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The other week HC LuxSpa invited me over to Birmingham to have my nails done in their brand new space inside the Bullring on the third floor of Selfridges. Not one to turn down a bit of pampering, I hopped on the train, and settled down for an hour of nail treats with the beautiful Lauren.
You’ll find HC LuxSpa nestled in between the beauty counters and affordable fashion brands with their bright white counters and plethora of polishes. I had a little mooch at the colours on offer (unable to decide!) and then sat down with Lauren for my nail consultation. My nails have been breaking a lot recently so i opted for a Signature Gel Manicure with the HC LuxSpa IBX Treatment in order to strengthen my nails and create a finish that would stand the test of time. My treatment consisted of a good tidy up – file, buff and cuticle work – a luxurious hand scrub and a massage before Lauren applied my IBX treatment. The IBX treatment is designed to nourish your nails from underneath the polish to stop that paper-like feel when you take off your gels. It promotes growth and a healthy nail bed with a two part heat activated procedure, fancy.
*edit* Nearly four weeks on i removed my gels and i was absolutely astounded to find my nails underneath were actually stronger than they were before which is just incredible. I now have super long, super strong nails – what a fantastic way to strengthen and grow shorter nails, I’m already booked in for my next set in a couple of weeks!
Next it was time for the gel polish and after a lot of deliberation through all their colours I went for a mixture of three (18 with 11 on top for my middle finger and 14 on the rest) which gave me a perfectly neutral nail set with a little nod to Autumn/Winter too! We finished off with some cuticle oil and i was good to go not even realising I’d been sat there for an hour chatting away as Lauren was so friendly and made me feel completely relaxed.
I’m a picker when it comes to nails and every time I’ve had gels they only last about a week before I’m sat studying them at my desk looking for an uneven edge or a way in underneath! But after over two weeks I’m still chip and lift free with my nails looking as good as they did as i walked out of Selfridges – check it out! Hand on heart this is the best gel manicure i’ve ever had with the most professional and painstakingly neat finish – hats off to Lauren and her incredible skill. Afterwards I pottered upstairs for a glass of fizz in The Balcony (Selfridge’s Champagne Bar) so i could admire my new nails. Even though the HC LuxSpa Nail Bar isn’t enclosed you almost forget you’re in the middle of a department store, it’s just fab and perfect for a day out with the girls.
HC LuxSpa take reservations but also walk-ins if they have the space and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to pop over for an express gel mani (just £25) the next time I’m over there shopping. My whole experience was perfect from start to finish and i can’t fault it one bit – Selfridges have got a little gem here that definitely deserves a visit.
Have you visited the HC LuxSpa yet? Which colours would you choose?
There isn’t just the HC LuxSpa in Selfridges – you can get fully pampered and get your brows done too – check out my review of Blink Brow Bar.
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