Beauty talk isn’t usually a strong point of mine (let’s face it; I’m all about the food). But when you meet a beauty therapist who treats you like a best friend and the ultimate queen you just have to spread the word.

This queen’s name is Ellie Harlow from House of Harlow Beauty Therapy.

Ellie’s quaint little studio is hidden away in on the Fleurieu, at the back of the Mclaren Vale Hospital in the Tsong Gyiaou building. The room is peaceful and as soon as you walk in you instantly feel a sense of calm- much like a retreat. It also has a cheery coastal feel, with bubbly aquas and oranges on the walls and in the furniture- most which are custom made by her super talented husband.

The studio is also surrounded by several other ‘wellbeing’ services, serving as a health hub of sorts in the Mclaren Vale wine region (think the likes of social workers, remedial massage therapists, social workers and dieticians). The building is off of the main road and very peaceful surrounded by a large garden and massive trees- such a perfect spot for this hidden gem.

House of Harlow offers a large range of beauty services including waxing, Vani-T spray tans, facials, massage and manicures and pedicures (using my favourite polish, OPI). On my first visit with Ellie I had the pleasure of receiving a facial- my first ever facial that is! With 12 years of beauty experience under her belt I knew I was in for a winner.

The facial went for a hour and consisted of a cleanse, exfoliation, steam, mask and neck and shoulder massage. She used a range of beautiful products on my face, including ASAP serums and moisturisers that smelt gorgeous but were not to overpowering.

My face was absolutely glowing and I felt amazing. A few days after the facial I noticed my skin had evened out and my pores were well and truly smaller which is a big deal for me. Ellie catered to my dry/combination skin and at no point did my face feel like it was claggy or covered in too much product.

The second visit to Ellie was for a much needed massage. Seriously this lady has hands of steel. The massage went for an hour and I feel like I am the owner of a new back and hips. You can tell she is passionate about what she does and is such a caring person- always checking to see if the pressure is okay and making you feel comfortable. On occasions at other masseuses I have felt uneasy and uncomfortable but this wasn’t the case with Ellie. This treatment wasn’t covered by my private health fund but to be honest it didn’t phase me- it was worth every cent. I’m now booking in to her on a regular basis to get some monthly ‘me’ time.

If you are looking for a beauty-queen who makes you feel super comfortable and caters to your every need then you need to get acquainted with Ellie. You won’t be disappointed.

You can find the House of Harlow in the Tsong Gyiaou building, 3 Aldersey St, Mclaren Vale.
You can get in contact with Ellie via her website or Facebook page.

***I was lucky enough to receive a facial from the House of Harlow in exchange for a review. As always options are honest and my own, and I am now a new client of Ellie’s- I’m offically converted***