Essential products for covering blemishes...

Bare Minerals SPF20 Bisque Concealer

From Bare Minerals – one of the most established companies in the mineral make-up market – comes Bisque, a loose-powder concealer available in five shades, suitable for all skin types.  Not only does it conceal dark circles under the eyes, age spots and even out skin pigmentations, it also contains zinc oxide to help prevent and heal spots. And if that weren’t enough, the UVA protection helps counteract further skin pigmentation.

Diego Dalla Palma Lifting Effect Fluid Concealer

Diego Dalla Palma may not necessarily be a familiar name, but in his native Italy, this make-up artist’s cosmetics line is known as the ‘MAC’ of Italy.  The Lifting Fluid Concealer (available in four shades) is suitable for normal to dry skin and gives lightweight coverage to minimise imperfections and smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And here comes the science: the hexapeptide plumps the skin to minimise fine lines, with lipo-siliconic compounds and a moisturising complex giving a comfortable natural look. The result? No drying or settling into the fine lines around the eyes.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

Bobbi Brown is well known for her huge range of shades, making the face products perfect for all skin tones.  The Creamy Concealer is no exception – and it’s available in 16 different shades, all of them yellow-based. Long-wearing and creamy (as the name suggests), the rich formula blends easily, whether with fingers or a special concealer brush, while skin conditioners in the formula help to protect the delicate under-eye are. To help the concealer stay put even longer, follow with the one-shade-suits-all setting powder.

Cover FX Camouflage Concealer

Cover FX was founded by a camouflage make-up expert, so you just know the concealers are going to be great.  Available in six shades, the Cover FX Camouflage Concealer is a 3-in-1 multi-functional formula that contains a built-in primer; it’s also water-resistant and contains emollients to soften and hydrate delicate skin.  The lightweight, long-lasting product is free of oil, fragrance and parabens too, so there’s no danger of putting nasties close the the vulnerable eye socket area.

True Concealer by Alison Raffaele

If you love the idea of a mineral concealer but can’t be bothered with the loose powder format, then the creamy Alison Raffaele True Concealer could be the answer.  Available in 7 shades from the lightest ivory through to the darkest mahogany, the creamy formulation dries to a soft powder finish, and disguises even the darkest circles after a hard night’s partying.  Useful for both under the eye and on facial blemishes, the concealer contains Vitamins A, C and E to fight skin damage from radicals, while the Pomegranate and Resveratrol contain further antioxidant properties.

Our Top Concealer Tips

● The most common mistake when using a concealer is choosing a shade that’s too light for the skin, in the hope of covering up dark circles. In fact, your concealer should only be one shade lighter than your foundation, otherwise you’ll just draw attention to, not hide, those dark circles.

● The key to getting the right perfect application (when using a cream concealer) is using a concealer brush to apply, before patting in with the tip of the ring-finger to ensure perfectly blended, flawless application.

Alison Raffaele’s own tutorial on how to apply her True Concealer

A serene, relaxing interior in the spa

You can almost feel the delicate aromas gently pulling you through the door at Aromatherapy Associates’ new Treatment Rooms and Boutique. A welcome break from the bustle of tourists and London’s well-heeled crowd outside, the spa positively embraces you with an air of warmth and well-being. So, what can you expect from one of spa’s most celebrated names? Given the location in Knightsbridge, the go-to capital for Russian oligarchs et al, the boutique is in keeping with its prestigious neighbours, presented as a luxurious yet comfortable ‘home-from-home’ that’s filled with soft furnishings and finished in rich shades of gold.

