Why you NEED to visit the Voya Seaweed Baths & Spa in Standhill!

A while ago, maybe a year or so, I got invited to a Voya press day at their Seaweed Baths & Spa in Strandhill, Sligo. As it was on a random Wednesday evening and I don't drive, there was no way to the other coast of Ireland and back in a day. I had to miss it, which seriously bummed me out. Strandhill is where the brand was born, as a seaweed bath, long before it was a line of cosmetics, and, as a fan of the brand, I've always wanted to visit.

Seaweed Baths were once a common fixture of Irish seaside towns and, in the early 20th century, there were 9 in the small town of Strandhill in County Sligo alone. However, during the 50s and 60s, these fell out of vogue and, eventually, closed down. Then, in 1996, the Voya (then Celtic) Seaweed Baths was opened under the Walton family, reviving local tradition and combining it with a love for organic treatments. Since then, Voya expanded into production as well as treatments and has grown as a brand with a cult following. Its line of skincare products are stocked in stores and spas all around the globe and the baths are now a popular tourist attraction and spa that attracts 40,000 people to the area each year.

Fresh seaweed is harvested every day to be used at the spa for traditional seaweed baths and this remains one of their most popular treatments. While you can get all sorts of massages and facials and treatments, I really wanted to see what all the fuss about these baths was. I'm a massive fan of the Voya line of products and have always seen a visible difference in my skin when using them. I was curious to see what effect a treatment using pure seaweed would have, given that all of their products use it as a base. Seaweed baths are said to remove toxins from the body and accelerate the healing process and as I'm a clumsy individual with dry skin prone to hormonal breakouts (and I was in the midst of a bad one), that sounded good to me.

My college bestie and I decided to make the trip over to Strandhill but couldn't find a place to stay in the village (between the surf schools and spa, it's a popular spot), so we stayed in nearby Sligo Town. On the Saturday, we cycled the 10km to Strandhill, grabbed brunch on the seafront and then went for our seaweed baths. Let me just tell you, if you're looking to relax, cycling around Sligo, fresh sea air and good food and company is the perfect recipe.

We were already happy and full going into the treatment but when we got to our double room and got into the process of climbing gingerly into our tubs, we got giddy. The seaweed is even slimier than you are imagining, as it is in a small, controlled body of water and getting the temperature right for your own tastes involves a lot of squealing, laughing and dipping toes in and out. However, once we'd gotten into the water and used to the texture (and pretended to be swamp monsters by putting seaweed on our heads), the giddiness eventually dissipated and all that was left was being toasty and cosy.

I will say, however, that if you're like me and cannot stand having a warm head, the process can be a little uncomfortable at times and I wasn't able to completely relax. But, if you're one of those people who can sleep fully underneath covers, you'll be in heaven.

After we got out and got dressed (forgoing showers to let those good seaweed juices to soak into our hair and skin), we both felt soft and happy but it wasn't until days later that I really saw the effects of the bath. I've been having excellent hair days for over a week (despite several days where I couldn't brush it properly due to having given myself a minor head injury) and my skin is glowing. Those breakouts I was bitching about? They are well on the way to being completely healed. And my overall skintone is more even and happy. This may also have something to do with the fact that I bought a Voya moisturiser while I was at the spa and have been using it every day since but, either way, the proof is in the pudding (or smooth skin): seaweed is freaking magical. Seriously. I think I'm sticking with my Voya moisturiser this time because I had missed it - the occupational hazard of being a beauty blogger and testing new shit all the time is limited loyalty to products, I guess, but there is a reason I still think of this guy and mentally cheat on other moisturisers...

Anyhoo...if you find yourself out West and are looking to relax and try out a traditional beauty experience, I can't recommend this highly enough! It's only a pity that spas that offer seaweed baths in Dublin absolutely rip you off (whereas we paid 27 quid each), or I'd do it on the reg.

P.S. Sligo is more gorgeous every time I'm there...

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Note: This post is not sponsored in any way, shape or form and all opinions are my own.

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12 Days of Giftmas - What's still live

Yesterday was the last entry into the 12 Days of Giftmas series but seven of the giveaways are still up and running. I thought I'd just pop up a quick masterpost so you can get your entries in before the rest close!

Happy Christmas!

Caudalie (Micellar Water and Divine Oil) - Closes the 13th of December 2015 at midnight.
Willow (€20 gift voucher) - Closes the 14th of December 2015 at midnight.
MyLadyBug (3 Month Subscription) - Closes the 15th of December 2015 at midnight.
OPSH (Howlite Urban Outfitters Bracelet) - Closes the 16th of December 2015 at midnight.
VOYA (Angelicus Serratus Nourishing Body and Massage Oil) - Closes the 17th of December 2015 at midnight.
The Zipyard (€30 gift voucher) - Closes the 18th of December 2015.
Flormar (2 Lipsticks, 1 Lipgloss, 1 Nail Polish and 1 Blush) - Closes the 19th of December 2015.

