SHINE BRIGHT
It’s been proven that regular facials help reduce stress and promote blood circulation. So what are you waiting for?
ALL BRIGHT NOW WHAT: Clarity Purifying Facial ($180; 60 minutes) WHERE: 111Skin facial suite, Level 1 Robinsons The Heeren
A suite in the beauty hall at a shopping mall – you have to admit, it doesn’t quite have the same ring as, say, a standalone salon or one in a top hotel. So I headed for my facial, designed to clarify problem skin, not expecting much ambience-wise. Well, I was happy to be proven wrong.
Tucked away in a corner (read: complete privacy), the suite comprises a surprisingly spacious treatment room and a cosy powder-room-like area. Taking centre stage is an invitingly cushy facial bed; I took my place under the duvet and sighed contentedly in the cocoon of warmth.
A double cleanse – first with the Clarity Exfolactic Cleanser with alpha-hydroxy acids, then with the leave-on Clarity Clinical Exfoliator – kicked off the facial. What impressed me was that a gentler cleanser was used on the eye area, which I appreciated as my skin there is ultra sensitive. Also deserving a mention is that warm towels were used to gently pat skin dry, instead of the typical wipe-off using wet cotton pads, with the heat acting to “open up” pores, loosen any remaining build-up of impurities for a deeper cleanse, and soften skin.
The British-based skincare brand has a no-extraction policy, so what followed was the application of the Clarity 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster and a serum. Both were first massaged in using the fingertips. My therapist Agnes then slapped me along the jaw, to both relax and tone the muscles in the area, and impart a healthy glow. Sounds painful, but her deft-but-never-cursory strokes felt strangely pleasant.
Wrapping things up was the bestselling Clarity Anti Blemish Bio Cellulose Facial Mask, comprising two pieces – for the upper and lower halves of the face – that fit snugly around every contour. It was left on for 15 to 20 minutes to work on blemish triggers, excess shine, and soothing, purifying and rebalancing skin. Meanwhile, Agnes gave my hands and forearms an indulgent massage with the same booster used on the face, kneading away aches that up till then I didn’t even know I had; I fell asleep at some point.
Post-mask, my skin felt smoother and suppler – though I didn’t see much of the facial’s promised clarifying or brightening effect just yet. So imagine my delight the following day when a colleague commented that my skin looked brighter and more even-toned. Proving that good things take time, further improvements to tone, texture and clarity were noted over the next few days. –