THE BUZZ: Sick of facials that promise all sorts of miracles but in reality boil down to an hour of rubbing scented oil into your pores? Glow Spa offers a range of cosmeceutical facials by Spanish skincare brand Skeyndor; the science-heavy DermaPeel Pro Facial uses chemical exfoliation to shift dead skin cells, leaving behind brighter, less pigmented skin.
THE SPA: Located on Queen’s Road Central right next to Zara, Glow Spa is a beauty salon that’s also home to renowned stylists, Hollywood Hair. With four treatment rooms offering facials, body treatments, spray tanning, eyelash extensions and laser hair removal, plus a small hair salon space and a nail bar, Glow packs a lot of premium services into what is currently a pretty unassuming space – though they’re currently in the process of taking over a whole new floor dedicated to spa treatments.
THE PROCEDURE: The DermaPeel Facial starts with a thorough but gentle microdermabrasion scrub to prepare the skin. Next up, we were gently misted with a protective pre-peel spray designed to cool and comfort the skin during the acid treatment. The facial uses Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to get rid of dead skin cells and dirt, along with smoothing and softening enzymes. Unlike topical creams and lotions, these active ingredients penetrate the skin’s surface and work on the layers below. Although we experienced a little tingling, this phase wasn’t at all uncomfortable, taking just 3-10 minutes, depending on your skin type and tolerance to the products. Removing the peel, our therapist applied a pH neutralising mask, followed by toner and moisturiser. Although this sounds like a lot of steps, we were in and out within an hour, which was quicker than we’d expected. The results were very noticeable: smoother, brighter and more even-toned skin without any of the redness we expected from a chemical peel.
Best bit:Not usually ones for a #nomakeupselfie, we couldn’t stop examining our new and improved face from every angle after the treatment. We also appreciated that our therapist managed to fit in both a scalp and a shoulder massage while the various potions were working their magic.
What Else: Glow carries a curated range of hard-to-find beauty products from cult names such as Aromatherapy Associates, London Skins, EcoTan and Davines in its retail space.
THE COST: $980 for 60 minutes (duration varies slightly, depending on your skin’s individual needs)
9/F, Parker House, 72 Queen’s Road Central, 2525-5198, glowspa.hk
Readers’ Deal:
Liv readers get a complimentary wash and blow-dry with every facial booked from now until the end of August. Quote Liv Magazine when booking to redeem.
Tried and Tested
Natural Sunscreens
Choosing the right sunscreen can be a bit of a minefield, but if you prefer to go all-natural, these brands offer sun protection that’s both effective and skin-friendly.
Natural Moisturising Face Sunscreen and Primer by Suntegrity
This Australian brand offers an all-natural but highly effective sunscreen containing 20 percent zinc oxide to block the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Unlike many natural sunblocks, this product glides on effortlessly without looking greasy or clogging pores. This best-selling face protector is packed with antioxidants, moisturising and calming agents, and is specially formulated to be worn under makeup. Also has a body line.
$405 from gourmetskinbar.com.
Sports Essentials Travel Set by Coola
Heading off on a short getaway? Chuck this travel-sized kit in your hand luggage and you’ll be ready for any sweaty adventures your vacation throws at you. Coola’s sunscreens are all free from parabens, petroleum and phthalates, are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and are highly water- and sweat-resistant. This set includes a SPF 50 sunscreen spray, an SPF 50 white tea face moisturiser, a full-sized SPF 30 lip balm and a mini aftersun lotion.
$470 from A Beauty Bar counters citywide, including Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, 2111-9398, abeautybar.com.hk.