STA Main

Walk out the door, it’s sunny and your makeup sweats off, ten minutes later, the wind hits you hard in the face, almost as hard as a slapping scene that would take place in Eastenders. The joys of transitional, British weather everyone. Keep scrolling for a few makeup and skincare tips and tricks on how to sidestep that dreaded dry winter complexion and stay glowing all year round.

PREPARATION IS KEY

Glamglow

Starting with hydrated, moisturised skin is vital. Just like keeping a car oiled, think of your skin as the engine to your Ferrari! Invest in powerful skin masks such as Glamglow’s Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment (£39); containing the magic ingredient Glycerin it works to hydrate, moisturise, restore AND replenish the look of skin.

SCRUBA DUB DUB

Image Source
Image Source

Chapped lips are an inevitable part of colder weather, so treat them with care and exfoliate/ moisturise them with cheeky Australian brand, Frank Body’s Lip Scrub (£8.95) and Lip Balm (£6.95) for all year round kissable lips.  As for the face, go for gentle cleansing products such as much loved French beauty brand, Nuxe’s Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals (£14). Formulated with rosewater to purify, refresh and replenish skin, it’s ideal for sensitive complexions.

PRIME TIME

BECCA Primer

Primer and face creams should be used to create an even canvas for all of the lovely makeup that we continue to buy (why shouldn’t we own 10 shades of blushers, peaches and pinks are totally different, right?). For oily skin, try Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer (£30), a cult classic in many a beauty junkie’s makeup bag, working to blur the skins texture to create an airbrushed finish. Our favourite though, is Becca’s First Light Priming Filter (£32), which uses translucent, violet light to brighten & even out imperfections, and pear flower and Sodium Hyaluronate to capture moisture. We’re telling you, this stuff is like a wake up call for the skin.

LIGHT WEIGHT COVERAGE

YSL Foundation

When your skin changes as the terror of winter looms, makeup artist Suzy Gerstein suggests experimenting with different products, to see how your skin absorbs them throughout the day. Try working in a few drops of Nourish Organic’s Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum Apricot + Rosehip (£16.53) to calm redness and lock in any natural moisture, before applying a light layer of foundation. For combination skin, Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation (£33.50) which evolved from the brand’s amazing Touche Éclat Complexion Highlighter (£25.50) that provides even coverage and true luminosity.

SPOIL YOURSELF

Facial

If your complexion’s just not looking as revitalised as you’d like, we recommend treating yourself to a facial once a month, or every two months to really rejuvenate your skin (it would be rude not to, no?). Sit back, relax and let our Sparista’s work their magic on your skin, working to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish, leaving you with a well-hydrated complexion. Facials starting at £68 for 60 minutes, or £88 for 90 minutes.

AWS

With the Autumn Winter 2017 Bridal Week featuring an array of the usual suspects, exposed backs, high lace necklines, and dramatic trains, the bridal trends for this season aren’t holding back. Think all of the above, with a little more oomph. Welcome folky embroideries, floral embellishments, and the most opulent of hues. Here, the reigning bridal trends of AW17.

UP IN THE HAIR

Bridal Hair

With major references to the AW17 Bridal shows, an array of soft and wispy chignons could be seen taking centre stage, capturing a romantic and timeless feel. To achieve this look, we’ll let you in on our Sparistas best hair care secret, Oribe’s Dry Texturising Spray (£20). Perfect for adding easy texture to an understated and artistic style. If you’re not a fan of your hair up, then this seasons hair must-have is the gold leaf hair vine (£80), teamed with loose waves, or even soft braids, it adds that touch of ethereal and avant-garden style chic.

SAY YES TO THE DRESS

Bridal Dress

Evolving from simple off the shoulder style gowns of the summer, to cold-shouldered floral details, designers have taken flowers to a whole new level this season. We’re talking about the most exquisite, so-delicate-you’ll-want-to-cry 3D embellishments, and volumes of tulle and ruffles. We’re completely in love with this beautiful gown from the incredible Bridal design house, Mira Zwillinger. The barely there nude bodice beneath the sheer white tulle ensures that this modern and ethereal take on a classic style silhouette screams more is more.

