I think we can safely say that summer is well and truly here at last, as Tunbridge Wells roasted in beautiful sunshine all weekend and many many people sat in the car park that is the A21 Southbound yesterday lunchtime!

With that in mind, many of us will be thinking about looking our best for the summer - the trick is to ensure we actually look like we enjoy summer all year round, and it hasn't come as a complete shock to us.

Nothing makes you feel more summery and - dare I say it - 'healthy' than a glowing tanned skin - but you have to have your sensible head on and not fall foul to the temptations of a sunbed or too much sunbathing. Not only do I think you can tell a sunbed tan from a real one, but there are the obvious health risks associated to too much UV exposure. Now, I do like to spend a lot of time outside (usually come rain or shine), but sunbathing bores me senseless. Consequently I'm usually doing something whilst being in the sun, so stand no chance of getting an even all over tan (although I'm lucky enough to tan very well). My favourite trick is to use a self-tanner during the spring time, so come full-summer, I look like I've already been on holiday (I wish).

It's also a time of year when we want to be able to wear less make up and look 'fresher-faced' - who really wants to go out in the sun caked in the usual level of foundation, enjoying the pleasure of feeling it slide down one's face as the day goes on? But how many brave souls over a certain age (apart form those Comfortable In Their Own Skin) brave doing out with none on at all? I for one would LOVE to be one of those.

Perfect, I'm thinking. I'm due a treat, so why not give myself an early summer MOT and get myself a facial, skin treatment, artificially (but natural looking) tanned skin, pamper my hair, and generally con myself into thinking I'm fit to walk the streets of Saint Tro-pez.

There are lots of beauty salons and spa type places to choose from in Tunbridge Wells, from the holistic delights of The Comfort Zone on Lime Hill Road, to the serene environment of The Chapel in Chapel Place. 

Scott & Co offer a range of pampering treatments for hair, body and soul, whilst the Mirror Beauty Company on Nevill Street takes the pain out of beauty, with non-surgical solutions to beauty and ageing problems.

Meanwhile, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin and Laser Clinic (formerly Med-Spa) in London Road tackles medical and beauty needs with non-invasive techniques and treatments.

Friends and family have been to each of these beauty salons and therapists at some stage, and all come highly recommended.

All thebestof Tunbridge Wells Business Members, we have carefully selected some of the most popular salons in Tunbridge Wells, and - as you know - we only champion the best.

From the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin and Laser Clinic to Scott & Co, The Comfort Zone to the Mirror Beauty Company or The Chapel, each one of these salons provides a unique and personal service. My best advice would be to read their features on thebestof, follow their numerous testimonials, to decide which one closely matches your beauty requirements. In fact, give them all a ring - we're all unique, and deserve what's personally best for each of us.

I've taken my first step, and painted my toenails. Unusually for me, I've gone for pillar-box red this summer - my feet at least I will dare to bare, and feel pithy and rebellious with it.



Natelie

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Natelie Fitzroy is a freelance writer and photographer with The Little White Studio.