‘Fourty winks for the face’

Be honest guys, there are often times when we don’t look and feel our freshest. If partying hard or the daily grind leave us feeling dull and lifeless, then chances are our skin is also looking it! Luckily help is now on hand thanks to the new Electro Shock Energising Facial from Nickel. It’s been specifically designed to invigorate and energize tired and dull looking skin, so I dropped in at Nickel Spa Covent garden to see if it would work wonders. Well it has to be easier than trying to snatch a power nap under my desk!

I immediately appreciate the distinctly blokey atmosphere as my hour-long treatment starts. A lymphatic drainage massage seems to ease my facial tension, and it also aims to boost circulation and promote my skins ‘vitality’. Next an Exfoliating Mask and Super Clean Soft Face Wash was applied in order to deep cleanse, purify and brighten my complexion. This was followed by a Bio Energising Eye Concentrate to ease puffiness and give my peepers a brighter, more refreshed and hopefully less red-rimmed appearance.

Lastly, and this is the fun bit…… sparks flew from an Oxygen Wand which was run over my skin! Combine this with the final application of an Electro Shock Anti-Fatigue Concentrate and my face is left looking noticeably tighter and or brighter. Crucially I’m not also looking good Im also feeling great and feel ready to take on anything that the day throws in my direction. Thanks Nickel Spa!

Tester: Nick Cox Editor The Grooming Guide

Verdict: ‘Look ten hours younger!’

Price: £75 for 60 mins

Available: Nickel Spa London, 27 Short’s Gardens, London WC2H 9AP. +44 (0)20 7240 4048 info@nickelspalondon.co.uk www.nickelspalondon.co.uk

Additional Research: A. Georgakopoulou

‘Put the Spring back into your step!’

Have you looked at your feet lately? I mean REALLY looked? I did and I was shocked! After months holed up in the same pair of boots it was clear that my tired trotters were in need of some drastic attention. After a tip off, it sounded like a visit to leading foot expert Margaret Dabbs was just what was needed to put the swing back into my step.

I dropped by at her dedicated Foot Clinic (and Nail Spa) in Marylebone village. As expected it’s stylish and an oasis of calm in the middle of a busy city. I’m not alone apparently a whopping 35% of her customers are men. Perhaps this is because they understand our needs and offer private treatment rooms. I was relieved not to be to be squashed between two ladies who lunch choosing a nail colour! Phew!

The main attraction for men in this location has to be the Medical Pedicure. Once seated with a drink, my therapist Tamara began to address the needs of my feet, and in their entirety. Never before had they received such undivided attention. Using the type of sterilized equipment that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Greys Anatomy, she scrubbed sliced and then sloughed off layer after layer of dry skin.

My nails were also re-hydrated, shaped and buffed using the Margaret Dabbs Superior Foot File and my feet were left feeling and looking as good as new! Want to know what really grabbed my attention? There were two other guys in the building at the time, I know because I saw them. Seems like finally more men are putting their best feet forward!

Tester: Nick Cox
Verdict: ’The Rolls Royce of pedicures’
Price: Medical pedicure from £80 for 45 minutes
Available Margaret Dabbs Foot Clinic, 7 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8UU London, +44 (20) 7487-5510 For more locations visit www.margaretdabbs.co.uk
Additional Research: S Gallimore

‘Looking for a stress busting back massage? Then look no further!’

What’s a man to do if sport or even simply day to day living causes postural problems and muscle strain? Well, if you are practical and pragmatic chap may we suggest a trip to Anamaya? This stylish male friendly space is tucked away off High Street Kensington, and it’s a one stop shop for wellbeing! As well as quality massages it uses bodywork therapies drawn from Eastern and Western modalities, as well as techniques of energy, emotional and psychotherapy. Crucilly it’s also results orientated, which is just the way we like things here at The Grooming Guide!

