Spa Review: Isis Health & Beauty at Crowne Plaza Hotel

So this week I headed to the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Isis Spa to have a 75min full body hot stone massage. Now we all know I love my massages so 75 minutes worth of heaven was awaiting me!

After the initial problems with my booking and having to change it to a 10am start (not helpful after arriving home from Ireland the night before), I was hoping the treatment would unwind and relax me after all my travelling.

My thing with spas in Scotland is that they don’t offer/have enough pre/post spa facilities. I would love to have a spa treatment and then relax in saunas, pools, jacuzzis but there is not always this option which would be the downside for this spa review (though the hotel itself does have an onsite pool, gym).

On the plus side, after being taken to my treatment room, the massage was great. The scent, heat and decor of the treatment room where spot on. I did have a small issue with the bed, being tall, I found my feet where hanging off the table slightly and there was a pillow which meant when I was face down I had to turn my head to the side instead of having it face down.

After working on the pressure points on my face, the therapist placed and rubbed the hot stones up my body and used her hands to get into those hard to reach areas giving a relaxing massage. I would have preferred more pressure to be used around the back and shoulders and to have a head massage added to a full body massage but overall the treatment was good and the therapist was very chirpy and polite. I did feel that most of my knots and tensions where released with this treatment.

L x

Beauty Essentials

L’ORÉAL PARIS REVITALIFT REPAIR 10:

I don’t think I have seen a daily moisturiser that offersto fix more than this cream; dryness, wrinkles, fine lines, dull complexion and so on and it really does live up to its must-buy status. Although I don’t think it helped with my wrinkles, it did provide great help with my dryness, dull complexion and used daily I really did notice a change to the condition of my skin. Rating: 5/5

 

 

NARS
Via Veneto Larger
Than Life Long Wear
Eyeliner (in Black):

Really is long-lasting. After a few hours my liner was still intact and in no need of a touch-up. The eyeliner also blends on really easily and it is easy to smudge in for that grunge look.
Rating: 5/5

 

 

 

DARPHIN PARIS
Hydraskin Intensive
Skin-Hydrating Serum:

As soon as I applied this serum my skin immediately looked hydrated, youthful and glowing. The serum’s ingredients help reinvigorate water reserves within the surface skin cells so is perfect for tired, dull winter skin.
Rating: 5/5

 

BENEFIT
They’re Real! Mascara
(in Black):

I LOVE this mascara – you can literally feel the bristles brushing your eyelashes. I used two coats and had glam, fuller and volumised lashes. Cheryl Cole eat your heart out.
Rating: 5/5

 

 

TIGI CATWALK
SESSION SERIES
Transforming
Dry Shampoo:

What I loved about this product was that it really gave me great volume and was great on day old hair and
providing grip and texture for hairstyles. I did feel that I had to really rub it in and brush it in as it left tell-tale white specks but loved the smell so gets my stamp
of approval.
Rating: 4/5

Beauty Essentials

 

 

CLINIQUE: Chubby Stick (in Super Strawberry)

This is my new make-up bag must-have. The chubby pencil lip balm applies easily and stays put well. Great colour and provides your lips with moisturisation. A great alternative to lipsticks. I want them all!   Rating: 5/5

 

 

NARS: Eyeshadow Duo (in Dogon)

Comes in the iconic NARS compact packaging with mirror. Love the shades – the silver/grey on its own is amazing. Coupled with the charcoal shade and you have a smoky eye to rival Kate Moss.  Rating: 5/5

ESTEE LAUDER: BG Island Oasis ES Palette

Finally an eyeshadow palette which I love! I’m always wary of eyeshadow: paired with my fair skin it can sometimes make me look like an evil clown, but these six shades actually worked really well. In shades of copper, bronze, gold, coral, silver and turquoise, I was left with ultra glam eyes. A must-buy!  Rating 5/5

 

