Deluxe Pedicure at the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa

As you might have seen in my last review, I had a really fantastic facial treatment at Chamomile Sanctuary Spalast week and have seen great results from it. I was lucky to also be shown the Spa’s new nail room and was given my first ever proper pedicure which I can’t believe I have waited so long to have! I was tickled as I went in and saw the high padded seating bank they have created in this white serene room, I felt like a proper VIP sitting up on there plunging my feet into a bubbly bath. It is the perfect way to relax and just how I pictured a pedicure to be thanks to the movies! It would be so much fun to go with a group of friends to all be sit and pampered at the same time and give your feet the 5 star treatment.

Seeing as I have never actually had a pedicure before, I can say I totally understand it now- my feet look and feel so much better, and just in time for summer too. The therapist buffed and exfoliated them as I enjoyed tea and a biscuit, and then she started work on my poor neglected toenails. Trimmed, filed and ready for colour, you could already see how smooth and healthy they looked. I opted to go for the Vinylux polish as I had previously had that done here in a manicure and was unbelievably impressed with the longevity of it and loved that I didn’t need removed in a special way. My nails were left in great condition once the polish was off and I was hoping it was just the same with a pedicure. I can happily report that a whole month on that my pedicure is still completely perfect, I have gorgeous happy bright pink toes ( shade Tropix) and they have taken all the knocks and scrapes that come from chasing a toddler around. Really impressive stuff and absolutely perfect for having before any holidays or special occasions. ( I have spared you the photos as I might think my feet currently look divine.... but I am well aware they are still FEET!)

I am delighted with the changes they have made in the nail room and think it is a beautiful addition to the salon, the team never stop trying to improve and build on their services and the handwork has certainly paid off. As I was sitting in the relaxation room after my treatment I couldn't help but smile when I was joined by two others were absolutely raving about the massages they had just had, with one woman pointing out she has had a lot of them but it was the very best she had experienced. Such high but well deserved praise for Chamomile who never disappoint.

Crystal Clear COMCIT facial at the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa

You have heard me wax lyrical about the wonder that is Edinburgh’s Chamomile Sanctuary Spa before as I am continually impressed with the treatments and technologies they offer. I love that they are constantly keeping up with the latest procedures and they are all so passionate about learning so they can offer clients an incredible service.

I was really excited to meet Sarah who was going to be talking me through the Comcit treatment from Crystal Clear which promises to help with a variety of skin issues.  It was created by Sharon Hilditch the head of Crystal Clear after she enjoyed the results from traditional micro needling but found the treatments painful and requiring more downtime than she would like. She wanted to put together a treatment that was just as effective but with no bleeding and little to no downtime. 

COMCIT stands for 'Cryo Oxygen Microchanelling Collagen Induction Therapy', quite the mouthful but in basic terms- a machine is used that pushes 93% pure oxygen through a freezer and into the wand that creates a numbing effect as it is applied around the face. A roller with needles is then passed across the skin to create 'micro channels' to allow maximum penetration of the products. The micro channels the needles create ( when they are of a size 0.5mm and over), makes the skin feel lightly ‘attacked’ and in response it produces collagen as protection as well as increasing cell turnover, which is just what the fine lines, scars and texture of the skin needs to improve. Your skin is then infused with a potent blend of ingredients to help rejuvenate the skin. 

Pretty clever stuff!

Sarah was a joy to talk to as she is so interested in skincare and the treatments she is performing, it makes for such a good insight into your own skin and the issues you might have and what is best recommended for treating them. I loved hearing her insight into COMCIT and the results she has seen, I could have chatted right through the treatment time!

She kicked off with cleansing and exfoliating my skin so she could get a good look at the problem areas and decide what products would suit me best.  It was the vitamin C serums we decided I needed to help with my pigmentation and brightness issues. She used the 0.5mm needles alongside a Hylauronic Acid packed with plant stem cells, to help with dehydration and then more vitamin C to penetrate the skin.  More cryo oxygen is used to help calm any redness and further push the serum into the skin. She then used a beautiful Super Repair Mask with lavender and moringa to nourish my skin and it smelt just divine. We finished off with applying a skin brightening complex, the hydracell moisturiser and some SPF 40 which is essential after treatments like this.

