ARK Revitalising Zoya Pedicure

ARK Skincare has recently introduced Zoya natural products to its offering meaning you are now able to get your feet and hands summer ready with natural manicures and pedicures. 

Recently, I am one of those that are concerned about the harsh chemicals they expose themselves too, including those found in nail polish. Zoya nail polishes are free from toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor. There are over 400 colours in the Zoya range and they are thought to be the longest wearing natural nail polish. In addition to their natural and toxin free status, Zoya products are cruelty free, gluten free, fragrance free, paraben free and do not contain ingredients that are likely to cause allergic reactions. 

Zoya ARK Pedicure

Last week, I visited the ARK London flagship salon in Putney for a Revitalising Pedicure. Although I always make sure my fingernails are kept in tip top condition, I do tend to neglect my feet and toenails. This is probably due to being embarrassed about the state of my big toenails when years ago a lady accidently stood on my feet and somehow ripped off my big toe nails (yep, painful!!) and ever since they have not been quite right. I was quite surprised when the therapist told me that my toe nails weren’t too bad and that she had seen worse!

When I arrived at the salon, I was offered a calming herbal tea and pile of magazines before my feet were soaked in a warm water bath. The lovely therapist began to work on my toenails – filing, buffing, and cuticle work, before scrubbing and massaging them. The massaging technique was so relaxing and soothing that I could have fallen asleep.  

I was impressed not only with the array of Zoya shades but the quality and high pigment for a natural polish. I choose a bright hot pink shade from the range called ‘Ali’ which is perfect for Summer. After the base coat and two coats of Ali were applied, my pedicure was finished with a top coat that enhanced the colour and the end result was super shiny.

ARK Revitalising Pedicure is priced at £38 for a 60 minute treatment at ARK Salon in Putney.

www.arkskincare.com

Review: Veet Spawax Stripless Wax Warming Kit

Veet has recently launched Veet Spawax Stripless Wax Warming Kit– a professional quality wax warming system that melts wax and maintains it at the perfect temperature, giving you salon-perfect results at home.

The wax can easily be removed in one go, removing hairs as short as 2mm and smooth results can last for up to 28 days. Formulated for smooth application, simply apply the wax using the spatula provided and allow it to become dry to the touch - no strips are required. The kit is compact, unlike other bulky waxing kits I have used, there is no mess, it is really quick and simple to use.

The Veet Spawax Kit includes purple lily & sugar fig fragranced wax discs which help to create a pampering spa experience. The wax is suitable for the legs, underarms and bikini line but not suitable to use on the face. The Veet Spawax device does not require internal cleaning as any remaining wax can be reheated during the next waxing session. With regular use, your hairs will grow back fewer, finer and softer.

How to Use - 5 easy steps to salon-perfect smoothness:

1. Place the appropriate number of wax discs for the body area you wish to depilate (see side of carton) into the pot.

2. Plug in the pot - the warmer will begin to melt the discs. The wax is ready to use when it achieves a smooth consistency - in approximately 30 minutes (for 4 discs).

3. Scoop wax onto the spatula and apply a layer of wax to the thickness of an orange peel in the direction of hair re-growth. Try to make the end of the strip slightly thicker so that you can grip.

4. Wait for 30 to 60 seconds until the wax becomes dry to the touch. Hold your skin taut. Grasp the thicker end of the wax, and pull the strip back as quickly as you can, against the direction of hair growth.

5. After waxing, clean away any wax residue using some used wax or baby oil or Veet Perfect Finish™ Wipes.

Veet Spawax costs £39.99 and is available exclusively at Boots.com

Free Manicures in Paris!

GlossPod, LeCab and Essie Professionnel are teaming up in Paris to bring complimentary manicures to you during the International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8th 2015.

If you are lucky enough to be in Paris today 5^th March until Sunday 8^th March, you will be able to book your very own GlossCab in Paris directly from the app LeCab. This is so much more exciting than your every day trip to the salon. The partnership with LeCab and Essie Professionnel in Paris means you will be able to receive a GlossPod professional 15 minute manicure in the comfort of your home on Sunday.

To book your GlossCab simply enter your address, choose a time slot (10am-6pm) and select GlossCab in the car option. You are able to add in any further information to access your apartment (digital code, floor etc). After validating your options and selecting “order your cab” you will receive a text confirmation

Once your pampering session is over not only will you be stepping out in style with a perfectly beautiful manicure but you will also be offered a fabulous free Essie Professionnel Nail Polish, meaning you can keep your look fresh on the go!

Tried & Tested: Micro Mist Treatment & Blow Dry at Easton Regal Salon

I visited the Easton Regal salon recently for their fifth birthday celebrations for a colour, cut and blow dry and to try out their signature micro-mist treatment. The Clerkenwell salon is set over an impressive three flours and has a contemporary, modern feel.  The owners Bryn and James, who started their careers at Trevor Sorbie, aim to offer a luxury 5 star personalised service.

After a consultation with the stylist, I opted for going one shade darker colour-wise and a trim to get rid of my split ends. The micro mist treatment was applied after the colour and before the cut, which involved an intensive mask being applied to my hair before sitting under the Japanese hood that uses the power of mist to penetrate hair and lock in any treatment right down to the hair follicle.

Before & After: Colour, Cut, Blow Dry and Micro Mist Treatment

Eco-friendly and Paraben-free Kevin Murphy’s Born Again Mask for damaged hair was applied to my hair and I was left under the device for around 10 minutes. Microscopic droplets circulate around the head and the device uses a warm mist not steam to swell the hair and open up the cuticle. Particles of mist are much smaller and lighter than those of steam and so can penetrate the cuticle of the hair to a greater depth and micro mist pushes the product deeper into the hair. The cool shot at the end of the treatment, closes the cuticle and traps the treatment inside the hair shaft which gives longer lasting results. 

Overall, I was impressed with the service I received and would recommend adding the micro mist treatment on to your visit as the end result was silky smooth hair that lasted a couple of weeks and it's definitely helped my semi permanent colour last longer! Have you ever heard of the Micro Mist treatment?

Micro Mist Treatment and Blow-dry costs £55 at Easton Regal Hairdressing, Clerkenwell Road, EC1