Beauty - Tried and Tested By Lisa

Beauty, health, offer, review, spa, Uncategorized

The Garage Spa Visit – County Durham

August 18, 2016 No Comments

On Monday I was invited along to the Garage Spa located near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham for a morning pamper session. As if I was going to refuse a morning of pure relaxation so of course I jumped at the chance. I have seen this spa mentioned many times on Tried and Tested with glowing reviews so I was very excited.

Firstly the area is stunning, lots of green surroundings and it was a red hot day. I noticed a large hotel ‘’The Morrit’’ beside the spa and did not realise that later this would be where I would dine for lunch.

‘’Adjoining the historic Morritt Country House Hotel, The Garage is a building with a fascinating past, transformed from an ancient stopping station into a first-class spa.

Here you’ll find everything you expect from a modern spa and more. Created with imagination and luxurious rural simplicity, sumptuous decor awash with warm natural stone and timber welcomes you like an old friend.

The Garage is no ordinary spa. Want your nails done? Step into the paint shop. Not firing on all cylinders? A full body MOT is just the ticket. Need to put on the brakes after exploring the stunning Teesdale countryside? Make The Garage your destination.

We’ve put a unique and luxurious spa on the map and look forward to welcoming you to our one-of-a-kind facilities and gorgeous treatments.’’

On arrival I was greeted by two lovely smiley therapists who gave me a medical form to fill in, asked if I would like to book any additional treatments as they had availability and gave me a menu to pick my two course lunch which was either a starter and a main or a main and a dessert. I was very impressed by the menu, true restaurant standard food and lots to choose from.

After I had filled in my forms and picked my lunch I was shown to the changing area and given a fluffy robe, towel and flip flops to wear. The changing areas have individual units which include a toilet, basin and shower which was a nice touch and they were fitted to a very high standard, I loved the tiles and huge shower head. It did feel like my own private bathroom. Shampoo and Conditioner was supplied, however there was no body wash and my hand wash had ran out on the basin so I had to wash with shampoo.

Once I was changed into my robe I was given a guided tour of the spa which consisted of

Steam Room

Salt Room

Jacuzzi with separate plunge pool and a separate warm pool

Outdoor Gardens, which if you get the weather like I did are just amazing to relax in. I loved the swing seats

Outdoor Sauna

Outdoor rustic Jacuzzi bath

Many different fancy showers around that all looked different so I assume do different things and cold bucket dunkers which would be great fun if with friends

Many treatments rooms including a mud treatment room (you can buy the mud to massage all over the body, chill in the room letting it work its magic and then wash it off) the floatation bed room (ill come to this treatment later) then upstairs they have a couples treatment room which has its own private balcony with a copper bath on the balcony and more treatment rooms.

I had a go of everything apart from the mud and didn’t have a treatment although I wish I had now.

I must admit I loved the outdoor space especially as the weather was so good and it was so peaceful.

I was treat to a 15 minute dry floatation treatment which is a like a water bed that you lie on and your submerged down into warm water. Imagine being on a lilo in a hot bath but actually being submerged without getting wet. The bed sort of hugs you tight and you just float on warm water. I did lie there thinking that it would be great it had settings that would create a slight wave so you felt you were at sea but it was very relaxing all the same.

After the floatation treatment I was peckish. I’d had no breakfast so went to the reception area which has a beautiful lounge and ordered tea and a teacake. I sat and enjoyed this in my robe catching up on emails. Once finished I went back to make the most of the facilities.

At 12.30pm I decided to go and get changed ready for lunch at 1pm. I sat in the sun outside the spa and a lovely girl from the hotel came and got me and escorted me to the restaurant in the hotel. My meal was fantastic, could not fault it. As was the service, I had corn fed chicken and a strawberry shortcake. It was divine and from what I saw of the hotel it too was beautiful.

After lunch it was time to head home. I really enjoyed my time at the Garage Spa, its quirky and different to the norm which I like. I will definitely return with friends in the future and make sure I have a treatment.

Don’t worry I did not leave without securing all my readers an exclusive discount and I have a cracking offer for you all subject to availability so don’t miss it!

It is the Country Lane Package which consists of;

Full day Spa use (9am-5pm)

2 course lunch from our bar and bistro menu

Use of our fluffy robes, towel and flip flops

Mud Pit treatment

55 minute Classic Facial or 55 minute Deep Relaxing Massage.

Usual Price;

Monday- Friday £109.00 per person – 20% off = £87.20

Friday – Sunday £149.00 per person – 20% off = £119.20

This offer will be subject to availability so book ASAP and make sure you quote ”Tried and Tested” to get the discount.

