With the ‘blowout bar’ phenomenon moving from niche to mainstream and promising women everywhere a much needed dose of ‘girl time’, what’s really behind this addictive and fast-growing beauty regime?

Brits are spending like the recession never ended. But while the purse strings have tightened when it comes to necessities like groceries, products that promise aesthetic perfection are enjoying huge growth. Why do skint 20-somethings feel the need to look good when times are hard?

The average mum in the UK gets a mere 17 minutes of ‘me-time’ per day – hardly enough time for a shower, let alone a blow dry or manicure. Blow Ltd’s fast beauty concept offers a menu of speedy beauty treatments - offering a slice of indulgence away from daily stresses.

With the launch of Gucci’s long awaited make-up collection in October 2014, a new shift is gripping the make-up market. Designer associations with beauty are challenging the dominance of celebrity, and offering new growth for luxury brands.