What Is.. Sound Healing

In the past year or so I’ve been so blessed to experience sound healing on a really deep level. A very close friend of mine Audrey, the founder of CoreState, is a qualified Sound Healer + she’s been so kind to do some bespoke sessions with me, tailoring the direction of each to my specific needs at each given session.

I am a huge believer in so many wellness modalities + practices, implementing many into my own life on a daily, weekly basis. But with this particular one I will admit that before my more recent experiences of sound baths with Audrey, I understood the practice to be a more fanciful type of self-care - something I always loved however, somehow not as justifiable in my mind as say my weekly therapy call or my gym membership + rather something of an occasional indulgence. It felt, to me, like more of an expensive way to take a nap as I’ve always found myself drifting off in any of the sessions I’d been to over the years. Despite this though, I always felt a sense of inner calm coming out the other side. And man, is it so much more than an expensive nap I’ve come to believe. It’s deeply healing. The more I’ve practiced the more I’ve realised the deeper meaning of it + the benefit of it’s not-so-woo-woo magic.

Sound healing, or therapy, might seem like it’s just popped up in recent times but it is in fact an ancient holistic healing practice that holds many therapeutic values. As humans we have used sound as a way to communicate, express, celebrate, heal + restore for thousands of years, transcending cultures, geography + belief systems. From the ancient mantras of yogic + Tibetan practices to more modern ways like The Haka, a sound + dance ritual performed by the New Zealand rugby team at the beginning of each game to showcase, in ceremony, their courage + determination. At a basic yet powerful level, think about how music can change the way you feel, it can help shift a dark + heavy mood into something more tolerable; taking us from overwhelm to a somewhat calmer state. Sound has been healing us for a long time.

Sound baths are an elevated version of this. Now backed by science, the point of sessions like an actual sound bath is to bring us, as entire beings, from imbalance into balance. To encourage a homeostasis state. The practice works wonders to switch on the parasympathetic nervous system, something I’m understanding more + more of late + the importance of it’s activation in nurturing the rest + digest side of our system which is becoming more vital with this very fast paced, high stress world we find ourselves in 2023.

And not only is it something for the soul to enjoy + explore, for anyone slightly on the more cynical side of the fence, it is scientifically proven to work on a cellular level. The sounds + vibrations of this modality are essentially frequencies created by + flow through the tools used by your practitioner that enter the conscious + subconscious, the physical + subtle energy fields within + around our body encouraging a state of wholeness. Reducing stress in general is a positive thing of course but at this cellular level the body + mind reap a lot of very tangible + long-lasting rewards. From regulation of the immense system, slowing the heart rate, supporting the production of melatonin which aids in a natural sleep flow along with lowering blood pressure, the prolonged effect is that it nurtures the longevity + quality of our mind, body + life in gerneral. For my fellow sleepers, I’ve also learned that dosing off is a sign of going deep while in a sound bath so it may, in one way, act as a nap but it’s definitely an elevated + high healing one so don’t worry about nodding off during a session.

Check out Audrey’s work HERE where you can book in with her for a private session, attend one of her groups or online classes.

Investment Wellness + Beauty Tools I Love

Working from home has always been the norm for me being self employed, but doing just about everything else at home this past 18 months has, like for us all, become slightly tiresome + a little repetitive. I’m definitely not complaining one bit as it’s very much a first-world problem (I’m in no way discounting how blessed I am to have somewhere safe to call home) but I guess it had become more + more important to ensure we’d been doing all the nice little things possible to make the whole experience a little brighter + lighter. While I’m not exactly the girl who has a million things in my social diary as lockdown slowly lifts - book me dinner with friends + get me home by 11 + I’m a happy lady. Apart from restaurants + cute weekend brunches though, one thing I’m definitely excited to have back in our lives is the ability to book in for a facial (I literally booked in with my facialist on her first day back) or a major ‘beat-the-crap-out-of-those-shoulder-knots” massage.. now that’s what I call LIT!! Totally my jam.

