I’m only too happy to admit that radiant is an over-used word when it comes to bridal beauty.
However, after experiencing the new ESPA Advanced Skin Radiance Facial at One Spa at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand hotel, I was so blindsided by how good my skin looked in the mirror that all I could utter to the therapist was “Wow, it looks so…radiant.”
I have no shortage of words now to describe my complexion post-treatment: bright, smooth, clean, supple, hydrated, youthful and wrinkle-free (well, as close as I’m going to get to at 35!).
I’d visited One Spa before, so I knew that as soon as I stepped out of the locker rooms wearing fluffy robe and slippers and into the zen-filled treatment zone (where ambient lighting dances delicately off walls swathed in shimmering metallic curtains) that my cares would melt away. The spectacular Thermal Suite upstairs – complete with open-air rooftop hydropool – beckons, but sadly on this occasion I don’t have the time to soak up its benefits. Instead, it’s straight down to some serious pampering…
Once I’m settled down on a comfy heated treatment bed, my therapist Ishbel begins by chatting about my skin concerns and letting me smell and select some of the ESPA products that she will work with through the 90-minute treatment.
After a deep cleanse using Optimal Skin ProCleanser and an exfoliating Clarisonic brush, she puts my skin under the spotlight of a skin analysis lamp. I’m surprised when she asks if I sleep on my left-hand side (I do), but there is wisdom in her apparent random line of questioning. Turns out the left side of my face is less hydrated than the right side, which – Ishbel reckons – is due to me putting on my serum and moisturiser too close to bedtime. Essentially my pillow is getting a better dose of product than my face! I’m impressed at such an insightful comment; it’s a basic practicality that’s never crossed my mind before.
Skin chat over, relaxation takes hold as Ishbel applies not one, but two, luxurious masks. While the first – a brightening Skin Radiance Mask – does its work, I’m treated to a blissful head massage. The Pink Hair and Scalp Mud that’s smoothed on is packed with goodies such as mineral-rich red clay, watercress extract and apricot kernel oil to deliver nourishment to the scalp and promote glossy locks. An age-defying and sublimely relaxing massage using cooling and calming rose quartz crystals follows, before the second mask is put on – a Lifting and Smoothing Mask that’s made all the sweeter by a heavenly hand and arm massage. To finish, Ishbel works Skin Radiance Intensive Serum and Moisturiser into my skin.
I felt spoiled rotten after my stint at One Spa, but the best was yet to come: loads of compliments the next day from friends and colleagues admiring my glowing, foundation-free complexion.
ESPA Advanced Skin Radiance Facial, £110 for 90 minutes at One Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh.