Most of us exercise extreme caution while trying to zero in on that perfect facial for our skin. The salons are many and so are the facials that they offer. But when there's something new on offer you surely want to try it and so did I.
The new New York-based June Jacobs range of services at Limelite sounded enticing with names like Wonder Peach Lip Spa, Shimmering Oyster Luxury hand spa and Tantalising Toes Luxury foot spa. All the while curiously eyeing the lip spa I chose the Royal Matricol signature face spa which includes the lip spa too.
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While opting for any facial, even a clean-up, one needs time. This facial, face spa rather, demanded almost one-and-a-half hours of my time. Here's why:
Cleansing using a creamy cranberry cleanser
Followed by toning with Elastin collagen toner
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A papaya-based purifying enzyme masque and a pumpkin enzyme masque go over that.
The masque is removed and some steam is let off quite literally – your cleansed face is subjected to some steam which helps open the pores.
This makes it easier to remove the black and whiteheads.
Now your face is ready for the advanced cell repair serum the deeper penetration of which is aided by the use of an ultra sonic machine.
Then comes the cucumber face and body masque for nourishment, am told.
Unlike regular facials, this one covers the area around the eye as well. An intensive age-defying eye serum is applied to help reduce puffiness and tackle dark circles.
Then there's the Matricol revival masque. Mask-like sheet with the serum on one side is stuck onto your face for about 15 minutes. Now you're done.
I almost forgot the “lip spa”. A lip scrub was used, followed by a masque and lip renewal cream. This process helps remove dead skin, hydrates the lips, smoothens and reduces the pigmentation.
After-effects
I confess that I did feel and look fresh, clean and glowing. I hoped to keep it that way, as generally the effect of facials invariably wears off. And a week down, the effect is still visible. Thanks to the cleansing-toning-moisturising routine that Latha, who gave me the face spa, suggested I follow everyday to prolong the effects of the face spa.
The lip spa though is quite a let down. Maybe getting it done regularly will help my lips look as clear and even-toned as it did on that day, or maybe I need to follow the lip balm-lip renewal routine for them as well.
All the products are made of botanical extracts with the main ingredients being white, green and red tea, pomegranate, grape seeds and goji berry, sans the preservatives and other chemicals that usually dominate the scent.
With June Jacob products, fruits are all you'll be smelling and a quick lick of your lip mask will assure you that it is indeed what it promises to be. The best part is they're suitable for all skin types.
On the whole, the experience was invigorating. With deft hands expertly administering the spa routines and massages, you will invariably fall asleep; also blame it on the dimly lit, quiet room and air-conditioner slowly lulling you to sleep. At the end of the session, you feel refreshed and relaxed mentally as well.
The other June Jacobs services too sound very inviting, but I'll reserve them for another day when I feel like a pampering session that's enriching and relaxing.
Limelite is the only salon in India to offer the entire range of June Jacobs services. The services are priced at: Rs. 500 for the lip spa, Rs. 600 for the eye spa, Rs. 450 to Rs. 900 for the pedicure, Rs. 350 to Rs. 650 for the manicure and The Royal Matricol signature face spa is priced at Rs. 3500.