Space NK "Lust-haves": MONDAY

Space NK. What a simply fabulous shop.

Long before I joined Chantecaille I could regularly be found shimmying my way up and down the aisles of a Space NK boutique...perusing the latest lotions and potions whilst simultaneously trying to justify new purchases in my head (come on, we all do it).

Naturally, being such a fan of the store I was worried that working in store would diminish my love for it... But I'm pleased to say it has only strengthened the bond! *cheer*

I've had my beady eye on a couple of products for several weeks now. I like to call them my "lust-haves"and I thought I would share them with you, one for each day of the week....so stay tuned!

First up on my "lust-have" list:

CANE + AUSTIN Retexturizing Treatment Pads (with Glycolic Acid. £48 for 60 pads).

What the heck is glycolic acid I hear you cry?  

The more savvy skin care enthusiasts among us will be able to extol the benefits of hyaluronic acid, a hydrating ingredient frequently promoted in so many skin care products these days. But what's so good about glycolic acid? 

Essentially glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is one of the better known fruit acids or AHA's (alpha-hydroxy acids). Dermatologists use concentrations of +20% when performing chemical peels on their clients, but the Cane and Austin Retexturising pads contain just 10% glycolic acid making them safe enough to use at home.  

I found this handy description which explains why glycolic acid pads are a good exfoliant for the skin:
"...to protect the facial and neck areas from the residual effects of damaging product build ups and environmental pollutants."

Back Of The Hand Test
Next time you're in Space NK, try one of the pads on the back of your hand. These pads really do what they say on the tin: retexturise the skin by exfoliating the top layer, revealing more radiant skin underneath.

The Cane and Austin pads aren't cheap but I have it on good authority from someone who uses them that you can easily cut each pad in half, giving you double the amount of uses.

My one reservation about these pads is the fact they contain acetone (yes, that's right, the stuff that's in nail varnish) but I've been told it's not very much. If you have über-sensitive skin, these are probably not for you.

Have you tried retexturizing pads before? What did you think?

Facial sceptic? Meet Decléor heaven.

Like lots of women I know, I can count the number of facials I’ve had on one hand. It’s the cost that’s put me off having them more regularly in the past. That, and an inbuilt scepticism that they actually make a real difference to my skin. But I find as I get older - and particularly since becoming a makeup artist – I can really see the effect they can have.

I was recently invited to try out the 75 minute Harmonie Extreme Facial (£50) at The Orchid Retreat in Barnet. Admittedly not a hugely convenient location - unless you happen to live in zone 5 of North London, which I don’t - but I’ve been working hard in recent weeks and decided it was most definitely time to treat myself! 

And what a treat it was! I was placed in the care of Seri for the duration of the treatment. Her manner was professional and friendly throughout and I liked the fact that she humoured my desire to chat for the first ten or so minutes until I was able to relax.

The best thing about the Harmonie Extreme Facial (designed for sensitive skins) is that it begins with a wonderful back, shoulder and neck massage. Seri was careful to adjust the pressure whenever I said it was too much and by the time I rolled over for the facial part I was almost falling asleep I was so relaxed (no mean feat!)

The facial itself involves targeted massage, together with the use of Decléor cleansers, oils and exfoliators. It ends with a 10 minute mask which was freezing cold when applied but didn't stop me drifting off when Seri left the room.

The setting overall was comfortable, with background music the right side of plinky-plonky and at the right level. My only gripe was that the treatment room was noticeably cold when I went in and it was a job to keep warm an hour or so into the treatment, particularly when the mask went on. 

Walking out of the salon I felt quite hazy and could have done with a glass of water (which was never offered) and although I was half expecting it, my hair was very oily which made my shopping trip to Waitrose on the way home a tad embarrassing ;)

Best thing about facials at The Orchid Retreat? Why that'll be the price! £50 for 75 minutes (or £60 for 90 minutes) is pretty bargainous in my opinion and although it's not the most convenient of locations to get to, I'll definitely be going back.

Rating: 9/10
Summary: A fabulously pampery 75 minutes at a recession-friendly price. Book yours today!

The Orchid Retreat website

Harmonie Extreme Facial (£50, 75 Minutes)

See also: Orchid Facial (£60, 90 minutes)

All images courtesy of Decléor.