Edinburgh Reviewed: CACI Synergy facial at Chamomile Sanctuary Spa

J.Lo is flawless,  she might not quite be Jenny from the block anymore but she certainly seems to never age which it would turn out is in part thanks to the CACI, non surgical face and body treatments she loves. So of course I felt like a superstar when i was asked if I would also like to give it a go, would I come out looking as young and fresh as she did? My fingers were crossed!

The glorious Chamomile Sanctuary Spa in Edinburgh who are always on the forefront of new treatments, are the first place in Scotland you can actually try the new CACI synergy facial treatment and it was certainly a whole new experience. Centering around an almost space like machine that has a whole load of bells and whistle attachments that are used in the facial, means that for the first time your skin is treated to light therapy alongside a microcurrent which allows for  added tissue stimulation which helps with collagen production. You can opt to include either a microdermabrasion session in the 90 minutes or an ultrasonic peel which is ideal for tailoring the session to your skins needs.  I unfortunately couldn't experience the peel option on the day, but I did give the micro dermabrasion a shot. In the past I have not had much success with this in the past, often finding it a bit 'sand blaster' like, but this technology was a whole different experience. With CACI it feels far less granular on the skin and instead the wand used just bumps along the skin a little ( not painfully) and gets to work on really clearing out the pores. I don't think my blackheads knew what had had hit them! I learned in the session that using superficial abrasion like this helps trigger the body's own natural repair mechanism which brings new collagen as well as rehydrating the area so it was no surprise when it left my skin utterly baby soft and smooth looking. 

The innovative micro-current aspect of the treatment is performed using wands that are moved around the different areas that while a tiny electrical pulse is passed it helps re educates the facial  muscles ( all 32 of them)  and prevent the sagging that ageing brings. It also increases blood flow and aids in lymph circulation which is ideal for reducing any puffiness and making a more defined and taught silhouette. It is these benefits that sees the CACI touted as a non- surgical face lift and I can see why. I was interested to learn this micro-current technology is also now used in hospitals for wound healing and in physiotherapy too.

The light therapy aspect being added in is ideal as the blue light can be issued to help with killing surface bacteria and soothing angry skin and the red light helps cell renewal and wound healing. Both of which my skin badly needed! Not only that but my fine lines I suffer from were given the once over with the 'wrinkle comb' attachment, the difference afterwards was fantastic! This was also aided by the Hydratone mask that is applied which really firmed up the areas that bother me.

looking dazed and confused post treatment with smooth feeling skin!

None of the aspects of the treatment were sore and the whole thing is performed perfectly by the amazingly knowledgeable therapists at Chamomile. It was so different to facials I have had in the past and I loved how effective the results were. You are recommended to attend for a course of treatments and I can only imagine what the long term results would be like as after one, my skin looked worlds away from when I went in.

Treatments cost from £125 with offers on course bookings. You can contact the Spa on 0131 220 1000 or visit the website.

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; 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.

Edinburgh Reviewed; The Hydrafacial at Beyond Medispa

If you are anything like me, you spent your festive season stuffing as many quality street as is humanly possible into your mouth while washing it down with some kind of booze. All fun and games at the time- my tight jeans now however beg to differ but more annoyingly to me is the state it has left my skin in. I generally don't eat much sugar or dairy as not only does it play havoc on my stomach but it appears almost instantly on my face in the form of deep under skin bumps. The Skincare gods must have been looking down upon me then as the team at Beyond Medispa got in touch to invite me along to try out the Hydra Facial at their Edinburgh branch just when my poor face needed it the most.


Nestled on the second floor of Harvey Nics ( which worryingly means you have to traverse some amazing looking goodies to get there.....)  the Beyond Medispa specialises in medical and aesthetic treatments for the face and body which means if you are looking for panpipes and candle light this is not the place for you. If you are looking for cutting edge technology and treatment options however this is well worth checking out.

This facial was certainly different to anything I have had before thanks to the super futuristic looking vortex-fusion technology which is basically a space age looking machine that is used for all the stages of the treatment. There are a series of tips used on the skin that have different types of edges to exfoliate the skin as the wands are passed over which is what gives the facial its results such as dislodging and removing impurities while also hydrating the skin. It is almost hard to describe but it is kind of like a little sucker being passed over you skin, not sore but definitely unusual . This is  a facial for those looking for improvements over a standard relaxation inducing facial however thanks to the technology used this is far less abrasive than a standard micro-dermabrasion treatment so it is perfect for sensitive skins.

