Review: Veet Spawax Stripless Warming Kit

Spring has finally sprung! I have been so excited to see some sunshine this week, however it has made me think that I may not be able to hide under black tights forever... With the temperatures going up it may be time to show a little more skin, which definitely means paying a little more attention to some body parts that have been left as nature intended for too long. As work has been super busy I haven't had a chance to book any waxing appointments and instead opted to try out the new Veet Spawax in the comfort of my living room.

The Veet Spawax Stripless Warming Kit* is designed for easy at home waxing on all body parts (except the face). The kit comes with a warming tower (which lights up when plugged in) and 6 wax disks infused with lily and sugar fig. I used it on my lower legs, for which you would normally need 4 discs (I used 5 as I'm sure the recommendations didn't include my 5"10' frame).

The discs took about 40 minutes to melt. The warming tower should be left on even after the wax has melted as it does not overheat and actually regulates the temperature so the wax stayed melted, but not too hot.

Using the spatula provided I applied a layer of wax (the thickness of orange peel) along the hair growth, making it thicker at the end to create a tab that is easy to grip. I waited for the wax to cool and set for half a minute and then pulled it off in the opposite direction to hair growth. It was super simple to use!

The Veet SpaWax Stripless Wax Warming Kit is available for purchase in Boots for £39.99. Refills containing 6 disks are £8.99 here.

Chi Yu Wellness Integrated Therapy

A few weeks ago I visited the chi yu wellness centre to try out one of their holistic treatments. This was the second time I had the pleasure of an evening at chi yu. If you haven’t read my initial review you can refresh your memory here.

As I have always been interested in alternative therapies I was really keen to try something different to your regular massage or facial and so chose the chi yu Integrated Therapy – a tailored integrated  therapy to suit individuals’ needs. After your requirements are assessed the therapist devises a unique treatment that can include anything from aromatherapy, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, acupressure and meridian massage or reflexology and many more. 

On arrival I filled out a simple form and met with my therapist Mami. I explained my main concerns, which were my back and neck. I have a number of back conditions including scoliosis, which I blame on being too tall lol, so sitting at a computer all day in the office and then on my sofa in the evenings is not ideal. I also explained that I get headaches quite frequently, which are probably stress or tension related as I always make sure to stay well hydrated throughout the day.

Mami designed my therapy to concentrate on my back and neck pain with a combination of acupuncture, massage (including acupressure and meridian massage) and aromatherapy. She also massaged key points on my face and scalp to help relieve any tension and taught me what points to concentrate on when I could feel a headache coming on.

Despite being of small stature Mami’s hands hold an incredible strength and power. During the massage she concentrated on particularly tight areas on my back and neck, which usually make me wince and bite my lip, using all my concentration not to run away. However, this time there was almost no pain and I could feel the tension and sore areas melting away as she meticulously worked through all the muscles. Honestly it was incredible. Although she was concentrating on my back I think pretty much every area of my body was cared for – legs, arms, feet, hands and even the stomach.

The acupuncture portion was completely painless and of the approximately 25 needles used I only really felt one of them, which penetrated a particularly tight area. The needles are incredibly thin and flexible and the anticipation of them going in was much worse than the feeling of when they did. I am not ashamed to admit that I have no pain tolerance and even I found it absolutely pain free!

Walking out after my session I was amazed by how relaxed, yet full of energy I felt. Normally I get a similar rush after an intense 90 minutes of bikram yoga, but this treatment left me feeling even better. My back and neck were no longer in pain and felt loose, I could stand up straighter and walk taller. It was amazing! All the tension had melted away and the next day I was still feeling a spring in my step.

Honestly I can say that the chi yu Integrated Therapy was the best massage I have ever had and I highly recommend it to anyone. I will definitely be visiting again in the future!

For more information on Chi Yu and a list of all treatments available you can visit their website here.

Chi Yu and Well Well Well

A few weeks ago I was kindly invited to attend an event at the Chi Yu Wellness centre to hear all about their latest nutritional products from Well Well Well and test out a few of their most popular treatments.

If you were wondering where the name of this spa comes from “chi yu” actually means ‘healing’ in Japanese. ‘Shizen chiyu ryoku’ means the body’s self-healing ability.  The centre is very much targeted at improving your state of physical well being using a mix of modern western and traditional Japanese methods, which are reflected in the spa’s contemporary, yet classic Japanese interiors. The are five treatment rooms (including a double treatment room), which are individually themed to reflect the ethos of chi yu and provide a tranquil environment. Chi Yu also incorporates a wellbeing boutique, where you can purchase a selection of skin care, teas, supplements, candles and other luxury home & travel accessories.

Chi Yu’s extensive range of treatments includes acupuncture, oriental & holistic aromatherapy, craniosacral therapy, pre & post natal care, holistic beauty, reflexology and a selection of different massage therapies.

I was lucky enough to try out mini versions of two of the treatments. I was first treated to 20 mins of reflexology with LED light therapy. This involved my therapist Mami working on my feet, while I relaxed with a rather futuristic looking red light mask on, which promotes healing in the skin, as well as having anti-ageing benefits. I had never had reflexology before so I was a little apprehensive of having my feet so thoroughly looked at firstly, because I am quite ticklish, and secondly because I have very strange, highly arched feet that cause me pain on pretty much a daily basis. Luckily, my fears were gone the second I lay down and Mami began the treatment. She massaged different points on my feet (she was firm, but there was no pain or discomfort) and explained how these relate to different areas of the body. As I had spent the weeks prior to this hunched over my books revising every spare minute she immediately noticed the tension in my back and shoulders, as well as significant discomfort in my neck. She then massaged these ‘crunchy’, knotted areas and by the end of the treatment, not only did my feet feel thoroughly cared for, but some of the ache in my neck and shoulders also began to disappear!

