We’re going to profess to know what women want in this article…and we’re going to play the card…we know, because we’ve got a lot of women on our team, all ages, from all over the world, with lots of different life experiences. So…our team view is that we expect our loved ones to go the extra mile on special occasions! I mean…c’mon who doesn’t right? It doesn’t always need to be a huge spend or even monetary but in the main, we all want a little extra TLC on the old Hallmark days.

The month of March kicks off with International Women’s Day (March 8th), and finishes with Mothering Sunday on the 31st, so if there ever was a time of the year to impress your wife, partner, sister, mother or grandmother this month is it.

What do Women Want? Quality Time

As women we’re always juggling a million things at the same time, because we can, and we’re just better at it than men (science says so, not us, fact!), but sadly that leaves us with little time, to plan quality time, with you, the men in our lives. So we really really appreciate it when you make the effort to organise something for both of us. Everyone loves a lunch or dinner out and that’s always a good idea, but how often do you take us to afternoon tea? Mother’s Day or Women’s day is the perfect excuse to try it if you haven’t done so already, and here are our favourite places for afternoon tea in London.

Afternoon Tea:  The Dorchester, The Langham, or Claridges. The setting is elegant, the scones mouthwatering, and the atmosphere absolutely charming. We recommend booking at least a couple of weeks in advance to secure your table. 

Fancy a day out in nature? You can plan a picnic or a hike or why not both? Our favourite picnic spots are near the Peace Pagoda in Battersea park or near Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath which has unbeatable views of London. Just a short drive out of the city is Box Hill which has quite a few family friendly hikes to choose from.

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Still Not Sure? Get a Blissful Gift Card

It’s no secret that we all enjoy a bit of pampering once in a while, and no, you rubbing our feet for 5mins does NOT count as pampering. We’d much rather have a professional do that, thank you. And we know the beauty treatment menu can sound like Chinese to some, so we’re perfectly happy getting a pampering gift card so we can choose our own treatment. With a range massages, mani/pedis, facials, and other beauty treatments, USPAAH can deliver instant bliss to your door, and you can book same day too (for those who tend to do things last minute;)).

Purchase Gift Card on our website, iOS app or Android app.

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Latest research shows that 80% of skin ageing is due to UV rays and pollution. Most of us consider ourselves pretty savvy when it comes to skincare, but do you know how much damage pollution is really doing to your complexion? With London persistently breaching safe limits not only is pollution impacting our health, it has an adverse effect on the skin too. Increased pigmentation, premature ageing, dehydration and inflammation are just a few signs that pollution is having a negative effect. Here’s our guide to pollution proofing your skin.

1. Eat foods rich in antioxidants

Free radicals present in pollution, break down the collagen in our skin thus preventing it from looking plump and radiant. Eating a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods such as dark leafy vegetables, cranberries, blueberries, pecans and walnuts – can help nourish the skin from the inside out. For lacklustre skin, amp up your facial massage when applying your night cream. This stimulates lymph glands and expels toxins. Better yet, indulge in a blissful facial (yes, of course we’ve got just the one) and ask your therapist to add a vitamin C booster to counteract urban skin aggressors.

2. Avoid congestion areas and cleanse quickly

Pollution particles can be 20x smaller than the human pore and traffic pollution has emerged as the single most toxic element to the skin. Dodge it, by taking a “low pollution” route to work. Innovative apps such as City Air can help you plan your journey in the most pollution-free way possible. At the end of the day, limit damage by not allowing pollution particles to sit on the skin for any longer than necessary. Don’t wait until its time for bed, thoroughly cleanse skin as soon as you get in.

3. Use sunscreen all year long

You’re probably already using it when it’s sunny, but here’s another reason to slather sunscreen on whatever the weather: Pollution weakens the skin’s natural barrier increasing the likelihood of skin pigmentation. Our favourite product to “city-shield” your skin is Khiel’s Ultra Light Daily Defence, £35 and if you’re browsing for others, remember to look for SPF formulas that contain antioxidants which further boost the cream’s pollution-fighting powers.

Your Pollution Proof Skincare Routine

Here are our top pollution-busting products that literally breathe fresh air into skin – because let’s face it – it’s all about the glow!

  • Jump start the skin with a cleanser bursting with peptides and barrier boosting collagen such as Balance Me’s Collagen Boost Restore, £18.
  • Next, apply your serum of choice or try Skin Ceuticals Triple Lipid Restore, £123. It’s the ultimate in leaving skin feeling soothed and cosseted (Cosseted Meaning: care for and protect in an overindulgent way).
  • Finally top off with a high SPF day cream such as Khiel’s Ultra Light Daily Defence, £35. It’s oil free and suitable for even the most sensitive of skins.

Give your skin a healthy boost with one of our blissful at-home facials. Treatments start at £43 and our Sparistas only use premium brands such as Comfort Zone and NuSkin. They arrive with full expert kits and tailor the treatments to your skin type and condition.

Book a facial via the app, website or email concierge@uspaah.com