Tel: 01833 863100

Email: [email protected]

Beauty, Beauty Show, celebrity, salon, T.V.

Filming my new show – Confessions of a Beauty Addict

August 10, 2016 No Comments

So that’s all the packets filmed for my new beauty show. Not sure why they call them packets but that is what they are called in T.V. land and mine consist of me visiting salons experiencing beauty treatments and getting the inside story from the professionals. Not your usual manicure or pedicure mind you but more unusual treatments. I have the rest of the show still left to film but I am so excited for it to be on the telly box soon.

Friday I visited a brand new clinic in Jesmond called 1 Benton Tce. Think of it as a one stop shop for all things beauty, from hair styling to lasers to botox to fillers. Here I experienced the ”iron man facial” which is hugely popular with celebrities and consists of wearing a light therapy mask which has many benefits, however I really don’t want to say too much as I want you to tune in to find out more but it was a canny impressive piece of kit!

Tuesday I visited Newcastle Hair and Beauty in central Newcastle for a Hydra facial which again is a celebrity favorite. It is a 7 step medical facial but again I really don’t want to say too much, however what I will say is that results are instant and my skin has never ever felt so clean and fresh…eeekkk right that’s too much, you will just have to tune in and find out about all of these amazing treatments.

Ill be sure to let you all know when Confessions of a Beauty Addict will air on Made in Tyne and Wear!

Beauty, Clarins, face, offer, review, skincare

Clarins Red Room – House Of Fraser

August 1, 2016 No Comments

After having the worlds worst cold I needed a little TLC. I knew exactly where to go for a pick me up that is not only great value but a great indulgent luxury treatment. Having been before I knew I would be well looked after.

Did you know Clarins in House of Fraser, Metro Centre offers a RED ROOM treatment? It is a 45 minute facial within a private treatment room. It is amazing and a facial that you wont experience anywhere else as Clarins staff are uniquely trained.

Clarins is the leading Number 1 in skincare so I would expect you to be shocked if I told you that you can get a 45 minute facial for £15 and that the £15 was then redeemable against any purchase made at the time of your appointment, making you facial FREE!!! Yes that’s right FREE!!! You cant even get a Facial with budget products in a salon for that price ladies.

I am a big fan of Clarins and this facial is a great way to try products and find favorites. Katherine is very informative and so passionate about the brand. Katherine first asked about my current skin care regime and asked what I was currently using, she then studied my skin to help her pick the products that would be right for me. Katherine ran through every product she used and the benefits. I particularly like the mask and the serum. The facial was so relaxing with an added bonus of some neck and arm massage. My skin feels amazing!

After the treatment you are offered ”a hint of colour” make over. Great if you have some shopping to do or are going out that evening, although it is just a mini make over but a nice chance to experience Clarins make up also. I opted out on this today as I was only planning on going home and wanted the full benefits of the facial products all night.

I will definitely be returning again and again for this facial, it is my port of call for a ”pick me up”. Katherine and the girls are very kind and very professional, a credit to Clarins!!

If you feel you would like to try this amazing £15 facial deal then I’d urge you to book asap. Last time I blogged this deal got booked up very very quickly.

To Book call House of Fraser Metro Centre Clarins counter on : 0191 493 2424 ext 7954

Beauty, body, Tan, Tried and Tested By Lisa

Star Tanning Review

July 1, 2016 No Comments

As ambassador of the charity SCKIN I get asked to try out lots of fake tans. I like to find the best alternative solution to achieving that bronzed goddess glow, without the need for tanning beds, injections and the harmful rays of the sun. I recently appeared on a show on channel 5 promoting safe tanning to individuals who risk their health daily on sunbeds so I need to make sure I recommend the best products to get them to convert.

There are a lot of tans on the market, some good and some bad! Only the good make it to tried and tested and you may find a number of different tans on my blog that I rave about because something that suits my skin may not suit yours. Its all about finding your favorite and Star tanning is a firm favorite of mine.

Why is Star tanning different?

STAR tanning products are the ONLY tanning products in the UK made with 100% NATURAL ingredients; no alcohol, no paraben and no chemicals. They will soon be registered as the only Vegan Safe tanning brand in the UK, an amazing accolade to hold.

STAR naturally facilitates the production of melanin in the skin, giving you the most safe and natural tan possible.

