When I first heard about the Winter Workshop with Phelt, my immediate thoughts were: “Did someone say face massage? What’s included, and how do I get in on this action?”
As I entered Northlight, I was warmly greeted by Robyn, the founder of Phelt. Robyn, pioneering female empowerment through all things skincare related, was dressed in a floor-length red gingham nightgown that had an old-fashioned, farm-girl charm. Her outfit perfectly set the tone for the evening – I could already tell I was in the right place, ready for a cosy night of indulgent pampering.
Imagine a Nordic winter spa setting: before me, a candlelit table was adorned in lush green foliage and fluffy pussy willow, named for its soft, grey, fuzzy appearance. The air was infused with sensual citrus and myrtle scents, while Christingle-style candles nestled inside oranges, tied with delicate velvet ribbons. The festive ambiance was complete, promising a magical evening ahead.
The workshop kicked off with a soothing meditation that allowed me to release the stress and tension from my workday. I felt so light afterward that I could have easily drifted off to sleep. Next came a herbal steam, crafted by Robyn from a unique blend of ingredients. It wasn’t the first infusion we’d experienced. Earlier, Robyn had brewed a refreshing tea that danced with floral and seasonal notes of Elderberry. The refreshments were thoughtfully chosen to complement the holistic focus of the face massage. And, of course, there were Christmas treats for those who wanted to indulge in the festive spirit.
We nourished our faces with rose water and a natural olive squalane oil, while Robyn guided us through a step-by-step face massage that was nothing short of blissful. I never thought I could give myself a face massage and feel so relaxed. Throughout the workshop, Robyn helped us reconnect with our faces, showing us simple techniques to incorporate into our daily routines, even on busy mornings. She also shared sequences that don’t require religious practice to see results—perfect for women who are constantly on the go like myself.
One of the standout features of Phelt workshops is the small group sizes. This ensures Robyn can provide personalized attention to each participant’s unique needs and skin concerns. It also fosters a warm, friendly atmosphere, making it easy to bond with the other women in the group. We had plenty of laughs as we attempted face yoga techniques, squinting at the ceiling and looking like a bunch of witches summoning smoother skin and brighter under-eyes. (I’ll definitely be practising those moves when no one’s around in the future!)
From Robyn’s calming energy to the overall atmosphere of the evening, every detail was designed to create a perfect night of relaxation, rejuvenation, and learning. Let’s face it (pun intended): a typical facial doesn’t offer the chance to truly connect with your skin. You may not experience the use of natural oils, herbal steam blends, or learn techniques you can practice at home.
I highly recommend Phelt if you want to embrace your face and learn how to nourish it without relying on the superficial, fleeting trends we see on social media. Whether you book a workshop with friends or enjoy a one-on-one treatment, Phelt offers much more than just a facial. You’ll discover that you already have the best tools for skincare: your own hands.
The evening ended with a reflective moment where we revisited how we felt when we arrived, and how we felt by the end. After a hectic day at the office, I left feeling at ease, fulfilled, and deeply grateful for the time spent with such amazing women. The phrase on the Phelt news clipping we were given at the start of the workshop, now took on a deeper meaning. This evening truly was: An Ode to Women.
If you’re interested in joining a workshop or you’d like to ask Robyn about having a treatment, she can be contacted at [email protected]