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Leeds is named one of the UK's beauty capitals
Glow up culture has become increasingly popular over recent years, with #glowup amassing over 13.3 million search results on Instagram1, and 19.3 million posts on TikTok2. With summer holidays and festivals around the corner, it’s no wonder we want to look our best. In fact, searches for ‘glow up’ in the UK have increased by 174% this month.
The #cleangirlaesthetic, a major facet of ‘glow up culture’, remains popular in the UK, with over 500k posts on TikTok. It encourages a natural, glowing look achieved through holistic selfcare, like better sleep routines and cosmetic procedures, ensuring your ‘glow up’ lasts long beyond summer. A study found that self-care behaviours such as these and physical activity work to improve sleep quality and mental health in individuals.
With many people seeking to feel happy in their skin this summer, the team at MattressNextDay wanted to reveal the UK’s top destinations for a glow up. They analysed the cities with the most beauty salons and pharmacies, the highest quality of sleep among residents, amount of green space and the lowest UV index to find where residents are waking up feeling the most confident.
Leeds is a staple beauty city thanks to its huge amount of green space, which takes over 41.9% of the city - ideal for heading out on hot-girl walks - and it has the second lowest level of air pollution (5.4 on the index), second only to Edinburgh, making it less likely for air-pollutant related skin issues, such as dry skin and acne, to occur. The city’s high average daily sunlight hours (5.3) can give residents a healthy glow, while its low UV index prevents skin damage from overexposure.
Home to the third highest number of spas in any UK city after Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester, residents can enjoy relaxation and spa treatments, while its 28.5 pharmacies per 100,000 people make beauty products and medicines easily accessible.
Commenting on the study, Sleep Expert, Martin Seeley, said: “We wanted to explore different lifestyle factors across UK cities, like access to beauty treatments, green space, and sleep quality, to see where people are most likely to feel confident and happy with their appearance. Sleep is one of the most underrated beauty tools we have. It plays a vital role in everything from skin regeneration to hormone regulation and mood, all of which contribute to a natural glow. With glow-up culture booming, especially in the summer, getting high-quality sleep is one of the healthiest ways to look and feel your best.”
A beauty trend gaining traction on TikTok focuses on the power of embedding a skincare and hair care into your sleep routine to wake up with a ‘glow up’. Abi Olek from BEAUSKIN shares insight into the trend, “Known as the 'ugly-to-bed, pretty-to-wake' approach, this method embraces the power of a dedicated night time routine to reveal glowing skin by morning.”
A few habits she suggests are worth the effort include:
Overnight Sheet Masks
Ideal for an intensive hydration boost, these masks provide a moisture barrier that locks into the skin overnight.
Anti-Wrinkle Patches
These patches effectively smooth and soften fine lines, targeting areas prone to aging
Silk Bonnets
Silk bonnets help protect hair from friction, minimizing frizz and promoting smoother, healthier hair.
Heatless Curlers
For those wanting curls without heat damage, these curlers allow you to achieve beautiful waves while you sleep.
Jawline Straps
A favourite among beauty enthusiasts, these straps offer a temporary lifting effect, especially when combined with a skin-tightening cream for special occasions.
Abi advises caution when approaching skincare trends. “It’s essential to tailor trends to your skin type and individual needs. Consulting certified skincare professionals who understand ingredient interactions can provide personalised advice. Just because someone on TikTok suggests a skincare routine doesn’t mean they’re qualified or that they’ve undergone extensive training.”
To find out more about the country’s beauty capital, check out www.mattressnextday.co.uk/snooze-news/post/best-cities-in-the-world-for-beauty-sleep
Sources
Instagram Insights, correct as of 10/06/2025, TikTok Creator Insights, correct as of 10/06/2025, Google Keyword Planner, correct as of 10/06/2025, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15402002.2019.1580194