As you would expect the prices on the Spa Menu fit the local bill too with a facial costing £90 and a full body treatment amounting to £120; but if you want quality, you absolutely pay for what you get. I’m here to experience a ‘City Stress Buster’ – buzzwords that have grown in popularity as people – particularly clock watching urbanites – accept they should set aside more time for their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sophie, my therapist, is a dream: informative and nurturing, she gets the consultation – which establishes my current emotional state – out of the way quickly. The treatment is administered with experienced hands, enough to put even the most spa-shy at ease. First she works around my head, using firm finger presses to stimulate my sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system: two areas, which control the rest-and-digest and fight or flight response respectively. The soothing effects of which continue to flourish for days after…

Next, using an oil teeming with geranium, rose and frankincense prescribed specifically for me, Sophie massages her way through tense shoulders and fatigued limbs. The oil, following aromatherapy thinking, works its magic on two levels: first through smell, and second through the absorption into the body’s system. The oozy, lustrous quality of the oils is at the heart of everything AA does and one half of the company’s founding duo, Geraldine Howard, has even installed a unique ingredients bar to help more of us understand their rich, far-reaching effects.

There might not be a steam room or sauna in sight, but the AA Treatment Rooms’ big sell is its expert sensory massages and treatments that never dip below its exceptionally high standards. It’s all about the healing power of touch, and – thanks to the natural beauty of AA’s oils – the spa is set to be one of the best places in London to power down.

For more information and to book, see the Aromatherapy Associates website.

The Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms are a welcome break from the bustle of tourists in chic, upscale Knightsbridge

And so, anything that means that I can speed up the Ten Tedious Hair Minutes is something I want to know more about. Enter the Instyler. Claiming to be ‘unlike any hair styling product ever invented,’ I’ve tried out the clever rotating gadget, and I like. I like a lot. Part hotbrush, part heated tong, part straightener, it’s a pretty clever item and really produces results. Whether you’re after loose waves, a blast of volume at the roots or a smooth and straight style (see the YouTube tutorial videos for more), the Instyler works wonders.

They say: when you run the InStyler rotating hot iron through your hair, the first set of bristles gently sort and separate your hair strands. Then the rotating heated polishing cylinder gently glides over your hair, smoothly polishing, straightening, and styling each strand. Finally, the second set of bristles puts the finishing touch on your hair, leaving you with shiny, silky, hair!  The InStyler uses less heat than traditional hot tools, and delivers better results. How? Because the InStyler’s gentle heat in conjunction with the rotating motion of the polishing cylinder literally polishes your hair strands individually so it doesn’t need extreme heat to get amazing results.

My verdict? I’m certainly impressed with the time it now takes to go from shower to front door without having to fiddle about with brushes, styling products and hairdryer. Now if only someone could find a way to make the commute a little more bearable…

The InStyler is available to buy online here. You can also follow all of the action on Facebook, and on Twitter @instyler_europe.

All about the Instyler…

A selection of the easiest hair removal options available...

Long-lasting Removal

Permanent hair reduction is the holy grail when it comes to hair-free skin, so the latest developments are a godsend.  Obviously the easiest, although also the most expensive route, is a course of salon treatments.  The latest technology has moved away from the hair-burning lasers of yesterday to state of the art ultrasound that makes the whole process completely pain-free. Highly recommended is the Applisonix Selectif Pro Hair Removal system; the world’s first epilation machine to utilise ultrasound technology.  This groundbreaking method channels the ultrasound wave through the hair shaft and transforms the thermal energy through to the roots to heat, kill and remove the follicle.  As effective for fair skin as it is for darker skin tones, there are no side effects, no restrictions on exposure to the sun and there’s a 38% improvement after just two sessions, although a full course of six to eight sessions is recommended.

If committing to the expense of salon treatments seems too daunting, the latest home-use options are actually quite effective, albeit they can be more time-consuming. The Homedics mē is a salon treatment that you can use at home, promising a full body treatment in approximately 30 minutes, by combining both the power of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and RF (Radio Frequency) energy. It’s clean, quick and easy to use, and is clinically proven to reduce body hair by up to 89% after four treatments, being suitable for the widest range of skin types and can be used on both the face and the body.

