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Our favourite facial treatments
The Bliss Triple Oxygen Treatment
What is it?
The Bliss Triple Oxygen Treatment (85 minutes, £145) is Bliss London's "most famous (and red-carpet-revered) facial". It includes a fruit-acid wash, oxygen facial wrap, extractions, and oxygen mask. Salubrious Spy describes it as being "unlike any facial I've ever had in terms of interest, pain and great results".
Why do we love it?
Our Spy bit her lip through the stinging fruit-acid wash, and nearly yelled out expletives at the painful extractions, so why is this facial one of the best she's ever had? The final, calming Oxygen mask seemed to work some serious magic, leaving her skin looking glowing and evenly toned.
Afterwards, Salubrious Spy was genuinely impressed and surprised at the results of this facial. She even blurted out to her therapist that she thought she looked like she'd had Botox! No pain, no gain...
Where can I try it?
ESPA Super Active facial
What is it?
The ESPA Super Active facial (100 minutes, £140) is Slieve Donard's signature treatment, and that's where we tried one. You can choose from "Calming and Soothing", "Repairing and Restoring" or "Toning, Lifting and Firming". ESPA describe these treatments as "technologically advanced and powerful facials with instant results". Each of the ingredients in ESPA's Super Active collection aims to improve the condition of skin damaged by the ageing process, and environmental and lifestyle stresses. Sociable Spy didn't know which one to choose...
Why do we love it?
In the end, Sociable Spy plumping for the Super Active Calming and Soothing facial. Her therapist told her that she would use lymphatic drainage massage during the treatment, and that the facial would combine techniques and products formulated to target her problem areas fast. The treatment began with a cleanse, using Hydrating Cleansing Milk; followed by cooling SpaFresh Spritzer.
Details become vague at this point as our Spy was so relaxed by the whole experience that she started to drift off. There was definitely a soothing mask, and at one point her therapist used ice-cold rose-quartz crystals to massage her face. Afterwards, Sociable Spy said that her skin felt so fresh, she could almost feel it glow. "For at least the next three days, I marvelled at my soft, smooth skin," she says.
Where can I try it?
Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland
ONLY YOURx Papaya Purifying Peel
What is it?
The ONLY YOURx Papaya Purifying Peel (45 minutes, £55) "combines enzymatic papaya with mint and clove to remove build-up of dead skin cells". ONLY YOURx wasn't a brand that our Spy had heard of before. Her therapist explained that it is popular in the USA. She loved working with the products because they are easily customisable to each client's individual skin type, and her customers loved the brand because it gave visible results.
Why do we love it?
Sensitive Spy was a little nervous at the idea of having a peel, but she gave in, after the therapist explained that she had given it to people with incredibly sensitive skin with great results. She loved the way that the therapist mixed up a custom peel solution just for her, tipping different powders and liquids into a little bowl. The very hot flannels, soothing moisturisers, something that smelt deliciously of pineapple, and lots of great facial massage all added to this great facial experience. "My therapist also treated me to a firm neck and shoulder massage while the pineapple-y thing was working its magic. I really appreciated this," adds Sensitive Spy.
Where can I try it?
Chelsea Club Escape Spa, London
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