Aromatherapy Facial at Jo Hansford, London
From Oxygen to No-Tox, there's a plethora of great high-tech facials on offer these days. Before heading to warm climes, I always opt for a good old fashioned deep cleanse. I feel like I need to banish the winter grime. Dee Stanford has been working her magic at Jo Hansford's Mayfair salon for over 10 years. She trained under the Aromatherapy pioneer Madame Micheline Arcier, and is passionate about wellness and clear, healthy skin. Not only does she offer one of the best deep cleansing facials in London, she also has a kind and nurturing persona. I swear I'd told her my whole life story by the time my treatment was through.
After a consultation and inspection of my skin, Dee talked me through my personalised facial, which would involve a combination of Dermalogica products and a bespoke blend of her own aromatherapy oils. Spotting my recent hormonal breakouts Dee opted for a deep double cleanse and steam to begin the treatment followed by, my least favourite part of any deep cleanse, a (mostly) pain free extraction. A good exfoliation was followed with a deeply hydrating mask in combination with a reflexology foot massage. A collagen serum blended with sandalwood was then applied for a lifting facial massage. Dee finished the treatment with an incredible sleep-inducing indian head massage. Grime free and rejuvenated - my skin was clear, clean, unbelievably glowing and ready to soak up the rays.
Aromatherapy Facial at Jo Hansford: £95 for 70 minutes
The Dorchester Pedicure, The Dorchester, London
The Dorchester Pedicure has to be one of my favourite pre-summer treatments - not least because of the fabulous massaging chair you get to lounge in whilst your feet are being preened. You can also quaff a glass of champers, sip a healthy juice or chomp on one of the Spatisserie's new Bento Boxes. The spa's Nail Bar is encased by floor to ceiling glass shelves sporting over 1000 pretty nail shades. I always go for something bright for summer so I usually opt for one of their Essie varnishes in vibrant red. The treatment begins with a file, buff and cuticle clip then a rigorous removal of dead skin. A refreshing eucalyptus and mint foot exfoliation follows, then a relaxing foot massage - both using products from the divine Kerstin Florian brand. My feet are left perfectly preened - smooth, glossy and flip-flop ready.
The Dorchester Pedicure: £75 for 55 minutes
CND Shellac Manicure at The Chuan Spa, The Langham, London
Often, when I'm heading to the sun, I'll give my nails a break and leave them clean to soak up the vitamin E. If I do opt for a manicure I always go for a Shellac over a Gel - I find it kinder to the nails, and it usually stays chip free for around a week. I always head to The Chuan Spa, mostly because I completely LOVE their CND frangipane products - they're the most moisturising I've found and they smell like a bakewell tart. The Chuan CND manicure begins with a file, shape and buff to ensure a smooth surface for application, then cuticles are neatly trimmed. A perfect double application of varnish is followed by THE. MOST. DELICIOUS. almond scrub. A frangipane hand mask, that literally makes you feel like you have new hands, is then massaged in to the skin. A great treatment if you suffer from eczema and dry skin, resulting in perfectly preened paws.
CND Shellac Manicure: £75 for 75 minutes
The New Brazilian Blow Out at Taylor Taylor London
This treatment actually changes my life during the summer months. My hair is frizzy. Not curly, not wavy, just frizzy. Anti-frizz lotions do work but this treatment saves a LOT of time. The only minor downside to the Brazilian Blow Out used to be the downtime - you couldn't wash, or tie back your hair for three days after the treatment. A new formula has changed this so you can style or wash it straight away. Whilst sipping an Expresso Martini from the the bar at Taylor Taylor's sleek Shoreditch salon, stylist Ericka talked me through the treatment. The only difference to the last time I tried the treatment is that the hair is re-washed and styled at the end. The consultation determines how 'straight' you would like the end result to be. A triple shampoo to strip residue in the hair, is followed by an application of the keratin lotion. The hair is blow-dried to the style of your choosing then each section is straightened at least 4 times with hot irons. The hair is then washed again, followed by a second application of lotion in combination with a head massage. Once dried you can see the results straight away. The improvement in the structure of the hair can last up to three months, but be sure to use a sulphate free shampoo for long-lasting results.
Brazilian Blow Out: From £195 - £375 (depending on hair length and texture)