Spa & Massage - Massage Made Easy for The Busy

One treatment I have been looking forward too is a Swedish Massage, it has been a while now since I have been for a massage and it was perfectly timed. Based in Belsize Park here in London, right opposite the tube station, you will find Spa and Massage. Spa and Massage aim to make having a massage easy, especially for the busy. With a chain of five spas across central London - Belsize Park, Fitzrovia, Chiswick, Earls Court and Queensway and being open from 10am until 11pm seven days a week, they offer a walk-in, no appointment necessary service. 

Now I am already sold on what an amazing idea this is. Whenever I want a massage or feel the need for a massage, I want it at my convenience and sometimes, I might have a spare hour to fill and want a bit of pampering, with this service, you can absolutely do that, plus there is an offer on on-site consultations for physiotherapy.

Walking in to the parlour I was greeted with this amazing orange scent that was burning, a scent which is completely calming and it smells just divine. I was immediately welcomed and offered a drink before being introduced to Crissa my masseuse for the next hour. I had opted for a Swedish massage. A Swedish massage aims to relax the entire body and this is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching.

Each massage uses one of their organic aromatherapy oils and they use essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers and fruits to naturally enhance well-being. Mine happened to be Lavender which I absolutely love the scent of and more so its description which is "This relaxing blend of English lavender promotes a sense of inner peace and harmony while easing nervousness, and irritability. Additionally lavender helps support the respiratory system, aid in natural detoxification, and promotes restful sleep".

Once I had time to sit back and relax whilst taking in my surroundings, I was led through to my treatment room, which had the lights nicely dimmed with mood music playing in the background, at a level that you noticed it, but not so that it took over the atmosphere of the room. Crissa showed me the treatment bed and where she would like me to lay for the treatment and them left me to get undressed.  It is worth noting that for most massages, you will be asked to remove all of your clothes except underwear - for some massages I have left my bra on and for others I have removed it, for this treatment it was removed.

Having got myself comfy on the treatment bed with my face through the specially designed hole, towel over my backside, my treatment began.  I was asked how much pressure I would like and what I was used too, so I opted for whatever Crissa felt was needed as she is the professional.  So starting with my shoulders, I had mentioned they had felt sore for the past two weeks and the same with the bottom of my back, but everything else was fine, other than sore feet from a lot of walking - we are talking 20k steps per day for the last week alone.  

Starting with my shoulders, which where rubbed with differing kinds of pressure being applied and even with the hardest of pressure, I could feel those knots and aches disappear and my shoulders become less tense and more relaxed. Moving from my shoulders, Crissa made her way massaging up and down my spine, paying particular attention to my lower back which always aches.  Then to my arms and again massaging my hands and fingers right to the tips - pure bliss.  Then my legs and feet.  I am usually not a fan of anyone going anywhere near my feet and anyone who reads my blog will know I detest it, but this was just heaven.  I think because my feet have been so tired and ached, it was just heaven, again I could feel all the stress and tension simply melt away and by this point I was pretty much on another planet drifting off to sleep I was so relaxed and at ease.  

Once the back part of my treatment was complete, I turned over onto my front and again my feet and my legs were given another once over from the front before Crissa worked her way up my arms, back to my shoulders and then to a head massage to finish off the treatment, by which point I am convinced I had drifted off and was well on my way to snoring.

The entire treatment was just heavenly. I was very comfortable and at ease with the massage and fully knew what to expect. The treatment bed was warm and comfortable and my aches, pains, tension and stress have all disappeared. For the first time in months I can shrug my shoulders without wincing and sit down without the need for 3-4 cushions behind my back for support, Crissa is clearly exceptionally amazing at her job.

The service I received at Spa and Massage was exceptional. It was welcoming, informative and the best Swedish Massage I have ever had. What's more is the pricing is just amazing;

• 30 minutes - £39
• 60 minutes - £59
• 90 minutes - £79
• 120 minutes - £99

Add to that there is a choice of massage - Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Thai Massage, Reflexology Massage and a Foot Massage not forgetting pregnancy massages and even a signature 4 handed massage which sounds more divine than I can imagine.

