This week kicks off October Breast Cancer Awareness month and Gerrard International is proud once again to be involved in raising money and awareness of Future Dreams’ #LetsNailBreastCancer campaign, as well as supporting the charity through sales of our own Mii Cosmetics Nourishing Lip Sheen.

As part of this month’s activities, we’re encouraging our spas, salons and their clients to donate to #LetsNailBreastCancer when they book in for a treatment via a Future Dreams Donation Box as well as to paint their nails pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

We’ve also collaborated with an incredible initiative on the ITV Lorraine show – the life-changing ‘Change and Check’ campaign to help with early detection, taking its message on the road with Lorraine’s Boob bus as it travels the country throughout October . Today its first stop was Manchester where our Jessica Nails team of manicurists offered pink manicures to the public in the name of #LetsNailBreastCancer, with a live link to Lorraine in the studio.

Want to get involved?

Paint your nails pink for the month of October, feel free to get creative by painting a little bow on your pinkie.

Finally, put your ‘Pinkies Up’ on Instagram using #LetsNailBreastCancer  to show your support.

Thank you to all those involved. Together #LetsNailBreastCancer

Jessica Nails was privileged to work with some of the world’s top designers and models  – including some Victoria’s Secret models Alanna Arrington and Maria Borges – at London Fashion Week, not to mention some incredible nail talent. We even spotted Vogue’s Anna Wintour backstage at one of our shows, while the likes of Christina Aguilera and Game of Thrones Maisie Williams sat FROW.

Fyodor Golan:

A sense of playfulness and positivity took over the Fyodor Golan catwalk, from the Troll like up-combed wigs perched on models’ heads to the vivid hues of Jessica Custom Colour on their fingertips.  A message of bold positive individuality meant lead nail tech Joanna Newbold could personalise each models nail depending on their look – using shades Valley Girl, Lavender Love and Blueberrry Crème with Yellow Meringue and Pumpkin Pie used in a marbling effect with gems and pearls added on statement nails

Sharon Wauchob:

At Sharon Wauchob’s cross-generational catwalk featuring veteran runway model Jacquetta Wheeler,  lead nail tech Sabrina Gayle used Phenom in Adore Me on the models nails and Phenom in Well Bred on toes while they sauntered down the runway in strappy sandals and swishy dresses fringed in silk.

David Koma:

David Koma’s Kenya-inspired catwalk saw top models powerfully strut down the catwalk in zebra-striped catsuits, sequinned fringes and raffia ruffles. Lead tech Ami Streets paired the look with Custom Colour in Tease with a smattering of Phenom in Antique Silver on top to add some ‘David Koma’ signature bling.

Roksanda:

At Roksanda, lead nail artist Pebbles Aikens treated the nails as a quiet backdrop to the designer’s vivid palette, billowing volume and tangerine runway. The team used sheer washes of Phenom in Angel and in Pink-A-Boo depending on the models skin tones, finishing off with No Shine Matte Finish.

JW Anderson:

JW Anderson’s medieval-mod feel called for clean, beautifully manicured natural nails, so Pebbles decided to bring Jessica’s treatment products to the fore. Each model – all 37 of them – were treated to an express mani and pedi with Jessica Reward base coat, No Shine Matte Finish, not to mention a pampering cuticle and hand massage using Phenomen Oil and Hydracreme.

Bobby Abley:

Bobby Abley’s ‘Friends of Dorothy’ show was a colourful explosion of a classic, with motifs of the famous characters everywhere. With a male dominant cast, lead nail tech Pebbles Aikens created a fun-spirited feel to nails – with the men wearing Black Ice with its black glitter finish, and the women – an ombré and glitter combo of Bedazzler and Black Ice, all using Phenom Base coat and Finale Shine.

Introducing Mii Cosmetics’ newest campaign for autumn/winter 2019; Comeback Queen.

Throwing it back to 90’s sophistication, beauty has gone all out supermodel this season – with a fashion-forward lip in beautifully wearable matte brown and taupe nude.