I can get itchy with tans, my skin does not agree with certain brands and my legs in particular itch like mad. This tan is different, its 100% natural so no nasties that can irritate the skin. Great news for people with dermatitis or psoriasis who tend to use tanning beds to clear up their skin but are damaging it at the same time off the beds. STAR is designed to penetrate the 3 top layers of the skin epidermis to facilitate melanin production and give a more natural tone rather than dying the top layer of your skin with a “fake tan” colour like all other brands do. STAR removes all the harsh chemicals and alcohol which dries out the skin and causes irritation. The brand has passed safety tests for the UK, Europe and USA as well as being this year’s tanning sponsors for the London “Safety in Beauty” White Party run by Antonia Mariconda. They have a PH Neutralising Spray which helps skin irritations too as shown above and a Colour Lock Spray to prevent transfer onto sheets and clothing…perfect for brides.

The scent is fresh watermelon, I wouldn’t say I could particularly smell the watermelon but there was certainly no unpleasant smell. They also do an exclusive scent for guys too, Bleu STAR, which has a scent identical to Bleu de Chanel aftershave and I think i’d of preferred this smell because I just love guys scents. The colour was great, natural and streak free which is what you should expect from tans these days but so many still get it wrong. It faded evenly and didn’t transfer thanks to the Colour Lock Spray. It was easy to apply with a mitt and the consistency is a mousse which I prefer over creams as I just find them easier to apply.

To order this tan please visit the website HERE and receive 20% discount off your 1st order using code FIRST20

Im off to go get my Glow on ready for filming xxxx

FOLLOW: Twitter – Facebook – Instragram

Beauty, Beauty Show, hair, Hair Care, T.V., Tried and Tested By Lisa

Filming with the Dreamgirlz

June 30, 2016 No Comments

Ok, so when I was told I could have my own show on Made in Tyne and Wear called ”Confessions of a Beauty Addict”, I just knew that I had to visit a hair extension expert. So many ladies ask on Tried and Tested about hair extensions, ”what method is best?”, ”are they hard to maintain?”, ”where is best to go?”, ”what hair is best?” etc so I really wanted to cover this treatment on the show. I researched and found a salon that kept popping up as a firm favorite on my Group called Dreamgirlz Hair Extension Boutique in Jesmond.

I contacted the owner Vanessa and we arranged to meet. I instantly loved her, she was enthusiastic, full of knowledge and bubbly, great for the show!. Her salon is out of this world and every station has its own flat screen TV which is impressive, nearly as impressive as the huge crystal chandelier which is the centerpiece and the classy decor. Vanessa was keen to give me a hair make over for the show and who was I to argue he he. I wanted big hair, big, long, bad ass hair and Vanessa didn’t disappoint as you can see from the pictures. After a consultation Vanessa chose a weft for me as I wanted lots of volume and length and she thought this method was best. I was pleased as this was a method I had never tried and I love to try out NEW, on trend treatments and this is very much the method of choice at present. All the girls in the salon have this method of hair themselves. This is the kindest method to your natural hair. The weft is applied with tiny micro rings and sewn in so no braids needed. The hair is distributed evenly so no tension to the root of the natural hair either. This salon uses hair of the best quality and if looked after correctly can last 12 months + so is a long term investment. I will be going for regular maintenance every 8 to 10 weeks to have the weft removed and naturally shredded hair brushed away and the weft fitted again. My aim of the extensions is to give my own natural hair a rest and let it grow, hopefully having the length I desire in a year. I can, if I wanted dye this hair, cut this hair and treat it exactly like natural hair but you must make sure you use the correct products for hair extensions available also from the salon.

Vanessa was great on camera and very informative. I am absolutely over the moon with my new hair. She achieved exactly what I wanted and it is so comfortable, you literally don’t know its in. Vanessa does some amazing work with ladies who suffer from alopecia and other hair loss conditions. She says this is her most rewarding work and I can understand why. Hair is everything to a woman. You can step out with a full face of amazing makeup and dressed out of this world but if you have bad hair everyone will notice. Thanks so much girls, you have made Mrs T&T a very happy lady!

Check out Dreamgirlz work Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Beauty, nails, salon, Tried and Tested By Lisa

LEVOI CHAMPAGNE NAIL BAR VISIT NEWCASTLE

June 20, 2016 No Comments

Today I visited a Champagne nail bar in Central Newcastle for a pedicure on my poor neglected feet. This nail bar is PURE CLASS. The decor is amazing with inspiring quotes dotted about on the walls and Ann has gone all out with attention to detail, even having a champagne cork table which was very quirky. The lighting, display cabinets and bar all look so fitting to their surroundings and ooze classy. I was very impressed with this place, the the photos do not do it justice at all. LEVOI is a nail bar but also offers HD Brows. One thing I love is the names of the nail packages and polishes, they are all based round drinks. Check out the packages here. This is a great place to go with your girlfriends before a night out or a big event and come highly recommended.