The whole process was pretty much pain free, there is the tiny niggle as the roller is passed across certain areas but the oxygen has done such a good numbing job that it is barely there. I was really impressed with how normal my face looked afterwards, I have had a full micro needling done before and this was nothing like it. I had the tiniest touch of redness as I left but to anyone else it will have appeared as nothing, I headed straight to the shops afterwards and didn't feel at all self conscious. Sarah advised that usually the best results are seen in the days afterwards as the skin heals fully and now a week on I can really see that. My skin has felt more nourished than it had recently and certainly much brighter. The instant effect is certainly the plumpness and youthfulness you experience but the days after allowed me to appreciate that my skin appeared much clearer and generally brighter as well as being a much softer texture.

I love that the treatment can be tailored to various issues and I can totally see how a course of treatments could have a huge effect on texture and tone. I really feel like I learned a lot with having this and it has reminded me how much change you can see when you have something as beneficial as this, done.

My skin has changed a lot since having the baby and in the tiring year since, so it was good to chat with someone who can help pinpoint just what you might need to keep it looking its best. She had some recommendations on another treatment on offer at Chamomile which will help with the some of the more clogged areas of my skin so I will be reading up on that next! This COMCIT treatment has been a really fantastic experience and I think Crystal Clear have achieved just what they set out to do.

I might have also have a cheeky little look at the Spa’s new nail room while I was there so I shall be back with a little post to fill you in on that next.

*This visit was gifted in exchange for a full and honest review. Opinions are as always, my own.*

BumpH2T: Pregnancy Massage at the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa

One of the best things about any visit to the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa in Edinburgh, is seeing all the lovely staff. Justine the owner clearly takes so much time in selecting the right team and their knowledge and skills always speak volumes about the ethos of the spa. This was my first visit with Lola who was in charge of my first ever pregnancy massage, and she made it such a fantastic experience. Chamomile  is such a favourite of mine as the standard there is just so high both in terms of therapist but also just the all round atmosphere, it really is such a calming, beautiful and tranquil place to be. Sadly not all spas actually deliver on that all important relaxation!

I was in a fluffy robe and sipping herbal tea before I knew it, and Lola gave me the full run down on what a pregnancy massage can actually do for a mamma to be. Aches and pains and general discomfort certainly come with the territory as well as a pretty tired mind too. A massage like this is ideal for helping create some relaxation and help work towards ironing out some of those niggling pains too. Not everywhere can offer a decent pregnancy treatment as they do require a bit of a set up in order to be able to do the treatment safely. You shuffle yourself on to a bed as normal just with the addition on a big cushion with all the right spaces for you to get a bump and an ever-growing chest into. Lola then propped my legs up with additional cushions to allow for maximum comfort and blood flow and we settled into working on my creaky back and hips.

post massage glow!

Having slept so poorly for recent weeks getting into position was utter heaven, so as she started to work, I was already away in bliss. She explained to me what kinds of products should and shouldn't be used on pregnant women so I was going to be having rose and geranium from Aromatherapy Associates used on my skin to help with elasticity ( yes please) and providing a balancing scent which I also definitely needed. It felt so magical as it was worked methodically into my skin and it was literally a head to toe treatment, as no part of me was left out. Moving my limbs in just the way they clearly needed and working away a lot of the stresses I had been feeling, made this a beautiful treatment. Helping me move on to my front and further propping up the appropriate points to keep my comfortable, Lola was excellent at paying attention to what I needed and it makes such a difference. I didn't even realise how much I had needed a massage until I was in that moment and noticed just how many different parts of my body had actually been suffering!

I left the spa on an absolute cloud which is just what a good treatment should do for you, I can't recommend a pregnancy massage enough, if you have someone who could benefit this Christmas, they will definitely thank you!

You can contact the spa on 0131 220 1000

Pure Spa Skin Care Range

So selling and buying a house turns out to be just as hideous and stressful as people say it is and it has certainly taken a toll on me mentally and physically. From eating every single feeling to never sleeping, my skin has taken the brunt of it all and was looking less than clear and bright recently. Handily for me Pure Spa sent me along some of their brand new shiny at home spa products to try out, and they have been a savior in these crazy times.

With no harsh chemical, parabens or irritating foaming ingredients, this cruelty free capsule collection is instead loaded with regenerating pure plant oils and antioxidants which were ideal for calming my skin, never mind being a joy to apply! Ranging from £14.50 to £32, the collection contains 5 products including cleansing oil, eye serums and refreshing spritzes that all smell divine.