Matte lips don’t take the shine out of the occasion. On the contrary, flawlessly flattering with a feather-like feel, our super long-wearing Power Matte Lip Crème delivers hours and hours of deeply decadent matte colour. Packed with sweet almond and jojoba oil, this transfer-free formula helps lips to stay soft, moisturised and looking fabulously full.

Incredibly versatile on all skin tones, Noble will amplify your look while acting as a fresh autumnal alternative to berry. It complements a smokey eye, yet still makes a statement when worn with minimal makeup.

For a less intense colour statement, a dark nude like Timeless with warm undertones will also flatter. It works as the perfect finishing touch to complement, rather than compete with the rest of your beauty look.

Power Matte Lip Cremes are now available in 6 shades including existing Eternity (nude), Sensuous (fuchsia pink), Imperial (classic red) and Supreme (mulberry).

Available from MiiCosmetics.com, Amazon Luxury Beauty and Spas and Salons nationwide from Gerrard International.

John Lewis Oxford Street invited JESSICA to bring a little sunshine to nails on a rainy August day at the launch of new adult and children’s line Scamp & Dude to John Lewis.

A brand founded by Jo Tutchener-Sharp who was inspired to create a superpower-infused clothing line – with lightning bolt and leopard print logos with the slogan ‘a superhero has your back’ after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. While she was in hospital recovering, she wanted something for her own children to receive comfort from. Scamp & Dude now has a huge Instagram following of 112K followers and Lauren Laverne and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill are amongst the celebrity fans.

The Jessica Hands on Team created signature Scamp & Dude nail art based on the clothing collection – with colours ranging from Custom Colour in Tease and Blue Harlem and Phenom in Barbie Pink and Sweet Kiss, amongst other shades. Each guest also received mini pink pots of Nourish to take away with them.

This spring the Exclusive Hotels & Venues portfolio, including the renowned Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, announced the opening of The Spa at South Lodge near Horsham.

For a number of years Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, has been a flagship spa for Gerrard International’s award-winning portfolio of brands.

‘When looking for brand partners to launch the new Spa at South Lodge, Gerrard International was a natural choice, as our sister property The Spa at Pennyhill Park already successfully works with Gerrard,’ says Sara Young, Spa Operations Manager at South Lodge.’ We are delighted to be working in partnership with Gerrard International at The Spa at South Lodge.’

The new 44,000 square foot spa at South Lodge offers the Ridgeview Beauty Bar, including four manicure and two pedicure stations, housing the first ever sparkling wine Enoflute wine dispenser, so guests can sit back and relax during their Jessica treatment with a glass of fizz.

‘We are proud to use Jessica in our Ridgeview Beauty Bar and Mii, Spongelle and Scentered along with Jessica are all proving popular brands in our retail area,’ explains Sara.

Already the spa reviews have been impressive, with a Telegraph columnist saying: ‘it was my deluxe pedicure – including a luxury foot mask activated by heated bootees and a glass of sparkling wine – that stole the show.’

Gerrard International chairman Susan Gerrard says: ‘We are delighted to continue to grow our relationship with Exclusive Hotels & Venues with a strong brand presence at the truly impressive Spa at South Lodge.’

Mii Cosmetics was proud to be the exclusive makeup partner at a very special fashion show, jointly hosted by breast cancer charity Future Dreams and the Lili Grace boutique, under the empowering theme ‘This Is Me’.

With a 550-strong audience across two shows, 25 inspirational models – all with their own breast cancer story – confidently took to the catwalk in summer’s latest trends.

Future Dreams organiser Emma Miller said: ‘Future Dreams together with Lili Grace and all the incredible people involved raised in excess of an incredible £80,000. We couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for being there and for supporting us.’

Leading up to the show, models were professionally spray tanned by Kissed by Mii trainers at Gerrard International’s HQ. Backstage at the show the 13 mua’s, led by head makeup artist Rina Steinberg, created a naturally bronzed look, using a range of Mii heroes, such as Velvet Radiance Face Base (‘my personal standout’ says Rina), Feature Length Lash Lover, and also an exclusive new product out this summer, which was an immediate hit with the makeup team. ‘I love the beautiful sheen it gave the cheeks,’ says Rina.

