CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY ADDICT The Facial Report BY ALEX ORFILA
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hat do you prioritise when you travel? Is it fine cuisine? The thrill of immersing yourself in a different culture? A spot of shopping perhaps? Or all of the above? For me, treating myself whilst on holiday usually involves booking myself in for a spa treatment more specifically a facial. But you can just do that whenever, right? – I hear you ask. Yes, there is perhaps some truth in that. After all I do regularly go for facials locally as there are some fabulous spas in Gibraltar that offer a great range of treatments. There is therefore no need to travel for this purpose, but allow me to explain. As handy as online shopping is it can never really make up for the real experience, especially when it comes to buying something like skincare for which some sensory input is required. And as yet, none of the Instagram updates have resulted in a scent or touch tool and something tells me that as far GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE APRIL 2020
as technology is concerned this is some way away! So alas, I like to take advantage of any opportunity to try new brands in person and to sample their treatments, which can only really be achieved through travel. I then take things one step further and come to the conclusion that, since I’m on holiday, why not push the boat out a little further and indulge in a treatment too?
Why not push the boat out a little further and indulge in a treatment too? So yes, although I do enjoy great food, shopping, sunshine (when wearing the right SPF!) and sightseeing, no city break is complete without a facial. As I have sampled many a skincare treatment I thought it fitting to report back and share some of
my favourites in this article. I am pleased to say that a couple of these wonderful treatments are also available in spas locally (but it’s safe to say that this still won’t deter me from treating myself to one on my next trip). Going for a facial every 6 weeks is a great way to supercharge your skincare regimen, and another advantage of booking yourself in for one is that you will get an opportunity to sample a variety of products. An added bonus is that therapists will usually be able to recommend what products best suit your skin and will help you tackle a particular skin concern. It is therefore a particularly helpful exercise for skincare novices and enthusiasts alike. If my exploration into spa treatments has taught me anything, it’s that no two facials are the same.
Lush – The Validation Facial Best for: A complete sensory 59