SIENNA X: Extra Sparkle Silver Shimmer

For body or hair, I preferred using this on my hair and OMG did I feel like a Hollywood superstar. Wow! Although the fumes had me in a coughing fit: not so good. Rating: 5/5

 

 

THE BODY SHOP: Coconut Oil Hair Shine

I used this on day old hair to get extra shine and then scrunched it up to get the bed head look. The added coconut smell is a great bonus. Rating: 5/5

Beauty Essentials

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES: Enrich Massage & Body Oil

Perfect for those stubborn dry areas. Packed with essential oils and natural plant extracts; this is a must-buy product for those glam goddesses out there. Skin is left soft and smelling divine. Rating: 4/5

 

 

 

LUSH: Sex Bomb Bath Bomb

If anyone wants to know what it feels like to be Megan Fox for the day then pop this bath bomb into your next bath. With Jasmine as one of its ingredients, I had a relaxing bath and smelt A-mazing afterwards. Rating: 5/5

 

 

 

ESTEE LAUDER: Bronze Goddess Soleil Eau Fraiche

Even the bottle radiates a summer and beach vibe. With notes of citrus, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit mixed with warmer blonde woods; this newly launched scent is perfect for summer: making you feel like you’re moored on a yacht off the Amalfi Coast. Rating: 5/5

 

 

 

JEMMA KIDD: JK City Chic Lip Kit

Love the packaging: a chic travel and bag friendly compact with flip mirror. With four glosses and a lipstick, there’s a colour for anyone wanting to achieve a chic city lip. Wear alone or mix shades – I loved mixing strip and sassy to achieve a glittery pink glamorous lip. Rating: 5/5

 

 

BENEFIT: Bella Bamba

I don’t love this colour as much as their dandelion shade but it gave me a great pop of colour on my cheeks. Only use a small amount. The fact it also smells of lush watermelon adds a point. Rating: 4/5

 

Beauty Essentials

LUSH: Skin’s Shangri LA Moisturiser

Suitable for all skin types, this face cream promises to refresh and protect the skin. Wheatgrass, jojoba oil and aloe vera ensured my skin was soft, smooth and with a youthful glow. The smell reminded me of playdo – which I loved. My only pitfall was that it didn’t help the redness in my skin tone – it made it a little more noticeable when first applied. You only need to apply a small amount of this product otherwise it will look too greasy. Rating: 3/5

 

MOROCCANOIL: Moisture Repair Conditioner

I love Moroccanoil styling products which give us mere mortals A-list worthy shiny hair. My only disappointment in the shampoo was that it didn’t lather up well but the conditioner gave me hair with amazing shine and healthy looking hair. Watch the amount you put on your hair as it can make it look greasy. Rating: 3/5

 

 

LUSH: Sweet Lips Lip Scrub

LOVE the smell of this product – has a sweet vanilla & chocolate aroma. You only need a small amount to scrub your lips smooth. Although it didn’t get rid  of all my dry, chapped skin, after continued use I did notice a difference. Rating: 4/5

TOPSHOP: Foundation Brush

The bristles are very soft and even though the brush is smaller than my previous brushes, it still provided me with a great even coverage when I applied my foundation with it. Rating: 4/5

 

 

 

 

ESTEE LAUDER: Bronze Goddess Sea Star Bronzing Blush

Everything about this product is divine; the packaging, the bronzer (a light bronzer with a sea star shaped pink blush in the middle) and the results – sun-kissed, glowing, shimmering cheeks. Apply to hairline and collarbone also. Rating: 5/5

Beauty Essentials

TOM FORD Black Orchid Eau de Parfum

The attention to detail that Ford pays to every aspect of his products is second to none. Coming in a signature bottle, this sensuous perfume would suit those who love a woody, spicy, darker scent. It doesn’t last all day though which knocks a point off. One squirt of this fragrance = sex appeal!          Rating: 4/5

 

 

