I have a soft spot for Marc Jacobs handbags and treating myself at the beauty counter.

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The weeks seem to be slipping away and the Christmas party is fast approaching- I can’t believe it’s only two weeks away!

The good news is that my skincare routine seems to paying off and my skin is looking better than ever; it’s really giving me the motivation to carry it on. To start with it seems a bit of a faff to take the time to cleanse, tone and moisturise but the 5 minutes it takes every day are well worth it the results I’m seeing. I’m even trying little extras, such as the Brightening Eye Gel for when I have a bit more time or want a bit of pick-me-up for my skin.

My hairs in good condition now too- although being hidden under a variety of woolly hats these days!- so I’ve moved onto my hand. I’ve never been one to carry around hand cream but since the winter has begun and is starting to take it’s toll a travel sized Sanctuary Hand Cream has become a staple in my handbag. I have another at work on my desk to remind me to keep putting it on.

I saw in a magazine this week this new magnetic nail polish- I’ve never heard of anything like it before so I was intrigued! I really like crackle nail polish and these seems like the next trend so I’m going to try it out and if it looks any good then incorporate into my party look. I don’t have a very steady hand so I think it’ll take a few practices!!

Before I even start on nail polishes I realised I need to give my hands something more than just hand cream. I don’t really have the time at this time of year to be going to a nail salon and so I thought I’d give the Spa Perfect Manicure  a spin (as you can see my self-gifting continues). It includes a hand polish, mask and nail buffer. Now I’ve buffed my nails before and had really good results but I’ve never tried, or even seen, a hand mask. My hands aren’t in the best condition so I polished them up and left the hand mask on overnight. The gloves were a must-have- they stayed on well overnight, kept the cream on my hands and not on my sheets and were comfortable enough to sleep in. If I’m honest I expected my hands to be wrinkly when I woke up as if I’d been in the bath too long but I have to admit I was wrong! My hands felt smooth, soft and generally in good condition. I’ll definitely be using it again pre-party but for the shorter time of an hour just as a ‘top up’!

Anyway, I better stop typing for fear of ruining my perfectly pampered fingertips!

xoxo

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The Christmas party season is looming days away and I have been mentally preparing myself since approximately September. I am into preparation in a BIG way – I’m not one of those lucky people who can make themselves look effortlessly black tie ready in 15 minutes. No, I start my scrubbing, tanning, priming and prepping days in advance – and I love it. I adore putting outfits together, choosing make up, accessories, practicing hairstyles … and whilst I tend to go for similar looks each time, I never get bored of the excitement of a big party, particularly combined with my love of all things festive. I’d describe my style as quite classic and elegant – the most important thing to me when I’m getting ready for fancy occasions is looking polished and glowing, and most importantly I have to feel comfortable (although this makes my adoration of my favourite Kurt Geiger heels a real issue). I strongly believe that achieving the perfect party look is all about making your skin, hair and body look great – after that, the clothes and make up will have a much easier job and will simply work to accentuate how great you already look. In saying that, my carefully chosen office Christmas party dress is now purchased and hanging in my wardrobe. I promised myself I’d be a little more adventurous this year but alas once more I have defaulted to my trustworthy love of the LBD. There’s always next year!

As I said in a previous blog, I’m now almost fully booked up with parties and social gatherings from now until Christmas (it’s a tough life), so Operation Look FABULOUS is well underway. I’ve been buffing and exfoliating to within an inch of my life to get my pasty skin ready for a bit of light tanning – although I am embracing the English rose look (which comes very naturally to me – not so great in the summer when I become a sweaty lobster but you can’t have it all can you?) more this year than I did during my uni days when fluorescent was the prerequisite on any night out. The Sanctuary Salt Scrub is fantastic for this, and the clever little Body Boosting Brush has also worked a treat.

Undoubtedly THE most important thing to me during party season is having clear skin – one of my pet peeves is getting that inevitable blemish the day before a special occasion! Why does that happen?! My skin is especially difficult in the winter months, so to alleviate the threat of the fearsome spot I’ve really taken a keen interest in skincare over the past month or so and have gone all out to look after my skin in the hope that it doesn’t let me down come party time. I’ve started using the Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser every day, and I did want to write about this sooner but I thought I’d properly test it for a month or so before sharing with you in order to see the real results. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the infamous Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, and this is very similar. I have extremely troublesome skin so I’m always wary switching up my skincare when I find something that works for me, but I did feel that I needed a change and so this came at a good time. This cleanser leaves skin feeling so clean but not dried out or tight, and I really love using the muslin cloth. It takes off every scrap of make up in one go and hasn’t irritated me. My only gripe is that I’m not keen on the smell, but when it retails at £10.20 it is a little cheaper than it’s famous dupe so I’d recommend giving it a go.

