Bibi’s cafés are known for their wholesome, Turkish-inspired salads. Image | Courtesy of Bibi’s
Welcome to the first of our city guides to beauty, grooming and wellness, where you’ll discover hot spots for health and the latest launches for your bathroom (or kitchen) shelf. This month we visit London to uncover the best facial, a wholesome lunch spot and even some pampering for your pooch, as well as celebrating some great British brands.
the lunch | Bibi’s
London is a city of workaholics. In the corporate world, hours can be long and the pace relentless, with many grabbing a soggy supermarket sandwich to eat at their desk. Yet, there are tastier – and healthier – alternatives, even when you’re in a rush.
Turkish born creative Bilur Yapici – AKA Bibi – and her partner Tansel opened their first Bibi’s café in Soho in 2019 and now have seven dotted around central London. She learnt her craft from the women in her life: her grandmother, her mother and her aunts. While her dishes are based on Turkish family recipes, she also takes inspiration from her travels and is always experimenting with new variations.
Bilur Yapici, co-founder of Bibi’s, was inspired by family recipes from her Turkish homeland. Image | Courtesy of Bibi’s
The philosophy at Bibi’s is simple: healthy and flavoursome food lovingly made from scratch every day. The vibrant salads are the speciality, but there’s also homemade hummus, honey and Cajan charcoal roasted chicken and spicy Köfte with garlicky tomato sauce. Portions – which you can eat in or take out – are very generous, making Bibi’s an affordable, everyday option.
Read more about Bibi’s here.
the supplement | Moodeys
Moodeys’ Wake-Up Call is designed to increase energy and productivity. Image | Courtesy of Moodeys
Founded in 2023, Moodeys says its supplements significantly outshine those of its competitors. Firstly, they’re 100% organic and filler-free, but the big draw is that the active ingredients are up to five times the strength.
Every product in the range is based on adaptogenic mushrooms, from Wake-Up Call for productivity and daily energy, Rest & Repeat for deep sleep and recovery, Pick Me Up for energy, endurance and drive and Happy Hour for uplifting, calming and reducing anxiety.
We tried Upgrade Me, which promises to naturally switch you “into overdrive with heightened focus and increased productivity all whilst feeling calm and in control”. Perfect then, for the frenetic pace of London life. Key ingredients include guarana, L-theanine from green tea, panax ginseng, zinc, vitamin B12 and lion’s mane mushroom. The latter, Moodeys tells us, has a significant impact on the growth of brain cells, thereby improving memory and brain clarity.
But Moodeys hasn’t just thought about overhauling what’s on the inside; there’s also a chic apothecary-style glass jar so that you can finally banish those ugly plastic pill bottles.
Read more about Moodeys here.
the deodorant | Parudeesa
Parudeesa’s natural deodorant bars are housed in shelf-worthy bamboo “trinket boxes”. Image | Courtesy of Parudeesa
Parudeesa’s biodegradable, natural deodorant bars are designed to “elevate an everyday, mundane routine with haute perfumery and skin-loving ingredients. No plastic, no compromises,” says London-based founder Maheen Khan. When she moved to the UK, Khan (who had long suffered from skin conditions) noticed a gap in the market for a science-backed but natural deodorant that was effective, without being harsh on the skin or detrimental to respiratory health.
Hero ingredients include medical-grade silver to defend the skin barrier, microcrystalline cellulose (wood pulp) which absorbs sweat while allowing the skin to breathe, probiotics to banish odour while repairing and honeysuckle which is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The fragrances, meanwhile, are inspired by the mystical paradise gardens of Indo-Persia and the ancient art of attars: a slow distillation process that produces deep, long-lasting aromas. Each one is named after the four elements, but there is also nāb (pure), which is fragrance free.
The refillable bamboo ‘trinket boxes’ help to keep the product fresh and look a lot more pleasing on display than a garishly branded aerosol or roll on.