Still too much of an investment? The no!no! 8800 using Thermicon™ technology painlessly removes hair and slows down the rate of hair regrowth.  Using it around two or three times a week will result in thinner and finer regrowth.  While this does require a greater time commitment, it’s perfect for those who normally shave but want something more effective and with continued use, will result in near-permanent hair removal.

Hair Removal at Home

High-tech treatments are not for everyone and today there are some eco-friendly options available too.  Pink’s Boutique’s Soil Association-approved products include natural pre- and post-wax solutions made with soothing essential oils. You can ease the waxing process by prepping withe the organic pre-wax cleanser and a must-try is the  soothing after-wax Calming Lotion to really take the ouch-factor out of waxing.

If your pain threshold is even lower than waxing can accommodate, Sally Hansen’s Spray On, Shower Off Hair Removal Cream is a perfect choice for hair removal on the go.  You can use the drip-free mousse in the shower on arms, legs, bikini line and anywhere else!  The clever little spray even sprays upside down – so important for those hard to reach areas – and works well even on coarse, hard to remove hair.

Die-hard shavers will love the Venus Vibrance Razor from Gilette.  The girlie-pink razor has a soothing vibration motion that gently exfoliates skin as you shave to leave your skin looking radiant and fresh looking. The Vibrance has three ultra-thin blades for a close shave that lasts that little bit longer as well as moisture strips which lubricate the blades as you shave. Plus the ergonomic handle and soft grip make shaving quick and easy, even if you’re in a hurry.

And whatever method you choose, use the Veet Hair Minimising Moisturiser  to ensure that those little follicles don’t come back too soon! Suitable for daily use, the moisturiser softens re-growth and reduces the appearance of stubble, whilst hydrating deeply.

Tips on waxing from Expert Village

Ask any facialist, and they will tell you the key to beautiful skin is thorough cleansing.  Says facialist Sarah Chapman, “Cleansing the skin is hugely important in order to encourage and maintain healthy functioning skin.  It’s a step in our daily routine that is highly underestimated.  For heavily congested skin or the removal of a good night’s make-up, a double-cleanse really ensures the skin can breathe.  Without a thoroughly cleansed skin you may as well forget the rest, your other products will be moisturising dead cells and unable to absorb through the dirt and grime!”

Cleanse your way to beautiful skin with these must-have products

Current cleansing faves are cleansing balms that melt on contact with the skin, taking away all traces of dirt and make-up. Evolve’s Cleansing Melt, available from Cult Beauty contains no soap, petroleum, perfume chemical or essential oils so it’s perfect for even the most sensitive of skins.  It’s so versatile you could even use it as a body cleanser, shaving balm, and even a wash-off massage oil.  Just massage into the skin and rinse with warm water for clean, moisturised skin.

Elemis, a favourite brand of spa-junkies everywhere, says “ the key to skin radiance is the regular use of a prescribed cleanser.  It’s the key to effective absorption of your anti-ageing neck, eye and face-cream” and recommends daily use, morning and night of the correct cleanser for your skin type.   Try their Melting Cleansing Gel for a similar experience to the Evolve cleanser.

For high-tech cleansing, the Clarisonic is the key item most beauty editors wouldn’t be without.  Harnessing the same sonic technology used in sonic electric toothbrushes, the new Clarisonic Mia is the mini version of the original rechargeable Clarisonic which has won so many awards.  The vibrations from the gentle brush, when used in conjunction with a favourite cleanser, cleans super-deep into the pores, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping to reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes, to leave smoother, softer skin that looks visibly cleaner.  Best of all, it’s gentle enough to use everyday.

If the high-tech route doesn’t appeal, then Jane Iredale’s Magic Mitt is perfect, especially if your skin is highly allergic to just about everything.  This little cleansing cloth is full of tiny, soft, gentle microfibres which work with warm water to remove make-up and grime, including mascara, all without the use of a cleanser.