BOLD MAKEUP

Bridal Makeup

As a daring contrast to a white or ivory gown, keep your skin fresh and dewy, and then add a bold statement with a vampy style lip. Donned by the squad of brides at the Naeem Khan show, be brave and bold with Nars’ Audacious Lipstick in colour ‘Charlotte’ (£25). For a softer look, try a nude lip with a slightly contoured dewy finish on the skin – we’re looking at you, Armani luminous silk foundation (£40). These makeup looks aren’t just limited to the Bridal party -Autumnal beauty and wardrobe trends are too good to miss out on!

PUT A RING ON IT

TH Ring

Now, if you’re a future Bride, bridesmaid, relative of the wedding party, or simply reading this blog and feeling serious wedding envy (admit it), we’ve got a little treat for you. We’ve teamed up with our favourite wedding ring designers at Taylor & Hart, offering you guys 150 GBP off  bespoke engagement rings, using the code USPAAH150 at checkout (https://taylorandhart.com/bespoke-engagement-rings). Providing a personal service from the second you schedule your consultation, through to your wedding and beyond, you wont want to miss out.

FLORAL DELIGHT

Bridal Flowers

With the transitioning of seasons, come the vibrant hues of deep reds, rich gold’s, and palettes of creams, yellows and peaches. Whether you’re a fan of wildflowers, or prefer big bold bouqets, anything goes. Take a look here at Wedding Flowers Expert, Karen Barnes’ inspo guide to the prettiest of palettes. Flowers never looked so instagrammable.


For hair and makeup appointments for yourself, and your bridal party don’t hesitate to contact us on concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534.

Cleansing waters 2

Every few months, there’s a new beauty trend, and this year’s must haves have been micellar water and facial oils. We’re all over these products like a rash – but what are they in reality? Is Micellar water as magical and mysterious as it seems, should oil touch the likes of oily skin, or are they just more beauty gimmicks that won’t stand the test of time?

THE MYSTERY OF MICELLAR

Cleansing 2

Turns out Micellar water has been around for over a hundred years, yup, for real. Originally designed to help busy Parisians deal with the cities harsh H2O, the formula is made of micelles, which are tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water. Dermatologist and Simple skincare expert Dr. Debra Luftman notes “Micelles are attracted to dirt, grime, and oil, and they draw out impurities without drying out your skin”.

Instead of using your average ‘makeup remover’ which can leave behind harsh chemicals on your skin, micelles work to dissolve the leftover dirt and makeup on your skin, leaving behind a glowing, hydrated complexion to rival the likes of K-Mid.

Must haves:
We LOVE the Decléor Paris Aroma Cleanse Micellar Water (£23), and so do some of our Sparistas! Containing Rose Essential Oil, which protects the skin against aggressors, this solution will purify and settle even the most sensitive of skin. For a more affordable option and by far the most highly recommended by industry experts, is the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution (£10.80). The decongesting ingredients prevent stains caused by irritations which are often related to your every day cleansing – say your goodbye’s to face wipes!

OIL IT UP

Face Oil MK

Having first crept their way into our hair care regime (Argan oil we’re looking at you), face oils are now slowly planting their bottled selves down in to our skin care regime. Although they may sound a little scary, especially if you suffer with ‘oily skin’, they’re actually great for ALL skin types.

The more good oils you use, like rosehip, blue orchid and African marula oils, the less your face will produce its own bad oils which lead to spots, blemishes and a whole load of uninvited problems. Read below for our favourite skin heroes, designed to rebalance the skin, leaving it super-nourished and moisturised.

