Tuesday..never going to be the same again....

Tuesdays...not a lot happens on a tuesday.... most of us just think its STILL not even half-way through the week yet!..paperworks piling up already, you still have more then half your days at work to go through...if your a student you may have that awful lecture to go to on tuesday...and then that work to complete...and the weekend seems a loooongg time away...

Lets make Tuesday fun again!!

Beauty and the Spa offer half price on holistic treatments on a tuesday and tanning! That means a relaxing  massage for £20!!! an aromatherapy massage for £22.50!!! or even a spray tan for £10!! you could treat yourself to a reflexology treatment for only £20! or an indian head massage for only £16!!

We even do the essential beauty treatments needed to keep us looking and feeling our best for a discounted price!! fancy a luxury facial for only £25...or a manicure for only £15...

Check out the special offers page at www.beautyandthespa.co.uk to find the prices for tuesdays and start enjoying your week more!!

Lets make Tuesdays amazing!

Invest in YOU!

Its time to look at investing in yourself...

Looking after your health and well being is greatly overlooked by a lot of people, ok it can be hard to motivate yourself to go to the gym..or work out at home...to eat right and relax more, we live in a world of convieniance...fast food...and quick tricks were always in a rush to have instant results and we want it all now..everyone will have there reasons and excuses as to why they havnt started something..Beauty and Holistic treatments are a great start to the beginning of a healthy balanced life and well-being..There not just treats and luxuries like some people look at them to be...They have an instant result of feeling fantastic..and a long term result of benefiting your health, mind and body.

 So the point of this post is to give some benefits into why it is important to invest in yourself. Why those 'treats' and 'luxuries' are so much more and need to start being looked at as a general part of life.

Massage - This treatment has so many benefits to the body and well-being!
Your circulatory system will function better as massage helps to increase the circulation around your body, emphasizing the elimination of metabolic wastes, improving your lymphatic system removing waste and toxins, Massage helps to release endorphins, stretches and elongates muscles, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, improves weak muscles and helps alleviate muscles tension and stiffness, increasing flexibility and durability of muscles and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Massage helps to promote better digestion and relieves colic and gas, It breaks up mucus and respiratory discharge in the lungs, stimulates slower breathing. and it allows the body to become relaxed and begin the repairing process. You body and mind will be completely relaxed!

Aromatherapy - This treatment not only has the benefits that massage has to give, but is complimented by having essentials oils as the massage blend that have therapeutic effects, Some oils are very stimulating while others are deeply relaxing, Many oils are antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal, like tea tree helps to enhance the protective function of the skin and is widely used in most skin care products for its benefits, Lavender is deeply relaxing and also aids in healing, helping skin cells regenerate, many of the oils calm and soothe the skin and can also work deeper in the body helping conditions like headaches, IBS and stress whilst boosting the immune system and relieve aches and pains in the muscles. After an aromatherapy massage or facial you will feel deeply relaxed mind and body!


Indian Head Massage - This massage includes the face, scalp, neck and shoulders, its deeply relaxing with amazing benefits, it promotes circulations, releases toxins from tense muscles, increases the supply of oxygen and glucose to brain and muscle tissue, improves the mobility in neck and shoulders, improves lymphatic drainage and even helps condition the hair increasing hair growth!, The massage helps to improve alertness and concentration, releases anxiety and gives relief for mental and emotional tiredness, helps to revitalise and gives a feeling of well-being!

Reflexology - This treatment is all to do with the feet, its a massage on the feet with gentle pressure on areas to bring a state of deep relaxation and stimulate your bodies own healing process, This treatment can help you feel revitalised, boost the immune system, create a stronger body and calmer mind, Reflexology can be adapted to help certain areas of the body and these areas concentrated on to increase healing within the body, This treatment is relaxing, calming and completly beneficial for the body as a whole.

The holistic treatments mentioned above will overall make you feel relaxed, revitalised and fantastic instantly, having these treatments on a regular basis will help your body work to its maximum making it healthy and balanced.