Daily cleansing is the cornerstone to any skincare regime, but regular exfoliation and even face-washes including glycolic or salicylic acid can really help keep the skin clear of the build-up of dead skin cells.  For a professional take on the subject, try the Professional Cleansing System by renowned facialist Emma Hardie.  The kit contains all you need for daily cleansing and weekly exfoliation, including a luxurious Moringa Cleansing Balm (which smells divine!), Rosehip Exfoliating Seeds and a Dual Action Cleansing Cloth.

To dislodge stubborn dead skin cells and oil from pores, try Micro Cleanse from skincare specialist, Alpha-H.  With 12% Glycolic Acid, cucumber extract and rice bran, this is not for sensitive skins, but performs nothing short of a miracle on congested, dull skin, revealing the radiant skin underneath that’s desperate to show itself!  Just make sure to use SPF 25 or above after using this or any other Glycolic product.

Whichever route you take to clean skin, never underestimate the importance of cleansing.  Facialist Julia Hart says, “People do not spend enough time cleansing their skin.  I advise to spend at least a minute of massaging in your cleanser, rinse thoroughly, and don’t forget to cleanse your neck!  Cleansing really is vital for an effective skincare regimen for an effective canvas for serums and moisturiser to penetrate.”

Cleansing tips from A Model Recommends

Refreshments at The Chelsea Day Spa

You’ve increased the intensity and frequency of your workouts, avoided ice creams in the park, and now indulgent mornings lazing on the beach are finally on the horizon. Well, you may have skipped steps one and two, but for most of us it’s that time of year – time to relax and enjoy a summer holiday.

And the best way to prepare for a week or two of relaxation? With a blissed-out couple of hours at the spa. The Chelsea Day Spa’s Beach Body Beautiful package is a multi-tasking selection of treats that will prepare you for lounging next to the pool, whilst taking some time out in tranquil surroundings. The cute boutique spa is located in a quiet spot just off the chic shopping territory of the King’s Road in upmarket Chelsea, making it an ideal location to spend an afternoon with the girls. On arrival there’s a selection of refreshments on offer to make you feel at home, along with a warm welcome from the spa’s therapists, who really bring a personal touch to all of the services. The spa is prettily decorated, with fresh flowers, chintzy wallpaper and white furnishings; it’s a light, airy and feminine space – there’s no  New Age music or heavy incense here!

The package itself is a perfect mix of essential and luxurious pre-beach treatments and is guaranteed to put in you in the holiday mood.  There are three treatment options available of which you can choose any two as part of the Beach Body Beautiful plan. Depilation is a must at this time of year and so waxing (full leg, bikini, half arm, underarm and eyebrows are all included) is a certainly sage choice. Now for the indulgent bit; the spa’s New York manicure and pedicure – hands and feet are taken care of with a soak, massage and moisturising treatment, as well as the usual cuticle work and filing. There’s a dazzling range of Jessica nail colours to choose from, so you can select a shade to match your  swimwear.

A spray tan is a great way to get a blast of summer colour before you head to the sun and Vita Liberata’s odourless, organic tan is one of the best. There are three colour options available so that if you’re more of an English Rose than a Brazilian glamazon, you can be sure that you won’t look a fluorescent orange shade. Of course, it’s essential to exfoliate at home and skip the moisturiser so that your colour looks even and streak-free. Salon owner Faye Fasan is a pro when it comes to tanning and my tan lasted a full seven days and gave me a healthy glow that looked incredibly natural.

Even if you’re not jetting off beach-wards, the Beach Body Beautiful package is a delicious moment of summer indulgence, guaranteed to make you feel a million dollars – and in the mood for sipping a chilled cocktail whilst watching the sunset.

For more information on the Beach Body Beautiful package, see the Chelsea Day Spa’s website.

The cute boutique spa is located in a quiet spot just off the chic shopping territory of the King's Road in upmarket Chelsea...

Is it time to take care of your feet?

