We’ll admit it. Here at Treatwell when it comes to beauty we’re totally nosy. What do you always book in for? What are your salon habits? And most importantly, what’s your favourite treatment? Whether you’re prepping for a holiday or getting ready for a wedding – we need all the deets. Introducing ‘At the Salon With’, our new monthly beauty series that lifts the lid on a host of expert’s and influencer’s salon rituals. From editors to chefs, models to business owners, we’re interviewing a wide range of in-the-know beauty lovers to find out exactly what makes them tick. This month, we sat down with fashion editor and co-founder of Beach Flamingo Lily Russo, to try out the new Wella Colour Blowdry with top colourist Issie Churcher at HOB Salon in Camden. We got the inside scoop on her pre and post travel beauty tips, her must-have products and her secret of how to incorporate more ‘me time’ into a busy schedule. Read on to find out more…
By Rebecca Hoffnung
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1 What treatment do you always book in for at the salon?
I normally book in every 10-12 weeks to have my highlights done,’ explained Lily; ‘I wanted a bit of a colour lift in-between this time, as my hair is an ash blonde and with the serious lack of sunlight in London it can start to look dull. I asked Issie for a quick lift, not a full head of highlights, as I only had an hour. Plus I always have a blowdry afterwards! My father was a hairdresser and so I grew up spending a lot of time in the salon. Even if I booked in to have my hair done, if someone walked in I was always pushed aside with a towel on my head or would always have to be as quick as possible – so I really enjoy going to a salon as a client now and having the full focus on me!’
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2 What time do you usually book in?
‘Whenever is available!’ quipped Lily; ‘I always leave it to the last minute to book so am always begging them to squeeze me in. If I can, ideally I choose the weekend for a full head of highlights otherwise it takes too long out of my working week. That’s why the Wella Colour Blowdry is perfect for a little colour top-up – I’m in and out in an hour. That’s something I can get away with during the working week!’
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3 Any salon habits we should know about?
‘I rarely have moments when I can switch off entirely, so I always try to avoid taking my laptop to the salon’ explained Lily, ‘however if I’m at the hairdressers it’s usually to have my highlights done, which means I’ll be there for a while, so I do often take my laptop to get some work done.’ And when it comes to chatting to her stylist, Lily loves a good natter: ‘I do love catching up with my hairdresser too. I recently started going to Nevilles in Knightsbridge and my hairdresser used to do Gisele Bundchen’s hair when he lived in Brazil. I unashamedly spent the first 30 minutes quizzing him about her!’ And her drink order of choice? ‘I always order an Earl Grey tea – it’s how I relax.’
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4 Most recent in-salon discovery?
When it comes to perfecting her hair colour, Lily doesn’t mess around: ‘it takes a lot longer than normal highlights but if like me you are blonde and like a very natural colour to your hair, find a hairdresser that uses the exact same strands of hair to highlight every time. It takes longer but it means you end up with your own colour running through and is so much better for your hair.’
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5 Best beauty tip?
‘Cleanse and moisturise. Day and Night. My mother encouraged my sister and me to do this from a young age, and I think it has definitely helped my skin. You can buy all the creams in the world but if you don’t take care of your skin, it’s a waste of money. Also if you have coloured hair, the only conditioner that gives my hair back its strength and thickness is Wella Professionals Warm Blonde Conditioner. Hair products are very dependent on your own hair type, but I always recommend this conditioner to all my friends’ explained Lily.
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6 What’s your favourite thing about taking time out for a beauty treatment/hair appointment?
‘Between a busy work schedule and the demands of social media (both personal and business related) as humans we are always ‘switched on’, constantly scrolling, searching, looking for the next Instagram post, or business idea’ mused Lily; ‘my favourite thing about taking the time to book in for a treatment is just doing something for me, switching off, having a chat with the hairdresser or beautician or reading a magazine.’ We couldn’t agree more!
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7 What’s in your makeup bag?
‘To add some warmth to my skin I use Chanel Soleil Tan – it’s a bronzing makeup base, and adds a touch of colour in the winter when my skin is lacking in vitamin D. When it comes to makeup, I’ve tried so many mascaras, but L’Oreal’s Feline Volume Million Lashes is the best and definitely at the cheaper end of the market. My lashes are really long and don’t curl up at the end, so this is one of the few mascaras that hold them in place! And for my skin, Estee Lauder’s Enlighten EE Skintone Corrector is a very light tinted moisturiser that I use everyday – whenever I wear this, for a special occasion or when I’m tired, I always get compliments on how much my skin is glowing!’
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8 What's your pre and post-travel beauty checklist?
As a big part of Lily’s job is travelling, we couldn’t resist quizzing her on her pre and post travel beauty tips: ‘If I’m heading to the sun, I always make sure I have my hair trimmed so it’s in the best condition. I have my waxing, OPI 2-week manicure and pedicure, and try and avoid having my roots done just before I go away. That way, my roots can be naturally lightened by the sun. I make sure I am stocked up on Eucerin Mattifying Sun Face Fluid SPF 50 so I’m not caught off guard in the sun.’ Explained Lily. And for post travel? ‘Beauty wise, I always require less maintenance post holiday as the sun and seawater work wonders on my skin. However if I’ve been travelling long haul, I book in for a facial to restore any loss of hydration. I like having painted nails when I travel but I always try to have a couple of weeks with bare nails when I’m back to let my nails breathe.'
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9 What's your beauty routine while travelling?
‘When I travel I like to take everything I usually use with me, so I normally dispense all my products into smaller bottles so I have it all ready to go. I always take face wipes and moisturiser on the airplane as I always feel really grimy after being in the airport and airplane for hours. If you work long days using the same small travel wash bag in the office is a great tip. You’d be surprised how much having a little freshen up before a work dinner or event makes you feel.’
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10 What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to beauty treatments?
‘I LOVE full body massages as I always feel so relaxed and energised afterwards. Sitting down at a desk a lot of the time, it always feels great to have your legs massaged to stimulate circulation. If I’m ever feeling run down I always love having reflexology – I find it restores balance and energy to my body.’