However, in spending so much time at home through it all, it’s been pretty cool to see what we CAN do in terms of our beauty routines + what treatments, I for one, will definitely continue to enjoy at home which includes some of the beauty tools I’ve invested in + used + truly love. Here today I’m talking about the investment beauty + wellness tools that, if you’re in the market for something new or uplifting, I absolutely recommend.

H I G H E R D O S E S A U N A B L A N K E T

I’d been wanting to try the Higher Dose at-home Sauna Blanket for a while + in December I took the leap to buy it. It’s basically a sleeping bag/blanket that acts as a sauna, the benefits of which are on par with an in-person session in an infrared sauna. I’m someone who LOVES to get a good sweat on, whether working out or doing Bikram (I get the reddest red face of.all.time - I’m an over-heater if ever you met one). I love the feeling of toxic release. It feels like a tonic to me. So with Higher Dose, it’s super simple, all you do is set up where you want to do it (always ensuring the wire isn’t under the blanket), let it heat for 10 minutes + then enjoy the time to relax, read (if you’re keeping your arms out of the blanket itself), watch a movie or, like I sometimes do, lay in the dark with a chic R O A D S candle lit + listen to a meditation // audiobook // podcast.

The benefits of Higher Dose are pretty incredible + as I’m not a healthcare professional of any sort, I share only my own experience - for me it’s been things like better sleep, increased mood + a lift in my energy levels as I find the time I spend in the blanket entirely relaxing that I absolutely see a boost in my energy the day after which is of course helped by the better sleep the blanket encourages.

SHOP at HIGHERDOSE.COM + use my personalised discount code HAUTE75 for $/€75 off your purchase..

M A N U C U R I S T

Next up is a new best friend to my nails. Manucurist is the BOMB!! I love it. I feel clean + fresh when I have my nails done + I’d been missed having the luxury of a nice manicure. However, since I tried Manucurist I’m all about my at-home DIY job. It’s super quick, so effective + fabulously glossy with no mess. It takes just about 8 minutes in total too so it’s perfect for while I’m on a (non-video) call or sitting at my desk listening to something. You can read all about it at Manucurist.com but basically it’s the first ‘clean’ non-toxic gel polish on the market so it’s also a super healthy option for your nails + I’ve been using it for a few months now + can attest to the fact that it doesn’t peel any layers of your nails or leave you with chipped varnish, in fact it lasts about 10 days; no joke.

SHOP at M A N U R C U R I S T . C O M

C E L L U M A

Like many big investment pieces, I do a lot of research into which one I really want to go with, always staying clear of or at least being aware of the many fads that storm their way through IG + my at-home LED ‘mask’ was definitely one I was super cautious about. With so many on the market I was unsure which weren’t just a trend + I also really wanted one that was FDA approved (be aware that most aren’t). So, as with all things skin related I asked my facialist Dawn, the founder of Floraison, which mask she would recommend. Enter Celluma Face LED. This isn’t a traditional ‘mask’ so-to-speak - not like the ones you typically see on IG these days, but rather a wrap which, with it’s flexibility means it can actually be used on many parts of the body like arms, legs, or the chest + neck area. LED light therapy has been around for a long time but in recent years, you’ve most likely seen how it’s been zapped up by the beauty industry + made into a highly commercial trend of sorts. However, what isn’t a quick trend is the medical grade technology of Celluma’s scientifically proven ability to provide the compromised cells in our skin the opportunity for tissue repair, an increase in micro-circulation + decreased inflammation which together, support the skin in it’s natural ability to look + feel healthy. And who’s not into that. With two settings, the Celluma is multifaceted + allows for the treatment of wrinkles + acne at a more topical level, while at a more muscular level, the management of pain + deeper healing. The Celluma isn’t just any ‘mask’, it’s a medical grade experience at home.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of an at-home LED mask, I absolutely recommend the Celluma as a brand + would propose you speak with Dawn about it directly if you’re considering investing.

