The La Mer Miracle Broth Facial
For
Sensitive, dull and tired skin
The Treatment
The therapist first sprays a skin-balancing mist over my face to relax me, before performing a thorough double cleanse to remove all impurities. She then gently exfoliates my face with The Refining Facial (a scrub that’s infused with pure diamond dust), before smoothing over a toner (to prep skin) and then a lotion essence (supposedly kick-starts cell regeneration). A skin healing concentrate is applied, followed by an eye cream. Next, I am treated to a 15-minute facial massage (using the brand’s Soft Cream) with firm strokes to boost microcirculation and lift skin. After wiping off the excess with a tissue, the therapist applies a spa-exclusive concentrated infusion of La Mer’s signature healing ingredient Miracle Broth. A layer of Creme de la Mer is massaged into skin, and a thin gauze is placed over my face. Ice cubes are then used to massage my face in gliding movements to help seal in the benefits of the treatment. A hand massage and a mist spray ends the session.
Verdict
This is one of the most pampering treatments I have ever tried. Throughout the facial, products were applied with relaxing, massaging motions. My usually sensitive skin took to the different products well, and my face felt significantly smoother, lifted and more supple after. $480, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, 7 Raffles Avenue, tel: 6434-5203
Hair Botox + Fillers Programme
For
Rough, frizzy and damaged hair
The Treatment
It starts off with a shampoo and a scalp massage. After that, a mix of Smooth-Control Concentrate (for combating frizz), Stabilized Keratin (to repair damage) and Pro-Satin Silk Protein (to boost smoothness and shine) is applied to my strands. After 20 minutes under a hood dryer (said to help these ingredients penetrate), a cocktail of the brand’s Hair Booster, Amino-Oil Complex, jojoba and avocado oil is spritzed and massaged onto my scalp. The therapist proceeds to flat iron my hair to seal in the treatment, before applying a hyaluronic and ceramide-rich hair mask. After five minutes, I am given another shampoo, with a serum applied to protect my locks from the heat of the weather. $599, Chez Vous, #05-05 Ngee Ann City, tel: 6732-9388
Verdict
To help the effects last longer, the programme also includes a take-home shampoo, intense daily treatment, leave-in treatment and Hair Boosters used in the session. My unruly hair felt tame, manageable softer and stronger after, with little frizz.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Treatment + Eye Care
For
Dull, saggy skin
Treatment
The facial begins with an aromatherapy rub that involves brushing a scented cloth over my face, and massaging pressure points at the temples and along my jawline. Next comes cleansing and exfoliating, after which a pre-serum is applied on my face – it’s first smoothed in using hot stones, then with the therapist’s hands on the second application. She then places a hydrating cream mask on my face, and kneads my shoulders and decolletage. Once the mask is wiped off, ginseng cream is applied onto skin, before the therapist glides two circular jade pieces dipped in ice water on my facial contours and the back of my neck to supposedly boost lymphatic drainage. After that, an eye rub using ginseng-infused eye cream, a moisturising ampoule and a collagen eye mask are applied, before my face, eyes and lips are covered with a chestnut-infused soft mask (to brighten skin) for 15 minutes. Then, a relaxing kneading of the hands takes place before the mask is peeled off, and skincare applied. $300, Sulwhasoo, #B2-02 Ion Orchard, tel: 6509-9979
Verdict
The treatment is value for money for fans of facial massages. My complexion appeared brighter and smoother immediately after, with the subtle scent of the products providing a soothing effect.
Ginseng Photo 123rf.com Model Photo Raymond Lee & showbit.com
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