A Festive Evening At Lush | Just Add Ginger

Ever since the Lush spa in Liverpool first opened, I hoped, dreamed and prayed that they would host blogger events. Having been a die-hard Lush fan for years, this was definitely something that was on my inner blogger checklist. 

My prayers were answered last month, when Lush invited a bunch of us bloggers down for a skincare event, but it was their most recent event that just really cemented my love and true appreciation for Lush as a brand, and the store in Liverpool as just one of my favourite shopping haunts.

After the doors opened at 7pm welcoming us in out of the cold, we were checked in and immediately divided up into groups. Following the warm greetings from the Lush staff, and saying our hellos to familiar faces and introducing ourselves, Megan - the event coordinator - explained what the event would entail. With stations positioned around the room ready to introduce us to how Lush get ready for the Christmas season, and the gentle tinkling of the ivories in the background from the live pianist (what a treat), the festive atmosphere was inescapable, and extremely welcome. 

At twenty minute intervals, the groups rotated to each different station, where we learned all about knot wraps, the Lush Christmas lines, had a makeup masterclass, and a tour of the Lush spa. All the while, staff floated around the floor, treating us to mince pies, mulled wine and juice, and demonstrating some of the gorgeous festive goodies that were on sale in the store. Whilst the pianist took breaks, Christmas tunes blasted out the speakers, filling our ears and ramping up the Christmas spirit to the max. Unable to contain my joy, I happily joined in a little sing-song with Holly (it was pretty apt that I was in the 'Inhibited' group really). 

Our group headed up for our spa tour last, and it was just like being welcomed into a cosy country kitchen, with rooms set up to depict treatments, and mood lighting setting the atmosphere in the waiting area. The Lush soundtrack tickled our ears, and I realised just how much I longed myself back for a treatment. (Top tip: If you're a fellow mamma-to-be, there are treatments suitable for us!) 

I really credit an enjoyable event to the organisation, and Lush blew it out the water with this one. We were well and truly spoilt for food, drink, and attention from the staff, and it was so nice to be able to peruse the products at ease without the oppressing Christmas crowds that seem to flock to Liverpool as soon as it hits December. 

One of the highlights of the evening has to be participating in the Mannequin challenge. It was hilarious to see the room change from chatter, smiles and singing to complete silence and stillness as we all did our best to be as mannequin-like as possible. (I had to get a cheek twitch, didn't I?) 

It took so much inner restrain to not buy all the Christmas goodies in the store. Tempting as it was to fill up a basket during the time we had to shop, I have turned in to a complete basket case and am holding out to payday and after I've bought our Tommie Tippee Prep Machine - don't judge me! 

As we exited the store, we were all very kindly handed goodie bags containing some select Christmas products (including my favourite ever - Luxury Lush Pud) to try out at home. It was such a generous gesture, and utter treat for us all. I live and breathe for the Lush Christmas releases, and there were some products in the bags that I had been desperate to try for ages ... how did you know eh Lush?

I cannot sing the praises of Lush enough for putting on this fantastic event for us, and only hope there are more coming in the future. If you are a blogger from the North West and missed out this time, definitely keep an eye out on Lush Liverpool's social media pages to catch the call for the next one. 

Check out Lush's full Christmas range here. And for more details about the Lush Spa in Liverpool, click here. 

#AtoZChallenge / Validation Facial at Lush Spa Liverpool

As a part of Boyfriend's birthday celebrations in March, I booked us both in for a treatment at the Lush Spa in Liverpool. I love going to the Lush spa. It is such an ultimate treat, and every time I've been there, I've left floating on a cloud! (My blog is full of reviews of other treatments I've tried if you fancy a read.)

The one treatment that I hadn't tried but that I'd really wanted to was the Validation Facial. I have never had any kind of facial in my life, and from reading the description of Validation on the Lush website, I knew I was in for a treat. 

