From everyday to elegant at Butterfly

If you were to pass me on the street you might go as far to say my appearance was groomed. My eyebrows are usually tidy and definitely distinguishable as being two separate entities. My hair is styled and my face is on. But search a little deeper and you will find the tell-tale signs of hastily applied commuter train make-up; hair that (luckily for me) dries naturally into waves and a smudged pre-bedtime manicure from being the world’s most fidgety sleeper.

I relish the opportunity for a bit of pampering and love nothing more than the pre-cut head massage and post-cut blow-dry at my nowhere near regular enough hair appointments. But with a ridiculously busy schedule and a budget tighter than an Herve Leger bodycon dress, I rarely get the chance to indulge.

Clearly, I’m not the only woman to face such a predicament. Meet Louisa Barnett, the founder of Butterfly, whose city boutique pioneers a unique concept in pampering. After years working in the city, Louisa knew that women need somewhere to transform from everyday to chic whether it’s for a client dinner, a cocktail party or just a beautiful night out with the girls.

And so, with a packed day of appointments and just enough time for a Diet Coke break in between, I decided to pay the girls a visit before attending an evening event on a boat. I could just about take my black maxi dress from day to night but my harassed hair and face needed work.

Butterfly is discreetly located at 42 Cornhill, right in the heart of the city and just a stones throw from Bank tube, the Royal Exchange and the Bank of England. So much so, that I charged right past it which called for a less than graceful pirouette and there it was – a haven of tranquillity amongst the hustle and bustle of the square mile. It was like walking into a bedroom in a fancy hotel except where there would have been a bed, there are two work stations, a small till and a table displaying everything you might need for a night out but would probably forget to put in your clutch (toothbrush, tampons, painkillers, you get the idea). The décor is simple but elegant and instantly relaxing.

The other great thing about Butterfly is that they understand the need for speed – so much so that not one but two girls set about my transformation. To my left, after choosing a ‘look’ (smoky eyes with a plum lip, thanks for asking) my make-up was artfully applied and to my right, my hair was being slicked, twisted, pinned and sprayed into a chic evening do. I had a great time gabbing with the girls reminiscent of my high-school sleepovers but the service is as equally discreet if you want to use the time to catch-up on your emails or just take a much needed break. The salon is equipped with newspapers, phone chargers and an endless supply of herbal teas to help you do just that. It’s a small space but tastefully kitted out so you feel pampered and relaxed.

Two expert pairs of hands get to work...

Once they had finished, I barely recognised the girl staring back at me in the mirror, clearly ready for a glamorous night out. I could barely come close to achieving this look if I locked myself in the bathroom for a full afternoon but the Butterfly team had indeed transformed me in 25 minutes! At £40, this would definitely constitute a treat before a big event but as Louisa pointed out, for those on city salaries, it’s the perfect place to recharge before a big presentation or for post-gym refreshment. The Boudoir changing area tucked away at the back means you don’t need to rush off or wrestle with your party frock in a toilet cubicle – you can complete the transformation all under one roof.

So, if you’re in the London and find yourself in need of near instantaneous grooming, head over to Butterfly. There are plenty of treatments to choose from starting from as little as £10 for a brow tidy and take anywhere from 10 – 40 minutes. The full range includes a wide variety of hair styling, make-up, mini-manis and facials so you can tailor make a package to suit both your needs and budget. It’s a small but worthy affair and the girls are soon hoping to be spreading their wings across the city and beyond!

More information is available on the Butterly website, where you can also book online, or even (if you’re feeling generous) purchase gift vouchers for a glamorous friend! You can also follow on Twitter @ButterflyPamper.