DISCOVERING THE HOUSE OF ELEMIS WITH LYDIA MILLEN

Elemis is a brand associated with luxurious spas and pampering treatments. I’ve been lucky enough to try some of the Elemis products at a spa taster session, but that was many moons ago. Lately I’ve been in such desperate need of some TLC and a little pampering so when my friend and blogger Heather from Digital Fluidity mentioned an evening with Elemis in collaboration with blogger & YouTuber Lydia Millen, I booked on as soon as I could!

The event took place in the heart of Mayfair at The House of Elemis Set in a beautiful townhouse space, the House of Elemis offers a calming sanctuary. It’s here that skin care, science and spa treatments combine to provide a one-stop location for all your skin needs and the perfect for some self-care too. This was the first event with Lydia Millen I’ve attended. I loved the cosy nature of the evening and it was great to be able to just chat away to Lydia, hearing about not only about her top Elemis products and recommendations, but also some really honest insights into how some of the products have also helped with managing anxiety, products such as the Aching Muscle Super Soak which is great post workout. I was definitely all ears especially as I’ll be focusing more on exercise now as I train for my 10K run in support of Diabetes UK, and to also help with managing my own anxiety and health. I find it really helpful and comforting when others talk about their journey with anxiety and I found Lydia not only very easy to listen to but also someone who is genuinely warm and easy to chat too. It wasn’t just Lydia, there were so many lovely and engaging women (and a guy) at the event that evening, which created a really positive and welcoming atmosphere.There were also an array of canapés (I love canapés) and lots of healthy and cleansing drinks for us all to enjoy through the evening. I had a carrot and orange drink and felt very zen!During the evening we had the opportunity to book onto a 20 treatment, either an OPI manicure which Heather opted for (she loves OPI!) or an express facial which was what I opted for and it was bliss! The treatments were in the Speed Spa which was lovely, it was so amazing to sit back in the chair and be pampered at the end of a long day at work. I’m a huge fan of facials and an Elemis facial is so luxurious! Something I could definitely get used to! While I was waiting for my treatment I made use of the  SkinLab facial mapping technology. The mapping looked at my skin to highlight the congested areas and where the skin needs more moisture and this was used to recommend which products would be suitable for my skin during the facial and to use at home. The mapping also assesses any areas of sun damage and I was relieved to hear this was not a problem for me but was reminded of the importance of using sun screen even in the colder months.

I picked up a couple of products during the evening, both in fact from Lydia’s Elemis favourites. As soon as I heard about the Pro-Collagen cleansing balm, I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist, especially having just finished my current cleansing balm (FYI Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse). The Pro-Collagen balm is incredible and reminds me of the Emma Hardie cleansing balm. It feels like having a spa treatment at home, it comes with a good quality flannel and smells gorgeous. The texture is so smooth, it’s so easy to apply and your skin feels good when you apply the warm flannel. I go to bed feeling very pampered. The balm is perfect for removing the last traces of makeup as part of a double cleanse which takes me nicely onto the first cleanse step: the Biotec Skin Energising Cleanser which is part of the anti-aging range but suitable for most skin types. This stuff is incredible, you need the tiniest amount and it sets to work immediately, getting rid of dirt and make up including stubborn mascara. My skin feels lovely after, not stripped of oils or tingly, just clean and happy. As I made a purchase including something from the anti-aging range, there was a lovely gift with purchase and a little goodie bag treat. I got a travel size bath soak which made me very happy and Lydia was totally right, it’s so good to sink into a bath full of the this soak after a workout or after a long day where your muscles just need some TLC. I love little travel sized goodies and when they’re from Elemis, you feel extra pampered. I’ve put most of them aside for now as they’ll be going into my DIY beauty advent calendar and I can’t wait to try them!! FYI QVC have some great deals on Elemis at the moment and there are some gorgeous gift sets too which would make perfect Christmas presents for yourself and others.

Thank you to Lydia and the lovely people at House of Elemis for such a lovely, pampering evening. I left feeling very pampered and looked after. I happily showed off my post facial glow, make-up free face to all the commuters on the way home which was very liberating.I’m feeling spoilt for choice with Elemis at the moment as I was lucky enough to win this body and hand cream duo from during a raffle at an inspiring body positivity event run by Jess from the The Fat Funny One, if you’re not already familiar with Jess, definitely go check her out. She is one of the loveliest, honest and funny people I’ve met and she’s doing something so worthwhile. You should have seen my face, at the event when I won a prize, I never win anything and to win something so luxurious at that was incredible. This duo is perfect for this cold weather and I’ll be popping it into my gym bag as a post work out treat.

Have you tried Elemis? What your favourite Elemis must haves?

Jx