When I arrived I was met by Ann Walker the owner, who offered me a glass of champagne on arrival (it would be rude not to). We talked as she got to work on my feet, giving me the most amazing glitter nail pedicure which I LOVE and she is such a lovely lady and has such a moving story behind starting this venture that I really want to share it with you all…

LEVOI the name. Firstly LEVOI is starting its life in a new independent Champagne Nail Salon in the heart of Newcastle city centre. Founded by local geordie girl Ann walker people always ask about the name and the inspiration for the BRAND. Is it French? What does it mean? How is it pronounced?We pronounce it Le Vua! or you may say Le Voy! It is not foreign or does not have an alternative meaning. It is simply an anagram in memory of an amazing woman that was Ann’s mother OLIVE. LEVOI the inspiration. Ann Walker was raised then named Ann Edington in a very close, respected working class family from Birtley on Tyne & Wear. The family were raised with unconditional love, but always taught good manners and respect, often being reminded that is not about what you’ve got its about being a good and honest person. Now aged 47 years with her own family, Ann has many years experience in the Beauty Industry, having ran her own small salon in her home town of Birtley from 2001 – 2012. Having qualified in beauty therapies, Ann also went on to achieve qualifications in hairdressing and many other Vocational and CPD certificates within the industry. Ann was also later employed as an Account and Business manager for a very well known cosmetics brand from 2011 – 2015. In 2013 Ann’s family were struck by huge tragedy, loosing 5 members of her immediate family in a horrific road traffic collision. Ann lost her older sister (and best friend) Angela, along with her brother in law Dave, nieces Carley aged 21, Beth aged 18 and great niece Lacie Jade aged only 23 months. This was life changing devastation for all of the family, especially Angela’s only son aged 24 at the time, and in turn took its toll on Ann’s mother and Rock of the family. Already suffering cancer Olive also died that same year, only 6 months later. After months of bereavement and specialist counselling, Ann knew that her life would never be the same. She quit her job as a business manager feeling she had lost her drive for the Company she was now working for. After only 3 months in a diversifying role, Ann soon realised that she truly missed the Beauty industry and spent the next few months researching making the new LEVOI Brand. Remembering years earlier, when Ann had her local salon in Birtley, her big sister Angela also had her own salon in Gateshead. They once joked about how they should merge it all together and create a big brand, although jokingly they would never afford to do this. This would be the inspiration behind Ann’s drive. Olive was not a rich woman by any means but along with husband and father George who died in 2008, both worked hard enough to buy their council home where the family were brought up. Following Olive’s death Ann inherited a little cash sum from which she would be inspired to focus on a new venture in all of their memory, and something to focus on for the future of the family. After long days and nights researching Ann finally found the best businesses to work with to manufacture her own LEVOI nail brand.

We’d love to showcase the Brand to you!

Our UK manufacturers lead the way in the development of high quality and innovative products for the cosmetics and beauty industry. With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing cyanoacrylate adhesives,sealants and UV curing nail products, the highly skilled workforce and world-class development chemists continually strive to provide exceptional service to the industry. With their vast experience they have created our Gel formula which is kind on the nail, plus long lasting results, giving you Super glossy, chip resistant colour for up-to 3 weeks. With manufacturing and distribution sites in both the UK and the USA, they are internationally renowned within the global cosmetics industry.

You can purchase LEVOI polishes and gels from £9 online here or direct from the nail bar

I have a special ”TRIED AND TESTED” offer for members when they quote tried and tested on booking

Offers – 10% off all service treatments – 20% off all retail products in store – Offer available until 31st July 2016 – Call 0191 230 5859 or contact us via our FB page

Beauty, body

Pink Angel – That’so

May 25, 2016 No Comments

I am in lurrrrve with this creamy body mousse !! Leaves skin feeling silky soft with a slight sheen and has a soft subtle fragrance. It is surprisingly thick and a little goes a long way. It helps with ageing skin by helping tighten and firm those wobbly bits. Its Italian made so you just know its good!!!

Order yours here

”Wrap your body with your Angel of Beauty. Obtain and keep the youth of a tonic and beautiful body. With its reducing effect, the innovative formulation of Pink Angel redefines body contours and smoothens and turn the skin divinely velvety.

