Back in the summer holidays - indeed, back when I had time to indulge in a bit of pampering and wasn't drowning in marking - I was lucky enough to be invited down to Aimee's newly renovated spa in Romsey, Hampshire.
Just a twenty minute drive from where I work in Winchester, Shergold Spa is tucked away from the main town in Romsey, with free parking and that rare opportunity to switch off from real life.
~treatments gifted, all views my own~
Aimee was kind enough to treat me to a gel manicure and a lash lift - something which was perfect for me pre-holiday, but if I'm honest something I can see me getting year-round. Whilst I've been a gel nail convert for quite some years now (seriously, why would you bother with regular nail polish these days?), the lash lift was a new experience for me.
For those of you who haven't had a lash lift before, it is a procedure that effectively perms your eyelashes, giving you perfectly curled lashes. The treatment also includes a lash tint which helps to give the effect of longer, thicker lashes.
I was a little worried about the procedure itself to be honest... I don't particularly like people fiddling with my eyes (!), but I had no reason to worry. Aimee began by cleansing my lashes before separating the upper and lower lashes using a soft shield. This shield is curved, which allows the lashes to be 'set' into a curl by applying a lotion and leaving it to work its magic. Of course, I couldn't see the procedure as my eyes were shut, but Aimee talked me through each step. She told me exactly what she was doing at each stage which helped me feel much more comfortable and relaxed. At no point did I feel worried, but did feel a little tingling at one point which Aimee assured me was completely normal. I can't be sure how long the treatment took; between 30 and 45 minutes I think, as I was pretty blissed out and enjoying the lie down! I was greeted on arrival with a cup of tea and a fruit and chocolate plate, so immediately felt at home and ready to be pampered.
I'm quite lucky in that I already have quite long lashes, but the treatment took them to a whole new level. The tint made them look even longer, and the lift sculpted them in to the most perfect curl. No more straight, spider-leg lashes for me!
The lash lift lasted a good 5-6 weeks, which was perfect for holiday and beyond. I didn't need to even step near my much-used eyelash curlers during this time, as I awoke each morning to full, curled lashes. Such a transformation!
Would I get a lash lift again? Absolutely. And again, not just in the summer months. It saved me so much time each morning by drastically reducing my make-up application time, I think in these cold autumnal mornings it would be a joy - a few more minutes in bed, please! I am a firm believer in supporting small independent businesses and really valued Aimee's professional but caring approach - I'm not sure I'd trust anyone else with my lashes just yet.
What about the nails?
Well, I did that Instagram cliche thing and had a pastel rainbow manicure which was Summer 2019 perfection. It literally looked like I had dipped my fingers in a sorbet counter - I loved them so much!
But it wasn't just the colours and perfect application which impressed me, the manicure lasted a incredible four weeks totally chip and peel free. Usually by week 2-3 I have a couple of chips and the tops are starting to peel away, but not this time. Seriously, it was the most robust gel manicure I've ever had!
As I said at the beginning, whilst Aimee was kind enough to treat me to these treatments in return for a feature on my site and Instagram, this review is entirely my own words and from the heart. I would go back in an instant and am recommending Shergold Spa to all of my Hampshire pals. There is even a cafe and gym in the same premises making it the perfect one-stop shop.
Good work Aimee, what a great job!
Shergold Spa - website
Acadent Studios, Greatbridge Road, Romsey, SO51 0HR.
