Pampering and treatments: Facials- 7 things you need to know

Hi Loves,
Over the last few years.
I have tried to actively set aside some relaxation and me time.

Pampering treatments and massages are always at the top of my list and I have become adept at hunting out a great treatment deal.

It was my Birthday back in February and I had my first facial of the year- woop.
(Other treats included my first Blogger Beauty Box and My UK ColourPop haul.)

As it was cold, windy and very dry I went with a hydrating facial.
I thought it would be best as not only would I get a deep hydrating facial but any winter dullness would be brightened up.
As this is something I really enjoy. I wanted to share a few things I have learnt along the way.
Here are 7 things I have learnt about getting a facial.
Hope this helps ...........

1. General

• Hygiene is important. So offer your facialist the same curtsey you expect brush your teeth and pop a mint.
• Get to your appointment 15 minutes earlier. To fill in forms etc so it doesn't eat into your allotted facial time.

2. skincare. 

• Avoid exfoliating with scrubs or acids for a day or 2 before your facial as your skin will be more sensitive. This also goes for waxing or threading your face/ eyebrows. 
• Don't try and do fancy things to make your skin look better, let your therapist see what your skin is like. 
• keep your routine the same as you usually would. Literally like cleaning your house before the cleaner comes round. -come on!
• Bring up any skin issues, you have. Having gone over my skincare routine. My facialist said my routine and skin were really good, but did agree with me that I had a few dry patches and my cheeks were a little dryer than usual. She also told me I had some dryness on my chin. Which I hadn't spotted. I am thinking weather and central heating are the main factors.
• Don't touch your face after your facial. Just let the products marinate. It will feel gorgeously soft but this will minimise the amount of bacteria coming into contact with your face.
• Try to avoid drinking alcohol/ coffee/ fast food 24hrs before and after your facial. It can be drying to the skin.

3. Hair and Make up

• Avoid wearing any makeup to your appointment. It wastes time as it will need to be cleansed off.

Wearing makeup also isn't advised for up to 24 hours after your facial.

If you are uncomfortable not wearing makeup for that long, wear sunglasses, work from home, go to a facility near your home to minimise contact with people.

I suggest a bun. It is out of your face during the facial and is kept off your face after. This means any product in your hair wont touch your new sexy ass face.

Try and keep transferable hair product residue to a minimum.-I once put leave in conditioner in my hair having forgotten about my appointment. I just took a scarf to wrap my hair and let my therapist know. 

4. Comfortable clothing

• Wear comfortable clothing. You will be in one position for a while. This is to relax your mind as well as pamper/ treat your face. So don't wear something too constrictive.- I usually go for leggings , a slouchy tee or jumper and a vest underneath which can easily be pulled down.

Also smelly feet - we also have those battered converse we love that are a bit smelly. Facial/ massage day is NOT the day to be wearing them as your feet will stink. Probably ruining your experience of tranquillity and assaulting your therapists nostrils. Sure they finish off your sports luxe/ casual outfit perfectly but lets not yeah!

5. Pain

• Extractions hurt! It's not unbearable but it does hurt. I had excess sebum on my nose. My nostril area hurt the most but it isn't a lingering pain once it is done, it's done. 
• Facials also include chest and shoulder massage. I carry about 80% of my stress and tension in my shoulders which means that when properly massaged it can hurt. You will feel an ache the next day BUT so much better, mobile and lighter.

6. Relax and enjoy it.

• Really immerse yourself in the experience and take the time to chill.
• Communicate with your facialist
• You may feel tired a few hours later, which is normal for facials and massages.
• Be ready to glow! you may also be a little flushed/ red depending on your complexion.

7. Observe. 

• Look the products your facialist is using and what feels nice on your skin. I usually take a picture on my phone at some point before or after my treatment. 
• Don't be pressured by sales jargon! You don't have to buy the products that were used on your face. wait a while and see if you like them. 
• As this is relaxing your eyes will be closed most of the time but try and remember a few hand movements your facialist uses and try a few at home.
• Post treatment. See what your skin looks and feels like. In some cases, people notice their skin may breakout slightly or become a little oilier too. This is often due to your face having a super specialist cleanse, that it doesn't get on a daily basis and the purging of toxins. Extra oil is being produced due to this. In a few days it should be fine. If you have a rash or prolonged breakout steer clear of those products in future.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Balance Active Formula Snake Venom Face Mask review

Balance active formula has just come back onto my radar after I heard a few people raving about one of their products. The name and design of the packaging looked really familiar to me and I realised I had one of their products sitting at home. I actually bought the  Balance Snake Venom Face Mask nearly 2 years ago on a whim when snake venom was the new second coming. It has been sitting in my bathroom cabinet and I am not sure why I haven't used it! I have been making up for that lapse in judgement and have really enjoyed the results. I have been using the parabens  free mask once a week for the last 6 weeks and I have to say I really like it. It makes good on its claims to tone, refresh and purify without stripping my skin. 

