Erika’s Unisex Express Facial

Erika’s Unisex Express Facial

I booked in to try Erika’s Express Facial on Wednesday, which is the cheapest wellness treatment on her menu at £20, with part of me thinking I’m about to pay for something I can probably do just as well myself at home. But as I was feeling under the weather I knew I’d still feel better for it afterwards. It was raining again so lucky me and the clients who had been in earlier – everyone had said the same thing apparently, cosiness with an extra dopple of cozy when it’s raining.

The treatment starts with a cleanse, but then I’m a bit hazy after that. The facial massage, the scalp massage, the hand massage, the lovely oils, it just went on and on until I was rendered slightly comatose…. in a sort of roll me up into a corner when you’ve finished and let me sleep here kind of way. Nothing express about it.

The product left on your face and hair she recommends you leave on overnight for best results, so I spent the rest of the evening in a relaxed state with partially oily hair, a glowing complexion and a copiously bleeding finger from dropping and smashing a pint glass of water. Not going to harp on about how important it is to rehydrate after a treatment, but clearly being in a relaxed state should carry its own health warning.

I did ask at the end if I’d had special treatment with the scalp and hand massage, but no, I’d received the standard £20 Express Facial. I will continue to have Erika’s more tailored facials from time to time as I need them, but at this price this is one I’ll definitely be able to revisit more regularly, not only as a conditioning treatment, but also a lovely pick me up.   

PS Although my hair needed 3 shampoos the next day, the condition was lovely. Colour treated hair is always better after a long conditioning treatment and something I should do more regularly.

My Lash Lift

My Lash Lift

Finally had my Lash Lift and Tint and a slight top up tint on my brows… which I’d ruffled up especially for the photo… because I’m never going to be great at doing this sort of thing, but you can see how much of a difference it makes to my eyes and also it looks very natural, which is what I really like.

 

Lash Lift

Lash Lift

 

Working at Cabelo means I get to see many fabulous befores and afters and none are more physically transforming than the lash lift and tint, especially when combined with a matching brow wax and tint or brow lamination and tint.

I used to think lash lifts and tints were for the younger age group, but I soon discovered that it’s a very beneficial treatment to my age group and older. At 60, I just wanted to give my faded features a natural looking definition without the usual daily wallops of rushed and often poorly applied, slightly dried out mascara. I had my first treatment last summer and have never looked back.

Lash Lift & Tint £25

You must have a patch test at least 24 hours prior to any treatment. The patch test simply involves putting a tiny dab of both the lifting solution and tint onto your skin to ensure you are not allergic to the products.

In truth, I was quite anxious about my first treatment, but really there was no need as I found the whole process surprisingly relaxing. Whilst I was lying comfortably, tucked up and warm, my lashes were gently placed across a small sticky pad, which had been temporarily fixed to my eyelid. The time taken to arrange the lashes varies, but more time will be needed if you have a double layer of lashes or your lashes are particularly long. Once your lashes are carefully arranged into the final shape, a perming solution is applied. Again, there is nothing to be anxious about. I didn’t find the smell too bad at all, and importantly there was no sensation when it was applied.

Finally, my lashes were tinted before being gently soaked away from the pad.

I couldn’t stop staring at my eyes the first time I was directed to the mirror – I literaIly looked like I was wearing beautifully applied mascara on swept up lashes! And then I was thinking how great this would be on holiday, particularly as I swim a lot.

For me, I didn’t wear any mascara for approximately 5 weeks and after that time I found it was the tint rather than the lift that needed some attention. My mascara looked great on what was left of the perm for another couple of weeks. Everyone is different, but I would say generally repeat treatments will be required every 6-8 as your lashes naturally shed and regrow.

 

Beauty Rocks by Erika

Beauty Rocks by Erika

Beauty Rocks by Erika @Cabelo (formerly at Patshull Park)

Erika Guest is a familiar name to anyone who has experienced the wonderful spa, beauty and unisex holistic treatments offered at Patshull Park over the past 17 years. Now Erika is based at Cabelo and is offering the same vast range of expert treatments in the Garden Therapy Room Monday to Friday.

Click / Tap here for full details:

Book your appointment by phoning or messaging Erika on 07402 268370