Tonight I have phase 3 of Operation LF planned – whipping out the Micro-Dermabrasion Body Renewal from the professional range. It sounds pretty intense (talk of micro silicates and fossilised seashells, eek!) but has come highly recommended so I’m going to give a go and see if it really does refine and reduce lumps and bumps on the arms, thighs and bum… miracle product ahoy?! I’ll keep you all posted, but for now shall love you and leave you!

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With my favourite day of the year rapidly approaching and my window of opportunity to buy gifts for my loved ones disappearing equally quickly, I’m really starting to feel the pressure. Not that I’m complaining as it’s no secret I adore Christmas shopping – but for the first time ever it’s almost December and I haven’t bought a sausage yet (not a literal sausage, no one will be receiving one of those from me). Usually November sets in and I’m ready to go, but this year I seem to be flagging. Having looked at my diary I have deduced that I have exactly ZERO free weekends before Christmas itself, so I’ve taken it upon myself to book a day of annual leave in a couple of weeks (sneakily coinciding it with the day after my work Christmas party – an entirely strategic choice, I assure you) to hit the London shops.

In the meantime though I’ve started on some online shopping and have been making lists for all of the people who will be lucky enough to receive presents. I must say I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the abundance of gorgeous gifts out there this year – so much so I’ve been putting a lot of them on my own wish list that has been circulated to my nearest and dearest. I always think that buying ready selected gift sets is a wise move, not only because you usually make a bit of a financial saving but also because they’re so well put together and usually packaged beautifully – not to mention they do tend to save a bit of valuable time! I find myself drawn to presents that people wouldn’t usually buy for themselves, so this usually means something a little bit special or luxurious instead of lots of little bits and pieces that have been thrown together. The Pamper Hamper Ultimate Indulgence set  would make a fantastic stand alone present, whilst the Facial in a Box is a lovely idea for bringing a bit of spa therapy into someone’s own home. With a Mum who is an avid candle collector (you don’t even want to know how many were in our house when we last counted), I’ve spotted the Classic Fragranced Candle which will no doubt be sneaking it’s way into her stocking.

Aside from the Sanctuary’s offerings – which I must note are very helpfully 3 for 2! – my ever growing list of potential gifts includes a number of fragrance gift sets (I’m a firm believer that every girl should have her signature scent – Agent Provocateur is currently my fave but is so hard to track down!); the YSL Beauty Icon set (inclusive of my saving grace Touche Eclat – this needs to find a space in everyone’s make up bag); pretty much every item in the NARS Holiday 2011 collection; an array of Diptyque candles (candles once again – can you sense the theme here?); some beautiful Astley Clarke pieces … I won’t bore you with the rest of these extensive lists – and in reality they are broken down by person and assigned into categories (yes, I’m extremely sad but I prefer the word ORGANISED) – but I’ll finish by saying Benefit, Clinique and Jo Malone also have their usual reliable offerings too which is always a huge relief to me when I have a ‘don’t know what to buy’ moment – in other words, if my lists fail.

My own requests this year range from MAC goodies to a book on economics (no, really), but proudly taking number one spot on my ultimate Christmas wish list (and it shall remain there until the glorious day when one of these beauties finds it’s way onto my arm) is the one and only Mulberry Bayswater – preferably in the shade Chocolate but who am I to be fussy? In fact I’d probably sever an arm just to carry one of these on the other. I need one in my life and will not stop until I have convinced Father Christmas I’ve been a good enough girl to receive one. In fact, Santa if you’re reading this … pleeeeeeeeeease… ?

My favourite has to be the 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask – being 21 my skin still suffers from the occasional teenage outbreak so needs a pick me up from time to time. I’ve been using it twice a week for the past 14 days and my skin is already looking noticeably clearer and smoother. The Therapist’s Secret Facial Oil is great for people with oily/teenage or combination skin too as it tricks your skin into thinking it doesn’t need to produce the oils that would normally cause outbreaks, as a result no spots, no oiliness but mega moisturised!

Don’t forget to visit our Skin Care page either, here you can find a step by step video to performing you very own spa facial… I always forget what order to do things in so this is great for first time users or those who just need reminding.

If you haven’t had chance to get your Skin Care fix then your luck is in as it’s still on 3for2 for a limited time only! Catch it while you can!!

Emma our Head of Spa Marketing talked to the lovely ladies about the up and coming opening of our new Spas in Cambridge (only a few weeks to go eek!), Richmond and Bristol. She shared with us that the theory behind these new ‘Boutique Spas’ is simply the idea of giving women back the gift of time. From a quick manicure in your lunch hour, to a full afternoon of pampering with a friend or your desire for a  more results driven treatment, the new Sanctuary Spas will offer it all. One blogger Beautyjunkielondon even told her readers as she arrived home that she‘felt totally intoxicated with the passion that everyone behind The Sanctuary just oozes for the whole brand experience.’ Now that’s definitely what we want to hear from you, but more importantly what we want you to feel!

Louise our Head of Product Development presented our exciting new Skin Care range including the wonderfully named ‘Facial in-a-Box’, which provides everything you need to re-create that perfect Brightening or Youth Boosting spa facial at home. What more could you need?