The treatment started in the comfort of the spa's cosy country kitchen reception. I was greeted by my massage therapist - Kora - who sat me down and explained a little about what the treatment would entail. Displayed in front of us was a slate palette - almost like one an artist would have - and a vast array of Lush products. Kora went through each type of product individually, talking over their key properties and ingredients, and helping me select the ones that I thought would work best for my skin. Now I have no other facial to compare this one to, but being able to touch, smell, and feel the products before they were applied immediately made the treatment feel incredibly personal. There were a few that Kora disregarded immediately - in line with my sensitivity to tea tree oil, but there were still loads I could choose from. 

Kora also asked me to pick out some key words about how I wanted to feel after the treatment, and how I wanted my skin to feel. Knowing that she understood my needs and what I wanted to get out of the facial really added to the personalisation and made me feel really looked after. Even though Kora had probably done the Validation Facial loads, it really felt like she cared about my experience.

Heading in to the therapy room, I felt a wash of excitement and relaxation wash over me. The room was very atmospheric/ Glowing tea lights twinkled in a dimly let room that really evoked a sense of tranquillity. Kora began by "cleansing" the room ready for the treatment, which filled the room with billows of dry ice, and kick-started the enchantment. After time to get ready, and with a little ring of a bell next to the bed, I was ready to begin.

The Validation Facial is beautifully choreographed to the musical soundtrack. If you're thinking any of the Lush treatments come with a bog-standard, run-of-the-mill spa CD background, you'd be very wrong. Each treatment comes with it's own musical score, with the treatment choreographed to each track. It takes away any sense of anxiety you might have, and takes you to a really special, unique place. The whole concept of the facial is to help you feel uplifted, evoking positivity and helping you regain a sense of self. And the music really underpins that in a way that is really personal. 

The techniques of the facial ebbed and flowed over my face like a ballet. I lost all sense of time and space and floated away on a sea of peace and tranquillity. Kora was incredibly patient with me and understanding of my needs. I am a fidget when I'm getting a massage. When my left side relaxes, it moves so much more, and I know this might put people off, but I didn't feel foolish at all, and anywhere I needed to move, Kora worked with me. 

All the products that I had chosen for the facial kissed my skin, making it feel soft, supple and incredibly loved. My face zinged with vigour and I just felt so relaxed/ From the top of my head to the tips of my toes I lay in ultimate peace. A feeling I never thought you'd get from a facial. 

But Validation isn't just a facial. It's so much more! It's a journey. It allows you to really let go and relax, letting any tension, any stress and any anxiety leave you. By the end of the treatment I felt very emotional. Like a great weight had been lifted and I was finally free. It's a feeling I can't really describe, but it's one I won't ever forget.

At the end of the treatment, Kora poured me a glass of a fabulously fruity punch. I was allowed ample time to collect my thoughts and get ready. My legs had turned to jelly with relaxation, and I wobbled out the room holding in my tears of happiness. 

I left Lush floating on a cloud. Boyfriend - who had had The Spell - felt just the same. We spent ages just walking around, digesting everything that had happened, and feeling amazing.

The Validation Facial is just amazing. It's not just a spa treatment, it's a full-on experience that really makes you feel uplifted. It is definitely a treatment that I would go for again, and know that each time I would get something different out of it. 

#Blogtember Day Three: Product Empties: August 2014

I have been hoarding bottles and tubs of products that I have wanted to share with you all for months now. A canvas bag of beauty product empties has been gracing our bedroom carpet, and I thought it was high time that I shared them all with you. 

I wanted to attach all the info that is included in the downbar alongside the video on my YouTube channel

Products Mentioned:

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

Lush Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie

Ultrabland Facial Cleanser

Lush Fairly Traded Honey Shampoo

Sleek Blush (Rose Gold)

Argan Oil Shampoo

Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Conditioner

The Body Shop Chocomania Eau de Toilette

The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel 

People Mentioned: 

xameliax: http://www.xameliax.com/

Sarah: http://www.salocainwonderland.co.uk

Blossom Hair & Beauty (Beth): http://www.makemeblossom.co.uk/

Full Product Reviews: 

The Comforter massage:

http://www.justadd-ginger.co.uk/2013/02/beauty-by-ginger-lush-spa-liverpool.html

Ro's Argan Skin Conditioner: 

http://www.justadd-ginger.co.uk/2013/03/beauty-by-ginger-lushs-ros-argan-body.html

Ultrabland: 

http://www.justadd-ginger.co.uk/2014/06/beauty-by-ginger-lush-ultrabland-facial.html

Thank you so much for watching. Please post any video requests in the comments below! 

