6 of The Best Beauty Treatments to Book Before Your Next Getaway

The Iris Maglanoc Effect Facial

For anybody wanting glowing, sculpted skin before a holiday, Iris Maglanoc should be firmly on your radar. Her before-and-after results speak for themselves – think sculpted cheekbones that pop, a more defined jawline and her signature lifting and lymphatic drainage techniques that leave skin looking refreshed and revitalised.

In an industry full of promises, Iris cuts through the noise. Every facial is entirely bespoke, tailored to what your skin and body actually need on the day. The result is more than just glowing skin; it's about restoring balance, releasing built-up tension and creating results that look natural rather than overdone. We met Iris at her beautiful new Fitzrovia studio to experience the IM Facial.

Part of Iris' reputation comes from treating the whole body, starting with an assessment of your posture while seated upright in a chair. She gets to the root of any internal niggles. For me, it was lower back tension leaving my posture lopsided and affecting my jawline. Who knew it was all connected? It's fascinating to see how issues elsewhere in the body can aggravate the lift and symmetry of your face.

She knows a thing or two about facial anatomy and symmetry, so much so that she was runner-up in The World Face Matrix Competition. If you're lucky enough to secure an appointment, you'll soon realise why she has such a loyal following.

From the moment you lie down on the oh-so-comfortable treatment bed, you know you're in expert hands. With years of experience in the industry, each treatment is a seamless blend of advanced technology and Iris' greatest tool – her hands. 

The facial begins with a deep cleanse and thorough skin analysis, ensuring every aspect of your skin's condition is understood and addressed. This is followed by Iris' meticulous approach to extractions. If you have congested skin like me, no pore is left untouched. Proper extractions are key, before moving on to myofascial release. Tight jaws and tense shoulders melt away within minutes, with Iris working on one side of the face at a time so you can see the results in a mirror as she works.

One of the standout elements of the facial is the combination of Golki massage and deep tissue pressure point massage. Iris was among the first certified practitioners in the UK to train in this technique, which combines myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy and sculpting methods.

This not only alleviates facial tension but also works wonders on puffiness and skin laxity. She also has a shiny new Korean beauty device – the Alteon – which combines lasers and radio frequency technology to tighten skin and improve facial contours without any downtime, delivering impressive results in just 20 minutes. Think brighter, tighter skin and a noticeable lift.

Your skin will glow after a bespoke IM facial, but more importantly you'll leave feeling more grounded, like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders… literally. And as for a more symmetrical face and that viral snatched look? We call it the Iris Maglanoc effect.

https://www.irismaglanoc.com 

36 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 8BQ

Holiday-Ready Nails at Bio Sculpture Selfridges

Can you even head through the boarding gate without rocking holiday-ready nails? We think not. Bio Sculpture's TPO-free gels, renowned for their long-lasting results and commitment to healthy nails, make the brand's standalone store in the heart of the Selfridges Beauty Hall one of our go-tos.

It’s a beauty editor favourite for two key reasons: the inspiring Art Deco space with natural tones and textures, and a comprehensive menu featuring high-standard finishes such as classic, gel, builder gel and nail art. 

But that's not all. There are also three private stations where you can indulge in an Elim pedicure – aka the Rolls-Royce of pedicures. Featuring an alkaline peel and deep exfoliation, this pedicure involves no blades or uncomfortable filing. Instead, this targeted treatment for dry, cracked heels follows the same gentle principles as a facial, leaving feet feeling refreshed, silky smooth and seriously hydrated in just 45 minutes.

If you have a wedding coming up, the latest bridal package is well worth considering. Consisting of three tailored appointments, it is designed to help you achieve your ideal bridal look while ensuring your nails are in peak condition ahead of the big day.

As for the colours, the shade range is seriously impressive. If you're indecisive like us, you'll want a plan of attack before arriving as every shade seems more tempting than the last. Between ‘clean girl’ nudes and brighter, more summery hues, the standout for us was neon zest - a bold lime green that pairs perfectly with a golden tan and a pair of black Chanel quilted sandals.

Our top tip? Don't leave without picking up a bottle of the brand's bestselling Ethos Almond Cuticle Oil. Ideal for keeping in your handbag or applying during a flight, it's a holiday beauty essential for keeping dry cuticles at bay and prolonging your colour.

https://www.biosculpture.co.uk 

400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB

REVIV's Megaboost IV: The Pre-Holiday Reset

For anybody looking for a quick reset and energy boost before a holiday, head to REVIV's flagship London clinic on Great Portland Street. The Megaboost IV, REVIV's signature all-in-one infusion, is one of the most popular IVs during the height of summer thanks to its hydrating blend of Vitamin C, NAC and the full B Vitamin Complex, contributing to 11 key health and wellbeing benefits.

Popular with frequent flyers, those with busy schedules and anyone seeking enhanced wellness and energy, the nutrient-rich Megaboost infusion works to support the body's needs and keeps you feeling your best.