The formula is very nourishing and leaves the skin supple. The first time I used the mask I did experience a little bit of tingling on my nose and inner cheek area that lasted about 2 minutes but it wasn't uncomfortable or alarming.
I haven't experiened it since. 

The mask didn't leave my skin uncomfortably tight or dry but and I feel as though my serum glided over my skin even more so than usual and sank in even quicker after using this. My face felt incredibly soft and that soft smoothness lasted well into the following days. In fact I would say it is a very moisturising mask. I also noticed that my skin was brighter after each use and glowed. 

The main active ingredients are Natural clay, Syn®-Ake as well as moisturising Agent & Orange Oil. It is suggested to be used once a week but I would consider using it twice per week if I needed an extra boost. I would definitely recommend trying the Balance Snake Venom Face Mask whatever your skin type as it didn't alter my skin oils at all. Balance Active formula actually have online stores which is very convenient and their prices are incredibly reasonable. 

 I will be stocking up and trying a few more products from this range too. Look out for these additions in future.

Tip: Before letting the mask set give yourself a quick facial massage and the product works even better!

Have you tried the Balance Active formula range?

 What are your go to products?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Una Brennan The Super Facialist Vitamin C + daily polish wash review

I am ALL about fresh glowing skin and and when I saw this in TK Maxx at the delicious price of £6 I had to have it. I am actually kicking myself for not stocking up on more after giving loads away as Christmas stocking fillers!

125ml container

The Super Facialist range was created by skincare specialist and guru Úna Brennan who has been in the industry arena for over 17 years- yonks!

Skin genie Úna , has formulated a range of products based on her knowledge . Honed over the years, to formulate products that are aimed at leaving the skin with a healthy, bright and glowing complexion.

I have been using the micro polish for just under 2 months now and can definitely see that my skin is brighter and so much more even toned.

The smell is super invigorating and very fresh. It definitely wakes up the senses in the morning. The directions suggests that it can be used daily but in this colder weather for me 3 times a week is plenty. The polish isn't abrasive and left my skin feeling incredibly soft. A little goes a long way and I have just under half left with everyday use!

super fine micro polish texture

Although this product is for anti-ageing my main focus is brightening my skin. So for me seeing that the product contains vitamins C and E, which help to give the skin a boost is key to giving me a natural glow.

I have to admit that this is up there with the more 'holy grail' and fares well against expensive facial exfoliators that have been used, so I am looking forward to keeping it as a regular part of my daily routine.

I would highly recommend this just for the silky smoothness of your face after an application alone. 

I really enjoy waking up to apply this in the morning and can't wait to try other products from her other  ranges.

The Super Facialist range can be found in Boots or the Super Facialist website.

P.S this can also be used as a mild lip exfoliator if a sugar scrub is too abrasive for you.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

D.I.Y skincare : Spirulina and kelp facial mask

Kelp and Spirulina tablets

Hi guys, 

I am sharing something a little different today. 

  A D.I.Y face treatment I have used often for smooth, nourished and plump skin.

This is the D.I.Y Spirulina and Kelp face mask.

It is a simple yet effective mask. 

All you need is 

loose powdered Spirulina or in my case 3 tablets

1/4 of an orange ( juiced)

3 kelp tablets.

*this makes 2 masks*

I crushed the tablets and mixed it with the orange juice and applied to a dry cleansed  face immediately.

For easy application apply this with an old clean makeup brush.
If you feel the mixture is a little thin on your face.
 You can indeed layer until you are happy.
When doing this ensure you pour half the mixture into a different container to minimise germs and bacteria getting in.

 There are many variations of this mask and I am always tweaking to suit my needs.
Although in hindsight, having made this a few times a thicker mixture is less messy.
So by adding more crushed Tablets or less juice.
You can use lemon or lime.
Honey for moisture or add a fine not too abrasive sugar for exfoliation.
It is very versatile and is easily adaptable, for what ever you feel your skin needs.

Spirulina and kelp are amazing "super foods" that are packed full of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients.
Definitely check them out if you haven't.

Spirulina and kelp face mask

There you have it a purifying, calming, brightening mask.
I would suggest making this in a small batch just to ensure freshness.
This also means that the nutrients in the tablets are utilised straightaway.

Try it out, it's cheap and cheerful but awesome. 

*although very rare, some experience staining and this can be removed with lemon exfoliation.*

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays