Few things scream pamper like a relaxing facial, and Serenity Retreat, a boutique retreat offering beauty treatments in Carlton, Nottingham is set to launch an exciting new concept to the salon.
They already offer nail treatments, HD Brows, waxing and wide variety of beauty treatments, but July 4th sees the launch of Eve Taylor Aromatherapy skincare.
I was invited along to exclusively try the new nourishing treatment which is designed to reduce stress and cleanse the skin of impurities, ahead of the launch.
Laid on a snugly warm bed, under a blanket, soothing music is played whilst my therapist begins by discussing my skin. Do I suffer from any skin tightness? What are my main concerns? OK, I admit, my main concern is ageing skin. It’s not too bad, but I am conscious that there are some little lines and I need to be looking after it, those bad boys aren’t going to get any better on their own.
My therapist begins with a pre – cleanse. This gets rid of any dirt and make up so he can get a really deep cleanse. The aroma is gorgeous; very strong notes of citrus. I am told it contains ylang ylang, orange, lavender, grapefruit, peachcomb and is really calming on the skin.
Aromatherapy is the practical use of pure essential oils. Essential oils have both an aromatic benefit from the plant but the oils also have such fantastic therapeutic properties that nature has given us to create some truly amazing products.
Apart from a great aroma and amazing sensory triggers, essential oils also have the ability to help restore balance.
Next is a soothing cleanser for anti ageing, which means it is that little bit richer. My therapist also reminds me to re hydrate in warm weather. I never drink enough water, especially when faced with the option of caffeine, yet when I’m on holiday I drink gallons of the stuff and really feel the benefit on my skin.
My therapist asks me if I wear glasses as I have a few little black heads breakout in the area where glasses sit. I generally wear contacts lenses but sometimes I do opt for my specs, and in the warmer weather, obviously I’ve had my sun glasses on. She advises me that they are on the surface so easily lifted out, and has a little squeeze. She advises me to use eye make up without mineral oil to prevent them clogging up. Other than that, despite the caffeine and the occasional night of not taking off my make up, my skin is pretty clear. Result!
Next she exfoliates using a cream exfoliant which has A.H.A’s in which will sit on the skin, a bit like a mask. This one also wont have that granular feel, she tells me it has more of a chemical reaction lifting off the dead skin cells. Again it smells beautifully citrusy.
My therapist, at this point, tells me to touch my skin. I can already feel the difference. I get slightly worried however when she asks if I’m claustrophobic. I’m not, other than a slight fear of lifts, but that’s more the thought of getting stuck that it is the space. The reason she asks this, is because the contour mask is next on the agenda.
There are 2 contour masks. One for the eyes and one for around the lips. They contain marine collagen – algee and seaweed to calm, vitalise, soothe and calm.
My therapist mixes up the mask which is activated with water and contains highly concentrated ingredients.
Lips are first. The mask provides a lot of moisture around the lips, especially if they’re dry. It feels a little cold when first applied. Best not to try and talk at this bit, so you don get a mouthful. Once on you shouldn’t move your mouth as it sets. Its a weird sensation but nice. Same goes for the eyes where it is also applied for deep relaxation and to reduce puffiness an tiredness. It is very relaxing and comfortable on the eye area. It is also great if you have hay fever to help cool .
I found this totally relaxing. It wasn’t until I looked at the time afterwards, once the masks had been peeled off that I realised they had been on a good ten to fifteen glorious, relaxing minutes.
My skin felt beautifully smooth and I felt thoroughly relaxed. I was really impressed with the treatment and the beautiful aromas. With a price tag at less than some larger known brands, it means you can still get a quality product and treatment on a smaller budget.
As we change our skin changes so choosing and using the correct products is vital to maintaining great skin and achieving great results so its definitely worth booking a treatment and consultation.
My facial was complimentary but my views are my own.
For more details visit Serenity Retreat, 68 Carlton Road, Nottingham NG4 1ED Tel: 0115 9615520 theserenityretreat.co.uk
By Tanya Louise
Editor
@tanyalouise_
