After Care Tips

May 23rd, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…

When we have our professional treatments done at our local spas we always get great advice from our therapists on how to maintain the effects of a body or facial treatment.Here is some general homecare advice for some treatments that we could all use so as to get the most value out of the spa experience!

Skincare:
Make sure to use a gritty exfoliant on your skin before any skin treatment, this way when the therapist performs the treatment you will see an even better result in the brightness and hydration of your skin.

After skin treatments it makes a huge difference if we use the right cleanser, exfoliant/enzyme mask for regeneration, the correct moisturiser and most importantly SPF.

Tanning:
The next time you have your Karora body spray done, why not invest in the at home spray bottle or the gradual body moisturising tan?? This way you can up keep your tan for up to two weeks longer! Total money saver!!

Body Exfoliant Treatments:
After a professional body scrub treatment our skin is fighting fit and ready for whatever the seasons have to throw at us. So why not maintain this by investing in a body brush? This €20 product lasts literally a lifetime and can be used every day. It helps not just to keep dead skin cells at bay but also to help fight cellulite and keeps collagen and elastin flowing too.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Acupuncture – A Brief Intro

May 10th, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…acupuncture

When we get sick we go to the doctor as we feel that this will make us feel better quickly. Some of us may also be guilty of taking anti-biotics when it was not really necessary. So why don’t we look back at what our ancestors did when there was no medication. Acupuncture is an age old remedy for minor to serious illness. It has been used the world over for centuries and it is now coming back with a bang. It is known now that over use of medication can damage body functions, therefore we are now looking at more natural ways to stay healthy and fight disease.

Acupuncture is a complex medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well being. It can focus on physical, psychological, emotional or spiritual problems. Acupuncture originated in China more than 3,000 years ago and due to its proven effectiveness, has been embraced throughout the world. It involves the insertion of extremely fine pre-sterilised needles at predetermined points on the body’s surface to restore health.

As an avid user of this ancient medical form I can say that it does work and would recommend it highly. There has been all sorts of studies and documentaries done on Acupuncture to find out if it really works or if it is just a placebo (something that makes you think you feel better) and findings showed that when the needles are inserted into the skin that it does in fact stimulate the inner areas of the brain, areas that can cause reactions within the bodies functions.

So the next time you consider the doctor why not try the natural approach instead and see if you feel a difference?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Lashes Fit For a Princess !

May 2nd, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…

What Lashes will the new princess wear?

We have recently taken on a new range of lashes from the lash emporium with exciting new trends and shapes, from natural flowing lashes to the extravagant feathered, long and fuller lashes.

With the Royal Wedding on the horizon we at La Spa Therapie were dying to see what type of Lashes that the new Princess would wear………..

We feel for the occasion at hand, that a subtle, natural but ‘wow, she has amazing lashes!’ look would be perfect.

We love the Lash Emporium Lashes as they are

• 100% handmade
• Strip lashes are all re-useable
• Strip lashes are lift-resistant
• Lashes are made with the softest hair available
• All lash products carry a quality guarantee

Quality lashes means that your lashes last longer, look more natural, remain lift-free & can be re-used over again. Whether you are a casual wearer or if you wear lashes night & day there is a set for you. See our pic below of what we think the new princess would love!

lash extension


Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Loose Inches with the Universal Contour Wrap

April 19th, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Universal Contour Wrap

With summer on the way and weddings and events etc to prepare for, how do we get ourselves looking our best for the hot season?? Well I think that a great place to start is with our figures, so I thought we could all do with a pep talk on the world renowned Universal Contour Wrap…

This is a scientifically proven inch loss treatment that guarantees you’ll lose at least 6 inches in just 2 hours, making it the perfect solution when you have to look your best for that special occasion.

The 6 inch-loss, is also guaranteed to stay off for at least 30 days so you can be confident of looking great long after leaving the salon. This may sound too good to be true but with average losses of 10-14 inches from just one treatment, UCW Classic is the inch loss treatment you can trust.

But it doesn’t just deliver exceptional inch loss; the unique clay formula and special wrapping techniques the therapists use, also tighten and tone your body while exfoliating and cleansing the skin so you will not only look great, you’ll feel fabulous too, after just 1 treatment.