Using this fancy technology-the skin is cleansed and exfoliated, an acid peel is then applied that tingles but doesn't sting or leave you looking 'samantha-esque' but it gently loosens dirt from the pores. The sucking motion is then used again to clean out the pores of all this debris and finally a hydration element is added in the form of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to nourish and protect the skin. Without a doubt at the end my skin looked fresher and brighter than it has done since the festive season began- it felt soft and smooth and just insanely clean which is exactly what you would expect with this little device working its magic. The little wands are helping with the lymphatic drainage while they do their work which also helps rid you of any nasty toxins and reduce puffiness, they then help give the skin a huge antioxidant boost that mine was most certainly needing!  It is recommended as a course of treatments and the results photos from having a course of them look amazing but you can definitely see change with just one go thanks to its soothing and moisturising elements.

This is definitely a high end treatment (coming in at £125) which is why it is perfectly placed in a spa in Harvey Nichols and for those looking for a total skin boost that will have you back out on the shop floor within the hour.

You can contact the Edinburgh Beyond Medispa on 0131 524 8332
  

Glasgow Reviewed; The Thalgo Facial at Shining Beauty

I see a good facial much like a performance, elements need to work together to create the overall experience and this is exactly what I got when trying the Thalgo facial at the new West End salon, Shining Beauty. Gill has created a superb multi-functional space that feels clean, calm and indulgent- everything I am looking for when out for some pampering! I have never experienced Thalgo products before but I knew we would get on seeing as they are marine based products and anything along those lines I tend to find comforting and relaxing and they certainly delivered that whilst also giving me a beautifully soft and bright complexion.

I got myself settled into the treatment room that feels a world away from the busy Dumbarton Road that lies outside and was impressed from the clean yet inviting lines of the room to the sumptuous feel of the blankets I was nestled under. With the lights dimmed and some gorgeous music playing ( none of your standard panpipes here) Gill got under way with the facial. here is where the performance element really comes together, with the music and atmosphere working with her skilled application of the products and additional indulgent moments such as the use of hot towels and aromatic misting sprays, this whole treatment feels far more 'expensive' than the £45-55 price tag.

The products felt super fresh but still luxurious on the skin which is no wonder considering the research behind them. Thalgo are the undisputed experts in marine based skincare and contain multiple active ingredients that are extracted with a strict commitment to nature and the brands ecological footprint.  I was impressed to learn afterwards that all the products she used come in at a fantastic price point, from the gorgeous  Purity Cleansing Milk at  £19.90 to the moisture filled Hydra Marine concentrate at £39.50, they felt so indulgent I was sure they were going to be way out of my league!

The Thalgo facials at Shining Beauty are a truly gorgeous sensory experience that is delivered at a superb price. The results from the products were excellent and it left me with results beyond clear and bright looking skin, I left feeling 'floaty' and rested which led to a wonderful nights sleep which is a real bonus.

You can contact the salon on 0141 237 7230

Glasgow Reviewed; The Ocean Rooms Spa at Hilton Glasgow

Last weekend I was lucky enough to get to head along with Ally to the gorgeous Hilton Glasgow to try out their Ocean Rooms Spa and take a good look around. I am often asked for recommendations for Spas in Glasgow and I am happy to have a new one to give the full BeautyH2T stamp of approval to. Especially one that offers some seriously affordable pampering deals too!

We headed along before out appointments to try out the hotels leisure facilities where they kitted us out with big robes and towels, and we enjoyed a lazy couple of hours swimming and swapping between the sauna and steam room. It is so nice to get ready for a treatment by fully unwinding and switching off. I will say that the pool area can certainly get busy as there were hotel guests along with a number of people taking advantage of groupon vouchers there, but when you are getting the use of the facilities for free with your treatments you can't be too bothered and there was plenty of rotation as people headed off for treatments. We were then collected poolside ( making you feel so VIP!) by our therapists and headed into the sumptuous couples room which was really beautiful and soothing.