SHOP at F L O R A I S O N . I E

D E R M A F L A S H

Working as an effective exfoliation procedure, dermaplaning is one of the hot topics on the agenda of beauty seekers and aestheticians alike. Short + sweet, the procedure is very simple with endless results. DERMAFLASH allows for the ability to do derma planing at home safely; derma planing consists of a sterile surgical blade which gently “shaves” off the surface of the skin in order to remove all excess dead skin + peach fuzz hair around the face. 

Again another thing I love to get done in normal times when getting a facial, it was suddenly no longer an option during lockdown so I thought I’d try this + I’ve not looked back. It’s not for everyone but I love the results. So easy to use + with very little way to do it ‘wrong’ (make sure to watch the videos on the Dermaflash website here though to ensure full safety) or harm your skin, it’s a really good investment if you’re looking to continue your dermaplaning journey at home. I love it.

SHOP at C U L T B E A U T Y . C O M

F A C E G Y M P R O T O O L

I’ve had my FaceGym Pro Tool for a long time now + absolutely love it.

The whole idea behind FaceGym is genius. It’s that, just like we workout our bodies, so should we approach the muscles in our face the same way. It was founded by Inge Theron who once worked for the Financial Times as one of their Wellness, Beauty + Spa writers where she shared her tried + tested reviews of endless amounts of beauty + wellness retreats, procedures + treatments in her column, ‘Chronicles of a Spa Junkie’ until one particular face-lifting procedure went wrong + left her house bound. She then sought to find the most organic way of working-out + lifting the face + so, FaceGym was born.

The brand now has 13 studios across the UK + US territories + is honestly such a fun way to get a facial in when you can get to a physical location.. However when at home or if you can’t get to one in person, their FaceGym Pro Tool, created in partnership with Xtreem Pulse is a powerful + non-invasive addition to any any-home skincare routine; it simply uses electrical pulses to stimulate your muscles just like we do our body when we workout. I use mine several days or nights a week alongside my Gua Sha routine + genuinely adore it for taking the tightening + toning in the face to another level. I see + feel a real difference with this in my weekly routine.

SHOP at F A C E G Y M . C O M

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What Is.. Dermaplaning

Working as an effective exfoliation procedure, dermaplaning is one of the hot topics on the agenda of all beauty seekers and aestheticians alike right now.  Short and sweet, the procedure is very simple with endless results. It consists of a sterile surgical scalpel that a trained beauty therapist uses to gently shave off the surface of the skin in order to remove all excess dead skin and peach fuzz hair. 

Don’t let the fear of hearing ‘surgical scalpel’ in the same sentence as your face scare you though, as there is no pain to the procedure and very little - to almost no - downtime post treatment for most people. Typically it is used as an add to another facial or peel. One of the most celebrated benefits of dermaplaning is that your skin is left without all the old cells, as it works to remove all the dead skin at the surface level, which then allows the skin’s absorption levels to fully revive. Lovers of the skin technique say it’s amazing how much longer products tend to last when they are being consistent with the treatment, as the skin’s ability to drink in all the products’ goodness is heightened so much more, making the skin look and feel clearer and brighter from every angle- and your monthly beauty product bills less I might add. Another use for Dermaplaning is the removal of any peach fuzz one might have on the face.

I’d been getting it done every few months + loved it. When COVID hit though + with it access to a trained aesthetician to attend in person suddenly vanished, I looked into being able to do it at home myself. Hello DERMAFLASH; one of the best at-home beauty tools. Easy to use, with very little way to do it wrong (make sure to watch the videos on the Dermaflash website here) or harm your skin, it’s a really good investment if you’re wanting to be able to continue your dermaplaning journey at home.

Personally I just love being able to do things at home in the comfort of my own space + the ease of my own time + although of course some things simply aren’t accessible, either financially or logistically, this one completely has my backing.

For best results, it is suggested to repeat the procedure every three to four weeks with a fresh as this leaves enough time for the skins natural rejuvenation process to take place - a cycle is typically about 30 days.

