When life gets busy and leaves you feeling tired and deflated, a little TLC goes a long way. Ideal for a little pick me up that will leave you feeling rested and restored without needing to set aside hours and hours for a full spa day, Sophie Ritchie visits Lush’s Oxford Street spa to experience a Validation Facial and reap the rejuvenating benefits
There is little I love more than a spa visit or treatment. It’s the equivalent of putting a holiday in the calendar for me – a little ‘pep in the step’ diary date to look forward to when work starts getting a little too hectic and the to-do list a little too long.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit a fair few in my time but truthfully, it shocked me last year to discover that Lush, the UK-based cosmetics company best known for its for fresh, handmade beauty and skincare products (hello, bath bombs) not only have an excellent product range, they also have a host of spas dotted across the UK. With multiple sites in London, Oxford, Bristol and other UK-based cities, Lush’s spas offer fans and wellness seekers alike the chance to soak up an experience that feels both personal and customised – whether that’s a facial, massage or other form of pampering treatment.
I return to the site of my inaugural visit, its Oxford Street-based spa, for a Validation Facial. I’m not typically a facial type of person (my go-to is a back and shoulders massage) but having caught several sightings of my skin looking less than luminous lately, the thought of leaving with a dewy glow has me hopping on a train faster than you can say “Drink some water, woman.”
The fight to reach the Oxford Street site’s downstairs location might be strenuous, but cross the threshold and find yourself greeted with a warm smile from the team and a simple iPad-based check-in. I’m soon then ushered into the spa by my therapist Heather, a space which feels like an ethereal-like, slightly ‘white witch’ kitchen kitted out with various pots and potions galore, all of which contain ingredients and concoctions for different treatments. There’s no sauna or steam room here, but the relaxation on offer is still just as strong.
Completely individualised depending on the guest, Heather then asks me to select from a range of scents and products for my facial, whilst also choosing a set intention for the experience. For those unfamiliar with the term, an intention refers to how you’d like to feel after the facial – I opt for both relaxed and energised – seeking an oxymoronic reset with some pep in my step for the weekend ahead.
The treatment
Carefully-curated to boost one’s confidence and skin health, following my tailored consultation the treatment commences in one of the spa’s chic subterranean treatment rooms, which has a cosy ‘country cottage-esque’ feel with painted wood-panelled walls and flooring.
Heather then provides an expert application of fresh skincare products accompanied by a relaxing soundscape of waves and positive affirmations that guides my dozy self through the ultra relaxing experience. Thanks to my hand-picked products from the initial consultation stage, it feels incredibly bespoke and tailor-made for my skin – far from the ‘cookie cutter’ feel that some spa treatments can sometimes disappoint with. I feel very much like the star of the show as I drift through the gentle trance-like treatment
The Wordobe Verdict
The Lush ‘Validation’ facial is a wonderfully unique experience that can either invigorate or calm depending on what you’re seeking. Switch off, relax and let LUSH’s capable hands whisk you away into a dreamlike state whilst the facial works its dewy magic.
Make it happen
Where: Other sites also available.
Wallet: £120.00 for a 60-minute session
How: Find out more and make a booking via lush.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
