Review: FRONTLINEstyle Caudalie Vinosource Anti-oxidant Hydrating Facial

Our Beauty Editor Emily Griffin was invited to experience some much needed pampering at Bath's award winning boutique day spa, FRONTLINEstyle. Here's how she got on...

Balancing a busy work and social life is never an easy task, but as the stress of day-to-day living starts to take its toll on our complexions, it’s important to make time for yourself and your skincare.

If there’s one piece of advice you take from me this year as a Beauty Editor; it’s invest in your skin. And following my experience at FRONTLINEsyle, invest in a Caudalie facial. Here’s why…

Caudalie is a wonderful French beauty range that was born in the heart of Bordeaux, and was developed from the grapes of an old family vineyard. Although I’d not had a facial with their products before, it is a brand I am very familiar with.

Since the company launched back in the 90’s it’s become a firm favourite amongst women all over the world. The Beauty Elixir in particular is a product that never leaves my side, and it’s also a firm favourite with Victoria Beckham.

When I was invited to Bath’s fabulous boutique day spa, FRONTLINEstyle, to indulge in my very first Caudalie facial, I had a feeling it was going to be something special.

My treatment was the skin-renewing and deeply hydrating Caudalie Vinosource Anti-oxidant Hydrating Facial, which was perfect for my skin type. 

FRONTLINEstyle sits on Monmouth Street, a short walk from the city centre in a typical Georgian building. You’d be forgiven for not realising all that FRONTLINEstyle has to offer. But once inside, all is soon revealed.

I was greeted by my therapist Fran – who was lovely. She was really welcoming, softly spoken and made me feel completely at ease. After chatting with her for a few minutes, it was clear that she was extremely knowledgeable and very experienced.

I was provided with a luxury towelling-lined gown and a pair of glitzy spa shoes – a far cry from the disposable slip-ons at other spas that never seem to fit my dainty size 4s.

My clothes were placed into a little locker before Fran took me up another small flight of stairs. The beautiful scent of oils became stronger and the lights became dimmer as we approached the treatment room. It was like I’d left my stresses and troubles downstairs, locked away with my clothes and iPhone. The room was warm, tranquil and softly lit with candles and relaxing spa sounds.

The treatment started with a thorough skin cleanse using a special water and a light foaming cleanser. Fran softly worked my makeup away, with beautifully fragranced and delicate Caudalie formulas.

The cleansing was following by a revitalising spritz of grape water and beauty elixir, which toned and moisturised my skin ready for the next step.

Fran then moved on to carefully exfoliate my skin with a gentle buffing cream, she massaged the cream into my face, neck and chest to ensure my skin was perfectly polished and ready to absorb the luxurious serums and products to follow.

The next part of the facial was a completely new experience for me, Fran massaged my face using fresh seedless grapes. It was such a lovely, but unusual feeling.  (Grapes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which is why they are used.)

Fran then applied a delicious mix of Caudalie Polyphenol c15 with Vinosource concentrate and massaged this into my skin. The massage was pure and utter bliss. Each movement was perfectly place with the exact amount of pressure to really help me unwind. After massaging me into a state of pure ecstasy, a hydrating moisture mask was applied.

I was in paradise, it was honestly such an idyllically indulgent facial, but little did I know there was yet more to come!

Whilst the mask was left to work its magic on my dull and tired skin, I was treated to a hand and foot massage - and a neck and shoulder massage. I seriously thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I have never had a facial that has made me feel this level of relaxation. Every aspect of this skin enriching treatment has been designed to give you the most wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity and a beautiful healthy and hydrated glow to your skin.

The treatment ended with the application of various Vinosourse products including a serum and eye cream so they could continue to re hydrate and put life back in to my complexion.

I left the spa feeling refreshed, revived and that I wanted to book my next facial right there and then. My skin felt soft and supple, and even days after my treatment people were still complimenting me on a fresh and glowing complexion. My fine lines seemed to have relaxed almost as much as I had! 

It was a fantastic experience, and I am looking forward to my next visit.