SHOP THE DERMAFLASH

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What Is.. Floatation Therapy

Floatation therapy’s purpose is to, for a limited time, free us from the sometimes overwhelming everyday stress our minds and bodies endure as a result of the immense and never ending flood of sensory input that’s difficult for our beings to process at the rate we take it all in.

 Simply put it’s a form of therapy where you lie back in a body of water, working toward total sensory shut down so as to allow the body and mind reach a new level of calm and tranquility - for many, something previously unimaginable. Everything about flotation therapy is safely and scientifically pre-determined to ensure the upmost benefit, from the temperature of the water, the particular Epsom salts used, the amount of salts - which should be the perfect ration that allows you float effortlessly and the level of light and quiet created in the space. The level of relaxation allows you reach a state of - for some - euphoric repose in the precisely-manufactured weightless environment. 

Each floatation business is different in terms of the set up but I would absolutely recommend going to one where the tank is for one person - who wants to be floating with strangers.. amirite? So seek out somewhere that has the specially designed solo pods. The best ones will have a specified radio of a 10” salt-water solution. 

Benefits in regular sessions of the on-trend treatment creates an incredible array of rewards in both body and mind. Regular gym goers or professional athletes can expect an improvement in athletic performance as the recovery time between concentrated workouts is reduced, while relieving pain, improving blood circulation, reducing blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption. And while we all love to do anything that makes us feel better physically and perform at any better rate, not all of us are professional athletes. ON a mental level it allows the brain shift into lower more relaxed frequencies which as a result has exceptional knock-on effects on general well-being. Regular users of flotation see a boost in overall mood, better sleep, the reduction of depressive states, anxiety and fear alongside growth in creativity and focus. 

What Is.. An LVL Lash Lift

Tired of the hassle and expenses of maintaining your false lashes or perhaps you’ve never desired to embark down that road, cause let’s face it, once you start it’s hard to return.. amirite ladies?

Well it’s been a hot minute since my days with false lashes and of late I’ve been getting LVL’s, known more technically speaking as Length, Volume, Lift. Created and exclusive to Nouveau Lashes, the revolutionary treatment is all about enhancing what you already have and works to construct a look of longer, more voluminous lashes, leaving you looking less tired, more youthful and well, just feeling fabulous AF!

After finding a certified LVL Lash artist (you can find your nearest one here) and completing a patch test at least 48 hours prior to your treatment, it’s a seamlessly smooth and painless process. Lying back for the entire treatment it begins with your eyes being protected with a specifically-sized shape shield which is placed on your eyelid and lower lashes against which your lashes will be pressed with a bonding gel. After these first preparations it’s all about the lift; this includes the application of a lifting balm which works to reshape the structure and shape of your lashes so as they now lift out and up from the root in a beautiful curved direction. Step two is to volumise - after removing the lifting balm the therapist applies a volumising fix which seals the lashes into their newly found shape. Next comes the lash tint which once left on for a few minutes leaves the lashes looking darker and fuller. The last and final stage in the process is one in which a moisturising serum is added to nourish and promote longevity in the lashes new shape and also ease them off the shield. And voila, you are done. 

Basically it’s like a perm for the lashes and as well as saving time in your daily routine, it’s something so none invasive and leaves you looking and feeling like you’ve done something done to them but just what, nobody can tell.. just that they look WOW!

The treatment takes about 45 minutes to an hour with instant results. No part of the process should hurt, however if it stings a little, just let your therapist know. Costing on average about £45 per treatment, I warn it’s absolutely as addictive as getting your extensions done but in my opinion much healthier, less maintenance and there is absolutely no in between time of feeling like you’re only half-lashed!

