Laura Brand, founder of the The House of Beauty, shares her passion for skincare and why she remains committed to Dermalogica after 25 years.
Tell us about your journey in the beauty industry and how The House of Beauty came to be.
I qualified as a beauty therapist in 1993 after studying for two years at The London College of Fashion.
My first job was at The Savoy Hotel in London, where I worked for the first two years of my career. I loved working there – no two days were the same!
You never knew who was coming in, and I met people from all over the world. But I wanted to develop a client base and help people with skin concerns that needed more than just a one-off luxury facial.
I left The Savoy to work in a salon in St Paul’s, where I helped my then-boss set up the business. Managing the salon for two years allowed me to focus on skin treatments, build my client base and learn how to run a salon.
In 1999, I opened my first salon in London, Laura’s Retreat, followed by a second in 2002. I sold both in 2005 when I was due to give birth to my son, choosing to be a stay-at-home mum for him and my daughter, who was born in 2007.
After a 10-year break, I felt it was time to get back into uniform. I missed working with skin, and in 2015, The House of Beauty was born!
The best thing about having a home salon is not having to commute. Instead of spending two hours a day travelling, I can use that time in my business – whether with clients or catching up on admin.
What makes your salon unique?
All salons are special in their own way, but I believe my home salon is unique because, from the moment my clients step out of their car, they enter a tranquil setting where relaxation begins.
There’s no road noise, no crowds – just the sound of nature. My clients say that coming to me for a treatment feels more personal. I make them feel like they’re my only client of the day.
In their busy lives, where they’re always putting others first, their time with me is all about them – even if it’s just for an hour. Skin treatments are so much more than just skin.
Why did you choose to work with Dermalogica in your salon?
Before opening my first salon in 1999, I spent months testing skincare brands. I was looking for a professional range that appealed to both men and women and, most importantly, delivered real results.
I had worked with brands that offered just three days of training before sending you off to work with their products, and that wasn’t enough for me.
When I discovered Dermalogica, I was so impressed by their commitment to ongoing skin education. They want their professional skin therapists to be the most highly trained in the business, and I loved that about them.
When I launched House of Beauty in 2015, there was no question – Dermalogica was the brand for me. I’d already seen the results in my previous salons, and I wanted my new clients to experience that too.
You’ve earned multiple recognitions with Dermalogica. What do those achievements mean to you?
Being a Dermalogica ambassador was a career highlight! It was more than just recognition for my dedication as a skin therapist – it gave me the chance to give feedback on new products before launch and connect with other passionate skin geeks like me.
I’ve earned Dermalogica Circle status multiple times and have been a Dermalogica Platinum Partner for two years running.
That recognition means so much because, as a home salon, sometimes you feel less visible than a high street salon. These achievements remind me that my work is valued.
What’s your approach to helping clients achieve their skincare goals?
I always start with a consultation and skin analysis. This allows me to understand my clients’ skincare goals and create a plan that includes both treatments and homecare.
We also discuss expectations – skin health takes time, patience and consistency. Having years of experience means I can tailor treatments to suit each client’s needs.
If we need to skip a step, like resurfacing, in favour of LED therapy that day, we do. It’s all about what’s best for their skin at that moment.
Which treatments and products are most popular with your clients?
Pro Skin 60, Pro Clear and Pro Microneedling are my most popular treatments. New clients always start with a Pro Skin 60, which is tailored to their skin needs on the day. It includes lots of massage, which my clients love!
Even when they progress to advanced treatments like Pro Power Peel or Pro Microneedling, they always come back for the Pro Skin 60.
For products, Age Bright Clearing Serum is a firm favourite for breakout-prone skin – I call it the magic serum because it just works. But the new Multivitamin Power Recovery Cream is flying off the shelf, so there might be a new favourite soon!
Can you tell us about the Exo Booster treatment?
I now offer Exo Booster microneedling alongside Pro Microneedling. It’s suitable for all microneedling clients and is an upgrade for those looking for next-level skin regeneration and quicker results. The launch has created real excitement in my salon!
Since Exo Booster has only just launched, it takes time to see full skin regeneration results – that’s why we recommend a course of three to six treatments, spaced four weeks apart.
However, I’ve already noticed an improvement in hydration and texture, both in my clients and in my own skin. Two weeks after my first treatment, my skin felt like silk!
What does the future hold for you?
This year is all about education. I’m currently taking my Level 4 qualification in microneedling, and later this year, I plan to take my Level 4 in chemical peels.
Learning never stops, and continuing to develop my skills means I can always give my clients the best treatments and advice possible.
My journey with Dermalogica started 25 years ago, and I plan for it to continue for many more. Who knows what the future will bring? But I know Dermalogica will be part of it, and I’m ready for anything they want me to be involved with.
For more information about Dermalogica Pro, click here.
This is a sponsored story in partnership with Dermalogica Pro.