My friends and I have already purchased our chosen Facial in-a-Box ready for our girlie “Spa-Friday night in” tomorrow night – can’t wait!

And if you’re quick our Floral Street store in Covent Garden is currently offering a Free Facial in-a-box when you spend  £25 or more… Check out our website for a ‘How to video’ to go with it!

Split into three categories you choose your regime from either Youth Boosting, Brightening or Deep Cleanse – if that’s not enough a step by step video is available on our website showing you exactly how our therapist would do it….perfect skin can be yours!

Currently exclusive to The Sanctuary, the range also includes two Facials in-a-Box which consist of all the necessary Skin Care mini’s to create your own spa facial at home… could it get any better????? Yes! It’s on 3 for2!

So why not get the girl’s round while the Football is on and have an ultimate pampering session without having to leave the house?! It’s definitely what I’ll be doing!

Choose from our Therapist favourites including our Warming Charcoal Detox Mask, Brightening Eye Gel or Perfectly Polished Hot Cloth Cleanser - plus lots more. I’m definitely stocking up on the Instant Hydrating Toner, this has to be one of the best I’ve used as it doesn’t make my skin feel tight or dry like others I have tried in the past. Plus, at £3.00 a bottle it’s a bargain!

Click here for full product range or pop into our Floral Street shop in Covent Garden if you can’t wait for the postman.

For a limited time only we are giving you 40% off all our luxurious Skin Care products AND 3for2 on everything else (excluding mini’s).

Catch it while it lasts!

With all the expertise available of 120 Sanctuary Therapists at our fingertips, it’s good to get advice from the experts; Therapist Claire Hathaway gives us some tips on caring for our skin in the summer months.

“In the summer we all want fresh, healthy looking skin; to achieve this I believe that a simple routine of cleansing, toning and moisturiser twice a day will keep you looking young, radiant and glowing. The Sanctuary’s 24hour Protective Moisture Lotion with SPF15 provides not only protection but also adds a fresh glow to the skin.  For the evening I believe that the Radiance Boosting Facial Oil is great for replenishing the hydration the sun has taken away, it’s great for all skin types, as it penetrates deep and quickly.
For your weekly treat I love the Sanctuary’s Radiance Exfoliator; the fruity enzymes work on the outer layers of your skin whilst the apricot kernel helps to even out the skin’s tone and texture.  Follow with the Sanctuary Spa’s Moisture Boosting Mask, and for a bigger treat mix some of the Radiance Boosting Facial Oil to have the healthiest skin around!”

Our skin requires much heavier duty moisturisers in the winter months than it does in spring and summer. With winter winds, rain and everything else that’s thrown at our skin there’s a need to protect it from the harsh elements. Spring skin care however,  is all about letting the natural beauty of your skin shine through, gone are the thick creams and instead light formulas are better suited, allowing your skin to glow with natural radiance.

Achieving clear, glowing skin is simpler than you think. Clear away all the junk that you haven’t used for months and concentrate on three simple stages, cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise. If you get these steps right the rest will follow.

Choose a good quality exfoliator. Sloughing away all those dead skin cells will lift the skin, making it appear brighter and more luminous. For some, skin reacts better to being exfoliated every day but for others this can be too harsh and a once/twice weekly treatment will suit the skin better.

Cleansing the skin helps wipe away the dirt and grime your skin has picked up during the day or even sweat (yes we women do sweat!) from being asleep at night. Don’t skimp on this part of your regime, we’ve all done the beauty no of sleeping in our make up but an effective cleanser can make all the difference to your skin. The correct cleanser for your skin type can make the difference from taut, tight feeling skin to fresh, clean silky feeling skin.

Always allow your cleanser to interact for a minute or two with the dirt and make up, you’ll save on causing damage to your skin from scrubbing to remove make up and the grime will come off much more easily.

Finally choose your moisturiser. The correct moisturiser should leave your skin feeling gorgeous. Velvety, not sticky, hydrated, but not greasy. With so many to choose from its difficult to know which moisturiser is right you.

List down what you want to get out of your moisturiser; it might be SPF protection or anti-ageing, or simply to hydrate your skin. With the list in hand, you’re ready to shop. Products which have natural ingredients in are always a good route to take, after all mother nature knows best. Some products such as our Radiance Boosting Facial Oil only have one or two ingredients (this is a good thing), the powerful, natural ingredients work hard to pump all the goodness into where you want it most… your skin.

If you have time to put a little extra TLC into your skin, invest in a skin booster. A weekly (or even monthly for those with precious little spare time) skin boost will do your skin the world of good. The intensive ingredients in facial masks will give your skin a much needed lift. A good tip is to leave a thin layer of your mask on overnight, now whilst you don’t want to scare the kids in the morning (or maybe you do?), an overnight treatment will leave your skin literally glowing with health by the morning.

So there you have it, three simple steps to get savvy about skin care this spring. Happy shopping!