Facialology at Vaishaly

[Gifted] Vaishaly in Marylebone is an award winning clinic owned by Superfacialist Vaishaly Patel. A favourite among celebs and those serious about their skincare, the clinic offers a range of services including massage, hair removal, micro blading and of course, facials. The luxury clinic has recently debuted a brand new treatment dubbed Facialology, so a few weeks back I went along to visit the clinic and experience the facial myself. The Facialology treatment combines the signature Vaishaly facial with reflexology, creating an hour long treatment that produces results and feels suitably pampering all at once. Before this treatment I had never been to Vaishaly before but I can confidently say that after this first impression I'd definitely recommend a visit to this clinic. On arrival I was given a very warm welcome at reception and shown to the waiting area with a patient questionnaire to fill out. My Therapist came in and collected me in good time and took me down some stairs to one of the treatment rooms. Vaishaly is an impressively pristine and quite deceptively large clinic (a bit like the TARDIS - it looks quite modest from the street) and has numerous treatment rooms, a couple of bathrooms and what looked like a little make up station with a lit mirror so you can touch up post-facial.

Before getting started, my facialist explained what the treatment included and the order that she would be doing things. First of all she would begin the Signature Facial with extractions. I was warned that these could be a little uncomfortable but this part really didn't bother me. She somehow managed to perform the extractions incredibly gently but definitely effectively as my pores were left impressively clean. After a cleanse, the therapist performed microdermabrasion, which I was really looking forward to as it's a treatment I've not had in years. I remembered my microdermabrasion experiences of the past as being quite an intense experience but this was actually quite relaxing, which was a happy surprise.
In case you've never had microdermabrasion, it's an effective exfoliating process that uses either fine crystals or a vacuum type tool to lift off dead skin cells. The type I had was the latter and it just felt like light suction on each area of my face as the therapist got to work.
After the microdermabrasion, a high frequency treatment began using a multi-functional tool (like a wand) that dries and shrinks the pores while killing off any bacteria on the skin - particularly important after the extractions. A glorious facial massage followed using the signature Vaishaly technique, which involves kneading and cupping the face (and the neck and shoulders) to release stress and tension and promote blood flow. It was absolutely lovely and probably my favourite part of the treatment, for obvious reasons!
Following the facial massage, a hydrating mask was applied and it was time for my therapist to get to work on my feet. I was slightly nervous about this part because I am quite ticklish when it comes to my soles! I needn't have worried though because not only was I too blissed-out to be concerned about virtually anything, the therapist performed the reflexology using a nourishing almond and lavender oil with incredible finesse. I am a great believer in holistic therapies and reflexology has always interested me. The idea is that reflex points on each foot relate to specific organs and glands in the body and that stimulating these points can restore unbalanced energy levels and combat a variety of health and skin issues. I really enjoyed the reflexology part of the treatment and think it complemented the signature facial brilliantly, making it an all-round beautiful experience.
The facial mask was removed and my soles were refreshed with a hot flannel for the perfect finish to the treatment before I was left to gather myself and come back down to earth ready to face the streets of London.
The Facialology treatment was created by Vaishaly as an effective two-in-one experience for busy people who are short on time (pretty much everyone) who want a little bit more than just a facial alone. I obviously carefully inspected my complexion immediately afterwards and loved the effect - dewy, refreshed and plumped up skin. I even skipped reapplying tinted moisturiser and went to an event a few hours later without makeup and if that's not testament enough to how happy I was with the results, I don't know what is.
The treatment runs for 55 minutes (including the 15 minutes of reflexology) and costs £120.
If you've got a bit more time to spare, you can opt for an 85 minute session which includes 40 minutes of reflexology for £170.
For more information visit www.vaishaly.com or call Vaishaly Clinic at 020 7224 6088.
You can visit the clinic at:
51 Paddington Street
London
W1U 4HR

Biologique Recherche Facial at Aesthetics Lab

Looking for a Biologique Recherche Facial in London? I was recently invited to a gorgeous clinic in NW to try one myself; here's my experience.
Finding the balance between relaxing and effective beauty treatments is a true skill and Primrose Hill, London clinic Aesthetics Lab have certainly mastered it. I was recently invited along to try one of Aesthetics Lab's coveted facial treatments, so armed with high expectations and overwhelming excitement at the prospect of lying down for an hour sans baby, I popped down to find out what all the fuss is about.

Nestled among the cafes and boutiques of Primrose Hill's Regents Park Road, Aesthetics Lab offers a range of beauty treatments and procedures for the face and body. From facials and peels to semi-permanent makeup, nose reshaping, lip enhancements and vaginal rejuvenation, Aesthetics Lab is the one-stop beauty destination for the who's who of North West London and beyond. My visit on this occasion was all about the face - an area I have admittedly neglected a bit since having my baby- so I was more than a little happy to have a professional assess my skin and give it some much needed attention. 

