The at-home hot stone experience

What else says “spa” more emphatically than a hot stone massage? It’s supposed to help relax muscles and improve circulation, so that any active ingredients applied to the skin will be absorbed better. To use this, pop the ceramic “stone” in warm water while you apply the black diamond and 24K gold enriched cream to your face, then use the stone to massage it in. The combo is said to boost radiance, reduce inflammation and have anti-ageing effects.

The multi-masking sheet mask

Into multi-masking, but prefer sheet masks?
These masks come in two halves, with the top targeting a different concern from the bottom, allowing you to mix and match according to your concerns. Available in combinations of Moisturizing/Lifting, Pore Care/Relaxing, Brightening/Hydrating and Clearing/Nourishing.

The oxy-facial equivalent

Oxygen facials in the salon are said to help skin regenerate. Same goes for this, which contains an ingredient that releases oxygen on contact with skin. It also has antioxidants yuzu and green tea, soothing aloe and an exfoliant. When applied to clean, dry skin, it starts to bubble. After 30 seconds, massage over skin to allow the exfoliant to scrub away dead cells, then rinse.

The revolutionary dry masks

The rationale behind this is that traditional sheet masks are 80 per cent water, and thus have only a small amount of active ingredients. These fabric masks (five in a pack – for the face, hands, mouth, eyes and neck) have zero water, and are said to have 87 per cent active ingredients, activated by skin pH and body temperature, and released deep into skin. A single use supposedly gives long-lasting results for pigmentation and wrinkles (and no dripping since it’s dry). Each can be used three times.

The decadent spa ritual (it involves “chocolate”)

Part of the joy of the spa is the ritual. This mask comes as a powder, which you mix in a bowl with water till it looks like melted chocolate, then apply with a brush. Not only does it look like dessert, it even smells like it, thanks to organic cacao, coconut milk and citrus oils. The combination is said to detox, soften, soothe, cleanse and hydrate.

The cover-me-in-rose-petals treatment

This light, gel-textured mask is the ultimate floral treat: Rose extracts include the nectar to soothe and regenerate, while the petals and fragrance recreate the luxurious sensorial experience. Use twice weekly in place of night cream, and rinse away the residue. If your skin tends to be dry, add a couple of drops of facial oil before application.

The gentle acid peel

This five- to 20-minute mask unclogs pores, smooths and brightens with glycolic acid, but sans the biting, stinging, drying effect, thanks to soothing cold-processed avocado oil and hyaluronic acid.

The at-home hot stone experience

What else says “spa” more emphatically than a hot stone massage? It’s supposed to help relax muscles and improve circulation, so that any active ingredients applied to the skin will be absorbed better. To use this, pop the ceramic “stone” in warm water while you apply the black diamond and 24K gold enriched cream to your face, then use the stone to massage it in. The combo is said to boost radiance, reduce inflammation and have anti-ageing effects.

The ice-cold de-puffer

One thing that’s often done at salons – but hardly at home – is playing with temperature: hot stones, cold towels etc. These single-use facial treatments come in ice-cube trays to be stored in the freezer for three hours. Each has wild indigo – said to release endorphins – and supposedly gives immediate brightening, hydrating, mattifying and de-puffing effects. Remove one after freezing, wrap in the gauze provided, then rub over cleansed face. Recommended for use postflight.

The easy multi-masks

Your facialist will use different masks on different zones of your face based on their respective skin conditions – these allow you to do the same at home. There’s Hydra for dehydrated areas that lack water and feel tight, Comfort for areas that lack oil and feel rough, and Pure for oily patches. Use in the bath after exfoliation, so that skin’s clean and pores are open.

This story first appeared in Female’s May 2018 issue. 

Like this? Check out the new beauty products from escentials that you need to get, the treatments and beauty products to pamper your mum with this Mothers’ Day and Dior Prestige’s new cleansing range that we are obsessed with.