You glow, girl! Beyoncé’s favourite facial reviewed

Beauty editors and A-Listers are obsessed with the Hydrafacial for its glow-getting results. But is it really the holy grail of facials? Muddy hops down to London Road Beauty in Twyford to investigate.

THE LOWDOWN

hydrafacial near me
Credit: Hydrafacial

Hey, beautiful! Ready for a well-deserved pampering? Introducing London Road Beauty – a no-nonsense beauty salon run by skincare wizard Tiffany that delivers results on a wide range of beauty treatments, from cutting edge facials and advanced skincare to hair removal and manicures. The salon has been sitting pretty on Twyford’s main high street since 2016, providing clients with access to top, industry-leading treatments.

But recently, things just got a little bit more exciting. The revolutionary Hydrafacial is now on the menu – a non-invasive skincare treatment loved by Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, and Gwyneth Paltrow to name a few. In fact, it’s so popular, one is performed every 15 seconds around the world. Wowza.

So, what exactly is it? The Hydrafacial is a multi-step procedure designed to cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities, and replenish your skin with vital nutrients for an instant boost. It’s also suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. No wonder celebs are scrambling over it. Brace yourselves for the benefits – it’s impressive. Afterwards, expect skin that quite literally shines, combating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting a more youthful and vibrant skin texture. Yes, it’s a miracle.

THE VIBE

London Road Beauty twyford beauty salon near me

The salon itself, while although doesn’t have its own dedicated parking is easy peasy to access. I popped across the road and parked in the nearby Waitrose. Be warned though – it’s a max two-hour stay. Although not a problem when it comes to the Hydrafacial which come in either 30, 45, or 60 minute appointments.

London Road Beauty twyford beauty salon near me

Upon my arrival, I was greeted warmly by Tiffany who swiftly took me through to the room. Overall, while the salon may not scream Insta-catnip, it has a homely, bright, and cosy vibe that has a real community feel. Sometimes with these clinics and salons, it can feel intimidatingly clinical. But not here. I instantly felt right at ease, and the treatment room itself was comfortable and cosy – a welcome sight on a brisk winter’s day. At the end of the day, it’s the quality of the treatment that trumps all else.

THE TREATMENT

hydrafacial in berkshire
Credit: Hydrafacial

Time to shine! Today, I would be having the 60-minute Platinum Hydrafacial – a 5-step treatment that includes boosters to address specific skin concerns, LED Light Therapy, and Lymphatic Therapy which helps to lift, contour and reduce puffiness. After the lovely Tiffany got me set up on the treatment bed, we breezed through my usual skincare routine, any concerns I was having, and my medical history.

I’d been having a little bit of a rough stint with my skin, finding I was getting dry patches on my forehead and more breakouts than usual. It’s often the way when it comes to the winter months when skin tends to become drier and duller. Blehh. No wonder my skin was practically crying out for help.

The treatment began with a natural cleanse to remove dirt and dead skin cells which slowly eased me into the proceedings before the real party started. Next up: lymphatic drainage – the added extra with the Platinum Hydrafacial which is basically there to give you that razor sharp Hollywood jawline. This bit was sooo relaxing, honestly, I may have dozed off a few times. As Tiffany mentioned, it’s this you’ll want to go for if you have a big event coming up. Hello snatched face!

hydrafacial near me
Credit: Hydrafacial

The Hydrafacial machine is used for pretty much the entire treatment, with nozzles being changed depending on the element being carried out. The best way I can describe it is like a mini vacuum which during the exfoliation and extraction stage, sucks out the nasties in your skin whilst simultaneously cleansing with water. Then, a nourishing cocktail of antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid are pumped into your skin, hydrating and revitalising your complexion during the hydration stage. It feels gooood.

During my treatment, I also had a gentle chemical peel which you can build up in strength the more you have the facial. The sensation was just a very slight tingling, but nothing unmanageable. Once the extraction was complete, I was then given my booster which was tailored specifically to my skin, before I was swiftly placed under the LED light for around 10 – 15 minutes. I could have practically been basking in the Mediterranean sun. Just add a Spicy Marg. The LED light is used to rebuild collagen levels, stimulate skin regeneration, calm redness and kill acne bacteria so can really help when it comes to wrinkles and breakouts.

While I was having the treatment, me and Tiffany nattered away about skincare, and it quickly became clear that this is a woman that really knows her stuff. Turns out, Tiffany used to work in IT but loved skincare so much, she knew she had to make it more than just a hobby and thus, London Road Beauty was born. She was able to recommend me so many products and it was advice I felt I could really trust which is exactly what you want when you’re taking the leap in your skincare journey.

hydrafacial near me
Credit: Hydrafacial

The treatment wrapped up with the application of antioxidant hydration protection, followed by moisturizer and SPF (a non-negotiable if you want to defy the aging gods).

If you love getting a little grossed out, you’ll love the gunkie tube of all your skin nasties that have just been hoovered out of your face. It really is proof that the treatment properly goes beyond surface deep to extract all that build-up of everyday grub. I also just love how quick and easy this treatment is. It’s the perfect facial to pop over for on your lunch break when you’re in need of a quick hydration SOS. It can be quite intense though, and afterwards your face will feel like it’s done an Ironman, so no retinol and no exercising for 24 hours (devastating, I know).

THE VERDICT

ellie ball journalist muddy stilettos

Move over neon hot pants, I was gloooowing! No shame when I say I was snapping selfies in the Waitrose car park afterwards like nobody’s business. While there was the expected redness at first (which went within a few hours), I felt like my skin had been rejuvenated inside and out. Tiffany was fabulous and it was also just extremely relaxing which ticked the wellbeing box too.

For a few months before the facial my skin had been feeling a bit dull and dehydrated, and I’d struggled with dry patches. Not anymore. Ever since, the patches have gone, and my skin feels truly healthy and revitalised. The Hydrafacial is a real skin saviour and a fantastic non-invasive alternative to filler and Botox which I can’t recommend enough. This is a skincare treatment that really puts in a shift. And at the end of the day, if it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for me.

THE DAMAGE

Prices for the Hydrafacial start at £95 for the 30 minute-express Signature treatment. The 45-minute Deluxe is £145 and the Platinum (what I had) is £175 for 60 minutes and includes lymphatic therapy.

Words by Ellie Ball

London Road Beauty, 24 London Road, Twyford, Berkshire, RG10 9ER. Phone: 01189 340263.

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