VICTORIA’S SECRET Sweet Craving Body Lotion

Mmmmmmmmmm…this product smells delish! The nutty smell is due to the vanilla and praline ingredients. My skin smelt amazing and even had a little glow to it. Wish it lasted all day though. A must-buy! Rating: 4/5

 

 

 

KORRES Japanese Rose Shower Gel

Some people hear ‘rose’ and think ‘granny’ but I happen to love the smell of rose; rose otto, rosehip oil. This product has a great creamy foam which lathers up really well and gave me sweet-smelling, soft skin post-shower. Due to special collagen ingredients it helps reduce the signs of ageing. Not for those who hate floral scents. Rating: 4/5

 

 

 

PER-FEKT Eye Perfection Gel- Awake

I have become slightly obsessed with this brand since discovering it last year so I really hoped I would love this gel and thank the lord I did! As soon as I applied it I felt a tingling sensation as the gel went to work. The effects? It brightened up my baggy eyes and gave a smoother, more natural appearance – didn’t get rid of all my lines though. Rating: 4/5

 

 

 

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES Revitalizing Face Oil

A few drops of this oil on my face and I am left with radiant, smooth, glowing skin. I love the smell of oils and the rose, frankincense and borage oils used in this face oil smell amazing and luxurious. This is staying in my beauty bag. Rating: 5/5

HOLLYWOOD’S TOP SECRET MAKEUP TIPS

By Hollywood Makeup Artist to the stars JOANNA SCHLIP

1) Make sure skin is clean and hydrated, use a great moisturizer. 
 I like La Mer.

2) To reduce puffiness under the eyes, use one part haemorrhoid cream to 10 parts eye cream, use on wrist first (only in extreme cases).

3) Pop in Mentholated eye drops… not only do they whiten the eyes, but they give a well rested fresh appearance.

4) Concealer is your best friend! Invest in the best! You can use it under your eyes and to contour your face and hide imperfections.

5) Primer on the skin helps makeup last from day to night.

6) Pick a great foundation that is right for your skin type. If you are oily get oil-free.

7) Nothing is better than blush! Blush will brighten anyone’s complexion.

8 ) A defined, well manicured brow is obvious. Take a look at old Hollywood classics.

9) Curling lashes are a must for them to appear thicker and longer!

10) Always black mascara even if you’re blond.

11) If you decide to go with a bold lip, stain underneath for long wear.

12.) To make your lips appear fuller, use a lip liner that matches your skin colour, and than apply the lip stick over it.

Beauty Essentials

SOAP & GLORY: Wish Upon a Jar

Retro packaging on the outside, with the cream being incased in a silver sphere – very cool. To be used over 21 days with the promise of brightened skin and hiding flaws. I found this face cream to be amazing and was left with not only smooth skin, but also literally glowing like diamonds – very ‘Twilight’-like. Oh and it smells really good. Rating: 5/5

SMITH’S : Rosebud Salve Lipbalms

Minted Rose, Strawberry and the original Rosebud Salve; this lipbalm tin is a must-buy! My lips were left feeling soft and yummy with a hint of gloss to them. There’s a reason these lipbalms are coveted by the A-List. Rating: 5/5

BATISTE: Brit Dry Shampoo

Every girl should have dry shampoo on their beauty table. The Brit version of the Batiste Dry Shampoo comes in a funky Brit flag can and smells amazing. It is great at getting rid of excess grease, giving you messed up hair or use after washing your hair for a better grip and more volume. Rating: 4/5

ESTEE LAUDER: Sensuous Noir Perfume

My favourite perfume is the original Sensuous perfume so I was intrigued about how this version (aptly titled NOIR!) smelt. It is more of a night time version of the original with a spicy tone to it. If you like woody, seductive smells then buy this perfume. Rating: 5/5

TOM FORD: Lipstick

Great packaging. Great colour. Great moisturisation. Long-lasting. What else do you need? Rating: 5/5