Susan Gerrard chairman of Gerrard International and founder of Mii, said: ‘Mii Cosmetics was delighted to support Future Dreams and the Lili Grace Fashion show which, this year, was themed ‘This is Me’. The models all looked naturally radiant on the catwalk – such a charismatic group of beautiful women. Congratulations Future Dreams on this tremendous fundraising event that brought women, families and friends together in such a positive way.’

The Mii kit from l-r: Velvet Radiance Face Base, Miracle Base Brush, Shimmering Lip Sheen in Enchant, Feature Length Lash Lover, Forever Eye Colour Crayon in Sorbet, Moisturisng Lip Lover in Tease and Celestial Skin Shimmer

Celebrations for Global Wellness Day UK kicked off earlier this month when UK ambassador Paul Gerrard led the charge on a wellness walk with local businesses and community members, through the leafy Hertfordshire suburb of Elstree and Borehamwood.

As one walker enthused: ‘The rain stayed away, everyone enjoyed it and Paul loved it so much – he did it twice.’ After taking an hour’s break from their usual routine and enjoying the fresh outdoor air, some participants now plan to organise their own regular neighbourhood lunchtime walks.

On 8^th June – Global Wellness Day itself – Paul joined Diane Nettleton of Gaia Skincare, for her all levels, free-to-all yoga session, overlooking Newquay’s beautiful Fistral Beach. Locals, families and visitors to the area were all attracted by the Global Wellness Day activity.

Channelling relaxing music through ‘silent disco’ style headphones the yoga instructor took everybody through their paces, and rewarded them with nutritious flapjacks at the session’s end.

Other GWD activities around the country, included taster fitness sessions at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire and Rosewood London. Across the globe, the likes of British chef Heston Blumenthal and US icon Oprah Winfrey shot videos enthusing about the benefits of wellness on Global Wellness Day.

Reflecting on his first GWD as UK ambassador, Paul Gerrard says: ‘After stumbling across Global Wellness Day online, I feel privileged to have officially introduced it to the UK. My purpose is to make GWD UK an established annual event, and to have the rest of the UK feel just as excited about it as I do. I’d better hurry though, because I’ve only got 364 days until the next celebration.’

He adds: ‘It’s not just about one day, it’s about the other 364 days and what to do with them.’ Put aside time each day to listen to the free guided meditation voiced by celebrity personalities and created exclusively for the Global Wellness Day UK YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybwHo6dQpMoLBsIqTevI4A.’

Saturday, June 8th, 2019 will mark the eighth annual Global Wellness Day (GWD) celebration and the fifth time this special day is being celebrated internationally.

Last year more than 100 countries celebrated GWD, with over 4,000 locations offering a range of *complimentary health & wellness activities to the public.

GWD’s founder, Aksoy Belgin’s dream to take awareness of wellness to every corner of the world has inspired an international network of over 86 volunteer GWD Ambassadors to inspire complimentary wellness events around the planet.

Born of the motto “One Day Can Change Your Whole Life.” Belgin strongly believes that wellness is not a luxury but the inherent right of every individual and she works hard to ensure that GWD events will never be commercial and are free and open to the public.

Global Wellness Day’s simple but effective pink paddles saying “I SAY YES”(to wellness) have become synonymous with the day and GWD’s manifesto is simple and clear:  1. Walk for an hour. 2. Drink more water. 3. Don’t use plastic bottles. 4. Eat healthy food. 5. Do a good deed. 6. Have a family dinner with your loved ones. 7. Go to Sleep at 10:00 pm.

Last year in the UK, GWD was embraced by Founder of Gaia Skincare and key supporter of the day, Diane Nettleton. This year UK GWD Ambassadors Richard Emanuel (tbc) and Paul Gerrard (Gerrard International Communications Director) aim to see the benchmark that Diane set move further afield and across the whole of the UK.

Gerrard enthuses, “Diane organised such an amazing event in 2018 and her plans for this year continue to be filled with just as much wellness for all to enjoy. Following on from 2 very successful events last year in both Cornwall and Devon, Gaia Spa provide a great template for others to follow.”

