review - Tried and Tested By Lisa

review, spa, Tried and Tested By Lisa, Uncategorized

Rockliffe Hall Spa – County Durham

July 10, 2016 No Comments

I am in the process of visiting some of the North Easts top spa’s and sharing my experience with you all to help you decide where you would prefer to have your very own Spa break, after many requests off ladies to find good spa deals on Tried and Tested.

I was delighted when Rockliffe Hall Hotel invited me along to try out their spa including the Spa Garden experience and I want to share with you all my experience.

”A hidden gem in the North East of England, Rockliffe Hall is a five star luxury golf and spa hotel offering an award-winning spa, an 18 hole championship golf course and a wide range of restaurant options which cater for all palates and purse strings.

Whether you are looking for a romantic break, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, a unique wedding venue or a place to do business, this world-class resort is a memorable destination.
Set in the quiet village of Hurworth, on the edge of the County Durham and North Yorkshire border, Rockliffe’s location is perfect for discovering the treasures of Durham city, the drama of the North East coastline and the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire moors.

Or, with five star leisure facilities at your fingertips, forget the outside world and enjoy everything that this country retreat has to offer. Relax or be active, celebrate or focus on business, the choice is yours and the pleasure is all ours.”

After around an hours drive from my home town of Consett, I arrived for an afternoon Spa and Garden Spa experience. Let me start by saying ”WOW” this hotel is exquisite and the views breath taking. Parking was easy and Claudia gave me a little tour of the hotel, telling me about their flagship 3AA rosette Orangery restaurant, set in the charming 18th century Old Hall.

After my mini tour I headed to the spa where I was given a complimentary robe, slippers and guided to the changing rooms to be shown how to use the lockers. My Garden Spa experience was booked for 3.30pm for 2 hours so I had around an hour to try squeeze in a go of everything. As I got changed I noticed makeup remover, toner, cotton wool, hair products etc available to use. This was a great touch, as I was conscious of having make up on coming straight from work, and didn’t really want to sit in a sauna with it melting off my face so I was able to remove it before .

Please ask a member of staff for a tour. I sat for around 10 minutes not realising there was a Hydrotherapy Suite. There are plenty of staff available to help, a friendly girl gave me a tour of all the Spa areas and she was very informative. Complimentary fruit and water are freely available and you can order a range of other drinks including smoothies and alcohol at the spa bar area.

This is a Spa where you do not necessarily have to book for a treatment as there is so much to do. I was not booked for a treatment and I struggled to fit it all in on an afternoon. I started in the Tropicarium, much more comfortable than a sauna as it is not as hot.

I looked in the igloo but could not bring myself to sit in it. I just hate the cold. It was however, very pretty and I understand the need to close the pores but I didn’t fancy rubbing ice all over my body ha ha .

Next I had 5 minutes in the Tepidarium relaxing on the heated beds. Wishing I had more time, but wanting to have a go of everything I seized the moment to go into the hydro pool while it was in full flow. The jets massage within the warm pool and it was one of my favorite experiences of the main spa whilst here.

Not wanting to leave the feet out, I then had a go of the Foot spa. One of the 1st foot spas I’ve seen within a spa.

It was nearly time for my slot for the Spa garden but 1st I wanted to pop in the outdoor hot tub. There was a lovely outdoor seating area for warm sunny days and lovely views.

THE SPA GARDEN

”A special spa experience, blending indoors and outdoors for when you need an extra touch of tranquillity. Adjacent to the current spa, the Spa Garden offers an enhanced spa experience.

Indoors, be served complimentary refreshments by your own personal spa concierge while enjoying a traditional glass-fronted sauna, fire pit, water feature and heated relaxation loungers.

While outdoors offers two hot pools including an infinity edge experience pool with massage features and a warm Jacuzzi, decking and lounging areas as well as landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s grounds.

This versatile space is excellent to add on as an extra to your spa day or spa break or can be hired on an exclusive use basis- perfect for a memorable celebration or for the ultimate indulgence.”

The spa garden is a add on from £30 per person for a additional bit of pampering. With its stunning views, outdoor seating, glass fronted sauna to take in those views and the heated beds you really are spoilt.

After a guided tour, I grabbed myself a complimentary coffee, some fruit and nut mix and took to the heated bed to soak up the surroundings. The views are incredible.

After coffee, it was time for a dip in the infinity edge pool ”Soak in the 365 acre estate in the warm outdoor pool whilst experiencing different pressures of hydrotherapy massage.” It really is a nice experience being outdoors soaking in the incredible view within a warm pool listening to the birds. The weather was cloudy but I can imagine this on a warm summers day to be extremely popular especially with all the outdoor space to relax too. After a good 15 minutes in the pool I took to the sauna. Even in the sauna you still have the amazing views as it is glass fronted. The sauna is a great place to dry off and warm up after a dip in the pool. Whilst in the sauna I was pondering whether to cut my garden spa short to experience what I had missed in the main spa for purpose of the review. I decided to have another coffee but then move back into the main spa area after thoroughly enjoying my time here. I was told I could return to the Spa Garden within my time frame if I so wanted.