I adore using facial oils and have found that they have really improved the texture of my skin with continued use. I do find that my skins need do change a lot however so the Pure Skin range offering one for oily and blemished skin, and one designed to rehydrate, is an ideal combo. I flick between using the two and have loved both.  The Regulate and Clear option is loaded  with Omegas to help heal  while still providing gentle rehydration  too with Vitamin E, the added rosehip is also fantastic for old scarring which has made my skin look more even and clear. The Ylang Ylang is the key ingredient that help balances the sebum which causes my usual spots but also serves the purpose  of really boosting the mood with its exotic aroma, it is so lovely!

The Hydrate and Renew oil has rose, geranium and orange so obviously smells incredible as well as frankincense  which helps regenerate the skin cells and actually promotes deeper sleep through relaxation. This element of it has been so welcome with all my sleeping troubles in the last two months, I love applying this at night and inhaling as I take my time massaging it in. this little beauty is so moisturising, I wake up with much more rested complexion that is so so soft. Wonderful Stuff!

My other favourite from the bunch  is the Clean and Glow Cleansing Oil which has been ideal for removing the thicker spfs I have been using in the summer. This deeply cleansing formula really melts away my makeup through the jojoba oil while still utilising Vitamin E and Neroli to calm and balance the skin. I have been massaging just one pump over my face and removing it with a nice warm face cloth. It feels a wonderful routine and my skin has been reaping the benefits of sticking to it. There has no been no film or residual left over after using this, and it works just as well in the AM as at night. So far, so happy!!

The clever bods at Pure have included an Eye Serum and Refresh and Revive  face spritz that I have used less so can’t fully report but I have been just as impressed. I like the alcohol free spritz as it doesn’t leave me feeling tight and dry and has been a lovely pick me up for during the day. The eye serum is light to apply and I like the consistency, I am just useless and remembering to apply regularly!!

In all, this is a lovely little collection that Is well thought out, packaged and priced. Right now if you spend over £40 on the products you get a lovely free gift of a tote bag with miniatures, a cloth and a £10 voucher for your next Pure Spa facial which is ace!!

Glasgow Reviewed; 33Dowanhill

Every so often a review opportunity comes along that allows you discover an absolute gem in the Glasgow crown and the newly opened 33Dowanhill is exactly that. The minute I turned the corner in Glasgow’s westend and saw the beautiful cream and gold detailing of the outside, I knew I was about to walk in somewhere special. Greeted by the incredibly warm, and fun and not to mention absolutely glowing, owner Joanna, I was instantly at ease. She has created a peaceful and inviting reception space that is ideal for taking a seat and nattering all things skincare and she was sure to get to grips with how I felt my skin was and what I would like to improve.

photo c/o Andy Bell

I could have sat there chatting for hours, Joanna is so wonderfully friendly and passionate about what she is doing, it was so easy to get lost talking about the well selected range of products she has for sale in the shop as well as the amazing line up of potions she utilises in the facials. What drew me to 33Dowanhill when I first found their Instagram was the brands Jo was a fan of. I have never had a bespoke tailor made facial using some of my favourites before!. Pixi to P50 Via Oskia and Omorovica, she really has picked the crème de la crème and she sure knows how to use them.  From the minute we said hello I was properly staring at her own absolutely stunning skin, she looks incredibly youthful and healthy which is always so key when you are looking for someone to work some magic on your own. I could certainly tell I was going to be in good hands.

photo c/o Andy Bell

I loved Jo's enthusiasm for what she has started in 33Dowanhill, having decided to follow her true passion in life a couple of years ago into this business shows just how committed she is to providing an outstanding service for clients. As an almost 30 something still not sure where their direction in life is, it is always refreshing to hear others who have had the courage to start again and follow their heart. To ensure she is at the top of the game she has traveled from London to Paris and even Thailand to hone the skills she is offering and incorporates all that knowledge into her bespoke facial packages. 

photo c/o Andy Bell

So I might want to pretty much move in with the woman..... but can she work her magic on my skin that was feeling both dry and spotty following an Easter blowout including a very boozy wedding?? Oh yes she can. You know when you read all about celebrities and they reference their own personal facialists and it just makes them sound so glam? That is the level of treatment I feel Jo is offering, by no means your standard facial, this one was next level. I got settled under the heated blanket and from there on in the whole thing is a bit of a beautiful blur, aside from the use of incredible products it is the facial massage Jo studied in Thailand that really sets this apart. It was a joy to experience and I could literally feel the stress in my face melting away, this extends to a beautiful head and shoulder massage as a mask gets to work too. 

