A-LIST SKIN
Glow-getter The Million Dollar Facial has become a go-to treatment in the world of luxury beauty and celebrity, promising as-good-as-new skin in just a few transformative steps. Jessica Laing tries it for herself…
THE LOW-DOWN >> Now and again, a beauty treatment causes a stir - for all the right reasons. So much so, that even the A-listers take notice. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s very exciting indeed. In recent months, the Million Dollar Facial has done just that, sweeping skincare fanatics off their feet thanks to its pioneering blend of good-for-you massage and state-of-the-art exfoliation. It’s one of those bang-for-your-buck treatments. Your skin is deeply cleansed, you bag a detoxifying facial massage and you’re treated to an uber-hydrating mask, topped off with a session of dermaplaning and microneedling. It’s where the real magic lies. On their own, the two treatments work wonders on lines, pores, dryness, scarring and irregular texture, but together, they’re a force to be reckoned with, leaving your chops clear, glowy and smoother than a baby’s behind. After reading beaming reviews from bigtime beauty reporters and casting my eye over some very promising before-and-after photos, I just had to try it for myself and so made my way to see Lucy Adair for my very own Million Dollar experience. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, she’s a beauty therapist extraordinaire, who set up her own business - Novellus Beauty - a year and a half ago in Jesmond. Laying your head in her luxurious, Pinterest-worthy treatment room (complete with its very own, and very beautiful, flower wall) is a real treat. As the lights turn down low, you’re ushered to a plush heated bed (kick off your shoes and sink in - it’s a joy)
and cocooned in velvety, duvet-like towels, before the skin-saving goodness begins. So ridiculously comfortable, less than five minutes in, I could feel myself drifting off. Always a good sign. THE EXPERIENCE >> Ordinarily, I’d always attend a facial appointment makeup-free, but on this occasion, I’m glad I didn’t. Somehow, Lucy made make-up removal, followed by a double cleanse and a spot of toning, a joy. Really thorough, massage-like in technique and super relaxing. Next up, a light balm was applied to my entire face, acting as a protective layer and giving my chops some ‘slip’ ahead of the dermaplaning portion of the treatment. I’ll admit, I was a tad apprehensive about this part. For those who aren’t familiar with Dermaplaning, in a nutshell, it involves your therapist whipping out a surgical scalpel to shave your face (yes, you read that right), removing all traces of vellus hair. In other words, the barely-there ‘peach fuzz’ that we all have. In doing so, the top layer of the skin is gently exfoliated away, taking with it years and years worth of dead skin. The results can vary from person to person, but most are left with soft, baby-like skin that looks and feels as good as new - literally. In reality, as I discovered, having your face ‘shaved’ is nowhere near as daunting, or as bizarre, as you might think. It isn’t the same as shaving the coarse hair on your legs; instead, it’s a gentle, pain-free brush against the skin, with the tiniest (and safest) of blades. After 10 minutes or so, I was amazed to see just how much hair and gunk had been
The top layer of the skin is gently exfoliated away, taking with it years and years worth of dead skin. The results can vary from person to person, but most are left with soft, baby-like skin that looks and feels as good as new - literally
36 luxe-magazine.co.uk
FEB/MAR20