The secret to Universal Contour Wrap’s guaranteed inch loss lies in the unique clay formula and special wrapping techniques used during the treatment.

‘UCW Classic’, involves being wrapped in 25-30 elasticated bandages that have been pre-soaked in a warm, mineral-rich clay solution.

It takes less than 45 minutes to be measured and wrapped by the specially trained therapist and once wrapped, you simply relax and let the bandages sculpt and tone your body while the minerals are absorbed into your skin and the clay draws out toxins to leave you feeling and looking your best.

Unlike other inch loss treatments Universal Contour Wrap, doesn’t rely on dehydration to get results. In fact to maximise your personal results you’re encouraged to drink plenty of water after treatments to continue the inch loss, detox and cleansing process.

Universal Contour Wrap carries on working long after you’ve left the salon. After you’ve been wrapped, the special clay solution remains in the pores of the skin so the detoxification and tightening process can continue for 3 to 4 days, giving further inch loss. After the wrap you should also drink plenty of water to help flush and rid your body of the impurities that have been released during the wrap process.

To experience the full benefits of UCW Classic, a course of wraps is recommended and these should be taken a minimum of 7-10 days apart. Inch loss is cumulative and the average overall loss is around 25 inches after just three treatments. It’s actually quite normal for women to come down a complete dress size!

Now that we know how easy it is to look fabulous this summer its time to book in for your Universal Contour Wrap!!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Nail Extensions – Choosing the Correct Type

April 11th, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…

With all of these new nail systems out there how do we know what we really want to get done to our nails for those special occasions or girls nights out?

Let’s start with the basics! The good auld file and paint has been around for years now and is the quickest and most popular treatment for people on the go who need their nails looking good. This basically consists of the therapist shaping and painting the nails on the hands or feet with either a coloured polish or a French polish to have the nails looking clean and manicured.

A step up from this is the newest and hottest fad on the market, yes it’s the Shellac paint or newer versions such as the Gelish, which are very similar.
These systems consist of a newly formulated gel polish that is thin like a regular polish but lasts like a gel. This polish needs to be set with a U.V lamp and the treatment can take up to 40 mins. Once set, the polish can last up to 2 weeks but needs to be soaked off in acetone which can take 10-15 mins.

Not to be forgotten is the gel and acrylic nails…. These are around a long time and like a good wine get better with age! Each year the formulations get stronger and more advanced making acrylic and gel nail still a very popular choice for nail biters, people with short or brittle nails or even brides to be to get that amazing perfect manicure look.

The acrylic system consists of a liquid and a powder that set on the nail to create a hard wearing nail extension. The nail extension tip is applied to the tip of the natural nail to add length and then the acrylic is applied over this to add structure and durability.

Much like this is the gel nail which works on the same principal but instead of a liquid and a powder it is simply a gel product that sets under a UV lamp.

So now with all this knowledge of nails you can finally make the right choice for you!

P.S – Check out some of the nail art created at La Spa……….

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Tanning Product Advice

April 5th, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Tanning Advice

The Sun is out, which means so are our legs!! So we are all now thinking of tan. Whether this is spray tan, rub on tan, tanning wipes or a real tan, we can’t help but want to be bronzed once the weather gets finer!!

Now that there is such a vast array of tanning options to select from there is really no need to be using sun beds or to be looking pasty! The most popular way to get the ‘just off a holiday’ look is to use spray tan. This is done by a qualified beauty therapist at all salons these days. There are so many tans out there now to choose from and most beauticians will have a selection to choose from. But how do you choose?

Well the newest trend on the market at the moment is organic tanning. Two such brands of organic tanning are Karora and Organics which we stock here at the spa. The buzz about organic tanning is that you get the colour you want without compromising your skin condition as the tan itself contains skin conditioners which help to hydrate while also tanning the skin….. cool eh?

Another method of tanning is cream application. St Tropez would be one of the most popular brands for this as it is around the longest and has a great reputation for colour and even tone. This is applied with a mitt again by a qualified therapist in a salon. The tan is applied to the mitt and it is then evenly distributed over the body.

All of the tans above need to be left for 8 – 12 hours before being showered off as this gives the tan enough time to develop on the skin.