From the extensive therapies list I chose a sports massage due to postural problems brought on by traveling. My practitioner Shaun Gilmore was well qualified for the job, having worked with the Irish Senior Rugby Team and treated countless patients with postural and mobility issues. Once stripped to my boxers Shaun analyzed my posture and then created a tailor made treatment which used massage techniques as well as stretching exercises to get to the root of the problem. Over a period of an hour my body was massaged and stretched into submission. After my session I was able to walk tall, and I also noticed that I had regained some serenity and sense of well being.

Crucially at Anamaya the practitioners often seek to address not just clients issues, but the root causes of these issues – such as stress, anxiety and depression. My experience was no different, as my massage at Anamaya went well beyond simply addressing the aches and pains that had crept up on me!

Treatment: Sports Massage

Tester: Nick Cox Editor The Grooming Guide

Verdict: ’one stop shop for well being’

Price: £80 for 60 mins

Available: Anamaya, 1 Adam & Eve Mews, Kensington, W8 6UG London. +44 (20) 3011-0355 anamaya.co.uk

Additional Research: A. Georgakopoulou

‘The daddy of all facials’

What if I told you that it was possible to have a facelift without the surgery? Interested? By now most of us know that hard work, stress and a bad diet can all take their toll on our skin, and increasingly men are turning to the power of a good facial! One of the best currently on offer has to be the CACI Non-Surgical Facelift at The Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane.

When my therapist explained that this treatment uses a unique combination of specific waveforms and frequencies that work in harmony with my body’s own bioelectrical fields I was hooked. Like most men, I like to be able to see and feel results so I was thrilled to register the tiny electrical impulses and signals that were gently tightening and toning my facial muscles (and also encouraging the production of collagen and elastin) apparently!

Basically the CACI Non Surgical Treatment at The Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane is a facial on steroids!

• Firstly, skin is smoothed and refined, removing dead skin cells revitalising the skin’s surface by using a unique orbital microdermabrasion technology which uses silicone carbide coated disposable tips.

• LED light therapy stimulates cellular repair and regeneration and visibly diminishes sun damage, blemishes, acne and scarring.

• Two hand-held probes are used to send an electric magnetic frequency to mimic the body’s bio electrical field by restoring facial muscle tone and elasticity.

If you are looking for a tailored, non-invasive treatment that is devised to treat specific areas or skin concerns The CACI Non-Surgical Treatment at The Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane comes highly recommended. In my case it fulfilled its promise to deliver instant results and left my skin looking and feeling revitalized, toned, lifted and plumped. Job done!

Tester: Nick Cox Editor The Grooming Guide

Verdict: ‘Tangibly tightens and tones’

Price: £150.00 for 90 mins

Available: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7DR London. +44 (20) 7499-0888 www.fourseasons.com

Additional Research: A. Georgakopoulou

‘I was rendered blissfully at ease in luxurious surroundings!’

A trip to the hammam may be central to Moroccan life, but what if you want to wash away your troubles in the most luxurious surroundings? May I suggest taking this treatment at The Royal Mansour Marrakech, an establishment which elevates this bathing ritual to a completely different level? From the moment I entered the space-age white atrium of this spa, it was clear that I was in a temple to the body where people come to worship and be worshipped.

My ritual began in a hot, dimly-lit room filled with soothing aromas where a therapist began my massage by kneading a gooey black soap (made from olive resin) firmly into my skin. Sure, it was relaxing in parts but stretched out on the warm marble, I was also stretched and pummeled within an inch of my life! Once every muscle in my body was beaten into submission and there was no tension left in my body or mind, and I was prepared for an exfoliation using a detoxifying body mask and the traditional kessa massage glove.

A noticeably more smooth and relaxed me then settled for a few further moments of escape in the hot room before finally taking a bracing dip in the water of the cold room to bring me firmly back to reality. I entered the spa hot and hassled but floated out renewed, relaxed and rendered blissfully at ease by my luxuriously surroundings.

