Face fantastic
Those in the know are heading to London for facials
WORDS | ROBINA DAM
Photography: © Photolibrary
The Jo Malone luxury facial
WHERE? Jo Malone’s flagship store is at 150 Sloane Street, SW1, 0870 192 5121, www.jomalone.co.uk
The facial is also available at the major boutiques in bmi destinations Glasgow and Leeds. The nearest to Manchester is the Chester store.
HOW MUCH? £125 for 90 minutes
WHY? In 1997, when Jo Malone was a one woman operator, working from a small salon in Chelsea’s Walton Street, she created her own programme for rejuvenating facials. Malone later sold up to Estée Lauder who turned it into a global beauty brand. But before leaving the company, she taught her special technique to about 12 therapists who continue the tradition in the same way. This explains the almost disciple-like air about it; although each practitioner still brings their own personal touch. Another strength is that they don’t simply push retail sales: my therapist also recommended natural products for homecare – in my case organic yogurt as an occasional face mask to balance the acid to alkaline ratio. Although, it meant that when she also suggested the white peach mask I was more receptive.
UNIQUE FOR… The cult Vitamin E gel was a small gift that Jo used to give to her private clients as an add-on but it became so requested that it’s now one of the most popular items in the range. After the arm massage that is part of the ritual, you are finished off by being spritzed with a cologne – or two if you are open to the Jo Malone Fragrance Combining technique that is also their trademark.
VERDICT The richness of the masks and various layers of unguents leaves skin looking and feeling plumped up and velvety. The signature touch of being spritzed with one of the popular fragrances is just as uplifting.
Emma Hardie Natural Lift and Sculpting facial
WHERE? Hale Clinic, 7 Park Crescent, W1, +44 (0)20 7631 0156, www.haleclinic.com.
This alternative health centre just off Regent’s Park is Emma’s London base several times a month, though be warned she does get booked well in advance; she also practises in Oxford [+44 (0)1865 516 027].
HOW MUCH? £130 for one hour
WHY A sparky personality, Emma Hardie doesn’t describe herself as a facialist. “I’m more a sculptor of facial tissue.” If that sounds borderline scary, rest assured that her method is far more friendly than it sounds, with gentle movements that loosen tightness around the face. Her celebrity clients include Sophie Dahl, Denise van Outen, Anjelica Houston and international royalty.
UNIQUE FOR… Her USP of facial stretching works on the theory that relaxed connective tissue feels softer and more malleable. Regular stretches reduce any facial puffiness and thereby maintain a more contoured visage. Her own product range called Amazing Face will launch next month at all major Space NK stores in the UK and Ireland, including Leeds, Manchester, Belfast and Dublin. Her wonder product, the Moringa Cleansing Balm, helps with the stretching – and so pure is the blend of essential oils that it can be left overnight on the skin as a mask or on lips as a balm. VERDICT After even just a one-hour session, your cheekbones and jawline can appear more defined. This is as much to do with Emma’s energetic approach to kneading muscles: her quirky enthusiasm for literally being ‘hands on’ means that you have to be prepared to put in some effort yourself rather than being passive. www.emmahardie.com
Carol Joy signature facial
WHERE? The Dorchester, Park Lane, W1, +44
(0)20 7319 7109, www.thedorchester.com
HOW MUCH? £100 for 55 minutes
WHY? The new multi-million pound spa has decided to choose exclusive and more unusual brands rather than the obvious choices of La Prairie and the likes. This is the only other place in London where you can have the Carol Joy experience apart from her small salon in Chelsea’s Draycott Avenue. She’s also present at a couple of hotels in Monaco and Switzerland – you get the drift.
UNIQUE FOR… being as joyful an experience as you’d expect from the name. The level of detail is extraordinary from beginning to end: locker room keys are on pearl bracelets, playing to the 1930s art deco theme of the spa, and the relaxation area for after the treatment has cucumber-infused water and delicious smoked almonds. The treatment itself uses diamond dust in the final serum and moisturiser (can it get more decadent than that?) so a delicate sheen is left on the complexion.
VERDICT This is the ultimate in pampering experiences – it’s about much more than just the treatment itself – and so think of it as an excuse to take half a day out for yourself or to offer it a special gift to someone. The results are particularly beneficial for frequent travellers to counteract the effects of regular flying and hotel room heating.
Ritual Radiance facial
WHERE? The Ritual Rooms, 13 New Quebec Street, W1, +44 (0)20 7724 3884, www.ritualrooms.com
HOW MUCH? £75 for one hour
WHY? The salon is tucked away in such a peaceful, almost villagey, street you would not believe that it was merely a moment away from the hectic bustle of Marble Arch. You’re relaxed almost before entering. The treatment is based on the essential oils and botanicals of the Aromatherapy Associates, and is popular with paparazzi favourites and actresses: Sarah Parish is a regular.
UNIQUE FOR… being tailored to international travellers or super-busy Londoners who want to make the most of their time, so treatments are offered in blocks of 60, 90 or 120 minutes, allowing you to mix and match what you need.
VERDICT Ideal for time-poor customers as they are geared to offering speedy yet effective treatments so you can opt for a facial along with an eyebrow tidy, for example. It’s also one of the few facials where you can go straight out to play or work without needing to put make-up on.
