Archive copy by Jenni Baden Howard

Previously based at a smart Mayfair hair salon, Vaishaly has spent the last few years quietly polishing the complexions of fashion and beauty editors, Supermodels and actresses. Her approach is more hands-on than hi-tech, and addictively effective.

‘I’ve always believed that treating skin in the most simple, natural way is best,’ says Vaishaly, who is a big believer in the benefits of facial massage and following a gentle skincare regime. ‘The stronger the treatment, the more possibility there is that the skin will react and become over-sensitive. I also see a lot of young clients who have been using heavier, anti-aging wonder creams which, in my opinion, they don’t really need. A lot of people think they have dry skin when, in fact, it is only dry in areas. Often, this improves when the skin is exfoliated regularly.’

Vaishaly’s own, radiant looks are her best advertisement, and she is renowned for being one of the most glamorous girls in the business. British Vogue has praised her “working wardrobe that she makes look like a fashion statement”, and Red magazine recently described her as “looking more like a pop babe than a beauty pro”.

Her clinic, located on Paddington Street, London W1, is equally stylish. Enter through the frosted glass doors and you feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a cool new club, hip hotel or restaurant. The reception desk - a butterscotch leather counter, uncluttered by products - looks more like a bar. The clean, simple theme continues throughout, with lots of cream, caramel suede and limestone. In an outdoor decking area, a pair of palm trees in terracotta pots provide a Californian feel. ‘I wanted it to look completely different,’ Vaishaly explains. ‘I showed the architect lots of pictures of beauty clinics and told him “I don’t want it to look like that”.’

The treatment rooms feature soft uplighting - ‘much more soothing than spotlights,’ she says - which can be colour-adjusted. ‘I wanted to create a calming atmosphere, where people can just come in, be pampered and switch off.’

Not that her clients need any help unwinding. Vaishaly’s signature facial is as soporific as it is effective. Lasting an hour, it incorporates thorough extraction (a method, she insists, which won’t result in unflattering, post-facial blotchiness), microdermabrasion (her one concession to science, in which tiny crystals are “blasted” onto the skin to exfoliate), a facial massage and a mask. ‘The facial is always tailored according to the skin’s needs, so it’s different each time.’

Vaishaly is also famous for her expert eyebrow shaping (Nigella won’t trust anyone else with those perfectly sculpted arches). She uses an Indian threading technique which she learned from an aunt. ‘I never follow fashion, but give people the shape which suits them best. This tends to follow the natural shape, but I can achieve an arch in a completely straight brow.’

Vaishaly uses gentle, Dead Sea mineral-based products in her treatments, and - yes - a signature line is in the pipeline. ‘I want to create a range that reflects my skincare philosophy,’ she reveals. Expect something simple, soothing and streamlined. And glowing results.

Vaishaly’s Skincare Secrets

1. Exfoliate your face and neck once a week, using a chemical-free facial scrub or “peeling” cream if your skin is dry or sensitive. Be especially gentle when working around the eye area and on the lips, where the skin is more delicate.

2. Apply a face mask which is suited to your skin type once a week, after exfoliating.

3. Take a few extra moments to massage your cleanser and moisturiser into your skin, morning and night, using firm, circular movements. This aids circulation and will help to break down any congestion which could lead to breakouts.

4. Always cleanse and moisturise your skin before going to bed. However tired you feel, you really will wake up with a clearer, fresher-looking complexion.

5. For an instant skin boost in the morning, splash cold water onto your face after cleansing. This is instantly firming, freshening and will make your skin feel “awake”. Follow with your moisturiser as usual.

6. To revitalise tired, puffy eyes, use your fingers and a light face oil or moisturiser to gently massage around the eyes. In one, continuous stroke, follow the browbone, moving outwards and then work underneath the eye, towards the nose. Repeat several times. As well as being relaxing, this will help to drain any fluid build-up, boost the blood flow and feed oxygen to the area.

• Inquiries and appointments, tel: 020 7224 6088.