When the weather is grey and blustery we instinctively pop on our favourite pair of winter boots, ensuring that feet are hidden away from society, never to be seen until the sun and warmer temperatures return. However, the more savvy amongst us will know that to neglect your feet during the winter months will only result in a race to make them sensational for summer when the clocks go forward. Or if brighter days don’t prompt you to take care of your feet, this season’s fabulous new open-toe footwear certainly will; do not despair, it’s never to late and with a bit of  TLC you can get your tootsies into superb condition. The race is on…

Ready?

Neglected and abused feet usually suffer from cracked heels, callouses and corns making them unsightly and often painful, so where better to start than with some foot first-aid? There are a number of tools available that can be used to cure and prevent the build up of hard skin and prevent sore toes: Scholl’s Instant Hard Skin Remover is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use, with safe blade technology to provide effective removal of hard skin, enabling you to achieve professional results at home. And to remedy unsightly corns, applying a corn remover solution that contains salicylic acid will gradually treat the hard skin that has formed on your toes.

To prevent hard skin and corns from coming back, try investing in gel-filled toe protectors; there’s no need to ditch the heels all together and if strategically placed nobody will ever know that your feet are in therapy. And ensure you moisturise and exfoliate on a daily basis!

Steady…

If that all sounds like hard work and you want instant results, you may have to visit a professional to get your feet into tip top condition. Just over a decade ago the high street pedicure was as obscure as the thought of watching your favourite film on your phone; now it seems that there is a nail parlour on every high street across the continent.

For the crème de la crème of pedicures visit a Bastien Gonzalez studio for a thorough treatment. With studios in the most luxurious spas in Europe, you will be in good hands. “Bastien’s Duo” is a fabulous therapy that is a favourite amongst his celebrity clientele; relaxing in a 180° reclining chair, you will be treated to an hour-long synchronised  treatment at the hands of two therapists, taking care of nails, hands and feet. It’s the ultimate in indulgent relaxation, so you can expect an appropriately luxurious price tag too.

Go!

Now that your feet are the epitome of red carpet-esque splendour, it’s all about maintenance and if you stick to it, you won’t have to be searching the Running With Heels archives this time next year to re-read this!

Add a flash of colour to your toe nails!

You can revive tired and dry feet on the go with Trilogy’s Everything Balm. This must-have product is a combination of antioxidant-rich organic marula and rosehip oils, both known for their skin healing properties, as well as ingredients including avocado, honey, jojoba and vitamin E which nourish deeply.  The balm get straight to work by softening even the driest elbows, knees, hands and of course feet. Pop this wonder product in your bag and whip it out as and when it’s needed.

As much as one would love to indulge in a professional pedicure on a regular basis, if you have ten minutes and a few ingredients you can create your very own pedi paradise in the comfort of your own home.

● Fill up a bowl with some warm water and add your favourite bathing products (we like the therapeutic Dead Sea Salts from Neal’s Yard Remedies) as well as a few drops of oil. This can be anything from baby oil to olive oil (try REN’s Moroccan Rose Otto Oil for a truly delicious scent), then light a few candles and power up the iPod.

● Before you plunge your feet into the water, use a Diamancel Foot File to banish hard skin from your heels and the balls of your feet. After ten minutes slowly lift your feet out of the water and dry thoroughly.

● Now apply lashings of your favourite moisturiser to complete the treatment – highly recommended is the ultra-hydrating Shea Butter Foot Cream from L’Occitane. And to make them extra soft, try a pair of Bliss Sole Sister Softening Socks. These gel-lined self-activating socks further pamper your feet with nourishing olive and grapeseed oils and vitamin E, locking in moisture and resulting in supple, soft feet.

● Complete your D.I.Y treatment with a couple of coats of your favourite nail polish. Summer provides a great array of splendid seasonal colours but for the ultimate in glamour, red never fails, We’re loving The Thrill of Brazil by O.P.I for a true, tropical flash of scarlet, or a more discreet tone, try Essie’s Sand Tropez: a chic taupe shade that’s super flattering for tanned tootsies. Alternatively if you like your nails on-trend llamasqua’s Nail Varnish Set has four deep, dramatic tones that you’ll definitely want to show off.

