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'Two weeks on, my manicure and pedicure are still going strong'

Mani, pedi and tanning at Glow West, Queen’s Park

The blurb:

‘Glow West is the daring new venture into the glamorous land of beauty and nails by Lisa Horan, a former music management entrepreneur. Having dedicated 25 years to the music industry, Glow West sees Lisa return to the industry she originally trained to work in. Lisa is passionate about bringing you luxurious beauty and nail treatments using the very latest techniques.’

The process:

I walk into Glow West and enter a cocoon of girly pampering, all pale lilac walls, orchids, velvet upholstery and ornate chandeliers (‘one of my friends told me it’s just like walking into my home,’ says Lisa). It’s a sunny day and the room is flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling front windows. Billie Holliday croons from hidden speakers and a glitter ball revolving in one corner gives a nod to Lisa’s rock chick past—she used to manage Nineties electro legends Leftfield and has some great stories of life on tour.

Darja, her nail pro, gives me a wonderfully relaxing pedicure, my feet soaked, buffed and polished to soft, shiny perfection. The gel manicure feels equally luxurious, and we pick a summery bright coral shade to complement my soon-to-be-applied St Tropez tan. Sophie works freelance, mainly for brides on their big day, and is cheerful and professional as she rubs the magic unguent onto every square inch of my body, managing not to make me feel self-conscious.

Afterwards I chat to Lisa about Ibiza, where she has a villa, Goa, where I’ve recently returned from holiday (she immediately guesses on which beach), and her passion for beauty treatments—‘I realised they’re what I spend most of my spare cash on’.

She’s certainly a good advertisement for her business: bronzed and youthful-looking with shiny dark brown hair and eyelashes to die for. They’re extensions, which the salon offers, and I’m very tempted to treat myself on my next visit. For return I shall—Glow West has a fun, relaxed atmosphere (you can tell all the girls working there are enjoying themselves) and I wish Lisa every success with it. A great addition to the neighbourhood.

The results:

A couple of days later I go to a family party, and everybody comments on my glowing tan, assuming it’s from Goa (I don’t disabuse them). And two weeks on, my manicure and pedicure are still going strong.

The details:

St Tropez fake tan, £45; Glow manicure/pedicure, from £45; eyelash extensions, from £95.

Glow West, 260A Kilburn Lane, London W10 4BA; www.glowwest.co.uk; 020 3620 4360

Tried & Tested |