Spa spy: A mini makeover at Live Laugh Love

Spa Spy: Live Laugh Love. Picture: Contributed

THE TREATMENT:

The new Beauty on Demand service at Aveda hair and beauty salons Live Laugh Love at Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (0131-556 9356) and Portobello High Street (0131-629 3537, www.livelaughlovehairandbeauty.co.uk) conists of a choice of six 15-minute treatments, £15 each, including a Glow Facial Peel; brow design; express manicure; head, neck and shoulder massage; Shellac removal; and a foot soak and foot massage. These can be booked alone, or as part of a hair appointment. The Waterloo Place salon also offers a Business Blow-Dry (from 7am, Monday-Friday), which costs £30 and includes a free coffee and croissant.

WHY GO?

If you don’t have time for a lengthy appointment, that downtime as you have your hair cut, styled or coloured can be put to good use by having other treatments at the same time.

OUR SPY SAYS:

I never have enough time to fit everything in, so the thought of doubling up on treatments is music to my ears. I visit the Waterloo Place salon – a beautifully light-filled space – and opt for a Glow Facial Peel, brow design and express manicure, while having my hair cut and restyled.

Owner Moira Anderson is cutting my hair and begins by chatting through lifestyle, hair type and the level of maintenance I am looking for. She has some great suggestions for updating my style – nothing too drastic, just enough for my hair to look better, and be easier to manage. Graduate stylist Ryan starts off my treatment with a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage using a peppermint oil (chosen because I have a cold lurking), before my scalp is treated to Aveda Pure Abundance Shampoo and Conditioner to boost its volume.

As the conditioner does its thing, senior beauty therapist Steph begins the Glow Facial using Aveda Green Science Perfecting Cleanser and Activating Spray before applying the Perfecting Plant Peel Thermal Masque. (As the washbasins are tucked behind the central mirrors of the salon, it doesn’t feel odd to lie back and simply close my eyes while the mask works.) My hands are massaged with Aveda Hand Relief Cream while the mask is on, and, once removed, Green Science Line Minimiser, Firming Eye Cream and Face Cream are applied to my face, before my hair is rinsed and I’m returned to the seating area for the cut.

As Moira snips away she gives me handy tips, while Steph goes to work on the file and polish using the Mavala colour I have already chosen.

Post-cut it is time for my brow shape. Steph has her work cut out, but using a tea tree warm wax, Aveda Botanical Skin Firming Agent and cold, smooth stones to soothe the area she manages to tame my unruly brows.

THE RESULTS:

It’s a cliché to say, but I feel a little bit like a new woman – there is something about having more than one treatment done that feels really satisfying. And although these are described as “mini” treatments targeting the beauty basics, no less care is taken and it feels like a pampering experience.

FINAL RATING: 19/20