Tag Archives: pedicure

Pink Peony, Barcelona

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My city breaks tend to be busy and tiring, dashing about to try to see and do it all. Barcelona was no exception and by the time we got to Sunday afternoon, we were exhausted.  Pink Peony gave us a chance to relax and recuperate – for a blissful two hours we let the attentive staff pamper our feet and hands.

Located very centrally on the famous shopping street Passeig de Gracia, this small salon opened in 2008; it is the perfect place for shoppers to stop for a beauty break. Hidden away up some stairs, the venue is compact but nicely decorated in clean white with accents of pink. A huge range of OPI and Essie nail varnishes are organised by the door, waiting to be picked for application. The main room is grand and stylish with an ornate high ceiling and intricate tiled flooring.

Pink Peony describes itself as an NYC-style manicure and pedicure salon, offering a range of luxurious nail treatments for men and women. We sat back in the comfortable seats while the therapist massaged, trimmed, cut, filed, buffed, shined, moisturised and (in the case of my male companion) threaded our nails, toes and feet! It was very thorough and efficient. Our battered feet were reformed, ready for more sightseeing.

Whilst our toes dried, we moved to the other side of the room to the manicure stations. A similar procedure was used on our hands and fingernails. This charming neighbourhood salon offers exceptional service, using only the highest quality products. I felt so relaxed after two hours at Pink Peony that I began to fall asleep.

We left light-footed and feeling wonderful ready to show off our primed and prepped extremities at the beach.

More information here: www.thepinkpeony.com

Many thanks to the Barcelona Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

MYZ Beauty, Notting Hill

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I am always delighted to discover new beauty hang-outs in my area. MYZ is a small nails boutique and beauty spa, located down a side street in Notting Hill. Owner Maryam is a self-confessed beauty addict and brings all her knowledge of the best products and treatments to this new boutique. Always in store (with her beloved dog Cookie) Maryam welcomes and chats to all the guests who come through the door, which creates a lovely homely atmosphere.

MYZ pride themselves on their bespoke approach to every customer, offering expert advice and tailoring the treatments to perfectly suit your needs. Here you can pamper yourself from head to toe with manicure and pedicure, waxing, facial and massage. The facials have already become a bestseller, using revolutionary natural and botanical based products. I tried a MYZ Ultimate Pedicure. An experienced therapist will file your nails, nourish the cuticles removing all hard skin, cleanse and exfoliate, continue with a relaxing massage and finally paint your nails with your choice of OPI or Essie nail polish.

It was heaven to sink back into the luxurious stylish reclining chair and let my weary feet be pampered. The therapist was efficient and kind, working away at my feet tirelessly for an hour until they looked and felt wonderful. I chose five pastel shades from the huge collection of varnishes, a cheerful look for summer. The ultimate pedicure costs £55, other treatments are very reasonably priced too, so a treatment at MYZ can be a regular outing rather than an occasional treat!

This new hidden gem has not gone unnoticed with the famous locals like Sienna Miller, and recently Lindsay Lohan even paid the spa a visit. Book yourself in now for some indulgent holiday pampering before MYZ becomes too popular with the Notting Hill celeb crowd.

More information and book a treatment here: www.myznailsboutique.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 195: Fashion Week Ready

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For all those fashionistas out there in need of a beauty fix during Fashion Week, I have compiled a little black book of helpful contacts and beauty bars who will primp and preen you ready for another day of catwalks and couture chaos.

Blow dry – After back to back shows and after parties you will be feeling drab and drowsy. Blow dries are the perfect pick-me-up, a quick and glamorous solution to tired limp locks. Blow Bar in Islington is a lovely little boutique, closer to the catwalk try Hersheson blow dry bars in Westfield Shepherd’s Bush or New Change in the city.

Mani-Pedi – For stand-out nails, WAH Nails is the best of the bunch. Located downstairs in the Topshop flagship store on Oxford Street, here you can mimic the trends from the designers or select a design from the colourful Wah inspiration board. If you are hanging around the Notting Hill area I urge you to try Sophie Gass, this stylish salon will prettify your fingers and toes whilst you sip a cappuccino and browse on their ipads.

Speedy Facial – The Bliss brand is brilliant for quick and revitalising treatments. Visit the Sloane Avenue venue and try the 30 minute Oxygen Blast facial, which I found had amazingly relaxing and glowing effects.

Roots refresh – FOUR salon is just off Regent’s Street and specialises in hair colour treatments. The charming girls will lighten and brighten your roots, so you’ll be ready fabulously fast.

Mini massage– Stiff from carrying too many lookbooks and squeezing into uncomfortable heels? Treat yourself to an indulgent mini massage, best found at the Space NK Spa. I can recommend the 30 minute Reviving Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage.

Hopefully after these little luxuries you will look and feel like a supermodel, and will be ready to watch the pros strut down the runways all day long.