We have a date - 12th April in England (!!!) - that salons will hopefully open (provided everything is safe), which means our dreaming about the treatments we’re booking has stepped up a notch. We’re already dead set on the haircut we’re getting, now for the nails. We’ve been obsessing over the modern French mani and now pic ’n’ mix nails.  Otherwise known as indie nails or, simply, a different design on every nail. It’s no wonder these amazingly OTT nails are trending after months (and months, and months) of bare nails.  When it comes to designs, pick a theme…

We have a date - 12th April in England  (!!!) - that salons will hopefully open (provided everything is safe), which means our dreaming about the treatments we’re booking has stepped up a notch. We’re already dead set on the haircut we’re getting, now for the nails.  We’ve been loving the modern take on the classic French manicure for a while now and it’s not going anywhere for 2021. We’ve seen it on Gigi Hadid, Chiara Ferragni and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - not to mention all over Instagram.  What makes this 90s classic a modern fave? A few little personalised twists.…

Fruit acids (AHA) You’ve probably heard of AHAs, it stands for alpha hydroxy acid (in case you wondered). The best known of these is glycolic acid - a chemical exfoliator found in toners, serums, exfoliators and creams that removes the surface layer of dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. Other AHAs include lactic acid, critic acid and mandelic acid.    Salicylic acid (BHA) Beta hydroxy acid, otherwise known as salicylic acid, is the number one for fighting acne. BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells, impurities and excess sebum. While salicylic acid can help…

What is niacinamide?  Simply put, it’s a form of vitamin B3 (like how retinol is actually a form of vitamin A). Like many other vitamins, it’s pretty darn great for the skin because it works with the natural proteins in the skin, strengthening them. So, what’s so good about it?   It’s compatible with all skin types and other products One thing we love about niacinamide is that is works for all skin types. Yep, even sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. It also works extremely well with any of the other products in your routine (retinol, antioxidants, the lot). Because of…

Lockdown one was all about embracing no makeup days (and enjoying the skin benefits) but now it’s lockdown number three and we’re bored. So, we’re practising for when the restrictions lift. We’re talking hairstyles, makeup, you name it. Today: which shade of eyeshadow to wear to accentuate your eye colour.  First things first, there are literally no rules when it comes to makeup. We’re purely talking about the best shades for making your eyes pop. According to science (well, the colour wheel), of course.

We’re all pretty well-versed on the skincare changes we should make in the winter months - two words: more moisturising, and ‘lip balm’, come to think of it - but do you pay the same amount of attention to your haircare? Much like our skin, our hair needs more moisture during winter. The colder temperatures outdoors and the central heating indoors make the air much dryer which lifts the hair cuticle, letting moisture out more easily and leaving the hair dry and frizzy. Here are some of the changes you should make to your hair routine during the winter.

Snow, wind, rain - this weather is almost making us glad that we’re cooped up indoors. Not only is it absolutely freezing, but our skin is dry, cracked and flaky and cranking up that central heating is only making things worse (it dries out the air causing moisture to evaporate from the skin much faster). It really is a double-edged sword. Whether you struggle with year-round chapped skin or it just crops up in winter, urea is the ingredient to get to know.

Like all great beauty trends, we stumbled across this one on the Internet. Not Reddit or TikTok this time, but Pinterest. Skinimalism is an ultra-natural, skincare-cum-make-up routine. Think Glossier vibes - effortless, cool, fresh and paired back. Here’s how to hop on the trend.  

We’re dreaming about a lot of things during lockdown - nights at the pub, earlier times in the pandemic (yes, it’s that bad) and a sweet, sweet haircut. Something we’ll never take for granted again.  While scrolling through Instagram and saving endless amounts of inspiration pics probably isn’t helping the frustration of not being able to head to the salon, it does at least mean that when they do finally reopen we know exactly what we’re getting done. Curtain bangs, in case you were wondering.  Curtain bangs are great. They’re notoriously cool (Alexa Chung made sure of that), less high…

You’re following every skincare guru on Instagram’s advice, you’ve bought all the latest products and you’re dedicating more time to your skincare routine than you are your career and social life combined but your skin just isn’t playing ball.   If this sounds familiar then there’s a high chance it’s because you’re using the wrong products for your skin. While it’s always a great idea to try new things and switch up your routine if you start to notice any of the following symptoms it’s time to stop what you’re doing and strip your skincare back to basics. WRITTEN BY Louise…

What is a Korean skincare routine? Western countries usually promote the 3-step skincare routine (cleanse, tone, moisturise) - but now, thanks to Reddit and TikTok, are beginning to adopt the multi-step K-beauty routines. Korean skincare routines involve a lot more products, triple the steps and plenty of layering. Oh, and they tend to focus much more on hydration than exfoliation.    Step 1 & 2: Double-cleanse The first step is a double-cleanse. Use an oil-based cleanser first, to remove oil-based impurities like makeup and sebum and then follow with a foaming or water-based cleanser. This will rid the skin of…

