AMAN Advanced Facial at Aman Spa at The Connaught Review

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I recently had the supreme pleasure of trialling the AMAN Advanced Facial at the Aman Spa based in London’s The Connaught and I felt compelled to tell you about it. If you are looking for a facial that is results-driven but also utterly relaxing, keep reading.

What is the Aman Advanced Facial?

AMAN Advanced Facial at Aman Spa
AMAN Advanced Facial at Aman Spa

This results-driven treatment is positioned as the fine art of the facial meets science:

  • Uses Aman Spa’s newest skincare line, Essential Skin
  • Enhanced with powerful rice bran and indigo herbal extracts from Japan
  • Treatment is designed to leave the complexion glowing and visibly lifted
  • Begins with ultrasonic scrubbing which deep cleanses by purifying pores of excess oil, dirt and cellular debris
  • Then stimulating EMS is used to pushed skincare ingredients deep into the skin
  • There’s also manual lifting massage to encorage firmness and elasticity
  • A concentrated marine mineral mask deeply hydrates
  • Then the Aman x 111 Nourishing Gold Algae Hydrogel is applied
  • There’s a session with Aman’s beneath our state-of-the-art LED lamp
  • Also a leg massage and a lifting scalp massage

My Review

AMAN Advanced Facial - After Photo
AMAN Advanced Facial – After Photo

I get asked about my favourite facials and treatments a lot these days, so I am trying to have more. When I was offered the try out the Aman Advanced Facial at the Aman Spa at The Connaught, I couldn’t say no.

Nestled in the serene, subterranean sanctuary of the spa (seriously, it’s like descending into another world), this facial promised high-tech meets high-touch, and it absolutely delivered.

Let me start by saying: there’s a lot packed into just 60 minutes. It’s one of those facials that just keeps giving. It was like a symphony of sonic cleansing, LED therapy, masks, massage and more. From the moment I was cocooned in the treatment room (which by the way, is the very definition of peaceful), I was gone. And I mean Oura Ring-logged-a-37-minute-nap gone! That’s how deeply relaxing it was.

Science Meets Serenity

The facial begins with an ultrasonic exfoliation. Think of it as a gentle buzz that really gets in there, purging pores of all the city grime and dead skin. My therapist then layered in a mix of EMS (that’s electrical muscle stimulation), cryo therapy and clever manual lifting techniques. All of this sounds a lot, but it’s done so seamlessly that you feel utterly pampered while your skin gets a proper workout behind the scenes.

AMAN Skincare Products
AMAN Skincare Products

The treatment uses the Aman Essential Skin products which were developed in Japan and loaded with beautiful botanical extracts like rice bran and indigo. Everything smells and feels divine, is gentle on the skin but incredibly effective. The products are good. I was introduced to them last year when I reviewed the AMAN Beauty Advent Calendar. I hope they do it again this year because it’s the perfect way to discover the range.

I’ve had my fair share of facials, but I wasn’t expecting this level of body indulgence. The therapist did an incredible leg and foot massage mid-treatment while the LED mask was on and it honestly made me feel like I had brand new feet!

Post-Facial Glow and Lift

AMAN Advanced Facial - After Photo
AMAN Advanced Facial – After Photo

After the marine mineral mask came off and the gold algae hydrogel went on, my skin looked lifted, smooth and properly glowing. There was a clarity and bounce to my complexion that honestly made me do a little double-take in the mirror.

AMAN Spa at The Connaught
AMAN Spa at The Connaught

As I laid in the spa afterwards, trying to wake up a little and also hold on to that super relaxed feeling, I couldn’t stop looking at my skin in the camera on my phone. Annoyingly, I was loving life so much that I stayed 10 minutes longer than I should have and ended up running to catch my train!

AMAN Advanced Facial - After Photo
AMAN Advanced Facial – After Photo

Final Thoughts

I have always heard amazing things the Aman brand and their lavish hotels, and in true Aman style, this isn’t just a facial it’s a full-body, mind-melting ritual. It’s equal parts high-performance skincare and soul-soothing escape. I went in stressed and I came out sculpted, radiant, and deeply chilled. If you’re in London and need a serious skin and spirit reset, book this facial immediately.

Whether you’re a beauty junkie, a spa aficionado or just someone in need of a serious recharge, the Aman Advanced Facial at The Connaught is it.

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SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush Review

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SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush Review

I’ve been using the SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush for a few weeks and I wanted to share my early thoughts. As someone who’s used the Spotlight toothbrush for a while and been very happy with it, I was curious to see how this more eco-conscious option would compare, especially as I’ve seen lots of influencers advertising it.Here’s what you need to know.

What is the SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush?

