SPONSORED FEATURE
We spend so much of our time rushing around attempting to cross things off our to-do lists, that it's easy to forget the importance of a little me-time. Looking after your body and mind is as equally important as remembering to pick up more milk, finding the perfect dress or beating your personal best down the gym; our skin is the first thing to show signs of lethargy and fatigue, so making time for a little facial, massage or general pamper can mean an instant boost to the way we look and feel. I adore taking an hour or two out for a treatment or spa session, but often finding the time to do so is tricky; if I ever want to spend an afternoon looking after myself and purely myself then it needs to be plotted in the diary at least a month in advance. So what if there was an easily accessible, affordable, fast and truly effective portfolio of treatments that could get you back on track without being a drain on your time - or your wallet? Well you're in luck, because Clarins have identified the demand for beauty treatments by time poor women (and men) and set up a groundbreaking BeautyBar in Fenwick Brent Cross. Launched with the objective of offering turbocharged beauty boosting treatments in a relaxed atmosphere (with no compromise on luxury, despite the fact you're not in a traditional Clarins spa environment!) there are eight different experiences to choose from - and I guarantee you'll want to experience them all.
Including radiance boosting facials, specialist eye care, tension releasing massages and even a treatment for the man in your life too, you can put yourself in the hands of a Clarins BeautyBar expert and leave feeling refreshed. There are eight different bespoke treatments available, all of which have been created from scratch for the BeautyBar customer, and cost only £25.00 each. I popped along to the BeautyBar at Fenwick in Brent Cross at the weekend to see it in action for myself - and put a couple of treatments to the test. Unlike the majority of 'on counter' beauty experiences, Clarins have created a haven that's cut out from the main store floor; it feels private, relaxing and the noise from the department store is all but eliminated. You don't feel on display or exposed, meaning that those of you that worry about removing your makeup on counter don't need to be alarmed. With only three chairs in the mini spa, you definitely get a personalised and enjoyable experience that feels far more invigorating than you may think was achievable in only thirty minutes.
I opted for Knot A Problem to tackle the tension in my neck and wrists, which was incredibly relaxing and just what I needed after a long week; focusing not only on massaging away tension in the obvious areas, this treatment also included a scalp and arm massage which left my whole body feeling a little less tense. Never one to pass up an opportunity to get my boyfriend involved, I also roped Josh into trying out A Little He-Time; although initially somewhat anxious about the whole affair, after 30 minutes of targeted pampering he couldn't stop singing the praises of the treatment. It's safe to say it only took half an hour for him to be a facial convert - and to feel a little refreshed after a power nap too! If you needed any more convincing, then I've identified five different ways in which you could use this amazing new service - and more than justify the £25.00 price for each. (Why not book a couple?!)
ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK
Live or work in the area? The treatments have been timed perfectly so you can even slot them into your hour lunch break, or pop in after a day in the office; it's the perfect antidote to a bad day or irritating boss.
BEFORE A BIG NIGHT OUT
You've got the dress, heels and latest lipstick launch - but what about your skin? Boost radiance and ensure you're looking fabulous by popping in for a quick facial treatment.
AS A POST-SHOPPING HAVEN
If you've been flexing your credit card all day, what better way to soothe those tired muscles (from carrying too many bags) than with a little massage? Leave the shopping complex feeling ready for round two.
IF YOU'RE SHORT ON TIME
Can't fit a full 90 minutes into your diary until next February? Take advantage of the quick, yet incredibly effective, treatments on offer and give yourself a little re-charge in the meantime.
NEED A HUSBAND CRECHE?
If you've gone to Brent Cross with the intention of spending the day shopping, but your other half gets bored 20 minutes in, book him in for a little bit of He-Time. Although he may protest initially, I guarantee he'll come out wanting more.
If you want to know more about the different treatments on offer, then here's the lowdown on each to tickle your tastebuds. If I've whet your appetite, which would you choose?
1. Get Glowing (Speed Facial & Tan Top-Up)
A made to measure facial for fatigued faces, designed to rev up radiance in minutes. An expert circulation boosting massage, combined with an optional fuss free application of Clarins' superb self tan, will ensure even the most weary and washed out leave looking post holiday fresh.
2. Skin Care Workout (Bespoke Advice To Take Away)
Think of this as a workout for your skin: there's no time for power napping during this treatment, as you’ll be working with a Clarins specialist! Your beauty advisor will address your concerns, impart insider advice on how to maintain your skin in optimum condition and create a bespoke treatment that uses targeted products and efficacious massage techniques to deliver your dream skin – all in half an hour!
3. Knot A Problem (Relax & Rejuvinate)
This satisfyingly quick de-stress works to rapidly release tight muscles and swiftly ease tension from your neck and shoulders. The BeautyBar Specialists combine relaxation inducing essential oils with an intense deep touch massage, to bring your body back into balance.
4. SOS Facial (Sort Out Your Skincare Woes)
Complexion crisis? The Clarins specialists are skilled at speedy skin care analysis and creating troubleshooting solutions that’ll banish breakouts, wave good bye to dryness, wage war on worry lines or deal with dullness. They say: "give us thirty minutes and we’ll return your skin to happy."
5. DeStress Express (Obliterate Tension)
Just identify your two trouble zones (hands, scalp, neck and shoulders or face and eyes) and the experts at Clarins will deliver a fast acting, muscle melting deep pressure massage. Turbocharged with soothing essential oil inhalation, this thirty-minute fix will guarantee lifted spirits and calmed nerves.
6. Revital Eyes (An Eye Opening Pep-Up)
Brighten, tighten and revitalize lacklustre peepers in treble quick time. This treatment will help fight fatigue and rejuvenate fragile skin - paying special attention to the delicate eye, lip and neck area. Using plant propelled products, exfoliation and minute maximizing massage techniques, this treatment will banish bags, dispatch dark circles and leave your skin feeling super smooth.
7. Firming Favourite (Age-Defying Facial)
Combining circulation boosting massage to shape, firm and tone facial contours with a cocktail of high-performance products, your skin will be left feeling transformed. Wave good bye to wrinkles and hello to firmer, youthful skin.
8. A Little He-Time (For The Man In Your Life)
This action packed treatment specifically designed for men will energise and recharge by combining deep exfoliation and tension busting massage. Using hi-tech formulations to fight signs of fatigue, hydrate skin and reduce shaving bumps, this will leave your man feeling sharp and looking dapper in a flash. No nonsense, just maximum impact.
At the moment there are only four locations across the UK offering the BeautyBar service, but Clarins aims to roll them out to many more stores in the coming months. In the meantime, I would thoroughly recommend getting yourself down to Fenwick at Brent Cross to put these turbocharged treatments to the test - and doing a little shopping while you're there. Like you needed another excuse...
Find out more about the Clarins BeautyBar at Fenwick Brent Cross on their website. Book appointments direct or pop into store. All treatments are priced £25.00 for 30 minutes, but they also suggest leaving 10 minutes for a pre-appointment consultation.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Fenwick Brent Cross; all opinions are my own. This is genuinely an amazing concept and I thoroughly recommend it to all.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.