Beauty - having beauty treatments are not always about making yourself look good, a lot of the treatments like manicures and pedicure and facials include massage which have all the benefits of the above massage thats mentioned!
 Beauty treatments although can be looked at as a luxury are also essentials! when you feel you look good your confidence increases, you feel better about yourself..and can go about your day with your head held high!
Manicures and pedicures also help your nails look great and grow to be stronger and healthier
Facials are designed to help your skin look its best, and can be adapted to compliment your needs, so if you have oily or dry skin the products that are used to chosen to help these skin types, if you are worried about aging then the products and massage will be used to help this concern.
Waxing helps keep unwanted hair away for longer, giving people more confidence and saves you time by not having to shave everyday!
Tanning- lots of people feel a lot more confident and happy with some colour on there skin...whether sunkissed or deep bronze a tan always brings more confidence and makes you feel better about yourself
Tinting- having eyelashes and eyebrows tinted can be a life saver for those with very fair hairs and need a deeper colour to show them off more! also fantastic if your into sports and cant wear make up (like swimmers) as an eyelash tint will help show off your eyelashes without mascara running down your cheeks!
Nail enhancements - will always make your hands look amazing to have a set of long healthy nails! or if you were off to a special occasion and fancy having something different on them like some gems to give a lil sparkle to your outfit!

Invest in yourself! it will always be the best investment you will ever do!

Faking it...The Nails....

Acrylic and gel nails are one of the most popular treatments out there in the beauty world, People love there nails looking long healthy and strong, and faking it is one of the most easiest ways to do it!
Beauty and the Spa have launched nail extensions this month throughout all of August where you can get beautiful acrylic nails for only £20 or a full set of gel nails for £25!!

To set the record straight though for any of you who have never faked it before..or heard horror stories of what acrylics will do to your natural nail...or for any of you who regularly get your nails done and always get told by friends and family that they wreck your nails...Nail extensions will not harm your natural nail.

Nail extensions are designed to help improve the appearance of your nail. Some people like to get acrylics or gels over the top of there natural nail (a natural nail overlay) to help there nails grow longer, If you are a nail biter then a full set of nail extensions will improve the apperance of your nails especially if you had a special occasion coming up! And just in general long healthy nails will also make you look good and feel confident whatever the situation!
 Fake nails will only wreck your nails if you do not care for them whilst wearing them and dont care for your natural nail once they are removed. If you follow your homecare and aftercare advice then your nail extensions will not harm your natural nail, once they come off your natural nail may feel weakened but will harden once you apply a strenghener and care for the nail.

If you get your acrylic or gel nails removed properly by a professional nail technician then your natural nails will be fine. A good nail technician will also give you the best aftercare advice to care for your nails!
 At Beauty and the Spa we believe in looking and feeling good and always deliver the best aftercare advice for you!

So treat yourself in August and get the best looking nails in town!! 

Air Brush Makeup

A Flawless Idea

Beauty and the Spa now offer Air Brush make Up by Air Base. 

Airbase Airbrush Make-Up was formulated by Oscar Nominated make-up artist Anni Buchanan to mould the durability of film make-up with the practicability of everyday make-up and following demonstrations and regular wear, make-up artists, salon owners, brides and everyday consumers are left amazed at the results. Silicone based, it is long-lasting and requires no touch ups - whatever the weather conditions!

Airbase Make-Up promises:

• Flawless Finish
• Weightless Application
• Long Lasting
• Allows Skin to Breathe
• No ‘touch-ups’ Required
• Silicone Based
• Smooth and Natural Finish 

What is it made from?

Airbase combines a unique mix of ingredients with silicone at the heart of it's formulation. Feeling beautiful and luxurious on the skin, the silicone chosen does not clog your pores,  allowing your skin to breathe. It is this that helps give Airbase Make-Up unrivalled durability. 

Silicone: Silicone is heat-resistant, non-stick and plyable. That means that your Airbase Make-Up application lasts all day and can be 'moved' for a few minutes unlike water based foundations. Any errors are therefore easy to correct after application.

