There are some names in the spa and beauty world that ring out like bells far into the realms of the rest of us mere mortals, and Sanctuary Spa is one of them. 

This is a place where, when they suggest a product is a ‘beauty hero for all skin types’, you are advised to sit up and listen, such was the case when presented with their Therapist’s Secret Facial Oil.  Developed alongside their skin expert, Nichola Joss, the oil is 100% natural and 99% organic, but unusually it is suited to all skin types thanks to the fusion of rosehip, rose and frankincense oils to rebalance, calm and soothe the skin.  In addition to being used in conjunction with your moisturiser in the evening or before applying your make-up in the morning, the oil has the added recommendation of having been used in facials by Joss for the past decade.

In terms of what it’s supposed to do, well a rather sweeping but glorious collection of things really, summed up by saying that it replenishes, rebalances and gives a ‘radiant, healthy complexion’ – hey, if it’s going to make me look like Darcey Bussell, Cate Blanchett, or Elle Macpherson – all of whom are reported fans, I am most definitely trying it.

As it happens, I really like facial oils anyway, they are not for everyone, but I am a huge fan, and the good ones really do seem to have a genuinely positive effect that continues to last.  The first thing about this particular oil is that, as with everything from Sanctuary Spa, it is beautifully packaged, a generous quantity (keeping in mind that oil travels a long way), and it smells simply wonderful.

On applying it, the oil does go a long way, but if you are following the instructions (below) correctly (think of the kind of facial yoga that has been the mantra of facialists across the decades – lifting, stretching, smoothing, breathing, and applying it from décolleté to forehead), then it’s really just as well.  The combination of the oil and the advice on how to apply it makes for a relaxing routine, almost like a mantra, at the start or end of the day – although you do have to make sure you leave enough time to do it; I don’t think this is something to apply having slept through your alarm and whilst trying to clean your teeth and eat your toast at the same time.

Ultimately, the oil does make your skin feel lovely, even in the chaffing cold of December, and gives a lovely radiance from the first application (so I look forward to looking like Cate Blanchett in a month’s time).  Most importantly however, and this is what I think turns a nice product to a really beautiful product, is that it is a true pleasure to use, and one you want to make time for morning and night.