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.*

A very Superdrug Christmas

I have a very fond history with Superdrug thanks to winning a blogging competition with them many a moon ago. It was not long after starting this blog that I saw they were offering the chance to blog for them and possibly win a holiday in the end and being new to the game I thought, why not! I was so so excited when I was picked as a finalist and set upon enjoying a summer writing content for their blog based around a whole heap of challenges from festival beauty to treating pals to a pampering. I never thought after having so much fun writing for them that I would go and win the whole thing  but I did and it remains something I super proud of. I was delighted then all these years later to be invited to head along to my local store ( the Glasgow Argyle Street branch) to check out all the new makeup lines they had instore as well as the outstanding gift selection on offer. I am ashamed to admit just how often I pop into this store as it happens to be on my daily walk to and from work... that and I have an obsession collecting up my points to treat myself :) Thanks to my recent house move however I hadn't been in for weeks and in that time they have only gone and made some amazing additions to the makeup aisles. Superdrug is the absolute home of the best affordable makeup  so I was bowled over by the newly stocked and jam packed counters for Makeup Revolution, Gosh, MUA and more. I have been itching to get my hands on so many bits for ages and had been buying online but now I could ogle it all in the flesh which is amazing.

I had so much fun going through some of the key products for various ranges while chatting to Jemmimah from the team, I absolutely adore chatting skincare and makeup with someone who loves it as much as me. It was super interesting to hear what is all in the line up for 2017 with some exciting relaunches from the B. Beautiful line (their micellar water FYI is just amazing) and learning more about their in house skincare ranges. I have long recommended Superdrugs super affordable Vitamin E and sensitive skin range to people who get in touch with me, but how I had missed so many good bits in the Optimum Range, I have no idea. There are some powerful ingredients hiding in there that I was quick to stash in my basket and I am super excited to try them out.

Moving on to the Christmas bundles and I was really impressed with the array of collections on offer. From fantastic Zoella and Tanya Burr sets that are sure to tickle any secret santa, to some of the sweetest stocking fillers I have seen, there was something for everyone and then some!! I could easily have knocked out my entire Christmas shopping in about 5 minutes and then still reaped the rewards in the form of points! The prices for their Christmas ranges are properly affordable, I was shocked at how little some of the sets are, the Leafy and Lovely range is as little as £2.50 for a sweet manicure set and looks so much more expensive than that, they are perfect for me to have in as little filler gifts. Taking a peek online I just noticed so much of the Christmas stuff is reduced to amazing prices already so if you still have all the shopping to get done, you know where to head!

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!!

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.

Rediscovering The Body Shop

When I was younger a trip to my local Body Shop was one of the most grown up things I could do. I still remember the first time I received one of their little round lip balm pots ( hello shea butter!) and thinking I was a super model.That little beauty was the start of an elaborate love affair with the brand among me and my pals and it really took me through my teenage years. As I moved off to Uni and discovered a world of brands, I am sad to say aside from the odd staple purchase The Body Shop faded into the background. I stopped paying attention and turns out I missed a whole heap of amazing product releases!

In the past couple of years I had been in probably a handful of times thanks to blogging helping guide me back there to check out a few things, but I hadn't taken the time to actually take in some of the amazing products they had been creating. I was invited along to a couple of VIP parties in the Sauchiehall street branch recently and I have to say, I have not stopped raving about it since!!

There are some absolutely fantastic lines right now in store that are so worth checking out. I am officially in love with the Oils of Life collection ( the facial massager is incredible value) and the new Vitamin E range has a beautiful SPF 30 that has come along at the ideal time for me. It was also heartening to see some of the products I remember the most are still going strong, providing amazing value for money mixed with The Body Shops strong ethics that always set it apart. What I was super delighted with is the amazing re-branding that is currently going on. What is still a fantastic cleanser for £5.50 suddenly looks like it cost 4 times the price and really competes with some of the high end brands I am now used to shelling out for.

The staff in the Sauchiehall Street branch were such a delight to chat to,they are so loyal to the brand and what it stands for, it was amazing to hear their detailed knowledge on the products and what is best for your needs. Suddenly my Body Shop must try list is insanely long, I know the new Drops of Light collection designed for targeting pigmentation is something I have to get, and the smell of the recently launched Pinita Colada collection is to die for!

