. Even if a couple of weeks or even a month has lapsed, write a note expressing how much you have been thinking about the nice gesture or the lovely gift. It is a shame that gift giving has now become a virtual obligation and the idea of a thank-you note would be scoffed at. If you ignore every other item on this list, at least try to teach your children to write thank you notes – they will have a greater appreciation of gifts they receive.

7. Actions speak louder than words!

The Golden Rule still applies for good etiquette in all situations - for all genders: Treat others as you would have them treat you. Both women and men should be comfortable helping others with their coats, chairs, doors and the elevator. Even though "gentlemanly acts of kindness" should be promoted in a social setting, the business arena is gender neutral. Good posture, a pleasant facial expression and appropriate eye contact will help to make a good first impression and contribute to a positive interaction with others.

The Divine Image Team x