As soon as I walked into the salon, one of the owners, Jess (who runs and owns it with her sister Sam) greeted me and I went straight into the treatment room. First, I am a big fan of not waiting. I get bored easily...yes, I am a complete child when waiting is involved. Second, it was cold out (where is spring?) and to get all snuggly in a robe and into a heated duvet was the best moment of the day. Third, the aroma in the room was calming and not overwhelming. I can get a bit queasy with strong scents, so this was perfect.
Jess introduced Aveda's new Botanical Kinetics range, which uses plant extract to stimulate hydration and recharge the skin. There is an Intense Hydrating Soft Creme for normal to oily skin and a Rich Creme for dry to very dry skin. What interested me the most was that organic cupuacu butter (nope, I can't pronounce it either) has been used, which contains lipids, like our skin, which helps to create a barrier and prevent moisture loss. As Jen and I have been looking at a more 'natural beauty' way of life, I am becoming more and more of a fan of ingredients that mirror what our bodies would naturally do, plus the words 'organic' and 'butter' make me happy!
Jess also explained that the idea of the treatment was to rejuvinate all of the skin, but paying attention to the eye area to decrease puffiness, discolouration from lymph blockages and reduce dark circles. Lymph drainage would be encouraged through using products and techniques, which would feel hot and cold on the skin.
So, after Jess had explained the range and the aims of the treatment, she placed a towel under my feet, for extra comfort and hot towels around my toes. I was loving life at this point! Apparently, this treatment is also about recharging the whole body, which includes the feet, as they touch the earth and, therefore, energy escapes from them. Whatever the reason, I do love to have snuggly toes, so I was all for it.
Next, I was asked to select an aroma that would be used throughout the treatment. I chose lavender and with that, the treatment began. The hot towels were removed from the feet, and dried with a small massage. My face was cleansed and freshened and two products were applied all over the face. One was fairly cold, which is all part of the treatment. It was explained that hot and cold products would be applied to stimulate the skin, including collagen.
My favourite part of the treatment came next. Jess used pressure points on the neck, back of head, temples and forehead and it was as if all tension had just scarpered away. After this came the eye treatment, which had several stages. First, product was pressed into the skin around my eyes, followed by a figure of eight motion, which did not pull at the skin at all. Rollers were then used, which were cool to the touch and felt so rejuvinating. Next, a brush applied product and, again, in a figure of eight motion, which warmed the skin. Product was then removed from all of the skin and final cremes were applied.
Finally, relaxation was amped up through the pressure points and the finale, the bed being raised and essential oil being rubbed into my upper back, with a heat pad placed around my neck and shoulders, whist I relaxed with a glass of water.
My initial thoughts were: 1. my skin feels puffed up (in a good way) and 2. this is so much more than just an eye treatment (thought whilst snuggling into the heat pad!)
Aveda has only recently launched this treatment and it is available in a variety of Aveda salons for £32. However, Treat has a special offer that lasts until 11th April, for £24. Well worth it.
I have bought the treatment for my friend's birthday and I am looking forward to hearing what she thinks of it too.
