HAVING worked hard to achieve a new figure, Diane Morton was delighted to win a make-over to complete her new look.

Diane, 44, from Heybridge, lost six stones in under a year after having her stomach stapled, but felt she needed help making the most of her new figure.

So, she entered the Gazette’s Younger You competition as the prizes, put together by Caramel Browne Hair and Beauty Salon, would be the perfect opportunity to complete her transformation.

On offer was a Sassoon-inspired colour and re-style; make-up, eyelash extensions, a microdermabrasion and nail treatment, personal training sessions, non-invasive cosmetic treatments and a new outfit.

Since being named winner, a luxurious day of pampering at the Caramel Browne Hair and Beauty salon in Stanway, Colchester, has made a huge impact on Diane’s appearance and confidence.

Having worn her hair long for many years and coloured it herself, Diane was ready for a change. After discussing skin tones and face shape with colour director, Annoshka Simpson-Reeve and premium stylist, Denise Lowe, Diane was transformed with a modern, style that flattered her features and gave her a youthful appearance.

Annoshka says: “The cut was complemented by the champagne blonde tones we used, which made it look fresh and vibrant.

“Best of all, the new look really drew attention to Diane’s beautiful eyes, which we highlighted with soft, subtle bronzes and browns leaving her lips quite neutral.”

Her eyes looked even more dramatic after she was given eyelash extensions and her skin tone benefited from a rejuvenating microdermabrasion treatment.

The personal training plan devised by Catherine Wass soon made an difference to Diane’s problem areas – bingo wings, bottom and stomach.

Diane says: “Catherine asked me what I wanted to target and devised a special plan for me. The exercises have been really effective and, best of all, I will be able to keep them up at home.”

Catherine, who trained Diane at Hamiltons Fitness Centre, in Colchester, began by working out Diane’s biological age with a series of lifestyle questions and fitness tests. She explains: “When we started the training, Diane’s biological age was 41.5 but, when we finished the sessions that had been reduced to 36.5. Diane also significantly reduced her body fat as her muscle tone increased.”

Next Diane enjoyed a consultation with Dr Lucy Glancey, of Glancey Medical Associates.

A detailed consultation enabled the clinic to produce a treatment plan for Diane that resulted in her regaining a fresher, more youthful complexion. With the aim being to rejuvinate, rather than change her appearance, the treatments began with a homeopathic preparation that was injected directly into each eye bag.

Diane’s lower face was treated with Restylane Vital and Restylane – dermal fillers that plumped out fine lines from the nose to mouth and around the corners of the mouth. Anti-wrinkle injections were used on the forehead area to soften lines and give a non-surgical eyebrow lift.

Karen Sargeant, Glancey practice manager, says: “Considering her dramatic weight loss, Diane’s face had not aged too much and so we simply needed to enhance certain areas so the overall effect is very natural.”

A visit to Phoenix boutique, in Coggeshall, was equally successful with owner, Britta Hochkeppel showing Diane how to make the most of her slim figure.

“Even though I lost a lot of weight, I was dressing more or less the same,” says Diane.

“I needed advice about new shapes and colours.”

Britta suggested brighter colours along with a wrap dress which accentuated Diane’s small waist and gave the illusion of extra length. A pair of black trousers and a pretty top with a gathered neckline was another big hit.

Diane added: “The trousers made me feel really special. They will be perfect to wear day or night and I now know exactly what kind of clothes to look for when I go out shopping on my own.”

For Diane, the whole experience has been life-changing and she has been delighted by the positive reaction from friends and family.

She adds: “I can’t really put into words how amazing it has been. I have felt so pampered and enjoyed treat after treat and lots of people have commented on how I look.”