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: Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum and Skin Perfecting Facial

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of popping down to Cowshed’s Carnaby spa to sample their new Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum in a mini facial. After an early start and a long day in an air conditioned office my skin was looking far from its best and I was definitely in need of a few quiet moments to let the day melt away. The new Cowshed Skin Perfecting Facial (£85 for 75 mins) is a gem. While it keeps true to the usual routine of a facial (cleanse, steam, exfoliation) the yoga style massage that is performed using the new Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum is absolutely fantastic. While being extremely relaxing it works hard to bring out your facial contours, get rid of any puffiness with lymph drainage and stimulate blood flow while firming and tightening the skin. Divine! I would love to book in for the full treatment soon.

Cowshed’s Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum itself is the ultimate all in one skincare treatment. I have recently tried to simplify my skin care routine (to save time and in the hope that if it’s simple I will be more diligent in doing it every day). I have always struggled with my night-time routine as by the time I’m finished with my day I am so ready to crawl into bed (probably having already fallen asleep somewhere beforehand… on the sofa, on the tube, but hopefully not at my office desk). However, as I wear makeup regularly I know how important it is to have a thorough cleanse and make sure my skin can recover overnight and stay hydrated. Therefore, I have been sticking with a micellar water for makeup removal, a cream cleanser and then an eye cream and an oil left on overnight. The Cowshed serum- oil hybrid is absolutely perfect for this and fits into my routine really easily. It has a beautiful, calming scent, is lovely to apply as it feels smooth, but not too ‘oily’ and is packed full of botanical actives and essential oils.

The Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum is designed to address multiple ageing concerns such as loss of radiance, fine lines, pigmentation and dry skin. It is infused with brightening, tightening ingredients such as the Actiscent complex, which not only gives the serum its dreamy scent (combining natural extracts of Sandalwood, Green Tea and South American Copahu), but also works to stimulate cell renewal and turnover. VC IP is an extract derived from Vitamin C, which is added tp help strengthen skin’s antioxidant abilities. Matrixyl 300 Lipo Peptide stimulates skin’s repair process to improve skin tone and elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Juvenity is a complex anti-ageing lipid, that works inside skin cells to protect, restructure and thicken the dermis and epidermis, encouraging the production of healthier skin cells. It also features natural compounds such as of Rosehip oil, Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba oil, zinc and vitamins B and E.

I have been trialling this oil serum for the last 2 weeks and have to say that I am really impressed. I am sometimes wary of oils as some I have tried in the past have had a slightly unpleasant scent and have been a little heavy, taking a long time to absorb into the skin making it feel greasy. This serum is very light and smells beautiful. It sinks into the skin leaving a light layer of oil on the surface so that you feel your skin is protected through the night, but not suffocated. It definitely plumps and smoothes while keeping skin nourished and hydrated, which is particularly important in the harsh, cold months of winter. I adore it.


Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum (£48.00) is available from all Cowshed UK Spas, shops and www.cowshed.com

Amida Spa Alpha H Brightening Facial

A few weeks ago I was treated to an amazing Alpha H Brightening facial at the Amida Spa in Chelsea. After hearing so many good things about the Alpha H line I was so excited to see what all the fuss was about and had high hopes indeed!

The Amida Spa is attached to the amazing Chelsea Harbour Club, which is a very impressive leisure complex with a whole host of facilities from squash and tennis courts to a waterfall pool. While the club is for members only the spa is open to everyone and even has its own pool, jacuzzi, sauna, salt inhale room and steam rooms as well as an ice shoot, which I made sure to explore before my treatment. Even on a Saturday it wasn't too busy and I very much enjoyed having the huge jacuzzi pool to myself! It's the perfect place to come and relax in luxury.

 

After my swim I was led into one of their cosy treatment rooms where my therapist got me to fill out a questionnaire all about my skin and what areas I was concerned about/ wanted to see improvement in. After many months of cold winter I felt like my skin was looking quite lacklustre and I wanted something that would brighten, refresh and improve the appearance of my skin, while being gentle. The therapist noted that my skin was sensitive and tailored my treatment to make sure I could see the maximum results, while preventing any redness or irritation from overstimulation.

After a thorough double cleanse she used the famous Alpha H Liquid Gold - a powerful revitalising and firming lotion which works like an "overnight facial" to brighten and revitalise tired skin and visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, open pores and pigmentation. The combination of 5% Glycolic Acid and Licorice Extract resurfaces, brightens and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, open pores and uneven skin tone. I was worried it may be a little bit strong for my skin, but a little definitely went a long way and all I felt was a slight tingle. She followed this with a microexfoliant, gentle treatment mask and lovely moisturiser and facial massage.