I have been so impressed by what I have seen so far, I am delighted it is firmly back on my radar. I signed up to their website and the offers they have on their are just amazing, the size of the discounts they regularly offer puts other brands to shame! If it has been a while since you stopped by The Body Shop I highly recommend popping in and taking a good look, you won't be disappointed!

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

Glasgow Reviewed; Botox at La Belle Forme

day before botox and one week after

When the offer to give botox a whirl came into my inbox my immediate reaction was No. Way. Then when I actually thought about it that night I realised my reaction was only no because I ‘thought’ it should be no, not because I had taken the time to really see what I thought about it. With so many opinions about women and ageing and treatments such as this I think it is easy to make a swift judgement or take a stance just because you believe it is the right side of the argument but in reality It doesn’t mean you truly feel that way.

I have always said I have no problems with cosmetic procedures for people as long as it makes them feel good and is something that they personally really want and don’t just feel a pressure to give into. Why I then didn’t apply that thinking to myself I don’t really know, but I can say now that I am so glad I did. Since I was young I absolutely hated wearing my glasses but I really needed them, only now can I appreciate just how much I needed them in fact. And the result of all that too cool for school attitude and nonsense? Deep frown lines from where I clearly spent those years burrowing my brow to actually be able to read things, a disaster when I spent a lot of time trying to read tiny musical notes in an orchestra……

 It would turn out that even now that I am a proud glasses wearer that my default resting face without even noticing is a slightly furrowed frown which is doing nothing but deepening said lines and they are the thing I always look in the mirror and allow to bother me. I can have my makeup looking beautiful and not long later all I can see in the mirror is where the foundation has gathered in these lines and boom- my confidence is knocked!

So when I really sat and thought about trying botox I realised, I don’t care what people think- I want to try it and see what kind of difference it really makes. And so I did and guess what, I love the results. Before making my final decision I spoke to Laura from La Belle Forme( you can read about a consultation at the clinic here) and she explained that a botox treatment doesn’t have to mean 'frozen face' at all, but when used correctly and appropriately it can be used to gain a whole variety of results. In my case this would mean stopping those muscles from moving automatically (as they do into a frown) which would prevent the situation worsening in the long run. This was music to my ears and was the moment I realised just how much I wanted to give it a go.

day before botox and 6 weeks after

Laura was amazing at answering all my questions and explaining the reasons why people can be nervous about using Botox, it was good to hear complete honesty and advice on the pros and also cons of the procedure. It didn’t change my mind at all, if anything it made me realise giving it a go was for me and it was obvious from her years of experience why she is an award winning practitioner of the treatment!

The procedure itself was over insanely quickly, it really is a no fuss, no real pain treatment, that you can easily have done in among a busy day. You of course do feel sharp pricks from the needles but honestly it is so surprisingly painless. I was left with tiny little prick marks straight after but it was all gone in no time and there is absolutely no down time needed. You don’t see the results till around a week after ( it can take a little longer)  but boy, when you do….

I LOVE IT. Yup, colour me a fan guys- I am absolutely madly into the results. It might seem like such a little thing to others but having something on your face that genuinely bothers you, so quickly  resolved can just provide this massive confidence boost that if I am honest, I truly wasn’t expecting. When I looked in the mirror and realised the treatment had kicked in (around 10 days later), and was working it I was properly blown away by the difference it actually had made. I can completely understand how it is not for everyone and going forward  I wouldn’t necessarily have it in any area bar my frown lines between my eyes ( as the other lines just do not bother me as much- for now!) but it has totally changed how I feel about the procedure. My face just feels a lot younger looking and much fresher, and without a doubt my makeup sits far nicer on my forehead and in fact I barely put any kind of bb cream or foundation up on that area now as I think it looks totally fine by itself.

old selfie/new selfie

For the £150 it would cost to have my one problem area done again in the future, I would absolutely 100% do it, knowing that I am stopping my already prematurely deep lines getting worse by not allowing them to fall into that default position is really comforting to me- sad as that may sound. I know that after 8 or so months when I see the area change again, I will want to have it repeated. When I think of how much I might spend on other things that don’t bring me anywhere near as much an emotion as this did, £150 doesn’t seem at all un acheivable ( of course it is all relative as to others that might seem a high cost).

