We’re well into the latter half of the year and our busy lives are finally catching up on us. The cold blast and harsh winds, are really taking a toll on our delicate skin, and with summer on the way now’s the time to get it back to pristine condition.
Thankfully, New Zealand has a whole host of beauty destinations to take care of you. Whether you want an active, results-based facial or a day of pampered bliss, there’s sure to be an option below that ticks all the boxes.
The Treatment: Dermalogica IonActive Power Treatment, Bare Waxing and Skin Centre
The Lowdown: This 45-minute, highly active Dermalogica treatment focuses on predominant skin concerns such as dehydration, sensitivity, acne and ageing. BEAUTYDIRECTORY’s visited Gemma at Bare Waxing and Skin Centre in Belmont. “The treatment was tailored from start to finish and it really honed in on some of my more deep rooted skin concerns,” said Erin. “I loved that to begin Gemma undertook a face map of my skin, assessing and determining areas that needed attention such as dryness around the forehead and stubborn whiteheads, instead of jumping straight into the treatment”
The Technical: The IonActive™ Power Treatment draws from up to six professional formulas: four IonActives, each one developed to target a specific skin concern, and two Gelloids with skin-specific benefits that can be layered over the IonActives to seal in active ingredients. The professional skin therapist performing the treatment will assess which combination is ideal for each client, based on an initial Face Mapping skin analysis and consultation. These highly potent concentrates are applied directly to the skin and the formula, meaning it can be converted into ions, or electrically-charged atoms, which can then be paired with professional modalities such as Microcurrent, Galvanic Iontophoresus, and Ultrasound to enhance ingredient penetration.
Available concentrates include:
- Retinol to firm and reduce visible signs of skin ageing.
- Niacinamide to control and prevent adult acne breakouts.
- Hyaluronic Acid to relieve dehydrated and/or sensitised skin.
- Oligopeptide to brighten hyperpigmentation for a more balanced skin tone.
The Verdict: Erin found the results from this treatment to be almost immediately noticeable. "My skin looked refreshed and brighter, as well as less angry in the area I was experiencing a breakout. This treatment is ideal for those who are time poor but still want to address their concerns. I was in and out in my lunchbreak and observed the results I was hoping for within a couple of days,” says Erin.
The Treatment: About Face Pure Fiji Hibiscus Purifying Facial, About Face (pictured above)
The Lowdown: The 50-minute Pure Fiji Hibiscus Purifying Facial harnesses the power of nature to revive, deeply cleanse and purify your skin. This facial is best for congested or problematic skins due to the purifying benefits of fine clay, tropical fruit enzymes and the detoxing powers of hibiscus. Erin visited the lovely Paisley of About Face Ponsonby, who examined Erin’s skin closely under a light, identifying any problem areas and talking her through these as she went. At the time, Erin was dealing with a hormonal breakout around the chin and forehead area, which the Hibiscus Purifying Facial is perfect for. Paisley advised that it is ideal for young oily skins. “I loved that this one even included a little tidy up of my brows, plucking out any stray hairs.”
The Technical: Firstly, pore-clogging impurities are removed by the cleansing power of fine clay, then tropical fruit enzymes (papaya and pineapple) remove dead skin cells and minimise pore appearance, while evening out skin tone. Hibiscus and Beach Almond extracts strengthen the elasticity of skin, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring youthful tone and vigour.
The Verdict: “This is literally the perfect facial to get ready for the spring season! It feels and smells like spring: About Face is the perfect temperature, not too cold or too warm (my pet peeve), and fruity and coconut-y aromas fill the room!” Erin observed a more luminous and radiant complexion in the couple of days following the treatment. “Paisley was super insightful and happy to answer my questions. It was great to finally get some clarification and recommendations on some persistent skin issues I’d been experiencing”
The Treatment: The Classic Facial, The Facialist by Ashleigh Scott
The Lowdown: The 60-Minute Classic Facial works to re-balance and nurture the skin and soul. Using a combination of techniques including deep cleansing, extraction, exfoliation, hydration and massage to lift, firm and tone the skin, this facial will target all skin conditions. It is ideal for all skin types, particularly those new to facials.
The Verdict: “Whenever a friend asks for a facial recommendation, The Facialist is always at the top of my list. Until visiting Ashleigh and the team, I’d always thought of facials as technical not therapeutic. However, The Facialist changed all of that and I’m now fully converted – it’s so relaxing, it’s almost an out of body experience!”
The Facialist employs a rococo philosophy to skincare, believing that facials should be less about a machine doing the work and more about a hands-on, holistic approach.
“My skin was absolutely glowing straight after my facial, right up to the next week. For me, my skin isn’t even my first reason for visiting The Facialist. I find it more relaxing than a massage, so walking out feeling less stressed and more ‘zen’ is my goal”
…a little bit extra if you want that full body pamper experience:
The Treatment: Elizabeth Arden Hot Stone Massage
The Lowdown: New Zealand’s inaugural and only Boutique boasts a hard to rival, heavenly 60-minute hot stone massage. Classic massage techniques are enhanced by warm stone therapy. Smooth stones glide over skin, warming muscles and inducing a unique, comforting form of relaxation.
The Verdict: “I’d never thought to try a hot stone massage as I didn’t think the texture of a stone would feel very nice or be able to achieve what hands could. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was so calming and definitely induced a dream-like state. The therapist may even have had to give me an extra nudge to wake me up after this one! I left with lines all over my face from the bed indents, like you should from any good massage!”