London's beauty scene is evolving faster than ever, with new treatments, technologies and trends emerging every season. From sculpting facials to flawless manicures and blow-dries that last for days, the city is packed with options promising brighter skin, glossier hair and a much-needed dose of self-care. But with so many places claiming to be the best, it can be hard to know what actually delivers.
So, in the name of research - and a genuine desire to separate the must-tries from the merely nice-to-haves, the HELLO! team set out to personally test some of London's most talked-about treatments. So if you're looking to upgrade your routine or simply treat yourself, consider this your curated insider edit of London's most effective beauty experiences.
Blow-drys & styling
Nicholas Hardwick
When it comes to perfecting that effortless, Pamela Anderson-esque updo, my skill set is severely lacking. How a few Bobby pins can create such a masterpiece is completely beyond me – so thankfully, I left it to the master himself, celebrity hairstylist Nicholas Hardwick.
Nicholas is based at the Josh Wood Atelier in Holland Park, but he stopped by for a special house call ahead of the Alexander McQueen London Fashion Week party. My outfit was a dark, romantic lace dress from McQueen’s Spring 2003 collection. It had an edgy, gothic vibe that called for a messy updo with face-framing tendrils to perfectly complement my dark smoky eye.
Nicholas prepped my hair with a selection of Oribe products while blowing out my locks, then set it in rollers before constructing the masterpiece. I was genuinely shocked when he finished the whole look in just 30 minutes! The result was incredible – loads of volume right at the crown, held effortlessly in place without feeling stiff or sticky. I’ve never received so many compliments on my hair, and as always, chatting with Nicholas was an absolute delight.
Reviewed by Maria Sarabi, Writer
Samantha Cusick London
As a blonde of over a decade, I have only ever let one tried and trusted hairdresser touch my beloved tresses.
If you live the blonde life, you will completely understand why. But for those on the darker side of life, let me explain. Being blonde is so much more than whipping in some highlights and calling it a day, because every single blonde is different, so when you find someone who gets it, the last thing you want to do is risk ruining your perfect colour.
But after seeing the expertise of Samantha Cusick through her work with the likes of Mel C, Grace Beverly and Tanya Burr, who are just some of the big names who have walked through her doors, I was desperate to see for myself what the queen of balayage could do to my hair.
I usually get a mixture of bleach and golden highlights to keep my blonde intact; however, as someone who is naturally darker (and hates the constant upkeep of dark roots), I was ready for a change, and thought balayage would be the best way to stay really blonde without having to religiously book in to have my hair coloured every eight weeks.
So what was the brief? Samantha and I discussed a few reference points, because as well as being brilliantly blonde, I needed to bring some life back into my dead ends. We called on the ultimate hair muse: Rachel Green and her famous YK2 face-framing layers.
What I loved so much about my treatment was how much self-made stylist Samantha made my treatment so bespoke, choosing haircare products that gave my thirsty hair the ultimate revival, as you can see in the before and after.
Not to mention, Samantha answered all my questions about everything hair-related I could think of, extensions, growth, how I can change up my routine, so even though I stepped through the doors of her sparkling new silver-clad salon in Broadgate for a simple cut and colour, I feel like I got a full hair MOT and a plan moving forward to get my hair nice in the best shape ever.
If you want a service that is truly worth the money, I wouldn't hesitate to book in with one of Samantha's team; they certainly have my seal of approval.
To book in with Samantha Cusick, click here.
Reviewed by Isabelle Casey, Reporter
Andrew Jose Salon
With the new year in full swing, I booked an appointment at Andrew Jose Salon for a cut, colour refresh and blow-dry after noticing my hair was starting to look flat and a little grown out. I wasn't after a dramatic change - just cleaner colour and a shape that would work better day to day. We started with a colour refresh to revive the tone and bring back some shine, and it made an immediate difference.
The result was subtle but noticeable, leaving my hair looking healthier and more polished without feeling overly "done". The cut focused on creating a shape that framed my face nicely while still feeling natural and easy to maintain. The blow-dry was the perfect finishing touch: smooth, glossy and softly bouncy, with that lasting "good hair day" feel. I left with hair that felt lighter, fresher and far more put together.
HARI's Hair Salon
© Karen HatchI booked myself in at Hari's on Fulham Road for a bit of a full hair reset: a Deluxe Blow Dry plus cut with Lewis, and a gloss colour with Francesca. First up was my colour, where we chatted through what I wanted from my colour – shine, dimension and something that felt fresh but still natural – and I was suggested a gloss to enhance my tone rather than completely change it. The whole process felt very considered, from the shade choice to how long it was left on. When it was rinsed out, my hair already looked richer and healthier, with that "expensive" shine that’s hard to achieve at home.
