Kosmea Spa Treatment

I had been contemplating a spa day, just to spoil myself as my skin is getting older. How it was at 15 is totally different to today at 26. When Celeste of Becoming Beautiful and Adelaide Beauty Bloggers advised us she had organised with Kosmea for us to receive a complimentary 60 minute spa treatment, I jumped at the chance!

Although I had heard of Kosmea's Rose Hip oil before, I didn't realise they had a skin care range. I also didn't know they had a Day Spa. This only opened recently. From their website:

"Kosmea is an Australian natural skincare company and an international success story, founded on the healing properties of certified organic rose hip oil.
From the earliest days the company and its products have been developed with a strong vision, determination and commitment to integrity."

I was a bit hesitant at first to go along, as I normally don't like rose scents unless they are from the rose itself. Being of Greek and Cypriot descent, we also use rosewater occasionally in sweets, but again not a fan. I also have sensitive skin, and products like Dermalogica make me break out due to the fragrances added.

Kosmea Australia's first day spa

When I arrived, I filled out a standard questionnaire, detailing any medical conditions, allergies, etc, but I find these forms pretty standard across the board. Within seconds of handing back the form, the lovely Amy came to collect me. The treatment room was so nice, it was cozy, but definitely a friendly environment. The temperature was ambient, not too cold and not too warm. The artwork on the wall was lovely, and was definitely a nice touch.

 

The chair is another of those nice touches in the treatment room

 After losing the jewellery and putting on a robe, I hopped under the sheet. I was ready for a snooze by this stage of the day! I'm glad we weren't completely quiet, Amy and I chatted about houses, kids and my nail polish addiction.

My treatment started with the Purifying Cream Cleanser, a silky feeling cleanser which Amy applied to my skin and then rinsed off. Not like a conventional face wash, it felt lovely and rinsed off nicely, no suds up my nose! After my skin was cleaned, Amy asked me to shut my eyes and used a UV light mask to check out my skin's condition. I have dehydrated skin around my eyes, to the right and left of my lower lip and under my lower lip. I have sun damage to my chin, nose, cheeks and forehead. I don't spend a lot of time in the sun, but didn't even think that I could be doing the damage when driving to work and home!

I then had a hot cloth covering my face. Love this, I miss flying Singapore Airlines just for the hot towels! After this, my covered my face with the Daily Facial Exfoliant. I was hoping I wouldn't rash up or break out. Wow! No bad reaction to my skin at all. While it was on my skin, Amy switched on a steam machine, and that steamed my face while she used a machine similar to the Clarisonic over the exfoliant scrub. I would never in a million years have thought of this! The steam got a bit too much for me at times, but it was nice and warm, and cleared my lungs and nose. After it was switched off, it was a shame, because it felt cold in the room!

The very comfortable treatment bed, which has a sheet and blanket and is so comfy!

Now that my face had been scrubbed down, Amy applied a product which I can't remember the name of, but it had fruit acids in it. While it was settling on my skin, she gave me a massage while we chatted. After asked if I wanted a soft or hard massage, I jumped on hard. Sure, it would be painful, but worth it. At first, I thought Amy was going gentle on me, but after she got stuck into my back, neck, shoulders and all the knots, I felt the pain. And it was GOOD! It was much appreciated, and I felt like snoozing then and there on the table. Absolute bliss!

Some of the products used today

My face was then wiped off and another hot towel covered it. Amy then sprayed my face with the Hydrating Rosewater Mist which smelt so nice. Then it was time to add the Rose Hip Oil to my problem areas. Under my lip, to the sides and massaged around my eyes. This felt so nice, and was a lovely way to finish the treatment. This is applied to problem areas and then you can wear moisturiser over the top. However, instead of moisturiser, Amy applied the Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+, which was non-greasy and has a tint to it, so can be worn by itself.

The cherry blossom artwork

After the treatment, as I was getting dressed, I checked the time. For a complimentary session, I had got my full hour treatment, which I was pleased with and a little surprised. From beginning to end, I didn't feel rushed. The calming decor was a contributing relaxation factor.

Throughout the whole appointment, I didn't feel rushed, and I didn't feel pressured to buy any products. Unfortunately, I didn't purchase any products tonight, but as Kosmea is close to my work, I will be happy to return and purchase the Rose Hip Oil. I think I will visit Kosmea every so often to spoil my skin, as their pricing is reasonable, and it takes a special product to not make my skin react.

My skin after, just a glow from being pampered

I would definitely recommend the Kosmea Day Spa, and I will be going back to buy vouchers for my Mum and MIL. This is how much faith I have in the Kosmea brand and their lovely staff. I can't wait to go back for my next treatment. As a bonus, while writing this review my skin smells like turkish delight and citrus.

You can find the Kosmea Day Spa at 71 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood. Appointments can be made by calling 1300 130 320.

This service was provided free of charge but all opinions are my own.

Lunch at Pearl's Diner

After having visited Pearl's Diner when they first opened in June 2012, my fiancé, brother and I enjoyed our burgers albeit a long wait time for takeaway. Pearl's Diner, the diner established by the guys from Burger Theory is a delicious slice of burger and waffle heaven located, or should I say hidden, in suburbia; in Felixstow. Teaming up with La Waffle, Pearl's Diner has something this foodie loves!

We visited at around 1:30 today, and Pearl's was on the quieter side, a stark change to my first visit. The food itself was amazing, and the customer service spot on. We received one on one attention and I was even discovered via my Twitter handle!

Onto the review!

Our drinks were first up. We ordered the lemon iced tea ($3.50) and the chocolate milkshake ($6). The black tea is made fresh and served with sugar syrup. It definitely kicked Lipton's butt, and was a welcome treat on a warm Summer's day! The chocolate milkshake was a very generous serve, and tasted like childhood and had a malty flavour which I loved!



Next up, we had the pulled pork bun ($7). Made up of 14 hour long smoked Berkshire pork, barbeque sauce and a soft bun, this was shared between 2 of us. I have heard so many people going to Pearl's enjoy the pork bun, and although not a big pork eater, I am so glad I tried it! It was sweet and more-ish, and next time I will get my own - no more sharing!

Lastly, the piece de resistance, was the burger itself. Being a purist, I picked Burger 1 ($13), an artwork packed with a freshly ground meat patty, cooked medium, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and the awesome truck sauce. Chips on the side were seasoned and looked hand cut, and definitely cooked other chips' butts! The bun was ever so soft, but so fresh.

Our meal was lovely and we had an excellent chat to Rob, about Fork on the Road, which I won't be able to attend, but is an excellent showcase of food trucks and local talent!

We will definitely return for the elusive mac & cheese, the fried chicken and coleslaw and the waffles! It was the perfect venue for a lazy Saturday lunch, and I do recommend if in SA, you go try it.

Here are their details: Website, Facebook, Twitter. Tell them Leni C sent you!

Bon appetit!