So there you have it, beautiful feet ready to be presented to the world looking and feeling amazing. Now that you have great feet, try to keep up with your maintenance regime to ensure that they remain gorgeous 365 days a year!

The simply way to an at-home pedi

Fresh Faced

Whether you’re looking to reintroduce a youthful glow or reinvigorate a complexion dullened by pollution, choosing the right products can give your skin an instant boost. The Elemis Fresh Skin range is a collection of essentials for those in the teens to twenties age bracket, and offers everything you could possibly need to brighten skin and prevent premature ageing. The Skin Glow Face Wash is gentle enough for everyday use, whilst the Tired Eyes Soothing Eye Rescue is guaranteed to refresh your peepers and banish under-eye circles and puffiness. All of the products are made with natural active plant ingredients (think elderflower, apple, goji berry and blackcurrant) and they smell good enough to eat! A blast of vitamin-enriched goodness is a great way to energise your skin and John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum is packed full of antioxidants too. The rich serum rehydrates deeply and reduces those pesky fine lines and wrinkles, as well as protecting the skin from environmental damage; it’s a refreshing alternative to moisturiser which can feel a little heavy during warmer days. Murad’s Enviromental Shield Essential – C Toner is a favourite product for an instant fresh feel; swipe over your face with a cotton wool pad to really wake up your complexion. Or you could always cheat a little; RMS Beauty’s Living Luminizer is a fast-track way to create a bright, radiant complexion. Smooth on the cult shimmer cream for a sheer glow that illuminates the skin beautifully. And don’t forget your lips – refresh your smile with Minty Goodnight Kiss Lip Gloss from POP which moisturises and plumps whilst tasting truly delicious.

Refresh your skin with energising, radiance-boosting products from Murad, Elemis, RMS Beauty, POP and John Masters Organics

Fresh Body

About to press snooze? Refresh from top to toe whilst in the shower; Korres Mint Tea Shower Gel is an instant boost in a bottle. The light, invigorating scent will stir you from slumber, plus the Greek brand’s rather clever product also improves the skin’s immune system, increases collagen production and moisturises deeply. It’s almost that bikini time of year, so now is the time to invest in an efficient exfoliator; the All-in-One Invigoriating Lemon Scrub from Kimberly Sayer will banish dead skin cells and decongest pores, ensuring that skin is in tip top condition and beach-ready. The scrub is rich in pure essential oils and natural exfoliants, meaning that it’s gentle to skin. Follow with a light moisturiser; Penhaligon’s Vanities Hand & Body Cream comes highly recommended thanks to its fresh yet delicately floral fragrance and it ticks all the boxes when it comes to hydration – ingredients include sweet almond oil, shea butter and cocoa seed butter. To really lock in moisture after showering, it’s got to be body oil and we really like Weleda’s Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil. The cult product boosts skin’s natural radiance, whilst firming and protecting from free radicals. The magic ingredient? It’s a superfood of course! Pomegranate is anti-ageing and helps accelerate skin renewal. And just to prove that a long, indulgent bath doesn’t have to induce the zees, we recommend trying Seboni Heligan Haze Refreshing Bath Salts. The beautifully-packaged natural salts smell ultra fresh, and are made with natural herb and plant essences.

