Primark Beauty Studio with Rawr Beauty

Primark on Oxford Street in London's West End is one of those stores that has everything - it has a cafe, a huge home ware section, a section for men, women, children and then of course a beauty studio and nestled within that is a place you can take a break from your shopping spree to have some 'me time'.

In collaboration with Rawr Beauty, the beauty studio is located on the ground floor of Primark and despite being in the midst of the gift section, the winter coats and accessories and the beauty hall, it is amazing just how quiet it is as you wait for your treatment.  Treatments that are on offer include a manicure with gel polish, normal polish or even extensions, added to that you can have eyebrow threading, waxing, a blow dry, brow reshape and tint, a facial and a selection of pedicures.  I was treated to a deluxe pedicure just a few days ago and it was an amazing experience and not at all like I was expecting.

If you are in Primark and you do fancy a treatment, you can book in advance or you can wait for a walk-in appointment, both are offered and are really easy to book.  I was shown to my pedicure station and was able to sit and soak my feet for a few minutes whilst choosing a nail polish shade for my toes - always a stressful choice when presented with so many beautiful shades. Whilst soaking my feet, I was asked whether I had an allergies, any issues with my feet, toes or any concerns that I had - quite impressive when so many places I have visited don't ask.

The Deluxe Pedicure, which costs just £30 includes file and shaping of your nails as well as cuticle care and with it a foot scrub to remove any dead or dry skin, application of foot cream and with it a massage plus the application of polish. If you want a gel polish, that is also an option.  I chose shade 75, a deep sparkly midnight blue shade which has a slight iridescent hue when caught in bright sunlight and it is absolutely stunning.  With my feet, I have small toes and I do suffer with hard, dry skin, so I was able to talk about that and my ankle injury as well as Plantar Fasciitis which I also suffer with.  When the injury flares up, my feet become incredibly painful to the touch and walking is often a struggle, particularly on my left foot where I have the injury.  So, all of this was taken into account throughout the treatment and not once did I have to ask for a break.

Throughout my whole treatment, it being half term too, Primark was obviously busy and bustling, but sitting in my comfy chair, not paying too much attention to the fact someone was touching my feet (we all know how much I dislike but like it) to make them look less like trotters and more like something presentable, I was loving being able to people watch. My beautician and I laughing at the stressed and harassed looking husband and partners being dragged round the store, kids fuming that they are not at home on their Playstations but instead are  being made to try on coats and hats, was all very amusing, but it was also really quiet. I was surprised at just how little noise there was, having expected not to be able to enjoy a natter as I had my treatment, but I was able to do just that and it was a really relaxing experience and if I am honest, one of the best and most comfortable pedicures I have ever had.

I would happily go back for further treatments with Rawr Beauty, I was made to feel really welcome, my treatment was as relaxing, the end finish I am just delighted with and it was lovely to be able to switch my over-working brain off for an hour to think of nothing other than myself and what treatment I would like next!  If you are in Primark and see you a Rawr Beauty Studio, book yourself in for a treat - absolutely worth it!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Boutique Spa Classic Pedicure

I hate feet, it isn't a new fact and it isn't even that unusual, what's more, I hate my feet being touched full stop so when I was given the chance to enjoy a pedicure, I was in part filled with dread that I wouldn't enjoy it and fearful that as soon as someone touch my feet, I would, as I usually do, kick out!

Boutique Spa is the sister company of Spa and Massage, which I have recently visited and reviewed here and it is based in Queensway, just a few stops up from Oxford Street  in London with another to open in Fitzrovia later this year. As with its sister company, Boutique Spa aims to make having a treatment easy and is open on Monday to Saturday from 10am until 9.30pm and on a Sunday from 10am until 8pm, they offer a walk-in, no appointment necessary service or you can also book a treatment in advance.  

