With the wedding less than a month away, it’s safe to say I’ve become skincare obsessed. I’ve always been a big skincare junkie which definitely comes from my mom, who uses almost no makeup, but fifteen types of toner. Obviously I’m exaggerating but I will say that over my twenty some years of experience, beauty really does come from within (your skin) and a good skincare routine will not only reduce the number of beauty products you need to buy, but keep you looking younger, longer.
To be honest, I’ve never struggled with really poor skin and my acne has been limited to spots, but my skin has consistently been quite clogged due to pollution (from every single city I’ve every lived in…) and dryness, from all the constant travel, plane rides, and poor water drinking skills. I know they say 3 liters, but I just. keep. forgetting.
So the goal before the BIG day for me has been to really cleanse my skin from deep within my pores and to hydrate hydrate hydrate. My attempt to achieve this was 2-step: 1) get facials to really drill deep with the cleansing and 2) maximize at home masks.
FACIALS IN LONDON
The pre-wedding pampering is real ladies & gentlemen. I’ve been going around London testing all the best spas & facials for you (and for me) so here’s my list of top spots!
Valmont at The White Room
Some seriously skilled therapists here. My two visits have been incredibly rewarding on my skin with full blown facial massages, stimulating every nerve and multiple types of cleansing from hot masks painted on like wax to tingling collagen sheet masks that perk up every last hair.
Sisley at Claridges
Luxury at its finest, the Sisley products have always been some of my favorites, light while full of hydration. If you need more info, take a look at my summer essentials post.
I didn’t even know this gorgeous spa existed right in the middle of Mayfair. The staff and decor of the “House of Elemis” make you feel at ease from the minute you step in. I’m sort of a newcomer when it comes to Elemis but literally every single product I’ve tried so far has been an instant hit and the facial was no different. Complete with a full skin scan to determine problematic areas, Elemis uses the Biotech machine to increase the skin’s cellular energy.
Decleor – Nottinghill
Another brand I’m surprised I didn’t know of my entire life, Decleor is parisian perfection. If you like a naturally scented product, these gorgeous creams & oils all smell like a garden. I love that the spa also offers facials tailored to the Bride. Bridal Glow is my biggest desire.
Natura Bisse at the Savoy
Natura Bisse is a spanish based brand with more than 30 years of experience in industry. The innovative brand has a facial for everyone. I went with the Vitamin C facial for its powerful antioxidants.
AT HOME MASKS
While professional facials are incredible, there are also some at home masks that I highly recommend for a lazy Sunday afternoon. At the top of my list are
1. Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask which literally looks like clay and dries on your face, seeping deep into the skin to pull out any impurities. Reminds me of being at the Dead Sea.
2. Lumene Hydration Recovery Gel Mask is the perfect post plane/hangover hydration product. Lather it on and you’ll be shocked how great you look.
3. Tata Harper’s 100% natural Clarifying Mask is the perfect way to reset your skin. The product is complexion clearing and has an enzymatic peel effect that helps mask the appearance of redness. As it’s 100% natural, it’s likely not to irritate any skin type.
xxx
F