Sanctuary Spa Ultimate Salt Scrub Review

Sanctuary Spa say 

Our iconic dead sea salt scrub that leaves skin perfectly. polished and gorgeously moisturised.

Our multi award-winning and much-loved treatment contains sea salt from the renowned Dead Sea enveloped by a rich mix of moisturising oils: jojoba, coconut and almond.

While the salt gently exfoliates dead cells to stimulate and promote renewal, the oils soak into skin leaving it gleaming and exquisitely scented.

My thoughts 

When it's cold and wet outside there is no better time to disappear into the bathroom for a nice long soak and treat my skin to some body pampering. In winter time I like my baths hot (not too hot as they will dry out the skin) and I love the products I use to have great aromas.

When I finished my last scrub I was wondering what to purchase next and was about to repurchase The Sanctuary Body Scrub which I really like when I came across the Ultimate Salt Scrub on the shelf in Boots, well with a name like that I had to try it!

I have to say I am really glad I did. The Ultimate Salt Scrub is wonderfully indulgent but at an affordable price, it smells so glorious and sweet and far more expensive than the price tag suggests. The salt scrub is quite scrubby for great skin exfoliation but it comes accompanied with rich and delicious oils of Almond, Jojoba and Coconut which moisturise and condition the skin. The oils leave a residue when the skin is wet but when you dry off you are left with just fabulously soft, smooth skin.

I don't have particularly dry skin but I don't feel the need to use a separate moisturiser after.

A huge thumbs up from me.

Sanctuary Spa Ultimate Salt Scrub 650g costs £11.50 

Sanctuary Spa Box Of Delights - Bargain Alert!

If you have already started your Christmas shopping and even if you haven't ... I think this is one unmissable gift idea.

This week's Star Gift at Boots is the amazing Sanctuary Spa Box of Delights reduced from £45 to less than half price at £22. 

Containing:

Cleansing Burst Body Wash (250ml)

Luxurious Body Butter (300ml)

Gentle Polish Body Scrub (200ml)

Velvety Hand Cream (75ml)

Intensive Heel Balm (75ml)

Foaming Creamy Bath Soak (250ml)

Luxury Bath Float (75ml)

Silky Smooth Body Lotion (75ml)

Radiance Exfoliator (15ml)

All housed in a pretty presentation keepsake box.

Sanctuary Spa Box of Delights £22 until 13th November. Available from Boots stores, Boots.com and Sanctuary.com while stocks last.

Boots Star Gift - Sanctuary Spa Ultimate Glow Pamper Tin!

You know Christmas is fast approaching when Boots launch their weekly Star Gift bargain and this week's one from Sanctuary Spa is a cracker!

For just £19* (value £40) this top to toe pamper tin contains the following

Body Wash (250ml)
Body Lotion (250ml)
Spa Skin Body Polisher
Radiance Exfoliator (100ml)
Fresh Faced Purifying Wash (140ml)
Spa Facial Headband
Pumice Foot Scrub (50ml)
Moisture Rich Foot Butter (50ml)
Spa Pedicure Foot File

A delightful box of gorgeous goodies for some home pampering I think you will agree!

Snap it up fast from today in store and on the Boots website, whilst stocks last.

*£19 price is for one week only when it will revert back to £40

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Review

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution 
Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution is a Glycolic peel off mask and serum duo which promises to reveal younger, smoother skin.

Sanctuary Spa say

Straight away from the very first application skin looks smoother and glowing.

After 1 week - Skin feel firmer, toned and looks brighter

After 2 weeks - Skin glows with radiance and fine lines appear reduced

After 3 weeks - 72% of women noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a glowing radiance

After 4 weeks - A flawless complexion and younger looking skin

How to use 

After cleansing skin thoroughly apply peel to dry skin. Using the brush provided apply a thin and even layer of peel avoiding the delicate eye area. Relax for 15-20 minutes allowing mask to dry. Mask should be completely dry and not tack to the touch when ready to peel off.

To remove, start at the base of the face and gently peel off mask to reveal fresh, smooth skin. Rub off any excess.

Immediately after apply a pea sized amount of the Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum.

Use peel twice a week but not on successive days.

SPF should be worn every day when completing this treatment to protect newly revealed skin.

