The Spa Spies try… Winter Warmers

From heady scented candles to decadent rich face creams, the Spa Spies share products to bring a bit of light and warmth to the winter months. 
 

OTO 7-day Glow Treatment CBD Ampoules 
14 x 0.6ml ampoules (25mh CBD), £99.00 

                         

Key ingredients: 
CBD, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene oil, Frankincense essential oil 

First impressions: 
OTO’s 7 Day Glow Treatment comes in a decadent gold box containing 14 ampoules; open it up to reveal two aesthetically-pleasing rows of 0.6ml vials - one for every morning and evening. 

What's it like?  
Snap the golden ampoule open and use your fingertips to massage in the oil - infused with pure OTO CBD, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane oil and anti-inflammatory Frankincense - over your face and neck, before continuing with your regular skincare routine. 

Does it work? 
After the very first day my skin felt instantly nourished - my dry skin lapping up the thick oil. Despite a slight break-out, which cleared up fast, I persevered and after the full seven days, noticed a plumpness to my skin. 

Verdict: 
Each vial contains the perfect amount of oil for each application; a little goes a long way. I loved the soothing ritual of snapping open the ampoule and stealing a moment to massage the oil into my skin. The oil may be a little heavy for some, but my tired, stressed-out skin loved it; leaving it deeply nourished with a post-spa glow. 
 

Camellia’s Tea House Therapy Tea, Digest and Energise Tea 
(40gm, £9.25)

Key ingredients:
Ginger, burdock, lemon, spearmint and ginger

First impressions:
Camellia’s Dosage Therapy Teas come in a recyclable and resealable white bag with a botanical green label; you’ll find 20 pyramid pouch teabags inside. Infuse a bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes until the liquid turns honey yellow. 

What’s it like?
The organic tea has warming notes of menthol and citrus – from the spearmint and lemon to the seasonal orange peel. The two key functional ingredients - ginger and burdock - make it an invigorating, almost spicy, brew. 

Does it work? 
The blend has been created by professionals in botanical therapy and chronic disease for people living with inflammatory conditions. Not only did I enjoy the refreshing taste, I loved the fact it was loaded with anti-inflammatory properties – meaning a happy gut, immune system and liver function, too.

Verdict:
The naturally caffeine-free herbal teas arrived at the perfect time as I attempted to ditch coffee. I looked forward to my post-lunch pick-me-up brew; my new winter staple. Don’t miss the other two Therapy Teas: Refresh and Rebuild - with rosemary, turmeric, chamomile - and Relax and Recover - with Hibiscus and Rose. 
 

Natura Bissé Diamond Extreme Cream
(50ml, £335)

Key ingredients:
Natura Bissé Diamond Extreme Cream contains artemia salina extract which encourages skin to shed dead cells more quickly, revealing a brighter layer. Other ingredients - like amaranth, mango and shea - have a hydrating effect.

First impressions: 
This product comes in a smart round silver pot with a screw-top lid. Unscrew the top to reveal a rich white cream. 

What’s it like?
Lightweight moisturisers generally leave my skin feeling tight - this silky, rich cream sunk in quickly making my skin feel soft and nourished, rather than tort and uncomfortable. 

Does it work? 
My skin is dry at the best of times - in winter it becomes particularly dry and dehydrated. I have been using a little each morning and evening for the past month. It sinks in easily and softens my skin on impact. My skin looks much brighter, and feels wonderfully soft, with no tightness at all. 

Verdict:
This cream keeps my skin soft and bright while helping to soften the fine lines around my eyes. The rich texture may not suit younger or sensitive skin but for those of us with mature skin, it’s a brilliant, albeit pricy winter treat. 
 

VOYA Moonlight Moments Relaxing Bath & Shower Oil 
(50ml, £40)

Key ingredients:
Lavender, Rose Geranium, Irish seaweed

First impressions:
The VOYA Bath & Shower Oil comes in an attractive fern-hued slim box with a natural design on one side and ‘VOYA’ in gold on the front. The oil itself comes in a glass bottle with plastic screw-off cap; the liquid inside is an attractive sunshine-y yellow.

What’s it like?
Lavender can dominate a product scent-wise, but this oil has a pleasant botanical smell that isn’t too overpowering, but strong enough to fill your bathroom – add a one to two capfuls to the bath as the water runs.  

Does it work? 
With a name like Moonlit Moments, I would expect the oil to relax me before bed, and it did. The calming lavender unwound my busy mind, while the nourishing Rose Geranium moisturised my dry skin. Combine it with a VOYA candle for ultimate relaxation. 

Verdict:
This oil certainly put me in the right frame of mind for a good night’s sleep. The oil doubles up as a moisturiser too so you can float to bed without having to slap another product on. My skin felt soft well into the next day, too. 

Neom Organics, Cosy Nights Scented Candle 
420g, £48.00

Key ingredients: 
Sandalwood, Frankincense and nutmeg

First impressions: 
The Neom Cosy Nights Scented Candle comes in a large stylish box adorned with red and gold shooting stars on an orange background and the words ‘Always listen to you’ on two sides. The creamy, hand-poured three-wick candle is made of naturally-derived wax – so no nasties. It comes in a simple orange-y-red glass jar with chic gold Neom label.

What's it like? 
The heady scent envelops you before you even lift the lid. Once lit, it fills the room with a festive blend of sandalwood, Frankincense and nutmeg, giving cosy-up-beside-a-roaring-fire vibes.  

Does it work? 
Alongside the kingly gold label, Frankincense oil and the uplifting scent of Myrrh will fill your room of choice with the smell of Christmas, while the simple glass design will look good anywhere. With a burn time of 50 hours, it will last well into winter. 

Verdict: 
The Cosy Nights Scented Candle will transport you straight to the festive season; stick it on your Christmas list, quick. Once lit, all you need is a snuggly blanket and that’s winter sorted.