VIGAL & JUS, Milan
A visit to the hairdresser can be a stressful experience: long waits, a hurried ambience, rushed employees and harsh chemical smells (from hair dyes and the like) can make it a nerve-racking time. Not at Vigal & Jus, a salon in central Milan describing itself as a Beauty Hotel (http://vigal.it/) . A favorite amongst fashion models for pre and after-shoots pampering, the salon receives each client in a private suite, where, apart from personalized hair color cutting and styling, one can enjoy skincare treatments and massages using 100% natural products, while sipping prosecco and nibbling finger food. The concept is the brainchild of hair stylist Alessandro Viggiani (nicknamed Vidal), founder and art director of the venue; that together with longtime collaborator Giuseppe Americola (Jus) has conceived a space “where each guest has the opportunity to live a tailor-made beauty experience in total relax, in a private space with a luxury hotel atmosphere.” All hair, face, and body therapies are performed with intuition and care, employing non-toxic and bio-compatible vegetable substances. Expect anti-frizz and nourishing hair treatments (using proteins, vitamins, and oils), anti-age and purifying facials, and detoxing or slimming body scrubs and wraps. But it is the salon’s hair coloring technique, utilizing hydrating vegetable live pigments, that steal the show. The most sought-after? The Baby Care, a lightening technique with special vegetable butters and oils, that gives the mane a shiny sun kissed look, while strengthening the structure of the hair (euro 90). The best of both worlds.
TRAVEL BEAUTY
Traveling, it’s known, opens the mind. But with the appropriate precautions, it can be amazing for one’s beauty too. A trip can become a beauty journey, and one can reach one’s destination looking like one has just stepped out from a long session at the Spa. Below is how:
Pre-care: The night before the flight I use a cleansing exfoliator on my face (such as REN Micro Polish Cleanser) followed by a serum such as Restylane Night Serum, or Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial, to ensure that I’ll wake up with a fresh, polished complexion. As a good night sleep is the best pre-flight weapon, I spray my pillow with a soothing mist (This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray contains lavender and chamomile essential oils) to get a cozy feeling. In the morning I drink 2 cups of warm water & lemon, to flush toxins and hydrate internally. I then do a few yoga sun salutations, to stimulate circulation and prep for long hours of immobility. In the shower, I exfoliate my body with a scrub like Kiehl’s Body Scrub Lavender, followed by a toning body oil (Dr.Haushka’s Blackthorn Toning Oil is my current favorite), concentrating on areas like the bum and stomach, to ensure that I’ll take off with the smooth physique of a supermodel. I then hydrate my face with a tinted day cream (Luxsit BB Cream spf 15 is organic), to protect form sunlight and pollution; followed by an eye cream to strengthen the eye area, the first to show the signs of tiredness (my current obsession is Murad Eye Lift Firming Concentrate). Some minimalistic make-up and off I go.
In flight: Once on the plane I clean my face, and then apply generously a face oil such as Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (that I reapply every 2-3 hours) and a rich eye cream like Eve Lom Eye Cream. I also use a neck cream (Tarte Maracuja Neck Treatment will do the job) to prevent creases due to the seat angle. During the flight I sip non-stop mineral water or pure coconut water, to fill up with electrolytes. I also always pack an organic superfood meal (chia seed pudding, quinoa salad etc.), to beautify from the inside. I take advantage of the long hours to do some simple exercises: lifting my bum slightly from the seat, while contracting the buttocks and thigh muscles (keep for 30 seconds, relax and repeat), will ensure that I’ll disembark with a bum as perk as J-Lo’s.
After care: Once at my destination, I complete the ritual by applying a brightening face mask, to wipe away any signs of tiredness and get a rosy glow (Sarah Chapman 3D Moisture Infusion doesn’t disappoint). A wonder serum (Dr.Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and Oskia Get Up and Glow really work) will do the rest. A spray of Oribe’s Dry Texturing Spray will reinvigorate the dullest of hair. Where is the party?
