Sometimes You Need To Make It All About You...

After a stressful few months where I tried to moved abroad, came back after two weeks, lost all of my clients and nearly quit self-employment, I decided it was time for some pampering. I attended a networking event at All About You, the new urban spa at Grey Street Hotel recently and was impressed by the tranquil space, the therapy rooms and the wide range of treatments on offer.

Image: Simon Hogben

It's fitting that the hotel has been recently modernised in a £1.2 million refurbishment, so it really does feel like a new experience even if you've been to the hotel before. The spa, owned by Elaine Beattie, is very relaxing, with a modern, minimalistic feel and lots of plants! The waiting area is home to a coffee machine and refreshments, the latest magazines and most importantly, chocolate. There's also a nail bar, make over/cosmetics area and a foot treatment area, as well as three treatment rooms complete with the latest spa technology.

All About You offers personalised treatments using the best beauty products on the market such as Elemis, OPI, Delilah cosmetics (my new favourite makeup brand) and Lycon waxing. The treatment menu includes a wide range of facials, massages and body treatments, as well as manicures and pedicures. The central location means that it's easy to pop in after work, and celebrate the end of the week with friends with Fizz Friday (receive a glass of Prosecco with any manicure or pedicure).

I was asked to review the Elemis Biotec facial, and filled in a form about my skin type and concerns in the waiting area before my therapist Sophie took me through to the treatment room. The room was spacious, with two massage tables, a shower and plenty of fantastic smelling products.

The waiting area and nail bar

Sophie explained that she had chosen the Elemis Biotech Skin Resurfacer facial for me, which helps to improve skin tone, combat blemishes and reduce fine lines to transform the texture of the skin. The treatment began with a double cleanse using my favourite Elemis product (Pro Collagen Balm) plus the Biotec Skin Energising Cleanser, followed by the Balancing Lavender Toner and Exfoliating Skin Buff (I don't think I exfoliate enough). I could already feel the difference, and had forgotten the instant results these products deliver.

The Double Treatment Room 

Next came the ultrasonic peel, which was interesting! I don't have a lot of experience of facials using technology, it felt tingly and a tiny bit uncomfortable, but it was worth it to improve my complexion, which had suffered due to recent stress. The light therapy was also quite tingly and strangely relaxing as it buzzed over my face. Sophie then gave me the most amazing neck and decollete massage (at that point I almost feel asleep) with Pro Collagen Lifting Treatment (neck and bust). As someone who regularly forgets to use eye cream (at 37 it's probably not a good idea) I was grateful that Pro Collagen Eye Renewal was included in the treatment. Before the treatment I had told my therapist that I had skin which has a tendency towards hormonal flare ups, so she used a Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask to finish which targets hormonal skin.

The Elemis Biotech machine 

I would have totally fallen asleep if we hadn't have been having a pleasant conversation (must remember to try and relax more next time). After I got ready Sophie brought me some water and told me about the products that she used and recommended suitable products for my skin type.
I was pretty gutted to leave to be honest, and wish that it had carried on for another hour. I couldn't resist buying more of my favourite cleanser before I left, to recreate that spa feeling at home. I'm looking forward to going back for a massage and to find out more about Delilah cosmetics, which caught my eye at the networking event last week. I have a feeling that All About You will become one of my new favourite Newcastle haunts.

To visit the All About You website click here 
To follow All About You on Facebook click here 
To follow All About You on Twitter click here 

All About You is open from 10am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

*JULY OFFER*

Summer Pick 'n' Mix - choose three taster treatments for just £60

*I was offered an Elemis Biotec facial (worth £55) in exchange for a review