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12 Days of Giftmas - VOYA ¦ Giveaway

On the tenth day of Giftmas my true love gave to me, Irish organic skincare from the sea...

VOYA is one of my all-time favourite beauty brands. They were the first brand that I worked with, almost two years ago, just as I was getting into beauty, skincare and make-up properly. In fact, only a few days after I finally committed to establishing a proper skincare routine and trying to use more natural products, I got the email to attend my very first blogger event with them. As a result, they have a particularly fond place in my heart.

Aside from this though, there's a lot to love. And there's a reason that I've gotten friends and my mother hooked on the brand. In fact, Mammy's Christmas request from me and my siblings this year was "just lots of VOYA stuff."

They're Irish, a family-run business, natural, pick inspirational ladies as their spokespeople, make damn good skincare and, oh yeah, everything smells so damn good. I have my favourite products, of course, but I've yet to try anything from them that I didn't get on with. And you'd best believe that anytime I have the option, I choose a spa or hotel that stocks their products (and then ransack the hotel of every product left out in my room).

All of this is why they had to be part of the 12 Days of Giftmas.

"But what, pray tell, might this 12 Days of Giftmas be?" you're probably asking.

If you didn't read yesterday's post about OPSH, let me explain it again!

The 12 Days of Giftmas is a project that occurred to me last week. An idea that I ambitiously decided to go through with very last minute - I must be a lunatic. It's a sort of advent calendar for me and my readers, a way of saying thank you for reading and rewarding you in a small way. For the first 12 days of December, I will be writing a post every day on a shop, brand or item that would make good gifts. This is instead of the long gift ideas posts I've done in the past and offers a more in-depth look at some amazing companies and things. To complement each post, I've also teamed up with these fantastic brands and will be giving something away each day! So, the 12 Days of Giftmas will give you some gift ideas and the potential to win something for a loved one (or yourself!).

There are a lot of great gift ideas and options from VOYA and to suit a range of budgets and different recipients. If you don't have a lot of money to spend, for example, you needn't despair as this luxury brand has got your back. You can get a cute little Skincare Kit with travel sizes of their Me Time Moisturiser, Cleanse and Mend Cleanser, Ritzy Spritzy Toner and Maskerade Hydrating Facial Mask, all in a little VOYA cosmetic pouch, for just (RRP) €20.00.

And, if you want to give someone a spa day out but don't have a lot of cash, you can get their Lazy Days seaweed bath pack for €18.00 to bring the spa to you.

If you have more to spend and time to bring them on a wee trip to Sligo, the birthplace of VOYA, you can buy a range of vouchers to use in their Strandhill spa.

Then, if you're feeling luxurious, they have the kind of gifts a loved one would never justify buying for themselves that make great presents for spoiling people such as the Hair Gift Set with their high end (and effective) shampoo and conditioner (€43.00).

They also have lovely bits for the house such as their range of diffusers with scents such as African Lime and Clove for €44.00 and a range of candles and refills.

There's also a range of Christmas gift sets including Christmas Mitts Limited Edition Hand Care Gift Set (€34.00) and their Christmas Spiced Candle (€20.00).

In addition, there's a whole range of skin, body and haircare products that you can pick and choose from to make up a little luxury hamper for someone, as we'll be doing for Mam. Basically, VOYA makes the products you need to pamper the hard-working, fantastic people in your life.

So, if you want to give this amazing brand a go, why not enter my giveaway of a recent VOYA launch, the delicious-smelling Angelicus Serratus Nourishing Body and Massage Oil.

VOYA is stocked online, in spas around the world and in stores such as Avoca.

1. Sadly, I can only keep my giveaways open to Ireland this time around. I apologise to those who might disappointed but I have to keep the generous brands that I'm working with in mind!

2. The prize is one Angelicus Serratus Nourishing Body and Massage Oil.

3. All you need to do is comment below here or on Facebook with who you'd give it to - or if you want it for yourself! However, you must be following me on at least one platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', Tumblr), let me know which one in the comment if it's not obvious!

4. Competition closes a week from now on the 17th of December 2015 at midnight Irish time.

5. Winners will be chosen at random.

6. I will then comment below the winner's comment and ask you to email my official blog email address.

And that's that! Good luck and see you again tomorrow for the next brand and giveaway!

(Thanks to Tracey and Sophie at the Spa PR Company and VOYA for working with me!)

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Bonus Gift Guide: For those who left it until now...

