The Mercury

Going for gold in the facial stakes

- Kamcilla Pillay

Ben: 076 735 8544

EGYPTIAN pharaoh Cleopatra believed sleeping in a gold mask would keep her skin youthful and radiant. This idea has been brought into the 21st century by Black Pearl, a cosmetics company offering a 24-karat facial treatment infused with Dead Sea black mud.

It has been dubbed the Black Pearl 24k Gold Cleopatra Mask and is available in KwaZulu-Natal at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Zimbali Resort.

A director and shareholde­r at the company, Michelle Roberts, said at a presentati­on last week that it was an anti-ageing treatment. “It creates an increased flow of blood and that delivers increased nutrients, improving the look and feel of the skin.”

It energised skin and reduced the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and blemishes, she said. “The tone of the skin is improved, and imperfecti­ons are blurred.”

The gold particles, she said, were treated to be as fine as possible through nanotechno­logy, “to improve absorption through the skin”.

Roberts said it also stimulated collagen production.

On its website the company said the range was developed over the past 40 years, and had risen from humble beginnings to a line that paired the benefits of ancient and natural ingredient­s, rich in minerals and nourishing oils, with cutting-edge science.

“The 27 unique minerals that heal and moisturise the skin are enhanced with Tahitian black pearl rich in organic-matrix calcium carbonate. Calcium-carbonate is known to draw water into the skin particular­ly well. This lends the product its name and ensures instant results that aid an even skin tone and provide iridescenc­e to the skin.”

The signature treatment at the spa is the Zimbali Gold Anti-Ageing Facial Experience.

“Black Pearl 24k Gold involves an applicatio­n of a 24k Cleopatra mask to the skin. The active products promote cell rejuvenati­on and improve skin flexibilit­y while nourishing it. This treatment is complete with a stress-relieving hot-oil back massage, hand treatment and a facial massage.”

The spa also offers several other beauty treatments.

The Energising Body Contouring Treatment This is a body treatment resulting in intense body tightening and toning, from cellulite-prone hips to upper arms, chest, bust and tightening of the tummy.

The treatment reenergise­s, detoxifies, refines and firms body contours with 90 minutes of radically energising exfoliatio­n that stimulates lymphatic drainage and circulatio­n, which promotes the absorption of clinically tested slimming actives. Nutrient-rich algae is applied to the body, followed by a deep tissue massage with a hydrating multivitam­in firming crème to give a tighter, more toned fitter-feeling.

The Repairing African Potato Wrap

This treatment focuses on the healing and cellular renewal properties of the organic African potato. It’s combined with the antioxidan­t elements of jasmine and balancing properties of rosemary.

Mama Mio Pregnancy Massage

This is a relaxing full body massage specifical­ly designed with the safety and comfort of mother and baby using omega-rich oils.

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