Treatments to try in September 2013.
Treat your hair… to a Steampod treatment at Pastels Salon
There has been quite a buzz with the steampod treatment, which L’oreal has been working on for five years, is introduced in Salons, and now retail versions to use at home. The Steampod technology has 3 different ways that can be used… 1) Steam Extend (long lasting straightening), which I wanted to do but was told my hair would break off due to having highlights. 2) Steam Care (which is a hair treatment using the steampod to help penetrate the hair), which I was recommended to do, but wasn’t as exciting as I feel like most brands were launching different ways on to how the treatment can be penetrated into the hair. 3) Steam Style (which is a hair style that lasts longer than usual) – I see this one working well on my two day work trips. One great thing that I really liked about the steampod is that water and steam is used – water is great for the hair, and helps hydrate and smoothen up the hair. The hair is first washed with the treatment shampoo, 80% blow-dried, followed by the treatment booster on the hair and penetrated with the steampod, and ends with the mask for 10 minutes before rinsed out. After the SteamCare, I got my hair styled (SteamStyle). My hair felt fresh for the rest of the week – If you have some extra time to spend on treating your hair, then this is for you. For more details, click here
-Get Non Chip nails for a week with… CND Vinyuxl manicure at Sisters Beauty lounge
When I heard that there was a new manicure in between a classic one and gel/shellac, I was intrigued and excited. I went to the Sisters beauty lounge branch at Village Mall – if you live close to Beach road, this is your branch. After choosing my color from the small selection of colors – I heard they were getting much more the week after so you’re safe! I went for a beautiful bright red. After getting the brazilian manicure (If you haven’t tried Sisters beauty Lounge’s manicures, you have to try this.) Instead of using a base coat, my therapist applied a base called ‘Scrub fresh on’, which removes the shine off your nails before applying the CND Vinylux polish, followed by the weekly top coat. The manicure dried faster than classic manicures. 7 days later, not even ONE chip and I am not joking. For more details, click here
-Relax… with Lemon grass massage at SpaZen, Radisson Royal Hotel
Being a massage junkie, I love trying out massages in every spa that exists around the globe. I recently headed over to Radisson Royal Hotel on Sheikh Zayed to experience their Spa Zen’s signature massage treatment – Zen Royal massage (you can go for the 60 or 90 minute session, I went for 90 of course.), which is a combination of techniques by the east & west using Lemon Grass and Mandarin oils to relieve stress and maintain balance. The spa was asian but with a very modern touch – reminded me of London’s Sanderson Hotel which I love. The staff were super sweet and welcoming – After being welcomed with a drink and cold towel whilst filling my consultation form, I was then greeted by my therapist and went directly to the room. I love how the spa has changing rooms in their therapy rooms – wish all spas had that. For someone on the go, it really is super convenient. My lovely therapist, Pearl was very helpful and asked about the kind of pressure I wanted then used a miss of Thai, Hilot, Swedish and holistic techniques. I loved every second of the 90 minutes, dozed off in between and especially loved the shoulder, head and reflexology touch. Time to book in for my next appointment… Recommended therapist: Pearl
For more details, click here
-Get a celebrity favorite treatment… Guinot at Pastels salon
This past year, women I’ve interviewed including Supermodel, Jodie Kidd have shared that they swear by Guinot facials. As a beauty treatment fanatic, I had to try it for myself and see how it compares to other facials. Pastels Salon (who I love for facials) have a Guinot room, Guinot bed, Guinot products and a Guinot trained therapist so I was excited. I came in for the Hydradrmie Double Ionisation facial, which is their signature treatment. The facial consists of the typical facial structure – cleansing, toning, moisturizing, a mask as well as a super lovely massage but using this ion, it enables the ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, and Hylaronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin. I left the salon with glowing skin, and COMPLETELY relaxed. My only advice is don’t get it on an event week, as I did break out a little due to extraction. For more details, click here
Recommended therapist: Mairead Wilkinson