Vitamins A and E: Airbase contains Vitamin A, an ingredient that is proven to improve elasticity of the skin and therefore reduce fine lines. It also contains Vitamin E. This is an anti-oxidant that moisturises and repairs helping to deactivate the free radicals that age the skin.

Why airbrushing?

When you spray using an airbrush it atomises the product making the particles of make-up tiny. This is why airbrush make-up is used in HD TV and film. The particles in the make-up become much smaller than when it is conventionally applied and therefore less visible. HD TV picks up absolutely every imperfection! There are also hygiene benefits to spraying. When we use a conventional brush or our fingers there is potential to spread bacteria and germs across the face. By spraying Airbase make-up onto the face we can avoid this.

Why silicone?

Silicone feels beautiful and luxurious on the skin; it does not clog your pores, allows your skin to breathe and when combined with our special polymer gives Airbase Make-Up amazing durability.

In particular it is the heat resistance that makes silicone make-ups so popular in the world of TV and film as they stand up to the intense heat of the lights.

Due to the formulation of Airbase, this professional make-up is as perfect for TV as it is for special occasions such as weddings, not to mention the ease of the flawless look which can be enjoyed all day - everyday!

Airbase Air brushing is a favourite of celebrities, make up artists, film TV and Stage due to its amazing, durable results. 

So if you have any important photos coming up for just want to look flawless whatever the occasion be sure to try Air Brush Makeup at Beauty and the Spa.

Click the link below to head straight to our website:

www.beautyandthespa.co.uk 

 

Beauty and the Spa

Latte Anyone?

 Milk and Cognitive Function

An interesting article in the FHT magazine (april 2012) hightlights that a cross sectional analysis of 972 adults revealed that those with higher intakes of milk and other dairy products performed better in memory and brain-functioning tests. Participants who consumed milk and dairy products, including cheese and yoghurt at least once a day had significantly higher scores in cognitive functioning tests than those who never or rarely consumed dairy.

Latte anyone?

source - Crichton GE et al (2012). Relation between dairy food intak and cognitive function: The maine-syracuse longitudinal study, internaton diary journal 22(1):15-23 

(www.sciencedirect.com)

World Skills (UK) Success

In the words of Julius Caesar - 'I came, I saw, I Conquered'

Today Beauty and the Spa are finding space for yet another scroll (certificate) of success - Melanie Duncanson has achieved GOLD in the Aromatherapy Body Massage heats for World Skills (UK) 2012. 

Mel competed against other therapists to win Gold - she had to set up her 'therapy area', complete a full consultation with her client, mix and blend her chosen oils with full understanding of Latin names, give a full body aromatherapy massage, and complete her aftercare and home care as well as answering questions from the judges and being monitored throughout!

All the hard work paid off and she is now awaiting confirmation of her place in the finals! super exciting achievement.

Beauty and the Spa are never one to back down to competition that's now 3 world skills heats certificates and 3 world skills finals certificates and awards!!! 

We will be celebrating to many more achievements in the future.

A little competition is healthy amongst the Beauty ad the Spa owners :-)

Treatment Poll

Here at Beauty and the Spa we thought we would start a small poll on our facebook page (check us out!) it includes a small selection of treatments and we are asking you all to vote for your favourite. 

Please cast your vote and as a thank you we will put a special offer on the winning treatment next month! (incentive!)  Thats on top of all our other fab offers (have we mentioned HALF PRICE TUESDAYS!!!!)  :-)

So whether you love a relaxing massage, revitalising reflexology, incredible indian head massage, deep cleansing facial, or perfect manicure and pedicure let us know.

Click the link below for our Facebook Page -

Facebook page

Beauty and the Spa - Half Price Tuesdays

Beauty and the Spa have just launched our Half Price Tuesdays offer.


50% off ANY Treatment at Beauty and the Spa on Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SE.

Tuesdays have just got a whole lot more exciting! The weekend is over let the treating commence!

We love a good offer and knew we would have to think of something good to offer our clients, and we thought 10, 20, 30, 40% was just not good enough therefore we are taking 50% off all treatment on tuesdays.

Make a note in your diary - 'Treatment Tuesday' and book yours today!