Beauty by Ginger: Lush Spa Liverpool - Sound Bath

This Valentine's Day was the first one that me and Boyfriend spent together. With this in mind, I wanted to plan something really special for us to do together. I am an absolute LUSH and LUSH Spa fanatic, and with Boyfriend having now become a part of this love, I had no trouble deciding what I wanted to treat us to. 

At first, I wasn't sure which treatment to go for. With so many to choose from and two The Comforter? and one Tailor Made treatment already under my belt, I was flummoxed. but, after a long conversation with one of the lovely LUSH employees, and under her recommendation, I decided to book us both in for a Sound Bath.

It was a treatment that I was a little bit hesitant about. Only for the reason that the only thing I knew about it was that it involved candles being placed in your ears. I mean, c'mon, I've never had any beauty treatment that involves flames before. You can understand my nerves.

But once Boyfriend and I had arrived at the LUSH Spa in Liverpool. My fears quickly disappeared.  

After a little wait on the shop floor (the previous treatments were running late.. Everyone was really apologetic, but we were in no hurry,) a cup of tea, and a gander at all the products (Boyfriend was made to look at -and sniff - all the things,) we were taken up to the spa by our massage therapists. 

I never grow tired of the way that going up to the spa feels like you're going round to somebody's house for a cup of tea and a slice of home-made cake. We were made to feel so comfortable and at ease by our therapists. After filling in the consultation forms and offered a glass of water, I was able to express my nerves about the whole ear candle situation, and have all my nerves quashed as they reassured me and attentively answered all my questions.

Then it was time to begin. 

Placed before us on the wooden kitchen table was a box. And as we lifted the lid surrounded by a sea of  swirling mists, inside lay two vials with "Drink Me" and two chocolate mushrooms. What a most magical way to begin any treatment. I felt a sudden sense of giddiness. Almost like the feeling you get before you tear down the biggest drop of the roller-coaster. I just had this feeling that Sound Bath was going to be a massage like no other. 

Once in the double treatment room, we were invited to take a seat. As we took in the relaxing atmosphere of coloured lights and tea candles, incense was lit, and we were shown how the tuning forks were to be used. (Having never seen a tuning fork in my life, I was very glad that what I saw before me was not a piece of cutlery!)

There is simply no way to describe the sensation of having a tuning fork placed on your skin. The immediate sense of relaxation that came over me was completely unexpected. Our massage therapists also explained the rest of the treatment and what might happen. I'm being decided cryptic with some details of the treatment. With Sound Bath, more so than the other treatments, I think what you get out of it is deeply personal, and I wouldn't want to spoil the effect for anybody. 

But trust me, you'll fall completely into a state of relaxation such as you may have never experienced before.

Boyfriend and I tucked ourselves in to our massage beds, and with a quick ting-a-ling of the bell to say that we were ready. It was time. 

Akin to the other treatments I have had at LUSH, the soundtrack to Sound Bath was just beautiful. And the treatment is choreographed in perfect time to the music. Every movement and part of the massage just flows. 

A dance on your skin. 

The treatment began with focus on my face and jaw. I've never had a facial massage before, and I don't think I'd ever realised just how amazing it could feel...Until then. 

I cannot imagine just how much tension I must carry in my face everyday, but I certainly felt any stress I had vanish almost instantly. I was so relaxed I literally thought I was going to melt in to the massage table. The massage combined with the use of the tuning forks is hypnotic and completely inexplicable. My body just gave a huge sigh of relief and I was floating. Lost in the moment and surrounded by utter relaxation. 

I don't know where I went, but I was nearly asleep on the massage table. 