The Treatment

On arrival, I was given a warm welcome and offered refreshments while I filled out my pre-consultation form before my Aesthetician for the day, Joanna, came to collect me and showed me the way to one of the treatment rooms. After a thorough consultation in which we discussed what I wanted to gain from the treatment, I was left alone for a few minutes to get comfy. After analyzing my skin, Joanna commented that she could tell I sleep on my right side as I had deeper lines on that side of my face (I know right!) and recommended we try the Biologique Recherche facial. Now, I'd never tried any Biologique Recherche products before but had wanted to for years, so I was really happy my maiden voyage with the luxe French skincare brand was going to be via a pair of skilled and professional hands. The facial began with the gentle removal of my makeup using Lait VIP O2 and introduction massage (which nearly resulted in me falling asleep five minutes in) followed by application of the coveted lotion P50V to exfoliate. 

L'Eauxygenante was then misted over my face to hydrate and oxygenate the skin. Following this, my Aesthetician applied a mixture of Soin Lissant lotion and powder using the unique Biologique Recherche application technique. Made up of sculpting movements, combined with quick pulsing strokes, the sensation was unlike anything I'd experienced before in a facial. The technique is like an amazing sort of facial massage and there's nothing dainty about it. It's not delicate but I didn't find it uncomfortable in the slightest, it does definitely feel like it's actually doing something though!

Biomagic and Biosensible masks were then applied ( I love the feeling of a mask being brushed expertly onto my face) and I was treated to the most beautifully relaxing neck and shoulder massage while my skin absorbed the goodness. Once the masks were removed, Serum Extraits Tissulaires provided the perfect finishing touch before I was put under an LED light for an extra boost.

Time flies when you're completely blissed out and before I knew it, it was all over and it was time for me to check out the results in the mirror. I came to Aesthetics Lab as a sleep-deprived, rather shabby looking new mother with dark bags under my eyes and left with a brighter, tighter, lifted complexion. My cheekbones were suddenly visible and I could totally see why A-list Londoners visit Aesthetics Lab for a pre-red carpet treatment. Aesthetics Lab certainly proved that facials can be effective and still be wonderfully relaxing. I'll certainly be back!

For more information and to read about their range of treatments, visit the Aesthetics Lab site or drop in to see the team at 128 Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8XL. You can read about the facial treatments they offer here.

Intraceuticals Rejuvenation Infusion Facial at Lazeo Notting Hill

It felt like it'd been aaages since I'd had a facial so a recent invitation to indulge in one at Lazeo Clinic in Notting Hill was very welcome! If you've not been to Lazeo yet, it's tucked away on Lambton Place behind the Aesop store in Notting Hill.
I had visited Lazeo to experience the Intraceuticals Rejuvenation Infusion Facial; a treatment that thoroughly hydrates and plumps lacklustre skin.
I enjoy pampering facials and results-driven facials equally and even though this particular facial is, strictly speaking, about the end result, I found it to be an incredibly relaxing and somewhat pampering experience. It was like the best of both worlds really - I got to lay down and totally relax and ended up with a complexion that looked like something amazing had actually been done to it.

To start, I was introduced to Rachna - a brilliant Therapist who was so kind and personable and an absolute treasure trove of skincare knowledge.
I was then given some alone time to get comfy and tuck myself into the heated bed (amazing) and Rachna talked me through what she would be doing to my face- a thorough cleanse and light exfoliation followed by the infusion using Intraceuticals products.

If you're not familiar with the Intraceuticals brand, they are an Australian company (hurrah) who create professional products that intertwine medical and cosmetic sciences.
Designed to increase overall hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the non invasive treatment uses the Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Serum - a concoction that contains lightweight Hyaluronic Acid and a powerful blend of vitamins and antioxidants. The infusion part of the treatment is achieved via a technique that involves the application of the Rejuvenate Serum via a device that's not unlike an airbrush make up gun. The applicator uses pressurised oxygen to penetrate the serum into the skin, giving a much deeper treatment than if it was just massaged in. The technique creates a somewhat odd, but thoroughly pleasant sensation and I was told that some clients even giggle the whole way through because they find it so ticklish! Personally, I found it really, really soothing and quite refreshing - especially while the serum was being lightly sprayed across my skin.
Every single inch of my face was worked on several times with meticulous care before the deal was sealed with a hydrating moisture barrier.
By the end of my treatment I felt like I had been lying there for several blissful hours and all but drifted off to sleep. In reality, the whole treatment takes just under an hour so if you're strapped for time, it's the perfect treat and the results make it ideal as a pre-event treatment.

Speaking of results, this treatment left me quite astonished by my own skin! Once I'd 'come to' a bit and was left to dress and compose myself, I turned up the lights in the treatment room and inspected my complexion closely. Firstly, I looked glowy (not greasy), which was nice because as an expectant mother, this is yet to occur naturally, so was good to see! Secondly, my face looked (and felt) smooth and I am willing to bet that if I had felt inclined to apply a layer of foundation at that point it would have smoothed on like a dream. Thirdly, the fine lines around my eyes had sort of plumped out, which in turn made my eyes look better overall. Essentially, I did not look at all like someone who had been nauseous and hormonal for the past few months.