My thoughts

This at-home facial system was really pleasurable to follow. It was so easy to do and it never felt like a chore. I looked forward to peel day as there is something immensely satisfying applying a sticky, gooey gel, feeling it tighten and dry into a shiny, clear mask and then peeling it off and seeing all the dead skin cells coming away to reveal softer, smoother skin.

It took me back to my school days when we would apply glue to our hands and then spend the rest of the day peeling it off in lessons! Happy days.

The Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum smells nice - fresh and citrusy. It is simple to add this into the daily skincare routine.

After the first use of the peel I could see that my skin was brighter and smoother instantly and as the days passed into weeks I really noticed a difference in my complexion. It seems more even and glowing, the fine lines are almost undetectable now and I have noticed an improvement in my blemishes. I have had some spots on my cheeks that have been there for an age and this system made these disappear. My skin looks so much better and almost flawless that the amount of foundation that I need to use has dramatically decreased.

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kit costs £22.50

*PR Sample

Winners Of The Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kits Revealed!

Thanks to all those of you who entered my 30 Day Youth Revolution Kit Giveaway with Sanctuary Spa  I really enjoyed reading about your favourite childhood movies. Such a good selection :-)

My favourite childhood film was Annie, I went to see it in the cinema with my mum whilst my dad and brother went into another screen to watch James Bond. Such fond memories and those tunes. Loved it ever since!

All of the entries were assigned a number (or two if you tweeted!) and 3 numbers were selected by random.org and I am pleased to announce the winners below

Georgia
Naddy
Hannah McNulty

If this is you please email me at bettina@beautyswot.com within 48 hours to claim your prize. If you do not respond a new winner will be selected as per the rules of this giveaway 

Congratulations :-)

Win 1 of 3 Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kits

Tomorrow I will be starting my Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kit trial and will be following up with a review of the results on these pages .. This peel and serum duo treatment promises to help combat the signs of ageing by removing a layer of dead skin cells & improving the skin's overall firmness, tone & hydration.

*Win*

Sanctuary Spa are offering 3 readers of BeautySwot.com the chance to win their own kit (worth £22.50) and try the 30 Day Youth Revolution out for themselves.

Hiow to enter 

• You must be a follower of this blog - Please leave a comment stating how you are following the blog and what your favourite childhood film was and why. 
• You can gain an extra entry by tweeting about this giveaway. Just tag your tweet with @BeautySwot at the end so I can see it. 

The (not so) Small Print -

• Maximum entries per person is 2
• Open only to UK residents
• All entries will be logged and numbered, and the winners will be selected by www.random.org
• Entries close at 23.59pm, 7th April 2013 
• Winners and instructions as to how to claim your prize will appear on the blog on Monday 8th April. You will have 48 hours to get in touch.

 Thank you and good luck!

Sample Sachet Sunday - Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse Thermal Transformation Mask

As promised, on Friday, I tried the mask which came with the January 2013 Glossybox  so that I could have this review ready for Sunday.

Sanctuary Spa - 30 Day Thermal Transformation 

Comes with 2 sachets

One is the Peptide Transformation Serum the other the Thermal Rose Clay Mask.

How to use - 

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly, removing all traces of make-up. Pat skin dry
2. Smooth a generous layer of Peptide Transformation Serum (Step 1) over the face & neck
3. Next, massage a generous, even layer of the Thermal Rose Clay Mask (Step 2) on top of the serum to generate warming effect, ensuring the whole face and neck is covered. Avoid the delicate skin around the eyes
4. Allow the heating effect to cool naturally while you relax for 15 minutes
5. Rinse off with warm water using the muslin cloth & pat dry
6. Follow with the Peptide Protect Day Cream SPF 20 to protect the newly revealed skin
7. Use this treatment 2 to 3 times a week but not on consecutive days

Claims - 

Reveal smoother, glowing, more youthful skin with our 30 day Thermal Transformation Mask.

The special peptide and hyaluronic acid contained in this treatment have been shown to strengthen the collagen network to plump and repair skin’s structures, as well as giving a tauter surface to reduce any ‘crepey’ skin.

When combined with powerful natural extracts that provide a hydration surge, the treatment leaves skin feeling firmer and looking smoother and refined, with a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

The Thermal Transformation Mask begins with the Peptide Transformation Serum, followed by the Thermal Rose Clay Mask. An intensely warming effect helps optimise the action of the encapsulated enzyme to deeply cleanse & refine the skin surface. After 4 weeks the two step mask visibly firms and refines to reveal an even skin tone and to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Encouraging cell-renewal and boosting hydration levels, means that when the mask is washed away, your complexion has a glowing, dewy finish.