Another way to build up a tan is a gradual tanning moisturiser. This can also be found in an organic tan, such as the one from Karora. It is only €20 and comes in a large size. This type of tan should be applied every day and after a week it is quite evident of the tan developing on the skin. This is great for virgin tanners! Who may be weary of a spray tan being too dark for a special event etc.

Either way there is a tan for everybody so get out there to find out which is the best one for you!!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Save Money with La Spa Therapie

March 28th, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Save with La Spa Therapie

Even though we may be savvier with our cash these days, we still like to have the finer things in life!

So I thought it was high time I told everyone about our amazing deals on all the things we love to have.

Skin care products are a must have for everybody. They keep us looking younger and feeling better about ourselves. The Image skin care range is one of the most results driven ranges out there and even though these products give amazing, NOTICEABLE results! The pricing is still very much affordable. We love this product so much that we regularly use it as our product of the month, with each month being a different product within the range. So, if it is skincare you are looking for than you need to keep and eye on our product of the month each month! This can be followed on our facebook page and home page.

If it is relaxation you are after then our Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter specials are what you need!

These spa/beauty specials include offers on teeny tiny beauty treatments and also amazing spa treatments.

Our spa/beauty packages mostly include choices of treatments so that you can customise a package that suits you best.

If there is ever any type of package you would like but cannot seem to find it, then you can call us and we will design one especially for you.

To follow our beauty and spa specials you can go to our facebook or webpage, or even easier… sign up to our monthly newsletter on the day spa homepage and let us deliver the specials to you!!

Happy Saving!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

A Good Habit for Lent !

March 21st, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Facial Treatment

It is that time of year again where everybody thinks of something to give up for Lent and we usually choose the same thing we failed to give up last year!!!

Instead of giving up something this Lent, why not try to do something easier and make a resolution to be better with our skin care?!

I think its time to look after ourselves and what better way to start than with Lent?

Make a promise to yourself to begin a skincare regime starting each morning with cleansing, moisturising and then protecting your skin with an SPF. This is a great way to start the day and you will feel instantly better and more awake each morning.

Every evening cleanse away your skins stress of the day and again moisturise and treat your skin with a night cream or serum.

If this is a process that is alien to you! Then now is a great time to start and the results will be seen in your complexion. There are great offers out there on skin care products so hit your local spa/beauty salon today to see what they have on offer for you.

Looking Good while Keeping Fit!

March 14th, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Exercise While Looking Good

Now that Spring has arrived we are all thinking about how we can get our bikini bodies back for Summer! Be it running, walking, step aerobics or in the gym, we all need to look the part while sweating it out!

So let’s start with our skin. If you are braving the outdoors then you will need to be protecting your skin, using a hydrating moisturiser that isn’t too thick is key, so that it will illuminate your skin without blocking the pores. Also use an SPF to protect against the environment. This will have your skin looking glowing, rather than over exerted!

Next is our hair. Even though we may have our hair tied up when exercising we still need it shiny and looking its best. A great way to achieve a high shine is to treat your hair with leave in conditioners and use heated styling tools as little as possible so as not to dehydrate the hair.

We all need a little help getting back into shape and I think that a good kick start is a great way to feel good when exercising. Two great treatments to help us along the weight loss or body toning path are the Universal Contour Wrap and the Endermologie machine. The wrap helps to eliminate fat cells using intense seaweed clay, offering guaranteed inch loss and the Endermologie is excellent for cellulite and body contouring.

With all of this help we will definitely look great in our trackies this Spring!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Reflexology- An Overview

March 4th, 2011

reflexologyKatie here from La Spa…

Reflexology available at our day spa is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilising specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion. Reflexology is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands which stimulates a physical change in the body.

It can be used to: (to name just a few)
• Create Relaxation
• Reduce Pain
• Improve Blood Flow
• Impact on cholesterol

A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or left hand represents the body’s left half and right foot or hand its right half.

In reflexology practice, pressure and specific techniques are applied to the relevant reflex areas to stimulate that related part of the body. Research has demonstrated beneficial effects for several reflex areas and their reflected parts of the body.

Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again. Archaeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt, China and Japan.

In the East, ancient Chinese techniques were re-discovered in the 1980s and have spread throughout Asia and the rest if the world, creating today’s reflexology-rich environment with reflexology paths in parks and a thriving reflexology industry of practitioners, businesses and research.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.