I had my first ever facial at Liverpool's own Lush Spa and left feeling like I was floating on a cloud.
The high street cosmetics giant is known and loved for its extensive range of handmade bath bombs, cruelty free makeup, skincare, shampoos and more. Some of its stores also boast an in-house spa, offering a range of treatments with Lush products - and Liverpool's flagship Lush is kitted out with a peaceful haven on its top floor.
After struggling with prolific knots in my back and a resurgence of my long-standing enemy, insomnia, I turned to Lush on the hunt for a massage. I'd naively expected to be able to book just a few days before I wanted to pop in, but the treatment I'd wanted was fully booked - and for the foreseeable future, too. Clearly, I'd underestimated the popularity of the Lush Spa.
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The only treatment left on my day off work was the Validation Facial, a 60 minute bespoke facial with elements of massage thrown in for good measure. I wasn't too sure how to feel about this because I despise having my face touched, and after finally getting my skin somewhat clear after battling spots for months on end, I was worried about it causing a potential breakout.
After having a nosy online and spotting an abundance of rave reviews, my interest was piqued. I read sentences like "all I can say is wow. The hour went by so fast, I didn't want to get up. Felt like I was walking on air all day after", and immediately booked the treatment.
I don't think Lush's booking system is particularly clear - you buy a voucher online to use at your chosen spa, but then there's no seemingly obvious way to book your desired day and time. I ended up contacting Lush directly to complete my booking, so I definitely think this process could be improved with an online appointment system of some sort, especially as the phone lines were really busy.
I arrived at the spa and had to fill in some personal information on one of the spa's handy iPads, which was just to check for any medical conditions and allergies. Then, my spa therapist, Rachel, came out to get me.
The description states it's a "bespoke" facial and it truly is - I was asked how I wanted to feel, and what I wanted my skin to look like upon completion. There's a list of options to choose from and I opted for feeling calm, with youthful and clear skin. Rachel then talked me through the range of products used at each stage throughout the facial, and I was able to pick which ones to use on my skin.
I was led through to one of the spa's treatment rooms, which have been designed in the style of a country cottage, and given time to get settled. The Validation Facial only requires minimal undressing, and you're nestled under a cosy duvet on a (heated!) bed throughout the entire process.
A soothing soundscape is played throughout its entirety and almost instantly, I felt calmer and much more relaxed. The heated bed is utterly heavenly, and helps cast out any fears and woes. My whole body felt at ease, while Rachel's magic hands got to work.
The facial is completed in tandem with gentle massage and stretches to promote lymphatic drainage. There's, naturally, a lot of focus on the face, with the chosen products applied and massaged into the skin in stages, while the massage extends to the neck, shoulders and upper chest area, too.
It may sound silly, but I felt so well cared for and safe during the Validation Facial - the combination of Rachel's skills, the heated bed, the thick and cosy duvet, and the aroma of the products permeating the air all worked in perfect harmony to create the most peaceful, relaxing experience I've had in years.
From start to finish, this treatment was complete and utter bliss - I genuinely didn't want it to end. I've been feeling particularly anxious in recent months, and I'd hoped this treatment would help release the tension I've most definitely been carrying around with me. It did all of that and more - I left Lush's Liverpool Spa feeling like I was floating on a cloud. Later that evening, I had the best night's sleep I'd had in months.
My skin has been clear and calm in the week or so since the Validation Treatment, and I'm already counting down until payday so I can book another treatment. It's expensive, at £105, but as the occasional treat, it's something I'm definitely going to be investing in. Lush also offer Klarna as a payment option, which allows the cost of treatments to be split over three months, interest free - though this is subject to approval from the lender.
Lush Liverpool Spa is based on the fourth floor at Lush, 38 - 46 Church Street, Liverpool, L1 3AW. You can view and book treatments here.
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