Author Archives: Lisa

Spa Spy: Mexico

Le Blanc Spa Resort, Cancun

‘Five star all-inclusive’ worries me. Le BlancCan you really achieve a five-star experience on an all-inclusive basis? I instantly think of The Solana; love the programme, not sure I could cope with staying there. Thankfully as we drive along The Cancun Strip it echoes of South Beach rather than Benidorm. It’s surprisingly glamorous. At the top, lodged between a beautiful lagoon and the ocean, is a pristine shiny white building, it’s Le Blanc Spa Resort. Continue reading →

Spa Spy: Wiltshire, Lucknam Park

Lucknam ParkAs I make my way down the mile long, sweeping avenue of lime and beech trees that lead to Lucknam Park, I’m stunned. A beautiful 17th century greystone mansion appears, set amongst parkland, rose and lavender gardens. An equestrian centre sits to the side. It suddenly feels like the backdrop to a romantic period drama. Inside, the theme continues, opulent Georgian-inspired drawing rooms, with Chesterfields, open fires and huge floral displays, lead on to perfectly manicured patios. It’s all very grand, very grand indeed. There’s even a wood-panelled library… Continue reading →

Spa Spy: Spa and the City, Manhattan, NYC

The Greenwich, TriBeCa

Greenwich RoomA hub for A-listers and fashionistas, Robert DeNiro’s ultra-cool downtown hotel and home from home, echoes a sumptuous private residence; 88 individually designed rooms and suites, cosy drawing rooms with roaring fires, Tibetan rugs and eclectic antiques, surround an enchanting Tuscan-style candle-lit courtyard. As I arrive a familiar face strolls past. I couldn’t possibly say who. This place is far to discreet for name dropping. Continue reading →

Spa Spy: Spa and the Home Counties – The Shires and the Sexes

Ockenden Manor, Cuckfield, Sussex

Ockenden Manor

In the middle of the rolling Sussex countryside, tucked behind a picture postcard Tudor village, you’ll find an enchanting Elizabethan house; it’s Ockenden Manor and it’s beautiful. Roaring log fires, cosy wood panelled bars and elegant drawing rooms with a wafting scent of fresh flowers. If you’re looking for the quintessential country house hotel, without the airs and graces, look no further, I’ve found it. Continue reading →

The Stress Free Road to Christmas – 20 Stylish Gifts for Grown Ups

2011-11-17-IHateChristmasSantaBall.jpgIf, like me, you leave ‘it’ until the last minute you’ll know how stressful it can be. Panic lists, crowds, panic buys, crowds, panic attacks…CROWDS. Come Christmas Eve, whilst my smug, organised friends are relaxing by the tree sipping mulled wine, I’m the one running up and down Oxford Street, crying. Not this year though. No, this year I’m doing my Christmas shopping online. Continue reading →

S/S12, The Make Up and how “Tops and Bottoms” Affect us all

“It’s just tops and bottoms”, a friend once told me. “People take it so seriously, it’s not brain surgery”. He’s right of course, it’s not brain surgery, it doesn’t save lives. But it is a form of therapy, for me anyway. As soon as New York Fashion Week gets under way I’m glued to vogue.com for the next month. It’s exciting, it makes me happy, it definitely helps my brain… Continue reading →

Lashed Out

For me, it was Miss Piggy that started it. The “eyelash effect”. The way she used to flutter those lashes at Kermit. I was hooked. For those of you too young to remember, she’s back this year in the new Muppets film. Watch her, you’ll see what I mean… Continue reading →

Kate Does It Herself

As the fashion world eagerly awaited the reveal of Kate Middleton’s dress designer last week, the beauty world wanted to know who was lucky enough to have bagged the make up job. At the time, I was working on a Royal Wedding TV show for the US, so I asked an insider. “Apparently she’s doing a DIY!” they said. Continue reading →

Golden Eye

Golden-Eye

Make up by Lisa Stokes for Falguni and Shane Peacock. Photo: Vogue.com

Spring is almost upon us and it’s set to be a golden one. Fresh peachy skin, nude lips and splashes of golden eyes were abundant on the catwalks for the new season.

Here’s how I created this sparkling spring look at London Fashion Week. Continue reading →

Smokey Eyes

The classic smoky eye is timeless and can be adapted to create an array of different looks. Charcoals and greys create a dramatic effect and suit most skin tones and eye colours.

Follow my steps to achieve this sexy sultry look! Continue reading →

10 Ways To Beat The Winter Blues

Yes, unfortunately its true, January is officially THE MOST depressing month of the year. The frosty mornings and dark evenings often affect our general state of health and well being, making us feel sluggish, stressed and well, just fed up. But we can fight back!!!

Here are my top beauty tips for beating those horrible winter blues: Continue reading →

Keep Glowing

The festive season takes its toll on all of us, especially on our skin. The effects of alcohol, diet, central heating and general lack of sunlight can cause dehydration and create a “sallow” and “tired” appearance to the skin. Here are my top tips and recommended products to re-hydrate, revitalise, and bring a little sparkle back to your skin! Continue reading →