Facial

According to expert London facialist Sarah Chapman, a quick and easy way to brighten up your skin, draw out impurities and tighten your pores at home, is by mixing a tablespoon of a mud mask with a few drops of a calming facial oil. Blend them together in your hand or in a small bowl, apply the treatment to your face with a clean foundation brush (carefully avoiding your eyes and lips) and then sleep with it on.

What's great is that the oil keeps the mask from drying out and cracking while you get your beauty sleep! Lastly, I recommend putting a towel down under your head so that the mask doesn't rub off on your pillowcase and sheets.

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Ayurvedic massage is an ancient Indian method that combines deep-tissue massage with energy techniques, reflexology and meditation. It is designed to help restore a sense of serenity and balance to the mind, body and soul. Sometimes herbal supplements are prescribed to boost the body's immune system and help create feelings of wellbeing.

Marc Zollifer who is Aveda's global spa educator told InStyle magazine that Ayurvedic massage helps people "zone in" to their body's and skin's needs. It's all about taking control of your own health and looking at skin issues or tension in the body from a holistic perspective. He says,

"Not only will the massage leave you relaxed, but the techniques balance the endocrine system, boost circulation and cause an overall reduction of muscle tension in the spine."

For more about how Ayurvedic massages can treat skin issues and for my choice of treatments, read more

The next installment of my Little Black Book feature is about the incredibly luxe Pleasure Promise Facial (£60) from Darphin (available at Harrods). I'm a devotee of Darphin products since they use high quality ingredients, they smell gorgeous and give me amazing results.

This facial works on a sensory-basis. It combines aromatherapy products with expert massage techniques, to improve the tone and texture of your skin. For the full review of the treatment, plus what to expect, just read more

I'm a bit of a spoiled kitten when it comes to facials, I have to admit. Years of working in the beauty and fashion industry means I've had my fair share of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

The worst, was a 'couple facial' in which my skincare expert actually flicked the sides of my cheek with her artificial nails, while at the same time Mr Bella kept trying to grab my hand, shouting "don't let her touch my face, I don't like having my face touched" as his masochistic therapist tutted at the state of his stubble.

So instead of lying back and thinking of beauty, I've come to approach facials with more than a little trepidation. Hotel facials, I'd always assumed, were pretty much bog standard – fluffy white towels aplenty and the requisite, five minute shoulder massage at the end.

But I take it all back. After succumbing to the charms of the earnestly named Zen Zone spa at the Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona, I am feeling like the cat who got the canary. For why, just read more

For a relaxing, pampering facial massage – you don't need to trek to a spa. First, read part one of my easy tips, and then settle in for part 2.

Facial massage is a great way to stimulate the skin and get blood pumping to the face, as well as having a calming effect, so that your skin will glow with health.

Getting into a habit of giving yourself a facial massage, once a week, or even every time you put cream on your face, will make a real difference to your complexion – as well as helping to ward off signs of ageing and stress.

Just read more