There's nothing like some R&R or treating yourself! After working so hard all week long, sometimes us girls, need some time out to ourselves to restore and feel good. So, why not take some time for yourself with these amazing hotspots in the county that you may have not even known existed:
1. Be Bhuti-ful
Bhuti, 50 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UB
The kitchen at Richmond’s yoga haven Bhuti has recently been certified 100% organic by the Soil Association and is celebrating with a series of supper clubs. Join the Yoga Kitchen Supper Club and Yoga Class on Nov 18 (6-9pm) for a banquet of vegan, plus gluten- and refined sugar-free fare. Also coming up is the Kids Yoga Course (Nov 1) and Moving Towards Stillness (Dec 2), a workshop combining vinyasa yoga with meditation.
2. The Bardou
The Bardou, Library Private Members Club 112, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4BD
If you are in town and need an emergency blow-dry before a night out, then head to the LIBRARY private members club in St Martin’s Lane, home of The Bardou’s express beauty bar – as loved by the likes of glamour puss Abbey Clancy. Not only can you have the blow-dry or up-do of your choice, but the experts on hand will also do your make-up so that you leave red carpet ready. I visited on a rainy Friday afternoon. Olivia took one look at my mop and transformed my curls into shiny, luscious-looking waves.
3. House Cats London
House Cats London, 32 High St, Teddington TW11 8EW
The latest addition to Teddington High Street is one of my new favourite places. House Cats London – so named because pet cats are amongst the most pampered of all creatures – offers blow-dries for those days when you need a quick zhuzh and a competitive menu of manicures and pedicures. These range from a rapid polish (£9) to the Paradiso Shellac Manicure (£50 with hand scrub and massage), which I tried. Add in the airy tasteful decor and a licence for wine and Prosecco – espresso and organic tea are free – and it's a little slice of heaven.
4. Aveda magic
Aveda, 2 The Square, Richmond TW9 1DY
Think of Aveda and you think holistic products that target both beauty and wellbeing – a link reinforced for me by a visit to the Richmond branch in The Square. Here I was introduced to new brand tulasara, which includes oleation oil and a dry brush to ease facial tension and renew energies for a radiant complexion. Gorgeous. I also learned that the shop not only sells Aveda products, but offers some bargain treatments too: blow-dries (£25, fully redeemable on products), once-a-month haircuts for £40 (with £20 redeemable on the first visit) and a 20-minute Glow facial, including a 30% glycolic peel, for just £15. You can also pop in for a free 30-minute facial, gratis make-up consultations and free relaxing rituals.
5. Brow wow
When it comes to make-up meccas, you can’t go far wrong with a trip to Superdrug – and Teddington has just welcomed its own new store to Broad Street. A peruse recently revealed tons of great brands on offer, as you would expect, but most exciting of all was a brow bar hidden at the back of the store. Here they offer threading of everything from brows to upper lip and full face, plus eyelash extensions and tinting of eyebrows (a bargain £7) and eyelashes. No appointments necessary, simply pay at the till.
6. The holy grail of anti-ageing
Skin Lounge, 40 Friars Stile Rd, Richmond TW10 6NQ
Effective anti-ageing treatments have long been coveted by the beauty industry, but Rachel Huskinson of Richmond Hill’s Skin Lounge believes that she has found the Holy Grail: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive lifting procedure that can smooth out wrinkles and tighten skin after just one session.
I tried it out at her funky salon, where each room is stamped with her bubbly personality – think wacky lipstick kisses wallpaper, fake grass and seasonal flowers. Six months on I have really started to notice the difference. HIFU targets the deep layers of the skin, including structural tissues and muscles, and stimulates collagen production. One session per year is usually enough to keep skin looking taut.
Ultrasound energy is delivered via a handheld device that is stroked across the face, around the jawline, mouth, nose, eyes, forehead and cheeks, in repetitive movements. You can have it done over a (leisurely) lunchtime, as there is no downtime or lasting redness, but be prepared for possible wincing during the procedure, especially around the temples, jawline and brows.
Just occasionally I had to grit my teeth, but the process was entirely bearable – most things are if turning back time is your goal! – and as HIFU is also used to treat certain cancers, I knew that there were no safety issues. It is pricey, but no more so than a year of costly products, and it's more effective and longer lasting.
