At the opposite end of the spectrum to the quick and lunchtime-friendly facial are high-end salon treatments that are an indulgent and pampered experience. Here in this wonderful land of soft skin, radiant complexions and all things lush, the results can be astounding as a well-trained beautician performs miracles on your skin thanks to the quality ingredients of the products used. These superior spa experiences don’t usually make it into the weekly or monthly budget, but are the perfect way to treat yourself or will make a super-special pressie for someone else. Here are the ones the bd team are lusting over at the moment...
La Prairie Platinum Rare Treatment @ The Paddington Beauty Room
My appointment is with salon owner Anna Field, a former La Prairie international trainer who has developed this signature facial. After breathing the scent of jasmine essential oil to relax, my skin is cleansed then exfoliated with the Cellular Microdermabrasion Cream. To decongest my face the Cellular Deep Cleansing Mask is applied to draw out the impurities. Following this, Anna applies a Cellular Face Cycle Ampoule which is packed with a high-concentrate of revitalising nutrients for the skin, mine which I’m told is suffering from environmental abuse (things like air-con and pollution are typical culprits, so too is a big night out. Busted).
Now for the serious stuff. Putting on the Anti-Ageing Stress Cream, Anna showed what over 20 years in the beauty biz gets you: fingers of steel. There was no holding back she massaged my face to the point I swear I could feel her iron out the frown line on my forehead. Not to mention the massage on my scalp, face, eye area and feet to help my skin absorb the product, stimulate drainage and basically make me feel amazing.
After my pressure points had been worked on, a Cellular Energising Mask was applied to get my skin kicking before finishing with the Cellular Platinum Rare infusion consisting of the serum and cream. The perfect way finish to the treatment is with one of Anna's fab arm massages and a look in the mirror to find my fine lines had disappeared, my pores have drastically reduced in size and my plumper skin is glowing.” Michelle
Price point: $400
How long: Two-hour treatment
Best for: All skin types as the treatment is about perfecting skin function.
Availability: is available nationwide. This particular treatment is exclusive to , www.thepaddingtonbeautyroom.com.au; www.laprairie.com.
drenched @ endota spa
Billed as endota’s stand out treatment, I had high expectations for ‘drenched’. After a long winter, the promise of certified organic all-Australian moisturising luxury was exactly what the doctor ordered, and endota did not disappoint. My treatment began with a warm billabong footbath and relaxing soak in the geisha tub, followed by a river salt and desert lime body cleanser and a honey and salt exfoliation, which had me waving goodbye to my old skin. I was then cocooned in warm yoghurt and lavender, soaking in the moisture, and my treatment finished with an all over application of lilly pilly moisturiser. This is a perfect post-winter pick me up, hydrating your skin just in time to show it off for summer!” Tara
Price point: $200
How long: Two-hour treatment
Best for: It’s a great hydrating treatment for dry skin.
Availability: Drenched is available in across the country, www.endota.com.au.
And some other notable mentions:
Carita Perfect Gold facial
This facial provides exceptional anti-ageing benefits while maintaining radiance and luminosity. The facial consists of the Perfect Gold Radiance elixir that’s infused by Carita's Pro-Lift machine in addition to signature massage techniques. With a focus on fixing free radical damage, loss firmness, hormonal imbalances and pigmentation, this treatment leaves your skin corrected and firmed.
Price point: Pampering suite $450; Deluxe suite $500.
Time: Two hours plus 30 minutes of spa time.
Best for: Anyone looking to restore youthfulness to their skin.
Available at: Crown Spa, Crown Towers Hotel Melbourne, www.crowntower.com.au.
Sodashi crystal facial rejuvenation
Carnelian, rose quartz and green aventurine crystals are massaged over the face to promote healing and balance energy. Warmed crystals relax the facial muscles, increase lymphatic circulation and activate skin regeneration. The Sodashi plant essences draw out impurities and restore a radiant, healthy complexion.
Price point: $205
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Best for: Suitable for all skin types.
Availability: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (02) 9250-3100, www.fourseasons.com/sydney/; www.sodashi.com.
Bergman Supreme Treatment
This anti-ageing facial begins with a thorough cleanse and massage. The first mask is designed to purify the skin, and while it works you’ll receive a back and scalp massage. The face is then massaged with the Bergman Supreme Cream and infused with an Ampul de Luxe. The second mask focuses on intense nourishment with active ingredients including Beta Glucan. Skin is then corrected with a serum and moisturised, leaving you hydrated and sparkling.
Price point: $280
How long: 1 hour 30 minutes
Best for: Suitable for all skin types.
Available at: Gillian Adams Salon and Spa, (02) 9488 9944, www.gillianadams.com.au; spauniverse.com.au.