Upon my arrival, I was greeted with an offer of freshly made Lemonade, Water or Tea and then asked to choose a nail polish that I would like used for my Classic Pedicure.  Gratefully accepting Lemonade, I looked at the wall, yes an entire wall, full of nail polishes and eventually settled on an Essie Shade which is quite unlike anything I would usually choose.

Once I had chosen my nail polish, I was taken over to the Pedicure section of the Boutique and told to get myself comfortable, remove my shoes and relax.  What I liked about this Boutique was how clean it was and having got myself relaxed into a chair, I could have quite happily sat there all day just watching the world go by.  Nothing was too much trouble and I was kept hydrated the whole time I was in the Boutique.

I was to have the Classic Pedicure which lasts for 45 minutes and costs just £35. The treatment include smoothing of the feet, cuticle tidy, foot massage, shape and then polish.  So once my feet had been soaking in the amazingly warm water, absolute heaven as my feet were pretty tired and aching from all of the walking I had done that day.  The first part of the treatment my therapist did was to cut my talons, file them into shape and then tidy the cuticles around each nail, a totally painless exercise and one, which like your fingernails, is important. 

Then using various foot buffering tools, my feet were scrubbed, rubbed, buffed and exfoliated, not just the heels of my feet either, each toe, the back of my heel, the ball of my foot and the sole, a tool for each job used and some more abrasive than others, but impressive at the same time.  Once my feet had become soft and smooth to the touch, I was then given a foot massage, the part I had really not been looking forward too but wow, what an absolute treat it was and it was so good, I almost fell asleep in the chair, I was that relaxed and de-stressed.  My feet were massaged from top to bottom with varying degrees of pressure applied, it wasn't uncomfortable nor did it hurt, it was just absolute bliss (Beautykinguk take note!!)

Once the massage was complete, it was time to paint my toe nails, it is rare that I have no nail polish on my toes and when I do, it is always a dark polish. Having had a base coat applied, the Essie shade I had chosen, Sunset Sneaks, was then applied and then a cuticle oil.  I was then told to sit back, relax and wait for the polish to dry, which I did.

The whole treatment lasted 47 minutes and it was so much better than I had anticipated it would be. Not once did I flinch or get the urge to kick out, infact I enjoyed the whole process so much, I didn't want to leave.

Boutique Spa is a fantastic little find. The staff are incredibly welcoming and easy to chat too, nothing is too much trouble and the entire experience is so incredibly relaxing with the scent of aromatherapy oils in the air and some light music in the background.  So if you are in need of a lunchtime treat, this place is the the place to be!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Privet Body - My First EVER Pedicure!

Everyone who reads my blog will know I have a hatred of feet, not just mine own but everyone elses too and the thought of them being touched or me having to touch anyone elses literally makes my stomach lurch, so when I was challenged on Twitter to try a pedicure, I decided to give it a go, having never had one, I couldn't wait to give it a try, though admittedly I was really nervous incase I did empty the contents of my stomach.

Privet Body is a brand new, luxury, top-to-toe body topiary service, for men and women in the heart of Notting Hill and was to be the place I ventured too for this pedicure by the lovely Erinah, who was just fabulous. As I walked to Privet Body, I was struck by how amazing the decor was and it is the kind of place where your inner child comes out and you just want to touch everything. I was shown to a lovely little table and chair, offered a drink and then asked to complete a form, which is essential incase you have any allergies. Once completed, I was then handed a tray of Essie Nail polishes and asked to choose, well I could have sat there all day trying to decide which one I wanted and in the end it came down to a choice of two, which as you can see below are quite different.

Having made my choice, I was shown to the Log Cabin and upon entry I was awestruck at how amazing the decor was, simply look at the photo ive shown below. Not only was it really relaxing, there was definite similarities to how my Granddad had his lounge whilst he was alive, with the fire and mantelpiece being very similar. The treatment I was to have is called The Central Park Pedicure which lasts for around 75 minutes and in a word it is absolute bliss. There ive said it, got it out of the way, I enjoyed it!

