CLARINS BEAUTYBAR S.O.S FACIAL, INTU LAKESIDE

Despite loving beauty and having written about the subject for 5 solid years; I've never actually had a facial or similar treatment before. 

When Clarins got in touch to ask me if I was interested in reviewing their latest invention; I couldn't say no as I was really intrigued! The BeautyBAR is pretty much what it says on the tin. A bar that you can visit for quick treatments such as facials, massages and even makeovers. 

I was invited along to Debenhams at intu Lakeside shopping centre and was booked in for a 5pm slot; for a 30 minute facial.

Upon arriving, I was introduced to Nicole who was going to be my therapist for the treatment. I was told to take a seat and relax whilst she prepped for the treatment. The beauty bar is within Debenhams and is a part of the Clarins makeup counter. However, it is very much secluded in itself and is private so no shoppers will see what's going on! The room is bright, white and very relaxing as they play spa type music which is really soothing and gets you on right frame of mind for a facial. 

Nicole was really comfortable to talk to and we had a talk about my skincare regime and how I look after my skin. I decided to have a facial because I had never had one before, so I was really excited but nervous because my skin is quite sensitive and I know what does and what doesn't work for me. 

Firstly, Nicole had to assess what kind of facial I required exactly. To do this, she touched my face and stroked my skin (as weird as it sounds) and told me my skin is clear and healthy but is quite dehydrated. A transition of seasons and catching the tube twice a day is probably the reason for this! Therefore, Nicole chose the 'SOS Facial' for me which like all the other facials; is charged at just £25.

Nicole used a number of different products during my facial. She started by removing my makeup using the Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed (£19.50), which was really gentle to my skin. However, it's not to be used on eye makeup as it can sting! 

The HydraQuench Lotion (£36) and HydraQuench Cream-Mask (£34) were used next and massaged into my face; whilst Nicole turned her hands in all kinds of twisted positions. Nicole also used her hands to press down on my skin and 'push' against it; almost like a suction effect. I've never used any of these hand movements when applying masks to my face so are definitely something I may try out in the future! 

The masque was then cleansed off using hot face mitts and the Camomile Toning Lotion (£24.50) was then applied to get off last of the masque. A sheet of large tissue was then laid on top of my face to soak up the extra toning lotion that hadn't quite absorbed into my face.

 The facial was amazing and my skin has truly never felt so good. I was really worried that my skin would break out due to the introduction of brand new products I had never tried before. However, my skin remained calm and looked bright and youthful like it should do for a 23 year old. 

Since then, I have been using some of the products used in the facial and have really enjoyed using them. My skin is really glowing at the moment and I've even been told how great my skin looks by people at work.  

The facials are so affordable at just £25 per facial. It is recommended to have one every 6-8 weeks to cleanse your skin of impurities. They make great gifts too, especially with Christmas around the corner!

Clarins BeautyBAR's are available in select Debenhams and John Lewis stores. I totally recommend going to have one so do check to see where your nearest BeautyBAR is!

Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with intu Lakeside shopping centre and Clarins. However, all words, opinions and photographs are my own.