Must haves:
A very luxurious option is African Botanics’ ‘Cell Regenerating Oil’, made from pure Marula Oil. This nutrient rich ingredient extracted from the Marula tree in South Africa is full of essential fatty acids, along with Vitamins C and E,  which work to to build collagen and increase elasticity in the skin. It’s all about plant power in the beauty world, and we highly recommend this Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil by Clarins (£33). Ideal for the upcoming change in weather (RIP Summer 2017), this face oil (£80) made from pure plant extracts will nourish your skin.

We didn’t want to throw too much information at you all at once, so keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks for more insights into the best beauty waters and oils… Glowing, hydrated skin and a very full bathroom cabinet – what more could you want?

Pimple

You could be one of the unlucky ones that actually abides by all of the skin laws, or you could be the “I just can’t understand why I’m breaking out” whilst you eat just ‘one more’ block of that Lindt chocolate in the fridge type of person. All we know is that acne shows up uninvited, overstays its welcome, and leaves more than a mess after it’s finally decided to up and leave (sound like anyone’s ex or just ours?). Find out everything you need to know about diagnosing, preventing, and treating every kind of blemish – it’s time to resurrect teenage beauty without teenage skin.

Firstly, diagnosing the kind of spots you have is vital – if you have whiteheads then this more than likely the result of under-exfoliating the skin. If your spots are red and hard looking, they’re likely to be caused by hormones such as Cortisol, which flare up when you’re stressed and cause inflammation.

The Ordinary

To get rid of milder, non-hormonal breakouts without a prescription, you should try treatments containing 2 percent salicylic acid that work to gently exfoliate, like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion (£11) or The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (£4) twice daily. Another great trick for winning the skin battle would be treatments containing benzoyl peroxide such as Dermalogica’s Clear Start Treatment (£15.75). It can take up to six to eight weeks before you notice a real change in your skin so like those slow burning Netflix series… be patient with them.

MonoPolySaturated

Aside from over-the counter and prescribed treatments, there are a number of foods associated with skin clearing properties. Enrich your diet with vegetables like Kale, containing a full range of vitamins and potent levels of manganese, calcium and protein – whack a bit of Kale in your soup and we swear you’re on to a winner. Also, don’t be afraid of fats – HURRAH! Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocadosfish, nuts and seeds provide essential fatty acids which act as a natural moisturiser for your skin. We love the food at the Detox Kitchen, they focus on creating nutritious, wholesome food using good quality, seasonal ingredients. Sadly, it’s time to put the chocolate digestives down and say bye-bye to sugar.

Stress

Finally, try not to stress. If you’re one of those guilty of switching the light off, lying in bed and then thinking about every single thing in the whole world EVER (guilty!), then your skin is bound to suffer. We love This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil (£25), which contains Grape Seed Oil and natural blend of Provencal Lavender, Vetivert, Camomile that soothes you gently to sleep. If stress is the cause of your skin dilemma then work out the mechanism that works best fighting it for you – whether it’s yoga, HIIT, or bubble baths before bed! Why not step out of your comfort zone and try a Broga class at Third Space Gym, combining elements of both bodybuilding and yoga, you’ll definitely release some endorphins!

Facial

If you feel like upping your skin game this summer and aiming for that Kylie Jenner glow, try a Pure Skin Facial with us at USPAAH. Our sparistas will work to cleanse, exfoliate and nourish your skin – youthful glow coming right up.


Got questions? Simply contact concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534

Wimbledon is one of our favourite events of the year, for many reasons. It’s one of the perfect fashion events that set’s the tone for the rest of our summer social calendar, and with the possibility of bumping into old friends, celebrity A-listers (Bradley Cooper we’re looking at you), or even appearing on TV for a whole millisecond, Wimbledon preparation is certainly needed! It’s time to indulge in underdog victories, manicured lawns, and non-stop coverage. Below we’ve listed our biggest style and wellness tips to give you a little boost.