The treatment included - a Foot soak, nail file and shape, cuticle work, exfoliation of legs and feet, hard skin removal, callus peel, foot file, deep conditioning paraffin treatment with heated booties, lower leg and foot massage. The if that isn't enough for you, you then have your toe nails painted with the polish you chose upon your arrival, which in my case was Smoking Hot by Essie which is described as being a creamy gun-metal griege.

As Erinah began touching my feet, I did warn her that I might voluntary kick out, it is a reaction to hating my feet being touch, but she put me at ease and I am sure the soothing music in the background helped a lot and I managed not to kick anyone or anything and I don't think I flinched and grimaced too much. Once my feet had been soaked, filed, buffed and then exfoliated, I was then treated to the deep conditioning paraffin treatment, not if you have never had anything like this before, like me, it is a little strange but wholly amazing all at the same time. As your feet are immersed into the hot paraffin, it feels like candle wax when it is melted. After a few minutes, your feet are removed from the paraffin and then placed inside some plastic booties and then wrapped in warm towels and left to soak.  Ir was absolute heaven, I could feel the aches and pains in my feet simply melting away.  As the paraffin is left on for a good 15 minutes, I got an amazing hand and arm massage too which was also wonderful and very very relaxing.

Once my feet had been removed from my plastic booties and then soaked again in warm water, my feet and lower legs were then massaged, now I admit, this I wasn't looking forward too, someone rubbing my feet is usually a massive no-no, but I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and Erniah was so gentle, it was actually amazingly relaxing and my poor aching feet no longer ached.

The final part of the treatment was the painting of the toenails and again this treatment was quite extensive as my nails were buffed, cuticles dealt with, filed and then a basecoat, the Essie Polish and a top coat all added to my toes to make them look extra nice.  As the polish was drying on my toes, I was able to relax and read a magazine, which again was amazing.

I have to say that I had an amazing experience and am extremely grateful to Privet Body for allowing me into the lovely place and for giving me the opportunity to try a pedicure for the very first time in my life.  Erinah was amazing and my feet have never looked and felt so good, and I actually enjoyed it too!

If you ever are in need of a pedicure, I cannot recommend a visit to Privet Body highly enough, absolutely amazing place and everyone is so friendly and welcoming, I loved it.

Do you like having pedicures?

Nailing it with Ted Baker

Spring has arrived and summer isnt too far away and now is the time to ensure hands and feet are in the best condition we get them in so we can be wearing cute sandals and flip flops with toenails being painted some amazing shades and the same for our fingernails as the darker winter shades are final stored away and out come the lighter, happy bright colours.

With that in mind, Ted Baker have a list of beauty tools exclusively available in Boots that we need to use to achieve that beautiful manicured nail and pedicured foot look.

Teds New Buffer* which is a clever four sided nail file, comes encased in the beautiful foxglove packaging and it allows you to file, smooth, buff and polish in 4 quick steps.  This file is so handy, since I got my hands on it i have used it a lot and for £5 it is an absolute bargain.

Next comes Ted's nail clippers* which again have the same print packaging as the nail buffer and they have been designed for accuracy and ease to leave your nails looking trim and beautifully neat. Priced at £6 these clippers are a lot smaller than ones I am used to using, that said they fit perfectly in my make-up bag.

No Ted Baker collection is complete without some stunning nail polish and this time we have a set called Delightfully Dusk* which are described as being an iridescent pair of precious metals , Silver lining is a lustrous shimmer that when coupled with the prettier-than-pretty Delightfully Dusk, is designed to make you shine.  The photo below shows Delightfully Dusky which is such a beautiful dusty pink colour and when it catches the light, not only is it really sparkly, but there are also hint of silver too.  This duo is available for £8.50

What do you do to ensure your nails are in tip top form for the start of summer? Do you have any hints, tips and secrets we should all know about?

How do you treat your feet?

