Feet. Not the most glamorous – or pampered - of body parts. But for one award winning foot specialist, it’s all about turning that notion around! Margaret Dabbs has brought to life her vision of a foot spa with a focus; to go above and beyond the average pretty pedicure. Her renowned Medi-Pedi, expert advice and luxury foot care products have seen her transforming flippers from London to Dubai with everything from fish, files and Emu Oil. This week we chat to the Monday-loving do-gooder about her work for the Australian Aboriginal Trust, podiatry and lemon sherbet – for the feet!
Sunday Brunch Spot:
The Wolseley, this is my favourite place in London for brunch. It’s perfect to catch up with friends or to celebrate a special occasion. I’ve been there many times now and it never disappoints!
Bliss out treatment:
A Caci facial – the machine is completely amazing!
Tipple:
Bollinger Champagne or a Lychee Martini.
Saturday Night - Dancing till dawn or takeaway and a movie?
Definitely dancing till dawn! No 5 Cavendish Square is my local.
My Top Products on The Urban Retreat Beautique:
Favourite day of the week and why?
I love Mondays. After the weekend I’m always ready for the week ahead and at the moment, we have a lot of exciting business projects so I can’t wait to get started again after the weekend break! We have a great team atmosphere where we work, so it’s always nice to exchange tales from the weekend too!
Top beauty tip:
Hydration is key; always drink lots of water and try to get a good night’s sleep - it will do wonders for your skin short and long term.
Top general health tip:
My focus will always naturally be on the feet. If you have any pain in your feet, it is so worthwhile consulting a podiatrist. Pain in your feet can really be highlighting other areas of your body that need attention, such as your back or hips. I would say if you have any sort of pain, don’t ignore it! You can use all the beauty products in the world; if your feet hurt, prevention is better than cure – you’ll be amazed at what we can do to look after the feet.
What makes the range of Margaret Dabbs Foot products ideal to use both as treatment remedies and luxurious beautifying products?
I formulated my product range so that as well as being effective foot treatments; they are also luxurious to use. The signature ingredient of the products is organic Emu Oil and this delivers amazing results in hydrating the skin. All of my products are readily accepted into the skin which means there is never a greasy residue that sits on the top of the skin; instead the skin is illuminated and hydrated and so soft to touch. As well as the amazing hydrating qualities, the scent of my products is lemon myrtle which is so light and refreshing; so many of our clients say that it reminds them of lemon sherbet!
It is wonderful to learn that profits from your range of products help fund the Aboriginal trust; why is this a cause so close to your heart and what does the funding help provide?
The signature ingredient of my foot care products is organic Emu Oil. This ingredient is truly a ‘magic’ ingredient and has been used by Aboriginal People in Australia for thousands of years. Donating to the trust means that we are helping to fund schools in settlements in some one of the remotest locations in Australia. In these settlements they work tirelessly to preserve their heritage and culture and we are very proud to donate and help them to continue to do this.
Favourite part of your job:
I love what I do because every day is so different! When I walk into my clinic and I can see groups of people relaxing and having their treatments and chatting together, I feel a great sense of pride that they have chosen to come to Margaret Dabbs and the atmosphere that has been created is really something special!
The last three things you bought on your bankcard?
Ayala Champagne, flights to Dubai and my daughter’s birthday present.
What's in your handbag?
The Margaret Dabbs Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Serum, the Margaret Dabbs Crystal Nail File, keys, phone, notebook, diary and pen and a bottle of water.
More information on Margaret Dabbs Foot Care can be found at
www.margaretdabbs.co.uk