So as you can see, this really is amazing value for money and for me it offers something that little bit different, especially for Londoners and those of us who reside here, being able to pop in unannounced for a massage and not have to pay an exorbitant amount of money is really something special and the service you get is just as good as a high end spa, if not better because everything is tailored to you.  For me, Spa and Massage is a service well worth looking into and trying, especially for a last minute or unexpected treat.

Does this sound like something for you?

This treatment was offered to me in return for a review, but all opinions are my own.

Caudalie Vinosource

I recently attending the launch of the new Vinosource Caudalie** line which features four new soothing, hydrating & plant-based skincare products powered by the grape. I am a big fan of Caudalie and love the Divine range, so couldn't wait to give these a try. Each designed to soothe, moisturise, nourish and re-balance the skin in their own little way and they all use the power of soothing organic grape water.

First up we have the Moisturising Sorbet and this is perfect for sensitive skin. It is really light in texture and once on the skin it soothes and absorbs without little helps. It is rich in antioxidents and is more gel-cream than a cream and turns into a watery texture which adds to the feeling of your skin being quenched, soothed and moisturised. Using notes of mandarin blossom, lemon leaf tree, cucumber water and fresh mint, again there is a subtle scent to the cream and the added use of chamomile does leave your skin feeling just amazing.

If your skin is on the more oily side, then the product for you is the Moisturising Mattifying Fluid. Again it has a really lightweight almost fluid like texture which has an instant matifying effect which helps reduce excess sebum instantly, all without stripping the skin but restoring moisture levels. Using organic Grape Water, Java Leaf Tree and Flax Powder you are left with skin which is matte and velvety soft.

The third product is called The Moisture Recovery Cream. If you have dry skin and are in need of hydration, then this is one to try. It is a thicker texture than the previous two but doesn't cling to the skin, it absorbs with a little massage and smells just amazing. Using Organic Grape Water and Borage Oils to maximise that hydration your skin needs.

The final product in this quartet is called the Riche Intense Moisture Rescue Cream and as the name suggests, the richest of them all. Referred to as First-Aid Skin Care, this intense Moisture Rescue Cream nourishes skin deeply and protects it from drying out. Using Organic Grape Water, Chestnut Extract and Shea Butter, your skin is transformed from lizard to lush as soon as it is absorbed. I keep this one in the fridge and use on days when my skin feels just awful. With the change in the weather and the need to slather on more cream than I usually do, my skin often feels tight, clogged and in need of moisture and quick, so for me, this is perfect and it also works really well as a night cream too.

All four of these Vinosource creams are available now and retail at £23 each which for a 40ml tube is an absolute bargain.  If your skin is in need of some TLC and a bit of a pick me up, these are more than worth buying.

LOOKFANTASTIC BEAUTY BOX MAY 2016

This months LookFantastic box**, Beautiful, is designed to celebrate a beautiful you and it is packed full of beauty treats which have been specially chosen to show off and grow the beauty you were born with.  With contents worth over £50 and a free copy of the June edition of the Elle magazine in every box, it is well worthy of its £11.25 price tag.

Aptly titled the #LFHelloBeautiful box there are some amazing brands to get to know, rediscover and try out. In total there are 7 different products which aim to take care of your every beauty need from hair care to skin care.

The first item that caught my attention is the Wet Brush. I have a Wet Brush in my drawer at work, so I am always happy to see another that can be used at home. The Wet Brush is designed to be used on wet hair and when using it, it doesnt snap or snag your hair and it works to prevent split ends. Easy to hold with a nice big handles, the bristles move freely with your hair and do not scrape your scalp. What I love about this brush is the bright orange colour which you will notice in a flash.

Staying with hair products, the next item is UNIQ One All in One Hair Treatment Coconut. A unique concept in hair care, this spray-in treatment provides 10 benefits to all hair types, from shine and frizz control to heat protection and UVA/UVB protection against colour fading. The one hair solution you have always dreamt of, All In One Hair Treatment Coconut adds shine to the hair and controls frizz whilst adding silky smoothness and enviable body and volume.

Enriched with a fresh Coconut fragrance enhanced with notes of Vanilla and Toasted Hazelnuts, All In One Hair Treatment Coconut is a great detangling spray and improves manageability and styling potential. Perfect for repairing dry and damaged hair, this exceptional treatment spray also works to prevent split ends.