When it was time for the ear candles, we were gently asked to turn on to a side of our choosing. By this point, I was completely un-phased by the candle that was about to be placed in my ear that I turned on to my side unmoved from my relaxed state of mind. 

This is the part of the treatment that I remember the most. Even though my eyes were closed, I could still see a glowing flicker of orangey-yellow warmth. It really felt like I was in front of an open log fire in a log cabin in the middle of an isolated field. It was not uncomfortable in the slightest, and felt very surreal. Boyfriend and I must have been in sync because we chose the same side to turn to for the first ear candle. 

After the ear candles came a seriously intense head massage. And by no means was thin intense in a bad way. Oh no. Having never had a head massage (but loving those mini ones you get at the hairdressers sometimes,) I didn't really know what to expect. Yet I found myself subconsciously moving in time to the movements of the massage. My head went where it needed to be placed and yet my mind stayed in its hypnotised state. 

The use of the soundtrack with the massage could not be more perfect to help bring you back floating down from your cloud and on to the ground. It gently nudges you out of a sleepy state and allows you to wake up slowly. 

Boyfriend and I stood in silence for a few minutes after the massage. I don't think either of us really realised that the treatment was over. It all seemed so surreal. 

One of our therapists greeted us after the massage and led us to the seating area. We were treated to a pot of calming, aromatic tea, and sat in our mesmerised state. I can't really explain how I felt after the massage other than to me, the world seemed more alive. I was more in tune to what was going on around me, and everything had this fresh rosy glow. I felt calm. I felt at ease. And it was wonderful.  

Sometimes it is difficult to clear our minds of the stresses of everyday life, problems we have, worries we feel. But Sound Bath gave us that time to just be. We could unwind in a place where nothing could seep in to our heads. And it was just what we needed. 

Have you tried Sound Bath yet? What did you think?

Tailor Made Massage at Lush Spa Liverpool | Just Add Ginger

As part of my Christmas present from Boyfriend, I received a voucher for a Tailor Made Massage at the Lush Spa in Liverpool. I naturally carry a lot of tension in my back, neck and shoulders due to my posture, and have been in need of a good massage for a long time now, so you can imagine my absolute delight when I found that hidden amongst my other wonderful gifts. 

Plus, I am a HUGE Lushie, so any excuse I have to go back in to Lush is a bonus. 

I have been to the Lush Spa twice before for The Comforter (you can read my review of the treatment here) and have bought the Tailor Made for both Boyfriend and one of my other good friends before, so had a general idea of what the treatment would entail. But still, as I walked in to the spa ready for my massage I was filled with that sense of wonderment and anticipation again.

My massage therapist Emily, sat me down and offered me a glass of water as I filled in the consultation form. She answered any questions I had, and we discussed where I needed the focus to be on. Having such a calm and cheerful massage therapist put me instantly at ease.... I'm not going to lie, the thought of somebody working out my knotty back was making me feel a little anxious.  

The first thing we did after filling in the consultation form was go over the several options of massage bar there were for the treatment. 

I decided to go for the Hottie massage bar. Yes. I was mainly tempted because it looked like a giant bar of bubbly chocolate, but it also smelt delicious too. For an intense treatment like the Tailor Made I didn't want to go for too potent a scent. Hottie had a definitive smell to it (a combination of spicy and creamy,) but it wasn't over-powering. 

Emily then explained what the treatment would entail, going through how she would work on any areas of extreme tension and "knotti-ness." She made it clear that at any point, if she was applying too much pressure, I should tell her, and she would make sure I was comfortable. 

Emily then produced a Big Blue bath bomb, plopping it in to a jug. Immediately billowing clouds of delicious- smelling steam erupted in front of us. Emily showed me in to the treatment room, emptied the jog in to a box under the massage table, and left me to get ready for the treatment surrounded in lashings of Big Blue dry ice lapping at my legs. 

As with The Comforter treatment, I was given plenty of time to get ready. Because Emily was going to focus on my back and shoulders, I was able to keep my leggings and socks on. Once I was nice and comfortable tucked under the blanket, I called Emily back using the little hand bell left for me on a table next to the massage table. 

