On the scene

Behind the scenes at the parties, launches and events in the world of beauty, aesthetics, spa and nails

Germaine de Capuccini’s The Event

Madrid and Alicante, Spain

Spanish brand Germaine de Capuccini (GDC) hosted some of its key spa accounts and VIPs in Spain to celebrate its 60th anniversary. PB’s deputy editor Kezia Parkins joined the two-day trip, which kicked off with a visit to GDC HQ in Alicante to learn all about brand founder Carmen Vidal. Guests were also taken around the GDC factory and labs and given exclusive access to see how several of their patented products are made, with many elements still done lovingly by hand.

By day two, attendees were settled in Madrid and taken through an immersive experience in which launches from the brand’s Timexpert and spa ranges were unveiled. Guests also had the chance to concoct their own cream, attend a perfume masterclass, play Germaine de Capuccini arcade games and enjoy a delicious traditional Spanish lunch. In the evening, the birthday gala was held at Platea Madrid where the group feasted on canapés and danced the night away.

IIAA Salon of the Year Awards 2024

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Salon owners and skin therapists from across the UK and Ireland gathered at the brand new Peninsula London hotel in June to celebrate IIAA’s top accounts. Following a champagne reception, guests, including PB editor Eve Oxberry, enjoyed a three-course meal before the main event, which was introduced by IIAA managing director David Alpert. Before the awards began, British Beauty Council chief executive Millie Kendall gave a speech about her career journey and the importance of the sector and its contribution to the UK economy.

The awards were then presented, with several for top-performing salons, as well as Green Salon of the Year (see page 54 for our interview with winner Feel Good Therapy). IIAA co-founder Tracy Tamaris then took the stage to introduce some new categories for therapists who achieved the most impressive results on a variety of skin conditions, from eczema to rosacea to signs of ageing. Skip back to page 14 to see the full list of winners.

Image Skincare UK Spa Retreat Day

Glass House Retreat, Essex

Image Skincare invited a group of skincare professionals and press to unwind and network at the Glass House Retreat in Upminster, Essex. PB’s editorial assistant Erin Leybourne attended the exclusive event, which offered guests access to the spa for the day, plus a bespoke Image facial chosen to tackle each individual’s skin concerns.

The day started off with a tour of the expansive grounds, with both outdoor and indoor facilities to enjoy, including a natural swimming pond, sauna and steam rooms, activity rooms and more. Access was also extended to the day’s classes and workshops, including yoga, sound baths and crafting. After a morning spent exploring the spa’s offerings and having treatments, invitees enjoyed a nutritous plant-based lunch, with healthy smoothies, and an orange dessert inspired by Image’s best-selling Vital-C serum. The afternoon was then free for networking and relaxing.

LCBT Star Awards

The Photographers Gallery, London

The London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) held its Student Star Awards, celebrating the best and brightest students coming into the beauty and hair industries. The presentation was hosted by Sarah-Jane Froom, makeup artist and presenter. The top-performing students were awarded for their skills and commitment. Their tutors, who played a significant role in their development, were recognised too. The Professional Beauty Group sponsored the Level 2 Beauty and Hair categories, with PB’s editorial assistant Erin Leybourne in attendance to support the college and applaud the winners. The Eileen Cavalier Student of Excellence Award was presented by Caroline Neville MBE, preseident of Cosmetic Executive Women. The afternoon also included networking drinks to toast the bright futures of the young therapists moving into the beauty industry.

Spa Life UK Convention 2024

The Old Thorns Hotel and Resort, Liphook, Hampshire

The two-day convention brought together spa and wellness professionals and brands for networking and business development, as well as a celebratory gala dinner to celebrate the Good Spa Guide Awards. Speakers at the conference included Carden Park’s Emma Pridding, Gerrard International’s Paul Gerrard, and Myndstream founder Freddie Moross, with topics including spa trends, sustainability, touchless technologies and the changing attitudes of spa consumers. PB’s senior content writer Ellen Cummings attended the event to catch up with leading spa directors, as well as representatives from brands including Germaine de Capuccini, Thalgo, Elemis, Sothys, Temple Spa, Omorovicza and more.