My skin really did look fresher and brighter, without any signs of redness, so I was very pleased with the results. The Alpha H Brightening Facial lasts 55 mins and is £80 for non-members (£76 for members). If you are looking for a little bit of pampering I would definitely recommend checking out the Amida Spa in your area as they have many branches all over the country - Beckenham, Farnham, Chelsea, Hampton, High Wycombe and Notting Hill.

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

Liz Earle Signature Facial Secrets

A few weeks ago I was treated to a Liz Earle Signature facial. After hearing from Liz about how wonderful it is, and that even she struggles to get an appointment as they are so popular, I was excited to say the least. After a long Friday at work I was definitely ready to start the weekend with a little pampering!

The signature facial took place in the Liz Earle treatment rooms in their flagship store, just off the King's Road. The first step was to fill in a short form about what I wanted from my facial and any skin concerns I had, as well as a few select questions about my diet and beauty routine, and the products I relied on.

After taking a second to change into one of their soft dressing gowns, and getting tucked into what can only be described as a (heated!) bed, I was already feeling relaxed.  The first part of the luxurious 90 minute treatment was a double cleanse with Cleanse & Polish (to remove makeup and deep cleanse). My tired eyes were then revived with the Eyebright soothing lotion. As I had complained about some dry patches around my nose Jo also used the gentle exfoliator all over my face, neck, and upper chest. She then performed a lymphatic drainage massage using plant oils and superskin concentrate. 

At this point I was so relaxed with the heat, the music and the calming aura in the room that I almost fell asleep! This has never happened to me before as I often find facials a little nerve racking. On many occasions the products used have reacted badly with my sensitive skin and even caused stinging and burning, so I am always wary. As I already use much of the Liz Earle range I was confident that this would not be the case, especially as we discussed my skin type and areas I wanted to see improvement in (tone, blocked pores around the nose, oiliness and blemishes - not asking much then!). Jo also went through the products she was using during the facial and as she could see my skin was sensitive chose to skip the brightening treatment mask (one of the products that does burn a little), so I was happy to see that she was tailoring the treatment to my skin as well as my 'needs', and not following a set formula as many beauticians do.

While the products were soaking in she treated me to a hand, arm and shoulder massage. I was struggling to stay awake when she used the steam to prepare my skin for extraction. Now this is an area of a facial I usually find awkward and painful, but grit my teeth as I don't want to look like a wimp. Jo was very careful and it didn't hurt at all. After my pores had been cleared she used an ozone treatment (I have no idea what this is officially called lol). The ozone is meant to sterilise and aid healing. Oh, how I wish I had one at home! My skin heals very slowly, and I mean very slowly. If I have a cut or a scar from a blemish it usually lasts weeks and takes months to even begin to fade. The blemishes that Jo treated healed within days!

After some skin repair moisturiser and a little more massage the treatment was over and I have to confess that after Jo left me to get dressed I stayed wrapped up for a minute or two not wanting to move. The real magic came when I looked in the mirror. After the 'extraction' I was expecting some red patches that would take a while to fade, but instead my face was (dare I say it) glowing. There was no redness in sight and my skin looked clear and even. I was so happy I ventured out to dinner straight after with not a scrap of makeup on (well, do we count mascara?). Even the bf commented on how healthy I was looking! I would never normally be brave enough to do this, so it is a real testament to the products and Jo's magic.

Jo was kind enough to send me a personalsied skincare guide a few days later so I could recreate the treatment at home. Now, I won't lie to you and say that I have completely stuck to it, but I have done my best and have seen good results. Are you interested in learning her secrets? Luckily, Jo has given me permission to share my plan with all my lovely readers! So here is the first part and if you want to know more just leave me a comment and I will write a follow up post :).

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Routine

(This application can be used with Liz Earle skincare and any plant oils)

Warm product between hands, and pat onto your face and neck.  Massage with flat palm, fingers together, circle down (3-6 times each side), each side of the neck (right hand on left side and vice versa). This will open up the lymph channels to oxygenate the skin. Continue onto the face and massage outwards along the jaw line (3-6 times each side), then either side of the nose downwards (3-6 times each side), to the sides of the mouth. Continue with 3-6 complete circles around the eyes draining upwards from the corners of the inner eyebrow outwards. Finish with circles up and out over the forehead towards the temples.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Liz Earle Signature Facial and the way it made my skin look and feel. It was the perfect pampering treat and I am now in the process of getting another appointment. I feel my skin will be in dire need come January after my ski trip and all this mulled wine... if only they had a similar treatment for my liver ;).

At £85 for 90 minutes I think it is well worth it too. If my mama lived in England this would definitely be part of her present this Christmas (and I know she is reading this and probably calling me now to tell me she still wants me too book her one hehe). If you are interested in finding out more or treating yourself, or a loved one, to the most luxurious, relaxing facial you can find more information on the Liz Earle site here. Enjoy! xxx