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Archive for the ‘Treatments & Salons’ Category
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Friday, May 11th, 2012
We’re constantly told how important it is to have facials regularly and to give your skin that extra bit of attention from time to time, but what about your hands? They deserve a little TLC from time to time too, and the Metrospa Hand Facial at Richard Ward‘s Chelsea salon (yes, the very same one where Kate Middleton gets her locks bouncified) sounded ideal. Dubbed the ‘ultimate manicure’, this is as thorough a hand and nail treatment as I’ve ever had – and I’ve had quite a few! It began in the same way as any other manicure, with nail polish removal, shaping and buffing before my hands were placed in an effervescent soak, with orange blossom I was told, to remove stains and soften. This was followed by an invigorating natural sugar renewal scrub (with peach blossom again) to exfoliate my hands. As my therapist was working the scrub into my hands I realised I never exfoliate my hands alone; of course, they are exfoliated when I exfoliate my body but that’s about it! And after the way they looked and felt from this treatment, I’ve added it onto my weekly beauty maintenance list. After the scrub was removed, I was treated to a delightful hand massage before my cuticles were nipped and my nails painted – I chose OPI Suzi Takes The Wheel, a grey/green that had people stopping me in the street to ask what the shade was (below, whilst I enjoyed a cuppa).
At £42, it is quite pricey for a manicure but I think it’s a treatment that once you’ve had, you’ll find it hard to go back to the run of the mill mani. After all, if your hands look dry, aged or dull, your mani is going to look pretty rubbish too!
For more information or to book, visit Richard Ward
Tags: hand facial, manicure, metrospa, nails, OPI, richard ward, suzy takes the wheel
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Friday, May 4th, 2012
I don’t know about you, but I take ages to prepare for a summer holiday – and I’m not just talking about packing or my body. It’s the logistics of preparing my skin, worrying about the sun causing it to slide off into my pina colada (not ideal) and the toll sun, sea and sangria takes. Help is at hand though with a new treatment by Karidis Non-Surgical. Summer Splash is a pre-holiday essential; the treatment starts with a Hydra facial to rejuvenate and prepare your skin (meaning less need for a full face of make-up plus semi-permanent eyelash extensions.
The treatment begins with a full Reveal Imager Skin Analysis to highlight any red areas, brown spots and sun damaged skin and tailor the treatment to your needs. The facial itself uses a mini-vacuum-like pen to remove dead skin cells; unlike other similar sorts of facials, it also deposits moisturiser onto your skin to keep it fresh and hydrated. The facial only took around 20-30 minutes and was completely painless (it’s the same sensation as a vacuum nozzle on your face, yet smaller and much more helpful…). Even though I wasn’t jetting off on holiday the next day, my skin stayed super luminous for a few days afterwards. I think it gave me one of the best bases I’ve ever had from a facial – once I’d applied light foundation on top, it positively glowed. It’s a super speedy skin perfecting genius (wish I could have one at home!) Combined with the semi-permanent lashes, I’d recommend this treatment not just before your summer holiday, but before a big event, party or weekend away.
Priced at £199, Summer Splash is available at Karidis Non-Surgical in St John’s Wood or Syon Park, London.
Tags: Eyelashes, facial, karidis, skin, skin care, summer splash
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Friday, April 20th, 2012
Nestled in Chelsea’s serene and leafy Cadogan Gardens (yah, Made In Chelsea land) is QMS MediCosmetics Skincare Spa, a swanky, glass-fronted spa that looks like it means business. And their business is skincare, the personal vision of Dr Erich Schulte, one of Europe’s leading cosmetics surgeons and a pioneer in anti-ageing and skin regeneration.
A fluffy spa this is not; skincare is taken seriously here and that’s apparent from the pristinely white decor and treatment rooms to the medical looking equipment. After a de-robe and dash under the heavy, my therapist talked me through my treatment, the Deep Cleanse Intense. After a skin analysis, my skin was put through its paces with an enzyme mask, extractions and a cooling Algae mask which covered the entire face, including lips and eyes (if you’re claustrophobic, they will only cover what feels comfortable; whilst the mask is on, I enjoyed a delightful shoulder massage). This whole process took a good 45minutes and whilst I felt relaxed to a degree, this isn’t a facial to drift off and dream of One Direction to – the work done is more medical than relaxing but it’s worth it. This was all followed by the relaxing part of the treatment, including a facial, arm and hand massage and the application of a range of QMS MediCosmetics skincare products.
I have to admit that I left looking awful – my skin was covered in red spots and blotches from the extractions (which of course, I was warned about) but if you can overcome your vanity 24 hours, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results. Over the next few days, the congestion I had had on my chin stayed away (normally it makes an unwelcome return) and my skin looked plumper, clearer and just better; and I continued to see these results for the next few weeks. No pain, no gain!
For more information on QMS MediCosmetics Spa and the treatments available, click here to visit the website.