MANI MANIA

Our favourite “trend” for summer events like Wimbledon is simply, nude, natural looking nails. Apostrophes needed around the word “trend” because nude, natural nails are always in. Always. For fair skin, you should probably lean towards creamy, mauve-based ballet pinks like Essie in Brooch The Subject or Allure. For darker and olive skin types, something with a touch of peach or beige will be the most flattering , so try our obsession Samoan Sand by OPI.

MIDDLETON MAKEUP

We’re often crushing on K-Mid, who isn’t? When it comes to her hair, makeup, and styling she’s always on point, so lets all take inspo from this royal babe. Wimbledon calls for the beautifully barefaced look, and because it actually takes some makeup (and maybe even a few false lashes!), you might want to get your face painted by one of our talented Sparistas. I mean, it would be silly not to right? We imagine K-mids skin might have a lit-from-within glow naturally, but a few dabs of a highlighter, like Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator, will also give us mortals the same result.

PRETTY LIKE PIPPA

Its not just about Kate Middleton though, we’re pretty sure the whole of the UK has fallen in love with Pippa Middleton too, right? Not one to falter in the style stakes, Kate’s little sister gives us both hair and tan envy all in one! If you’re partial to a sun-kissed look like this bronzed babe, a USPAAH spray tan is the answer! If not, we’ve mentioned before that we love St.Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion, perfect if you’d prefer to build a tan over-time. Hair wise, Pippa is never seen without a blow dry – when would shiny, bouncy hair ever not be a thing? If you’re strapped for time, try a low, no fuss, ponytail. Create the illusion of width by adding texture; pull layers out near the front, and holding an iron vertically, curl them outward. Regardless of face shape or hair type, it’s actually surprisingly easy to master the look, just like our lovely Pippa!

MORE MASSAGE

If the sporting season has got you all fired up, and you’re about to kick-start your fitness regime all over again, we recommend you invest in a massage… or three. We’re all about wellbeing and health, mind, body, and spirit. Getting active can often cause a little strain on your body (especially after BBQ’s and copious amount of Aperol spritz!), so a deep tissue/ sports massage is the perfect reason to start working out again!


Got questions? Simply contact concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534

G

The sun’s shining in London, open-toe shoes are calling, and your boots have been stored away for another few months. If you’re in the same boat after a long cold winter of neglecting your feet, it’s time to get them poolside ready. Keep reading for our top tips for getting your tootsies looking their best!

Exfoliate

E

An obvious one, yet something we’re all guilty of ignoring. “Oh well, I’ll do it tomorrow” you say as you put your slippers on and curl up on the sofa – not this time you don’t! We recommend investing in this Margaret Dabbs exfoliating foot mousse (£20), which uses ground Tea Tree Leaf to exfoliate, and replenishes and hydrates the skin with Emu Oil.

Moisturise

B

Try to get into the habit of moisturising your feet every other day – and don’t forget to focus on your heels! Olive oil and coconut oil are great organic remedies that won’t break the bank, PLUS the smell screams island vibes. Who needs the Caribbean eh? If you’d rather go for something a little more luxurious, L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream (from £8) is so highly regarded that it’s won awards! The power in L’Occitane’s formula comes from lavender essential oil that purifies the skin, enabling the anti-inflammatory arnica to calm redness and inflammation.

Protect

C

Sun burnt skin is the least chic look you can have during the summer season, let alone sun burnt feet. Darphin Soleil Plaisir SPF 30 (£32) contains high-end skin care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, an ingredient creating a buzz in the beauty world at the moment due to its super hydrating qualities. Containing karanja oil and algae to strengthen the skin and fight premature ageing, this product feels like more like a luxury moisturiser than a sun cream.

Paint

D

It’s all about high-octane hues, and we’re obsessed with Chanel’s bright ‘Espadrilles’ (£20) and pinks like Camelia (£20; chanel.com). Manicurist to the stars, April Foreman, recommends balancing bright neons on the toes with a neutral flesh tone manicures during the summer. Lal Mirchi by NARS is one of her favourites  – if it’s good enough for Natalie Portman, then it’s good enough for us!

