There has been a necessary rebellion against the notion of a ‘beach body’ achieved via a series of torturous treatments or by following dictums such as “no carbs before Marbs”.
Those railing against it correctly point out that putting one’s body on the beach immediately qualifies it as ready for that activity, that it is hateful that (especially women) feel pressure to go through any kind of rigmarole as if the beach is some sort of pageant.
It isn’t, and we don’t need to slavishly slather our bodies with this or that to be worthy of populating a beach. Though, if I’m honest, I still find stripping off in bright sunlight, in front of strangers incredibly daunting. Or at least that’s how I felt right before going on a beach jaunt a couple of weeks ago.
I remained sane, calm. There was no mad carb-dodging, no forfeiting of my beloved chocolate, no critical eye deciding any part of me was a let down (this is massive progress for anyone who grew up during the circle of shame era). I did, however, decide that I would turn myself over to some of London’s best groomers to polish me up — just a little.
While I’d never suggest you follow suit because you must absolutely do you, here’s what I did to feel my best on the beach...
Hair glazing at Hari’s
I try to time my highlights for when I return rather than before a holiday because I find being in the sun and swimming in salt water alters the colour. Instead, I have a treatment beforehand to keep my hair glossy and help it to withstand the weather. Wella Professionals Shinefinity Glaze Tint at Hari’s, £50, is brilliant, adding lots of shine and moisture.
A lash lift with Teresa Smith
I am in awe of women who wear mascara in warmer climes. Waterproof stuff is a nightmare to remove, tubing I find doesn’t give quite enough volume, and the normal stuff ends up under my eyes. Instead, I go to see Teresa Smith whose Lash Lift, £120, is a favourite among A-Listers and beauty insiders for very good reason — think absolutely perfectly curled lashes, entirely bespoke to your eye shape and preferences.
The no polish pedi at Margaret Dabbs
I understand that for some painted toenails is non-negotiable — but I can take or leave paint, and insist on giving mine the opportunity to get some sun on them, especially because I find their pinkness when juxtaposed with the (slight) tan delightful. To make my nails shiny and healthy and, crucially, to have neat cuticles, I head to Margaret Dabbs for their Supreme Pedicure, £68, and always emerge with much lovelier feet.
Some lymph drainage with Flavia Morellato
This isn’t about size, this is about bloat and puffiness. Anyone who suffers from either will know as I do that walking around in hot weather feeling all waterlogged is really damn annoying and uncomfortable. Fortunately, the excellent lymphatic drainage expert Flavia Morellato has an output in Harvey Nichols where in a mere hour, starting at £180, you can have the water encouraged out of limbs and abdomen and towards lymphs to be processed.
A bespoke Katie England facial
Another of London’s top lymphatic drainage experts is Katie England who operates out of a chic and cosy room at the NoMad hotel. You’ll emerge from one of her heavenly bespoke facials, £300, with newly acquired cheekbones and a glow so healthy you might rethink even needing a holiday. I suggest booking one the day before you fly to help you ease into vacay mode.
A simple hot wax at Strip
My final pitstop is much more traditional. I am not a fan of finding endless hairs on my form while sunning myself and wax as many of the blighters off as I possibly can before going away. This time, I went to Strip Wax Bar in Notting Hill, where they work quickly and efficiently so I don’t need to bite down on a strap to bear it.
