Where to relax in Rome

A little pampering goes a long way I believe, and when you need a little bit of 'me' time in Rome, where do you turn?

When I am in need of a little spiritual (and emotional!) boost, there are places in the Eternal City I will always turn to.

Noi Salon

Piazza del Popolo 3
Tel. +39 06 3600 6284
noisalon@alice.it

I discovered Noi back in May 2013 when my I took my Mum there for a blowdry surprise when she came to visit. I did some research on English speaking, modern salons in Rome, and Noi came up time and time again. Owned by brothers Massimo and Giuseppe, Noi offers modern, luxurious stylings in the centre of Rome. Joined by Rick from California, the team are attentive, skilled and a pleasure to visit. I went for my own re-style last week; I wanted a trim, roots done and my ombre re-done. I was there for 3 hours over lunch and loved every second. Every single stylist makes the effort to talk to you, check up on you and make sure you are happy. The reception staff are welcoming, polite and charming. Price wise, this place is beyond reasonable. If you live in Rome or are just visting and need some hair attaention, VISIT NOI! You will not be disappointed!

Acanto Day Spa
Piazza Rondanini 30
Tel: (+39) 06 68136602
(+39) 06 68300664
info@acantospa.it

I first visited Acanto last year after I moved to Rome; tired, stressed and a little overwhelmed, I booked into Acanto for a traditional hammam treatment to soothe my senses. Located close to the Pantheon, Acanto is worth visiting purely for the venue alone. Located inside a beautiful, ancient palace, you could convince yourself you have stepped back into a Roman bath from another century. The tranquility of Acanto is second to none; candle light and aromatherapy scents attack the senses in all the right way. The staff are professional and speak good English, and a wide range of well-priced treatments are on offer.

Ciao for now!

Nina x

Beauty Products: My skincare staples in Italy!

One of the many things I love about Italy is the quality of the products you can buy in the pharmacies (farmacia) here. 

I'm a big fan of a many French beauty companies but their favourite products of mine were never that readily available in the UK. Some were becoming available in stores like Boots when I was leaving last year, but I still haven't seen much of the others. 

So, I thought I'd give you a run down of my favourite finds since moving to Italy. 

 (Reviews below from L-R)





Vichy Idealia Life Serum
I first saw this advertised on TV here and the claim that it can totally change your skin in 8 days got me tempted...the first serum of its kind, it is targeted at normal, everday women, who's skin may be under the influence of daily excesses such as stress, late nights, pollution, UV exposure and an a poor diet. Unlike others I have tried, it has more of a light moisturiser feel to it, and gives the skin a wonder sheen without being shiny or glitterly. I took the 8 day challenge and was so impressed! Highly recommended!!!

Ponds Hydronourishing Cream
Ok, so not French or Italian, but an oldie but a goodie from the UK! I started using this before I moved to Italy and was really impressed with the effects. After I ran out in Rome and couldn't find it here so switched to an alternative. I noticed my skin wasn't looking great, so asked my Mum to send it out to me as part of a care package, and since using it again, my skin shows such a great improvement. I am currently using it under my Vichy Idealia Serum and my make up stays in place all day and my skin has a lovely velvety appearance. 

La Roche Posay Physiological Foaming Water
I have used other cleansers in this range, but this one caught my eye when I was out in Rome one day. Soap and paraben free, it is great for sensitive skin but also has super make up removing power! I sometimes use this alongside my Sephora Exfoliating Disk for a real deep clean. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
A super-cult product in the beauty world, I turn to this whenever I get a breakout (always stress or TOTM induced) and within a day or two this super-dooper product has wiped out all traces of nasty spotties! I always keep this on standby as I know it works every single time. 

Bioderma Sensibio H20 
A great, fragrance-free make up remover water, this product is by far the best for my skin as it never irritates my skin or eyes. Even after a heavy night out when I may have very dark eyemakeup and eyelash glue remnants to remove, this gets rid od every trace. I try and use it always before I wash my face, so that all make up is removed and my cleanser works on cleansing and not removing make up. 

So, that's the low-down on the skincare products that I use every day here in Italy!

Ciao for now,

Nina x