For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of Sisley cosmetics. The skincare products may be on the slightly more expensive side, but there's something about this French family-run business — with its insistence on using natural ingredients — that had me hooked the first time I tried their lotions.
But, until recently, I'd never indulged in one of their treatments. So in need of some pampering and with seriously dry skin, I book a Sisley session at Urban Retreat in Harrods and, blow me down, if it isn't one of the best facials I've ever had.
Having elbowed my way through the throng of people (it is sale time at this world-famous department store, say no more), I head to the fourth floor and the relative tranquility of Urban Retreat. Much more peaceful, however, is the bespoke Sisley beauty room with its cool grey walls, soft lighting and fluffy white towels, the only adornment, the iconic silver and white packaging of the Sisley products on display.
As I settle on the bed I chat about my skin concerns to the therapist, Lindsey, whose own epidermis is so flawless and glowing, she is a shining advertisement for the products. I tell her my face is seriously lacking in moisture despite my best efforts (I'm also tired and run-down, and wouldn't mind some coddling, too). Lindsey recommends I try a hydrating treatment — the Sisley Intensive Anti-Ageing Hydrating Treatment With Malachite to be precise.
Despite the rather convoluted name, the facial's purpose is simple. It promises to leave skin supple and toned with the bounce, glow and radiance of the youthful. This is helped along by the use of the finely ground malachite extract, which is said to encourage water circulation within the epidermis and restores the ideal skin water balance.
All the skincare products applied during a treatment are tailored to the individual, so while the 90 minutes includes cleansing, toning, exfoliation, masks, a hot stone face massage, hand and arm massage, and a hot stone reflexology foot massage, following your initial consultation your therapist may choose to use a serum as well, say, depending on your skincare needs.
As I close my eyes, I can feel myself unwinding already. Hot towels wipe away the grime of London and Lindsey sets to work. After a thorough cleanse and tone (and a stern reminder that toning is an important part of the skincare routine after I confess that I'm a bit remiss about this part), she applies a wonderfully cool serum (there are five different ones to match skin type).
As the serum works its magic, Lindsey gives me a foot massage. She then applies two masks; as the first takes effect, I have a hand and arm massage. After the application of the second mask, I can definitely feel the natural plant extracts and essential oils getting to work.
Sadly my time is up before I know it, but rather than usher me out quickly, Lindsey takes ten minutes to go through all the products she has used on me, and I go away with a pouch of samples to try.
That's not the only thing I leave with. I am now the proud owner of plumper, softer and more sparkling skin. And I certainly feel more chilled out. So much so, I even manage to brave the sale afterwards. Now, that's relaxed!
The Sisley Intensive Anti-Ageing Hydrating Treatment With Malachite costs £140 for 1hr 30 minutes at Urban Retreat (urbanretreat.co.uk). For more information about Sisley visit sisley-cosmetics.co.uk.