Pedicure

F

Of course, treating yourself to a pedicure with USPAAH would be the most sensible thing to do, right? Using nourishing products such as Jessica Hand & Body Emulsion which contains pro-vitamin B5 and Keratin to soothe and condition both skin and nails, our Sparistas will work to exfoliate, moisturise, and buff your feet, as well as feeding dry or damaged cuticles. Pedicures not only work to beautify those trotters (cough cough, gentlemen!), but they also promote healthy blood circulation.


Got questions? Simply contact concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534

A

If you’re heading to The Royal Ascot this weekend, here are our top fashion, hair and beauty suggestions to get you ready for five days of pageantry, and Pimms!

Frills and flutes

B

This years Royal Enclosure style guide will tell you that strapless, off-the-shoulder, halter and spaghetti straps are a no-go. Luckily, the fashion favourite this racing season is the statement sleeve; we’re talking frills, flutes and lots of fun. Straps aside, the dress code has entered modern territory this year, with trouser suits and jumpsuits both now welcome attire in the Royal Enclosure – this navy Reiss all-in-one is perfect for a day out in the sun!

Head Pieces

C

Expect the unexpected – gone are the traditional emblems of Royal Ascot headgear, and in our neon-pink tie-dye effect feathers, and voluminous headpieces in kaleidoscopic, hand-painted abstract prints. Designer Noel Stewart translates high fashion into occasion wear from his small studio in cosmopolitan Dalston, stating “Royal Ascot is one of the few occasions where you have an opportunity to do something daring, and to express your personality. I like making people feel like a more brilliant, exciting, chicer version of themselves.”

Bring the Beach

G

This year, it’s all about ‘natural’ waves (with a little help of course!). Artfully tousled, just-off-the-beach hair can be yours with a little help from Oribe’s Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray, containing a mix of oils and plant extracts that provides a lustrous shine and a sultry, wavy texture perfect for wearing underneath a hat or fascinator at the races.

Naked Nudes

E

When it comes to makeup on days out during the summer, dewy soft skin and natural hues are a must. Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Look In A Palette is a great go-to compact for a fresh-faced look on-the-go. It features seven glow-giving shades, including the iconic Swish and Pop blushers and signature Eye Smoke.

Colour Splash

F

If you want to add a colour pop, a vibrant orange is always a fun shade to try, and it works well with brighter summer hues. If MAC’s creamy ‘Morange’ lipstick isn’t a summer staple of yours already, then it will be after today!


Got questions? Simply contact concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534

Festival Ready

Festival season is well and truly underway – dust off the wellies and the bum bags ladies and gents! With Glastonbury and V-Fest just around the corner, it’s time to embrace this season’s biggest hair and beauty trends. Think bold; think irreverent, and keep scrolling for our favourite festi-approved trends to try out this summer.

All that glitters

All that glitters

It’s hard not to over do the sparkles at a festival, but for a modern, edgier look, keep it simple and highlight your cheeks by strobing your cheek bones with a thin layer of Vaseline and patting on a glitter of your choice. For something more dramatic, go for glitter lips that were seen on the Fendi and DKNY catwalks during fashion week in February. You could be covered in glitter for days after but who doesn’t need a little twinkle on a Monday morning?

Shine bright

Colour

Yes that’s right, we’re talking bold, bright and beautiful hues. When else would neon be acceptable? For heavily saturated brights, try Urban Decay’s newly released Electric Pressed Pigment Palette. This is the only time we’ll tell you to close the naked palette, and unleash your inner colour junkie!

Twist & turn

Braids

Braids are always a go to for festivals, and not just because you’ve ran out of dry shampoo! With the likes of Zoe Kravitz and Cara Delevigne rocking braided styles this year, we advise you get yourself to any on-site braid bars and have them give you an all-in up-do that will last the whole weekend. For a cheaper alternative, take a look at youtube tutorials and have a whirl at playing hairdresser.

