If you know me, you know I am a skincare fanatic. I read about this facial some time back, and have been wanting to try it ever since. Well for Mother's Day, this was all I wanted. I was so excited, I felt like a kid....literally. As in "the faster I fall asleep, the faster I will wake up and it will be time for my appointment" type of ish. No joke. So I wake up Tuesday morning....and it's time.
I used to work at this spa/salon, almost two years ago. As an employee, I can't speak highly enough about it. Coming in as a client, was a whole new experience. As you walk in to the spa, you are greeted and escorted to the relaxation room, where you have options of infused water and snacks.
Lights are dim and music is so relaxing, you can almost sink into the plush couches and take a nap. BUT, I don't, because I'm too darn excited!
So now, the time comes. Julie (owner and esthetician) arrives and we catch up a bit and chat about my skin concerns. We then walk back to our room and the process begins. I am in a comfy heated bed, dressed down to bra and underwear.....I can fall asleep again. She begins by thoroughly cleansing and exfoliating my skin.
Then you get wrapped in an extremely warm cloth to remove product and the beginning of the gunk. Then the deep cleaning begins. Now, this isn't the old school type microdermabrasion. This machine doesn't hurt. You can definitely feel pressure, but nothing uncomfortable. What has a slight uncomfortable feeling, is when she had to do an extraction.....it hurt so good. It's almost like when you get that one hair that doesn't come out when you wax.....yeah, like that.
When that is over, your face and neck are wrapped in cotton that is soaked with vitamins/antioxidant and minerals.
Then the mask comes. Here is the brief description form their website:
"Finally, your face and neck are wrapped with cotton that has been soaked with an anti-aging solution containing, among other nourishment, Vitamin C and zinc. Vitamin C helps regenerate tissue, stimulate collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant. Zinc is an anti-inflammatory, which calms the facial tissues. Then the galvanic current to ionize the solution is placed. The current helps firm skin, tighten pores, decrease inflammation, increase collagen production, and promote new cell growth, in addition to reducing bacterial growth."
There is a slight metal taste that occurs, but as fast as you taste it, you forget about it. I can't recall how long the mask is left on. That is probably because Julie gave the best hand and arm massage, while the mask was doing it's magic. The mask is then removed and Julie finishes by applying a very hydrating moisturizer to face, neck and chest, eye cream to eyes, and THE BEST neck and shoulder massage. THEN, I got to look at all of the JUNK that came out of my skin.....
Look closely. Yes, that is dead skin and black heads floating in that water.
I left refreshed and very happy. I didn't dare apply makeup the rest of the day. The moisturizer was so hydrating, I just let my skin soak it up. My face felt a little sore, from the exfoliation and extraction, but that actually made me happy. I knew the job was a success.
All in all, yes this facial is pricey ($200).....very pricey, actually. But, I will definitely do it again. I will highly recommend this facial to any and all brides, to anyone with "THAT" special event coming up, and plainly to those who want to spoil themselves and want to take care of their skin. It truly is amazing.
If you are in Hollister, or surrounding areas:
Paradiso Spa & Salon
Julie
www.paradisospasalon.com
(831) 636-7727
I will be posting a picture with and without makeup, later today :)
-xoxo