Review: Face Place Facial at Rosewood London

Oh, what I wouldn't do for perfect skin! After posting the below photo on Instagram (@NatalyaFGM) I had so many of you getting in touch asking about the Face Place facial that I thought a proper review would be helpful! While it does look like something out of a torture chamber the Face Place treatment itself is very relaxing and definitely one I would recommend, mainly because it's something a bit different that may give your skin that little extra boost. Often skin can become accustomed to certain products and treatments so I always think it’s good to switch it up and try something new!

(My best impression of Hannibal Lecter)

The Face Place treatment at the Sense Spa at Rosewood London comes straight from LA (and those of you who love reality TV may have spotted it featured in RHOBH a few times). The facial consists of two main parts - first a deep manual cleansing of all facial pores, followed by the use of galvanic current to deliver improved skin tone, firmness, fewer lines and a clearer complexion. Each facial is bespoke to a client’s requirements, so mine concentrated on hydration and deep cleansing. I am always trying to keep my pores in check and find that this treatment leaves my skin feeling nourished, but also clear and blemish free. The facialist Rowan Hall-Farrise is amazing at adapting the facial to different skin types and is a source of so much skincare knowledge that I would definitely recommend addressing her with any of your skin concerns. She’s also absolutely lovely so we barely stop chatting throughout!

After a gentle cleanse the pores are softened using moist yucca root infused heated pads and a cone placed on top that acts as mini face sauna. Rowan then uses magnifying glasses and a vacuum machine taking away dead skin cells to make sure that every pore is squeaky clean. I am a big fan of extraction as my skin is oily and I do wear makeup most days so it is prone to congestion. At the same time my skin is very sensitive so any breakouts (which tend to be hormonal) take a very long time to heal and often scar. After the extraction, which is at times uncomfortable, but never too painful, a spray of collagen follows.

For the current treatment itself warm pads are applied soaked in a solution of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C that helps skin regeneration and stimulate collagen production and anti-inflammatory Zinc. A warm wet pad is also applied underneath you to help the conduction of the current. Once connected as scary as the mask looks all that is palpable is a slight tingling sensation on the skin and a strange, but not unpleasant, metallic taste in the mouth. While the current is working you can enjoy a hand and arm massage, which is incredibly relaxing. After the treatment Rowan applies a Skinceuticals hydrating mask, but in general this facial doesn’t use too many products as it is all about the extraction technique and the use of current to promote deep penetration of vitamins into the skin.

After the treatment my skin is left pink for about an hour and a few hours later it already looks clearer and smoother and feels plumper. The treatment is great for sensitive skin as it doesn’t use any harsh products and I don’t experience any dryness afterwards.

Have you heard of Face Place before? Have you experienced any treatments using galvanic current? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Review: Zelens Lip Treatment Oil and Power A High Potency Vitamin A Treatment Drops

About a month ago I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Lens, plastic surgeon and creator of the Zelens skincare brand. Having never tried any Zelens products before I was interested to learn about his philosophy of combining active biotechnology ingredients with pure molecules derived from botanicals, as well as quiz him on a few of my skin concerns such as sun exposure – do we leave the SPF off to gain some vitamin D or is protection from the sun more important? While the jury is still out on this issue I have been trying out a few of the products from the Zelens range!

The product I have used every day since opening it is the amazing Zelens Lip Treatment Oil (£40). I didn’t initially like the idea of a lip oil as I thought it would feel unpleasantly greasy and would either be too thick or smear too easily. However, this oil is light, with a wonderfully smooth and comforting texture that stays put on the lips, giving them a beautiful gloss. The Zelens lip oil contains 9 plant oils infused with powerful botanicals, vitamins, peptides and other anti-aging ingredients. It has a very subtle fragrance and no taste. It hydrates lips, delivering instant moisture, strengthening the lipid barrier and protecting against environmental damage. It also helps to smooth and fill in fine lines and wrinkles while improving lip texture, plumpness and shape. I absolutely love it, especially for use in the morning – I apply it straight after foundation and by the time the rest of my face is done my lips are soft, smooth and primed for the day! It’s great to use under lipstick as a base or over lip products as a gloss and sealer of moisture. 