So, it's the night before Christmas Eve and you've left it until now, haven't you? The terror has taken over and you've no idea what to do. Put down the scratch cards and boxes of chocolates. I repeat - put them down.

Never fear! Colette is here.

I know I proclaimed a recent gift guide the last of the year but this is the emergency guide. Someone, somewhere pressed a panic button and I came running to see what was wrong. Let's look at some scenarios.

SCENARIO: You've bought absolutely nothing.

SOLUTION: Places like Dunnes, TK/TJ Maxx, Lidl, Tesco etc.

Some of these places are better than others but if you haven't bought a thing, a store with multiple departments under one roof is your saving grace. One trip, all of your gifts. These types of stores suit various price points and offer a location to buy gifts suitable for all sorts of people and age groups. Dunnes, for example, has beautiful homewares, clothes, accessories, toys and food.

SCENARIO: You've put it off because you don't have a lot of money and you have no idea what you'll be able to afford.

SOLUTION: Jars.

Jars are your friend. "How so?" you might ask. They offer the opportunity to make several different kind of highly personalised DIY gifts that show how much you know and care about a person - without spending a lot of money. Here are some options:

1. Buy some medium sized jars, some paint, ribbon and tealights. Paint a nice pattern on the outside - snow or stars or something equally festive. Now pop a tealight inside and tie a ribbon around the top. You can also paint a message or the year on the bottom. This would be a nice gift for relatives or friends and shows you put the effort in.

2. Buy a larger jar and fill it with a person's favourite sweets and, again, present with some nice ribbon. Bonus points: try track down sweets they can't get readily or have admitted to loving as kids but not having eaten in years. Showing you listen to someone can be more impressive than the fanciest gift!

3. Buy a medium jar, glitter and laminate a nice photo. Firmly attach the photo to the inside base of the jar upside down, add water leaving a little room at the top, pour in some glitter, tightly close the jar and present with the lid facing downwards. You've now made a personalised snowglobe just for them! Bonus points: pick a really cute photo of you with the person - it's like an even sweeter version of you giving them a framed photo.

4. Buy a large jar and the ingredients to a person's favourite cakes or cookies. Bake the cookies/cakes and place inside the jar, decorating it with some nice ribbon etc.

SCENARIO: You don't know someone very well/they're just difficult to buy for.

SOLUTION: Unless they're someone very close to you (or odd), scented candles may be your solution!

It's always nice to get something luxurious as a gift that you probably wouldn't spend your own money on. It might not have the sentiment of some of the other suggestions in this post but it's a safe bet for many people. I mean, who doesn't like nice smells and pretty candle light?

SCENARIO: You have only practical/boring gifts bought for a parent/close friend/significant other and want to give them something else more heartfelt as well.

SOLUTION: A photo album.

We rarely print our photos anymore and it's always nice to have the physical ones about the house but who has time to get them developed these days? Therefore, not only are you doing something they probably wish they made time for, you also have the opportunity to show someone how much the matter to you and how they have shaped your life. Try to include cinema or travel ticket stubs, short paragraphs or memories and other bits and pieces as well as the photos in order to really tug on their heartstrings.

SCENARIO: You're super-stumped, don't want to face the shops and have no time left to order anything online.

SOLUTION: Get on Ticketmaster or a similar site and check out the gigs, plays, shows etc coming up in the next few months. A band they like is gonna play soon? Buy a ticket online, print it out, pop it in a card and hey presto! You're not only showing knowledge of things they like, you're giving them your time and setting a moment aside just for you guys. Super-sweet.

Hope this helped! Happy Christmas!

Gift Guide 2014 - Irish Design

It's probably quite apparent for any regular, or even occasional, readers that I'm passionate about promoting Irish design and Irish-made products. Not all of the items here are made in the country or by small companies but some are and all are designed by Irish companies. Don't get me wrong, products from other places are also pleasing and worthwhile but I do so enjoy traditional Irish design and crafts as well as those with a contemporary twist.

The price range varies quite a bit from stocking stuffers under €5 to bigger gifts like the We Are Islanders clutch/I-Pad case. I also tried to make the items largely suitable for people across a range of age groups and genders. Several items are from Heatons and Dunnes Stores and their designer collaborations that I'm so fond of but there are also items from great Irish designers like Natalie B Coleman and small companies like Snow.

Next year is the year of Irish design so why not give someone you love a head start? I'm excited. Are you?

Le Skincare Routine

I love skincare.

More than makeup.

To many, it may seem like a boring chore (and I won't pretend I don't skip the full routine every now and again when I'm feeling super-lazy) but I think there's something really luxurious about high-end skincare. It's taking a moment to entirely focus your energy and time on yourself. And it sure is an easier way to take care of yourself than exercise or avoiding eating deliciously bad-for-you things.

