Health Spa Reviews - Clarins Skin Spa

  

Reviewed by: Carien Wandrag

One of the easiest ways to separate average spas from exceptional ones, is that they exceed your expectations. As always, first impressions count for a lot, but thereafter they have to live up to the image projected. And what kind of treatment were you expecting? If it is called a “relaxing” treatment, did you feel relaxed? If it’s anti-ageing, could you see the results? One is also always on the look out for the spa that really offers unique treatments.

I am once again delighted to write about a spa that exceeded my expectations - The Clarins Skin Spa in Waverley, Johannesburg. Situated just off Corlett Drive off-ramp, almost across from Melrose Arch, on the other side of the highway. It is tucked behind Clarins’ head office and training centre, with ample private parking.

Clarins is a well-known and much-loved brand. Most of us know that they have a strict philosophy of using only all-natural, plant-based ingredients, but how many of us know that they are strongly apposed to animal testing of products and that they do not believe in the use of machines? They take the concept of natural beauty to new heights.

The spa itself is decorated in striking red and white – to match the brand identity; pure, understated elegance. Simple and effective. I was also immediately taken by the fact that I could choose between a "winter's" versus a "summer's" gown. Being pregnant, my body temperature is much higher than usual and the option of a cooler gown was most welcome. During a 10 minute consultation, my skin and needs were accessed and then I was settled into the treatment room for the 120 minute Beautiful Mother-to-Be treatment.

It is important to note that this is the first spa I've been to that distinguishes between the different stages of pregnancy and offers slightly different treatments for moms-to-be who are 3-6 months pregnant and 6-9 months pregnant. They also have a special treatment for New Mothers. My treatment consisted of a facial and a massage.

The facial was extraordinary! It is certainly one of the most relaxing facials I have ever had. There are no extractions or prodding and probing – it's aim is to deeply relax you while stimulating and treating the skin. The technique used during the facial massage is completely unique to Clarins. I enjoyed every second and wanted it to last forever! Given half a chance, I would go back every day for it. To be honest, the well-thought through mix of serums and masks and eye treatments used to contour and shape and hydrate and firm and tone my skin, are all a blur. The results were fantastic – leaving my skin feeling as soft as, well, a baby's bottom.

While one of the masks was left on to do its trick, my body was pampered with a lymph drainage massage aimed at decreasing water retention in my body, while soothing and relaxing every muscle. The overall effect was one of such complete relaxation that I kept drifting in and out of a light sleep.

It was all simply wonderful and I rank this treatment especially high on the relaxation scale. I suggest that if you have never had a proper Clarins facial, then you should book right now at the Clarins Skin Spa. It is worth it!

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