With a touch of BB cream and blusher the morning after. Glowy healthy skin!

When it was time to come out from my warm cocoon I was actually excited to see how my face looked as I knew that level of attention was going to have made a big difference and it really did. My skin was just unbelievably soft and hydrated while all the puffiness had gone and left a far more bright and toned appearance. I felt miles fresher too regardless of the hailstorm I was about to walk out into!! Gutted as I was to leave the 33Dowanhill haven, I was over the moon to unearthed a new top spot to recommend to people looking for a superb and skilled pampering. 

Prices for a 60 minute personalised facial start from are £68 and I love that she has also included an extra care option which is ideal for anyone needing a fragrance free experience. Pure ranges are used which makes it ideal for someone who is undergoing medical treatment or are pregnant or breastfeeding- she is a thoughtful lady that is for sure. She is even doing a damn good job of keeping up the blog part of her site with some super handy and well written posts of her own, worth checking out for tips from a pro!

You can contact Joanna on 0141 258 3069 or visit the facebook page here

Edinburgh Reviewed: Guinot Eye Logic at Chamomile Sanctuary

Hen do’s are loads of fun with their gossiping, bubbles and laughter but for me they also mean I get zero sleep! As someone who struggles with this area generally, weekends away in strange surroundings mean I sleep even less which leaves me looking pretty zombified after a couple of nights. Just recently I was helping organise the big event for one of my oldest pals and in the run up I was sleeping less just with trying to get so much done, never mind the not resting when it actually came around.

It was ideal for me when Chamomile Sanctuary Spa ( my absolute relaxation haven!) invited me along to try their latest treatment, Eye Logic, that uses Guinot products and technology. I quickly realised this would be ideal to try out on as a post hen recovery and boy was I glad I did it! The event itself was a great success but as suspected I slept very little and was left with incredibly puffy and dark eyes which I could do without. So off I set to the west end of Edinburgh to see what they could do....

Welcomed as always by the really friendly team there, I practically fell asleep on the plush waiting room couches, It was definitely unwind time. I managed to get myself to get into my comfy gown and slippers and enjoy a green tea in the lovely relaxation room ahead of the treatment,  I then went to get ready on the bed with a quick consultation before hand to chat through what the 45 mins involves and what all it was going to do for my sleepy appearance. Designed to increase firmess, decrease wrinkles and completely rejuvenate the eye contour, I was hoping to leave literally bright eyed. Going through the process I had no doubt it was going to deliver thanks to the cooling eye massage using the Guinot electrodesI have experienced in the past. This helps drain puffiness  and decongest the pesky dark circles  while helping to smooth away lines.

This is done while you are enjoying a cooling eye gel too and it made for a really relaxing and refreshing experience. The massage is not at all painful just enough to really feel the fragile eye area is getting the attention it deserves. A special eye mask is then applied that is soaked in a skin repair serum and while that is soaking in you are treated to a lovely hand and arm massage- heaven!

After the treatment was over I instantly felt so lifted! I could see right away how much more youthful and rested I looked, the huge bags had gone down and I just looked more energized,

I was interested to learn the bluish colour of my dark circles could be helped with increasing the circulation which is exactly what the massage had down so I can imagine the results from a small course of the treatments. I felt so much more confident leaving the spa after the Eye logic, I can see it being such a popular experience, it is the antidote to a post Netflix binge appearance??

For £50 this is one of the most effective treatments I have actually tried, I can really imagine how useful it would be to so many age groups. You can do the course of three for £135, it could be the perfect Mother's Day gift this year, I know mine would love it! 

Edinburgh Reviewed; The Indulgence Package the Guerlain Spa

The Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh just knows how to do Christmas. From stunning meal and party options for the office, to Christmas Day meals and festive afternoon teas, there really is some amazing offerings on their Waldorf Winter brochure. Of course the Hotel is home to just more than gorgeous rooms and restaurants, it also boasts the beautiful Guerlain Spa that  I am always so eager to find out what they have planned. The work the staff have put in here to build bespoke packages for each season is really impressive and always of an incredibly high standard. The treatments themselves are built to incorporate innovative moves that combine the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, and the really friendly team provide that extra element of luxury that makes the Guerlain Spa such an ideal place to visit.