We each had a therapist who discussed with us what we were looking to achieve both in massage pressure for the full body treatment and in our tailored Elemis facial to follow. Ally had never had a facial before and although looking panicked at being asked if he used Elemis before ( a foreign language to a man I had to wean off soap) he was guided through the products and what would work best for his very sensitive skin.



First up was the deep tissue body massage and I am so pleased to say this was the BEST I have ever had. The therapist left no stone unturned and I was truly worked from the roots of my hair to each individual toe, I was in heaven! Her use of pressure and combination of styles including spine stretching and abdomen work to help digestion were so expertly executed that it was a complete joy. The little details such as how they incorporate their movement of the various towels they require during the treatment just gives that extra professional touch that leaves you unaware of how they are working around you and allow you to fully lose yourself. Usually in a massage I struggle to relax and spend half my time wondering how long is left etc, but this just kept going which was amazing, every time I thought there was no where left to be worked on- there was!

I was completely in another world when it was then time for the facial which included further massage of my neck and scalp ( bliss) Elemis products for my clogged combination skin were applied and worked into the skin and all smelled heavenly and left me looking really bright afterwards. I was super intrigued to hear how Ally had found it and pleased to report he loved it, of course he nodded off in parts ( he could sleep through a colonic I imagine) but his skin which reacts to pretty much everything and is painfully dry, looked rested and hydrated. It was amazing to get his opinions on the whole experience as often men perceive it as a very 'girly' thing to do, but he was really impressed with how his therapist worked so hard on the major trouble areas of his back and how soothing the facial was.

The couples room was a really fantastic experience and it would be fab for friends to enjoy together too- there is no interruption from having someone in a bed a little away from you and it was nice to get settled in and ready again afterwards together. We were both thrilled with our  experience of the Oceans Rooms Spa and I am even more impressed with some of the deals I noticed they were running, with half day escape packages for only £35 pp and including an Elemis Facial, a back, neck or shoulder massage and facilities use thrown in- a real bargain! They are also still offering the amazing overnight stay for two complete with breakfast and an Elemis treatment for £99 pp which would make such a lovely getaway.

It doesn't hurt that the spa and pool are located in such an attractive hotel complete with gorgeous Bars and an afternoon tea I have heard rave reviews about, and you can even have a cut and blow dry for only £20 in their in-house hairdressers!

Thanks so much to the lovely team for having us both along- to discuss any of the deals you can contact the spa on 0141 248 8372 you can even check out their superb last minute deals here

Guinot Hydraclean Facial at the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa

After a couple of weeks of serious overindulgence of both the wine and pudding variety my skin has been sending out a major SOS. Looking dull, spotty and generally flat it was in desperate need of a good cleanse and treatment and that is exactly what I found in the latest facial offered by the skincare gods at Guinot. Last Sunday morning I headed to the absolutely gorgeous surroundings of the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa in Edinburgh to see just what the Hydraclean treatment could do for me and my mess of a face!

Greeted with the warmest of welcome as always, I made myself at home in the comfy in the waiting room to go over the treatment with the lovely Catriona. I should point out for those who have never been to Chamomile, this is no ordinary waiting room- it is actually one of the prettiest rooms I have been in complete with beautiful cabinets, decadent chairs and a gorgeous fireplace- it really starts the experience off with an instant hit of luxury and relaxation, I love it in there!

photo taken from professionalbeauty.co.uk

The Hydraclean treatment is absolutely perfect for people on the go who are short on time but looking for big results. Taking only 30 minutes this is by no means a 'quickie' treatment just shortened to ensure clients are in and out, this treatment has been  specifically designed for speed and efficacy and makes sure your eye make up stays in place so you can get back on with what you need to- fitting it into your lunch hour with ease.It was because of this I was really drawn to trying it ( that and the price- £35 which I think is very reasonable for what you get) as I think with lifestyles getting ever busier being able to slot some skincare into a hectic day is a godsend and something that is not offered by many places.

Catriona expertly walked me through the procedure which is a 7 step facial that uses regulated heat by using an electrode that is rolled over the face, this then triggers hyper secretion form the sweat glands ( attractive!) which basically rids the skin of all the oil and toxins while giving the pores a thoroughly good clean out and allowing the treatments to really penetrate and heal.

