Want to prep your skin for summer but not sure what to use? Read Sanctuary convert Jeni’s review below to help you choose…
“I have fairly sensitive skin and as such I am always wary of trying new products. I have become a religious user of a popular high street brand, but was recently given some Sanctuary products as a gift. I was reluctant of trying them, but decided to go ahead. Thank God I did – I am completely and utterly converted. I have been using the body butter for four days now, and the results are only just short of miraculous. This evening I used this salt scrub and I can honestly say my skin is in heaven right now. I fully intend on making EVERY colleague stroke my amazingly smooth legs tomorrow. The second I get paid next month I’m buying more and more of this amazing product! I can’t wait to dedicate one night a week to feeling THIS amazing.
(Can you tell I’m in heaven?! I’m done now. )”
I too can agree with Jeni after recently using the Salt Scrub to prepare for fake tan, it resulted in me being that amazed that I went round my house asking everyone to feel how smooth my legs were! Definitely freaking my house mate’s out but it had to be done! This is definitely a summer essential in my eyes!
Written by Natasha Payne on 10th May 2010 under General, Gift Ideas | No Comments
If you’re anything like me, the thought of holding hands across a dimly lit restaurant on Valentine’s Day with lots of other couples smiling goofily into each others eyes makes you cringe, then a good alternative is opting to stay at home.
That’s not to say I avoid the day all together (the staying at home is strictly my own preference – lots of women adore having their hand held on this special day), a lovely home cooked meal (something more involved than beans on toast would be good though please) , some music, some wine, soft lighting and the offer a massage works wonders in getting my boyfriend in my good books!
To start, run a lovely indulgent bubble bath (floating petals are optional – personally I think it’s a waste of a lovely flower but maybe that’s the indulgence of it!?), light some lovely scented candles, The Sanctuary’s Votive Candle set are perfect and can be dotted around to get that all important mood setting.
Allow maximum relaxation time in the tub – this part of the process can not be rushed! Once your Valentine has retreated from the bath completely relaxed and thinking what a wonderful person you are, the offer of a back massage would go down a treat (The Sanctuary’s Massage Oil is perfect and only costs £6.99).
Focus on the back and shoulders as this is where most people hold their tension, for ultimate relaxation include a head massage (always a good idea to check if they are happy for this to happen first, if they’re sporting a fancy hairdo its probably wise to skip this part), include the back of the neck and give the ears a light rub and squeeze very lightly on the earlobes (trust me this feels weird but strangely nice).
Put the above together with a mushy sentimental card and you have a very low cost, low cringe factor Valentine’s Day.
If you’re feeling a gift of some sort is also required, check out our Valentine’s gifts – we’ll even gift wrap it for you for easy-peasy shopping.
Written by Fresh Egg on 12th February 2010 under General, Gift Ideas | No Comments
Following my discussion on a stay-at-home Valentine’s Day, today’s Metro features an article with some advice from top chef Thierry Laborde on how to create that perfect Valentine’s meal that us mere ordinary culinary folk can rustle up.
Check out the article below:
http://www.metro.co.uk/metrolife/food/812553-valentine-s-day-put-love-on-the-menu-by-cooking
If your Valentine’s cooking experience reveals inner talents or shows up your lack of talent, Laborde runs his own cookery school, The Kitchen in South London to help improve technique and skills. www.visitthekitchen.com
Written by Natasha Payne on 12th February 2010 under General, Gift Ideas | No Comments
Packaged in an elegant presentation box, this classic fragrance makes the perfect gift this Valentines.
The soft, feminine floral bouquet is subtle but not over powering in sweetness like some floral scents can be.
Combining vintage charm with timeless notes of Rose and nostalgic Violet, this elegant scent is a great gift idea for that someone special.
The Limited Edition version is only available through our mail order service and not through Boots so grab it while you can. It’s 100ml at only £28 so great value for money and the gorgeous bottle wouldn’t look out of place on any dressing table. There are also three other fragrances to choose from with Black Iris & Peony being my favourite as I love the more heady, husky tones of Black Iris and Jasmine this has to offer.
Happy shopping!
Written by Natasha Payne on 7th February 2010 under Gift Ideas | No Comments
Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to give up on pampering. Far from it in fact – now is the perfect time to treat yourself to some luxurious unadulterated ‘me time’!
Whilst many pregnant women blossom during pregnancy, I can honestly say that I have not (I know this as people have actually told me!!). An aching back, shoulders and stretched, tight feeling skin have all taken their toll (both on my body and my sense of mood!) so the treat I experienced last Friday was just what the Doctor ordered.
You can enjoy the specialist Sanctuary Mum to Be Indulgence treatment up to 28 weeks as after that the spa advise not to have any treatments that could potentially raise the temperature of you or your baby. It’s also wise to avoid some of the spa’s facilities such as the Sauna and Jacuzzi for the same reason.
There are plenty of other treatments you can enjoy if you have gone past 28 weeks such as our gorgeous facials or even a pedicure as by this stage you probably can no longer reach your own toes!
Lying back and enjoying the blissful massage my therapist Larissa Kumara was giving me made me vow to have them more often and I urge all pregnant mums to. Taking time out seems impossible at first but I promise you you’ll be glad when you have.
Larissa made it her mission to succumb me into a dribbling state with her various skills and manoeuvres of Thai Yoga and Shiatsu massage, all adapted for the bulging tummies of expectant mums.
Lying on my side with all manner of pillows to support me I felt safe and content as the pampering began.
Combing a heavenly full body massage, every tense muscle from head to foot melted away as Larissa worked her magic.
Using the Sanctuary Mum to Be range, my skin was treated to a hydration surge so it felt gorgeously smooth and hydrated afterwards. I use the range at home but somehow it always feels nicer when someone else does the applying for you!
Sadly the massage couldn’t go on forever and Larissa informed me my time was up. As I gathered myself together and awoke from my hazy snooze my only thought was “when can I book my next appointment”?!
Written by Natasha Payne on 17th December 2009 under General, Gift Ideas, Spa Treatments | No Comments
