Everything to expect from a restorative facial

Each week, Stephanie Darling roadtests a different make-up, skincare or wellness trend to find out whether it’s worth your time.

Road Test

It’s a while since I had a relaxing facial and, as it’s almost my birthday, I feel I owe it to myself.

The lowdown I flop onto the bed in a heap and facial therapist Madona starts with a welcome massage using oil and clay. Then she spotlights my skin to determine texture, congestion and hydration levels so she can customise my facial. It begins with a prebiotic cleanser to reduce inflammation, then the application of a creamy emulsion mixed with enzymes to deep-cleanse pores. A gentle enzyme peel is next, to assist the penetration of the active ingredients to follow. She then chooses prebiotic and probiotic serums, plus another with peptides and antioxidants, and works an ultrasound over the mixture to infuse it (I love that the ultrasound also improves circulation). Next comes a rich mask and lots of firm massage to help with lymphatic drainage. LED light therapy follows, and a collagen-boosting serum and moisturiser are applied to finish. Bliss!

Pain factor Ummm, no!

Downtime A hundred stellar minutes.

Results The combination of serums and massage stimulates lymph nodes while brightening, firming and hydrating skin at a cellular level.

Where to get it

Sydney: Kaelon Atelier Beauté, kaelonbeauty.com, $395.

Melbourne: April Brodie, aprilbrodie.com, from $395.

At home Try using Mesoestetic Light Water Antiaging Veil SPF 50+ (kaelonbeauty.com, $80).

Trend: Daddy Day

D-Day is here again and we have a cute coterie of gifts. For dads with a beard (isn’t that most of them these days?), a cordless trimmer is the go. For those with no known skincare regimen, there’s a starter kit. And for fathers who shave, we cover both before and after.

Add to Cart

For the man (or woman) who has everything comes La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Nocturnal Balm (laprairie.com, $1400). This is a tub of night-time goodness that soothes tired, depleted skin and
boosts skin-cell regeneration. It’s also refillable.

Ask Steph

What can I do about dry ends on my mid-length hair on day three after my blow-dry?

Try a dry conditioner (yes, you heard right) such as Oribe Soft Dry Conditioner (adorebeauty.com.au, $54). Spray on your hair’s mid-lengths but steer clear of your crown, as the dry conditioner will weigh down your hair.

Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling. Send questions to stephanie@darlingbeauty.com.au.

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