Tester: Nick Cox Editor The Grooming Guide
Price:1000 MAD, Approx. £80
Verdict:‘the most luxurious place to be scrubbed and pummeled’
Available: The Royal Mansour Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti 40000 Marrakech Tel: 0529.80.82.00
www.royalmansour.ma

‘A relaxing and beneficial treatment for the well-heeled male’

Here at The Grooming Guide we know a thing or two about the restorative powers of a pint; however even we were surprised at our latest discovery!

Who would have thought that the Spa at Brown’s Hotel in the heart of Mayfair would offer a Pale Ale Pedicure? This great multitasking treatment has been devised with men in mind and its aim is to naturally exfoliate dead skin, eliminate toxins and encourage the replenishment of skin through deep hydration. So, are you ready to experience the ‘shed and fed’ process?

I challenge any guy to take issue with a treatment that begins with a chilled glass of Hooky Gold Ale from Oxfordshire! As if that wasn’t enough to tempt this stressed out city gent they throw in some warm chocolate barley cookies for extra measure! Whilst I’m aware that for many readers I could end there, we haven’t even touched on the fascinating (and incredibly relaxing) process of the pedicure itself.

Epsom salts and crushed hop flowers (continuing the British ale theme) are massaged onto the feet and lower legs to exfoliate, whilst also boosting circulation. This is followed by a warm foot soak containing pale ale, where the detoxifying and replenishing action of the pale ale kicks in. The warm water and ale combination opens pores and encourages the skin to absorb the nutritional benefits of the ale, which moisturises at a deep level-who’d have thought it!

After soaking, my feet are dried and subjected to an exhilerating massage with Maris Otter barley and hop lotion, folowed by a barley and sesame seed oil foot wrap that managed to lock in moisiture for long term hydration. My feet remain apealingly soft for ages following the treatment, and I’m advised to keep them in tip-top condition by applying some body lotion to them from time to time.

Clearly if you thought that pedicures were the reserve of hen nights and ‘girlie indulgence breaks’ then think again; the Spa at Brown’s Hotel has just succeeded in reclaiming this relaxing and beneficial treatment for the well-heeled male.

What will they think of next…………………..

Tester: Paul Bhari Public Relations Executive

Treatment: Pale Ale Pedicure from the Spa at Brown’s Hotel

Price: £95.00 for 90 minutes (including refreshments)

Available: www.brownshotel.com (020) 7493 6020 or visit www.roccofortehotels.com

P. Bhari/A. Blake

‘Its time to take a look in the mirror!’

It’s February so you know what that means? Awards season is upon us! Looking good is always imperative, but what happens when you have an event where he needs to pull out all the stops? Here at The Grooming Guide we hope that with our timeline to 5-star Skin you too can be red carpet ready! Simply introduce a couple of the following products into your grooming armory and whether you’re in Hollywood or Harlesden you will be ready for your starring role.

A WEEK BEFORE
Join the increasing number of guys who are succumbing to The Facial. In order to balance and refresh your skin and help it to recover elasticity, having the treatment a full week before the big day will give your skin ample time to recover from any possible breakouts. There will be a wide range of facials available at your local spa, from anti-aging to deep-tissue intensive, so be sure to inform your specialist of your needs so that they can tailor your experience. Whilst we rate Dunhill as one of the leading facials in the capital,  but quality facials for men are now available in many locations nationwide.

TWO DAYS BEFORE
Once your skin is in tip-top condition, you will want to keep it that way. An easy way to maintain your post-facial “glow” by adding a good scrub to your arsenal. We chose Elemis Energising Scrub (£27 for 75ml at John lewis), where the tiny beads will make light work of unclogging pores and sloughing away dead skin. However, proceed with caution: whilst scrubs will do wonders for evening out your skin tone, never use just before an important engagement! No-one wants to arrive red faced at dinner or on a first date!

THE NIGHT BEFORE
Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate! Your skin should drink up all the moisture it can get in order not to look parched and sallow. Drink a pint of water before your face hits the pillow and consider sleeping with with an intensive moisturiser the night before the event. We found Rodial’s Dragon Blood Hyaluronic Moisturiser (£45 for 50ml at Rodial) to be excellent for getting blood circulation up and boosting your radiance the next morning.

