My skin was in need of some serious TLC. It was looking dull, feeling slightly dehydrated and I was feeling a little under the weather. So I booked myself in to experience a customised European Facial by Nataliya Robinson, expert facialist based at exclusive Mayfair hairdressing salon, Michaeljohn.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but beautiful Russian born Nataliya (who has the most flawless complexion herself) put me right at ease and invited me to relax in her perfectly cosy treatment room.
First, Nataliya gave me a professional skin analysis using a magnifying lamp and began with a thorough cleanse using a lipid replacing gel. She swears by wearing SPF daily and told me I should always protect mine to avoid UVA/UVB damage and getting any more sunspots, even on a cloudy day. Nataliya then applied a divine cocoa-enriched exfoliating enzyme mask, which is packed with antioxidants to lift away all the dead cells and rejuvenate and revitalise. It filled the room with a deliciously sweet scent of a steamy hot chocolate.
The European Facial is a pioneering fusion of a variety of skin treating techniques. Going through the treatment options, it’s evident that Nataliya has a deep understanding of advanced and holistic skin care and on nutrition and how it can help to feed your skin.
Nataliya combines western methods (microdermabrasion, peels and high quality skin care products) and eastern cosmetology (acupuncture, acupressure massage, Indian lifting massage) alongside diamond dermabrasion, enzyme peel, acupuncture, acupressure massage or lymphatic drainage massage and cryotherapy massage (the application of a cold device at -10 C). All of the techniques are used to boost circulation, relax muscle tension, improve texture and clean out pores. This therapeutic treatment is great for common problem areas, which are often affected by spots, blackheads, wrinkles and acne.
Nataliya chose an oxygen treatment created by Dr. Peter Pugliese to help perfect my complexion, by lightening pigmentation and reducing the occurrence of spots. This anti-aging procedure also works to diminish visible signs of ageing, increase skin function and stimulate fibroblasts. She gently massaged in a slight tingling gel a few times and then sprayed my skin with a soft mist to help get the gel to work. Next, a green tea mask was massaged in and then left to settle any irritation and clarify my skin.
My treatment followed with a heavenly, soothing oil massage, to hydrate my skin and unwind my tight, stressed shoulders. The blend combines oils from soybean, rice bran, macademia seed, curry leaf, cinnamon leaf and essential oils of rose.
Of course, Nataliya made sure I was well prepared for my busy day out in London by applying a SPF30 moisturising cream on the face and an emergency eye lift serum to tighten and lift my eye area.
I looked in the mirror and immediately noticed that my skin looked clearer, brighter and much more sprightly. It’s also clear to see why they call Nataliya ‘queen of the super-facial’.
The European Facial lasts approx. 80 mins, £160.