The Ultimate Pre-Holiday Glow Up at Swanky London
There’s something about a holiday countdown that makes you want to refresh your look. Whether it’s a beach escape or a city break, getting a few beauty treatments beforehand can make you feel polished, confident, and completely holiday-ready. For my latest pre-trip glow up, I headed to Swanky Notting Hill — a stylish beauty salon tucked along Portobello Road in West London – for a couple of essential treatments that instantly elevated my look.
Swanky Notting Hill is known for its relaxed but luxurious atmosphere and its focus on clean beauty treatments, ranging from brows and lashes to manicures, pedicures, waxing and facials. The salon prides itself on using carefully selected products, including toxin-free nail polishes and natural ingredients, designed to enhance beauty while prioritising wellbeing.
Walking into the salon, the vibe was warm and welcoming. The team immediately made me feel comfortable, which is exactly what you want when you’re taking a little time for self-care before a trip. The first treatment on my glow-up list was eyebrow lamination.
Eyebrow lamination has become one of the most popular brow treatments in recent years, and for good reason. The process lifts and sets the brow hairs into place, creating a fuller, more defined shape that lasts for weeks. At Swanky, the treatment was carefully tailored to my natural brow shape. The result? Fluffy, perfectly groomed brows that frame the face beautifully – without needing daily styling.
The difference was immediate. My brows looked thicker, more symmetrical, and effortlessly polished. It’s one of those treatments that subtly enhances your features but makes a noticeable difference in photos, ideal when you know you’ll be snapping plenty of holiday pictures.
Next up was a gel pedicure, which is arguably one of the most essential treatments before a beach holiday. Nothing says “holiday mode” like fresh, glossy toes ready for flip flops.
The pedicure experience was incredibly relaxing. After the usual shaping and care, the gel polish was applied and cured under UV light, leaving a smooth, high-shine finish that is designed to last for weeks without chipping. That durability is exactly why gel pedicures are such a popular choice for travellers – you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about your nails losing their shine.
As I left the salon, I felt completely refreshed and put together. Pre-holiday treatments aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re also about carving out a moment of calm before the chaos of travel. Taking an hour or two for yourself can set the tone for a trip, helping you feel relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment.
If you’re planning your own getaway, a visit to Swanky Notting Hill is the perfect way to start the countdown. With expert treatments, a welcoming atmosphere, and results that last throughout your trip, it’s the ultimate destination for a pre-holiday glow up.
Find out more > www.swankylondon.com
