Editorial assistant Sarah Gillespie was lucky enough to try out the Clarins Tri-Active Facial recently and she’s pleased to report back that she’d really struggle to think of a better way to spend a Friday afternoon….
From the second I entered the dimly lit treatment room, stripped my top half off, hopped onto the treatment bed and pulled the warm duvet over me, I was in seventh heaven. Clarins’ treatments are tailored to your own scent preferences, so you’re given the choice of one of Clarins’ three signature scents. I picked Eau Dynamisante, its original fragrance, which I was told is a popular choice. Possibly because like me, the comforting scent reminds others of being a little girl and smelling it on your mum or aunties.
You’ll be given the opportunity to discuss your skin concerns and then evaluate how the treatment, and your own aftercare, can alleviate any issues. I’m self-conscious about the hereditary bags under my eyes, so Marie (my skin’s fairy godmother who also happens to be Clarins’ UK head of treatment development) explained how she would use specific products and massage techniques to target this area.
There’s six different variations of the Tri-Active Facial, and the initial skincare consultation will decide what’s best for you. From Skin Healer to Detox and Shine Stopper, the facials all use the ClarinsPro range, which are only used in the Skin Spas.
If you’re curious about why I was ‘taps aff’, it’s because during the facial you’re also given a neck, shoulder and arm massage. It certainly was the happy ending I’d been looking for. The gentle facial exfoliation, cleansing and moisturising strips lift away all the grime, oil build-up from beauty products and dead skin that your make-up wipes won’t come close to dealing with. I’ve used my epidermal clean slate to amp up my skincare routine, and your therapist will be able to make some recommendations from Clarins’ product range that will maintain the facial’s good work.
When we were finished – despite being sad to leave the dark, cosy cocoon that you would never believe is tucked away in one of Scotland’s biggest department stores – I was excited to examine my skin. With my complexion glowing and clear, I actually turned down the offer to have make-up from the counter applied, but if you are having a girls’ day out, experiencing the facial and then a makeover would be the perfect start to the day.
The Tri Active Facial Treatment costs £65 for 85 minutes and is available from Clarins Skin Spas across the country (www.clarins.co.uk), although I sampled the treatment at the Beauty Rooms at Frasers, Glasgow (www.houseoffraser.co.uk).