We also do monthly offers (currently a Swedish Body Massage for only £30 in April), Package offers, Special event offers (example - ladies day) so it is always worth heading to the special offer section of our site to see what offers we have running.

Look Good and Feel Good  for less - now smile and treat yourself!


www.beautyandthespa.co.uk

Stone Therapy

Not just a load of old rocks

Stone therapy may conjure up images of rough stones been used to massage your skin however this is not the case at all. A good way to describe it would be to imagine a warm stream of water gliding accross your back, that is the effect of the warm , smooth stones used in today therapies.

Stone therapy is a very relaxing treatment, rooted in ancient therapy practices and used to create balance within the body. Hot basalt and cold marble stones are used by the therapist, with the positioning and temperature of the stones tailored to the individual client. A stone therapy treatment provides a deep massage to the whole body as well as concentrated areas.

Geothermal Therapy

Stone therapy is based upon geothermal therapy, which is the application of either heated or chilled stone to the body for the purpose of changing physiological responses.

The Treatment

A therapist will apply warm, oiled stones in several ways during the treatment. Stones will be placed on the body, delivering heat to concentrated areas and your therapist will massage other areas of the body with more heated stones in comfortable strokes. Cold stones are also useful for muscle injuries as they have a soothing effect.

You can add hot stones to any of our massage treatments to enhance the luxury of the massage. 

We would strongly recommend trying a hot stones treatments, even if you just opt for the add on, which would consist of your regular massage with hot stones added to gain dual benefit.

As with all treatments, a full consultation will be completed with your therapist to ensure that stone therapy is right for you.

Beauty and the Spa

Indian Head Massage

A Relaxed Mind is a Creative Mind

Indian Head Massage has been used in Asia for over 5,000 years and works specifically on the area surrounding the head, scalp, face, neck, shoulders and upper back. It comes from Ayurveda, an ancient method involving natural therapies, which takes into account mind, body and spirit.

Indian Head Massage is deeply relaxing massage and helps to remove tension leaving you soothed and relaxed. Concentrating on pressure points in the face to ease tension particularly around the eyes. 

Benefits can include:

• Promotes Circulation
• Releases toxins from tense knotted muscles
• Increases blood flow
• Increases supply of oxygen and glucose to brain and muscle tissue
• Improves mobility in neck and shoulders
• Improves lymphatic drainage
• Conditions Hair

• Improves alertness and concentration
• Releases anxiety
• Gives relief for mental and emotional tiredness
• Revitalises
• Gives feeling of well being 

As with all treatments, a full consultation will be completed with your therapist to ensure that Indian head massage is right for you.

Have you ever had an Indian head massage? If you have not we would suggest you book an appointment and feel the benefits. As always if you have any questions regarding any of our treatments, drop us an email or let us know your thoughts.

Beauty and the Spa

Paraben Free

One word, 8 letters - Parabens

There is a lot of debate regarding parabens and the danger surrounding the use of them in products.

Beauty and the Spa is going to break it down in this post and simply explain what they are and why we should avoid them. 

What are Parabens?

Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives, and that’s why they are found in so many products. They are used to fight bacteria and fungus, are widely available, and cost very little to manufacture and use. Nearly all of the parabens used as preservatives are man-made and not naturally occurring. 

What products use Parabens?

Parabens can be found in moisturisers, shampoos, shaving gels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, spray tans, and many more while they are also used as food additives. A large proportion of the products we buy contain some form of paraben therefore avoiding them completely can be difficult. 

Why Are Parabens dangerous? 

There has been lots of research into parabens and whether they are bad or safe. However some research has indicated that parabens are potentially dangerous and have linked parabens to cancer, therefore Beauty and the Spa have chosen to not use products containing them where possible. 

Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. Researchers have found parabens in breast tumors and believe there is a relationship between parabens and tumors. And in the July 2002 issue of the Archives of Toxicology, Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health reported that exposure of newborn male mammals to butylparaben “adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system.” 

It is worth reading and researching yourself on Parabens and the potential danger from using them and where possible shop for paraben free products and foods. 