Then I moved over to Lewis for my cut and Deluxe Blow Dry. He took the time to look at how my hair sits naturally and asked how I usually style it, which I really appreciated. Instead of just trimming the ends, he gave my hair shape and movement again, without taking off more length than I was comfortable with. It felt like a proper, tailored cut – the kind that falls well even when you haven’t spent ages styling it. The Deluxe Blow Dry was the perfect finishing touch: smooth and glossy with soft movement, rather than stiff curls or over-the-top volume. It framed my face beautifully and gave that swishy, “good hair day” feeling that makes you stand a bit taller walking out of the salon.
Manicures & trending nail art
BACKSTAGE Chelsea
BACKSTAGE Chelsea delivers some of the best gel manicures in London, hands down. The space itself is stylish but relaxed - one of those salons where you instantly feel looked after. I usually start with a blow-dry, and it never disappoints: glossy, bouncy, and beautifully polished without ever tipping into "overdone". I've visited a few times now, and each gel manicure has been consistently impressive. Impeccably neat, shiny and flawlessly applied, they last brilliantly and always look great. What sets BACKSTAGE apart is the meticulous attention to detail paired with exceptional service. The place is ideal if you're short on time but still want to leave looking (and feeling) your absolute best.
Young LDN
You can't go wrong with a visit to Young LDN in Notting Hill - exactly what I needed when I booked in for a gel manicure that would be neat, long-lasting, and efficient. The space is bright and modern with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to switch off for a while. There’s even a cute little café inside for a caffeine fix, with some genuinely delicious vegan cakes, which makes the whole experience feel a bit more indulgent. My appointment began with careful shaping and cuticle work - nothing rushed or overly aggressive - followed by a great choice of colours, from classic neutrals to more playful shades.
Facials
Mallucci
I tried the HydraTight Facial at Mallucci when my skin was looking a bit dull and tired, and I wanted something that would actually make a visible difference without any downtime. It starts with a HydraFacial to properly cleanse and exfoliate, which left my skin feeling instantly fresher and really clean without being stripped. The second part uses radiofrequency, which gently warms the skin - it sounds more intense than it feels, but it's actually quite relaxing. What I noticed straight after was how hydrated and glowy my skin looked, but also a subtle firmness, especially around my jawline. It didn't feel overdone or artificial, just like my skin on a really good day. It's the kind of treatment I'd book before an event, or when my skin needs a reset but I don't want to deal with any recovery time.
Skin Matters
The Advanced Lifting Facial at Skin Matters in Holland Park is a real standout, and it's immediately clear why founder Joanne Evans is so highly respected within the industry. The treatment takes a 360° approach to skincare, using a mix of advanced techniques with a real understanding of long-term maintenance.
The facial itself was nurturing thanks to its combination of deep cleansing, lifting techniques and targeted skin work designed to support firmness and overall radiance. Rather than offering a quick fix, it focuses on strengthening and improving the skin over time. Afterwards, my skin looked noticeably more lifted, refreshed and balanced, with a healthy, natural glow. It's an intelligently crafted treatment that goes beyond surface-level results, ideal for anyone looking for a more pro-ageing, holistic approach to skincare.
Hero Skin Signature Facial, The Organic Pharmacy
As someone guilty of leaving my skincare at the bottom end of my list of priorities, I was delighted to discover the Hero Skin Signature Facial at The Organic Pharmacy.
Not only did my skin come out glowing in ways I didn't know were possible, but the 50-minute treatment featured a generous helping of massage in my head, shoulders and scalp, which, as a migraine sufferer, was simply divine.
The 50-minute treatment aims to hydrate, nourish, and restore balance to both skin and senses. It combines soothing scalp massage and acupressure, followed by gentle lymphatic facial brushing with a targeted massage, and the results, as you can see in the photograph above, speak for themselves.
My skin, which had been treated to a long list of The Organic Pharmacy's nourishing products, was noticeably more glowing, as pointed out by my friends in the days following my treatment. I couldn't recommend this facial more.
To book visit The Organic Pharmacy.
Massages
Méthode Trévalinet
I’m a big fan of lymphatic drainage massages, but with every practitioner bringing their own approach to the practice, finding the right one is key to achieving the best results. My favourite treatments are those that look beyond the immediate, visible benefits, focusing instead on the body’s internal wellbeing, detoxification and long-term health. While some techniques are incredibly light and gentle, others use deeper pressure to sculpt and contour the body. I found Méthode Trévalinet in Marylebone to strike the perfect balance between the two.
