The cast of ABC's hit show, Ugly Betty were treated to nail services courtesy of Tiffany Grecco, an ambassador for CND.

Michael Urie, who plays Marc, and Ana Ortiz, who plays Hilda, in Ugly Betty

During filming for the second season and promotional up-fronts, Tiffany was on-set in Hollywood where she glammed-up the cast's fingers and toes.

APRIL BEE joins St Tropez as national educator and training manager from the Estee Lauder Corporation, where she worked for 15 years on brands including Aramis, Prescriptives, Creme de La Mer, and most recently as Aveda salon development partner, developing existing salon businesses and opening new accounts.

She was named salon development partner of the year in 2006.

Find out who else has been on the move...

Death of a trailblazer

Donald Wilson, a trailblazer in the wholesale market, has died of cancer, aged 72.

In 1966, Don -- as he was better known -- opened Smiths of Dulwich with business partner Peter France to supply the professional hair and beauty market.

Peter took the role of managing director and Don was company secretary -- roles decided on the toss of a coin. Following expansion, the company was bought by Salon Services in the late 90s.

Although November is a month when the salon starts getting busy -- everyone is buzzing with excitement about Christmas -- I warn you not to rest on your laurels or let your guard down. Cast your eye around the salon and look at the finer details. As it’s these that can make or break you converting a new client into a regular client.

Holistic Skincare: An Essential Guide for Therapists

Well-connected with the spa world, Angi Egan chose The Spa at Henley-in-Arden, South Warwickshire, as the perfect setting to launch her book, Holistic Skincare: An Essential Guide for Therapists.

Angi signs her books

The room was beautifully decorated with gerberas – to match the book cover – while French cuisine, fine wines and a chocolate fountain were arranged to celebrate the launch.

SenSpa is as close as you can get to experiencing an authentic Thai-style spa without a gruelling flight. You don’t even need your passport as it’s located in Hampshire. With an international staff – including Thai-trained therapists – SenSpa combines Eastern and Western spa cultures and techniques to create a haven of tranquillity and an award-winning destination spa.

I’ve been doing London Fashion Week shows for nearly eight years, but it’s not the case this season. Not only am I between agents (they organise my bookings), but I’ve decided to concentrate on my personal ventures, writes Andrea Fulerton

However, one show I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing the nails for is one of India’s best-loved fashion designers, Manish Arora, who shows here twice a year.

His clothes are bright and vibrant – a wild mix of traditional Indian costume, exquisite embroideries, Pop Art, high kitsch and psychedelic futurism. Manish was invited back to England to do Fashion in Motion – a series of live catwalk events presented at London’s V&A museum just before London Fashion Week.

"I can't believe it's nearly that time of year! The bad weather is settling in and summer is truly over -- but don't feel blue, Christmas is around the corner and I just love the buzz and excitement", writes Leighton Denny.

"It's time to have a glitzy, fun manicure and get out your glad rags".

NATURAL BORN WINNER

In 1999 hotel receptionist Linda Butler decided on a different career, but after offering nail extensions, she changed her mind again and took the "natural route".

Linda collects her award from host Ben Shepherd from GMTV

Linda of Just Nails in Poole, Dorset, tells Annette Hanford just what it takes to become Manicurist of the Year 2007.

Did you know that more retail sales are made during the run up to the festive period than at any other time of the year?

So stock up now on manicure and pedciure gift sets and make this your best christmas yet!

Nubar

Another selection of the latest seasonal offerings to boost salon sales during the festive period.

Read on to find out what's in store from Masters Colors, Nubar, LCN, Barbara Bort and SkinTruth, including "bootiful" nail art, mini marvels and a one-stop-shop-solution.

JOIN WITH SAMARITANS FOR STRESS DOWN DAY

We're all involved in the "anti-stress" industry. Whether it's a relaxing facial, a muscle-relieving massage or a spa break, relaxation is key and can help guard against or lower stress levels.

As part of the Samaritan's Stress Down Day next year, the group is encouraging everyone to wear their slippers to work.

Samaritans is looking for companies keen to join them on a Cause Related Marketing (CRM) basis for Stress Down Day. If you feel your products or your organisation fits the theme of reducing stress, calm and relaxation, down-time, perhaps that summertime healthy mind and healthy body balance, then the charity would be happy to hear from you.

This will be a fun approach to reducing stress in day to day life with a special emphasis on work-related stress. Funds raised will help Samaritans in its ongoing 24:7 emotional health support work - much of it directed at supporting people whose anxieties and fears are triggered by stress in the first place.

As a caring-sharing industry, salons and suppliers are always letting us know about their latest fundraising antics.