What is SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush?
What is SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush?
  • Sonic technology with 33,000 vibrations per minute for a deep yet gentle clean
  • Two cleaning modes: Everyday Clean and Polish
  • Designed to be gentle on sensitive gums and enamel
  • Operates quietly with minimal vibration noise
  • Brush heads made from cornstarch (handle) and castor oil bristles
  • Fully recyclable heads through SURI’s free recycling scheme
  • Modular design allows for easy repairs and parts replacement
  • Packaging is 100% recyclable and plastic-free
  • Up to 40+ days of battery life on a single charge
  • Charges via USB-C, compatible with universal USB chargers
  • Fast charging – full charge in about 4 hours
  • No bulky charging docks
  • Ultra-slim, lightweight aluminium handle
  • Available in a range of elegant colours
  • Compact charging travel case included
  • Optional magnetic wall mount for convenient storage

Where to buy it

The SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush is available now via the links below:

My Review of SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush

My Review of SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush
My Review of SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush

First Impressions: Sleek, Minimal, and Premium

Straight out of the box, the SURI toothbrush made a great impression. I opted for the Sunshine Bloom colour, which is super cute.

The slim aluminium handle feels incredibly lightweight but not in a cheap way. It has a refined, premium quality that sets it apart from some of the chunkier plastic brushes I’ve used in the past. I really appreciate the simplicity of the design; it’s modern, elegant, and very well thought out.

Cleaning Performance: Gentle Yet Thorough

While I’ve always liked the clean I get from my Spotlight brush which I discussed in detail here, I have to say, I do think my teeth feel a little cleaner with SURI. There’s a lightness to the experience, but it still feels like a very thorough clean. I’ve mainly used the Everyday Clean mode (there’s also a Polish setting), and I’ve been really happy with how my teeth and gums feel afterward.

SURI brush head
SURI brush head

The brush head is soft and comfortable which is ideal if you experience any gum sensitivity. It’s really gentle but still effective, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a toothbrush.

Sustainability: Thoughtful Materials and Responsible Design

One of the main reasons I wanted to try the SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush was its eco-conscious approach. The brush heads are made from cornstarch, and the bristles are crafted from castor oil instead of plastic. Seeing as plastic toothbrushes contribute a significant negative impact on the environment, this feels like  a great step forward in reducing unnecessary waste in daily routines.

I also love that the brand offers a free recycling scheme for used brush heads.

Battery & Charging: Impressive Longevity

The battery life so far has been excellent. After a full charge when I first received it, I haven’t needed to plug it in again and I’ve been using it twice a day for a few weeks. It promises over 40 days which is very impressive.

SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush charging base
SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush charging base

The USB charging is another highlight. It’s so much more convenient than the bulky proprietary chargers that come with most electric brushes. I already have a ridiculous collection of old Oral B and Spotlight chargers I’ll never use again, so I was really pleased to see a more streamlined solution here.

Travel Case & Accessories: Compact and Premium

The charging travel case is one of the best I’ve used. It’s compact, elegant, and fits easily into a toiletries bag. It also charges the toothbrush while it’s stored. This makes it ideal for travel or even just keeping things neat at home.

SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush Travel Case
SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush Travel Case

SURI also includes a magnetic wall mount, which I think is a really smart touch, though I haven’t used it myself. I prefer to store my brush in a glass inside a cupboard. It feels a little more hygienic and helps protect it from any bathroom humidity or airborne particles.

A Few Small Concerns

My only slight concern so far is the exposed metal charging contacts. While I’ve not had any issues, I am being careful not to get them wet. It’s a toothbrush, so it naturally comes into contact with water, and I’m not sure how realistic it is to keep the base completely dry over time. Something to keep an eye on, but not a dealbreaker at this point.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start

Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the SURI toothbrush. It’s stylish, thoughtful, and performs beautifully. It feels like a modern, elevated alternative to the standard electric toothbrush especially as it combines sustainability with great functionality.

Of course, it’s early days, and I think a full assessment of its value for money will only be possible after a year or so of regular use. But based on my experience so far, I’d absolutely recommend giving it a try if you’re looking to upgrade your oral care routine in a more considered way.

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HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Oil Review

Another haru haru review! find out my thoughts on the deep cleansing oil and if you should try it!

Blooming Blends Calm Tincture Review

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Blooming Blends Calm Tincture Review

As someone that is easily over-stimulated, finding a bit of calm in the day can be a tricky mission, however, I recently discovered the Blooming Blends Calm Tincture and am finding it very effective. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Blooming Blends Calm Tincture?

