Laura Pearson has been writing about beauty for over 20 years, with her work appearing in Who What Wear, Metro, Scotsman, and Yahoo! Style. She’s also the voice behind @alifewithfrills, her Instagram community where she dishes out beauty recommendations, cult favourites, and all the latest trends. Based in Glasgow with her husband and her tiny Chihuahua, Laura’s an insider who knows a thing or two about the best places for beauty and wellness. Here are her personal picks—you’re going to want to save these!
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Best Place for a Blow-Dry
It’s been around a long time and it’s still a favourite for many celebrity clients for a reason—Taylor Ferguson and his team work wonders with a brush and hairdryer.
Best Spa Day
Archerfield House in East Lothian has the best spa. It’s so cosy, like an alpine lodge, with real fires. There’s a great thermal suite and excellent treatments. You truly feel like you’ve escaped for the day.
Best Massage
I don’t think you can beat Lush Spa in Glasgow or Edinburgh for immersive treatments that incorporate all your senses and take you to another world. I love their Hard Day’s Night full-body stretching massage treatment that soothes you with reworked Beatles tunes. I also love their Tailor Made massage treatment, done to the soothing and uplifting sound of sea shanties created especially for Lush Spa.
Best Hair Colourist
Roar Hair in the Southside is amazing (there are several locations there). They’re colour specialists and award-winners who can do the most sophisticated and clever things to give you exactly the hair you want. Trust me, and ask for Leo.
Best Facial for Results
You need to get yourself a Hydrafacial. It’s the only facial I recommend if you want to see actual, immediate changes—an incredible glow boost, texture refinement, pore extraction. It has so many benefits. I like going to Dermal Clinic in Morningside.
Best Facial for Relaxation
I find facials that really massage—or maybe pummel is a better word—your face for lymphatic drainage and muscle tightening the most relaxing. I also love facial cupping for this. Try The Lymphatic Facial Method at Facespace in Glasgow.
Favourite Hotel Spa
I think Cameron House has the best spa facilities, combined with great dining options. The spa at The Carrick has a full thermal experience, an outdoor infinity pool, as well as beautiful treatment and relaxation rooms.
Best Independent Scottish Beauty Brands
You need to check out Vieve if you haven’t already. Glasgow’s Jamie Genevieve has taken over the world with it. Their bath salts are heavenly, and their Skin Dew gives you the glow of your dreams.
I also like Arran Sense of Scotland—they do an amazing Calm Lavender & Chamomile Natural Deodorant too.
Best Mani-Pedi
I am a qualified manicurist with The Gel Bottle, although I only do my own nails now. However, whenever I need to ‘reset’ my nails and get some serious cuticle removal done, you can’t beat House of Nails at 17 Elmbank Street in Glasgow.
Getting Ready for a Big Event
I laminate my own brows at home, but I do get my brows threaded (because I’m on Tretinoin) and my lashes tinted every few weeks, especially just before an event. Where I go might surprise you, but they do the best brow waxes I’ve ever had—USA Nails & Beauty in Anniesland. I travel across the city for an appointment. There’s no luxury, it’s job done and you’re out; but they are seriously good with brows!
Favourite Place to Shop Beauty and Skincare
You can’t beat St. James Centre in Edinburgh for their beauty offering. They have two huge big hitters with massive stores—Space NK and H Beauty. Then there’s also Holland & Barrett, which has a huge range of natural beauty brands.
Favourite Scottish Candle Company
The Isle of Skye Candle Company definitely tops the list. Their aromatherapy blends are so beautiful, and the Sleep Sensation candle will ease you into a deep sleep. Thank me later!
Follow Laura on Instagram @alifewithfrills for more expert advice and recommendations.
