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With beaut.ie being based in Dublin, we’re a little hamstrung when it comes to knowing what’s good beyond the Pale. We do visit spas down the country quite a bit, and while that’s obviously fab, it doesn’t give us a flavour of what neighbourhood salons are really worth writing about. That’s why we set up our Rate your Salon post (salon owners – stop abusing it, we know when you’re slagging off your competitors, so quit it please!) and occasionally we come across a gem from a recommendation too.
One such gem has turned out to be Limerick’s Cocoon. Products like the French Phyt’s range (say it feets) and the LA-by-way-of-Denmark Ole Henriksen brand are two things that help it to stand out in a market that’s saturated with endless Dermalogica. The other is the amazing prices – all facials are €50 . So we decided to send fellow-blogger and Limerick lass, Marian (of mademarian.net), in for a treatment.
First impressions? “Extremely positive”, she confirms, adding, “Sarah – the owner and therapist – was friendly and welcoming”. Kicking off by getting Marian to fill out a consultation form – always a sign of a good salon – she was then taken into a large, clean treatment room where her Phyt’s facial began with a much-appreciated back massage. Marian’s recently made the transition from supermarket/department store skincare to a more natural approach, so the organic Phyt’s range was ideal for her. Beginning with a cleanse containing brightening lemon, a peeling masque followed. “This type of exfoliation was a revelation to me as I usually just use the scrub type, which I learned can be too harsh on pasty Irish skin like mine”, our gal advises. Serum was applied and massaged in, and while a masque of amino acids and potassium was doing its work, Sarah gave Marian an arm and shoulder massage too.
Last steps included application of a moisturiser containing ylang ylang, tarragon and hazlenut, and as Marian basked in that post-facial glow, she was treated to a hydrating herbal tea and a bar of Green & Blacks – a lovely touch.
Overall, though, what did Marian think of the experience? “It was the first time that a treatment actually made a visible difference to my skin, and at €50 I will definitely go back often”, she enthuses. Recommendation enough for you? Head to Cocoon, at 52 O’Connell Street (Above The White House), Limerick, 061-405386; www.cocoonfacials.ie
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sounds like a lovely facial. too bad i dont live in limerick :S
on an unrelated note : i was just reading that rate your salon blog – it is hilarious.
[...] rave about Cocoon here. by Marian | 28.08.08 | 2:34 pm | no [...]
Love the Private Practice/Grey’s reference in the title. I know there are some Limerick ladies on here so I would seriously recommend this place.
Sounds gorgeous Maz!
If you are looking for a recommendation for a new spa, try out the Water Lily Spa in Castlecomer (near Kilkenny). I blogged about it recently (my first ever seaweed treatment) and thought it was wonderful. http://www.gdlaneinteriors.ie/blog/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=736
a great addition to the metropolis of Castlecomer!
Love the blog post. Funnily enough I’m from Limerick, but living in Dublin – Terenure to be exact.
There’s a lovely French beauticians down the road from me (Kenilworth Cross) called Virginie, and they do Phyt’s facials. I’ve never had a facial done, but you can buy the products directly from them. Never been one to spend a lot of money on beauty products. The products cost a bit, but not too much and they are really good. I use the Cream C for problem areas like my chin and then the aqua phyt’s for my face and rarely get spots. Would totally recommend the products and they’re organic!!!
Can anyone help me?? Ive used phyts products in the past but now i cant find anywhere close to me that skocks it.. Im now living in mullingar was living in wicklow. I wouldint mind traveling maybe to dublin if i could definatly get it!Or is there anywhere online i could get it? Absolutly love the range its the only thing that sorts out my skin. PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME..
Heya Lindsay, it’s distributed here by Virginie Claire, give them a bell and ask about stockists: http://www.virginieclaireproducts.ie/phyts.html