I don't know if its just me but it seems like everywhere I turn at the moment pictures of 'perfect people' adorn sides of buses, my Instagram and magazines. Whatever the medium of delivery the thing being sold is perfection. I am certainly not immune to the pressure to look good. I take pride in my appearance and have long recognised the importance of looking after my skin. I think I am doing a pretty god job for my age. My mum claims credit whenever I mention this for the fact she only ever washed my face with water and cotton wool as a child. I turned 30 earlier this year and I have never had Botox or anything done to my face except semi regular facials and the odd session of microdermabrasion. Now don't worry this isn't about to get all preachy, I am all for a woman's right to choose what to do with her own body. I confess I have even gone as far as consulting about the use of such procedures but I feel that is something I would like to steer away from if possible or at least put off for as long as I can.
Having said that I still want my skin to look amazing. The stresses of modern living take its toll and I feel we should all treat ourselves once in a while. Whilst I wasn't ready for Botox I was ready for something more than a facial so I did some research and came across a newly launch treatment called the Repair, Restore and Replenish. It's a hydrating, firming and lifting treatment for both the face and lips. The facial combines skincare expertise with advanced LED Phototherapy, to enhance the results of SkinCeutical's high potency formulations. It was all sounded very technical. For me you could have just called it the super facial, as that's what I was.
I arrived for my treatment at the luscious salon located right opposite Harrods. It didn't disappoint as it had all the luxurious touches you would expect. OMNIYA is the first-of-its-kind Health and Beauty MediClinic, hailing a new concept in health & beauty. The pioneering clinic offers an unparalleled selection of health and beauty services, as well as a fully dispensing pharmacy. The think I like most about this place was the knowledge of the staff. As most people can imagine, my relaxed doesn't look too much like everyone else's relaxed. I asked Debbie questions about every procedure and quizzed her on all sorts of things. I was rather impressed with the knowledge but most importantly the passion. Debbie shared a personal story, which I will not repeat, about why she does what she does and I admire that drive immensely. It was one of those moment as a business women when you realise most women have the same core determination we just chose different paths.
It doesn't look it but this was very relaxing!
The treatment itself is a 10 step process but a summary includes a double cleanse, deep exfoliation, a light Gel peel, AOX Lip and AOX Eye Gel Complex application, Vitamin C Firming Masque for the face and neck, the eye and lip areas for receive a hydrating B5 Masque, a deep tissue massage on the shoulders neck and head, the Dermalux red light therapy is used to supercharge the antioxidants, a hydrating serum, corrective cream (if needed). Finally, to protect the skin from UV damage, SPF 50 is applied to the skin. The products used are all SkinCeuticals.
One important thing to note was it was a relaxing break from the stresses of my everyday life, much needed and appreciated. I loved the massage, I'm a sucker for pampering of any sort. My skin looked and felt a little healthier even in the clinic but it wasn't until a couple of days later that I was really blown away. I looked in the mirror and the results were noticeably more radiant skin. I think this would yield brilliant results for those suffering from acne or the early signs of skin aging. There are hundreds of images of me before on my Instagram @misslaurenriley but here is the after.
Who knows how long it's going to be till I write another blog on facial aesthetics so I will take this opportunity to set the record straight over a few comments I read around the time of The Apprentice. I am mixed raced and proud of that fact. Full lips was something I inherited from my Jamaican grandfather and they are completely natural.
For now at least it's no thank you to the Botox and hello beautiful skin!!