And so began my descent into a dream-like state. As soon as the massage began, hushing wave noises and softly-playing sea shanties kissed my ears.

As with The Comforter, the massage was so well choreographed to the music that it felt more like a dance. And because I grew up in a house where sea shanties were plated on a regular basis (Papa Ginger has a very folk-y taste in music,) I found myself humming (quietly) along to some of the melodies. 

Sorry for the blurriness again....but I love the way the bed was lit so had to get a picture!

The rocking and rolling motions Emily used on my back during the massage really did make me feel like I was floating out to sea. And what I really appreciated was that she made sure that at all times I was comfortable. This was never an issue. I was so comfortable that my left arm - which is normally so stiff - was dancing about to the music!

30 minutes seemed to fly by, and, after the massage was over, I was given time to relax, and then get ready at my own pace. Which was important. After every massage I have been to at Lush I have been so relaxed my legs have turned to jelly. Getting ready in a rush is not an option.

When I finally came out of the treatment room and in to the country kitchen area of the spa, Emily was waiting for me with a smile and a cup of tea. 

"Would you like some rum in it?" I was asked. 

Who could resist? 

Emily also handed over the Hottie massage bar and explained hat I could take it home with me so into my handbag it went. What a lovely additional extra!

A cup of tea with a shot of rum, cheery chit-chat with Emily and two biscuits later and it was time to say goodbye to the Lush Spa again.

I want to say "thank you" to Boyfriend for giving me the gift of Lush and Tailor Made. And to Emily for being a kind and conscientious massage therapist. I enjoyed the treatment so much that I am already thinking about going back again. For anybody who suffers from tension, is susceptible to knots, or just needs 30 minutes of relaxation, I can't recommend the Tailor Made massage enough. It's not just a massage, it's an experience.

Ps: Tailor Made retails for £40.00. Fir further details on the treatment, or any other Lush spas have to offer, click here

The Comforter Massage at Lush Spa Liverpool | Just Add Ginger

The minute I booked my The Comforter massage at the Lush Spa in Liverpool that I would not regret it. I have always been a HUGE Lush fan. I think they're products smell simply phenomenal, and leave my skin feeling nourished and loved. I am a dedicated fan of their bath bombs and bubble bars...I have to practice great restraint every time I head into a Lush store. I would happily buy everything in sight, but I don't think my purse would forgive me! 

The new Lush Spa & Shop in Liverpool opened in December 2012. I knew for the first few months that it would be crazy busy there, so I tried to hold out as long as my willpower would let me before booking a treatment. But, a week or so ago, I just decided to go for it. It's half term this week, and I really felt like having a pamper on a weekday...even though I have time off, it still feels deliciously naughty! 

I was in no doubt about what treatment to choose. As a massive choc-o-holic, the idea of being part of a massage treatment that involved a hot chocolate scrub was just too irresistible. 

When I walked into the new shop this morning, I was really delighted. The downstairs space is lovely. Beautiful displays of Lush products fill the room, and there is lots of space to browse. The staff were absolutely lovely (as always), and I even got a (much needed, and appreciated) coffee while I wanted to be called upstairs for my massage. I immediately felt very looked after. 

As soon as I was taken upstairs, it felt like I was stepping into a country cottage. The waiting area is reminiscent of a rustic, farmhouse kitchen, with a long wooden table in the middle. It doesn't feel like a waiting area at all. It's very calming, and immediately puts you at ease! My massage therapist - Leone - sat me down, and offered me a drink as I filled out the consultation form. She sat with me and chatted to me, which I thought was lovely. It really felt like she cared about my enjoyment of the treatment, and answered all the questions I had. Leone put me immediately at ease, and I could tell that she really believed in the Lush products used in the treatment. 

(I did ask her for some info on the products. It's all well and good me saying what they were, but with more info, I knew I could be more informed about the properties.)