L- Serum R - Clay Mask

My thoughts 

As mentioned in the Glossybox review the product did promise instant results after one use of skin looking brighter & tauter and noticeably reducing 'crepey' skin. The sachets provided only one use.
I liked the ritual of cleansing, applying the serum (which I was surprised to find was a thick cream) and following this with the clay mask over the top of it. I loved the feeling of the warming sensation but to my intense disappointment this didn't last long at all. I sat back and relaxed for 15 minutes whilst reading a book, waiting for the magic to do its work.

The results

Scent wise this has a slight herbal smell and the rose clay mask has a very subtle rose scent, very pleasant to use and apply.

Once I had rinsed off the mask, my face felt so soft and actually I am very pleased to report that my skin looked incredibly smooth (fine line free) and plumped. This works!

I would actually be very interested in trying a full size product as the effect was visible to see and I want to know if it lasts..

Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse Thermal Transformation Mask costs £27.50 

What's Inside My January 2013 GlossyBox

My GlossyBox was delivered sometime yesterday but as I was out all day I have just opened the box and as January is the traditional month for Detox, yes you guessed it the theme is DETOX.

Billed as the Detox box, it is designed to provide you with all the necessary tools to hide the excesses of the holiday season and the Sleepless New Year's night. The Detox box will help you look and feel your best for a successful start into the New Year.

The Contents 

First up a rather sweet GlossyBox sleep mask, this is a bonus product but I have many a need for this!

BM Beauty - Dewy Perfection Finishing Powder 1g (4g is £8)

Claims - A translucent powder with a 100% natural mineral formula. Use on its own to create a dewy finish, under foundation to diminsh fine lines and blemishes, over foundation for an airbrushed finished that keeps your base in place all day. Can also be used as a highlighter on cheeks and brow bones.

I have been using Clinique's Gentle Light Powder Glow (sadly discontinued) lots recently as I love the  flawless finish and staying power it gives me, this sounds very similar so I am looking forward to seeing how this compares.

Eco-BOUTIQUE - Body Lotion With Aloe Leaf and Green Tea 30ml (50ml as part of gift set £8.50)

Description - The delicate scent of mimosa and extracts of organic green tea and aloe leaf create a soothing body lotion to give smooth, hydrated skin.

This smells really nice. The scent is similar to cucumber, very fresh. I like the fact that it is paraben free. I will be using this sample.

MONU - Micro Exfoliant 30ml (100ml is £14.50)

Claims - This poweful dual-action microdermabrasion delivers instant radiant skin, refining the skin's texture, reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines. This instant pick-me-up with papaya enzymes and Shea butter provides an immediate healthy 'new skin' effect. Use 2-3 times a week if you have oily or congested skin. Once a week for acneic, dry or mature skin.

After the huge success of Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant that was in a previous box and which I now love, I am very much looking forward to trying this out and once again making a comparison..

Great tip on the bottle - If exfoliating regularly, use sunscreen to help protect your skin.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes 3.5ml (15ml is £57)

Claims - Immediate hydration that firms and awakens the delicate eye area.

Quite like the idea of firming and awakening my eye area, will let you know how I find this product!

SANCTUARY SPA - Active Reverse Facial - 30 Day Thermal Transformation (2 sachets, Peptide Transformation Serum 3.5ml and Thermal Rose Clay Mask 7ml) Full Size £27.50

Claims - Reveal smoother, glowing, more youthful skin with our 30 day Thermal Transformation Mask.

Now this is a disappointment..I love the idea of the claims and the product but sadly you don't get a 30 day supply :-( The sachet is just one use but it does promise that you can see instant results of skin looking brighter & tauter, noticeably reducing 'crepey' skin after the first use.

I am going to give this a whirl on Friday, watch out for the Sachet Review on Sunday to find out what I think of it.

My thoughts 

No full size product, no make up, no perfume at first glance I was a little underwhelmed...however when I actually took a proper look at the contents and read what they were for, I realised that actually in terms of samples and mix of products this was an excellent box (just a shame that there was not one full size product though!). It is not all that often that I will keep and actually try all of the products but on this occasion, I most definitely will.

What do you think? Was this a good box? What did you receive in your box?

