We’re going in with the ‘take back your lunch break’ mantra right now – why? – because there is literal proof that you need to take a breather throughout the day. Whether you’re opting for a midday treat to fill in your lunch hour, or could do with a brow shape-up but just can’t find the time, express treatments are your saviour. Here’s everything you need to know about beauty’s swiftest treatments. By Rachel Spedding

When it comes to switching off from the day job, it often feels like we just start to chill on Sunday afternoon. From hunching over our desk, to finding space for our sandwich in the communal fridge, it’s a hard ol’ slog in the working world. We asked Jarek Zybowski (owner of London Pro Massage), for a little advice on the treatments that help to ease tension in the body (and mind). These are the four massage types suggested by an expert, so you can refresh on your lunch break – or even before your shift starts. By Rachel Spedding

You've tinted your brows. Everything is fuller, sharper, all-round preened. You've seen a world of 'perfect' brows and can't imagine one without. Fear not, tinters, there are simple tricks that'll keep that dye lasting long beyond your nightly makeup removal. From where to go, to how to care for 'em, here are the four things you need to do to keep your brows looking top-notch once you're out the salon door. By Rachel Spedding

Relaxing is priceless. Sort of. Lucky for us (and my obsessive shoe-buying habit), there’s a venue to suit every budget. Each as dreamy as the next, with a little difference in the services on offer. So from London town, to Chester, here’s a wondrous list of spas with top class facilities that won’t break the bank. Get saving – or don’t – there’ll be a place for your right here. By Rachel Spedding

Let's not beat around the bush – waxing can be painful. Since we're pulling the hair straight from the follicle, the skin can get a little... angry. For sensitive skin types (hi, me), easing the redness can take a while. If you find that shifting the hair has left your skin inflamed, red, and a little bit irritated, there are things you can do to ease the discomfort (wine not included but each to their own). By Rachel Spedding

Under eye bags, pigmented circles and puffiness are largely caused by a combination of two things – genetics, and life. Yep, a poor night’s sleep, a hayfever burst, or one too many tipples (ahem) are all factors. No need to hate on the appearance (lots of us can blame mum and dad for their presence anyway), we’re all darn beautiful. But should you wish to shift ‘em, or the puffiness is a little uncomfortable, it’s good to know exactly what’s going on, and what you can do about it. Enter: us. By Rachel Spedding

We spend about a third of our day in bed (make that two-thirds come the weekend, thank you). Great news for our mood, bad news for our skin. Our pillowcase is a breeding ground for bacteria – harbouring all the sweat, oil and straight up dirt from your skin and stashing it right there.  The longer we wait before sticking it in the washing machine, the more bacteria builds up. Thus, the vicious cycle of clogged pores and acne, commences. This is why you should be changing it. By Rachel Spedding

Wait, what? Two plans? In one week? Help me. Sometimes, we’re too busy to fit everything in. Other times, it's just an excuse. Still, we could all use a little assistance in freeing up more slots in our every day, to squeeze more in while staying calm. The key is in your mindset. 24 hours, we’ve all got them – here’s how to spend that time more wisely. By Rachel Spedding

Confessions all round: I've been an eyebrow waxer since '08 (my estimate of the year brows became a 'thing'). It was habit to slink into the salon, ask for a tidy up, and await the strip application. Sure, things looked fine, excess hair was removed and my sunglasses were positioned to hide the raccoon stripe of red stamped on my forehead (even in -10 North Eastern temperatures, FYI), but I was so darn intrigued by the world of threading. Researching and writing about it's popularity, and envying a number of pals with sharp, distinct brow shapes, it was time to succumb.…

We’ve come a long way from the back, sack and crack. Men are officially choosing to sharpen up body hair from head to toe. We know this how? Because our male waxing bookings were up 50% in 2017. So, know, chaps that you’re not alone in mission manscape. Here’s our guide on where we're shifting the hair.

There’s no plan greater than hitting the spa – comfort, relaxation and a whole lot of bubbles (hot tub and in our glass). Some venues take it to the next level, offering a little extra to make the whole experience properly 10/10: a real good time. We’ve got a bunch of wondrous spas across the UK with robes ready and waiting, and afternoon tea to munch through. These are a few of our favourites – perks and all. By Rachel Spedding

We’re all busy. Between the meetings, the socialising, the episodes of Great British Bake Off, squeezing in ‘you’ time is rarely the priority. That’s why lunchtime beauty treatments – or ‘express’ as we call them – are a true miracle. You can make time for a treatment, and everything else too. A snappy beauty fix, without the guilt, and room for a sandwich should you wish. It's time for us to tilt that work/life balance a little more in our direction when the lunch hour swings around.  By Rachel Spedding