The Intraceuticals Rejuvenation Infusion Facial is £135 and takes 50 minutes. Lazeo also offer other Intraceuticals Infusions for different skin types.
You can find Lazeo Clinic at 8-9 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH and contact reception on 020 3813 7430

I was kindly offered this treatment for consideration

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue - Colour Match at Selfridges

When your boyfriend announces that your makeup looks 'really natural' and 'has a nice glow actually' you know that you're onto a good thing. Especially when said boyfriend is one of the most bluntly honest people on the planet. That's what happened last weekend when we visited Selfridges so I could try out BareMinerals' latest offering, Complexion Rescue.

A few different shades were tried out before it was agreed that no. 3 (Buttercream) was my match and it was blended seamlessly onto my skin while the very helpful sales assistant filled me in on what exactly makes Complexion Rescue so special. Essentially a BB, CC and Tinted Moisturiser in one (!) Complexion Rescue features a composition with pigment on the inside and water on the outside. 'Traditional' tinted moisturisers have pigment on the 'outside' and water on the 'inside'.
This sounds a little bit odd and confusing but basically, the way that Complexion Rescue is formulated means the water in the formula reaches your skin first, before the colour, giving it an instant hit of hydration. This is explained in more detail here.

Whatever the science behind it, I can declare that this stuff delivers. The finish is dewy, fresh and above all very natural. It's quite sheer so if you have freckles and you aint afraid to show them, this is the Spring base for you. If you have a little redness or minor blemishes that you'd like corrected or just want your complexion to look more even, you need to give it a go. If however you're after a heavier base, this won't cut the mustard, though I was told that Complexion Rescue can absolutely be worn under foundation for additional coverage and a dose of hydration.

Complexion Rescue has an RRP of £26 though I have found it on Look Fantastic where it is available for pre-order (released on April 22nd) for £20.50. I'm going to be creating a look using the Complexion Rescue sometime soon so keep an eye out for that!
What's your favourite BareMinerals product?
Images: Rich Godden

Experience: Nourish Facial at Beauty Works West

Beauty Works West in Notting Hill has become my little slice of paradise in London. The staff are warm, friendly, knowledgeable and some of the best massage and facial therapists I've come across in my time.
I was therefore more than thrilled to be invited back to Beauty Works West to experience one of the Medi Spa's latest offerings - the Nourish Facial.

This intensely hydrating, swoon-worthy facial uses Black Chicken Remedies products - a luxury organic Australian brand quickly making a name for itself due to its gentle, effective products that virtually send you off to a higher plane when you use them. They're that good.

Black Chicken Remedies

The facial was actually created by one of the therapists at Beauty Works West, Elize Moritz, and combines these gorgeous, all natural products with acupressure and reflexology to create an experience as good for the soul as it is for the complexion.

My facial took place in one of the dimly lit therapy rooms at Beauty Works West - a little nook of comfort and relaxation filled with the soft scent of organic candles and complete with a heated bed.

The ritual began with gentle yet thorough cleansing using the Cleanse My Face cleansing facial oil that is a deeply calming cleanser containing 14 medicinal oils to purify, soothe and remove make up without disturbing the skins natural oil balance.

Next, the Complexion Polish was gently applied to exfoliate the skin. Complexion Polish is one of my favourite Black Chicken products - it's made from 100% natural finely milled ingredients including rice, argan shell and kaolin clay to gently buff away dry skin and flaky bits. The Complexion Polish is a dry formula that's mixed in with cleanser to form a delicious paste - a little touch that I love in skincare products

My skin was then closely examined for blemishes and steam applied to encourage the dirt and general yuckiness to make its way to the surface, ready for extractions.
A face, neck and décolletage massage followed, which I have to tell you was nothing short of incredible. The massage incorporated Love Your Body Oil which includes coconut, hazelnut, sandalwood, geranium and lavender oils to name a few.

The most memorable part of the whole experience would have to be the Cacao Revelation Mask. Hydrating and plumping, the antioxidant mask was applied with a brush and left to work while I enjoyed a beautiful arm and hand massage. The mask has a rich yet refreshing dark chocolate scent that sorted of reminded me of an after dinner mint and it was incredibly decadent. If you book in for the facial just to see what all the fuss is about with the mask, I wouldn't blame you for a second!

Once the mask was removed, a hydrating mist was spritzed on, eye serum was applied and Love Your Face Serum was gently worked into my skin. Containing oils including jojoba, Argan, rose hip and ylang ylang, the facial serum plumps, hydrates and smells just as stunning as the rest of the products. After 80 minutes of laying there being unashamedly pampered, indulged and invigorated all at once, I simply did not want to get up. A part of me wanted to cry when I was gently told that I was done. 

After the treatment I was so utterly Zenned out I walked  to Notting Hill Gate station in the rain, somehow got lost and didn't even care. That's how blissful the Nourish Facial is.

This facial left me seriously impressed and now I'm more in love with Beauty Works West than I was before. The Nourish Facial is perfect for this time of year when the weather sucks the goodness out of our skin so I really recommend you go ahead and treat yourself or hint heavily at a Beauty Works West gift voucher for Christmas.