Beauty and the Spa Spray Tan - paraben free

In the beauty industry there are many different tanning formulas to choose from and Beauty and the Spa are proud to say that we use LA Tan which not only gives our clients a perfect tan but are paraben FREE!

The best Tans in life are Paraben Free!

Beauty and the Spa

Deep Tissue Massage - Feel the knead

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue also called connective tissue. It aims to release the persistent patterns of tension in the body through specific massage technique either going across or following the fibres of the muscles, fascia and tendons. If you are stressed muscles are tense, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to possible inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. Deep tissue massages assist muscle tissue release, get blood and oxygen circulating properly and also “liberates” the knots. 

Deep tissue massage and its benefits are known to greatly improve the condition of many different body parts. 

Benefits can include:

• reduced pain
• improved sleep
• improved mobility;
• increased range of motion (ROM);
• restored ease of movement
• reduced muscle hyper tonicity, tension and spasm
• reduced scar tissue and other fascial adhesions, which can improve  both circulatory and nerve function .
• promote circulation (of both blood and lymph)
• Increased Blood flow - boosts the oxygen supply to all of the tissues in your body. With more oxygen circulating in the blood, toxins such as lactic acid are removed from your muscles at a higher rate.
• Stress Relief -  The forceful and firm pressure forces the body to relax and ultimately relieve tension. Not only do deep tissue massages help rid the muscles of toxins thanks to the increased blood flow, but flushing out toxins also helps to put the body and the mind in a more relaxed state. This can more easily lead to physical relaxation of stiff muscles.
• Reduced Chronic Pain - If you are someone who suffers from chronic discomfort such as arthritis, muscle inflammation, or even a bad back, a deep tissue massage can help alleviate some of the pain.

Beauty and the Spa love Deep Tissue Massage especially after a long day at work, it is just what the therapist ordered!

Beauty and the Spa

Aromatherapy - Makes SENSE

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a deeply relaxing form of massage using a medium of aromatic essential oils diluted in carrier oil. As a part of nature, aromatic essential oils are tools of healing and combined with the soothing power of massage have enormous therapeutic benefits to the body. By their fragrance and absorption through the skin, essential oils can also have subtle effects on the mind and emotions, helping to give feelings of relaxation, balance and harmony, a truly holistic therapy.

The Aromatherapist will perform a consultation and agree with you the conditions you want to be taken into account when selecting essential oils. The chosen blend will then be massaged into the body, so that the essential oils can be absorbed to do their work.

Benefits of aromatherapy, (list not exhaustive)

• ·         introduce a state of relaxation and rejuvenation
• ·         Relaxes tight and tense muscles
• ·         Aids natural quality sleep
• ·         Stimulates blood and lymph circulation
• ·         Reduces tension
• ·         Relieves pain, both specific and general
• ·         improves oxygen flow in the circulation
• ·         Helps rid the muscle cells of toxins and improves lymphatic drainage
• ·         Helps induce a psychological 'feel good factor'
• ·         Stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable
• ·         Stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time
• ·         Reduces Stress

The therapeutic effects of essential oils vary. Some oils are stimulating, whilst others are relaxing. Many oils are antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal such as Tea Tree and help to enhance the protective function of the skin. Certain oils can calm and soothe the skin and others such as Lavender help the skin cells to regenerate.

It is a deeply therapeutic experience, promoting both deep relaxation and the therapeutic effects of the essential oils

As with all treatments, a full consultation will completed with your therapist to ensure that aromatherapy is right for you.

Well we think aroma oils make sense so why not book a treatment today and feel the benefit!

Beauty and the Spa

Sports Massage - A Winning Massage

Sports Massage os recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy and was used over 3000 years ago in China, India and Greece. 

What is Sports Massage?

Sports Massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in regular physical activity. Soft tissue is connective tissue that has not hardened into bone and cartilage and includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise may enchance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.

What are the benefits of Sports Massage?  

