Essex-based Nicola Bellamy, an expert holistic facialist, explains how we can all ensure we look the part
What if we told you that you could have a facial massage in one hour and at the end of it you will look ten years younger? Well, that’s exactly what happens when you visit Nicola Bellamy, aka The Face Fitness Coach.
The Harley Street and Loughton-based expert holistic facialist to celebrities, actors, world famous TV personalities and models, Bellamy is renowned for having the magic touch when it comes to sculpting faces. As a fully qualified beauty therapist, qualified in natural face sculpting massage and Gua Sha, Bellamy believes that the power of touch is greater than any machine when it comes to relaxing in a treatment room.
“We all want to feel confident and beautiful in our own skin, to look and feel glowing, healthy and radiant looking, from our teenage through to our menopausal years,” Bellamy tells us. “Through holistic facials and intuitive skincare powered by the natural healing ability of plant based products and touch, I’m here to help you stay in tune with yourself, to remain calm, stress free, happy and radiant.
“Recently I studied the effects menopause had on the skin, surprisingly it causes many changes,” she continues. “For example, your body stops making as much collagen; you lose some fat under your skin and your skin’s elasticity drops. That, combined with dryness caused by hormonal changes, can cause sagging – especially around the neck, jawline, and cheeks, fine lines and wrinkles. Our faces are a wonderful indicator of what is going on deeper below the surface.”
What is Gua Sha? “It is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. I gently scrape your skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. I work intuitively with you to re-energise and plump your skin, addressing the signs of ageing, awakening your skin’s own natural healing power. Each of my intuitive treatments are made unique to your specific needs, and will leave you feeling deeply rejuvenated with healthy skin.”
What’s clear is that this is more than just a facial: it is a nurturing, yet dynamic experience for your skin, mind and soul. “A lengthy consultation always takes place before your visit and a shorter one on arrival,” Bellamy explains. “This enables me to read you, read your face, your skin and your wellbeing. We then discuss the accurate treatment to suit you. I then go on to double cleanse massage and mask massage your face neck and décolletage. It’s a very intense massage. I also practice silent sessions if requested, this is where we have the consultation and then I leave the room for my client to get into my warm cosy treatment bed and when I come back into the room, I commence the session without talking, right up until the end of the session when I tell the client to take some deep breaths and to reawaken the mind and body. This method is very popular and is hugely beneficial.”
Why the face as her specialty? “I’ve been asked that many times when I am a fully qualified practitioner and I always say, focus on one area and master your craft. I love to read my client’s face when they come to see me and without them even telling me, I can see and tell how they are feeling and what facial sculpting massage they will need from me.”
All of the products used are certified organic and Bellamy is also an Ambassador for Kate McIver Skincare, Lumity Skincare, Inika Organic Skincare and also the Hayou Method. She practices at The Harper Clinic in Harley Street, working with Dr Shahzadi Harper, at her Perimenopause and Weight Management and Skincare Clinic, but has lived in Essex all her life, particularly in Loughton, Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill.
As we prepare to end the interview, what makes her business so special? “Being confident and knowledgeable is key,” she answers, “also taking time with your clients to get to know their specific needs and treating them individually in each session, rather than giving everyone the same treatment. We are all different with different needs.”