Rooted in the fundamental principles of longevity, Méthode Trévalinet is designed to enhance natural beauty, support mental well-being and restore overall vitality. Going beyond conventional lymphatic drainage, it combines the distinctive techniques of Renata, Vodder, and Kobido with the ancient practice of traditional Chinese acupressure. This holistic approach promotes lymphatic circulation, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, reduces fluid retention, encourages digestive balance and supports immune function.
From the moment I met co-founder Rebecca Trévalinet, I felt instantly at ease. Her bespoke approach to massage ensured I felt comfortable and cared for throughout the treatment. Designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, the method aims to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, reduce fluid retention and puffiness, soothe tension, and promote a sense of calm, while visibly sculpting and defining the body. Rebecca began at the legs, gradually working her way upwards, moving across the stomach and towards the arms before finishing with the face using gentle, upward strokes. Every movement felt considered and intentional. She also used a natural oil suited to a variety of skin types.
While the aesthetic results are amazing, what is more important is how it improves your internal circulation. You will feel noticeably lighter and deeply relaxed. It's a great treatment to get prior to your holiday or even after if you're feeling inflamed after being out of sync with your routine. If possible, it is suggested to go for a Lymphatic Drainage once a month.
Reviewed by Maria Sarabi, Writer
All things lashes
Emmy Creates
Knowing she was the mastermind behind Chelsea it-Girl and TV personality, Sophie Habboo's wedding lashes, my expectations ahead of attending my appointment at Emmy Clayton's lash clinic, Emmy Creates, in East London, were understandably quite high.
Having never had a lash lift for fears of singed lashes, I thought I'd finally make the leap when I saw Sophie's fellow Made in Chelsea BFF, Melissa Tattam, share Emmy's work on her own lashes for what felt like the 1000th time on her Instagram story, because if there's one thing to know about Melissa and Sophie, they know where to go for an excellent treatment. me
The pair have been clients of Emmy since 2019, so I thought, if they have managed to avoid frazzled lashes for seven years, they must be in incredibly safe hands, and they were. From the moment I rocked up to Emmy Creates, I was overwhelmed by Emmy's knowledge and strict protocol when it came to assessing my lashes to see which lift would work best for me.
I quickly learned that Emmy prioritises healthy lash growth; her process for lifting is specifically tailored to work with the way lashes grow naturally and therefore minimises any damage. While for some, this may mean not as dramatic a 90-degree lift you see in Instagram 'before and after' photos, what it does guarantee is beautiful curl, which, with mascara, gives you the flutteriest natural lashes you could dream of. It's safe to say I was completely delighted with the results, and, as a runner who often graces the pedestrian-laid pathways of the Southbank makeup-free, I felt like I was starting to get that au natural Chelsea-girl look I had always admired.
In the image above, you can see the huge difference in my lashes, not only just after the treatment but also in the following days with a lick of brown mascara. I couldn't recommend Emmy highly enough. The 45 minutes I spent on her table flew by due to our delightful chat about all things health and wellness. If you've always wanted to try a lash lift, Emmy is the real deal.
Reviewed by Isabelle Casey, Reporter
Edy Lashes
If you're looking to have the perfect lash extensions this summer, then let me direct you to Edy. Based in the affluent district of Mayfair, Edy is the go-to lash lady for countless stars, including Lily Allen, Trinny Woodall and Ellie Goulding. These are but a few of the big names who flock to Central London for an appointment with Edy (other A-listers request she keep their clientele strictly confidential) - and I can see why.
From the moment I stepped into her beauty room, I knew I was in for a treat, and the results didn't disappoint. As someone who doesn't have naturally long or curly lashes, I was so excited to have perfectly fluttery lashes full-time for the first time ever.
I had one of Edy's bespoke appointments, meaning the lashes - which are always applied to give clients a natural, fluttery look - were based around my individual eye shape.
The before and after photos speak for themselves. I cannot gush about my transformation more, and I know I will be completely heartbroken when they naturally fall out.
Like any in-demand lash-lady to the stars, if you can't get an appointment with Edy - who splits her time between London and Cannes - you can now get her pre-glued lashes, which you can apply yourself and the boxes, which will give you one month of perfect lashes, are £45. If you want the best lashes this summer, Edy is your lady!
Reviewed by Isabelle Casey, Reporter