Go gold

Hair rings

To keep your festive chic look going strong with 4-day old hair, spruce it up with some golden hair threads or hair rings, which can be wrapped and clipped in to your hair. Loved by the fashion set of late, this bargain accessory can be picked up for just pennies at your local haberdashery, or from stores like ASOS.

Floral delight

Floral

It’s all about the intricate floral face tattoos (temporary, of course) around the forehead and temple. We’re talking boho, hippie chic, step away from the metallic arrows and triangles, and trial these Topshop wildflower tattoos.


Got questions? Simply contact concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534

Guests

Everyone knows that it’s the Brides special day, but here at USPAAH, we know how important it is for you wedding guests to feel beautiful too. So, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you! Whether you’re the mother of the bride, part of the bridal party, or even the grooms, sisters, friends, boyfriend’s aunty – we’ve got you covered! Keep scrolling for a range of wedding packages and deals that you won’t be able to resist.

Hair and Makeup at £92 (Saving £10)

HnM

Manicure and Pedicure from £68 (Saving £10)

Nails package

Spray Tan at £45

Tan

Bridal Makeup Package at £309 (Trial and the Wedding Day) and additional Bridal Party per person at £59

Bridal package

If you would like to book in for some of your favourite treatments in the final week before yours or your friends special day, then Contact USPAAH on 020 7101 3534 or email concierge@uspaah.com

Sports

Name one thing that is more satisfying than a massage… Maybe don’t answer that, but you get our drift right? If you’ve had a stressful week at work and need to relieve some tension or you’ve finished a hard-core session at the gym and your muscles feel super tight, a massage is your next port of call. The question is, Deep Tissue or Sports? Read below to help you decide which technique is the one to fulfil your body’s desires.

DEEPER THAN DEEP TISSUE

Deep tissue

A deep tissue massage is designed to improve a number of problems, including blood circulation, stimulating the muscle’s strength reflex, as well as draining toxins and targeting pain. Using warm oils, deep finger pressure and slow, firm strokes like kneading; your therapist will work out the tensions and smaller knots in your body, concentrating on the manipulation of the tissues that lie over the top of the muscle. Don’t panic if a little discomfort occurs during your massage due to inconsistencies within the tissues; think of this as ‘good hurt’, the kind that almost feels good at the same time.  Remember that a little pleasure and pain never hurt anybody! According to Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine, and over-the-counter drugs. One massage, so many benefits -we’ll leave you to do the math.

HIT THE RIGHT SPORTS SPOT

Don’t be fooled by its name: a sports massage isn’t just for athlete’s -it can revitalise the muscles and ligaments of us all! It’s all about hitting the right spot, if you know what we mean…targeting specific areas prone to injury of course, which aren’t always sports related.  Working similarly to physiotherapy, it targets sports specific injury areas like hamstrings, working out larger knots or muscle adhesions caused by poor training practices, or every day postural problems. “Today most of our work is sedentary and desk orientated, which brings a lot of postural problems and changes. Think what stress is placed on the body when eight hours a day spent at a laptop is followed by one hour of high-intensity exercise” says the senior soft tissue therapist for the English Institute of Sport, Andy Stanbury. Involving stretching, it will work to improve flexibility and realign the muscle fibres, giving your body a much-needed surge of strength. Iron man who?

MY BODY YOUR BODY

Sparista

So there you have it! From my body to yours, everyone is different. Whichever massage you choose, the main thing is to communicate with your therapist about what to expect from your treatment, it may sound obvious but people are often too embarrassed to discuss their questions and wants/need from a massage. Open up, relax, and spoil yourself.

Massages starting from £69, choose from 60 mins, 90 mins or 2 hours.


Download the USPAAH app from the App Store or Google Play. If you have any questions, please email concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534