The treatment gives great focus to clearing up the T zone which is exactly what i was needing, the cooling gel that is applied before the heat was incredibly relaxing and  the soothing massaging movement of the electrode was a really relaxing sensation. I was very lucky in that there was extra time around my appointment so following the heat Catriona treated me to a mask ( chosen depending on your skin type) and then a massage from the shoulders up that was absolutely glorious. Clients can choose to have one or the other in their treatment usually and I think it is a fab addition for the price. 

Once we were done I was so impressed with how my soft and clear my skin felt and how bright it looked. You are advised like most facials to not put make up on for 6 hours afterwards and do you know what, I actually didn't! I went straight from the facial to meeting some friends for lunch and didn't even think once about my naked face- this is totally unheard of for me! It speaks volumes for the treatment that I managed to go the whole day with just mascara on- I still can't believe I managed it.

To be one of the first to try the Guinot Hyraclean call the spa on 0131-220 1000. An  Individual treatment is£35 which I think it is a total steal, or you can book a  course of three £90 (saving £15) and a course of six is £175 (saving £35) which are great offers for regular upkeep.

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend, after another fairly decadent one I could certainly use another one of these facials this morning!

The Guerlain Spa at The Caledonian Hotel

I was incredibly lucky to be invited to spend a day with Guerlain at the Caledonian Hotel the other week to celebrate the launch of the first Guerlain Spa in the UK which is set to provide a new standard in skin care excellence and absolute pampering right here in Scotland. This is one of those posts that I have had to rewrite so many times as there is just so much to cover, the spa and the whole 'experience' was just so absolutely incredible I have been struggling to do it justice with words! I kind of just want you to all come and actually feel my skin (even after two weeks) and just see what the treatment has done to its texture- it feels so plump and nourished even now, I still don't want to have make up on top of it!

Choosing my scent for my treatment

My experience began with a fragrance journey using scent cones, Michelle the lovely spa manager talked me through the scents and helped me choose the one that suited my needs most that day, my therapist for the day Alison ( known as a beauty coach in Guerlain land), who was listening in on my fragance selection then quietly headed off to prepare my treatment room, tailoring it to my chosen scent the gorgeous Aqua Allegoria Manderin Basilic.  I thought was an such a gorgeous little touch that instantly made me feel special and I knew I was in for something completely different than to anything I have ever experienced before. 

We were shown to our treatment room which was beautifully set up, from the lighting and music to the little details like the robe with my chosen scent ( seriously, I know you might think a robe is a robe but this was just something else- the softest, cosiest thing in the world!) Once I was all kitted up, I was then led to the gorgeous relaxation room to enjoy a herbal tea and a magazine as Alison got the rest of the room ready for the main show, the Orchidee Imperiale Treatment. 

Each treatment begins with a footbath ( again tailored to your scent) which is exactly what I needed to unwind before the treatment began. This instantly put me in the zone and it gave Alison a chance to ask me a couple of questions and for me to ask her any I had. After a delicious half leg exfoliation and leg massage, I got into place and extremely comfortable thanks to a duvet made from whatever cloud the robe is made from and an electronic bed that allowed me to be in the optimum position, I have never had something like that in a spa before! Alison then walked me through what all was involved in the treatment, I loved that it was all explained before hand- being two and a half hours long it is nice to know what you can expect. I often find treatments so relaxing that if you do go off in your own world, any movements your therapists can make can actually be alarming and take you out of that haze, but Alison was so good at explaining  what she would be doing and any movements she would need me to make to assist her that I felt completely at ease as we began.

My beauty coach Alison preparing a nice peppermint tea before the treatment

 I was given the option of receiving a brow shape or lash tint whilst in the treatment which was just such a fab extra bit of detail that really added to the pampering element of the package. She also gave me an expert and detailed skin analysis, sensitively touching upon my problem areas and ensuring she explained to me what this particular treatment could do for each of these. This analysis and diagnosis is where I really got a feel for the extensive knowledge the Guerlain coaches have and how much training they have undertaken to ensure they are providing an outstanding experience for every client. The level of detail she could provide on not only the products she would be using but on the reasons behind some of my skin troubles was fantastic and really made me feel in the most capable hands.

