Face forward

Megan Bedford tries out a new service designed as a quick pick-me-up for skin.

Been shopping for make-up or skincare lately? If so, you’ll know counter services are not what they used to be. In an internet age where shopping online for the items you need is incredibly appealing, beauty brands are upping their game, offering advanced, in-person experiences that can’t be recreated at home.

You’ll still get the same forthcoming service when searching for your favoured mascara, or helpful application techniques when considering a new eye shadow colour, but now brands are offering extra services such as more in-depth make-up technique tutorials, technology-assisted skincare assessments and personalised shopping experiences where staff remember everything about your preferences and preempt your every need.

Elizabeth Arden’s new

Red Door Speed Services are designed with the busy customer in mind, bringing the spa to the shop floor. The idea is that even if you can’t quite justify the time or expense of an in-depth facial flat on your back in a full-service spa, you may just have

15 minutes for a quick skin pick-me-up in a counter chair.

Stopwatch in hand, I fronted up to Elizabeth

Arden’s Auckland

Boutique for two of the offered services, and the first thing to know is that they’re true to their word on timing. After a few quick questions, my consultant chose a hydrating serum-infused Oxygen Blast for my dry, dehydrated skin. Using an airbrush-like handpiece she directed a light oxygen mist that felt cool and ever so slightly damp over my cleansed skin. The microfine particles full of skinboosting ingredients are said to penetrate deep into skin, and mine certainly looked pleasingly plump and glowy afterwards. If you’re truly time-poor, the mist can even be delivered over make-up – great if you’ve been tied to the desk all day, but want to look refreshed before a night out.

I also tried the Tone It UpTown Sculpting Treatment, where a consultant used a handpiece to deliver almost imperceptible microcurrents to the muscles around the cheek and jawline. Working in conjunction with the brand’s skincare, it’s said to promote lifting and firming in the area. As it’s the type of technology that’s on offer at the best skin clinics, it is a treat to be able to access it in such an easy, fussfree way. The consultant finished off by applying a ceramide-filled antigravity treatment gel with a vibrating gold “sculpting bar”, all in aid of absorption and tightening the complexion.

With the double treatment it was hard to define which of the two had made the difference, or perhaps it was the application of skincare and a quick make-up touch-up afterwards, but my face certainly felt firm, lifted and radiant.

There is plenty more if you seek it – I’m going back to try the make-up tutorial and the mini lip facial. If you’re pushed for time or want a little pampering prior to a special event, it’s

worth a look.