Baby boomer nails. You heard that right, though you might be more familiar with the term ‘French ombré’. The romantic-looking nail trend blends soft pink into frosted white tips, and the story of its origin is kind of a mini history lesson. Yep, the ombré design has evolved from the classic French manicure, and dates back to around the 1940s. During that time – the baby boomer years – it was popular to paint nails in shades of white and pink. Fuse the two together et voilà, 2018’s baby boomer nail trend. The ombré effect will elongate the appearance of nail…

We’ve got one thing on the brain this weekend – no work on Monday (wahoo). You’ve got plenty of time to catch up on The Treatment Files, television, prosecco… First up, our top posts from last week. We’ve been talking all things hair – from colour trends, to thinning strands. An extra Bank Holiday gift, if you like. Enjoy. By Rachel Spedding

Tapping away between bites of Pret sandwich = life. Between back to back meetings and admin, the urge to work through your lunch hour is real. In fact, over 50% of us are doing it *guilty face*. The reality is that our brain just isn't wired to function in that way, and eating 'al desko' is healthy for no one. There are much better ways to spend those 240 hours a year (!), and not just returning that ASOS parcel under your desk. Step up from your uncomfortable office chair and get to doing. Here are four things worth trying. By Danielle Petch

We’ve had a year of nineties chops and pastel tones, but when it comes to hair colour trends, for the latter part of 2018, looks like things are set to get bright, bold and spicy (oo-er). Catwalk, Instagram, street style and, well, the office, there’s inspiration flooding in from everywhere, so we’ve rounded up our favourites. Make your appointment now, as you’re sure to be set on one of the below (sorry in advance for the temptation). By Rachel Spedding

It’s nice to switch it up, and there’s no thrill quite like hair dyeing. Heading into the salon as one shade, and leaving with another – the excitement. Course, if you have natural afro hair, there’s some prep needed first: research, consultation, and finding your most comfortable outfit (because you’ll be sat in that salon chair for a while). There’ll be no sacrificing curl pattern, moisture or all-round hair health on our watch. Here’s what you should know before embracing the colouring process. By Rachel Spedding

I seem to spend my life gathering lengthy ginger hairs around the household. In the hairbrush, attached to clothes, that little ball scrunched up on the shower wall… But, that’s normal. We lose around 120 strands a day, so don’t be alarmed if you’re the same. If you find that your locks aren’t growing back after shedding, that could be a reaction to something (or many, many things) happening in the body. Get to know the cause to protect those locks of yours. Here are the six most common culprits (and what to do about it). By Rachel Spedding

Bedtime, gin consumption, mattress preferences – things change as we get older. The same goes for our skin. According to leading dermatologists, your skin can start to decrease in collagen production from as young as 25, so it’s never too early to invest time (and sometimes dollar) in a good skincare regime. Of course, finding out which routine works for you can vary, based on your age and your skin type. Good news, we’ve got you covered – this is a handy guide on what to introduce to your regime throughout the years. By Danielle Petch

You can learn a lot from The Treatment Files (if I do say so myself). From looking after your skin in this ridiculously good weather (stick around a little longer, yep?), to dealing with cheeky grey hairs that appear out of nowhere. A giant dose of trend news and skincare essentials, right on your doorstep (/phone screen). To ignore a post is to ignore a life lesson. Your brain needs this. Here's our top 5 posts from last week. By Rachel Spedding

Freckles not included. We’re talking darker brown patches on the skin (known as ‘pigmentation’) predominantly caused by the sunshine. Perhaps you’ve noticed them cropping up and are curious to know why, or you do know why they’re there and are looking for tips on prevention. Since it’s good to know the cause – and make sure your skin is properly nurtured – allow us to dabble in science, just a little, while we explain everything.  By Rachel Spedding

Oh, decision-making. Do I want tea or coffee? Is a fringe a good idea? Watch a movie? Yep, just give me 48 hours to ponder my options. As an indecisive soul, heading to the nail salon is a two-week-long commit to choosing a colour, so when a trend swings by that allows my ‘hmm, but maybe this one’ mindset to flourish, you can bet I’m on board. For all too long we’ve been opting for one colour across our nails, time for a revolution (a very minor one, if that). Status quo, be gone, Instagram is reminding us why multi-coloured…

Facials are like a 60-minute makeover (without an ugly 'feature wall'). Whichever combo of steam, scrub, cleanser, peel, or extraction you go for, you’ll be reaping the benefits of good skin in a very short amount of time. But post-salon trip, our skin can go through various phases of ‘problematic’ before settling in to its new-found glow. This is what is (and isn’t) normal after a facial – aside from damn good skin. By Rachel Spedding

Yes, another trend for us to puzzle over during our morning tea and toast. Aside from platinum blonde doing the rounds with A-listers, bob haircuts have been the go-to trend of late. The latest switch-up is down to the styling, and has been dubbed ‘glass hair’ by those in the know (@chadwoodhair, I’m always looking at you). The sharp cut is polished, seriously smooth and uber shiny – hence, ‘glass’ – wise, I know. By Rachel Spedding