Microdermabrasion Facial with Academie Malta at Claire Beauty Basics

The beauty sector has definitely been one of the worst-hit sectors because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Slowly, salons have started re-opening with new safety regulations in place of course, and to start things up again, I wanted to share with you a facial I had done right before this whole nightmare began.

But before that, here's a shocking confession: I haven't had a professional facial since before our wedding last year and whilst I do take care of my skin at home and apply masks and all, sometimes, I need a little help to regain that glow. I got to experience the luxury of a facial again early in March courtesy of Academie Malta and Claire Beauty Basics in Mosta.

About Academie Scientifique de Beaute

For those of you who may be new to the brand, Academie is a French skincare brand founded in 1890 by Dr. Alexandre Lamotte. After only 5 years, the brand had established its first beauty salon on the posh Rue St. Honore in Paris and it also won various accolades in exhibitions worldwide such as Dublin, Paris, and London, making it universally recognized in a relatively short period of time. Since then, Academie has moved on to continue receiving recognition and awards for their treatments and products, and in 1936, they even had the first patented product in the world where they integrated collagen in a skincare product, which was a first. Since then, Academie has been at the forefront in creating different products for different skin needs and concerns and is now one of the most successful and sought-after professional brands for both women and men alike. Academie heavily invests in the training of professionals using it, hence ensuring the best results every single time.

Academie Microdermabrasion Facial at Claire Beauty Basics

Now let's talk about the actual facial I had done. After assessing my skin, Claire decided on a Microdermabrasion Expert Treatment facial for me which also incorporates a treatment for the hands. It is a peeling treatment and it aims at giving the skin an immediate rejuvenated look. The facial started with a cleanse to clean my skin of course and prepare it for the treatments to follow. She then moved on to the actual microdermabrasion which involves the application of the peeling treatment to remove dead skin cells and give the skin a polished, youthful, renewed look. This has also made blackhead extraction easier and it didn't hurt at all. 

The best part of the facial has to be the shoulder, neck, and scalp massage. It was pure bliss and quite frankly I could get used to getting one every day honestly! Subsequently, it was time for an eye mask and face mask which were left on for around 15 minutes during which Claire applied the microdermabrasion treatment and lotion to my hands and arms. After removing the mask, the finishing touches came in the form of a serum and eye cream. The whole treatment lasted around 45 minutes and let me tell you, it's the perfect pick-me-up! 

For maintenance at home, I was given the Academie Eye & Lip Contour Cream and the Anti-Imperfection Treatment Oil. I have been using them religiously every night and my skin has definitely improved especially my under-eye dark circles but I will tell you more about these products in another post.

If COVID-19 has taught me anything is that time for myself is essential for my well-being and I seriously encourage you to take some time off yourself and book that appointment you have been waiting for all these weeks. All salons are doing their best to protect you while offering you treatments so do your bit and help a small business remain afloat ;)

You can reach Claire on her Facebook page where you can see all the treatments she offers and book your appointment for a little pampering session using the highest quality products and safest possible service all throughout.

* Facial and products sponsored by Academie Malta and Claire Beauty Basics *

The Best Of Me With CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics | Medik8 Beta Facial

My skin was in desperate need for a facial so I opted to treat my skin to a Medik8 facial at CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics last Friday.

I met Jessica, the beautician which was to take care of my skin for the next 45 minutes and after asking me about any skin concerns I might have, I was invited to the couch so she can begin my treatment. I was provided with two plush towels to cover myself with and Medik8 poreCleanse Gel™ was first applied to my skin so that my skin could subsequently be thoroughly analyzed. The poreCleanse Gel cleanses the skin while providing anti-ageing benefits, with both AHA and BHA acids. It contains L-Mandelic Acid, which has been shown to offer similar exfoliation properties to glycolic acid, but without the same level of stinging. In fact, my skin proved quite tolerant to this cleanser as I didn't experience any burning sensations. Furthermore, the cleanser prepares the skin for subsequent product through deeply cleaning the pores.

The CHIC facial treatment room

Following this, JessicaMedik8 Beta Facial. Here is the description of the chosen facial from the CHIC website:
recommended the

Recommended for oily, congested and acneic skin types

Intensive anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment utilizing the benefits of the earth’s natural purifying and healing matter – Kaolin and Bentonite as well as a fine ground natural bamboo scrub. This treatment is designed to normalize oil production, alleviate inflammation and reduce irritation whilst improving the skins hydration, texture and tone.

Next, the Medik8 Bamboo Micro Polish face scrub was applied to reveal a brighter complexion, followed by a toner to prepare the skin for blackhead extraction. I was relieved that the procedure was not painful bar from the areas near to my nose. I also had a few whiteheads which were carefully and painlessly removed by a very fine needle.