ON THE DAY
It’s finally here! For the big day, you don’t need to work too hard, after all you’ve prepared. Simply use a gentle face wash to slew off any excess oil or environmental pollutants. Clarins Men Active Face Wash Foaming Gel (£19 for 125ml at House of Fraser) is good for making pores look smaller and getting rid of grime without drying you out.

FINAL TOUCHES
Before you leave the house, apply your secret weapon…a serum! These new high-tech forumulas don’t sit on the skin, instead instantly absorb instantly and ensure your skin looks perky (even if you aren’t). We like Stri-Vectin Tightening Serum (£79 for 50 ml at Mankind), but check out these for more ideas:

http://thegroomingguide.com/six-of-the-best/six-of-the-best-serums/

To boost the effects of the Serum, use a brightening cream. But remember, whilst its great to shine like a star, no-one want to look like an oily rag…so opt to MATTIFY! If you have oily skin, Kyoku’s Oil Control Lotion For Men (£43 for 50ml at Boots) will do the trick.

FAKING IT
Smart guys know how to fake it and now add healthiness and colour without looking orange. We rate Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Healthy Bronze (£21 for 50ml at Kiehl’s). If you’re feeling braver, then use a matte powder to deliver effortless coverage and ensure you look your best when the cameras come out- Guerlain’s Terracotta Matte pour homme Bronzing Powder (£38 for 11g at Selfridges) seems like the best on the market.

We hope that this routine is simple enough to be adapted to any big occasion, be it your first date, business merger or even your wedding day.

Coming soon, award-winning hair….

Vanessa Guallar and H. Eltayeb

‘First rate massage with local ingredients..in luxurious surroundings’

Most people visit Marrakesh to give in to the lure of the souks and allow themselves to be waylaid by charming merchants in winding alleyways! Can I make a suggestion….after the adrenaline rush of Djemaa El-Fna and the Kotoubia minaret, why not take some time out to really relax?

The Mosaic Palais Aziza and Spa is amongst one of the best of the cities new rash of boutique hotels, it’s only 10 minutes from the bustling medina and yes…crucially has a spa!  From the moment I arrived and my taxi passed through its high gates and weaved up the drive through the gardens it was clear that I had escaped the sights and sounds of the city and would begin to relax. With enticing views through to the pool and the heart of the hotel -the gardens are awash with flowers and colour and I was surrounded by a sea of roses. Crucially the Mosaic Palais Aziza and Spa itself feels more like a grand home than a hotel, and featuring traditional Moroccan decor and fabrics and the main Palais, the Pavilion Suites and the Garden Villas all feel very established and ageless.

The Spa itself meanwhile successfully mixes tradition with the most modern of luxuries! From the exhausitive treatment menu I chose the Scented Oil Massage, where the benefits of traditional Argan-based Oil with added Jasmine or  Verbena were central to this rejuvenating  deep massage therapy. My practitioner was firm and gentle in equal parts and soon had me drifting off and blissfully suspended between sleep and consciousness! No doubt it helped that the Mosaic Palais Aziza and Spa uses products from a local company Les Sens de Marrakech and its products harness the power of locally-sourced ingredients such as Argan Oil, Pear Seed Oil and Shea Butter, scented with Orange Blossom, Rose, Yasmine and Verbena.

Tester: Nick Cox Editor The Grooming Guide

Verdict: ‘tip top top to toe massage!’

Price: 450DH, aprrox £30.00

Available: Mosaic Palais Aziza, Mejjat 3/38, Cercle Ennakhil, Commune J’nanate, Marrakech. BP: 7212, Sidi Abbad, 40000, Marrakech. Morocco +212(0)524329988 info@mosaichotels.com www.mosaicpalaisaziza.com

Currently their winter package includes ‘Nuits d’Hiver’ at Mosaic Palais Aziza & Spa – which is two nights from €690 based on two sharing on a B&B basis. This includes a ‘Hammam & Scrub’ spa treatment each, two tickets for the Jardin Marjorelle, and €80 credit per day per couple for food and drink.