Gerrard continues, “I’ve been asked whether I feel we have too many days dedicated to mental health and wellness. The truth is, sadly for most people, there are not enough. 365 days is about the right number of days that should be dedicated to you caring for you and your world. Global Wellness Day isn’t about that one day, it’s about the other 364 days and what you do with them. In short, no-one’s ever got sick from having too many days of wellness.”

*Complimentary wellness activities offered across the globe include zumba, yoga, pilates, dance, ballet, hiking, workshops related to nutrition, diet, healthy eating and happiness, therapies such as breathing, laughter, art & mindfulness and beauty classes.

Look for the hashtag #GlobalWellnessDay to follow what happens from one end of the world to the other on June 8th.

To find out more or to get involved and download posters, logos and save the dates visit:

globalwellnessday.org or contact paul.gerrard@gerrardinternational.com to find out how.

Follow Global Wellness Day UK on Facebook & Instagram.

A Cold Wall*Autumn Winter 2019

Men’s Fashion Week always offers something tantalisingly different, and Samuel Ross’ theatrical catwalk at Brick Lane’s Old Truman Brewery was no exception. It saw dancers and dogs emerging from a dark black water abyss running along either side of the runway, while the models walked in a slow sombre procession, turning back once to look behind them, before progressing into an uncertain future. The juxtaposition of fluidity and structure, light and dark ran through the entire show. The nails, led by Pebbles Aikens accompanied by the Jessica Hands On Team were designed to give a light reflective mirror-like shine to reflect the water-dripping-effect on the models’ skin.

How the nail look was created:

Jessica’s Gentlemen’s Club range is designed to give men perfectly groomed cuticles, hands and nails.
Buff Cuticle Gel was used to gently eliminate excess cuticles, leaving the models nails neat and natural. Nails were filed, following the natural shape with a Natural Nail Company Professional Emery Board. Matte 4 Men Matte Conditioner and Treatment was then applied as a base coat to leave a creamy matte healthy look to the nails, before one brush stroke of Brilliance Top Coat was applied to the centre of each nail. This gave the mirrored effect when the catwalk light caught the centre of the nail.

Gerrard International is tremendously proud to announce that our brands swept the board, winning 10 awards at the prestigious Beauty Bible Awards, now in its 23^rd year, standing tall amongst beauty industry greats.

Susan Gerrard, Chairman of Gerrard International says: ‘We’re delighted to win the Beauty Bible Awards for products that have been tried and tested. This gives both us and you – our spas and salons – the opportunity to shout about our brands with extra pride. We love our brands and now we know your customers do too.

‘The panel of beauty testers are real women with real beauty issues and their honest endorsements count for so much more,’ continues Susan. ‘The credibility of these awards – and gaining the love and trust of beauty-savvy women – is invaluable to our continued success. It is an incredible achievement for our brands to be recognised in these Awards – they’re real products for real women that really work.’

Incredible tester comments ranged from: ‘I would add this as a Holy Grail product without a doubt’ for BeautyLab’s Black Diamond Pearl Dermabrasion; Phenom was called: ‘A brilliant polish – I have already repurchased this in different colours’; while Mii’s Beautifying Brow Wand was described as: ‘A great product – natural, colour, easy application, blends beautifully, and lasts all day’.

GOLD WINNERS:

Brow Definer: Mii Beautifying Brow Wand

Nail Brand: Jessica Phenom

Day Cream: BeautyLab Skin Perfecting Moisture Cream

SILVER WINNERS:

Highlighter: Mii Light Loving Illuminator

Mineral Makeup: Mii Minerals Irresistible Face Base

Facial Exfoliator: BeautyLab Black Diamond Pearl Dermabrasion

Sleep Aid: Scentered Sleep Well Therapy Balm

BRONZE WINNERS:

Mascara: Mii Showstopping Lash Lover

Gradual Tanner Body: Kissed by Mii Daily Boost Body Cream

Sleep Aid: Scentered Sleep Well Home Therapy Candle