If you are looking for a fantastic pre‐wedding treatment and are prepared to save some pennies for the pleasure then it’s worth your while asking the experts what they think will work best for you. Spa specialists The Good Spa Guide (www.goodspaguide.co.uk) offers its top 5 facials for wedding‐ready skin.
Anti‐Ageing
Carita Pro‐Lift Firming Face and Eye Treatment
This facial uses the über‐effective Pro‐lift machine, which uses gentle electrical pulses to tone and lift facial muscles. Also incorporating a relaxing massage and several masks to target problem areas, you will be blown away by this results‐driven facial.
- Perfect for: Mature skin that needs a boost.
- Try it at: Lucknam Park, Chippenham (90mins, £130)
www.lucknampark.co.uk 01225 742777
Hot tip: Try some lymphatic drainage yourself. Using only your fingertips, massage along the line of your cheekbones in small, circular motions, moving from your temples to the bridge of your nose. Move up above your eyebrows and continue your gentle massage, moving from the centre of your face out towards your temples again. Repeat this pattern three or four times.
Super‐smoothing
Elemis Tri‐Enzyme Resurfacing Facial
Elemis have perfected the art of glowing skin with this amazingly effective facial. The Tri‐Enzyme facial uses fruit enzyme masks and three serums to accelerate your skin’s biological exfoliation process. Expect to leave with brighter, smoother and more radiant skin; this facial really does give you the “wow!” factor.
- Perfect for: Skin that is dull, scarred or with uneven pigmentation. Also recommended as a series of treatments in the run‐up to the Big Day.
- Try it at: Norton House, Edinburgh (55mins, £75)
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk 0131 333 1275
Hot tip: The Elemis Tri‐Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask is available from Elemis online, RRP £46. Use twice weekly for smoother, brighter skin.
Classic
Eve Lom Facial
Combining deep cleansing, decongesting masks, extractions and targeted massage, you can expect clean and clear skin after this facial. Lymphatic drainage techniques help to reduce puffiness, a warm mask loosens city grime and a camphor‐based mask soothes and smooths.
- Perfect for: Congested skin, or normal skin that needs a last‐minute refresher.
- Try it at: The Treatment Rooms, Brighton (85mins, £128)
www.thetreatmentrooms.co.uk 01273 818444
Hot tip: Cleansing is the key to this facial. When treating your face at home, make sure you thoroughly cleanse your face morning and night using a product that is suited to your skin type.
Natural and Organic
Dr Alkaitis Organic Skin Food Facial
If you want a treatment that’s good enough to eat, then this one is for you! Featuring a fresh fruit and oat mask and an olive oil and aloe vera exfoliant, this facial is a veritable foodie fest! Incorporating indulgent massage plus steaming and extractions for really visible results, this facial is pure natural indulgence at its best.
- Perfect for: The discerning bride who wants a natural treatment that really delivers.
- Try it at: Coworth Park, Ascot (80mins, £120)
www.coworthpark.com 01344 876600
Hot tip: Try making your own natural face mask. Take a handful of organic strawberries, a large spoonful of honey and a handful of oats. Blend together until you have a paste. Apply to your face and leave for 10 minutes, then remove the mask with a warm, damp cloth.
Tailored
ESPA Super Active Facial
The choice of customised elements means you can really tailor this treatment to your needs. Choose to calm and soothe skin prone to redness, balance combination skin, or improve skin tone and firmness. You can expect a detailed massage in this facial, and ESPA’s signature sensory test gives you the chance to choose the aromatic products that most suit your mood.
- Perfect for: Addressing your skin’s needs on the day.
- Try it at: Thornton Hall, Wirral (90mins, £85)
www.thorntonhallhotel.com 0151 336 3938
Hot tip: Create your own facial steamer with a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Pop a towel over your head and spend a few minutes letting the steam soften your skin and open your pores. Try dabbing an ice cube around your eyes after steaming to refresh and tighten.
Thanks to the Good Spa Guide (www.goodspaguide.co.uk) for their expert advice