Pink Angel is a real body treatment working on two levels:

Unblocks and moves fats pushing them to reduce (Liporeductyl®)
Turns your skin younger, more compact, more toned and more elastic by lifting immediate effect (Proteasyl®)”

Beauty, hair, Hair Care, salon, Tried and Tested By Lisa

MILK_SHAKE

May 20, 2016 No Comments

Now there is no denying my love of milk_shake products for the hair!!! I have said it before many times on Tried and Tested. The smell of these products is divine and they have helped my over processed hair immensely and for that milk_shake, boy am I grateful. Milk_shake use only natural and organic ingredients which is crafted with care to suit specific haircare needs Here is some of my staple products I can not live without which help tame my crazy curly mane.

Curl passion shampoo – Gently cleanses curly hair, giving hydration and condition, eliminating frizz. Formulated with coconut oil sugars and grapefruit, apple and peach extracts, it helps maintain long lasting curls, leaving hair elastic, conditioned and shiny.

Eco-mist styler hairspray – Eco-mist hairspray that protects your hair and the environment. Gives long-lasting flexible hold and humidity resistance, ideal for all hair types, it’s perfect for finishing any style. With UV filters that protect hair color. Gives medium, natural hold leaving hair voluminous and radiant.

Leave-in conditioner – A leave-in conditioning spray for normal or dry hair that gives manageability to hair whilst protecting its structure and moisture balance. Milk proteins give strength to the hairs structure and fruit and honey extracts revitalize and give shine to the hair. Integrity 41 and vitamin E protect from UV rays, helping to maintain hair color.

Glistening spray – Gives shine, eliminates static electricity and improves manageability. Formulated with date seed oil extract and abyssinian oil, it gives smoothness and helps to maintain the hair’s moisture balance.

Curl passion mask – A rich mask for curly hair that gives deep hydration and conditioning, eliminating frizz. Grapefruit, apple and peach extracts, jojoba oil and shea butter help to maintain long-lasting curls, leaving hair elastic, conditioned and shiny.

To purchase Milk_shake products you need to find a milk_shake salon or buy online. My products are from A-List Salon in Sunderland..check out their facebook page.

Beauty, Beauty Show, celebrity, hair, Hair Care, salon

MY BEAUTY SHOW

May 18, 2016 No Comments

I’m excited to let you all know that filming has started for my new show ”Confessions of a Beauty Addict”. Think Tried and Tested on your telly box! It will be aired on our local channel Made in Tyne and Wear and ill be sure to let you know when. I don’t want to give too much away but one of my highlights this week was meeting Neville Ramsay, stylist to the celebrities. He is a great, funny guy and made filming a breeze. We caught up discussing what looks are going to be big this summer (so tune in for that!) and I was also lucky enough to get my hair done by the lovely Denise, educator for Milkshake and Neville himself. Denise gave me a semi colour cocktail, as you can see in the pictures it looks good enough to eat! I went for a lovely purple colour to give me a hint of violet on my dark hair. The colour is conditioning and does not damage the hair at all. The smell was out of this world, ice cream is how I would describe it. Neville then gave me a softening sweeping fringe, a little trim and a BIG bouncy blow-dry to fit in with the ”on trend” look. I was over the moon with end the result. My hair colour is amazing, so much so that I want it permanent lol, the condition feels much better and the fringe updated my look. I’ve had lots of compliments so I would like to thank Denise and Neville for inviting me and the cameras along.

If you would like to try some milkshake products or would love to treat yourself to a hair pamper by Mr Ramsay himself call A-List Salon located in Sunderland on 0191 5109988 to make an appointment.

Beauty, Clarins, skincare, Tried and Tested By Lisa

CLARINS SKIN BOOSTERS

May 16, 2016 No Comments

Hail Clarins for these skin boosters!. Have you ever felt your skin needed a boost? Is your skin dull, fatigued and lacks radiance? – you need energy boost. Is your skin weakened by certain lifestyle or environmental factors, red, dry and uncomfortable? – you need repair boost. Is your skin congested, effected by pollution or overindulging? – you need detox boost. How amazing that you can use your normal moisturiser but just add these wonder drops to give you the boost you need. I have all 3 and use them accordingly when my skin needs that that extra boost. I work long hours managing a practice, blogging and filming and it all takes its toll on my skin. Depending on my needs I just reach for these drops and add them to my evening and morning moisturiser and they are a life saver! What you waiting for? get yourself to the Clarins counter and give your skin a boost!!

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