The second product I have used with equal enthusiasm is the Power A High Potency Vitamin A Treatment Drops (£115). Being new to retinol and having very fair, sensitive skin I began to use this cautiously, but am happy to report that my skin hasn’t reacted to it at all. I have seen no dryness or irritation and am super impressed by how gentle it has been on my delicate skin! Zelens Vitamin A concentrate contains a powerful combination of pure, encapsulated retinol and two retinoids. This time-released, oil-free retinol treatment promotes skin renewal and improves skin tone and texture with minimal or no irritation. It aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots resulting from aging and sun damage. Additionally it helps to clear blemishes and diminish the look of enlarged pores. I have definitely seen an improvement in my skin after a few weeks of use. I usually apply a few drops at night (and while this product is quite pricey I’m happy to say that a little really does go a long way) and my skin feels smoother by morning.

I am excited to have found a new skincare range that works so well with my skin and also answers many of my skin concerns and look forward to trying more Zelens products in the future, and as ever, sharing my experience with you!

Envy Dual Fix 12 Hair Treatment Review

As the warmer months (it’s deceptive to refer to it as Summer in freezing London at the moment) have progressed I have noticed the condition of my hair deteriorate. Prior to my wedding I tried to keep it healthy by reducing heat styling and the frequency with which I was colouring it. I have to say that since then I haven’t really gone back to my hair destroying ways, and other than a little rough blow dry and the odd tong I have mostly left it to its own devices. Sadly, this hasn’t helped as my hair has become really dry and even more unruly and I have noticed a lot more split ends than usual!

Prior to taking the scissors to it in a more drastic approach I thought I would try out the Envy Dual Fix 12 treatment that promises to improve the condition of your hair and help blow dry and styling results. It delivers a high impact paraben-free blend of hydrolysed silk proteins and keratin amino acids with 12 incredible benefits for smoother, glossier hair that’s easier to manage. It aims to target damaged areas and attract moisture to give you instant and long lasting results.

This treatment can be used in two ways. I went for the intensive option which involves application of the mousse from roots to ends onto dry unwashed hair. I then rough dried my hair with a hairdryer. Following this I rinsed, shampooed (twice) and conditioned as normal. Alternatively for regular use you can shampoo your hair, rinse, apply the foam generously to wet hair, leave for 1 minute, rinse and condition as normal.

The foam texture makes the treatment very easy to apply as it doesn’t drip or leave your hair soaking wet. I did find this took a little bit of time for my long hair and I felt like I was using a lot of product, but as usual foams tend to be a little deceptive in that afterwards a quick shake of the bottle revealed plenty of product left.

Overall, I am really pleased with the results of this treatment. Unlike many oil based deep conditioning treatments I have used in the past the Envy DualFix 12 hasn’t left my hair feeling lank and heavy and instead it feels bouncy and light with a little more gloss and life. The split ends are obviously still present, but as the overall texture of my hair has improved they are definitely less noticeable and my hair feels and looks much less brittle. I usually blow dry just the front section and while my hair had not been participating very well in this with frizz and flyaways all around this morning’s efforts were rewarded with groomed and shiny locks. Success!

I wouldn’t say this treatment is too intensive and being light I could see it working really well on thinner hair that can be prone to product build up. I sometimes prefer a richer deep conditioning mask as my hair is pretty dry, but I liked the fact that this one was so easy to use and didn’t require endless shampooing to remove product. I plan to continue to use it regularly alongside my normal shampoo and conditioner and look forward to seeing how the condition of my hair improves with further applications!

Have you ever tried Envy Dual Fix 12 Treatment? What did you think of it? Do you have any hair treatments you love and could recommend?

My Favourite Summer Products

With Summer in full swing I thought I would put together a little round up of my favourite products! Many of these were tested in sunnier climes on honeymoon, but the majority have come back to dreary London with me to continue their hard work.

The most essential part of any holiday for me has always been SPF. I burn in seconds (no exaggeration necessary) so I need a product that works hard to keep my skin protected, while being easy and pleasant to apply, and lasting a good proportion of the day. The absolute stand out sun block this Summer has been the PizBuin Ultra Light Dry Touch Silky Fluid. As the name suggests it’s a lovely consistency and is an absolute breeze to use. I’m very fussy when it comes to the texture of sun creams... I hate sprays as inevitably they leave a patch unprotected, sun milks are too liquid and have no staying power and thick creams tend to give you that white/ blue greasy glow and block your pores. The Piz Buin feels like a light moisturising cream and sinks into the skin quickly with no stickiness (ie. no sand permanently stuck to your bottom). My husband used the SPF 15 (he of pure English descent, but surprisingly Mediterranean skin), while I went for the SPF30. Both of us stayed well protected in the intense Sri Lankan and Maldivian sun through hiking excursions, safaris, snorkelling trips and lazy pool dips alike!