Laura is a total master at her approach to the use of botox, with the lightest of touch and application she can really give you the kind of results you are after, from a softer look to the little more ‘frozen’ if that appeals. You book in for a check-up a couple of weeks after your treatment and it is fab as there is the option then to have slightly more applied if you require it ( facial muscles can be strong!). Laura really sees it as an art form when she is helping someone make changes and the follow up appointment for any tweaks is just another example of the level of professionalism and care they take at La Belle Forme. It was great to chat away again to her about the kind of way botox and fillers can be used, she showed me some incredible before and after photos of people she had worked on and it is astounding the kind of difference people can have made to their lives when they consider treatments. For example she uses fillers to really help with deep scarring on people ( caused from dog bites to birth defects) and I was gobsmacked at how she uses techniques to completely alter their look. My lines were, I realise now,very superficial in the grand scheme of things, so taking how I felt with having them softened means I can only imagine the relief and confidence felt by those far more effected.

very little foundation needed for a wedding recently thanks to my super smooth lines

So is botox a treatment worth considering at La Belle Forme? Oh yes, Yes it is. From naysayer to mega fan- I am really glad I got over my initial negativity and experienced it. It has definitely made me less quick to judge others on the kinds of things people spend their money on, you just never know the level of enjoyment, comfort or confidence they derive from it.  One thing worth remembering however is had I decided to have botox even without the invite, it would always have been with the team here at the clinic as you just cannot leave your face in the hands of a lesser qualified and experienced person. Botox now seems to be something you can have in different types of places from dentists to hairdressers and I would never consider it. You absolutely do get what you pay for and for the level of skill and years experience the team at La Belle Forme bring to the table is worth every penny.

To speak to one of the lovely staff at the clinic you can call 0141 552 0828.

My second Obagi peel at Transform

This summer ( what summer? I hear you Scotland) has gone super fast and I couldn't believe I was due back into the Transform clinic for my follow up Obagi Blue Radiance Peel already. Following my first peel my very spotty skin was looking much much better but of course I went and got myself a skin infection while I was away on holiday which resulted in some seriously sore scars on my face. After having bad skin in the run-up to the trip and then coming back with a whole new problem, I was feeling pretty deflated. Me and my skin arrived for the peel with a smoother and brighter texture but with a frustrating amount of scarring that I was keen to see if the peel could help.

My poor broken skin before either of the Obagi peels

Welcomed as always by the lovely Marie, she got me settled in and described again what to expect from the peel.As the Clenziderm system I am using on my skin just now contains Salicylic Acid my skin was a little more used to the strength of products and I found the layers of the peel applied didn't sting quite so much this time around. The whole thing is done so quickly and professionally, it really is amazing how soon you are ready to get back outside with a little SPF on top of the skin to keep you going.

On the treatment bed for peel 2 and a week after peel

The peel itself was maybe not quite as sting-y as last time but boy did I peel with a vengeance after this. The day after my face appeared fine bar a little redness around the  mouth area, nothing I couldn't cover up with my favourite BB Cream. Two days after however and the fun really starts- your skin goes incredibly tight looking, so much that so that lots of little lines appear that essentially made me look a little 'older' for the day! Day three and that tight mask starts to majorly peel off, kind of like a full on sun burn and in the couple of days following the treatment, that peeling continued. There was definitely a little more of it this time around which is worth bearing in mind when planning when to have a peel. I just had to keep mine at bay during work hours and ride it out. 

some peeling action for you 3 days post peel

 The worst peeling stage really only lasted two days so it was ideal having it just before the weekend. As of a week following the peel as signs of flaking and peeling were completely gone and my skin was looking much healthier. There is something incredibly cathartic about seeing all the bad stuff peel away, and seeing some good results afterwards. Looking at the photos of my skin before either treatment was shocking, I had forgotten just how bad it had gotten so it is amazing to see it much smoother feeling as well as the colouring looking a lot more even. Obagi peels can useful for a whole host of skin complaints and they have really helped my skin when it has been at a really aggravated stage.

Before peels and one week following peel 2

I really can't believe how much better my face is looking now!! I noticed the Transform gang are doing an open evening tonight from half six at the Glasgow City centre clinic, the perfect time to go and see some live demonstrations and handily also receive 15% off any treatments booked on the night. If there is anything non-surgical you are considering like one of these peels, this is a fab opportunity.