A beauty box isn't quite the same without featuring REN, a brand of which i am a huge fan. This months box features the REN Wake Wonderful Night Time Facial. .Rejuvenate skin whilst you sleep with the Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial from REN. 

It makes up a unique three-phase complex facial which transforms your skin overnight. Suitable to be used alone, over serum or under moisturiser, the facial is a leave-on treatment so there is no need to rinse it off. It uses tropical fruit acids exfoliate skin to remove dead skin cells, revealing smooth, radiant skin. Minerals and sugars energise cells and omega oils repair and soothe skin, whilst improving the natural healing process. I love a good overnight mask and this one is exceptionally good.

It has been years since I have used anything by Decléor and I had almost forgotten they existed until this product appeared hidden in my box.

You will get one of three different Decléor products and I got the Intense Nutrition Cream which contains cranberry plant oils alongside Argan and Avocado to nourish and protect the skin. Designed to perk up tired and dull looking (i.e mine) skin.

I am a huge fan of Vichy, some of their products are definite go to in times of need. In this months LookFantastic Box we have the Vichy Liftactive Supreme Moisturiser in this exceptionally cute 15ml pot. Said to target the signs of ageing as they appear. Smoothing and firming, day after day.

For those concerned with the onset of wrinkles and a lack of firmness. The look of tiredness and fatigue can set in by the end of the day, accentuating their appearance.

A cult classic comes next from Eve Lom with this amazing cleanser. It is just a sachet this time rather than a pot, but you do get a muslin cloth too. This pioneering beauty balm was apparently first introduced to the beauty industry almost 30 years ago. 

It is suitable for all skin types, that decongests, softens and leaves a highly receptive base for your beauty products to work with.

The final item in my box is from a brand I have never come across and it is the most intriguing of packaging. IOMA Optimum Moisture Cream gives you a 7 day supply of individually packaged samples for you to put to the test (they are also perfect for travelling with). Designed to be both a day and night cream, it works to reinforce the skin's protective barrier and restore a comfortable complexion. 

Infused with osmhydran to retain water for long-lasting hydration alongside myrothamnus flabellifolia leaf extract which defends against climate change and environmental aggressors. The cream is incredibly fast-absorbing and lightweight and it leaves the skin feeling hydrated, moisturised, rejuvenated and soft to the touch. ioma is now a brand I am now intrigued with and definitely want to know more about.

I think this is a fantastic box and one which is more than worth its price tag. These boxes always sell out super quickly so if you want this months #LFHelloBeautiful Box then you best be quick - LookFantastic Beauty Box £15

Magazine Freebies | June 2016

Who doesn't love a good freebie with a Magazine? This year there have been only a handful of products that I have considered buying a magazine for. The June releases seem to be well worthy of parting with your money and this is what is on offer. 

Marie Claire are giving away a FREE San Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion in a 50ml with the June 2016 issue and some magazines also come with a free copy of Instyle Magazine too.

The New Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion gives an instant hint of bronze that illuminates the skin, whilst gradually building a healthy sunkissed glow. This lightweight, ultra-hydrating body lotion is easy to apply, quick-drying and suitable for all skin tones.  It has no fake tan soggy biscuit scent to it and is said to deliver an instant hint of bronze with a streak-free finish.

Elle UK are giving you Percy & Reed Wonder Overnight Recovery in a 75ml tube and this is a new launch which hits stores in June.  

The product works to transform hair while sleeping and it is formulated with natural protein that penetrates the hair and boosts its ability to retain moisture, as well as potent conditioning agents to protect against humidity, combat frizz and boost shine. 

This month InStyle Magazine are giving away 1 OF 4 Exclusive New Nails Inc Nail Polishes worth £11 each in the June 2016 Issue.

The exclusive colours are:

• Texas Talking
• California Dream 
• Ohio Desire 
• Oregons Out 

I absolutely love the look of Ohio Desire and all of these are worth looking out for because they are exclusive to Instyle Magazine.

These are the freebies for this month that I have come across. Have any of them grabbed your attention?