Hot Chocolate Scrub

Melted down in from a bar and presented in a cup. It resembles hot chocolate - and smells like it too! The scrub contains Raw Cacao, which gives the scrub its delicious chocolaty smell. It also helps to nourish the skin. Ground Aduki beans help gently exfoliate the skin, and Tamarind softens the skin, working alongside the cacao. 

Rose Serum

Smells divine! It contains Argan Oil, Lime, Rose Clay and Tamarind. All the ingredients together work to nourish and brighten the skin. The clay absorbs excess oil, and hydrates the skin, and the lime helps to brighten the skin. Argon oil and tamarind nourish the skin, and leave it feeling super soft. 

My treatment room was incredible. There was a purply/pinky hue that filled the room, and everywhere you looked, there were candles. Lights filled the ceiling space, and looked like stars hovering in a night sky. Gentle music played in the background. I got ready for the treatment, and lay down on the massage table (well...bed really!) It was like being tucked in. The mattress was made of memory foam, and I was covered up by a soft, fluffy duvet. When I was prepped and ready for the treatment, I was able to call Leone back using a little hand bell. This did feel a bit strange to me - like I was summoning a servant, but I can see how it adds to the calming atmosphere of the treatment. 

 The treatment started with the hot chocolate scrub. An eye pillow was placed on my face to help with the relaxation process, then each limb was taken out from the duvet, one by one, and the scrub was applied (including on my chest). The scrub smelt beautiful, and filled my nostrils with delicious hits of chocolate. The scrub wasn't too abrasive, and I could really feel it working. It made my limbs buzz with happiness. That is the best way I can describe it. I was also really impressed that Leone worked around my left arm and leg - new situations, particularly where I need to be still, can really make me tense (Yes - I was not good at Sleeping Lions when I was younger), but she really took into consideration what I said and worked with that so I felt comfortable. The music helped too...nostalgic music of times gone by. I caught myself smiling a few times when there was a tune I recognised. 

After the scrub was applied, it was lightly massaged into my skin over a sheet, then removed using hot mitts. Only ever one part of your body at a time is out in the open, keeping the rest of you nice and cosy. The rose serum was applied to my skin after the scrub was removed, and then the massage began again, this time, directly on to my skin. And it was amazing. I could feel the tension leave my body as the massage went on - particularly from my left arm. 

After this process was completed on my front, I turned over, and it started again. And this is when the bubbles began. Yes. Yes. You heard me right.....

BUBBLES...ROSE SCENTED BUBBLES!!! 

By the time I was laying on my front, I almost felt like I was going to fall asleep! I had to keep forcing myself to open my eyes to stop myself from nodding off. The whole treatment, but particularly the massage, was incredibly relaxing. The rose scent from the serum and the bubbles really helped to calm me further, and I started to feel like I was floating on a cloud! The massage was well choreographed to the music, and was very smooth - like a dance. It was seamless, which I think added to the relaxation. There were no hidden surprises, or loud noises, or disruptions to the treatment. It flowed from stage to stage beautifully. 

After the treatment was over, I was given time to relax and get changed, and then came out back into the kitchen. Sitting on the table waiting for me was a drink....A cocktail of sparking water and rose syrup, which, when poured over candyfloss, created a tiny glass of pink heaven. By this point, I felt so relaxed I could barely move. I felt like I was having an out of body experience and floating on a cloud. Again, as at the start, Leone sat with me and chatted to me as I drank. It felt so personal, and almost like I was talking to a friend, not somebody I had just met. 

I cannot sing the praises of this treatment enough. It is absolutely spectacular, and so relaxing. Lush have really put a lot of thought into all their treatments. I know that The Comforter was designed to help remind us not to take life too seriously, and it definitely took me to a special happy place of nostalgia and pure relaxation. 

I would just add one little side note. Getting this treatment during Lent when you've given up chocolate is very treacherous  You leave smelling so gorgeous that you're going to want to eat yourself. I walked back to the car with my hands glued to my nose, and I think I got some really funny looks. 

I will definitely be heading back to Lush in the future. In The Comforter, I've made a friend for life!

The Comforter is £65.00. For more info about this treatment, and others Lush Spas have to offer, head here