All parents are sometimes in need of a quick pick-me-up. Whether it’s to get rid of those dark circles around your eyes that make you cringe in front of the mirror, or you just need some time to spoil yourself, a visit to the spa can do wonders. We tried out these three treatments, and must say we feel pretty refreshed.
Express Discovery Treatment at Dragonfly Spa
Even the busiest of high fliers or super-moms can justify taking 45 minutes out for an express facial at Dragonfly in the IFC Mall in Lujiazui. The only branch of the popular Shanghai spa that offers this particular treatment, Dragonfly are targeting time-poor customers in need of a luxurious burst of rejuvenation and relaxation. The Valmont skincare products used for this facial come from Switzerland and contain glacial spring water and extracts from plants grown in the brand’s own garden in the Swiss Alps.
Greeted at the spa by Dragonfly’s welcoming team, we were immediately shown to their relaxing treatment room and given slippers and a robe. With glass baubles dangling from the ceiling, low lighting and soft, relaxing music we instantly felt the stress of the day slip away.
The therapist tied back our hair and gave our shoulders a much needed rub and then set about cleaning our skin. After gently removing our make-up, our skin was exfoliated with a micro-granule cream and wiped away with a warm cloth. After this, two moisturizing masks were applied, both carrying delicious scents, and we were transported to a place far away from Shanghai. We then had a gentle serum rubbed over our face which sealed in all the goodness of the Valmont products.
The treatment, which felt much longer than 45 minutes, finished with a fantastic head rub focusing on the scalp and then a gentle face massage. We left the spa feeling much lighter on our feet and our skin was soft as a peach, with a light glow. We highly recommend this treatment for anyone in need of some pampering who works or lives in close proximity to the IFC Mall.
// RMB760 for 45 minutes, Dragonfly Spa, LG2-47, 8 Shiji Da Dao, by LujiazuiHuan Lu 世纪大道8号1楼, 近陆家嘴环路(6878 5008)
Glowing and Lifting Magnetic Treatment at Diva Life
This treatment is done using the magnetic anti-aging machine ISO 9001. We tried it at Diva Life Beauty Lounge and as promised, there was an instant change in the structure and feel of ourskin.
Lying down on a bed, a metal plate was placed under ourlower back. A stick connected to the machine was run over our face for 45 minutes, using a magnetic pulse to heat our inner skin. The procedure stimulates the skin’s collagen, so they say, which creates new cells, washes away toxins and increases metabolism.
We started with the left side of the face,and then took a break to see what difference the procedure makes.There was a slight but noticeable difference in the firmness of our skin compared to the untreated side. The machine may look a bit intimidating, and your face feels very warm from the magnetic pulses, but it’s definitely not painful. We even fell asleep for a few minutes during the treatment. Afterwards, our face felt firmer and had a nice glow.
More than one treatment is needed for lasting results, but it certainly has an effect on tired and loose skin. After a few treatments, the results can allegedly last for up to a year. Before and after the magnetic treatment, you also get a good cleanse, moisturizing and a bit of facial massage usingDermalogica products.
Diva Life Spa is located in a quiet lane on RuijinEr Lu and the slightly kitschy setting is quite nice and relaxing. The staff is very friendly and there is a large selection of beauty treatments, from traditional facial treatments and waxingsto lash/brow care and manicures. It’s a great place to go and get all your superficial needs taken care of in one day.
Exclusively to Urban Family readers, Diva Life is now offering a 50 percent discount for the first treatment, which means you pay only RMB500 (original price RMB1,000/45 minutes) and for 8 treatments you pay only RMB3,000 (instead of RMB8,000). Just mention Urban Familyto take advantage of the promotion.
// 266 Ruijin Er Lu, by Taikang Lu瑞金二路266号, 近泰康路 (www.mydivalife.com, 5465 7291)
O2 Signature Rejuvenation Treatment at Zeta Villa
If you really want to pamper yourself, try this signature facial at Zeta Villa. Located across the street from the Réel Mall, this spa is fresh, modern and bright, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. All facial treatments at this spa start with a relaxing ten minutes of hot stone massage on your back and shoulders.
After some cleansing and massaging, we started with a deep pore cleansing. This was not your regular steam-and-squeeze routine. High tech equipment is used to effectively remove dirt, blackheads and dead skin. Even though the noise and feel of the pore cleansing gadget wasn’t the most pleasant, this machine proved to be quite effective. On some spots such as around our nose wings, it felt slightly uncomfortable because this area was given some extra attention.
After the cleanse, we moved onto the oxygen treatment. Another high tech machine was rolled in and an oxygen mist was sprayed all over our face. Although it sometimes felt strange to breathe in the mist, the treatment was comfortable- it is mainly done for the result, not for the experience.However, we finished off with a mask and a blissful head and shoulder rub and walked out relaxed and rejuvenated.
The result of this treatment was really positive. Many of us know how refreshing it can feel to get a deep pore cleanse, but the oxygen treatment was a total surprise. With celebrity fans such as Madonna, this treatment has become successful for obtaining a younger lookand it is not difficult to imagine why. Although it takes regular upkeep, there is an immediate refreshing effect and it gives you that glow that you might wish to obtain before an important event or when you just want to look extra good.
// 3/F, 88 Tongren Lu, by Yanan Xi Lu铜仁路88号一层, 近延安西路 (www.zeta-spa.com)
