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

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 :)

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

Anamaya Wellbeing Clinic - My Experience with Facial Reflexology

If you feel good, you look good, that's pretty much a given. Of course makeup enhances, conceals and makes us look like 'more attractive' versions of ourselves but we all know that those who have good skin to start with need less slap.
But how does one achieve a great natural complexion? There are the undeniable benefits of a good skincare regime of course, but go one step further and the results can be even better.

Here's where facial reflexology comes in.
Yesterday I experienced this treatment for the first time at Anamaya - a haven of relaxation, wellbeing and general goodness tucked away just off one of my favourite places in London, High Street Kensington.

I was originally booked in for a Japanese Facial Lifting Massage, but after a relaxed consultation with my practitioner Rupert, we decided Facial Reflexology would be more beneficial for my health and therefore my complexion!
Using divinely scented Rosehip oil, Rupert went to work feeling around my face for any issues that may need addressing. I was genuinely surprised when Rupert touched a particular area of my face and asked if I suffered lower back pain. I certainly do. How could he know this? Was this man some kind of wizard? He's not a wizard, no (I don't think so anyway) but he is extremely knowledgeable in what the face and feet can tell about the rest of ones body, having graduated from the Central London of Reflexology in 2004.
You may be a little confused about what I mean when I'm talking about Facial Reflexology - isn't reflexology something to do with feet?
Originally, yes but the Facial Reflexology Sorensen system that Rupert practices is a fairly new, unique treatment developed by Danish practitioner Lone Sorensen over the past 25 years.
The treatment works on the same principles as traditional reflexology - stimulating and massaging particular points and areas that correspond with various parts of the body, but it's all done via your face, which I can tell you right now is ridiculously relaxing.
Rupert has treated women with stress related issues, problems with the nervous system and various other complaints and has seen particularly good results after treating ladies suffering reproductive problems.

After working  on my face for a good 50 minutes or so (and when I say good, I mean good), Rupert cooled my skin down by rolling a couple of cold stone spheres over my face, then I was left to wake up properly and gather my thoughts with a glass of water.

Facial Reflexology can be used to treat physical and emotional issues but it's also being touted as a brilliant beauty treatment as stimulating the face in such a way can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even out skin tone and even banish spots!

I can't really describe how my skin felt after the treatment, but I will try! My face felt slightly numb but also stimulated and refreshed at the same time. Even today as I write this, almost 24 hours after the treatment, my skin is still feeling 'plumped up'.

I really enjoyed this treatment and I love the fact that it's beneficial for my health as well as my appearance.

Anamaya itself is a totally relaxing, calming, clean environment - a little slice of heaven in the city complete with candles, fresh flowers and an all round gorgeous vibe.

Facial Reflexology is only one of the treatments available - there are practitioners offering Acupuncture, Massage, Meditation, Reiki, Energy Healing, Homeopathy, Craniosacral Therapy and even Pilates all in one place at Anamaya.

You can find out more about Anamaya, the practitioners and the various treatments and therapies on offer by visiting the website here. For more information about Rupert French and his treatments you can find him here.


My experience at Anamaya was fantastic, I wouldn't take the time to write about it if it wasn't, so if you're in London and city life is getting on top of you or you'd like to try a beauty treatment with a twist I suggest you visit Anamaya.

Call Anamaya on 0203 011 0355 or email the team at info@anamaya.co.uk

Thanks for reading!

*I was given the treatment free of charge for editorial purposes but that doesn't change the fact that Anamaya rocked my world.

Hair Adventures: Pantene Pro-V Deep Moisture Soufflé

Since bleaching my hair (again) in preparation for the reddish/ pinkish/ completely weird colour it is now, I've needed to pay extra attention in keeping things hydrated or risk walking around looking like a crazed retired clown who's tried to break into a dairy farm but been caught up in a highly electrified fence.

In other words, frizzled, frazzled hair is not a look I wear well, so when I spotted this can of sweet, moisturising promise I knew I simply had to give it a whirl.

Whoever came up with the name for this was spot on - and very good at marketing. Who wouldn't want to smoosh something that looks like that squirty cream in a can we all (I) spray into our mouths behind the fridge door when nobody's looking, into their hair?
I know I would, in fact I have and I can report that this stuff is as delectable as the name suggests.

One quick pump of this is all you need for a palmful of delightfully light, glossy soufflé that wouldn't look out of place on a dessert tasting plate.

You can use the soufflé on damp or dry hair - I've tried both and have found that it simply sinks into the hair leaving no sticky residue, greasiness or even excess weight.
My hair just feels softer and somewhat more shiny - a godsend for fried over-processed hair like mine that could do with a bit of love and affection.
Scent wise, it smells a lot like a Pantene shampoo so you could always fool everyone and use it to freshen up your hair between washes for a faux 'just shampooed' smell.

I picked up the coloured hair formula of the Deep Moisture Soufflé but you can also find the original formula at Boots, Superdrug and other haircare stockist for £4.49

I love the idea of a moisturiser for hair and I really think Pantene have outdone themselves with this. Have you tried the Deep Moisture Soufflé or a similar product? I'd love to try some other versions of this lovely concept.

Pantene Pro-V Deep Moisture Soufflé :0 #hair #bbloggers vine.co/v/bnvv3gTApF6

— Hannah Rose (@lippyinlondon) February 6, 2013

Thanks for reading!

Cheap Thrills: alberto balsam intensive conditioning treatment

So my hair has been looking a bit frizzy lately, especially at the front where I had it bleached within an inch of its life after Christmas. Observe:

I got over the blonde bits pretty quickly, so figured I'd just whack some BLACK DYE over the bleach, and everything would return to normal, right? Wrong!

Firstly, the dye simply won't stick to the bleached bits and 'permanent' colours rinse out to a light/ medium brown colour after a couple of washes, so I now have black hair with brown bits at the front :/

Secondly, the parts at the front are a bit fried and frizzy and the strands literally break in my hands when I'm washing it. :0

What to do? I needed an intensive conditioner, and I needed it fast.

I would love to have waltzed into a salon and indulged in a half hour treatment while munching on complimentary biscuits and flicking through Elle, but my budget simply won't allow such privileges, so I told myself that I will have to find the solution at Boots, using only the points on my Boots Card.

Problem? I had only £2.23 on my rewards card.

Solution? Alberto Balsam intensive conditioning treatment for £1.07.

I have been known to be a bit of a hair care snob, and usually make a bee line for the pricey (but travel sized) salon brands, so I haven't used anything by Alberto Balsam for a while, but I really couldn't be happier with this product.

Containing extracts of almond & honey, this treatment is rich, thick and nourishing and claims to repair damage (which is what I need), smooth the hair cuticle and restore softness, manageability and shine.

It's super easy to use - just squeeze out a generous helping, and put it on your hair, concentrating on the nasty bits. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse.

The consistency is thick and luxurious

I used this last night, and I can honestly report that my hair feels considerably softer and silkier, though I think my bleached parts are beyond help and I'm going to have to wait that one out!

All in all, this treatment is lovely and an absolute bargain. The best aspect of it, in my humble opinion is the scent - it smells just like honey and almonds (funny that).

I would definitely buy this again.

Have you tried this treatment, or something similar?


Thank you for reading :)


Hannah Rose xxx