Inject a little energy into your bodycare routine with fresh treats from Korres, Kimberly Sayer, Seboni, Weleda and Penhaligon's

Fresh Hair

When it comes to your crowning glory, dry and dull just doesn’t cut it. Try giving Evolve’s Detox and Protect Shampoo a whirl – it’s an organic way to deep cleanse hair and get rid of build up of pollution and products, whilst improving the health of your scalp and adding a glossy shine. If you’re short of time, or hair needs freshening up whilst on the go, try Neil George Refresh Dry Shampoo; the spray shampoo is made with a formula of natural extracts to absorb excess sebum and boost hair strength. Even if your hair’s squeaky clean, this one’s great for giving a shot of sex-kittenish volume that would render Brigitte Bardot jealous. Another great product if you’re in a rush is John Masters Organics fresh-scented Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler; massage in after shampooing to ensure you can comb through hair with ease. It’s a styling product that won’t weigh your locks down and it only takes a couple of minutes to get to work, hydrating deeply and restoring tresses to natural, glossy health. Alternatively try Phyto Phytocitrus Masque Conditioner whilst taking a relaxing dip in the tub – it’s an ultra-rich and nourishing treat for hair, made with plant butters and grapefruit extract for a shot of citrus shine and radiance. For an instant refresh for over-styled locks lacking shine, we recommend Less is More Lindengloss Spray which is made with a selection of organic ingredients designed to give hair a real gleam. Spritz on to banish frizz and minimise colour fading and harsh UV damage. Et voila – refreshed from top to toe!

Give hair a natural gleam and restore health with haircare from Evolve, John Masters Organics, Phyto, Neil George and Less is More

schönBERLIN's contemporary deco

Located in the central district of Mitte, and a feature of the rapidly developing Hackeshes Quartier city block, the new Lifestyle Salon and Spa, schönBERLIN (meaning Beautiful Berlin) draws on the Aveda philosophies of naturally-derived and environmentally-kind beauty treatments.

Husband-and-wife team Andreas Mignon and Katherine Purvis Mignon have created schönBERLIN as a sanctuary of calm and luxury in a city that isn’t necessarily renowned for either of these things; even Mitte – Berlin’s most fashionable district – favours edgy and understated over conspicuous and ostentatious. It was a strangely apt reflection of the city’s rough-hewn character that on its grand opening press day, schönBERLIN’s entrance was obscured by hoardings, dust, scaffolding and a hell-fury of construction, but after stepping into the aromatic, cocoon like foyer, the cacophony outside was thankfully forgotten. The Mignons were understandably perturbed by the late-running construction work, but were poised, welcoming, and clearly very proud of their new venture.

schönBERLIN’s commitment to customer service – something that is curiously lacking in this city – was immediately apparent; staff are highly trained, bilingual and accommodating. Viewing a spa under these circumstances (a mid-week, mid-morning, pre-opening press day) makes it a little difficult to genuinely assess its atmosphere and operational flow, but even so it soon became clear that schönBerlin is neither a decadent, opulent retreat, nor simply an Aveda franchise. It falls somewhere between these two extremes: a modest, nature-inspired and inclusive spot that is appropriate for both a quick, specific treatment (all spa selections offer an ‘express’ option) or a languid afternoon indulgence.

The organic tone is established with earthy shades of taupe, beige, sandstone and brown, punctuated with a velvety shade of Berlin’s signature Prussian blue. The foyer is lined with shelves that feature the full range of Aveda beauty products; to the left of that is a make up counter and massage chair. Around the corner is a curved seating bench, which faces a minimalist styling area free of the usual styling accoutrements, instead it features banks of moveable free-standing mirrors that are suspended from the ceiling.

Around the next corner is schönBERLIN’s standout feature, its Haircolour Lounge. The area is specifically designed to encourage relaxation and communication while hair colour treatments are applied, altogether avoiding the boredom of sitting solo for hours on end in foils and under fluorescents. The area is completely devoid of mirrors and hair washing bays, and with its 4-metre long “table communale” made of 200-year-old recycled oak wood, that resembles a trendy café more than a coloursist’s station. A shampoo lounge is positioned at the rear of the space, and to the right of that a hallway leads to the low-lit treatment rooms, oases of calmness that offer a small selection of facials, manicures, pedicures and massages.

