I love facials. There are few things I’d rather do than spend an afternoon horizontally, having my face cleansed, massaged, masque-d and globbed with serums and moisturisers. Not only are they relaxing and indulgent, facials have real, tangible benefits – they leave you with glowier, smoother, prettier skin. What’s not to love?
I’ve been lucky enough to test quite a few during my tenure here at Zest (from the Guinot Hydradermie² facial to Cleopatra's Royal Bath at Antara Spa) and I like to think I’m a sort of expert in the field (as long as expertise doesn’t require any actual work, besides enjoying myself in the name of ‘research’).
So it only seems natural my very first bridal blog would be facial-tastic. When I picked up a brides magazine after getting engaged, I practically yelped with joy upon reading a beauty page that advised, ‘Start a course of facials at least six months before your big day.’ A direct order to schedule regular visits to the spa? Next thing they’ll be telling me chocolate counts as one of my five-a-day!
If you’ve never had a facial, you really are missing out on one of the finer things in life. If you’ve had one and didn’t thoroughly enjoy it, in the words of my wise mother, you simply haven’t met the right one yet. Even my fiancé enjoys them (but let’s just keep that between us).
The most important thing about facials is finding one that’s right for your particular skin type. As for me, I have naturally dry and sensitive skin and always worry that I’m going to react badly either during the treatment or as soon as I leave. My skin has done it all, from coming out in a rash mid- facial or breaking out in teenage-like spots after. I even felt as if my skin was burning during one, thanks to harsh products.
So for you sensitive gals out there, I can thoroughly recommend the ClarinsPro Skin Healer facial (from £55 for 80 minutes) This is one of the most luxurious facials I’ve ever had (and I definitely don’t say that lightly).
Every product the therapist used felt like it was quenching my skin’s insatiable thirst and nothing came close to irritating or harsh. To begin, we had a chat about my skin worries – sensitivity and dryness, plus clogged pores in my T-zone – and she examined my skin. Although the primary focus on the facial was to heal sensitive skin, Clarins therapists use a bespoke mix of products to target all of your major skin concerns.
After cleansing and moisturising my skin with a serum, she applied a rehydrating masque to combat the toll winter elements have taken on my face. As my skin drunk up the masque, she gave me a seriously relaxing neck, shoulder, arm, hand and foot massage.
Interestingly enough, the therapist pointed out that most people’s faces are dryer on the side they sleep on. My right side (also known as my good, or ‘Facebook side’) was much dryer, which she addressed with a localised massage and a harder-working serum.
She finished the treatment with a few final drops of hydrating oil and gave me tips on how to best care for my skin – switch from my water based face wash to a creamy cleanser in the evening as water can dry out skin further, and add a few drops of hydrating oil to my nightly moisturiser.
When I looked in the mirror to check out her handiwork, I was actually glowing – mostly from the amazing work she’d done on my skin, but also from how rejuvenating the treatment itself was. This facial has won a firm spot on my pre W-day checklist.
Enter for your chance to win a free facial here, and be sure to pick up the March issue, out now, for facials that cure other skin woes, from wrinkles to acne, on page 90.