For an added boost, combine the Megaboost infusion with Glutathione - the body's master antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress, repair DNA damage, eliminate harmful toxins and support a healthy immune system.

Sit back and relax for around 60 minutes while the infusion gets to work, or use this time to clear your inbox before switching on that long-awaited out-of-office. 

Results can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, with REVIV recommending booking around five days before travel. And even if you're not flying anywhere this summer, it's a great all-rounder for helping combat burnout and boosting energy levels during a busy season.

https://www.revivme.com/en-GB/
45 Great Portland St, London W1W 7LD 

The Pre-Holiday Hair Detox at Neville Hair & Beauty

Hair health is always high on our agenda when it comes to pre-holiday treatments, and this Chelsea institution certainly knows a thing or two about maintaining swish-worthy locks. 

A favourite among celebrities, Neville Hair & Beauty is home to a talented team renowned for creating natural-looking colour and impressive blow dries - trust us, they can last up to a week. 

The salon recently launched the SACHAJUAN Scalp Renewal Ritual after seeing a growing number of clients experiencing scalp concerns that can contribute to hair loss. Co-owner Elena Neville is a firm believer in looking after your hair post-summer, noting that many people focus solely on prolonging their tan while neglecting their hair and scalp health.

Enter the Scalp Renewal Ritual - think of it as a pre-holiday detox for your hair. Ideal if your scalp is feeling a little congested, it's a great treatment to have before heading to hotter climates, particularly if you'll be swimming frequently in salt water or chlorine, both of which can disrupt the scalp's natural barrier.

The ritual helps tackle some of the biggest culprits behind poor scalp health, including pollution, hard water, heat styling, sweat and dry shampoo build-up. Using the same principles as a facial, the treatment deeply cleanses the scalp, removing impurities, product residue, pollution and dead skin cells through a combination of SACHAJUAN Scalp Scrub, shampoo and conditioner.

Next comes a heavenly stress-busting head massage, which stimulates blood circulation and encourages healthy hair growth. A nourishing conditioner then helps repair and restore the hair cuticles. With your scalp now feeling zingy-fresh and decongested, the treatment is followed by a blow dry, Neville style, instantly taking your locks from lacklustre to luminous. 

We also love the fact that Neville Hair & Beauty clients can order from the Anya Café menu next door. The legendary Cheddar Cheese Toastie is always a good idea, while the Chubby Cloud cake teams perfectly with a flat white.

https://nevillehairandbeauty.net 

5 Pont St, London SW1X 9EJ 

The Virtually Pain-Free Waxing Appointment to Book Before You Fly

For hair removal, look no further than Strip. With locations dotted around London, you won’t need to battle the hot Underground too much this summer to find your nearest salon for pre-holiday hair removal. They've recently opened a brand-new Broadgate Central location, bringing their total to seven across London.

Quite simply, they're the best in the business when it comes to delivering virtually pain-free hair removal. Trust us, we’ve tried many waxing salons in London, and Strip is the place we keep coming back to time and time again.

Hair removal is what Strip is renowned for, with clients able to choose from three hot wax variations: signature lavender, ideal for sensitive skin and intimate areas; creamy chocolate hazelnut; or a fruity berry gel-based hot wax. The aesthetically pleasing treatment rooms also feature screens so you can lay back and be distracted by your favourite Netflix show. 

We stripped off and tested out the classic Brazilian bikini wax, which was a virtually pain-free experience, delivered with the highest levels of hygiene. If you're looking for a more permanent solution, pop back when autumn makes an appearance and consider laser hair removal treatments. It's a total game-changer.

The Brow and Lash Treatment That Lasts Beyond Your Holiday

There's certainly no shortage of brow bars in London for a last-minute holiday tint, but finding one that will last longer than a two-week holiday in the Mediterranean is another question altogether. Look no further than Nails & Brows Mayfair. Opened back in 2014, this luxury two-storey beauty emporium has been transforming Londoners' brows, lashes and nails ever since.

Offering everything from a simple brow tidy through to brow and lash lifts, microblading, microfeathering, lash extensions, tinting and a variety of brow-shaping services, it's the ultimate destination for keeping stray hairs at bay.

Sunnier climates call for low-maintenance makeup, which is where the Signature Eyes Wide Open Experience comes into its own. This face-framing treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by a brow and lash tint, brow shaping and brow application. The result? Defined brows that frame your face, eyes that instantly pop thanks to a subtle lash tint that requires minimal effort on holiday.

Despite the salon's popularity, you never feel rushed out the door, with beauty therapists dedicating plenty of time to ensure your brows are tailored to perfection. We were so impressed with the results of the Eyes Wide Open treatment that we've already booked in for our next appointment ahead of our next getaway.

31 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EJ

https://nailsandbrows.me