OUR MONTHLY REVIEW OF THE LATEST FACIALS, AESTHETIC, HAIR OR BODY TREATMENTS
SIGNATURE FACE SLIMMING MASSAGE
For : Bloated jawlines and puffy cheeks
How: Focusing on draining the lymph nodes and boosting blood circulation, the hour-long treatment starts with a simple cleansing before the therapist delves straight into pinching, rolling and knuckling my cheeks, jaw, neck and shoulders – hard. After the massage, a soothing hydrating mask is applied, and the face is tightly wrapped for the remainder of the session with strips of fabric that pull and lift skin towards the top of the head.
Verdict : Every time I have a lymph-draining massage when I have a bloated face due to lack of sleep or salty food, I see dramatic facial contouring results. This time, even without a bloated face, the results are impressive. My already-small face looks even slimmer and more defined, and my complexion is radiant and rosy. Granted, the massage can be painful at times, but it’s tolerable as I manage to fall asleep during the treatment. Price & place: $270, Miss Paris & Dandy House, # 05-25 Ngee Ann City, tel: 6235-1159
Atache Excellence Facial Treatment
For: Overall anti-ageing for mature skin How: The 90-minute session uses products from the Spanish skincare brand’s latest and most premium range, which targets sluggish cell metabolism by supposedly stimulating telomerase, an enzyme responsible for delaying cell ageing. It includes exfoliation, a gentle acid peel and a mask, and ends with the brand’s Geisha Anma massage that is meant to lift and tone saggy facial muscles.
Verdict: Atache facials tend to give immediate, drastic results (I have tried its whitening one). This one doesn’t as it’s meant to be a long-term monthly treatment, with results visible after three to six sessions. But it does leave me with wonderfully glowing skin and a slightly slimmer face, thanks to the stimulating massage that feels like a cross between shiatsu and acupoint. Price & place: $680, Allure Beauty Saloon, # 03-29/30 City Square Mall, tel: 6509-8859
O2 BUBBLE FACIAL
For : Dull, tired complexions How: The 90-minute session begins with a double cleansing, gentle exfoliation and extraction. An ampoule of amino acid – that supposedly helps to boost cell renewal – is then applied, followed by an oxygen gel-mask that bubbles and foams on contact
with skin, giving a tingling but pleasant sensation. This process supposedly releases oxygen into skin to boost its vitality and health. To finish off, the therapist gives you a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage.
Verdict : While most extractions tend to be painful and leave my skin red and patchy, this is painless yet thorough. My complexion feels cleaner, looks clearer and has a nice glow after. Price & place: $194, Qi Mantra, # 03-19 Wheelock Place, tel: 6737-3463