a very ambient relaxation room

The Orchidee Imperiale is the company's signature treatment and is a firming and anti ageing routine that is based around the benefits of the orchid, which Guerlain grow themselves and have continued to develop their products utilising them over the last 12 years. They combine their products stacked full of beneficial nutrients with their gymnastiques massage techniques that are quite something. Unlike other facials that can often feel quite formulaic this really felt like a work out ( albeit a relaxing one) of precision movements for the skin and I could feel every layer being stimulated. Applying different masks according to my skin needs using kabuki brushes, the Orchidee Imperiale treatment really lavishes you with attention, feeding the skin what it has been crying out for while giving the whole body a true sensory experience.

 In the whole two and half hours Alison did not leave the room or take her hands away for more than a couple of seconds which I think is something really special. While products are working some serious magic on your cells, your beauty coach is using different pressures and working on your neck, shoulders, upper back and decollete at any given time. For me this is what made it the ultimate luxury experience, having someone focus on your relaxation as a whole was utter bliss and it is all performed so seamlessly too. Alison was incredibly professional and respondent to my needs, working muscles she felt needed extra attention and moving so lightly and efficiently my relaxation was never broken. The effects of the facial aside It is worth pointing out that I felt pampered from head to toe with the Imperiale treatment  from the paraffin wax hand treatment that worked wonders on my dry hands to the expertly applied lash tint- I felt truly incredible as I walked out of the Spa,something I had to force myself to do, I had big plans to move in!

So relaxation and glorious all round experience aside we need  to talk about the results...and oh my...
After the treatment was complete Alison handed me a mirror to take a look at my skin and I can honestly say I have never been more shocked! I genuinely did not think a facial could actually give you those results that were really truly apparent- but I actually looked 10 years younger! Seriously, I sat bolt up right to inspect my skin further I was so shocked. I may not be firmly in the anti ageing concern category but what this did for my skin was a revelation, my skin was bright, smooth, plump and just vibrant all over. Whats more you could really see the results in my main ageing bug bear, my two very deep frown lines between my eyebrows caused by years of refusing to wear my glasses! When I looked in the mirror they were genuinely pretty much completely gone, Alison remarked I looked as though they had been botoxed and I had to agree, it was completely unbelievable.  Fast forward two weeks and those lines are still far more plumped and less visible than before- in fact my whole skin still has a softness and healthiness and tone  to it that it has not had in,well pretty much forever. I can only imagine the results of a treatment like this could have on a more mature skin.



The experience still wasn't done there, you are then treated to a touch of colour so that you can head straight on out to dinner or shopping looking absolutely flawless. Alison applied some of their Lingerie de Peau foundation ( now firmly on my to buy list) and a beautiful blush in shade pink punk and I have to say I was blown away with how it looked on top of my newly plumped face. I looked radiant and glowing but with a beautiful even natural base with just a hint of colour to the cheeks. It was the perfect end to the treatment and is a lovely touch, it made me practically skip along Princes street to the train. I ended up missing the first train because I actually stopped to about three times to look at my face in mirrors- seriously. Usually I avoid them like the plague but I was just SO excited to see my face looking that bright that I couldn't resist!

Me after the treatment, tiny amount of base and blush on but mostly just smooth skin

Absolutely DELIGHTED

I was sceptical at first at how I would be with a two and a half hour treatment, being of short attention span and prone to wandering off, this was a revelation. In treatments I have often found it hard to 'commit' to the relaxation element but here at the Guerlain Spa it was impossible not too. The time flew in thanks to the many different stages, and I could have easily stayed  in that room for three times as long. A visit to the Guerlain Spa would make the most incredible present I think you could get a man or a woman, with a fantastic menu of treatments  with an express mani for £20 through to the full Bridal Glow package for £564, there is something for everyone. Their signature Orchidee imperiale treatment is £250 which may be a little out of my price range for now but without a doubt if I could afford a repeat visit soon I absolutely would. When I look at what some spas can charge for a day in the spa including only one hour treatment , this makes this seem all the more 'reasonable', for the level of pampering, products, skill and the longevity of the results you are getting, this makes the treatment worth every penny.

To find out more about the Spa and the treatments on offer you can find them HERE or you can reach them on  Tel: 0131 222 8836