Additional Research: H. Eltayeb

‘It’s impossible to turn back the hands of time …..but Dr Dray can reduce their speed’

By now, smart guys know that using an SPF (sun protection factor) can reduce the onset of fine lines and wrinkles! Crucially they are also beginning to realize that skin care alone is sometimes not enough to reduce the signs of the aging process. Looking ‘well rested’ can be crucial for men as well as women if they are competing in the fast paced world of business. So what’s to be done if we look in the mirror and it’s clear that our faces are taking a little longer to wake up in the morning?

Luckily renowned Gerontologist Dr Dray is on hand, and this pioneer of cosmetic medicine has 25 years of experience which he uses to produce first class natural looking results, no wonder he has earned worldwide fame and recognition! Happliy for the guys at The Grooming Guide he extends these cutting edge treatments to men as well as women and I was personally invited to take part in one of his customised programmes at his London clinic.

After my initial consultation we decided that I would benefit from ‘The Crown Lift’ favoured by men and dubbed by Dr Dray himself as ‘ a more natural alternative to Botox’ I was prepped and Dr Dray injected Hyaluronic Acid along my hair line and just behind my ear area in a process which was specially customised and administered to my face. I can’t say the process was without pain but it was speedy and immediately I could see how this technique had pulled my temple area back and up!

The result was natural looking and rather like a more rested looking me. I was pleased to learn that the Hyaluronic Acid used was non-allergenic biocompatible and biodegradable so my new fresher looking face will fade gradually over time . Clearly it’s impossible to turn back the hands of time but now at least Dr Dray is on hand to rapidly reduce their speed!

Tester: Nick Cox editor of The Grooming Guide

Verdict: ‘cutting edge anti- ageing treatment with natural looking results’

Price: £400-£450, depending on the individual.
Available: Clinic Dray, 11b Albert Place, London, W8 5PD. +44 (0)207 937 1031 http://drdray.co.uk/

- Slows down premature ageing
- Removes dirt particles
- Relaxes the nerves and muscles
- Improves blood circulation
- Stimulates the skin functions
- Softens wrinkles
- Exfoliates
- Deep Cleanses

Dunhill Age Repair Facial

Tucked away from the busy metropolis of London is the Dunhill Spa. Situated in Bourdon House Mayfair, the spa itself is compact, stylish, masculine, and art-deco inspired with marble walls. I arrived frazzled and slightly late for my appointment, but was instantly made to feel comfortable and relaxed.

I chose the Dunhill Age Repair Facial and it could not have been more relaxing. After initially stripping to my boxers ( the treatment is performed on a heated bed) I slipped between the brightest and whitest towels, to leave my face and neck area exposed. The therapist began by cleansing the face with cotton pads or sponges using a product chosen for my skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.) In my case the products used were; Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hydrating Mask, Aromatherapy Associates Intensive Skin Treatment Oil Anti-age, Kyoku for Men Eye Fuel and Kyoku for Men Mask.

What  followed was a facial massage which used rythmic strokes to relax and stimulate my skin and facial muscles. Then specially targeted masks, again relevant to skin type were applied. There was also a benefit of a neck and shoulder and foot masage.
How do I know it was relaxing? I drifted in and out of consciousness, at some stages not even knowing if I was even awake or asleep! I had an hours massage the day before and this facial was much more relaxing. And the results? As promised, the results were instantly visible and my skin was left cleaner and brighter.

Thanks Dunhill!

Tester: Nick Cox Editor of The Grooming Guide

Verdict: “Brighter, fresher, plumper skin”

Price: £110 for 90 mins

Available:  Bourdon House 2 Davies Street Mayfair, London W1K 3DJ +44 (0)845 458 0779

Opening Hours Monday – Saturday  10.00 – 19.00

Spa.bourdon@dunhill.com