• Improve circulation & lymphatic flow
• Assist in the removal of metabolic waste
• Sedate or stimulate nerve endings
• Increase or decrease muscle tone
• Increase or decrease muscle length
• Remodel scar tissue when required
• Assist in mental preparation for sporting participation  

If you are a sports performer, of any level, a sports specific massage can be beneficial at various stages of participation. For example:

• The conditioning / training phase
• Pre competition
• Inter competition
• Post competition
• Post travel
• Injury prevention
• Injury recovery

Do you have to be a sports person to benefit from sports massage?

To benefit from a sports massage you do not need to be a sports performer.  The benefits above can also help relieve many day to day problems that everyone experiences. We ensure that you will recieve  an individually tailored, sports massage. 

So regardless of your experiences in sport or exercise whether you exercise socially or compete to an international level - sports massage may have something to offer you.

Beauty and the Spa

The benefits of a massage

Have you ever had a Massage? and if you have...do you go for a regular massage or is it just a one off pamper..just a treat?

Massage has been around for centuries and though is a lovely relaxing pamper actually does a lot more for you then you may realise! 

Swedish Massage is designed to work on stress and tension by relaxing the muscles and helping to boost circulation in the body. It also provides physical relaxation, decreases stress and muscle tension and improves range of motion. The specific techniques used in Swedish massage involve the application of long, gliding strokes, friction, kneading and tapping movements on the soft tissues of the body. 

The Benefits Of A Swedish Massage Include:

Circulatory System

Increases circulation
Emphasizes the elimination of metabolic wastes
Improves the lymphatic system which also removes waste from the body thus resulting in less swelling from injury

Endocrine System
 

Releases endorphins
Mechanically stretches and elongates muscles
Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system
Reduction in pain
Helps improve weak muscles
Supports relaxation and improves sleep

Muscular System
 

Alleviates the restriction of muscles as well as tension and stiffness
Enhances blood circulation
Increases flexibility and durability of muscles
Delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles which reduces muscle fatigue and soreness.

Respiratory System
 

Stimulates slower breathing
Breaks up mucus and other respiratory discharge in the lungs.
Allows the body to become relaxed and begin the repairing process
If you're suffering from a cold, this is helpful because it helps you to rid your body of these toxins at a faster rate.

Digestion/Elimination 
 
Can relieve colic and gas as well as constipation
Promotes better digestion 

Psychological  

Relaxes body and mind Improves all over well-being of the individual Relief of inner tension and stress (Salvo)

 A massage once a month is a lovely way to treat yourself and help benefit your body!

The Tan

At Beauty and the spa we believe in looking natural, sunkissed, and having an extreme tan too! If you love to tan then you should be able to love tanning without going orange!

We looked at all the tans on the market and brought to you the one we believe in most LA Tan! From sunkissed skin to the darkest DHA available LA tan can cover all your tanning needs!

La Tanning states -

'LA Tanning solutions are superior tanning products developed using the latest technology, designed to produce an initial colour. DHA (Diydroxyacetone) is the main ingredient in all sunless tanning products the DHA used in our solutions is 100% organic, and range from 8% to 18%.
All our solutions are Fragrant Free, Parben Free and Alcohol Free.
LA Tanning solutions contain only the highest quality ingredients, including Aloe Vera Gel and a Blend of 5 Vitamins. These ingredients moisturise the skin to prevent the skin from drying out and subsequent loss of tan. Also included in our solutions are White and Green Tea Extracts which are a highly effective anti-oxidant.'

We've tried the tan and have to admit would not go back to anyone else! the skin doesnt feel dry or tight, its comfortable, it dries pretty quickly, and the developing colour is always amazing! never orange! and is the most natural looking tan even the darkest colours! The lifetime of the tan is between 5-7 days, but have never found the tan to go patchy in areas, it always seems to start to fade evenly, and as always you should be moisturising every day and night when wearing your tan, and we like to do a light exfoliation after about 3 days to take away any dead skin cells gathering which dulls your skin - not enough to take off your tan though! 

Would recomend LA Tan to a newbie tanner and to the tanning junkie!!. 

As always Beauty and the spa always do fantastic offers year round! so check out our website and pages to see special offers and deals on our spray tanning!