When it comes to beauty and wellness offerings, London has an abundance of both; whether you’re after a world-leading acupuncturist, a discreet A-list surgeon, a Belgravia-based shaman, a genius nail tech or a miracle-working osteo, it’s all just a bike, bus or Tube ride away.
This month, it’s the capital’s department stores having something of a main-character moment. First up: the opening of Violet Grey at Harvey Nichols, as the cult Los Angeles beauty destination arrives in Knightsbridge. For devotees, this is big news. Founder Cassandra Grey has always kept her business intentionally bijou: for years there was only the Melrose Place flagship in Los Angeles, followed by a teeny New York outpost, making this London landing feel all the more momentous.
Designed like a chic editor’s office, admittedly far more Anna Wintour than mine, the space features lounge chairs, art books, vintage issues of The Face and, of course, Grey’s discerning beauty edit. Discover everything from Auteur and Eighth Day skincare to fragrance and haircare names such as Sweet Chemistry, Madame Grey and Filament — which apparently needs constant restocking. If only Chateau Marmont were an option afterwards…
Across town, the landing of Beauty Pie at Liberty brings an equally irresistible opportunity to my favourite mock-Tudor fantasyland. The high-performance, perfectly packaged products from the members’-focused phenomenon already look at home there, in their first permanent in-store space.
For the next few weeks, an additional Beauty Pie installation in the atrium resembles a coffee shop — except it dispenses skincare rather than flat whites. Keep your eyes peeled for new glossy peptide lip butters, (£13.50 for members and £23 for non-members) the soon-to-be-viral Nice Legs Tinted Blur Body Lotion, (£19 for members and £32 for non-members) — and founder Marcia Kilgore, who loves an on-the-counter moment.
Meanwhile, at Selfridges, whispers continue around 40 Duke, a vast personal shopping and social space complete with beauty studios, founder-led treatments and a bespoke scent created by perfumer Lyn Harris. But how to get in? More of the same please, London.
Lavender’s Blue...
Forget prim and powdery, these latest lavender scents are bold, modern and crazily addictive...
Matière Première Metal Lavender Perfectly crisp and clean. £170 for 50ml, selfridges.com
Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sable Lavande Beautifully warm, with fig and lavender. £115 for 50ml, cultbeauty.co.uk
Le Labo Lavande 31 Zingy and crisp with a whiff of musky cool... £172 for 50ml, lelabo fragrances. com
Pin Drop: The Method Club
133-137 Westbourne Grove, W11
The Method launched its Notting Hill studio last year and quickly built a devoted following who swear by its serene spaces, feel-good approach, and class roster inspired by ballet, Pilates and high-intensity body conditioning. The new London flagship has opened a few doors down, bringing the original concept into a larger, purpose-built home. Expect all of the brand’s signature style alongside The Lab, home to cutting-edge recovery treatments, a roster of resident practitioners, a contrast therapy spa, leafy terrace, and an outpost of the Nathalie Mayfair café. themethod.com
Object of desire
A true collectors’ piece, this covetable and seriously limited edition summer set for Chanel unites four of my all-time favourite Les Beiges products in irresistible zip-up wicker. Having sold out online in a matter of minutes, my sources tell me that Chanel (bricks and mortar) boutiques will receive fresh stock this week. Consider this a warning to get yours before they go. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Set, £217
