Büty Salon, 85 Hammersmith Grove, London W6 (020-8748 1247; www.butysalon.co.uk)

Atmosphere and clientele: Büty has all the hallmarks of a local beautician – small (to the point of being a little cramped) and super-friendly. Our spy was greeted by owner Sam Wimalaweera as if she had been coming for years. She knows her stuff, is keen to share her expertise and asks many questions on skincare, lifestyle, diet, moods and sleep patterns. The atmosphere is busy and enthusiastic.

Treatments and products: Our spy had a Decléor facial (from £72 for 90 minutes), which starts with a diagnostic back massage – incredibly relaxing. Wimalaweera highlighted two problems immediately – digestion (our spy suffers from bloatedness and slight indigestion) and lungs (she had a cold and cough coming on, neither of which were yet showing any signs). The Decléor range treats all skin types, so Wimalaweera tailor-made the facial. Our spy received products to cleanse, tone, de-stress and banish impurities. She even succumbed to extraction, which she usually resists. The mask was wonderful, and taken off before it had time to turn into cold slop. The products smelled great, and the skin was left truly revived.

Highs: The massage and the products.

Lows: The questioning left little time to fully switch off.

Marks out of five: Four.

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