For my face I always wear SPF 50 on holiday as you really can’t have too much protection and there is no doubt that prevention is much more effective than any anti-ageing treatment! My freckles are an immediate giveaway of any sun exposure so I am always very careful. Being diligent is made much easier when you enjoy using your products and I absolutely adore the Rituals 50 Sun Protection Face Cream (£18.50). It feels like a rich face moisturiser, but it absorbs into the skin well and doesn’t feel too heavy in the heat. I also love the fact that it has additional skin benefits such as natural anti-oxidant complex based on Organic White Tea, natural Vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba. It lasts all day (I usually set it with a little face powder or MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural) and keeps my skin hydrated and protected without causing breakouts.

For night time skincare I am totally obsessed with the NUDE ProGenius treatment oil. I was so afraid of oils for years as I thought they would be too heavy and cause congestion, but this oil is light and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling behind. I apply this oil alone after cleansing my face and have definitely felt the benefits of the super hydrating and caring formula. Whether I need to moisturise, heal or improve skin texture the mix of omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 delivers a precisely balanced diet of vital skin nutrients making my skin look and feel great.

As an everyday moisturiser I have slowly been working through a bottle of the sublime NEOM Body Lotion (I purchased mine in TK Maxx, but they have new and improved scents on their website for £20). I love the whole NEOM organic range, but these body lotions are perfect for use in the morning straight after the shower as they smell wonderful and sink into the skin quickly so you can dress promptly (and not feel greasy on the tube).

As a more intense moisturiser, especially after a long day in the sun I loved using the NUXE Refreshing After-Sun Lotion (£15). This cream has a rich sorbet texture and feels incredibly soothing as it contains no menthol or alcohol. With its blend of Sunflower Oil and Coconut Derivatives it provides deep hydration and restores the balance of the skin while leaving it with a beautiful sheen and scent. This lotion is also enriched with Carob Seed Powder that aims to even out, enhance and prolong your tan… and for me every little helps!

For a Summer Fragrance I have been loving the NUXE le parfum Prodigieux (£35). I have used the oil for many years (in my hair and on my skin) so the scent really brings back happy memories of holidays and sunshine! I have a bottle on my desk at work and so many people have commented on how beautiful the scent is – rich, but not heavy or overpowering and in my view perfect for Summer!

There are so many more beautiful products I could write lyrical about, but for now these are my top picks of the Summer!

What have been your favourite beauty products lately? I would love to hear some of your thoughts on anything featured and as always your recommendations for a beauty junkie like me to try.. not that I need all that much encouragement!

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

KeraStraight Moisture Mask

KeraStraight Moisture Mask is a lightweight nutrient rich treatment that nourishes dry, dehydrated and brittle hair.

As per the home use instructions I have been using this mask as a pre-treatment before washing my hair. I normally apply a generous amount to dry hair, tie it up and put it in a shower cap while I'm ding some glamorous tv watching ;).

The cream itself feels very light and soft with almost a gel like consistency. It spreads throughout the hair easily and washes out quickly without leaving any residue or weighing the hair down.

I found that because I do have quite a lot of hair I have worked through the jar quite quickly, but it was well worth it. Every time I have used it my hair has felt softer and smoother, while still feeling light. I love the fact that I can use it while in the bath or before showering, rather than using it after washing my hair and then having to rinse it out.

KeraStraight products are available through salons and you can find your nearest one here.

Have you tried any KeraStraight products? Do you have any recommendations? xxx

Incredible Ojon Offer!!

Starting 11th April you can receive a free full-size Volume Advance Shampoo & Conditioner (worth £37.50) with any £20.00 purchase online from Ojon! I am a big fan of Ojon products, especially their damage reverse range, so I highly recommend taking full advantage of this incredible deal!

All you have to do is enter the offer code VOLUME at checkout, and even postage is included.


Features and benefits of Ojon Volume Advance range:

· lifts hair up, fills it out

· cleanses and nourishes fine, flat hair

· provides texture, volume and body

· detangles and adds softness and shine


You can check out the full Ojon range here: http://www.ojon.co.uk/customer_service/whats_new.tmpl

My absolute favourites are the Restorative Hair Treatment and Serum.


Do you have any favourite products from Ojon? Will you be taking advantage of this offer? 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

Proactiv's 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

On the 12th day of Christmas Proactiv gave to me... a Refining mask and $200 to Action for Children charity!



Thank you to Proactiv for their kind donation!

To win your own refining mask please enter by leaving a comment on my video!

For more information on Proactiv, as well as a full list of products, please visit: http://www.proactiv.co.uk/default.aspx

For more information on my chosen charity Action For Children or to make a donation please visit: http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/