Nourishing Facials

By Chantecaille

Price: £85 for 1hr

Stockist: Fenwick, Bond Street

Best for: Stressed, tired skin

As an editor I get the chance to try lots of different treatments and products but Chantecaille skin care always remains at the top of my beauty wish list. Naturally, their facials are first class too, so after a few stressful months at work, I booked straight in for their signature treatment, the Flower Facial, to give my skin some serious TLC.
My therapist took time to subtly assess my needs (mental and psychical!) and attention was paid to every detail - from the kind of massage I’d like mid-treatment to the temperature of my heated bed. After a thorough cleansing and gentle fruit and flower exfoliation, deep acupressure massage was administered to encourage lymphatic drainage. (The Flower facial is customised to your needs so if extraction and steaming are needed, these are also included.) A soothing Jasmine and Lily mask was then applied and while working its magic, my hands, arms, shoulders and neck were all treated to a wonderful massage that Chantecaille are well known for. After dozing off, I woke feeling calm and stress-free and due to the expert facial massage my skin looked youthful, plump and fresher than ever.
This is not a budget treatment, but a worthwhile one that’s definitely recommended – you’ll leave looking great and ready to face the world.

By Kerstin Florian

Price: £165

Stockist: Kerstin Florian

Best for: Luxury pampering

One of the best facials I have ever experienced, if you want some post holiday pampering to dispel some of those back-to-work blues then this is all you need. The therapist discussed with me my skin type while massaging my arms, hands and cuticles, before wrapping them in plastic and popping them into heated, padded mittens. I had some congestion in my t-zone and the facialist was happy to adjust the facial to suit my combination skin, so following a thorough cleanse and exfoliation, a steam and extraction was carried out to zap my pesky black heads. I was then given an Acu Lift massage to get my skin feeling and looking firmer and more toned, this was followed by a Bio Marine Matrix Masque which intensely hydrated my dry patches. While the mask got to work, I was treated to a foot massage, after which my feet were wrapped up and placed in heated booties. All the Kerstin Florian products used contained age busting caviar, these, along with the therapist’s miracle touch, left my skin looking more healthy and naturally dewy than it has been in a long time, plus my hands and feet looked divine too! Expensive, but well worth it.

By Aromatherapy Associates

Price: £52 for 60 mins

Stockist: Aromatherapy Associates

Best for: Dry or older skin

Claiming to encourage cell turnover in the skin, prevent lines and revive dull complexions I was keen to test this wonder facial. The facial combines organic ingredients with regenerative rose – which smells amazing - and anti-ageing frankincense for a more natural experience. The treatment is luxurious and super relaxing. Located in the plush Sanderson Hotel, the Agua spa boasts impressive facilities in a modern, urban environment. Like many women, I suffer from an oily T-zone in summer, and dry skin in winter, and my therapist was happy to tailor my treatment to suit my needs (this facial is typically suited to mature skin). After a refreshing cleanse and tone, and luxurious massage, my therapist applied a hydrating mask, to help energise my skin.  I was pleasantly surprised with a scalp massage while I waited for my mask to get working – a really nice touch when you only receive a half decent one in over priced hair salons. My treatment continued with a balancing exfoliation, where my therapist paid special attention to my T-Zone to combat oiliness, and finished with the Aromatic Rose Skin serum, which gave my skin a healthy glow. Although I did feel relaxed, the treatment rooms are separated by curtains, making it possible to hear other consultations, which made it difficult to completely unwind. Nevertheless, the following day my skin felt refreshed and energised, and two days later it looked clearer and was still glowing. Highly recommended, but I’d rather have this treatment in more private surroundings.

By Natura Bisse

Price: £130 for 1 hour

Best for: Skin protection and repair

Visiting this spa was like entering a sanctuary – a surprisingly peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.  The therapist showed me where the relaxation lounge and steam room were before taking me to the changing area to put on my robe and slippers, I was then taken through the maze of curtains (there are no doors) to the treatment room.
I had the Citrus Boost Facial – a treatment that gives your skin a boost of energy with 100% pure vitamin C. To begin the therapist explained how the treatment would proceed and asked if I would like an arm and hand or leg and foot massage to help me relax while my mask, applied during the facial, was at work.
The treatment started with a cleanse to remove all make-up and impurities, then a fine scrub was applied to remove stubborn dead skin cells before being buffed off with a natural sponge. The whole time my skin was being massaged to detox my complexion and leave my skin looking plump.
The Natura Bisse mask, which is drenched with essential vitamins and nutrients was applied, while the hand and arm massage I had chosen sent me to sleep. Post treatment I felt refreshed and my skin look bright and completely detoxed. It was smooth, clean and revitalised. The next morning I could tell the difference, I didn’t need any foundation or Touche Eclat to my cover dark circles and imperfections – a miracle! Before I have suffered with breakouts post facial, but this treatment was completely different. I didn’t have any blemishes and the results lasted a week.