You can contact the clinic on 0800 655 6406

Glasgow Reviewed; A consultation with La Belle Forme

Heading back to the La Belle Forme clinic is like being reunited with a good friend, they are just the friendliest bunch and the atmosphere in there is always so positive and welcoming. Even though there are people coming in and out who are having treatments of a varying scale there isn't any nervousness surrounding you which I think it really important when you are making decisions on your appearance. I absolutely love settling in with a cup of tea and just taking time to peruse all the leaflets they have sitting out explaining the variety of treatments on offer and there is always a happy staff member ready to share what amazing results they have seen with clients recently or share their own personal experiences. For this consultation I was meeting with Laura who is a hoot to deal with, with years spent as a nurse in one of Glasgow's busiest hospitals she has a fantastic bedside manner for reassuring you over even the smallest procedure, her warmth and knowledge is such an asset. She also just happens to be this years Scottish Hair and Beauty  Awards winner of the best cosmetic practitioner award which is an amazing achievement and so well deserved as she is incredible at what she does.

Best Cosmetic Practioner- Laura Miller

We had a chat through where my skin was at and where I would like it to be and Laura gave me the run down on the kinds of treatments I could be considering to help me achieve those goals. I hopped on to the treatment bed and she cleansed my face and took a good look at my skin while asking me about any concerns I might be having at this stage in my life and was really good at understanding my fears about certain procedures. A consultation here is just so useful in getting someone in the know to give you an honest perspective on what is achievable and what other tips you can bearing in mind to help such as skincare.

With a lot of  my pigmentation gone it is the early signs of ageing that I am starting to notice. I am turning 30 next year ( GULP) and I am well aware that is by no means old but I have certainly noticed changes in my skin in the last year or so that I would like to make sure I am keeping on top of. Thanks to a recent bout of adult acne twinned with a frustrating skin infection I have had, there are two areas really plaguing me currently, acne scarring and some dreaded wrinkles! The deep lines I have between my eyebrows from years and years spent refusing to wear my glasses which I now could not be more annoyed at myself for, are a constant course of irritation for me. Although I am well aware are not the end of the world they consistently bug me, my make up gathers in them and I just felt they age me generally. Laura was amazing at taking a good look at these areas and suggesting a plan for helping take care of the issues and I am so excited to get started and compare some before and afters.

You can contact La Belle Forme on 0141 552 0828 or make an enquiry on the website

Glasgow Reviewed; Fixing pigmentation with La Belle Forme

Around 18 months ago I posted about my amazing experience at La Belle Forme in Glasgow. A couple of sessions with these guys and the hyper pigmentation and melasma that I had long suffered with was lasered away and the results have continued to blow my mind. My results post also happens to be my most popular of all time and the one I get emails and questions about regularly and with so many people wanting to know how it was I thought I would link back to how laser treatments were my saviour.  I had tried numerous creams and treatments before finding La Belle Forme and it would have saved me a fortune if I had known the kind of treatment that might actually work, so I wanted to highlight for readers who might not have seen it before, might be in the same position and are not sure where to even start trying to clear something like this.

my skin before any lasers and a snap taken a couple of months ago ( pre infection scars currently)

I had suffered for a few years of darkening spots on my  skin ( due mainly to the contraceptive pill) and they had slowly but surely really affected my confidence as the darker patches took over the majority of my face and were harder and harder to cover. I had no idea just how much it was bothering me really until after my laser treatments- my skin was so much clearer and my confidence took a massive spike that I hadn’t really been expecting.  The whole process although slightly painful ( but over quickly and completely manageable), only requires a very small amount of down time and really provides lasting results that I am still so thankful for now.

my skin before any lasers and a snap taken a couple of months ago ( pre infection scars currently)

The kind of results these guys can help achieve has been on my mind a lot recently since my confidence has once again taken a tumble, still skin related but this time the result of some returning adult acne and an unfortunate couple of infections on my skin that has left me with a large number of pink fresh scars. I am now looking at options to try and correct these and will definitely be heading in to hear their professional opinions of the smartest way to tackle these new frustrating problems. I know I am not alone in suffering from these problems given the amount of tweets and emails I have had when discussing spots on social media! The attitude and approach of the team at La Belle Forme has had such a lasting effect on me that when looking to find someone I trust to point me in the right direction, I haven't had to think twice. The atmosphere they have created in  their Merchant City clinic is a credit to the health and beauty scene in Scotland and I can’t wait to head in and catch up with the lovely team.