I have been a couple of times but never actually had the time to really try out the whole health facilities on offer at the spa so this time I was sure to keep a few hours free and pack a swimming costume to try out a whole shebang. The Indulgence package is one of 5 on offer for the whole of December in the spa which include a gorgeous couples massage package and a full body exfoliation option which is perfect for the party season. From the moment you walk in you are treated like a VIP and you can feel your self instantly start to de-stress and unwind with the unmistakable aromas of the various Guerlain fragrances sitting in reception surrounding you. I was shown to the locker area for the pool to get myself set up in my robe ( you might remember before I pointed out that this is not just any robe, it is literally the greatest duvet style robe you will ever experience) and I got settled into the treatment waiting room ready to experience the Caledonian Chic massage. With little nibbles and fruit and water laid out alongside a host of high end magazines to peruse in comfort, I was definitely read to shrug off the stresses of the week and unwind.

You start a treatment with a fragrance journey which allows you to match your experience to how you feel that day, you might want to leave feeling sexy and party ready and opt for Idylle or want to feel invigorated and full of energy with a light floral number like La Petite Robe Noire. On this occasion I wanted to fully relax so was most drawn to Insolence which was the perfect background to my treatment. The experience then leads to a lovely foot bath which is such a fantastically grounding start to the massage as it really gives you a moment to take in where you are and just let go of the outside world before the treatment begins. My therapist was fantastic at explaining the Caledonian Chic and the history of the hotel and the area that was used to inspire many of the moves used within. I think that  level of thought creates such a wonderful connection between guest and the spa and really feels on another level from many massages I have had in the past. I also had the opportunity to talk through any problem areas I was struggling with which was ideal as I was struggling with my shoulders and lower back.

The Caledonian Chic is an exquisite performance of moves that are executed with such skill from the therapists who clearly know their stuff. Particular attention was paid to my problem areas while still ensuring the massage encompassed the whole body. Quite literally this treatment is luxury from head to toe- each individual toe was worked on right up to the most wonderful head massage! I left the room completely walking on a cloud and the pains I has been struggling with felt absolutely amazing. It was such a pleasure to then be able to enjoy a glass of bubbles in the relaxation room and really just let the whole experience soak in before hitting the pool. The facilities here are really lovely and offer such a good overall package. I got to relax poolside between enjoying a few lengths and sitting enjoying the warmth of the Jacuzzi- all with being able to look at the stunning Edinburgh Castle through the windows.  There is a small but perfectly formed sauna to enjoy, right next to the steam room that no matter how hard I try, I still only lasted a few minutes in :) all together though it made for such a wonderful series of relaxations that left me feeling completely invigorated and incredibly keen to stay put for a few more hours! Lucky for me there is a host of beautiful Guerlain makeup and cloud nine straighteners on offer for guests to use to help get themselves real world ready- a wonderfully luxurious end to a luxurious few hours.

Ally giving his best hotel catalog pose

As always this visit to Guerlain was nothing short of magical, it is no wonder it is the Scottish Hotel  Awards Spa of the Year!

A trip here would make an ideal Christmas experience for you or loved ones.
You can contact the spa on 0131 222 8836.

Edinburgh Reviewed; The Beauty Lift at The Guerlain Spa

I cannot believe it has been three years since I set eyes on the beautiful Guerlain Spa, nestled in The Caledonian Hotel right in the heart of Edinburgh's City centre. Offering serious luxury to clients, this spa is a truly an indulgent experience that is not to be missed. To celebrate turning 3, the team there have added two fantastic new treatments to their menu to celebrate,  I have had some amazing experiences with Guerlain in these years, so I was super excited to find out more about the latest offerings.

From September, you can choose a new Deep Muscle Relaxation treatment designed to build a stronger body, relax the muscles and calm the mind, or experience a radiant lifted and toned face with The Beauty Lift. I was totally torn between the two as both of them sounded like exactly what I was needing right now- after a year of strength training I have become more in tune with what my body is needing and a massage designed for deep and lasting relaxation sounded ideal. Incorporating Balinese Massage this new treatment sounds completely ideal for sports enthusiasts  or people with particularly busy lives.