Consistency is key with skincare so I never change my routine hugely. I swap out moisturisers or cleansers or rotate a few at any one time but the steps remain the same, if somewhat refined as I go forward.

Morning is very simple. I don't use cleansers and instead use plain water to wash my face because, unlike in the evening, my skin doesn't have a night of healing ahead of it. I don't want to strip it first thing. After washing my face, I use Lush's Tea Tree Toner and then Ren's Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil* to make sure the last of the impurities are cleansed and moisture is immediately returned to my face. Then I use a little of Ren's V-Cense Youth Vitality Day Cream*. To finish, I use a high SPF suncream.

The evening routine is more elaborate. I cleanse with VOYA's Cleanse and Mend* most nights but a couple times a week I use Yes To Carrots Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, applying and massaging it very gently into the skin so as not to damage it. The same toner and oil come into play at this stage and then Ren's V-Cense Night Cream*. On top of this I apply Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel and then a dab of pure tea tree oil to any blemishes I might have. Lastly, as I get into bed, I moisturise my hands with Laura Mercier's Ambré Vanille handcream (so lovely it makes drunk people stop in the street and demand what the smell is...several times) and apply a little of Eve Lom's Kiss Mix to my lips.

Other than this, I also regularly use Lush's Catastrophe Cosmetic and Mask of Magnanimity masks to try and keep hormonal blemishes in check, alongside Ren's Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial* to brighten the skin.

 

And there we have it!

I won't say I have anywhere near perfect skin but it's certainly better behaved, softer and more well cared for. And I can attribute that to nothing more than the awesome products I use and research and time put into figuring out a routine that works for my skin - which is combination with dryness around the nostrils and an oily t-zone as well as being prone to hormonal breakouts.

I would also say that you can probably devise a more inexpensive system but I'm personally cool with spending a bit more, especially for products that are more natural...also, all products marked with a * have been sent or gifted to me so I'm a wee bit spoiled...

Lusty Beg Island

Located outside Kesh, Co Fermanagh on an island measuring 75 acres is Lusty Beg Island. It's a hugely popular wedding venue, hotel and spa, set in the scenic surrounds of Lough Erne.

I got invited to come review the spa and hotel this past weekend so here's my pictures and thoughts.

I ended up bringing almost the whole family along with me in the end. Originally, my mam was going to just come as my guest but (SPOILER: and this is my only real complaint about the whole place and experience) it's extremely difficult to get to without a car. As I don't drive and Mammy won't drive that far/can't navigate at all, Daddy had to play chauffeur and they ended up getting another room and throwing my little bro in with me. 

But actually, it was pretty nice to all go away together. And the craic was mighty in the car on the way up. For example, the conversation in which we all explained to Mam that she couldn't spend euros in Northern Ireland was pretty hilarious.

When we finally got to the island, we were surprised that there's no bridge - you have to take a little ferry across! The gorgeousness of the surroundings was immediately apparent and the staff at reception were exceptionally kind and helpful.

Upon checking in, we went to have a gawk at the cabins we were staying in, two down from each other. Facing out onto the lake, the cabins are uber-quaint on the outside and modern and sleek on the inside while remaining warm and a little rustic. That the toiletries were by VOYA was a lovely, and welcome, touch. Also surprising and welcome was that I'd been given the cabin with a hot tub. 

Next, I hit up the spa for a massage (my life is so tough) and then a swim. Maria, my masseuse, was unbelievably lovely and everything smelled of VOYA products...pretty much the whole island, to be honest. Mam had a facial the next morning and we both had only glowing things to say about the experience and skin.

It's also good to bear in mind that they often have great deals at the spa. For example, at the moment you can get a half hour massage and express facial for £50 and there's also 15% off VOYA products.

And then there was the food. Oh, the food. Dad and I had heard it was good when we went for a swim but dinner was an absolute winner. I had slow-cooked pork to start, shank of lamb and champ and the pear and almond tart accompanied by a lovely Australian Pinot. Breakfast was a bucket of strawberries, perfectly toasted toast and marmalade, tea and fresh juice.

The whole experience was so lovely and I was so impressed by both the staff and services. And I lied earlier, I have one more complaint: I wish I could have stayed forever. 

There are a whole host of outdoor activities available on the island and I would have loved to have gone for another swim, more treatments, more of a wander around the island...Really, if you're going, bring a good book, good company and stay for a few days. It's the perfect place to get away from everything and just breathe for a while.

To close, have some more photos of the decor and scenery.

I'd like to thank Lusty Beg for having me and my family and for being so great. We had an amazing time.

If you're intrigued by what you've seen here, check out their site.