The Nourish Facial at Beauty Works West is £130 for 80 minutes of pure loveliness.
P.S. Stay tuned for an in depth look at some more products from Black Chicken Remedies.

* I was lucky enough to experience the Nourish Facial as a complimentary treatment. Words and opinions are my own.

Experience: Acupuncture at Anamaya & New Meditation App

I visited Anamaya last year for Facial Reflexology and was so excited to be invited back to experience some Acupuncture with Dr Cheng.

As I've mentioned before, Anamaya is a sanctuary of relaxation and healing, located just off bustling Kensington High Street. Once you're off the street and through the doors, you're met with a serene, blissful atmosphere and the aroma-therapeutic scents of Neom candles.

Anamaya offer a carefully edited selection of practitioners who specialise in Homeopathy, Massage, Craniosacral therapy, Osteopathy, Dietetics, Energy Healing, Pilates, Psychotherapy, Mind, Body and Spirit therapies and of course Acupuncture.

Now, I'd had Acupuncture before in an effort to relieve my fear of flying before I moved over the the UK (obviously it had some effect because I'm here aren't I?) so I went into the experience at Anamaya with confidence and feeling as if I knew what to expect.

What I perhaps underestimated however, was the sheer kindness, humorous spirit and incredibly comforting nature of the Acupuncturist Dr Cheng.

Dr Cheng is one of those people who makes you feel comfortable and safe and I was made to feel totally at ease as he went through my concerns with me (namely stress and headaches). After examining my tongue (you'll be surprised what your tongue can tell you about yourself!), posture and ability to bend my neck in various ways, Dr Cheng was able to assess my concerns and decide the best course of action. In my case this involved 19 needles placed in various points on my back, legs, arms, neck and head and being left to relax for about 20 minutes before Dr Cheng returned to the room to check on me and 'wiggle' the needles.

I'm not needle shy (though I do feel a bit funny having blood taken) so having 19 of the little blighters stuck in me didn't concern me at all and if you're wondering if acupuncture is painful, it really isn't. The needles are so fine and tiny that you can barely feel them at all, though I have to say the points felt a bit 'achy' when Dr Cheng wiggled them slightly halfway through the session.

Then that was it, I was all done. Within an hour, I'd had a very enlightening consultation and an Acupuncture session that left me feeling oddly relaxed and energised all at the same time. If that makes any sense at all? I went for a stroll through Kensington High Street and felt at peace - despite the fact that it was a busy Saturday afternoon and it was very, very rainy.

Dr Cheng is a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, a Governing Board Member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as a Principal Lecturer and Postgraduate Course Leader of Traditional Chinese Medicine here in London. I felt extremely fortunate to have him treat me and certainly recommend him - it's worth mentioning that Dr Cheng is very highly regarded for treating chronic illnesses and pain, hormonal issues and migraines and is popular among people trying to conceive.

He is available at Anamaya on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm and also consults on Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herb Treatments. A session with Dr Cheng ranges from £95-155 depending on conditions and length of sessions.

Anamaya have also recently launched a very in depth Meditation App.  Developed for those of us who struggle to fit in meditation classes, the app features over 360 guided meditations complete with visualisations, mindfulness exercises and learning resources as well as tips for getting the most out of your meditation session. Priced at £15 and available through iTunes, the Anamaya Meditation App is the first of its kind and features 11 distinct focuses, meaning it accommodates to everyone, whatever their age, sex or profession.

The focuses include:

• General Meditation 
• Relax
• Loud Brain
• Concentrate
• Worry
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Anger
• Pain 
• Pregnancy
• Sport

The Anamaya Meditation App

Though I haven't tried the app for myself as yet, I think it's a fantastic concept that will especially benefit busy city dwellers who might not have time to actually attend classes.

If you'd like to know more about Anamaya, visit the website and check out the range of therapies on offer - you won't regret it.
You can call Anamaya on 0203 011 0355  or email them at info@anamaya.co.uk

The Acupuncture was provided for me for review purposes. All opinions my own.

The Brazilian at Ministry of Waxing -a Brazilian Waxing Review

Last weekend I tentatively entered the doors of Ministry Of Waxing in Covent Garden with no clue on what to expect. I was booked in for a Brazilian wax - a bold choice for someone who had never had any part of their body waxed before, let alone that most private area!
I needn't have been too worried though - Ministry of Waxing are known for making the whole process as painless as possible and I must say that even though there was still an ouch factor, these ladies certainly know what they're doing.

After freely growing my hair-down-there for a few weeks and with nether regions that looked remarkably like someone who'd been lost in the wilderness for a year or so, I turned up at Ministry of Waxing's Floral St branch in Covent Garden to find out if these guys really did live up to their reputation.
After filling out a quick pre-treatment form, my therapist came and fetched me and led me down the stairs to one of the treatment rooms. The rooms aren't too dissimilar to what you'll find in a modern beauty salon decked out with cool contemporary décor. On the treatment bed there is a little information card explaining the high level of hygiene that is standard at Ministry of Waxing, a towel, a sealed PH balanced wipe so you can prep the area before the treatment and a little squeezy stress toy (I had a hippo). I was advised to remove everything from the waist down (yep, that includes knickers), use the PH wipe and lay down on the bed with the towel covering my modesty. The therapist leaves the room for this bit so don't worry about having to strip off in front of a stranger.