An unavoidable objective of a branded spa such as schönBERLIN is to showcase the entire spectrum of Aveda products, and therein lies the dilemma for the proprietors like the Mignons: how to balance a retail-oriented branded business, without resembling a cookie cutter franchise? Within a relatively contained space, schönBERLIN achieves this by placing an emphasis on the natural ebb and flow of movement and interaction: you walk through the colour bar to reach the spa rooms, the make up stand is right next to the stress relieving treatment, you can sip your complimentary herbal tea or organic coffee in the Haircolour Lounge and stylist area, etc. It’s not difficult to imagine the types of interactions, conversations and, ultimately, add-on treatments that will occur once schönBERLIN is in full swing.

A chic, relaxed environment in Berlin

Aveda is a beauty institution that consistently evolves to the needs of modern women and men, and the treatments that I received – the Stress-Relieving Hand and Shoulder Ritual massages – were great quick pick-me-ups in the middle of a busy day. Aveda devotees, and those seeking a full-service professional hair treatment will love schönBERLIN and its social, low-stress environment. Although the other treatments on offer are a little limited in range, the hands-on personal nature of the Mignons and their staff suggests that schönBERLIN will have no problems developing and adapting their services to the needs of its unique Berlin customer base.

More information is available on the schönBERLIN website.

The epitome of Upper East Side luxury...

Mention the words “Bliss Spa,” and immediately one visualises polished Upper-East Siders snatching a quick facial or body-wrap while they go about their glamorous daily business. The successful spa chain certainly does its best to epitomise New York luxury, with its minimalist white and blue décor, devoid of any overtly-feminine touches that other famous spas are so fond of.

On a cold winter’s evening I found myself in the Sloane Avenue branch, a bright and cheery little beauty nook with images of tanned, volleyball playing hunks dotted all over the walls. I was there to try the famous Triple Oxygen Treatment, their most famous facial, which delivers an intense blast of hydration in the form of a wrap, mask and spray. After chilling out in the waiting room, where a selection of tiny brownies, fruit and herbal tea were on offer, I finally met with a rather harassed looking therapist, who after telling her my skincare concerns, responded with. “Well I’ll try to deal with all of that!” With that I slipped into the heated bed which, although glorious at first, became slightly unbearable as time went on, and by the end I started to feel like an over-cooked haggis (possibly the effect of too many brownies beforehand…) My face was then placed under a bright light where every flaw was flatly scrutinised “your skin needs exfoliating… a lot of blocked pores everywhere… very dehydrated…” Erm… thanks.

A lovely cucumber mask was draped over my eyes and after cleansing and exfoliating came a fruit acid wash to thoroughly cleanse and remove impurities, which pleasantly crackled and fizzed on the skin. Afterwards came a pre-extraction oxygen wrap to open up the pores and then it was time for the dreaded extractions. For those unacquainted, this is when blackheads are forcibly removed with a metal implement. Delightful, I know. Excruciating pain didn’t begin to cover it, and I gritted my teeth as the old “pain is beauty” mantra kept running through my head.

A calming oxygen and milk mask was then applied to soothe my traumatised skin (although it was still glowing like a traffic light for several hours afterwards) and after a hydrating enzyme pack, it was time for the vitamin-infused oxygen spray. It looked and felt like those contraptions that blow a sharp gust of air normally found at the dentist, but was not altogether unpleasant.

Afterwards, I was told my skin looked ‘incredible’ (although gazing in the changing room mirror at my dewy yet tomato-red complexion told a different story.) But the next day my previously parched winter skin felt deliciously soft and hydrated thanks to the massive hit of oxygen it had been blasted with – an effect which lasted for several weeks. I can certainly understand why the Triple Oxygen Facial is so beloved by beauty editors and celebrities alike, and although the customer service was slightly underwhelming, the benefits to your skin are worth the price tag in itself.

The Triple Oxygen Treatment costs £145. For more information, see the Bliss website.

Get the oxygenised effect at home with the Instant Energizing Mask