There’s nothing like a bit of salon pampering to have you feeling on top of your game. Whether you’re up for a manicure and pedicure, facial or simply a relaxing massage, salons have the magical ability to instantly dissipate the stress and tension from your day. The bd team went along to three salons to discover some of the different treatments on offer…
THE LUXURY TREATMENT
My Oxy Caviar spa treatment
Touted as their signature luxury facial and most advanced anti-ageing treatment, I headed out to Spa Pevonia in Narrabeen to trial the My Oxy Caviar Facial. The lavish treatment uses pure caviar extract, pearl extract and a revolutionary blend of phyto-extracts (EscotuxTM) to improve skin’s elasticity, oxygenation and suppleness. The treatment works to promote rejuvenation and visibly resurfaces and reduces facial expression lines and wrinkles to deliver extreme hydration and radiance. Music to my gradually ageing ears…
Luxury doesn’t begin to sum up this experience. Welcomed with soothing music, a robe and slippers, I was taken into one of the treatment rooms where I was wrapped in warm blankets. Before starting the My Oxy Caviar treatment, my therapist gave me a complimentary brow shape before giving me Pevonia’s Anti-Stress Eye Lotion. Next, the Myoxy Caviar Timeless Balm Cleanser and Timeless Repair Lotion were massaged into my skin before the Enzymes Powder Mask was applied to my face. As the enzymes worked their magic with the help of a steamer for ten minutes, Anti-Stress Eye Lotion eye pads were placed over my eyes and I received a heavenly foot and calf massage. Amazing!
Once the mask was removed, the Phyto-Gel Cleanser was applied to my face and neck, followed by the Myoxy Timeless Repair Lotion. It was then time for my second massage (hallelujah!), with the face, neck and décolleté massage helping work the Filmo-Tech light gel into my skin. Then it was time for the piéce de résistance of the treatment, the Myoxy Caviar Mask. While the mask set for 15 minutes, I was given the third and (sadly!) last massage to my hands and arms. After the thick black mask was removed, I was treated to the Evolutive Eye Cream and Timeless Repair Cream before being taken into the relaxation lounge where a range of food delicacies and beverages were on offer.
After so much pampering, I left the salon feeling like a spoilt celebrity (and kind of wishing there was awaiting paparazzi to capture my newly glowing skin). While my mind and body felt like it had received a treatment just as much as my face, 24-hours later and my face was still showcasing the results with visibly radiant and hydrated skin (and I even bravely decided to forego make-up for the day. A rare occurrence!) - Yelena
Price point: From $160
How long: 75 minutes
Best for: Ageing, non-sensitive skin.
Availability: To find your closest Pevonia Spa, visit www.pevonia.com.au.
Where bd went: Spa Pevonia, Narrabeen
THE RESULTS DRIVEN TREATMENT
ACE power facial treatment
The Ultraceuticals ACE power facial treatment is Ultraceuticals’ signature facial.
The treatment is based around the brand’s ACE philosophy, which combines high levels of potent, scientifically proven key ingredients: pure Vitamins A & C, AHA and BHA (an even skin tone serum). These key ingredients work effectively to address major skin concerns whilst dramatically improving the skin’s overall texture, clarity and radiance. The treatment is a luxurious and relaxing results-driven facial, designed to invigorate, refine and brighten the complexion all over the face, neck and décolletage.
Over the past few years I have become very aware of the signs of ageing appearing on my face. I love a relaxing treatment, but find I am too time poor and impatient to lay still for hours without seeing any results. A relaxing treatment that takes half the time and gives double the results is the perfect treatment for me.
Upon arriving at my appointment, I sat down with the Ultraceuticals trainer to discuss my major skin concerns and the desired result. Then it was time for the treatment. My skin was gently cleansed and exfoliated before layers of active antioxidant serums were massaged deeply into my skin. After the massage, a purifying mask was applied to my face to assist in unclogging the pores and fighting acne-causing bacteria. The treatment was finished with a hydrating lotion, protective moisturiser and eye treatment.
After returning to the office, I was showered with compliments about my glowing complexion. The congestion on my forehead was dramatically reduced and my skin was even, plump and hydrated. Already feeling five years younger… - Bree
Price point: $125
How long: 60 minutes
Best for: Tailored to all ages and skin types. Not recommended for those with acne grade three and four.
Availability: To find your nearest salon offering Ultraceuticals treatments, visit www.ultraceuticals.com or phone 1800 355 890.
Where bd went: Ultraceuticals head office, Gladesville
THE WHOLE BODY EXPERIENCE
Guinot Aromatic Corps treatment
The Guinot Aromatic Corps treatment is for the entire body and uses essential oils to deliver a range of outcomes including slimming, relaxing and soft skin. Pre-treatment, the Guinot therapist diagnosed my body requirements by asking simple questions about my skin and its concerns before I rested on the treatment bed ready to enjoy the renewing body treat.
As I am guilty of neglecting my body for a while, the first step of the treatment was slightly adjusted to better suit my skin concerns by using a coarser sugar scrub over my entire body from feet to shoulders to really clean my skin and leave it completely soft and baby smooth. Who doesn’t want that?! But the real indulgence was the second step of the Aromatic Corps. I was given a choice of two amazing Guinot essential oils to be massaged into my body with Guinot’s de-stressing body sculpting massage. With the option of an energising or detoxifying oil, I decided to go with Guinot’s detoxifying oil as I felt my body needed it the most. The therapist massaged the oil into my body, starting at the feet and finishing at the scalp -leaving my body detoxified, while relaxing the senses.
To slim, detoxify and tone, the Aromatic Corps treatment features a clay mask that can be applied to areas of concern. I chose my stomach and thighs to perform a slimming action, which sees the mask breaking down water retention in the skin for a smoothing and slimming effect.
After the clay mask and any extra residue was removed from my body, the Guinot beauty therapist applied Guinot Satin Body Oil to rehydrate, soften and smooth my brand new skin (that was far from the skin I’d walked in with 60 minutes earlier). After the treatment, my skin felt supple, hydrated, renewed and healthy – ready to hit autumn with a vengeance. - Liz
Price point: $120
How long: 60 minutes
Best for: All ages and skin types.
Availability: To find your nearest Guinot salon, visit www.guinot.com.au or call 1300 300 954.
Where bd went: Guinot training centre, Neutral Bay