The phenomenon that is Mad Men has more to answer for than letting whole weekends slip by in reveries of Don and Betty Draper worship witness the return of the waist and cleavage on the international catwalks; the resurgence of the up-do; an appreciation for Christina Hendricks pin-up curves. Vintage has become a mainstay, a look in which to dabble or dunk yourself. ELLE reveals the experts who can assist in your retro transformation
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It was known as the “Laszlo look” – poreless, clear: that soft-focus complexion that looks like it comes from Vaseline on the lens. In the case of Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe, it came from a cleansing ritual pioneered by Erno Laszlo, a Hungarian dermatologist, who swore by a routine he named ’30 splashes’. The 30 splashes of warm water help to cleanse, stimulate collagen production and plump and soften the skin. The Erno Lazlo skin institute in Covent Garden will help you master the process – we recommend their facials too.Facial treatments by Erno Laszlo, £45 for 60 minutes, call 020 3040 3035 or email coventgarden@ernolaszlo.com
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The famously reclusive star often retreated to the art deco glamour of Claridge’s for some R&R, the lucky thing. Inspired by their most high maintenance of guests Claridge’s have created a ritual for those who need a little bit of me-time too. The price includes lunch (for one, naturally), a Swedish massage and a cellular facial – it’s not cheap, but that’s Hollywood.The Greta Garbo, £222 for 120 minutes, claridges.co.uk
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You’ve probably heard about Lily Allen’s vintage clothing emporium, Lucy in Disguise. What you may not know is that tucked away downstairs is a vintage blow dry bar, make-up counter, and WAH nail bar, where staff can complete your transformation as you sip a cocktail – make ours a vodka martini. We’ll be opting for a Stepford Wife up-do too, thank you very much.Hair styling, £35 for 30 minutes, lucyindisguiselondon.com
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The spectacularly beautiful Vivien Leigh was among the clients of the now legendary Madame Lubatti, a skincare doyenne who hand-mixed her delicately scented lotions treating English royalty and society ladies from her stylish London apartment. Three generations later, Tracey Malone (her mother was Lubatti’s apprentice) has launched a range of products and a facial based on Madame Lubatti’s formulas and using her own massage techniques. Lubatti facial by Tracey Malone at Fenwick, free with purchase to secure booking, Lubatti.co.uk
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Until Dorian Leigh shook things up in 1952 with her Revlon-red manicure that covered the entire nail (the shade in question? The recently re-launched Fire & Ice), the way to wear your nails was with a bare half moon. Dita Von Teese has brought this look back with the help of manicurist Leighton Denny. He calls the look “the silver screen nail”. Get yours at The Powder Room in Soho or nationwide from a Leighton Denny-trained manicurist – like some of the best things, you won’t find this on the menu – you’ll have to make a special request. Bare-moon manicure, £5 supplement, manicures from £15, at The Powder Room, thepowderpuffgirls.com; Find your nearest Leighton Denny manicurist at leightondenny.com, manicures from £25DIY Dita's nails with ELLE's get-the-look film...
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You’ve got the skin, the hair and the nails – but those bushy noughties brows are letting the look down. Book into Nina’s – where they promise to give you the arched and elongated vintage-look brows we crave. We also love that they do a fabulous array of retro hair and make-up masterclasses too – so next time you can DIY.Retro eyebrow design, £25, Ninasvintageandretrohair.com