The four beauty apps we rate for booking a last minute at-home pamper
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year… if you have someone to spend it with. The majority of us are hopefully part of a Brady Bunch-type family who countdown to Christmas drinking mulled wine and mince pies to then spend more countless hours eating, drinking and pampering ourselves for all the festive events that Christmas embodies.
If your family don’t live near you, you’ve suffered a loss or even just the fact that you have to work, the holidays can become just an ordinary week and a whole lot of fuss about nothing and the thought of being on your own can feel pretty overwhelming. Until now. In an attempt to banish Christmas blues, we say if you can’t spend time with family it’s time to spend time with yourself.
Market research firm Mintel have reported the rise of ‘Slow Beauty’ as an emerging trend for 2019. “In a culture of instant gratification and same-day delivery, more beauty brands are encouraging users to slow down and take time for themselves,” says Sarah Jindal, Senior Global Innovation & Insights Analyst. When was the last time you poured yourself a glass of wine, lit some candles and got into the bath without your mobile phone balanced on the radiator?
Jindal adds, “slow beauty has emerged as a counter to the fast-paced nature of today’s beauty industry and also the general pace of life. By slowing down and taking time to care for oneself, it can decrease your risk of anxiety, depression and stress. It also gives women and men the chance to connect with themselves again and indulge in some rewarding beauty treats.”
With the trend of “me-time” on the rise, beauty brands have acknowledged this, turning to traditional, functional ingredients and DIY at-home treatments that really work in letting you unwind and relax- saving you the money and trip to the beauty salon.
Jody Shield, a success and leadership coach adds, “beyond presents and parties, Christmas is actually a really important time for everyone to transition into 2019 in a positive way.”
Taking that time to switch off and focus on yourself will have a huge impact on how you face the next year ahead. Pretty much everyone sets themselves new year’s resolutions but the mind more easily falls back into habit rather than a new routine so, “Focusing on yourself over the holidays with some beauty TLC will give you a head start on your resolutions and a better chance of embodying a whole new better you in 2019,” advises Shield.
The 4 best at-home beauty services
Glow & Dry
Glow and dry are primarily London based (for now) with regional offerings beginning in January. They offer luxury styling and concierge services that caters to you every beauty need. From a bouncy blow-dry to a lesson in make-up, they have everything covered and are free to travel to events with you to be your personal on-the-go make-up artist or hairstylist.
Treatwell
Fancy a day of pampering? Look no further than beauty concierge service, Treatwell. Manicures, yoga classes, spa-days - you name it, they have it. We recommend booking back-to-back treatments to fill your holidays with total TLC for you.
www.treatwell.co.uk or download the app
Urban Massage
When it comes to an at-home massage, that is no better service than Urban Massage. Available in Manchester, London and Birmingham you can not only have an aromatherapy massage, but if needed, see a skilled osteopath who can crack you back into place and save you the hassle of having to get to a clinic.
www.urbanmassage.com or download the app
Ruuby
This app is your go-to for everything beauty, especially at-home cosmetic treatments. From medical-grade facials to micro-needling and mesotherapy treatments there’s nothing they can’t do. They even have on call doctors that can administer botox in the comfort of your own home.
www.ruuby.com or download the app
5 DIY beauty products for an at-home pamper
1. Get ready to glow
Fake Tan should never be underestimated, its ability to boost your mood is next to none and the at-home products mean you can warm up your skin in just an hour meaning you are always party ready. Try James Read 1 Hour Tan Bronzing Mousse for Face and Body, £30
2. Try a mask
Masking is now part of pretty much every woman’s beauty regime and is the ultimate fix for a night in on the sofa. Try Shiseido’s new WASO Purifying Peel-off Mask, £27, it will leave your skin quenched and revitalised.
3. Have a bubble bath
It’s simple but it works. Drawing a hot steamy bath with feel-good bubbles has been proven to make you feel better. A study in The New Scientist said that, “Taking baths just twice a week will produce a persistent lift to you mood.” Soak with Ameliorate Softening Bath Milk Oil, £18 or indulge with Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir bath oil, £18
4. Enhance your smile
Reality TV programme Love Island has been driving teeth whitening sales ever since the show started. It’s also provoked leading teeth experts to launch effective and affordable at-home whitening kits to enhance your smile in just one go. Try Rapid White 1 Week Tooth Whitening Power Set, £15
5. Laser hair removal
Get ahead on 2019’s beauty to-do list and start your at-home laser hair removal course. It takes time and dedication but is a fraction of the price you would pay in salon.
Philips Lumea At home laser hair removal tool, £356
3 winter beauty problems… solved
Problem: Chapped lips
There’s nothing more painful than peeling flakey lips and like your face, the best way to avoid unevenness is to exfoliate. Use a lip scrub twice a week and apply a generous amount of your favourite lip balm to nourish. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lipstick, £20
Problem: Dry hands
Extremities always feel the worst of the cold weather. A barrier-cream will protect your hands against the cold and wind when you’re out and soothe them when you’re back in doors. Apply post-wash to really lock in the moisture and top up regularly. Try Neutrogena Hand Cream, £4
Problem: Flakey Scalp
Cold winter weather can play havoc with your hairline and result in unwanted snow-like dandruff that would make anyone self-conscious. Use the holidays to detox your hair and treat it to a scalp-exfoliating treatment such as Leonor Greyl Tonique Hydratant Moisturizing Leave-In Treatment, £20