Find your nearest certified artist here

What Is.. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy has been around for decades as an, albeit quite controversial, source of mental and physical stress relief. Benefits are said to include reduction in arthritic pain and migraine symptoms, depletion of atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions, the numbing of nerve irritation, alleviation of low mood disorders and it is said to aid weight loss and the reduction of disease-causing inflammation. That’s a hell of a lot of benefits in one treatment right? As popular as the treatment has become in the past two years though there is yet to be any formal scientific proof of all the possible advantages. Yet, despite it’s lack of FDA approval just yet, it has undoubtedly joined the ranks of high-tech skincare with many high-profile doctors and dermatologists, medical aestheticians and facialists getting behind it as a major player in anti-ageing skincare and overall health. The therapy style treatment for your skin comes in a facial form or as a whole body remedy . 

A shortcut to brighter, tighter skin, the treatment has amassed a serious cult following, boosting cell rejuvenation and collagen while also stimulating the immune system; so there’s something good for the inside and the out and what’s not to love about that! Using it as a whole body treatment is often practiced by top athletes to rehab muscles and increase circulation. In the full-body treatment, users strip nude and are encased in a cryogenic chamber (similar to a tanning booth) where you are exposed to extremely cold temperatures - like say negative-225-degrees-Fahrenheit kinda cold - created by liquid nitrogen for a period of 3-5 minutes. Perhaps more popular in the beauty world though is the cryotherapy facial which has gained immense popularity in recent times among the beauty world’s elite and celebrities alike.  

A cryogenic facial is similar to that of a full body treatment and can be either an in-and-out treatment with just the cryogenic element or can consist of a myriad of steps, only one of which is the cryotherapy itself. Options around the main event include thorough cleansing, microdermabrasion to give a deep exfoliation after which the freezing, ice-cold air is blown across each area of the face, neck and chin, followed by LED light therapy. Avid followers of the trend claim to see benefits of glowing skin and anti-ageing elements bringing them back for more. 

Image Man Repeller

What Is.. FaceGym

Maybe you’re a spin enthusiast or a resistance-goddess, perhaps you love your morning run or sweating it out at Bikram? Whatever your chosen method of movement you understand and agree with the benefits in time spent working the body and a dedicated commitment to strengthening the muscles of our body; simply put it pays off to workout, right? Why then have we never connected such dedication to the face? Step forth FaceGym, the world’s first ever gym session for the face.

FaceGym was founded in 2016, by ex-beauty journalist Inge Theron who as a contributor for the Financial Times, documented her search for the next big thing in beauty in her column ‘Chronicles of a Spa Junkie”. Over a 3 year period she visited 57 spas, tried 25 anti-ageing treatments, tolerated 15 detoxes and sweated her way through 32 different types of movement classes. In her extreme search she underwent a face-lift procedure that left her house-bound due to complications and with a new outlook on skincare and the search for what works, she wondered if perhaps there was a less invasive was of ageing gracefully?

FaceGym is her resulting creation, the fruits of a two-year study that saw her travel the world to work with fitness experts, doctors, gurus and facialists. It’s a non-invasive facial workout requiring no knives, needles or recovery time; just 45 - 60 minutes in the hands of one of the company’s expert trainers. Exercising the face works to increase the blood circulation (allowing oxygen and nourishment to reach skin cells) and develop the 43 muscles in the face, making the shape of the face more full and defined. The ‘training’ part of the workout varies depending on the outcome you desire, so whether it’s a lifted look, tightening, detox, de-puffing or sculpting there is a varying custom-created workout. However the overall aim of a session at FaceGym is to stimulate the muscles, bringing back the skin’s natural elasticity and promoting collagen production. 

With similar steps to a body workout, the trainer will take you through the warm up, cardio, sculpting, and cool down stages of the workout. Using high energy kneading movements, a carefully selected selection of high-quality products from around the globe alongside optional vitamin boosters, a jade gua sha tool, a yoga ball and an electrical muscle stimulator (EMS), a session at FaceGym leaves your skin looks instantly tighter and brighter with your face visibly more sculpted. Fresh skin, the natural way, what’s not to love?

Available in London, Manchester, New York & coming soon to Los Angeles // Book your workout here // Workouts cost bewteen £50 and £225 or $70 and $270

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