Relieve pressure on your joints  Raise your hand if you spend your day hunched over a screen. It’s probably causing damage to your neck, shoulders and spine. “Regular massage reduces the risk of injury by keeping our bodies supple and improving our range of motion”, Paul, a therapist at Peace Star Therapy, explains, “a good massage will help your body to relax and relieve pressure on your back, neck and joints”.   Boosts your immune system  Regular massage is also great for boosting our immune systems which is super important as we enter flu season and Coronavirus keeps, you know,…

Right, it’s December 1st and that means it’s officially the festive season and no one can say it’s too early. It’s going to be a bit different this year, granted. There won’t be a knees-up at work, Winter Wonderland isn’t open and you can’t have the whole family around on the big day - that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do the stuff you normally do though, treatments included. Here are some extremely valid excuses why you should still do it too, in case you need some gentle enabling.  WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

It’s nearly time for salons in England to reopen their doors and if that’s not a Christmas miracle then I don’t know what is. Actually, come to think of it, if you managed to get an appointment this side of the new year that’s also a miracle because calendars filled up f-a-s-t. With that in mind, we’re going strategic. Think long-lasting treatments that will see us through to 2021, no problems. Here’s what’s on the list. 

Every time a new spot appears - uninvited may I add - on my face, I can guess with about 99.9% accuracy what caused it. That big, painful, under-the-skin one on my chin? Time of the month. The angry ones around my mouth? Maskne, ugh, 2020.  Diet is another big one (don’t worry, we’re not about to go all ‘you are what you eat’ on you). Eating too much red meat, refined sugar and saturated fats, or drinking too much alcohol are all classic culprits. Obviously, we’re not going to tell you to cut out chocolate or wine (we’re not…

We have a few go-to’s when it comes to beauty advice. Our stylists, obviously, that friend who’s always trying the newest miracle ingredients - and now, Reddit (yep, that’s the social media platform with forums on literally everything under the sun) and TikTok. They both have thriving communities of hair, beauty and skincare obsessives.  In this series, we'll be sharing the need-to-know tips and tricks we found from hours (and hours) of scrolling. Consider this your hair and beauty school cop-out (see what we did there?).  WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

Does anyone else feel like when the clocks went back the other day we ended up back in March? We’re going into lockdown, again. Salons are closing, again. And we’re sat here wondering how to get our lash extensions off without pulling out all of our eyelashes. Here’s a reminder of the DIY-guides that got us through the first lockdown. WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

Well, it’s fair to say Halloween ended up much spookier than we imagined. It was announced that England would be entering a second national lockdown and, yep, salons will have to close again *wipes away tears*. We’re pretty sad about it; we’re worried for our salon partners and for everyone’s mental wellbeing and - even though it’s not the most important thing - we’re already having flashbacks to our Lockdown 1 roots. If you’re lucky enough to have nabbed an appointment before salons shut on Thursday, these are our picks for lockdown-proofing your hair and beauty. By Beth Ludolf

That little bit of extra freedom was nice while it lasted but talks of a second lockdown are mounting. The country is already in tiers - and tears if hairdressers have to close their doors again. The first lockdown went from 0-to-100 reaaal quick, there was no time to squeeze in a last-minute haircut (what with all that hunting for toilet rolls). This time, we might not be certain it’s going to happen but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare. With that in mind, here are our tips for lockdown-proofing your hair. By Beth Ludolf

Let’s get straight to the point: dandruff is annoying. I know first hand how much it impacts your self-confidence and how darn stubborn it can be. But, instead of attacking your scalp further (with harsh products and resentment), adopting a softer approach and giving it a little extra TLC is the way to go. Kill it with kindness. Healthy, shiny hair (that’s flake-free) relies on a balanced scalp so it’s important to detoxify the skin, eliminating impurities and restoring hydration and oxygenation. We’ll talk you through it. By Beth Ludolf

I mean, seriously, because I can’t remember. If I could sum up 2020 in three words it would be “WFH”, or maybe “house every weekend” (and I don't mean the song). Socialising has been replaced by social distancing. For me, that means greasy hair days are easier to hide (shout out “switch camera off” mode), and washing my hair is more of a treat than a necessity - which is actually good for your hair too, you know?  The sleek bun is one of the few hairstyles where the greasier the hair, the better the bun (in my expert opinion,…

What are the benefits? Facial acupuncture is a great non-surgical alternative for slowing down the ageing process. Vivienne, owner of Primo Herb, explains, “facial acupuncture increases circulation in the face and promotes collagen production” - two key factors in achieving youthful-looking skin. The micro-wounds left by the needles kickstart the regeneration process and increase blood flow and oxygen, keeping the skin from looking puffy or tired.    What actually happens in an acupuncture session?  It’s not just about sticking needles into your skin, willy-nilly, so don’t try it at home. Before your treatment starts, your therapist will discuss your skin’s…

Every year when September rolls around, I venture up into the attic to retrieve the suitcase that houses my winter clothes during the summer - unpacking them into my wardrobe and leaving my summer dresses in their place. This year I’ll be doing the same with my skincare. Not lugging them up to the attic, but making some switches that will help my skin weather the cold months ahead. And you should do the same - here’s why.  A sudden change in temperature damages our skin’s barrier which means we’re more susceptible to aggravators (like pollution). This can leave skin…