Read more about Parudeesa here.
the fragrance | Floris Elite
The iconic Elite fragrance range from Floris includes grooming essentials. Image | Courtesy of Floris
When it was created in 1979, Elite was a bit of a slow burner, with just a few loyal followers. Gradually its popularity increased and it’s now an icon in the Floris family of fragrances, so much so that a shaving cream and facial moisturiser have just been added to the range, 40 years after the scent was launched. This seems apt, given that it was named after London Elite – an aftershave cream that first featured in the Floris catalogue in 1851.
The new moisturiser, with sweet almond and hemp seed oils, is designed to be deeply nourishing, yet lightweight, while the shaving cream is luxuriantly creamy. Other items in the range include a solid shaving soap (and refills) with shea butter, presented in a wooden bowl from sustainable sources, bath and body products, and of course, aftershave, eau de toilette and eau de parfum.
Elite’s mellow, woody top notes of patchouli and vetiver are enlivened with a tangy twist of bergamot, grapefruit and lemon and then punctuated with the greenness of cedar leaf and spicy juniper berry. At its heart are lavender and fir balsam with a touch of bay, and the fragrance then evolves with amber, musk and a hint of leather, adding to the enduring appeal of this timeless scent.
Read more about Floris here.
the facial | Joanne Evans + Skin Matters
Joanne Evans at her Skin Matters studio. Image | Courtesy of Skin Matters
Celebrated skincare expert Joanne Evans is known for her results-driven, 360° approach and bespoke treatments combining traditional techniques with the latest and most effective non-invasive technologies.
We tried the Advanced Vitamin Facial and left with skin that was not only brighter, but noticeably tighter and lifted – results we would not expect from a facial alone. The 90 minutes included a thorough three-stage cleanse, an intense hydrating treatment using soundwaves to help the vitamins penetrate 4,000 times deeper into the skin, a signature lymphatic and pressure point facial massage, and much, much more. Even our shoulders and feet were given a massage.
With over 30 years of experience and an A-list clientele, there’s a year-round waiting list for an appointment with Evans at her Portland Road Skin Matters studio. However, she is currently doing a bi-monthly residency at Marylebone pharmacy John Bell & Croyden, giving more customers a chance to experience her magic. We would still recommend booking in advance as slots fill fast.
And if you can’t get a look in there, you can try out Evan’s award-winning Skin Matters Calming Gel (Schön!’s Beauty Editor Emma White-Turle is a huge fan). The pH balanced, balm-to-gel formula combines soothing and repairing ingredients and – being free from oils, waxes, fragrance, petroleum and parabens – is suitable for sensitive skin. It’s been designed as the perfect post-treatment soother, but also offers clinical relief for eczema, acne and breakouts, or apply as an overnight mask for intense nourishment.
The multi-purpose Calming Gel from Skin Matters | Image courtesy of Skin Matters
Read more about Joanne Evans and Skin Matters here.
the doggy daycare | WagWorks
So that’s some of your wellness needs sorted, but don’t forget your four-legged friends. WagWorks likens its holistic daycare centre to “a private members’ club for dogs”, but this isn’t a case of style over substance. Founded by lifelong city dwellers, WagWorks was created not just to appeal to busy, urban dog parents (members don’t have to commit to specific days and the in-house vets take same day appointments), but with canine needs firmly in mind.
The design decisions are therefore all dog-friendly, such as non-slip textures, calming colours and considered spatial flow. The curved walkways aren’t there to be visually appealing to us, but because dogs can become nervous when approached head on.
Spaces include roomy, temperature-controlled indoor playparks, enrichment zones, a puppy socialisation area, a state-of-the-art grooming studio, cosy stables, a healthcare room and enough space for zoomies. Dim lighting, relaxing music and several sleeping areas ensure restful nap times and dogs are grouped according to energy level and personality, with an expert handler for each area. There’s even a scent den with plenty to sniff, lick and chew.
WagWorks, which is located in Fulham, has glowing customer reviews. Its popularity is such that the company is opening a new branch in Islington Square this autumn. Situated in North London’s old postal sorting office, the 8,000 square foot club will join a vibrant community that merges culture, wellness, entertainment and arts.
Read more about WagWorks here.
WagWorks’ dog-friendly daycare centre/canine members’ club in Fulham. Image | Courtesy of WagWorks
words. Huma Humayun