Once I was all set, my therapist came back into the room and it was time to get down to business. She asked if I wanted everything off and I said yes because I wanted the full experience!
The therapist explained that they use a vacuum sealed wax pack for each customer and never double dip. They also use a special wax formulation (no strip wax here!) designed to only grab the hairs and not your skin. My therapist used hard chocolate wax on me and mentioned that their waxes change with the seasons and the wax of choice for Summer was strawberry, which I think is a nice touch.
The actual treatment involved me putting my legs in a couple of different positions so she could reach the right parts of my girly bits. I'm not going to lie and say that the experience was completely pain free - after all it was my first time - but it certainly hurt a lot less than I had anticipated. If you're a woman, you'll probably guess which parts stung a little - the closer to the pink bits, the more it's going to hurt, sorry! That said, like most things in life, waxing is most painful when it's your first time and the more you wax, the less pain you experience. In fact, my therapist told me that many women experience no pain at all.
I do have to add that even though the waxing wasn't entirely pain free for me, as soon as the wax was removed, the sting was gone in an instant. In other words, it didn't feel tender or sensitive immediately afterwards, which is a massive bonus when you have to put your trousers back on and venture out onto the streets of London when you're finished.
Something I neglected to research was exactly what a Brazilian wax treatment entails so it took me by surprise when I was asked to roll onto my stomach and found it extremely difficult to curb my laughter (so I didn't). There's no point skirting the issue here - we all have hair between our butt cheeks. It's a fact of life and when Ministry of Waxing say you'll walk out of there totally fuzz free they mean it! I'll point out that this part was very quick and didn't hurt at all. The bottom is a resilient creature it seems. Even though I was essentially having my pubic hair ripped out from the roots, I was made to feel comfortable and at ease by my therapist who was very reassuring and told me that she averages on 16 waxes a day. Just remember, if you're worried about exposing your woman-parts, these people are professionally trained and have seen a plethora of lady gardens and vagines before yours. I'm no nudist and I have hangups like everyone else but I didn't once feel uneasy about the treatment, so that's got to tell you something!
The whole waxing process was done in just over 20 minutes, which was an extremely pleasant revelation as I expected to be in there for at least an hour.

Overall, Ministry of Waxing* lived up to their reputation of being total Waxperts and I really recommend you pay them a visit for a pruning. Whether you're a wax virgin or veteran, book in for a visit and experience the Ministry of Waxing way - they don't just do Brazilians and you can choose a simple bikini wax if that's more up your street or even add a cheeky shape to your wax. They also cater for men and I'm told that 'Boyzillians' are big business these days ;). To find out more about Ministry of Waxing and find your nearest location visit them online here.

Giveaway!

Want to bag yourself a Ministry of Waxing experience? Well stop beating around the bush and enter via the Rafflecopter below! UK and 16 + only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Glossy Hair Treatment at Martyn Maxey Hairdressing

Martyn Maxey is a pretty big deal. Having opened his salon way back in 1991 and tending to the tresses of A-Listers such as Elle Macpherson, Nigella Lawson, Robbie Williams and Naomi Campbell (to name a few), Mr Maxey has earned a reputation as one of the best hairdressers around.

The salon has recently relocated to Wigmore Street (just behind Selfridges) and I went along on the weekend to check out the new space and experience a treatment designed to add gloss and shine to the hair.
The best way I can describe the Martyn Maxey salon is this; Upmarket and classy without the pretentious factor. In fact, the salon has a lovely, warm atmosphere and the staff are professional, friendly and accommodating.
They even serve pots of tea and coffee instead of cups, which I thought was a nice touch.

Before the Treatment

I'm not going to lie and say that my hair looked completely awful before the gloss treatment, but it was definitely dry, my ends were frizzing and things were looking a tad dull.

After a consultation with Martyn, we decided the best way to achieve a healthy, glossy look was with clear Sebastian Cellophane treatment customised with a little veg colour to add a bit of pigment. The Sebastian Cellophane gloss treatment is kind of like 'gel nails for the hair' - it's your hair, just better! The treatment works by infusing each strand with botanical-rich goodness that makes it glossy and gorgeous for up to 6 weeks- sort of like a supercharged semi-permanent hair colour.

The Treatment

 I headed over to the basin where my hair was cleansed twice with Sebastian shampoo and conditioner.

After a towel dry, it was time to apply the treatment. My hair was divided into sections and the treatment was painted on.

My head was then wrapped in a stunning plastic cap.

And heat was applied to help the treatment along. This took about 20 minutes.

Once the heaters had worked their magic, the treatment was rinsed out and I was ready for a (much needed) trim and style from Martyn.

I wanted to keep the length, so Martyn trimmed my ends and added some layers for extra body and movement.
My hair was then blow-dried with a round brush and a curling iron was used to create some loose curls.

