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 *

Review | Onsen Purifying Facial Peel

While shopping at Westfield Shepherd's Bush during my last visit to London, I was introduced to the skin care brand Onsen. I had never heard of the brand before but the beauty blogger in me was intrigued by the prospect of a new brand and curious to find out more, I let Danielle, the brand representative, show me some of their products.

While she applied a little of the Purifying Facial Peel on the back of my hand, she began explaining that Onsen means hot spring in Japanese, the healing properties of which are well known all around the world. However, the miracle cures of the onsen have been discovered during the 10th century by Japanese women to keep their skin looking healthy and youthful.

After a while, Danielle asked me to rub the peel and I was in awe at the little bits of dead skin that formed and she explained that the peel works by drawing out impurities and dead skin cells from the pores, hence the little bits.

I am a little apprehensive of harsh peels because 1, my skin is super sensitive and 2, with the sun that we get here in Malta, it is not ideal to impose such treatments on the skin then expose it to UV radiation. However, I was pleased to learn that Onsen Purifying Facial Peel is a very gentle type of peeling treatment and due to the nature of its ingredients, it is also suitable for sensitive skin.

Let's have a look at the product packaging first and then I shall relay my experience after using this product for a month.

Onsen Purifying Facial Peel comes in a metallic blue box which contains the pump dispenser bottle that holds ml of product. To open, you have to twist the silver cap part and the pump is exposed. I like this sort of packaging as it is very practical in terms of travelling as the product will not spill.

The product per se is a clear gel-like fluid that turns watery upon massaging it into the skin - the secret is the which I witnessed right before my eyes as Danielle applied a little of the powder on the back of my hand and asked me to massage it and see what happens!

Application of the product is very straight forward - apply a thin layer onto cleansed, dry skin, leave to act for 20 - 30 seconds and gently massage in circular motions to help the skin get rid of cellular debris. Repeat once or twice weekly.

I used the product religiously for this whole month (starting that same day I got it in our hotel room!) and I really like the results - my skin looked smoother, brighter and more refined from week to week. The only issue I had, which was expected is that I got a few spots after the first couple of uses as the skin takes the opportunity to get rid of all the dirt once it gets a chance (unluckily for us, the opportunity comes in the form of pimples); but other than that, I only have words of praise for the product and so does the boyfriend ;)

The downside to this product is the price - £99.99 which is plain expensive and in no way I am justifying it. On the day that I got it, they were selling the products for £59.99 which is still expensive for a product which I didn't know what to expect from but I got it just so I can try it. Then again, we spend a lot of money on useless stuff so might as well invest in our skin. The plus side is that you only need a small amount (I use two pumps to cover my whole face) so it will last you for a good amount of time.

Bottom line, if you are a skin care fanatic, this is a very good product to try out and I look forward to my weekly treatment with it.