The novel ideas are as varied as the deserving causes -- including sponsored runs, wearing fancy dress and donations of profits.

Treking in Iceland

However, if you and your team are looking for something further afield, then check out Classic Tours, which has a packed of charity challenge events that can be tailored to individual company’s charity fundraising objectives and can also provide team building opportunities.

SMART PLAYERS

MOIRA PAULUSZ LOOKS AT SOME OF THE NEWLY-LAUNCHED PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS

The approach of winter has seen the launch of a flurry of high-tech products formulated with intense, intelligent, active ingredients which, carried deep into skin by sophisticated systems, work to deliver visible results – and keep skin looking ever young.

Most of the formulas are anti-ageing, and use anti-oxidants to maximise skin’s regenerative ability to restore and maintain its thickness; others address specific conditions that cause concern – among these are uneven pigmentation, adult acne, dry patches, premature wrinkles, and loss of skin density.

Read on to find out about the latest offerings from:

* Darphin
* ghd spa
* Agera
* Cosmeceuticals

Competitors from around the world will be taking part in the 2007 WorldSkills competition. Sasha Lill reports

Changing seasons mean it’s time to rethink the cosmetics palette. Sasha Lill looks at what’s new.

As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, it’s time to replace the natural hues of summer with the smouldering looks of autumn/winter – and the party season. Hot looks are luminous skin with contrasting, smoky eyes and statement lipsticked lips.

Aveda

I've just finished at a photoshoot for the next issue of Health & Beauty Salon and thought our readers would be interested in a sneak preview of what went on behind the scenes...

A quick touch-up between shots

The shoot was for a step by step feature, showing Jane Iredale's soon-to-be launched spring and summer collection of mineral-based make-up.

It was a day of celebration at The London College of Beauty Therapy's Student Achievement Awards ceremony, held in the college's stunning new training facility in London -- with fabulous prizes for high achievers.

Students celebrate

Ellipse and CACI have joined forces to promote the Ellipse IPL (intense pulsed light) system in the UK and Eire.

Christmas is just around the corner, so make the most of retail sales with a selection of festive gifts.

Check out the latest yule tide offerings.

St Tropez

Val Cooke is chairman of BABTAC (The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology), a not-for-profit organisation, and the largest and oldest established single-body trade association for beauty and holistic therapists. CIBTAC (Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology) is its sister company, an awarding body that offers diplomas in beauty and holistic therapies in the UK and abroad. The company has recently celebrated 30 years of successful business offering a quality service to its members and schools.

THE FIFTH COSMOPOLITAN GROUP BEAUTY AWARDS SAW READERS AND CELEBRITY JUDGES VOTE FOR THEIR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS. MOIRA PAULUSZ REPORTS

One hundred and twenty products across 20 categories were judged by a panel of industry experts and celebrity judges (Louise Redknapp, Sugababes and Rachel Stevens) for this year’s Cosmopolitan Group Beauty Awards – the fifth to be held.

The winners represent the best-in-class for every element of beauty – from hair styling and treatments, to fragrances, skincare, appliances, nails, and sun-protection. The winning brands – Clarins, with five awards, was one of the most successful – can take advantage of their award by creating bespoke sales and marketing initiatives in-store, in print, and online. The beauty editorial promotional programme has already started, and will last until January 2008.

Clarins marketing director Dorothy Speed clutches some of the awards the company won for: best cleanser (Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser/Clean Sweep category); best body scrub (Clarins Smoothing Body Scrub/Bath Bliss); best cellulite zapper (Clarins Total Body Lift Lotion/Body Beautifiers); best facial sun protection (Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream/Sun Shields); and, under Men’s Essentials, best eye cream (Clarins Men Undereye Serum)

Of the products, 16 were granted the ‘readers’ choice award’ by the magazine’s two million plus readers, who voted for their favourites via the magazine and online.

Sheena Baxter is managing director of Beauty Express, based in Glasgow. The company is a leading mail-order supplier of products and equipment to the professional beauty industry, operating via a state-of-the-art call centre and distribution facility, with a strong online shop and a 304-page mail-order catalogue.

Mavala further cemented its presence in the Middle Eastern market by holding a series of seminars and workshops in Iran, in recognition of the country’s thriving beauty industry.

Lerwick- and Inverness-based Sleeping Beauty has scooped the top prize in the Small Business category of the Scottish Edge Awards 2007, which recognise organisations offering practical-learning opportunities for young people. The prize comes with a grant of £5,000 for the company to invest in training plans.

LA TRIP FOR WINNERS

Anne Berrett has been named The Natural Nail Company's salesperson of the year - the company's most coveted award, which recognises dedication, excellence and unparalleled success.

Anne, Dawn and Sarah toast the high life