The Result

Shiny, glossy, bouncy and lightweight hair. I think the pictures speak for themselves really.

 Look at the glossy goodness!

The whole experience began at 3pm and I was done just after 5pm - not bad for a wash, treatment, cut and blowdry! My Martyn Maxey Hairdressing trip was definitely among my favourite salon experiences to date - not only were the results amazing, but Martyn himself is a genuinely lovely person and this obviously has a positive effect on the staff at his salon.

Want to get glossy? The treatment I had is £36 - this includes consultation, advice and cellophane plus colour application, processing, rinsing and conditioning.

The blowdry is from £34.50 - £74

and cuts start from £52.50

You can find Martyn Maxey Hairdressing at 104 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3RN.

Visit the website Here 

*My Martyn Maxey Experience was gifted to me for consideration 

Japanese Manicure & Classic Pedicure at Nailberry Salon

On Wednesday evening I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Nailberry salon in South Kensington. Clean and sophisticated with a definite Parisian vibe, the salon is the brainchild of French beauty enthusiast and entrepreneur Sonia Hully. Determined to bring professional, personable and efficient nail salons to London, Sonia set up shop in SW and Nailberry was born.

I was there to try out the salon's Japanese Manicure - an all natural treatment used in Japan for the past 400 years (!) to make the nails strong, healthy and lustrous and was also treated to a classic pedicure using a Nailberry polish of my choice.

Japanese Manicure

This manicure is all about bringing out the natural beauty of your nails without using chemicals and is particularly recommended for those of us who have overdone it with falsies or gel nails and would like to get their talons back in tip top shape.
The salon uses the Japanese Manicure set by P-Shine - a kitsch kit containing a semi-dried beeswax paste with minerals, a lustre powder and buffers to bring the nails back to life and leave them looking healthier than ever.

Nail technician Julie trimmed my cuticles before buffing the beeswax paste into each of my nails. Just this step alone had my fingernails looking shiny and healthy but the best was yet to come as she took each finger and buffed in the 'lustre powder'. The buffers used in the P-Shine kit are buckskin and they're similar in texture to a chamois you use to polish a car - so it makes sense that they would be effective at polishing nails!
My Japanese Manicure was finished with cuticle oil and hand cream before it was time to sit back and admire my lovely new fingernails. Now, I don't have the most elegant hands or the prettiest nails - my fingernails are very short, they break and peel a lot and I had recently removed store-bought false nails, but there is no denying that after this treatment my nails look cleaner, pinker, shinier, more healthy and noticeably stronger - result! A before and after:

I am fully aware that I have wrinkly gnome fingers and horrifically short nails but at least you can see the results!

Classic Pedicure

Julie soaked my feet before trimming and filing the nails and getting rid of any yucky bits (sock lint, anyone?) then buffed away the dry bits on my feet. She then applied a basecoat and I picked out a Nailberry polish for my toes. I opted for 'Strawberry Jam' - a perfectly autumnal deep red with a hint of fuschia from the Nailberry Berries Collection.
It's worth mentioning that Nailberry polishes are richly pigmented, long lasting and free from 4 chemicals usually found in polishes - Camphor, Toluene, DBP and Formaldehyde.

The girls at Nailberry are genuinely lovely and knowledgeable and were ready to answer any questions I had about the products and the salon. If you're in London and looking for an affordable pampering experience for your fingers and toes, pop along to Nailberry at 19 Bute Street, South Kensington SW7 3EY.
Call them on 020 7225 3116 or visit Nailberry online. For more information about the P-Shine kit used in the Japanese Manicure Click Here or visit www.p-shine.co.uk.

P.S. Nailberry were a finalist for the Best Salon of the Year 2013 - you can't argue with that!

Thanks for reading x

Guam Full Body Wrap at Beauty Works West: My Experience

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the Guam Full Body Wrap at my favourite London beauty destination so far, Beauty Works West.
 85 minutes of laying about doing not a lot is fantastic as it is, but having someone scrub you from head to toe and cover you in warm mud is even better, trust me.


What is Guam and why was I being covered in it?

Guam is a territory in the United States but it's also a type of seaweed enriched mud that firms and tightens the skin and aids in reducing cellulite.

It works on cellulite by drawing out excess water that becomes trapped in fatty deposits in the skin and does the same for water retention, making it especially good for prepping your body for bikini season.

There are a few different types of the Guam mud that the therapist applies to target specific areas of the body  including thighs, hips and bust. The Guam range is available to purchase from Beauty Works West if you're game to slather yourself in mud in the comfort of your own home.  

The Treatment

Therapist Ridah showed me to the treatment room that contained a bed that was decked out in towels and plastic sheeting topped off with a disposable thong. Next to the bed was a blanket that looked suspiciously like a sleeping bag - I was told that this was used once the mud was on to heat me up sufficiently so the Guam could work its magic.