What is Blooming Blends Calm Tincture?
What is Blooming Blends Calm Tincture?
  • Soothing tincture to help guide you towards a sense of stillness and serenity
  • Uses a blend of comforting adaptogens
  • Designed to support your sense of inner balance and calm
  • Idea for travelling and times of stress or change
  • Soothes tension and balances worry and stress
  • Helps to keep you feeling grounded and calm

How to use it

Blooming Blends Calm Tincture - How to use it
Blooming Blends Calm Tincture – How to use it

Take 1/2 or a full pipette and drop the liquid under your tongue for rapid absorption. Alternatively you can drop it into water for a more diluted effect.

For sleep, you should take a full pipette before bed time. If you wake in the night, you can take another to help you drift back off to sleep.

My Review of Blooming Blends Calm Tincture

Blooming Blends Calm Tincture Review
Blooming Blends Calm Tincture Review

So I first tried this when I was at a press day with PuRe PR where they had kindly invited me to represent REESON to press and influencers. It was a super fun day but when I see a lot of people, and chat a lot, I get very easily over-stimulated, and can become what some would describe as manic!!

I was chatting to Kelly who is one of the PuRe founders and she noticed I was a bit… shall we say … over-excited and so recommended the Blooming Blends Calm Tincture which she was serendipitously PR-ing.

Blooming Blends Calm Tincture
Blooming Blends Calm Tincture

She popped a pipette in a little glass of water which I immediately drunk and then didn’t think much more of it. Not too long after, makeup artist Caroline Barnes (who I was sharing a room with) suddenly noticed that I had completely calmed down! Kim who I work with on REESON also confirmed that I seemed much more low-key! It was really quite funny because I went from being rather loud and in everyone’s faces to relatively serene (for me!).

I was inclined to say that there was a bit of placebo effect involved, but the fact of the matter is, I was so busy that I had completely forgotten I had taken it until Caroline remarked on my change of disposition.

Since then I have enjoyed using it before bed, or when I want to relax in the evenings and am finding it hard to unwind. It’s a gorgeous blend and actually tastes really nice, which makes it very easy to take.

All in all, this completely works as far as I am concerned. So if you are seeking a bit of calm, I couldn’t recommend this enough!

If you are looking for something specifically for sleep, this brand also has a sleep blend, but I haven’t tried it yet. One I do recommend is by Marie Reynolds. If you want to check that out read: Marie Reynolds Zedz Night Time Blend Sleep Supplement Review.

Where to buy it

Blooming Blends Calm Tincture is £25.99 for a 30ml bottle and available via the link below.

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Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 Review

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Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 Review

As an true believer in SPF and because I am always desperately seeking glowy skin, I was delighted to try out the Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 and guess what? I absolutely love it.

What is Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50?

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 Review
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50

This is a tinted, high protection sunscreen with coverage:

  • Weightless all-mineral broad-spectrum SPF 50
  • Skin perfecting formulation
  • Zero white cast
  • Infused with skin caring ingredients
  • Delivers a glowy finish
  • Non-Comedogenic and Fragrance Free
  • Vegan and Cruelty-Free
  • Available in 4 shades

How to use it

The brand recommends Dr Sam Bunting’s 13 dot technique using 6 pumps for your face and 6 pumps for your neck to achieve the correct dose for SPF50. To make application easier, you can do this in 2 layers by applying 3 pumps, waiting a few minutes and then apply the next 3 pumps.

I have been using this more like a makeup product, and have been applying on top of my SPF, and also for top ups, so I have been using less than is recommended.

Before and After Photos

Here’s is my before photo:

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 - Before Photo
Before

And here’s my skin with a layer of the Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 in shade 2, which is my perfect match:

With Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 No 2 Applied
With Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 No 2 Applied

My Review of Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 Review
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 Review

I first tried this product on a train journey from London back home about a month ago, when the sun was streaming in through the window, and my fear kicked in about not having topped up my SPF in the last few hours.

I gently spread it over my skin, on top of my makeup, and it went on so smoothly that it just seemed to refresh my makeup without going cakey or messing everything up.

Since then I have mainly been using it as a quick makeup base for casual days when I don’t want a full foundation, but want a nice perfected, dewy skin look. I love that it has SPF 50 in it.

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 No 2 Swatch
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 No 2 Swatch

Admittedly, I probably use half the recommended amount, but I have been using it like a makeup product and applying it with my REESON No. 1 Brush over my skincare and sunscreen. I love the glowy finish, but more than that, I love the fact that the SPF50 in it means that I am boosting my total sun protection.

The Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 has really good coverage for a tint, and it gives a lovely dewy, soft-focused finish to my complexion. It evens out my skin tone, is really good at covering redness and hyperpigmentation, and just gives me a really healthy look.

What I love most is that it great around my eyes. I can use it right under my eyes and over the lids without zero sensitivity or streaming. It is excellent.

It layers really nicely under makeup (I love it under the Shiseido Synchro-Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation) so it’s great for skin prep as well as more natural looks. A brilliant all-rounder.

Where to buy it

The Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50 is £35 and available via the links below:

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