Subsequently, it was time for the Medik8 clayMask™ to be applied to my now squeaky clean face. The Medik8 clayMask™ is rich in natural clays to draw out impurities and to absorb excess oil, and help prevent pore clogging. It is also enriched with Allantoin and Vitamin E which are known to aid in soothing the skin. The mask was left on my face for a few minutes and when the time was up, the mask was removed with lukewarm water and a pleasant facial and shoulder massage ensued. Lastly, the Medik8 Hydr8 Post-Treatment™ was applied to finish off my facial experience.

One thing which CHIC do differently is that the beautician even asks to take care of your eyebrows and upper lip if need be. I skipped both treatments as I had already had my brows thread and I treat my upper lip with laser hair removal (also at CHIC).

Medik8 products used for the various facials offered at CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics

Before I left the premises, I was given a few product samples to try out as well so I shall be sure to let you know how that goes. 

I waited for a few days to publish this review just to see how my skin would react to the treatment and the products used. Well, I was happy to say this was another positive experience at CHIC as I didn't have any reactions and my skin looks really glowing. Also, I had a minor breakout which seems to be in check now and the redness around the pimples has subsided.

Apart from the Medik8 Beta Facial, CHIC offers various other Medik8 facials tailored to address different skin types and concerns. Also, with every treatment booked at CHIC, you always get 1 hour free parking at the airport car park. 

Do pay CHIC a visit and experience yourself a pampering and caring facial to reveal your best skin yet!

All opinions and experiences are my own and are in no way influenced by CHIC Med-Aesthetic Clinics. 

Pampering Time with Declare & Juvena at Roseberry

Following the Declare and Juvena seminars I attended a while back, the lovely people at Roseberry offered me the chance to try the products out for myself with a tailored facial at their premises in Valletta.

The appointment was fixed for Monday last week and believe me, it couldn't have come at a better time! I made way to Roseberry where I met my therapist for the day - Brenda, who led me to an upstairs treatment room which made me immediately forget the hustle and bustle of the capital city below.

With relaxing music playing softly in the background, we discussed my skin type and its needs (based on the full skin analysis which I had done during the Declare seminar) and we settled on a facial that addressed my skin's requirements.

To cleanse my skin, Declare Cleansing Milk was used followed by Juvena Refining Peeling for a more intense cleanse. Then came the most relaxing part of the facial - Juvena Moisture Plus Mask and while it was on my face, Brenda performed a facial massage with crystal balls. To take care of my eyes, Declare Firming Eye Cream was delicately applied and to finish off, Juvena Moisture Boost Serum, Declare Hydro Boost Duo Care Fluid and Declare BB Cream were used to maintain my skin's moisture levels.

I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep during my treatment and I really enjoyed the crystal balls massage as it is a natural way of stimulating the skin as opposed to electrical methods which I am not really a fan of.

I couldn't have had a better start to my week and I look forward to booking my next facial at Roseberry!

Roseberry is located on Republic Street in Valletta and are the main stockists of Juvena and Declare. Like their Facebook page to keep up to date with their products and services.

My Experience at the Yves Rocher Botanical Spa

As some of you may know, last Saturday I was kindly invited for a botanical facial at the Yves Rocher Botanical Spa in Paola and I thought of sharing my experience there with you.

As soon as I got to the little earth garden that the place looks like (read more about it here), I was greeted by one of the sales girls and offered a nice cup of tea (I chose Vanilla Tea which was delicious by the way!) and I was shown to the waiting area where I later met my therapist for the day, Antonella.

She guided me to a nicely set-up little room and as soon as she closed the door, the hustle and bustle of the street that is just a few meters away was gone...all i could hear was the relaxing music playing in the background.

After asking me what my skin type is, we agreed on a facial for sensitive skin and it was such a delight! The facial consisted of a superficial cleanse, a deep cleanse, a massage, scrub, mask and ultimately makeup application which is a first for me and I like the concept of walking out of the spa fresh faced in a good, non-ghostly way! All this lasted just over an hour and I can safely say it was the best hour during a very hectic week - definitely a very welcome treat!

One point worth mentioning is that the products used are exclusively for professional use by the trained therapists and are not available for purchase. Of course you can always buy the corresponding product line that is suitable for your skin type from their shop. Moreover, the products come in one-time use sachets and for me that is always a plus!

I could definitely see the benefits of the facial as my skin looked really calmed down from the redness and not a single drop of foundation has gone near my face since Saturday!

The Yves Rocher Botanical Spa offers a wide range of facials suitable for every skin type; for example, they have facials for aging skin, for oily skin, normal skin and so on and they also offer other services such as makeup application and waxing. 

I would like to thank the staff at the Yves Rocher Paola outlet for having me over for I really enjoyed my time at the Botanical Spa and I would definitely encourage you to try it out for yourselves! You won't be disappointed! 

The Yves Rocher Botanical Spa is located at Antoine de Paule Square in Paola and they also have another two shops, one in Bisazza Street, Sliema and the other in Merchants Street, Valletta. For more information, you can follow Yves Rocher Malta on Facebook.