Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz facial at Sensasia Urban Spa, Dubai
Get gorgeous, glowing skin in no time with these five Party-Ready facials.
THE SKIN REJUVENATOR: ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN QUARTZ LIFT AGE DEFY FACIAL
Best for: Skin that is dehydrated and needs a moisture boost. The lowdown: For anyone who hasn’t been to Sensasia, you’re in for a treat. The region’s first and largest independent spa brand, it has all the comforts and rituals you’d expect from a traditional Balinese spa (with Japanese and Thai influences) brought to the desert. Highly regarded as being the place to have a massage, Sensasia also do grade-A facials using luxury spa line Elemis, to target a myriad of skin woes. Today is the Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Age Defy Facial, which does exactly as it says on the tin: targets ageing skin in six steps. After a deep cleanse using Pro-collagen Cleansing Balm infused with rose and mimosa waxes and optimega oil, skin is further detoxified with a lymphatic drainage massage using Elemis Cellular Recover Skin Bliss Capsules. A gentle exfoliation precedes not one, but two masks. The first, Pro-collagen Quartz Peel Mask to increase hydration and reduce fine lines, paired with a divine head massage. The second, a Pro-Collagen Marine Mask designed to smooth and firm skin, alongside a stimulating hand and arm massage with Elemis Frangipani Monoi Oil. To top it all off, skin is prepped with a triple moisture boost in the form of eye renewal cream, the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum, and the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream leaving it delightfully soft and hydrated. Results: As with most facials, there is an instant boost in the radiance and hydration of the skin, but the real effects of the exfoliation and peel mask show around two days later. Book in two- to three-days before an event for beautifully soft skin. Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Age Defy Facial, 90 minutes, AED620, Sensasia Spa, Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
THE OTT: EGYPTIAN GOLD & CAVIAR FACIAL
Best for: Achieving glowing skin in total luxury. The lowdown: A stellar sounding treatment launched to mark the hotel’s 10-year anniversary, Raffles Spa’s Gold Facial has been given an upgrade with the introduction of caviar to its already luxurious ingredients list. The 90-minute treatment involves all the usual processes of a facial with first-class ingredients that are proven to assist in rejuvenation. Caviar is known to improve collagen production in fibroblast cells (the skin’s scaffolding), firming and lifting, as well as boosting ceramide production – natural skin lipids that maintain moisture. Gold has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and allow skin to glow. The ultimate luxury facial. Results: Brighter, firmer, more hydrated skin instantly that improves over the next week. Producing a more even skin tone. Egyptian Gold & Caviar Facial, AED1,299 for 90-minutes, Raffles Dubai
Armani Spa
THE HEADLINER: 50-MINUTE CELEBRITY FACIAL
Best for: A fast and instant reboot ahead of the party season. The lowdown: Entering the Armani Spa is a little like stepping into a futuristic world. The towering, minimalist space is decked out with clean, silver interiors and where other spas pride themselves on their warm, homely environment, Armani is the parallel opposite, which is reflected in their state of the art, ‘fuss-free’ approach. The MOJEH brief was a quick fix to party perfect skin, which resulted in the 50-minute Celebrity Facial in aid of removing dead cells and encouraging brighter, glowing skin. Starting with a double exfoliation (good for those who don’t have time for regular facials), followed by a tingling but calming mask and then a gentle, lifting massage. Results: Results aren’t instant and in our case the skin needed a night’s sleep before the post-facial glow was evident. 50-minute Celebrity Facial, AED650, The Armani Spa, Burj Khalifa, Dubai
THE ANTI-AGER: DERMALOGICA AGE SMART FACIAL
Best for: Plumping and firming skin. The lowdown: Whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, plump up skin or retain your youthful glow, Dermalogica’s Age Smart Facial is for you. The salon’s intimate setting equipped with dimmed lighting and tranquil music works to transport you into the ultimate state of relaxation. The treatment begins with a soothing cleanse and a gentle steaming, to help purify deep within the skin’s pores. Then your experienced therapist conducts a thorough face-mapping skin analysis to customise your treatment, and help improve areas of concern with targeted vitamin-rich products. A perfect after-work treat to achieve healthy glowing skin. Results: A youthful and brightened complexion that continues to soften in the hours and days afterwards. Dermalogica Age Smart Facial, AED500, The Dollhouse, Dubai Ladies Club
The Spa at The Address Dubai Mall
THE SKIN-PLUMPER: 3D COLLAGEN FACIAL
Best for: Those wanting to fight skin ageing The lowdown: We’ve long known and appreciated the regenerative properties of collagen and, without doubt, the Address Dubai Mall’s 3D facial treatment locks in moisture and plumps up the skin. The intimate and modest space is immediately relaxing thanks to dimmed lighting and plush furnishings. Ideal for those who don’t have too much time to spare, skin is thoroughly cleaned before being massaged with Natura Bissé’s 3D Collagen Shock; a powerful cream that lifts and firms the skin. The first few seconds are slightly uncomfortable, but MOJEH’s considerate therapist warns us about the tingling sensation beforehand. Afterwards, a rejuvenating mask is applied, which repairs and soothes skin damage. A standout treatment that’s well worth the visit. Results: A youthful and brightened complexion that continues to soften in the hours and days afterwards leaving a flawless base for makeup. 3D Collagen Facial, AED650, The Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
