Ask TBI: Affordable Spa Breaks

Question: I have a friend's birthday coming up and would love to treat her to a spa break, however they are crazy expensive! Do you have any advice on how to do this on a budget? - Kelsey, Charlotte, NC.

Answer: A spa day itself is expensive, let alone a spa break! However there are many ways you can cut costs, so don't worry!

The first thing to do is avoid planning a weekend spa break, as spa breaks are always more expensive between Friday and Sunday. Weekly spa breaks are the most affordable.

The next thing to do is discount hunt. Sign up to sites like Groupon and Wowcher to receive regular emails about the latest spa break offers and discounts. You should also proactively look for discounts online, as sites like lastminute.com (UK) and spaweek.com (US) offer big discounts on both spa days and spa breaks nationwide. A great tip is to call spas directly; they are normally prepared to negotiate their rates, as booking customers directly avoids paying commission to booking agents or discount sites.

Weekly Worship: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50

Price: £49.00 / $57.00 150ml

Stockists: EF Medispa / shoprescuespa.com

The Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 is one of those Holy Grail products that many have heard about but very few have experienced. It is quite difficult to get hold of, however I was lucky enough to get my hands on one and, let me just say, wow!

The Lotion P50 is a balancing exfoliator that speeds up the epidermis' natural exfoliating process and the reconstruction of the epidermal shield. According to Biologique Recherche, "The fortified epidermis can then fulfill its protective functions completely, enhancing skin's self-regeneration potential".

Review: Biologique Recherche Winter Tight and Bright Facial

The Promise: "This is a unique transitional facial that prepares your skin for the cold winter months ahead. This facial gives you the deepest facial cleanse, designed for purifying, lifting, toning and unifies the complexion, leaving your skin truly glowing throughout the winter months".

The Price: £150.00

The Place: EF MEDISPA Kensington, London

Key Products Used: Lotion P50w, Serum Elastine Pure, Amniotique E, Elastine Pure, Crème Biofixine and Fluid VIP02

The Treatment: The Biologique Recherche Winter Tight and Bright Facial was incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating. It was a 60 minute treatment that featured a deep cleanse, followed by a lymphatic drainage massage. The lymphatic drainage didn't feel at all uncomfortable, instead it just felt firm but gentle.

A variety of skin treatments were used including toners, face masks, serums and creams - all of which felt amazing on my skin. The products themselves came courtesy of Biologique Recherche, a French biological skincare line with over 30 years experience in developing some of the most powerful and effective skincare products in the beauty industry.

Although the treatment followed a specific structure, elements of it (in particular the products used) were altered to best suit my skin type. This was a huge advantage for me as I could guarantee my skin was getting what it needed, as well as what it wanted.

The Results: My skin looked amazing the second the facialist finished working her magic. I looked as if I had recently undergone a face lift. Both my cheekbones and brow bones had lifted and my laugh lines had vanished completely. And, if the lifting effect wasn't enough, this miracle facial left me with the most radiant, youthful-looking skin.

Now, what set this facial apart from the millions of others out there is that the results were long lasting. I had the facial over a week ago and my skin is still radiant, bright and tight!

The Pro: This Winter Tight and Bright Facial delivers amazing, instant results that have real staying power.

The Con: As amazing as the Biologique Recherche products felt on my skin, they didn't have the most appealing scent.

www.efmedispa.com