I may have mentioned once or twice (a lot) that I have a bit of a disliking for feet, but I put aside my dislikes and ensure, like the rest of my body, my feet are well taken care of, the very thought of having to go see a chiropodist makes sure of that.

Now there is nothing like a good pampering session, I love to come home, light the candles, dim the lights and get out my foot spa, slightly ancient though it is, it works and I have never been more thankful for it, especially if I have been on my feet all day and they are tired, throbbing and sore.  I have flat feet so more often than not I have some sort of gel heel support in my heeled shoes for comfort, but my feet still throb by the time I get home.

Once the water is ready for my feet, I sit back, usually put on a face mask and relax as my feet are slowly massaged and I begin to relax usually with my kindle to escape from reality for at least half an hour.  One of the best things about my foot spa is that it massages your feet and also has these extra little ridged rollers which are really good for that little extra deeper massage and the water never gets cold because it has what is called a smart heat feature.

The pampering doesn't end there of course, once my feet have been dried, I decide which colour I am going to paint my toenails from my ever-growing collection of nail polishes. Then once my nails are dry, I grab some of my pedicure footcare products some of which I mentioned in another post HERE.  Those items include such my foot buffer, foot cream and once I am finished buffering and moisturised, I then place some pamper socks over them, usually over night to ensure the cream has plenty of time to absorb itself and my socks are similar to these but pink (of course). Beyond pampering your feet, these socks help you stay warm and comfortable overnight. Moreover, these socks' warmth allows your blood vessels to dilate and enhance stimulation, improving your feet’s appearance. When you wake up in the morning, and they're looking pampered, why not indulge further and sell some feet pics? That’s a great way to make extra money while giving your feet the care it deserves.

What I find when wearing my pamper socks as I call them is that the following morning my feet are much softer, smoother and almost certainly dry skin free.

Does anyone else follow a certain foot pampering regime? Are there any products you would recommend?

*sp

Boutique Spa Blogger Event

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to a Blogger event at The Boutique Spa in West London who are the first high street spa to partner with skincare brand ESPA. Boutique Spa offers a range of other treatments including massages, facials, waxing, threading and even treatments for men.

On offer to us Bloggers attending the event was a whole host of treatments from skin assessments, foot massages and pedicures to a manicure.  I was also lucky enough be given a glass (or three) of Champagne whilst I relaxed having a hand massage and manicure with the latest releases from the Essie Polishes from their Festive Range.  Each manicure starts at £14 and comes with the option of upgrading to a classic manicure which includes a hand and arm massage, or for those wanting The Boutique Spa Manicure this includes a soak, exfoliation, mask, heated hand and arm mits, massage, cuticle tidy, shape and buff/polish starting at £25 for 20 minutes.

I was given a choice of colours to choose from for my manicure and whilst I would usually opt for a berry colour or something purple, I went for something totally different and completely out of my comfort zone.

The Shade I went for was 'Chinchilly' which is described as being "A delicious smooth light praline nail colour that adds a touch of elegance hands and feet what ever the occasion".  I was a little unsure as to whether or not I would like the shade to begin with, but once it was applied I loved it and with an added extra of 'As Gold As It Gets' which is a lovely shimmery top coat, my nails looked fabulous.

My nails were also treated with Dadi Oil, which is a 95% Certified Organic Nail Treatment which absorbs quickly and penetrates deeply to enhance flexibility and prevents nail brittleness.  This oil smells wonderful of Lavender and Bergamot which are just 2 of the 21 essential oils this product contains.

If all of that wasn't enough, I came away with a goody bag and here it is for you to see:

I also couldnt resist this lip balm which comes in the most amazing packaging with a mirror! it smells wonderful and is so nice on my lips, I love it.

I really enjoyed attending this event and if you are ever in the area please do go and look them up.  Boutique Spa is located at 123 Queensway, London W2 4SJ and more information can be found on their website HERE.