Beauty at Home

By Daniel Sandler's Makeup Artistry

Price: Price on Request

Stockist: Daniel Sandler

Best for: A special occasion

Sarah Brock, who is Daniel Sandler’s Creative Director, came to the office before I had a big night out. Very lovely and chatty she instantly put me at ease; well you don’t have your make-up applied at work everyday! As she unpacked her kit, I realised she meant business, Sarah had everything a girl could want – two pots full of brushes, foundations, eyeshadows and lipsticks in every shade, she even had masses of false lashes. First, we discussed where I was heading (out for dinner) and then the look I wanted (smoky eye, nude lip, please). The make-up looked flawless afterwards, she used my favourite blusher, Daniel Sandler’s Watercolour, £10.77, the smoky eye was subtle (she would have ramped it up if I was heading out partying) and she even applied clusters of eylure lashes to my eyes. The attention to detail Sarah gave was second to none, which is probably why she is a must-book make-up artist for so many weddings. This service would be my first choice for a big night out like a birthday. I have started recommending Daniel’s service (he personally trains each of the make-up artists, so you can guarantee the quality) to friends who are getting married next year too.

By Beautopia

Price: £35 for 45 minutes

Stockist: Beautopia

Best for: A true spa feel

The team at Beautopia is made up of perfectionists, at least that was the impression I got from my in office mani.

The beautician was very kind and helpful, she explained what my nail condition was like and how I could keep my nails healthy and pretty all the time. As we got chatting more, she also gave me other advice on skin care and make-up. The whole service was very relaxing and pleasant, so much so that I almost forgot I was in the work place. The manicure, which used Acqua di Palma skincare and a choice of Essie and OPI nail polish, included a hand soak, cuticle removal, and a lovely mini hand massage, which made my hand feel soft and smell lovely. The paint was applied perfectly; my only criticism was the choice of colour which was a little limited compared to what’s on offer in salons. It was really convenient, I would definitely consider booking Beautopia in future, however I am thinking about a home, rather than office, visit. It is so cold outside and a treatment at home sounds cosy!

As well as grooming treatments (waxing, eyelash tinting and spray tans), Beautopia also offer massage, reflexology and a wide range of facials.

By Return to Glory

Price: £80 for 90 minutes

Stockist: Return to Glory

Best for: Fun make-up

This service was absolutely brilliant! Ideal for 5 o’clock on Friday night if you’re going out straight after work, or even better for special occasions.

A lovely make-up artist arrived like my own personal fairy godmother, here to transform me after a hard days work.  She had a huge suitcase packed full with make-up from lots of different brands, which gave me a lot of choice; she was able to offer me things I wouldn’t normally use. 

She asked how I would like my hair and I asked for a forties style with Victory Rolls – 15 minutes later my hair was made up into an amazing vintage style ready for a full night of partying. She then suggested that I have my make-up match my hairstyle – red lips, brown shadow and flicked eyeliner with a bit of blush. A little worried that I would look a little bit pantomime if I went for the whole thing I asked for a more subtle version of the look and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the result. My colleague also had her make-up applied – a flawless base, nude lip and a dark smokey eye shot through with dark green shimmer, which looked fabulous too. The whole process only took 45 minutes for my hair and make-up, 30 minutes for just make-up and then we were out the door and off to the bar all glammed up. I would definitely do it again, the end result was far better than anything I could do myself.

Return to Glory offer a huge range of services from cut, blow-dry and highlighting to waxing, facials and yoga lessons. They use brands including Mamma Mio and Anne Semonin.  All services are priced by the hour, one hour is £55, 1.5 hours £70 and 2 hours £90.