The second treatment I was treated to was a neck and shoulder massage using heated bamboo sticks. This was great for relieving tension in sore muscles.

After my treatments I was taken upstairs to meet the founders of Well Well Well, who provide a range of healthy supplements sold at Chi Yu, as well as their own website. Their three most popular products are the Acai, Black Rice Bran and Krill Oil.

Black Rice (£21.95) is a Chinese delicacy full of antioxidants, vitamin E and fibre. It's the only bran on the market full of essential fatty acids and anti ageing antioxidants that help maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. To get all these benefits you just need to add one to three teaspoons of this amazing superfood to protein shakes, yogurt, cereal and juices.

I am sure most of you have heard of the Brazillian superfood Acai, which has gained cult status in recent years. Well Well Well’s Acai (£19.95) has 10 times the antioxidant capacity of grapes, 30 times the antioxidant capacity of red wine and double the antioxidant power of a serving of blueberries! It is packed full of anthocyanins (a potent antioxidant) that helps maintain cell integrity keeping skin resilient, supple and youthful looking. This supplement turns everything purple, but the taste is nowhere near as strong as its colour.

Krill Oil (£23.95) improves skin elasticity, reduces arthritis and inflammation, protects against UV damage, relieves PMS and it can help with muscle repair and even lower cholesterol. The best part is that it doesn’t taste like fish so can easily be taken every day with your breakfast.

I have been trying these supplements out over the last few weeks and have found them so easy to incorporate into my daily diet. A sprinkle here and there is all it takes to get beautiful, glowing skin and makes sure that your body is just as healthy on the inside as it is on the outside!

To see Chi Yu's full list of therapies and to book your treatment please visit their website here. To learn healthy recipes or purchase Well Well Well superfoods please visit their website here. 

Have you ever been to the lovely Chi Yu spa or tried any of Well Well Well's food supplements? Do you currently take any supplements? xxx

Review: The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique

Last year the team behind the fabulous The Chelsea Day Spa on the King’s Road opened their sister spa The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique on Hollywood Road, SW10. The new salon is smaller and more intimate, but still offers a great range of face, body and nail treatments in its three cosy treatment rooms and nail bar.

The spa’s team of highly qualified therapists are trained in Darphin and HydroPeptide luxury facials, plus personalised Aromatherapy, Swedish, Hot Stone and Deep Tissue massages. The salon also offers basic personal grooming and express treatments for both men and women, which includes waxing with Perron Rigot, eye lash and brow tinting, plus express manicures/pedicures and ‘everlasting’ gels with Jessica.

I was kindly invited to The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique to experience one of Darphin's signature facials, which are priced at £85 for 60 minutes.

On arrival I was offered some lemon water while I filled out the usual forms relating to any allergies or medications. I was then taken to my treatment room, which was cosy, but quite small. After I had made myself comfortable the therapist  performed what she called 'a welcome ritual', which is a light foot massage to begin the relaxation process. She then analysed my skin and noticed that it was looking rather oily in the t-zone, with some slight dehydration in the cheeks and around the eyes. My appointment was at 7pm, so after being on the go all day I was definitely looking very shiny! As I had expressed some concerns about a few developing blemishes my therapist recommended The Lemon & Lavender Deep Cleansing Treatment, which is described as a deep purifying and detoxifying treatment for all skin types that refines pores and leaves complexion refreshed, sparkling clean, clear and bright.

She began by thoroughly removing all makeup and then cleansing the face, neck and chest twice with Darphin's Purifying Foam Gel (£17.10). This felt very light and cooling on the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and clean. She then followed with an exfoliator and Darphin's Mild Aroma Peeling (£24.30) to gently remove impurities. While the mask was doing its magic I was given a head massage, which felt wonderfully relaxing. After this she applied the Soothing Eye Contour Mask (£31.50) and performed two types of facial massage (lymph drainage) with Darphin's Niaouli Aromatic Care Elixir, which smells absolutely amazing. To balance the oil in my skin, while making sure it remains hydrated, she also used the Skin Mat Balancing Serum (£40.50) and Matifying Lotion (£34.20).

The whole treatment lasted just over an hour and I left feeling very relaxed, while my skin looked clear and fresh. I could feel that the products really saturated and plumped my skin, yet it didn't feel greasy or look shiny in the slightest. After five hours I can see that my skin still looks on the healthy side of matte, with a subtle glow void of any oiliness.

The The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique is a lovely little salon, and given that it is practically on my doorstep I will definitely be visiting again. It provides a great selection of treatments at comparatively reasonable prices using an impeccable range of products. Plus, it is open till 8pm Mon-Thurs, which makes it a perfect evening antidote to a hectic week! While looking through their website I stumbled upon their Daily Deals page and found that they often offer discounts on their treatments. Their current deal is TWO 60 minute Rejuvenating Facials for £85 (originally priced at £170), but I think this may change daily to give you lots of options!


Have you ever visited the The Chelsea Day Spa or The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique? Do you treat yourself to regular facials? Are you a fan of Darphin products? Which are your favourites? xxx