Once back in the main spa I lay my belongings down and headed to the Caldarium which is a steam room with aromatic oils. It feels great for the skin and stimulates the senses. There is also a Roman Sauna but i’m not a fan as I find them too hot. It would have been great to get pictures inside all these units but as soon as you take a camera in they steam up instantly unfortunately. Leaves you all a surprise if you choose to visit.

Last but not least I decided to do a few lengths as my time was nearly up having to leave the spa by 6pm, and I wanted to have a sneak peek at the gym. The pool is a nice size and great for swimming. I only did 10 lengths but its better than none I suppose.

Feeling relaxed and shattered I was in no way ready to do a gym session but wanted to go take a look because a lot of people don’t realise that gym is included within your stay or spa visit. Some people don’t step foot in the gym as they purely go to relax but I generally like to try them out. Usually they are very impressive in these top spa’s and Rockliffe gym did not disappoint. Full of top of the range equipment this gym also offers classes in the studio.

They have an impressive easy key system to record your workouts and offer incentives to clients who reach their goal set for them. This is a great idea and keeps you motivated. The staff are very enthusiastic and passionate about the gym and this shone through from the guy giving me a tour.

I thoroughly enjoyed my spa visit to Rockliffe and i’m sure you will agree that even without a treatment I had plenty to keep me entertained and relaxed. If you want a luxury incredible spa day with exquisite views then Rockliffe comes highly recommended. Thanks so much Rockliffe for having me and ill be sure to visit again soon.

If you do make a booking, make sure you mention that you seen the review on Tried and Tested.

You will never find offers for this hotel or spa on any ”groupon” type sites so I would suggest you sign up, or keep checking in HERE for all the latest deals. There are some good deals on at present.

Website: www.rockliffehall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockliffehall

Twitter: @Rockliffe_Spa

Instagram: rockliffe_hall

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®)”

Capital Radio, celebrity, Fashion, handbag, Uncategorized

Handbag Essentials Care Kit – Handbag Clinic

May 25, 2016 No Comments

So after winning my amazing Mulberry Handbag worth a staggering £1600, (see the previous blog post here) courtesy of Capital FM and The Handbag Clinic, I knew I needed a cleaning kit to look after this bad boy!. I never look after anything, my shoes get ruined, my new car is a shit tip but who could possibly NOT look after this beauty?. I love handbags and shoes, oh and coats, I have a thing about coats so you can imagine the screams of glee when I won. To keep my bag in tip top condition I just had to order this amazing Handbag Essentials Care Kit available from The Handbag Clinic priced at £49.95, a small price to pay to keep your expensive leather handbags looking their best. Included in the kit is

100ml Fabric protector
100ml Leather cleaner
100ml Fabric cleaner
100ml Leather protection cream
100ml Liquid leather protector
cloth
Handbag Hook

I will be putting this kit to good use on some of my old leather handbags to bring them back to life and it will be on hand to preserve my new one! Well done Handbag Clinic for bringing this amazing piece of kit #loveyourhandbags xxxxxx

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, 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!!

Beauty, body, Clarins, skincare

CLARINS TONIC BODY BALM

May 16, 2016 No Comments

”Wake me up before you go go”!!! This Clarins body balm is invigorating and uplifting. This is my favorite scent out of the Clarins range, so much so that all my Clarins body products are ordered in this same scent to layer the fragrance. I even have the perfume!!!. Certain essential oils can either help you sleep or help you wake up and this for me is a perfect morning balm to liven the senses and help you wake. Smooth on after Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate and your skin is left soft, toned and smelling delicious.

”Change your tone! This refreshing body balm treatment—with a firming blend of Ginseng and Apple Seed Oil—soothes dryness, improves vitality and promotes the appearance of toned, supple-looking skin. This soft body balm refreshes the senses with the aromatic essences of Geranium, Rosewood, Mint and Rosemary and the non-oily texture delivers a satin-fresh finish. Smooth on after Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate and Tonic Body Treatment Oil for a professional, at-home spa treat.”

Beauty, body, Decleor, skincare, spa

Decléor 1000 Grain Body Exfoliator

May 13, 2016 No Comments

WOW, this morning I used this Decleor 1000 Grain Body Scrub and it was amazing!! Not all products make it on to the Tried and Tested Blog, only the best and this is another firm favorite of mine. It has the strangest consistency of a gel exfoliator that melts into an oil and then turns into a milk and even though it is ”1000 grain”, was not abrasive at all. Decleor seem to have a knack of making me mesmerised with their consistency, feel and texture of their products. It has the most up lifting fragrance within the essential oils that had me energised and ready for the day ahead. Shaving after rinsing this exfoliator was a dream. Not sure if it was the oil, but the hubby’s razor (shhhh) just glided and I was left with a real smooth close shave. My skin felt and smelt amazing and was prepped and ready to lather in another amazing product …review to follow.

”This indulgent scrub helps provide skin a velvety-smooth finish, as if transformed. Enriched with Grapefruit Essential Oil, which gives it a sparkling, invigorating fragrance, and a combination of Pearl Sugar, Argan Shell and Orange Peel with Fruit Acids (Grape, Pineapple and Passion Fruit). Our innovative gel turns into an oil during massage for easy application, and then turns into a milk upon contact with water for quick rinsing. Skin is left feeling softer, smoother and refined.”

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