Tags: facial, qms medicosmetics, skin, Skin care, spa, treatment
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Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
My feet are always tired. From running around town to walking to and from work daily, I’m convinced my feet would sleep for a few months if they were given the chance. I dragged them along to the urban zen of Chi-Yu Wellness Spa situated behind Marble Arch in London for a spot of reflexology. I had read nothing but amazing reviews of reflexology, and how it can pinpoint problem areas in the rest of your body so I was excited but anxious; could my therapist tell that I eat far too much chocolate or bemoan the fact my pedicures are less than frequent? Luckily not, but instead she could tell that I suffer from minor digestive problems (I do), I have tension in my left shoulder (again, guilty) and even that I often hold my true thoughts inside (spooky, as yes, I do). In basic terms, reflexology is a wonderful, revitalising, soothing foot massage but if you want it to at Chi-Yu, it goes a lot deeper than that. If you are having any health problems, even something as run of the mill as a cold, tell the reflexologist and they can focus their attention on the corresponding area of your foot.
I left the Chi-Yu Wellness Spa with a definite spring in my step plus was shown which part of my foot attributed to my digestive system – no more bad tum for me.
Have you experienced reflexology?
Tags: chi-yu, feet, Massage, reflexology, spa, wellness spa
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Wednesday, March 14th, 2012
Not long ago, I was invited along to try the rather impressive sounding Diamond Touch, a new beauty treatment described as the ‘next generation of microdermabrasion’. Diamond Touch can be used to treat a host of skin conditions from fine lines to enlarged pores, stretch marks to milia and even ingrown hairs and age spots. For me, my area of contention were enlarged pores and milia, but it can be used on the upper arms, back and even bums!
The treatment began with the revolutionary Diamond Dermabrasion Technology, a diamond tipped wand that glides over the skin with a vaccuum action gently polishing the skin, removing dead skin cells plus aiding lymphatic drainage. The feeling wasn’t unpleasant or uncomfortable, but I have quite tough skin and I could imagine someone with a sensitive skin would find it difficult to sustain – luckily, my therapist consistently checked the pressure was OK. What’s also great about this treatment, which differs from other microdermabrasive based facials, is that each treatment is bespoke to your skin type; the therapist prescibes the wand grade and size for your skin needs and type.
As I had the luxury facial, I was also treated to an algae based mask covering my entire face – eyelids and mouth included. Whilst those who suffer from claustrophobia would find this extremely uncomfortable, I loved how it forced me to relax; for once, I couldn’t talk! Plus the mask is very thick and cool on the skin, a lovely sensation. Whilst the mask did it’s work, I was given a quick neck and shoulder massage to relax further before the mask was peeled off (I felt like a Madame Tussaud’s waxwork!) and my skin revealed. It was without a doubt a lot brighter and clearer, and whilst the milia were still present, they appeared less visible and I imagine that with a few more treatments, they’d disappear completely.
This is a great lunchtime treat, as the express facial takes only 30minutes; quicker than choosing a sandwich! And what’s even better, it’s a purse-friendly £30.
Diamond Touch is available in 200 salons nationwide; to find your nearest salon, call 0844 5555 880.
Tags: diamond touch, face, facial, faical, microdermabrasion, skin care
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Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Ayurveda isn’t just a treatment to relax you; it’s a, holistic way of life. I was invited to experience this for myself at Ayurvedic Pura in London, a relaxing space which includes a spa, cafe and shop. Unlike other massages, the Ayurveda Massage is more focused on stimulating the immune system and strengthening the nervous system than relaxing you in the traditional sense – that’s not to say I wasn’t relaxed, but instead of feeling sleepy and lethargic, I felt balanced and re-energised. I was massaged by ‘long strokes’ rather than pummelling and kneading using warm oil, but it definitely had the same effect on my tension spots which were far less tense afterwards. My skin and body felt great the next day, a sense of being ‘detoxed’ sprang to mind. One of my favourite things about this treatment were the therapists; before the massage even began, I was given a ‘lifestyle consultation’ to help tailor my treatment to my needs and problem areas whilst my massage therapist was knowledgeable and explained the whole ethos of Ayurveda; for me, this is a great alternative to a traditional massage and I’m pretty sure that with regular appointments, you’d see even more results.
