Perfectly pampered and ready to face the future

Perfectly pampered

09 Nov 2009 08:06 AM | Posted by bh'sLeanne

It’s a sad state of affairs when we feel the need to justify a trip to the salon so I’ve decided that the time has come to unite in the conclusion that an odd trip to the local salon or spa (no, it doesn’t have to be a luxurious retreat in the back of beyond) is a must – especially for busy mums wanting to maintain their sanity or women on the go who need to stop, stop I say, slow down and breath.

I had the pleasure (also known as a guilty perk of the job) of road-testing an Ella Baché Eternal Facial and my, oh my, did I feel utterly, perfectly, wonderfully pampered.

The Ella Baché Eternal facial begins with a thorough cleanse and then a Wood’s lamp is used to diagnose the skin. Thankfully, apart from being a little dehydrated, mine was in pretty good shape (I put that down to good genes as I have a pretty lazy skin routine). The skin undergoes a second cleanse (talk about super-clean skin) and exfoliation before an enzymatic peel is applied, followed by a firming peel-off mask.

By this stage my skin already felt plumped and nourished – but wait, there was more to come. Qi-gong balls (which felt liked heated marbles) were rubbed over my face in small circular movements: apparently this unique technique loosens tissue and stimulates blood flow.

To finish, a moisture protective sunscreen specific to my skin’s needs (hydrating and formulated to treat premature signs of ageing) was massaged into my face along with Ella Baché Eternal Restructuring Eye Gel.

The result? My skin felt thoroughly hydrated (which is a great if, like me, your skin tends to get a bit dehydrated), plumped, free from conjestion and glowing. I can’t remember the last time I had a salon treatment (this gig isn’t all about trips to the hairdresser and beauty freebies you know!) but I do know that I won’t be leaving it so long until the next one.

Leanne x

What’s your take: is skin condition down to genes or a good skin regime?

Member Comments (41)

Posted by: Delicious Girl (Australia)

Sounds like a great little treat Leanne. We all deserve a little pamper, mine is long overdue too.
About the skin condition, I put it down both to nature and nurture. I am lucky enough to inherit good skin but I also have to do my part in taking care of it.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 9:20am)

Posted by: Snazzie (Member since 2008, Australia)

I think it's probably a bit of both. I'm sure that good genes count for something but I don't think that the value of a good skin care regime can be underestimated either!

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 9:26am)

Posted by: Allyhump (Australia)

Sounds delightful. Would love to get a bit of pampering at this time of the year.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 9:29am)

Posted by: Blissful Beauty (Member since 2007, Australia)

This facial sounds divine and well-deserved, Leanne. : ) I think skin condition is based on good genes, however having a good skincare regime that is suited to your skin needs ensures it becomes and stays the best it can be! Facials not only treat skin conditions, but also aid one's sense of relaxation and well-being. These effects can not be underestimated. : )

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 9:31am)

Posted by: softness (Member since 2007, Australia)

It's majorly genetic and a good skin care regime then can enhance that.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 10:00am)

Posted by: lilymay (Australia)

Sounds like you had a great time! I think genes plays a big role.. some people are just so lucky

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 10:00am)

Posted by: Skye88 (Australia)

i think its a bit of both

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 10:07am)

Posted by: beautygeek (Australia)

I'm going to Google Qi-gong balls. I have never heard about them and it sounds fabulous.

I believe skin type is purely genetic but skin condition is environmental and lifestyle.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 10:28am)

Posted by: audrey_hepburn_princess (Member since 2008, Australia)

its a little bit of both but still no excuse not to take care of your skin now..i wish my skin was due to good genetics, then id have my mums perfectly flawless smooth skin but noooo...i have to get stuck with super sensitive-hormonal acne-shitty skin :(

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 10:31am)

Posted by: sugarx (Member since 2008, Australia)

good maintenance is key! genes play a part, but i think it still comes down to the individual's skin care regime!

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 10:58am)

Posted by: Starry-eyed (Member since 2008, Australia)

I think its a bit of both.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 11:30am)

Posted by: Bide (Australia)

Good genes definitely play a part in the kind of skin one has, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't take care of it either. It is definitely a mix of both.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 11:35am)

Posted by: Hely (Australia)

Okay, firstly that facial sounds AMAZING!!!!
As for my skin. Well I have a pretty extensive routine at the moment and my skin is thanking me for it. But honestly in perspective, my skin wasn't entirely horrible to begin with. I mainly have to deal with oil, really really really fair skin, a few broken capillaires despite only being 21, pores and the pimples (which I have under control). So most probably a mix as my skin is as close to perfect at the moment thanks to all the stunning advice I recieve from here. So cheers ladies. I owe you! xoxox

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 12:07pm)

Posted by: melmeko (Member since 2007, Australia)

Good genes is one thing, but lets face it if you don't look after your skin you could end up in a bit of a rut. I wish I was blessed with good genes, but thankfully I live in the day and age where we have skincare products to help us make do with what we have, and also give us a little bit of hope, hehe.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 12:23pm)

Posted by: Anneelizabeth (Australia)

Sounds great! I'm a bit of a skin care junky and my routine is fairly comprehensive, but there is nothing nicer than having a nice spa facial.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 12:41pm)

Posted by: miss_matraville (Australia)

i am so jealous i would love that rigt now!

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 12:43pm)

Posted by: Pandr134 (Australia)

Genes definitely play a big part, but diet and climate also play a big part. My grandmother lived in England had never been abroad and had perfect skin, even into her 75th year. My Mother and I were genetically blessed with good skin, but after we moved to Australia we soon found that we needed to look after our skin with products to offset the damaging effects of the Australian sun.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 12:50pm)

Posted by: HMad (Member since 2007, Australia)

Sounds like a delightful experience Leanne! My SIL loves Ella Bache facials so I think I've just sorted her Christmas present for this year! I agree, I think good genes are a start but you have to be kind to your skin to keep it looking great, both with good skincare and also a good diet, exercise and regular relaxation.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 12:53pm)

Posted by: MrsBeautygeek (Member since 2008, Australia)

I think both, I have only really started taking care of my skin the last year, and I've never had any blemishes or dryness or anything. But I think as you get a little older, a good routine may win out over good genes eventually!

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 1:36pm)

Posted by: Linga (Australia)

I agree it's a bit of both, Good skin still needs some kind of up keep and bad skin can be made better with a good regime.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 1:46pm)

Posted by: scentsation (Member since 2008, Australia)

I also agree that genes play a big part. But there are other factors that effect your skin, like environment, what you eat, stress levels, hormones, etc. This is where a good skincare routine is important.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 1:50pm)

Posted by: bluerose (Member since 2007, Australia)

Nature and nurture both play a part. It is still vitally important to protect and look after your skin though, even if you are blessed with great genes.
The facial sounded lovely Leanne, however I've always found Ella Bache products a bit heavy for the Qld climate.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 2:20pm)

Posted by: DanniiBeauty (Australia)

wow that sounds great. would love a great facial. skin condition is mostly genes but you can change it, if you take good care of it.

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 3:12pm)

Posted by: Niq2 (Australia)

my skin gets awfully dry but i always scrub and cleanser n moisturise!

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 3:31pm)

Posted by: beautyqueen95♥ (Australia)

Sounds delish!!! I just wish I had enough money for one.. How much are they??

Posted on: November 09, 2009 (Nov 9, 2009 4:01pm)