Visiting Kama Ayurveda for a non-conventional facial treatment

I’m a lover of newness in beauty, or at least, new to me. Whether it’s the introduction to a tool or approach, I’m down to learn more and keep things feeling fresh. That being said, you’ll understand my intrigue in taking a little stroll up to Notting Hill earlier this month, through Westbourne Grove and its collection of rich-mum shops, to find skincare boutique and spa, Kama Ayurveda, nestled away.

I was greeted by the brand’s signature, refreshing red and white colourways strewn across the store walls and fixtures, complimented with beautiful handpainted green palms and Indian elephants and that luxe spa smell. Here I sat and waited for one of the more thought-provoking beauty treatments I’ve experienced.

*Full disclosure - this treatment was kindly gifted to me, but with no obligation to post - I just fancied having a yap.

My favourite part of this session was my way-more-than-skin consultation with the brand’s resident Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Shivani. I’ll be honest, I knew nothing about Ayurvedic wellness before going - am I sold on it completely as a concept? Perhaps not, but I still find it interesting. Plus if it can prompt you to think more about and better your life, then fair enough I say.

After taking my pulse, checking my eyes, and even tongue for good measure, she matched me with a dosha profile, aka my energy type that governs my bodily functions and emotions. Doshas are central within the ancient Indian medicine practice of Ayurveda.

For those interested I am apparently a pitta dosha, meaning I get fussy if I get too hot, don’t need much sleep and probably shouldn’t have foods or drinks with citrus (boo). These things, among others, are what would throw my dosha out of balance, basically leading me to feel a little janky.

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While I may not be converting to a fully Ayurvedic lifestyle anytime soon, it was illuminating how much I could relate to what Dr Shivani was telling me about myself. I liked her a lot - when I questioned if I could still drink diet coke, she simply high-fived me, knowingly.

I left with a whole new life plan: what to eat and when, bespoke mediation principles and things to avoid to feel my very best, according to my dosha profile. I’m keen to start incorporating her guidance to see what difference it really makes. Watch this space, maybe Alice 2.0 is on the way.

We also chatted about how to best look after my skin, (my dosha type tends to be oily, apparently) which leads us nicely into the facial treatment itself.

I experienced the brand’s legendary glow facial, which featured a complimenting suite of their natural products for my skin type, alongside stimulating massage of the face and upper body. The pressure was definitely soothing - I prefer my massage a little more intense personally, but I’m not a great guideline, as I like to essentially be beaten up on the massage table.

If you’re seeking a treatment that will give you a relaxing escape for an hour or so, with a healthy dose of glow at the end, this is a good one for you. For those keen for a new take on wellness, make sure to book that consultation beforehand as well, you’ll leave with food for thought.

The skincare products themselves are very spa-like, luxurious and heavy on scent. I love that, but I know a lot of skins don’t, so it’s something to bear in mind. Kama Ayurveda is also sustainably conscious and Butterfly Mark Certified, so go them.

📍 Kama Ayurveda, Notting Hill, London W11 2SE