Woman, you look tired!

Sometimes I just don’t want to look as crap as I feel. And, oh Lord, do I feel crap at times. Sleep deprivation, a poor diet and just a little bit too much sun worshipping in my early twenties have taken its toll on the skin I am in. Time to show this face some TLC.

But where to turn to? Before being a responsible parent (don’t laugh at me!), I had all the time and funds to travel around London and test salon after salon. An expensive hobby, but at least I know where to go to now. Or where not to. Hint: avoid big brand names. Their products may be delish, but the service is often far from superior.

Because it’s Friday and I am feeling generous, and I don’t want you to spend all your pocket money for trial and error, let me share my two top tips with you:

If you feel rather rich, are in need for an overhaul before a special event (I went there before my wedding) or are looking for something to put on your birthday wishlist, I suggest you pay Rani Mirza a visit. Her Red Carpet Treatment leaves your skin glowing, youthfully plump and makes you feel a million dollars, no doubt. But the 2-hour long treatment at £170 would certainly break my bank at the moment.

However, you don’t need to crash your daughter’s Child Trust Fund to get rid of a few blackheads. Yesterday I felt very brave and gave myself into the hands of Amy, beautician at Dermacia Beauty Salon & Pharmacy. Admittedly, the salon on Upper Street in Islington is not quite as glamorous as Rani’s venue on Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge. But after an hour of exfoliation, steam, extractions and the most heavenly face massage I ever experienced, I left £45 that helped a lot towards feeling like a million bucks.