*PR Sample

Bargain Alert - Sanctuary Spa Sheer Indulgence Christmas Gift Set

Sanctuary Spa fans and those looking for Christmas Gift ideas alike will love Boots's Star Gift this week. Better than half price at just £19! (normally retailing for £40)

Sanctuary Spa Sheer Indulgence Gift Set 

Includes all of the following

Body Wash (250ml)
Foaming Bath Soak (250ml)
Body Scrub (200ml)
Salt Scrub (60g)
Body Butter (300ml)
Body Lotion (75ml)
Luxury Bath Float (75ml)
Intensive Rescue Heel Balm (75ml)
Re-usable Vanity Case (approximately 30x16x16cm)
Shower Cap

A fab pamper gift containing everything you need to create a Spa experience at home...

Sanctuary Spa Sheer Indulgence Christmas Gift Set is exclusive to Boots and is available at the special price of £19 (regular price £40) until the 15th November 2012.

BeautySwot's Best Christmas Gift Guide for under £50

I have trawled the shops, browsed online and magazines to bring to you my top picks of the most fabulous gifts to suit all budgets!


Lush Secret Santa - £5

Lush really have Christmas all wrapped up.  This is fantastic value and a great little gift for Lush fans or those who are looking for a 'Secret Santa' present. This  present is already wrapped and contains a Snowcake Star Soap and a Satsumo Santa Bath Ballistic. I love it!

This present and others to suit all budgets are available to purchase from Lush stores or online at www.lush.co.uk

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Limited Edition 150ml - £17.50

The multi award-winning Cleanse and Polish comes in a beautifully embossed metallic shell and includes a muslin cloth. Every woman should put this on their list or buy it as a gift.

Available from www.lizearle.com and selected John Lewis stores.

Lancome Juicy Tubes Gift Set - £16

Lancome's Juicy Tubes were my first lip gloss collection and I think this is a pretty gift featuring 4 cute miniatures (7ml) in great shades of Fraise, Lychee Toffee R&B and Marshmallow Electro.

Available from Lancome Counters nationwide

Sanctuary Skin Brightening Kit  - £16

Ideal for those who want to treat someone to a Spa experience. This is a 30 minute facial in a box containing everything you need for a radiant glow!

Available from Boots stores or online at www.boots.com

Frontcover To Go Eye Collection -  Usually £35 (currently on offer with a 1/3 off so now just -  £23.33!)

Beauty lovers will simple adore this amazing palette!
Featuring:

• Tips and Advice On How To Create Different Looks
• 10 removable domed baked powder eye shadows
• 3 removable domed baked twinkle powder eye shadows
• 5 removable fine line pressed powder eye shadow duos
• 2 removable pressed powder eye shadows
• Shadowline Liquid (turns shadow to eyeliner)
• Double ended applicator and an interchangeable compact.

Clarins Limited Edition Beauty Flash Balm  50ml - £26.50

This beauty booster instantly eliminates all signs of fatigue, promoting a radiant complexion.  This Christmas it comes with a gorgeous Swarovski crystal embellished cap. A real treat!

Available from Clarins Counters

Models Own Christmas Gift Set - £20 

Fans of Nail Polish will love this fabulous set of 6 Glitter Nail Polishes. Colours featured are Scarlet Sparkle, Mixed Up, Bluebelle, Magenta Devine, Emerald City and Disco Mix.

Available from www.modelsownit.com and Boots stores

Benefit Some Beauty To Love - £29.50

Benefit have come up trumps this year with some amazing gift sets, fun packaging and perfect products to boot! This one includes: CORALista coral–pink cheek powder with brush, 12g, Eye Bright instant eye brightener 1.4g, BADgal lash mascara deluxe mini 4g, ‘That Gal’ brightening face primer deluxe mini 7.5ml. You better be quick though as these sets are selling out fast!

Available from Benefit stores and counters.

L'Occitane Nourishing Shea Butter Collection - Currently £39! (Usually £55)

For a full body pamper pack this is wonderful. Shea Butter is perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.

Also worth checking out, one I particularly love the scent of, is the Cherry Blossom Collection £46

Both are available from www.uk.loccitane.com

And finally,

Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Collection - £49.50

This indulgent miniature Bath and Shower Oil Collection contains 9 bottles, providing an effective and memorable aromatherapy experience

Available from www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Happy Shopping!