Ridah left me to strip off, put on the thong and cover myself in the towels to wait for her return. Disposable thongs are enough to make the most body-confident woman a little nervous, but Ridah had such a wonderful sense of humour that the prospect of having only a flimsy piece of (semi-see through) paper guarding my lady bits wasn't quite as horrific as it could have been.

When she returned, Ridah gently exfoliated me from neck to toe with a gorgeous warm scrub before wiping it away with hot damp towels to prep my body for the application of the Guam.

Different types of Guam were then gently painted onto my body, which at first felt a little strange but was ultimately a pretty relaxing experience.

I was then swaddled in the plastic sheeting and wrapped up in heated blankets to give the mud the best environment to get to work on my wobbly bits. Ridah explained that I was being kept warm to make me sweat slightly and to prevent the mud from going dry on my skin.
At times, the mud felt a bit tingly - apparently an indication that it's doing its job, drawing out excess water and firming things up!
While I was cocooned in the mud and blankets, Ridah gave me a beautiful face, head and neck massage before moving down to feet to give my tootsies some attention.
After 30 minutes of muddy, massage-y bliss, I was unwrapped and the mud was removed with warm, damp towels before a light application of moisturiser to lock in the Guam goodness.

After 85 minutes of being scrubbed, smothered in mud and massaged, I did feel somewhat lighter on my feet and Ridah suggested I put on something tight when I get home to see if I could tell the difference. So that evening, as I pulled up the Disco Pants that I've been afraid of for the past few months, I saw the results myself - a slightly slimmer figure thanks to Guam's water retention eliminating powers.

The Guam Full Body Wrap at Beauty Works West is normally priced at £125 for an 85 minute treatment, but is currently on special for £100. If you're a bride to be, about to go on holiday or just fancy having up to 2cm trimmed off your frame for no particular reason, visit Beauty Works West online here  or call the lovely ladies at reception on 020 7221 2248.

Thanks for reading :)

The Fake Tan Files: Spray Tan at Artistic Monkey

Growing up in Australia I practically had a permanent tan. While my time in London has seen my skintone adopt a much pastier pallor, I think for now I've had enough of sporting the 'pale and interesting' look and it's high time I get my Aussie kid colouring back.

Throughout spring and summer I'll be testing out a variety of fake tans in an effort to find my perfect, go-to faux glow.

First off the bat is an organic Spray Tan I experienced last Friday at Artistic Monkey salon in Kilburn.

An oasis among the general drabness of Kilburn High Road, Artistic Monkey sticks out like a sore thumb in the best possible way.

The salon is glamorous, modern and clean with really lovely staff and to top it off, there's even a cheeky bowl of miniature cupcakes for snacking on while you wait!

There can be few things as mortifying as stripping off and having a virtual stranger spray every inch of your body with a fine brown mist, but beauty therapist Lili is so friendly that I nearly forgot I was standing there in nothing but a thong and stick on soles (to prevent dying the soles of my feet).

The whole process took under 15 minutes yet it was the most thorough, enjoyable spray tan I've experienced (and I'm from the Gold Coast, the fake tan capital of Australia so that's saying a lot).

Lili made sure it was even and wiped my palms with baby wipes to avoid any tell-tale signs of fakery (not a word but it is now) before leaving me to get dressed.

Immediately after the spray tan - looking a little dirty!

The next day - after the tan has developed (and two showers!)

Tan line day 3

Tan line day 3

When you go for a spray tan, the key is to wear the loosest, darkest clothes you can find and skip the bra if you can. Make sure you exfoliate really well the day/ night before and don't skimp on the moisturiser!

After the tan, wait at least 8 hours before showering, allowing the tan time to develop properly and treat water like the enemy - that means no washing dishes!

The formula they use at Artistic Monkey is top secret but they did tell me a few things about it:

• It's organic
• It's Australian (yay)
• It contains a load of skin loving ingredients
• It contains anti-ageing components
• It's a 'green based' formula, therefore there is 0 chance of looking like a fanta can

This formula is so good in fact that it was given a 5/5 rating by More Magazine :0

I really can't recommend this spray tan enough - even the boys at work thought it looked great and they would be the first to tell me if that wasn't the case!

The spray tan at Artistic Monkey left my skin looking glowy, healthy and naturally tanned - literally like I'd been lazing about in the sun for a few days. The tan lasts about 7 days if you take care of it properly (don't have really hot baths and slather on the moisturiser). I had mine on Friday and it's now Wednesday and I'm still quite tanned! If you're interested in a healthy looking olive tan rather than an orange one I recommend you give this a go.

The spray tan at Artistic Monkey is £28 for full body or £15 for half body (waist up) with packages available for courses of 6.
You can call Artistic Monkey on 020 3638 3616 or check them out here. Make sure you have a browse of their other beauty treatments and hair services while you're at it!

Thanks for reading!

April Chill at Beauty Works West: My Experience

Beauty Works West is a little bit of luxury just off one of Notting Hill's loveliest streets, offering beauty treatments aplenty as well as an inbuilt boutique featuring niche luxury products. It's also home to Dr Daniel Sister, world-renowned anti ageing and hormone specialist.