But as much as the body treatment sounds like a total dream for me right now I could not forget that without a doubt the most impactful facial treatment I have ever had was here at Guerlain and it  incorporated facial massage that completely transormed my deepest wrinkle concern ( hello frown lines!) and the results lasted for months. So in the battle of new treatments, it had to be The Beauty Lift I went for. Incorporating the anti-aging beauty massage technique that focuses on every facial muscle to target wrinkles and increase microcirculation, this muscle stimulation helps restore volume to areas where it has been lost and your therapist is there to provide you with top  secrets for you to leave with and carry on the newer radiant you at home.

Sound Dreamy? Well I can report it certainly was. As always I was greeted by the friendliest of faces at the Spa and got settled into a comfy robe and chilled out in the relaxation room ( complete with tasty healthy nibbles). My therapist Louise picked me up from here and started the journey by allowing me to select the Guerlain scent I would like used in my treatment. I love this aspect to of the spa as it  really allows you to tailor your treatment to how you are feeling in that moment and for what you want to leave feeling like ( relaxed/energised/soothed) On this visit I was really feeling the masculine scent of Idylle Homme and it was a stunning addition to my treatment to have in the room with me. As with all treatments, you start with a soothing footbath which is perfect for really bringing my focus to the treatment itself and actually relaxing into it. It also gives the therapist time to explain what to expect and answer any questions you might have ( never mind leaving you with lovely soft feet too!)

Feeling wrinkle-free and radiant following the Beauty Lift

The massage itself was absolutely beautiful and incredibly impactful, it is certainly firm in places in order to work the muscles hard but is not actually sore. It takes real skill on the part of the therapist to apply pressure in the right places  that really accentuates the facial contours and work away lines. While a mask works on your skin you are treated to a beautiful arm and shoulder massage ( can also opt for the head) which is then followed by a delightfully cooling application of massage balls to round it all off. The targeted movements used really stretch and relax the face in the most tense areas which was super soothing, I really had no idea how much stress I actually carry in my upper body and this really worked a lot of that away. I was super delighted with the outcome immediately after treatment, just like the first facial I had here that used massage techniques, my deepest frown lines were transformed and my face looked really plump and bright which lasted way after the treatment. If you suffer from particularly sagging skin in any area, I can really only imagine how much firmer skin would feel following this facial workout.

I was on a cloud following The Beauty Lift so I made myself at home back in the relaxation room to enjoy a soothing herbal tea and some fruit while I came back down to earth, it really was a dream way to spend an afternoon ( next time I am definitely also taking advantage of the pool and sauna facilities as they look just gorgeous). These two new treatments are such a good addition to the already impressive  menu at the Guerlain Spa and they are such a fun way to celebrate 3 fantastic years.

To book in with the fab team call 0131 222 8836

Edinburgh Reviewed; The Hydratight facial at Beyond Medispa

Any facial that is created to combine the knockout benefits of two tried and tested formulas sounds like a total  winner and that was exactly what was in store for me at the weekend as I headed along to the Beyond Medispa in Edinburgh. Following on from the success of the Hydrafacial ( which you can read all about my experience here) and the Protege Elite facial, the Hydratight has been created to incorporate both to allow for the ultimate skin rejuvenating treatment. The Elite offers long lasting wrinkle reduction using radio frequency technology to stimulate collagen and improve skin texture, while the Hydrafacial on the other hand utlised powerful jets of cooling water to remove dead skin cells and treat the skin to a cocktail of serums designed to dramatically increase the skins hydration levels and reveal clearer, brighter skin. Now both of those separately are what so many of us are in need of so the of combination of the two is absolutely magic and I was chomping at the bit to give it a whirl.

Settling into the lovely surroundings of the Beyond Medispa hidden away in the shopping utopia of Harvey Nichols, I was ready for them to turn my skin around. Thanks to a fraught couple of weeks working on the General Election, my skin was looking tired, congested and generally flat- so I was hoping for a miracle that could get me back on track and with these facials having celeb fans in Beyonce and Eva Mendes, I was pretty sure this might just be that miracle. My therapist Sharon was fantastic at talking me through the procedure and was sure to prepare me on what to expect. The Protege element of the facial involves using heat so it was great to know to expect it from the outset. Starting with lymphatic drainage which helps detoxify the skin and remove dead skin cells, the treatment uses water and a vacuum based tip which is gentler on the skin than more abrasive micro dermabrasions. Performing the treatment this way also means the skin is receiving much more hydration which contributes to giving the skin a plumper, healthier look.



