All of the Wellness Things and Places the London Cool Girls have on their Radar.
Everything from the 'The Row of Facials' to the secret underworld of referral only Pilates classes.
The last time I did one of these, I had just come back from my first New York Fashion Week, feeling completely inspired and high off the NYC wellness fumes. Since then I have made it my mission to give London a chance, I’ve really put myself through hell for the purpose of research for you all. I’m talking long gruelling facials, lymphatic massages and (actually slightly gruelling, but worth it) waist-snatching pilates sessions.
So here is my research on all of the chic (and effective) wellness products and activities all of the cool girls in London are using right now:
If The Row started doing skincare collaborations, best believe they wouldn’t go anywhere else but here. Teresa has worked in the skincare industry for 27 years, with more than 50,000 hours of hands on experience. Named the ‘Super Facialist’ by Vogue, anyone who’s anyone flocks to her flagship discreetly tucked in just off Portobello Road. The flagship itself feels like stepping into the chicest museum you’ve ever seen, with Corbusier chairs and black ceramics set against a bright white canvas. When I first saw friends of mine post the studio on their story, I would always reply instantly - asking where I could find this art gallery. Turns out that art gallery gave me one of the best facials of my life, and I just so happened to see three people I knew in that hour of being there - so looks like it might just be the place to go. I’m going for a lymphatic massage there next Friday so stay tuned, I shall be reporting back
Now, being born and raised in England, I seem to have missed out on the Forma Pilates lore. Let’s just say it has a cult following across the US. From my experience the Pilates game in the US is unlike anything I’ve tried before, London has great options but it never fully scratches the itch. I went to Tera Pilates in NYC and it was life changing, I thought I would be left craving it forever in the UK until a few months ago when I came across newly opened Body Pilates, founded by former Forma (see what I did there) instructor Drew Mayberry. My first class I felt sick, snatched and hungry for more - all of the usual NYC pilates symptoms. What’s even better? It’s literally at the end of my road. BTW my core hurt for a week after.
If you’re looking for a killer workout more central, and one with the chicest interiors. Go to Sunday Sporting Club in Marylebone, be warned it gets booked up quick.
My Grandmother once told me that you can find out everything you need to know about someone, just by looking at their hands. Words that since, have scared me into a hand cream obsession. Look in the bag or shower of every cool girl and you’ll find a little black tube of Sidia hand cream staring right back at you.
Another thing I noticed about NY is that the grocery shops hit different. Happier Grocery perpetually sends me to another dimension, coming back to London would cause heartbreak, of the grocery store genre. It literally thrills me to report that there is a hot new store on the block and I’d like to put Alex Eagle forward for Mayor of London because of it. Corner Shop at 180 The Thames has replaced my broken Happier Grocery heart. A destination where you can pick up a chic bouquet of flowers, peruse the shelves full of healthy niche produce and sit in the sun with a green salad and lock in for some of the best people watching of your life. Some of the most interesting, creative people work in the building so you might just see someone unforgettable.
If you know you know, has a new form - and it will transform your skin. Hardly the new kid on the block, this bad boy has been around since 1970. It’s not just kaftans that we’ve stolen from the 70s to wear again this summer, we’re stealing the creams too. Now I’m sure there are people out there, maybe even you reading this, that have grown up with this French secret and will be wondering what rock I’ve been under. I posted an Olsen Twin sighting (pictured above) last summer and commenters were quick to identify a Biologique Recherche shaped box in her hand. If it’s Olsen approved, put it on me. Four months usage report? my skin has literally never been better.
Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Patches
Every cool girl I know carries these around like they’re life-saving equipment. I suppose this time of year when the odds of being in the air drastically go up, they really are life saving. Dry skin on the plane is no joke. I’ve always wanted to be that girl who wakes up somehow magically already in her robe, eye patches perfectly in place - maybe these are the ticket?
Two years ago I was working on Golbourne Road, mere doors down from this cult eatery. Only back then I didn’t give it the love and attention it deserved. Klear Labs in Notting Hill is food made with health (and aesthetics) in mind. The best gluten free goods in London, gut-friendly banana bread that will change your life and all in the chicest setting.
Sitting smugly next to the eye patches in said cool girl bag is either a Saie blush, lip liner or gloss. Bonus points for all three. Applying any of the above is a feeling, a state of mind. I use the shade ‘Sweetie’ so much I might start pumping it into my bloodstream just for that summer blushed, pink glow from the inside.
What are the chicest people storing their beauty products in? The chicest monogram waffle bags of course, courtesy of Julia aka The Millennial Decorator. It really is in the details.
Cardiovascular health improvements, pain relief, and stress reduction. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not down to Row-esque retail therapy. Solo dates in London have taken a turn, a hot one. The Cool Girls are currently all sauna-ing, listening to a podcast whilst they do so. America has Sephora but London (and Paris!) has Oh My Cream. Specifically their Infrared Sauna that was the height of conversation in my last Pilates class. I’m yet to try but I have a feeling once I do, you’ll have to pry open the doors to get me out of there.
Reflexology
Put your best (Khaite adorned) foot forward. Let’s be honest, have anyone’s feet not been ruined by expensive footwear, ironic I know. If you have ever worn The Row flip flops you’ll understand. I have some very chic friends and one thing they’re all doing behind closed doors? Getting their feet touched and not in the way you are thinking. Supposedly the window to the soul begins at your big toe - please send your London recommendations.
Remember when Byredo soap was a marker of pure and utter coolness? Well I’ve seen an alarming amount of Loewe soap in the bathrooms/kitchens of some of the coolest girls I know. Do with that information what you will…
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant
If you get close enough to smell anyone in London who looks chic (maybe not recommended if a stranger), they’re probably using the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant. I feel I’m being stalked by this product. I’ve seen it creep into multiple people’s Instagram content so surely that must be a sign?
Please leave any of your other favourite wellness/beauty recs below!
OW X
THE HONOR
I LOVE and wear the DK deodorant every day- it’s stellar!!