By Annette Kellow
Entering The Beaumont Hotel to visit facialist Abigail James it is clear that this is to be no ordinary experience. For starters, you are whisked discreetly downstairs to the hotel's oasis of calm tranquillity with white marble Art Deco surroundings- of which you wouldn’t even know you were just moments away from busy Bond Street. I am greeted by the very fresh-faced and glowing Abigail James, of which I have been informed has an abundance of wealth on anything skin (I instantly decided not to lie about my indulgence of afternoon teas that I‘ve had of late).
An industry expert with over a decade of experience, her signature facials and unique massage techniques are highly sought after and respected by industry insiders, celebrities and London’s elite. Abigail also believes in a full wellness approach and by using the correct products, effective treatments, technology and internal health you can achieve an all-round radiant, healthy, younger-looking skin. I was, if I’m honest, pretty embarrassed about the state of my skin as she began with a double cleansing balm and wash. I normally love to religiously use a set of products which includes Vitamin C and Retinol teamed with facials like Caci and LED but since being pregnant that’s all gone out the window and I’ve literally grabbed whatever’s on the shelf that appears au natural.
She then applied a lotus scrub with some surface exfoliation and massage which instantly relaxes me. I can not lie, it feels heavenly and I am hoping I am not going to fall asleep (one of my trademarks when it comes to facials and massage). Abigail is known as the ‘healing hands’, and from an early age she had an interest in health, nutrition and beauty. Just last year her book ‘Love Your Skin’ was released, an ultimate guide to a glowing complexion with also positively glowing reviews. Her ability to combine nature with science and technology has proved wonders and to put it in writing as a go-to skin bible is impressive - no wonder she has an extensive client list in the Cotswolds who travel all the way to London to visit her!
I also like how seamless her facial feels. Her focus is on decongesting and brightening the skin and as she cannot use some of her signature treatments on me (which includes peels, radio frequency, LED and fractional) we are going for a more holistic but uplifting approach. She uses a series of techniques, some a lighter touch and other firmer massage movements all over my face. She then applied a nourishing recovery hydration mask by Rituals, the idea being not to overstimulate but to bring back moisture and refreshment to my skin.
More massage ensued (it literally could have gone on all evening and I would have been absolutely fine with that!) and lastly, gentle serums and creams applied all over. The products she used by Rituals have a statement that I think we can all apply to in life; ‘Respect for nature, respect for our skin,' and although their products are luxurious and hard working they are completely natural (so safe for all skin types!)
After a blissful hour it was time to leave and at dinner that evening I decided not to wear makeup (a first for makeup fiend me). Normally I would have recoiled in horror at going out without at least foundation and concealer on but Abigail gave me the glow I was after… and all without a highlighter stick in sight.
To book your facial at The Beaumont with Abigail James:
