Dreaming of a summer getaway where relaxation reigns supreme? Us too. And while we all want a glowing complexion and beach-ready bod, no one wants to be chained to a beauty routine on holiday. But what if we told you that instead of using up all your baggage allowance on skin creams or having to frantically google beauty salons in remote towns or villages where you stand out like a sore thumb, there’s a plethora of high maintenance beauty treatments that allow you to be low maintenance, all trip long? From laser hair removal to LED facials and lymphatic massages, Hip & Healthy reveals the five best beauty treatments that grant you the freedom to enjoy carefree confidence, all summer long. We’ll raise our piña coladas to that.

Laser Hair Removal

Nobody wants to be caught out in a bikini with a forest sprouting out or on a sporadic summer romance staycay with legs that feel like a carpet, which is why laser hair removal is one of our top high maintenance treatment picks. Not only does it allow you to ditch the razor (because, honestly, who actually enjoys shaving?) and embrace bare legs and swimsuit season in confidence, but because it also helps tackle unwanted hair at the root – meaning less ingrown hairs and irritation. Hurrah. 

Now’s the time to start, as ideally you want 6-12 sessions, spaced out over weeks or months, for optimal results. And, contrary to what you might think, it’s practically painless. Promise. “Laser hair removal has been around for a very long time and technological advances mean better results, not only with hair removal but also with the user experience. A clear objective is to make it as painless as possible!” Explains Samantha Larkin, Founder of luxury clinic NuYu London. “For instance, Soprano is on its 4th generation model so has improved significantly. It’s always had in-motion technology to make it virtually pain-free, along with the cooling tip, however, the latest machine boasts increased cooling and more wavelengths, therefore giving more comfortable results.”

Like with any spenny treatment, do your research, and go for a clinic with top reviews and top of the line equipment. It might feel like a commitment, but when you can go all summer long without picking up a shaving gel, you will be so glad you invested in it.

Cost:
Bikini line: Approx £400 for a package of six sessions
Legs: Approx £850-1000 for a package of six sessions

BIAB Nails

We are all for long-lasting mani/pedis that last weeks without a chip. But if they result in weak nails that end up breaking right before our summer girl’s trip? Not so much. That’s why we made the switch to BIAB – an innovative builder gel that strengthens your natural nails while creating a beautiful, long-lasting overlay. Unlike traditional gel polish, BIAB is more flexible, reducing the risk of breakage whilst boasting a lightweight, natural feel. Not only will your nails grow faster and stronger, but you can also just “fill in” the grown-out area instead of completely removing it and starting again. Win-win.

Cost:
Approx £60-70 for a BIAB manicure. It will last for weeks but expect to get a BIAB refill after about three weeks.

Volite

Wouldn’t it be amazing that if, instead of slathering on the serums, creams, and masks, all summer long, you could just inject your face with something that restores moisture from within? It might sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what Volite is – an injectable moisturiser that boosts hydration from within to leave skin gorgeously glowing, plump and smooth.

“Volite is perfect if you’re looking for something that makes you look fresh and radiant,” explains Dr. Sophie Shotter, “It’s the treatment that will have people saying, “Wow, your skin looks amazing!” and you’ll see and feel makeup go on smoother. It’s a great injectable for anyone who just needs a beauty refresh.”

So, what exactly is Volite? Simply put, it’s a hyaluronic acid gel that’s injected into the face through a series of many injections. Although not painful per se, it does get uncomfortable, so a numbing cream is used beforehand. Volite can be used in the face and neck and works in just a few weeks to help plump out fine lines, smooth skin, and boost moisture for a subtle but effective refresh that lasts for up to nine months.

Cost:
Circa £400. But trust us when we say it’s a bang for its buck and will leave you glowing like a goddess throughout summer and beyond.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage offers a double whammy when it comes to benefits. Firstly, they help you de-stress and switch-off – just the ticket if you have a few hours until your flight and have yet to pack a single thing… Secondly, they work wonders at de-bloating and de-puffing, detoxifying, aiding digestion, helping to breakdown cellulite, and boosting overall blood flow for glowing skin from top to toe. 

One massage a month in the run up to a trip is a great way to boost your body and your confidence post beach session, but even if you do just one lymphatic drainage massage before your travels, you’ll feel and notice a significant difference. 

Cost:
Expect to pay anything from £150-£400 depending on where you go.

LED Facial

When it comes to facials, there’s no one size fits all treatment. We all have different skin concerns, from acne and pigmentation to redness, lines, and overall drabness, so, naturally, we all turn to different facials to help treat our problems. But there is one facial that can help everyone, and it’s amazing to try pre-travel thanks to its ability to do everything. No really, everything. Depending on the wavelengths and colours used, LED facials promote collagen and elastin production, banish breakouts and acne-causing bacteria, control oil production, boost blood flow, regulates melanin production, increases regeneration, and aids healing.

“It’s the skincare results that draw most people to LED, and for good reason, with wrinkle reduction, breakout control and skin radiance among a long list of benefits,” reveal Hannah Measures and Laura Ferguson, founders of The Light Salon. “But just as powerful for us is the sense of wellbeing we feel from that daily dose of light.”

If you can, invest in a course of six to eight LED facials prior to your summer holiday. If time is of the essence, you can indulge in two a week thanks to the healing, calming, non-skin-stressing nature of the treatments. Your mood will be boosted, and your skin will look amazing no matter where your travels take you.

Cost:
Circa £400 for a four-week LED facial treatment course

words by Frankie Rozwadowska

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