Before I jump in the shower, I like to treat myself to a hair mask. I always find these a big awkward to use in a shower, as you have to get wet, jump out the shower into the cold, wait several minutes and then jump back in. So, what I do is rinse my hair over the bath, add lashings of the ESPA Pink Hair & Scalp Mask*, light a candle and then grab a magazine and chill for 20 minutes. The pink mask is designed to soothe, smooth and nourish, with a blend of red clay, watercress and apricot kernel oil. Once you’ve thoroughly relaxed for 20 minutes (or more if you have the time to spare) rinse away the mask, then wash and condition with your normal haircare routine.
Let’s move on to bath and shower time – I’ve never been much of a bather, so for me it’s all about starting the prep with an energising shower. The Caudalie Thé des Vignes Shower Gel* has a fabulous, sensual scent of white musk, neroli flower and ginger. It leaves you feeling awake the scent lingers lightly on the skin long after your shower. The shower gel is enriched with aloe vera and is a plant-based formula which respects the natural pH of the skin. The Comfort Zone Tranquility Blend* is a fabulous multi purpose blend of essential oils of cedarwood and sweet orange. What I love about it is it’s multi purpose, so you can use it in a bath or shower, rub it on pressure points to relieve stress, add it to body creams and even use it as a perfume.
The thought of fake tanning scares me, so something less permanent like the Kissed by Mii Instant Shimmer Tanning Lotion* is perfect. You simply take some of the tanning lotion on the Tanning Mitt* and smooth it over the skin. The lotion and mitt combination makes it incredibly easy to apply and the tan dries quickly. One you’ve given your skin that silky shimmer, it will simply stay in place until you wash it off. Perfect for those of us are petrified of tanning mishaps – if it goes wrong you simply wash it off – hurrah!
If you’re looking for a skipping the tanning process, next it’s time to think moisturiser! The Temple Spa Body Truffle* is described as a celebration for the body! The product was inspired by the lustre and sheen you see on the skin in magazines. It aims to firm, smooth and condition the skin, boosting collagen and adding an instant lustre to the skin. After using Body Truffle my skin has a lovely radiance to it and it evens out the colour on the skin.
One of my favourite parts of getting ready is treating my face to a little TLC. The Aromatherapy Associates Rose Exfoliating Cleanser* is the perfect way to bring a bit of a spa facial into your home. As the name suggests, this is an exfoliating product – use on the skin moving in circular movements, especially in the t-zone and anywhere you struggle with oily skin. The cleanser purifies the skin, leaving it feeling soft and refined. The Thalgo Absolute Radiance Concentrate* was created for anyone with dull, tired skin. Simply take one of the mini vials and apply it to the skin for an instant radiance boost. It’s been created to correct all the visable signs of tired skin - leaving your skin feeling radiant, more even and more velvety.
The Elemis Pro Collagen Hydra Gel Eye Masks* are equally nice to use before and after a big event (especially if there’s a lot of drinking involved. Pop these gel masks under your eyes and enjoy the cooling relaxation effect. Better still, these masks are actually infused with lots of lovely ingredients which instantly reduce lines and wrinkles. What I love about these is that they don’t slip and slide around your face – so you can sit back or relax or you can get on with chores and still feel the benefit. Once you’ve finished the treatment your eyes feel hydrated and smooth. If you really want to treat your eyes, follow the mask with an eye cream like the Comfort Zone Scared Nature Eye Cream Gel*. It’s a cream-gel formulation made with natural and organic ingredients. Apply it to the eye contour to improve eye puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. Give the rest of your skin an additional boost, by adding some of the Nimue Skin Refirmer Moisturiser* this is a peptide packed product, designed to boost your skin in an instant.
Before receiving all these goodies I’d never heard of the Natural Spa Factory! Their Anti Aging Gold Face Mask* and it’s actually a DIY product! You take 30g of powder mask an you mix it with 10g of water vigorously until your left with a smooth paste. You take the glorious gold luxury face mask and apply it all over the face. Leave it for 15 minutes and then peel it off to reveal smooth, radiant skin.
Now it is time for some finishing touches and I want to talk nails! The Jessica Nails Phenom Precious Gift Set* gives you everything you need to create a gel-effect manicure at home. Inside the festive white box you get three bottles of polish. You get the Reward Base Coat which you apply to the nails first, this creates a base coat that helps to maintain the strength, health and flexibility of your nails. Then you move onto the Phenom Vivid Colour Nail Varnish, mine is a really pretty gold hue called Gold Vermeil. Finally finish the look with the Finale Shine Top coat, especially designed to be used with Phenom Vivid Colour. It dries quickly and enhances the shine of your polish.
All you need now is face full of make up (I personally think the more shimmer the better) and you’re good to go! I’d love to know what you think of these products, which one would be at the top of your shopping list?