We then moved on to the Protege Elite element where Sharon applied a thick cool gel to my neck area and then ran  a heated device slowly and repeatedly over portions of my skin at a time. Although the system does get very warm, you are still relaxed and comfy throughout and I didn't find it too bad at all. there was the odd twinge where the frequency was near the fillings I have but it wasn't sore more just a quick snap feeling. This heated portion of the facial works to disrupt the collagen fibres and encourage the cells to create more resulting in tighter, more youthful looking skin. Billed as the most advanced skin tightening treatment in the world, Sharon filled me in on the different areas this cutting edge technology can actually be used on, and the success she has seen clients get from it. We chatted as she continued to move the device up the jaw line and onto the cheeks and before I knew it it was time to move on to the last portion of the facial. Using the specially designed vortex fusion tip again, my skin was treated to a concoction of serums filled with antioxidants, peptides and glorious hyaluronic acid  to replenish my skin and leave it feeling super... well, juicy! We finished off with a little red light technology that helps reduce redness and further promote the stimulation of new collagen and then a layer of SPF and I was good to go.

These facials although perfectly relaxing to have done are not designed to be all aromatherapy and candles, but instead to work the skin to deliver real tangible results and that is exactly what they do. My skin was incredibly bright and smooth following treatment, the difference with only one  was very visible so I can only imagine the results when booking in for a course. I was delighted to get to try out this futuristic feeling facial, and my skin is certainly thankful for it.

You can contact the Edinburgh Beyond Medispa on 0131 524 8332

Edinburgh Reviewed; Guinot Age Summum treatment at Chamomile Sanctuary Spa

So I turned 29 at the weekend, and man am I starting to see those little signs in my skin that is telling me I am 29! Lucky for me though Chamomile Sanctuary Spa in Edinburgh had just the treatment for me to help work on those little tell tale signs of ageing. The Age Summum facial by Guinot  incorporates pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and pro-collagen, which are all anti ageing ingredients that are music to my ears.This hands on treatment aims to tackle lack of radiance, loss of firmness as well as fine lines and wrinkles and is without a doubt the best Guinot treatment I have ever tried.

In the run up to giving this new facial a go my skin had suffered terribly thanks to an infection and it left me with seriously dry skin and scarring. The lasting effect this had had on my skin was unreal, I was feeling totally unconfident and just generally flat about my appearance, so I had high hopes that this facial could turn things around and get me back on track.

I settled in to the ever stunning treatment rooms at the spa and my therapist Rhona, got me started with a superb in depth skin consultation. I love how they take their time here to really go through where you skin is at and what kind of things you are looking to treat, you get the real benefit of their level of knowledge about skincare generally and the products they are going to be using which just elevates the whole experience. 

The treatment begins with a dermabrasion exfoliating cream, which does not feel at all rough or over zealous when applied with skill and helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate new cells. This is then followed up with a regenerating anti-aging serum which contains a whopping 56 active ingredients and an active pro collagen mask. While the mask takes effect you are given a beautifully relaxing massage of the arms, hands and shoulders which leads really nicely into the facial massage that is then used to work those vital ingredients into the skin. This helps work on the all over tone, firmness and brightness of the skin and feels absolutely fantastic too. 

The difference in my skin after just the one treatment was absolutely fantastic, I might not have deep set wrinkles or massive sagging issues but considering how dull and congested my skin was looking when I went it in, afterwards it was SO much brighter, clearer and youthful looking. It completely transformed my mood and gave me so much more confidence. it didn't bother me for a second that i was wandering around all day make up free- and I genuinely could not stop glancing in shop windows at how much better my skin looked. The treatment costs £70 for the hour and without a doubt I would be happy to pay that again for these kinds of results, it is crazy just how much your skin can change in an hour with the right type of ingredients applied in the right way by a skilled therapist. I was absolutely over the moon!

I highly recommend checking the Age Summom treatment at Chamomile Sanctuary spa out. A top notch treatment in one of the best spas, I was commenting on this visit that the team here just never disapoint and neither does the spa itself. Often over time I see standards slipping at venues, a lick of paint needed here or there, but at Chamomile the attention to detail is always utterly flawless and that always makes me relax and enjoy the experience that little bit more. A really impressive visit once again, I might just move into that relaxation room yet....

You can contact the reception on 0131 220 1000 or visit the website here.