Stripping off for the beach isn’t everyone’s idea of the perfect summer activity, but the chances are even if you’re planning on spending all summer in a maxi dress and cardigan, underneath you still want a body you’re happy and proud of. Yet while we all know what we want, we’re not so good at putting in the work to get it. A recent NHS Choices survey asked women if they were happy with their beach body and a staggering 86% said no. They also revealed that 66% of women are least confident about revealing their stomach and 25% hate showing their thighs. In responses they’ve launched a free ‘Get Ready For Summer’ programme which aims to have people all over the nation beach ready in just eight weeks.

You can choose from four health and fitness plans – losing weight, getting fit, healthy eating or training to run 5k.

As an incentive by signing up you get a free five-day gym pass to any Fitness First Gym near you where you can attend classes, take a splash in the pool or head to the gymnasium. There’s also a special NHS Healthy Living Facebook page where you can share your personal health goals, join groups to help keep you focused and get tips and advice from health and fitness experts by email.

Silky, smooth skin takes time to perfect and no matter how much you spend on lotions and potions to make it gleam on the outside, unwanted hairs in embarrassing places will still linger – one problem that every bride can do without.

For years women have put up with the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy, holding back the tears as they go through the trauma of waxing, threading, electrolysis and IPL lasers… not anymore! Introducing Kim from Beauty by Design. In her decade’s experience of beautifying brides, she has learned what clients really want is a full beauty service, and now specialises in Soprano XL laser hair removal – a revolutionary new method of permanent hair removal that gives quicker results and, best of all, is virtually pain free!

Kim explains: ‘Soprano XL is effective because it uses one stream of light targeted on an area, heating the skin to 45 degrees. The treatment is quick, safe and effective.’ Suitable for zapping away the finest of hairs, lasers are most commonly used on the face, under the arms, leg and bikini line. For those looking for complete hair removal, Soprano XL is the only treatment that can be used on sensitive areas like Brazilian clearance.

For the best result Kim advises that you start your sessions a year before your wedding, bearing in mind you need to wait six to ten weeks between each visit and will need about six sessions. Treatments start with a consultation at The Pim Health Clinic in Caversham, Reading, where your medical history is checked and a patch test is administered.

Because it is also effective for men, we sent Asiana Wedding’s Senior Designer Manni Sahota and Fashion Assistant Roopa Pandit to put Soprano XL to the test…

Manni was surprised at the results after just one session: ‘My hairs have grown back much finer, in fact there’s barely any hair at all.’ For Roopa, the experience was much less scary than she imagined, ‘It felt like having a warm lamp over you and was over very quickly – the results are great, I recommend it to anyone who gets frustrated with those annoying hairs that just won’t go away – they will now!’

Trichologist Philip Kingsley taught us a good way to do a simple hair fall test at home. The trick is to judge excess hair shedding (most commonly following shampoo and styling) over a period of a month, as opposed to one day’s loss. Hair shedding can fluctuate day to day, and it’s only a problem when it happens on a regular basis rather than once in a while.

At Philip Kingsley’s clinic, he often tests hair shedding rates by a ‘tug test’, whereby the hair is pulled (tugged) in a specific way all over the scalp in sections. This shows whether it is shedding more than it should and where the extra fall is coming from. If you are really worried about the shedding, book an evaluation with a trichologist – a good place to start searching for one is www.trichologists.org.uk

You could also try using the LA Science range, in particular the Anti Hair Loss Serum, (£24), which works by delivering growth factor-mimicking peptides to the base of the hair follicles to stimulate them, and encourages production of healthier hair shafts. It also improves the condition of the hair and scalp and aims to normalise the growth cycle.

Seductive, striking and utterly sexy, false eyelashes are a beauty must. They are no longer something to be saved for a special occasions but are an accessory that should be worn everyday to create drama and boost your confidence. They really can transform any girl into a glamour puss. make-up artist Ariana Poole says: ‘Lashes are attention grabbing and really do make a statement, one that’s A’List all the way.’ Inspired by pop divas Cheryl Cole, Rihanna and Jessie J she has recently launched her own brand of easy to apply professional lashes called Eye Candy which come in a range of red carpet designs including crisscross, graduated and natural look lashes to suit your mood.

Choosing them and where you’re going to wear them the easy part but when it comes to applying them, things get a bit more complicated – or at least that’s what puts a lot of people off. The trick is to practise a couple of times to perfect your technique and then you’ll be ready for an instant transformation anytime, anyplace and anywhere!

Whether it’s catwalk couture or high street bargains, this season’s key trend is a blossoming affair! The fresh, evergreen look is perfect for bringing that touch of sunshine to any outfit. Brighten up a simple summer dress with an eye catching floral bracelet or statement necklace.

Or fashion a timeless, vintage look with an elegant floral sari or churidar, adding a subtle western touch to your look. Be daring with your choice of colours – whilst dreamy pastel hues never cease to impress, go one step bolder by opting for deeper reds and purples for a more dramatic statement.

Resist a floral overload and keep accessories to a minimum, and you’re ready to go for bloom!