Quick Beauty Treatments in London

We Londoners are a busy people. Between dashing to the office, sticking to social engagements and getting enough rest, there's all but little room for leisurely colour-and-blow dries and on-a-whim mani-pedis. But, for moments when your eyebrows are calling out for a shaping or your nails need some pre-party love, London is packed full of of express, fast-drying, in-and-out salons and counters to grant you the express beauty treatments you require.

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HAIR

The Aveda Institue
Service: Express Hair Colour

Step out of the city and into the holistic, oaky sanctuary that is Aveda's flagship salon in Covent Garden. There is a broad number of express beauty services on offer – see the range here – and perhaps the most exciting of the lot is the Express Hair Colour treatment that delivers renewed vibrance and gloss to tired hair in only 20 minutes. What's more, the product is 93% naturally derived and actually improves the condition of damaged hair as well as adding radiant colour and shine. Make an appointment here.

Duck & Dry
Service: The Dry

Duck & Dry is frequented by royals, which speaks volumes of its luxe decor and high esteem. However each of its outposts (in King's Road, Oxford Circus and Soho) retain a fast-paced, youthful energy that make them an ideal destination for an on-the-go stop. 'The Dry' – costing £30 or £40 depending on the individual's hair – is arguably the quickest of blow-dries (or up-dos) you'll find in the capital, as it is completely wash-free and performed on dry hair. See the full list of services and make an appointment here.

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NAILS

DryBy at Hershesons
Service: Express Manicure

We've been lusting after DryBy's minimalist nail art and glossy shellac manicures ever since they began adorning the nail beds of chic Londoners when the brand opened its Mortimer Street doors back in 2015. Now, with DryBy taking over all things mani-pedi related at the brand new Hershesons Salon in Berners Street, there's no better place to pop in for a fifteen minute Express Manicure. We recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the front-of-house cafe by East London-born eatery Sans Pere, which is elevating in-salon food and drink to an immensely impressive level. Find out more about the new space, and book an appointment here.

London Grace
Service: Slap Dash Polish

London Grace has six nail-bars in the capital, each boasting a series of high quality nail services as well as coffees and cocktails. With an attractive setting and a 'no nonsense' ethos – meaning no excess cuticle cutting, abrasive filing or fakery such as extensions – the American-style nail salon is pleasingly affordable. The 'Slap Dash Polish' takes only ten minutes, and costs only £10, making it fit for a real flying visit. See the full list of services and make an appointment here

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FACIALS

La Mer Counters
Service: Energise and Enhance

La Mer is instantly recognisable as the luxury skincare brand that serves as the secret weapon of A-listers from Kim Kardashian to Gwyneth Paltrow. While not everyone is keen to splash out on a pot of the famed 'Creme De La Mer', the brand's experts offer a range of complimentary services at their beauty counters across the country which increases accessibility. We opt for the fifteen minute 'Energise and Enhance' service, that peps up skin and boosts radiance – creating an ideal base for pre-party makeup. Find out more about the in-store services here.

House of Elemis
Service: Defining Moment

The House of Elemis Day Spa is hidden beneath the facade of a luxurious Mayfair townhouse, and offers a range of quick, in-and-out services via the Speed Spa, where all treatments last 30 minutes and can be easily squeezed into a lunch-break. The 'Defining Moment' is our favourite speedy facial, which restores youthful contour to the cheeks and jawline when you're feeling particularly puffy. See more and book here.

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EYEBROWS & LASHES

Shavata Brow Studio
Service: Eyebrow Shape

Shavata Brow Studios Knightsbridge outpost is widely regarded as one of the top threading destinations in London, and an eyebrow shape will only set you back £27 (with a senior therapist). Find out here more.

Mac Counters
Service: False Lash Application

If you're in the market for a pair of false flutterers for a big event, but aren't so hot at applying them yourself, MAC is the place to be. When you purchase a pair of M.A.C. false eyelashes, a beauty therapist will trim them and professionally fit them for free. To find your nearest MAC counter, click here.

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MAKE-UP



Smashbox Cosmetics
Service: Flawless in a Flash

LA brand Smashbox Cosmetics London flagship in Covent Garden is your one stop destination if you're in Central London with 15 minutes to spare and an event to go to. During the 'Flawless in a Flash' make-up service, an expert will choose tailored products for your skin and apply them for you. What's better? If your makeover takes fifteen minutes or under, it is completely free. Find out more and book your appointment here.

Chanel Beauty Counter
Service: Makeover

While we can't promise that having your makeup done at Chanel will take fifteen minutes, we can promise that the result will be stunning. If you have some time to kill, and would rather pay an expert to give you a 'glow-up' than do it yourself, head to a Chanel counter. Find your nearest one here.