Tags: ayurveda, Massage, salon, spa, treatment
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Friday, February 17th, 2012
Despite the amount of facials I’ve been privy to (someone’s got to try them…), the one thing I’ve never had is a skin scan. I’ve always been intrigued to take a closer look at my skin and hopefully sort out some recurring problem areas. So I was excited for my Environ Hydra Boost Treatment (£85 for 85 minutes at Skin3), which begins with just that, a skin scan. If you’ve ever been for a teeth x-ray, it’s much like that (minus the ‘bite’!) – powerful imaging technology scanned my skin to highlight my most problematic areas, UV damage, wrinkles and other skin concerns. I’ll be honest, I was terrified. Despite having never used a sun bed or smoke, I’m not one to *always* slap on the sun cream or remove my make-up after a heavy night out. BUT, to my utter surprise the scan showed my skin in good condition – and hardly any sun damage (hurrah!). The scan can also speed up the ageing process to show what your skin will look like in 5 years time; not surprisingly, the problematic areas got worse. Now onto the facial, and bear in mind this isn’t your typical treatment. After cleansing and toning, a conductive gel was applied along with the Focus Hydrating Serum. My therapist used a ceramic probe to work on key areas of the face and to increase the penetration of the hyaluronic acid. The probe wasn’t painful but it did have an extremely high pitched sound to it – the closer the probe got to my ears, the louder it became and whilst this wasn’t uncomfortable, I can imagine it might be for those of super sensitive hearing. This was followed by a deliciously cool, hydrating alginate masque, painted over my entire face (lips and eyelids included) and electrodes attached to deliver a pulsed current to further increase penetration of the serums and maximise the moisturising effect. Whilst this was done, I was treated to a relaxing arm, hand and shoulder massage. What impressed me most about this treatment wasn’t just the effects (my skin was extremely clear, glowing and has stayed moisturised ever since!) but the knowledge of my therapist and the products used. And I love the philospohy of Environ too – it’s not about quick fixes but long-term solutions.
Will I be going back? You bet your ceramic probe I will.
Tags: environ, facial, skin care, Spa treatment, treatment
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Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
Is it REALLY still January? The everlasting month when you’re desperate to run off to sunny skies, aqua waters or simply hibernate until it’s all over. With the arrival of February brings a simpler way to escape to the island with the new Paradise Escape treatment at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. A summer holiday for your face and body, experts at Decléor developed the treatment which begins with a full body exfoliation using seeds from a Boabab (a Madagascan fruit; delicous in cocktails, I’m sure), known for its smooth and rejuvenating properties. Next is the feeling of the warm sun on your back as you lay on the beach – or in reality, a massage using warm body balms and Decléor’s natural massage tool, the Acacia Massager; this is followed by a facial massage using an elixir of orange blossom (nothing quite as fresh and spring-like as orange) to help aid skin cell regeneration and to shrink enlarged pores. Whilst the mask if left to do its magic, your legs, feet, hands, arms and shoulders are treated to another massage. Bliss! Who needs a holiday when you can book this?!
The treatment will be available at the hotel group’s 24 Spa Harmony & Serenity locations from February priced at £110 (Mon-Fri) and £115 (Fri & Sat); for more information, visit macdonaldhotels.co.uk.
Tags: Decleor, facial, maconald, Massage, paradise escape, relax, relaxation, salon, spa
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Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
With the Chinese New Year celebrations over, it’s time to get serious: 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon, a year that is destined for many of us to kick annoying bad habits, have a stronger sense of empathy towards others and encourage us to co-operate with natural energies, rather than fighting them.
Get to harnessing this energy and make it a year to remember with the Chi Yu Wellness Centre in London, which has created a range of treatments to do just that. From an Oriental Aromatherapy Massage, using essential oils to balance the five elements, to the Blueberry Bliss Firming Body Treatment, which builds on the water element of the dragon sign to hydrate the body. If you fancy getting your chi on, find out more about the centre’s treatments – and how they can help to make this your best year yet – by visiting the Chi-Yu website here.
Tags: beauty, chi-yu, chinese new year, facial, reflexology, salon, skin care, spa, treatments, wellness centre, year of the water dragon
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Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
I absolutely love trying out new treatments (can you tell?!) and had recently tried a sample of the Gazelli Triple Youth programme (which you can try through our Little Beauty Box), so combining the two with a facial at Urban Retreat was my idea of a treat.
If you’ve never heard of Gazelli, you’ll be glad you now have. The luxurious skincare range hails from Azerbaijan and incorporates many ingredients local to the country, including Black Mulberry, Pomegranate and Pumpkin. The key ingredient – White Healing Oil – has repairing and rejuvenated properties.
This facial was much more than your bog standard, run of the mill facial – whilst my face was buffed, peeled, cleansed and moisturised, so were my arms and hands. Whilst many facials include body treats whilst masks or peels are busy working, many do not, so I am always pleasantly surprised when the therapist starts massaging my shoulders (Mette, my therapist, was great at relieving my knots) or exfoliating and massaging my arms and hands. The massage continued onto the face too with Gazelli‘s signature innovative massage techniques.
I was blissfully relaxed by the end of the treatment whilst my face – and arms and hands – felt luxuriously rejuvenated and brighter. A quick glass of Pomegranate juice at the end helped to round off the whole experience. Would I go back? You bet. And I have fallen head over heels for the products too, which not only work magically but look gorgeous too. What’s not to love!
*WIN* For your chance to win a Gazelli Gift Set worth over £70, enter our competition here.
Tags: facial, gazelli, gazelli signature facial, Massage, signature facial, Triple Youth, Urban Retreat
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