Last week I went along to Beauty Works West to try out their  April Chill promotion - a package that includes a Ling Deep Cleansing Facial or Relaxing Massage followed by a Signature Manicure or Pedicure.
I hadn't had a beauty treatment since I left Australia over three years ago so I was beyond excited to go and meet the team at Beauty Works West and indulge my inner (or rather outward) beauty fiend for a couple of hours.

The Experience:

I opted for the facial and pedicure option for my April Chill experience and popped along to the Beauty Works West Medi-Spa in Notting Hill last Wednesday
Once inside I was greeted with a drink of my choice (I chose water because I'm hardcore) and a little bowl of mixed fruit and nuts to pick at while I filled out my consultation form.

Before long I was greeted by my therapist for the day, Beata, and led to the treatment room which was softly lit and smelled gorgeous!

Beata left me to get undressed and get myself tucked in to the heated bed (!) ready for what was about to be one and a half hours of unashamed pampering.

Beata began by gently removing my eye makeup before cleansing my face, neck and décolletage twice with Ling Purifying Facial Cleanser to get rid of any makeup and general London muck.

Next up she covered my eyes with cotton pads and turned on a magnifying lamp to analyse my skin and decide which products would be most beneficial.

That's one of the greatest things about the Ling Facial - it's completely tailored to what your skin requires at that time.

Once she'd established my skin concerns, it was time for some serious exfoliation in the form of the Ling Triple Action Exfoliator followed by the Ling Spotlight Papaya Resurface Peel.
Once these were removed  I had the steam machine directed at my face so a continuous, gentle stream of steam opened my pores and Beata massaged my skin (which felt absolutely incredible), allowing the products to penetrate more deeply and prepare my face for the next phase - extractions!

I have never, ever had a professional extractions experience before but Beata made the whole experience a lot less painful than it could have been and I was far too relaxed to be embarrassed about the amount of blackheads she was tackling!

Once the extractions were done, the Ling Rescue Peel was applied, preventing any infections and soothing my skin. While the peel was working its magic I was treated to an arm and hand massage before my hands were slipped into gloves filled with paraffin - a bizarre sensation at first that ultimately felt totally comforting and luxurious once I got used to it!

Ling Skincare

After the paraffin solidified and the peel had done it's thing, the gloves were removed and my face cleansed again before the Ling Ginseng Herbal Masque was mixed with Ling Oxygen Plasma Potion and applied over my face, neck and décolletage.
The next step in the facial was a real treat and something I'd not experienced before. Beata used an ultrasound machine to gently massage the masque in, explaining that the ultrasound helped my skin to absorb the masque. The ultrasound machine provided a sort of cooling sensation, which was welcome after the steam and extractions, and gave off a slight buzzing sound that wasn't unpleasant.

Once the masque was removed a moisturiser was applied (I was matched with Ling Squalane Hydra Boost) as well as eye and lip cream.

Like all good things, my facial came to an end and it was time to get ready for the next phase of my April Chill experience - the Signature Pedicure.

Once I'd gotten dressed and slipped on the flip flops provided by Beauty Works West, I made my way across the room to the manicure and pedicure room.

A sizable, airy space, the room included a couple of state of the art pedicure chairs complete with built in massage option. The room also featured televisions suspended from the ceiling and a Sex and the City boxset should you fancy a bit of Carrie action while your tootsies are tended to.

Beata soaked, clipped and scrubbed my feet while we chatted and I scoffed an almond croissant and drank a latte before she slipped paraffin filled booties onto my feet and left me to relax (!) for a few minutes.

Once she returned and the booties were removed and my feet cleaned again, it was polish time!
Beata expertly separated my toes and applied my chosen shade - Geranium by Essie and helped me slip on my flip flops.

After two and a half hours of shameless indulgence my experience was over and it was back out into the streets of Notting Hill. To be honest can hardly remember the tube ride home because I was virtually levitating.

The Results:
My skin felt incredible and looked refreshed, glowing and even-toned. I basically looked like I was wearing really, really good foundation when in reality I was bare faced. My skin was the cleanest it's been in what I imagine is a really long time and there wasn't a blackhead in sight on that nose of mine. I kid you not, there was not one!
This super-clean, plumped up and refreshed feeling lasted a couple of days but even now, one week on I am blackhead and congestion free with a stupidly soft face.

As for my feet? Well, they've never looked this good. I promise I'm not just saying that.
 I had never indulged in a pedicur before my experience at Beauty Works West and Beata managed to make my hobbit-like feet look feminine and, dare I say it, sexy?
One week on, the nail colour is still going strong and there's not a chip nor tear in sight - Beata I applaud you!

You can find out more about Ling Skincare products and all the beauty treats on offer at Beauty Works West here.

April Chill at Beauty Works West is running until April 30th
Facial + Manicure or Pedicure £155
Massage + Manicure or Pedicure £145

To book in for this exclusive treatment call Beauty Works West on 020 7221 2248 and quote 'April Chill'.

Thanks for reading and be sure to let me know if you try out any of the services or products from Beauty Works West!

*I was given the April Chill experience for consideration to feature on my blog