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In this review, I describe an Elemis anti-ageing BIOTEC Firm-a-Lift facial which I experienced at the Spa in the Intercontinental London last week. It works so well that I have already rebooked a repeat treatment in a month’s time. It is that good!
I am a huge fan of the Intercontinental London Club Lounge. In fact, I think that this Intercontinental is one of the best chain hotels in London, largely due to its views and its location on Park Lane, which is a short walk from Knightsbridge with Harrods and Harvey Nics and also across the road from two of London’s most beautiful Parks.
What you may or may not know is that the Intercontinental has a super Spa which offers revolutionary Elemis Biotech treatments.
I went for a Firm-a-lift, which is ideal for anyone over 40 who wants to look closer to 30.
Elemis describes this treatment as a blend of massage and sculpting galvanic technology. Circulation-stimulating Arjuna, Gardenia stem cells, and Alaria Esculenta seaweed are activated by microcurrent pulses to tighten slackening skin. Galvanic currents infuse the skin with bio-active formulas that hydrate and tone.
What is this treatment like? Well, the room is lovely, as is the Spa waiting area – all dimmed lights and luxury finishings. The staff are delightful too. The treatment is less relaxing, with various pastes spread on your face as you would expect from a facial, followed by the use of 2 machines, which are frankly mildly stressful. It is, however, these machines that make the magic happen.
The first sounds like a dentists drill and seemed to blow oxygen into my skin (along with doing other things that I didn’t ask about). The second sounds less bad, but it uses currents of electricity and blows and tingles your skin. Both machines are used all over your face, and even though this is the second time I have experienced the treatment, I did not particularly like the noise or the feeling of these machines.
So why did I go back for the second time? Because it really works. My skin really does look 5 years younger; plumped, my dry patches are gone, my whole face looks lifted, and my wrinkles are less defined. My husband described my look as “skin which has enjoyed a week of excellent sleep and health”. Seeing as I had spent the previous 3 nights at the Langham Palm Court lounge enjoying jazz and beer late into the night, this was high praise indeed.
The bottom line, I don’t find that standard facials have any lasting effect on my skin. Stress-wise, they are a more relaxing experience, but I ultimately don’t find them to actually work. At least not for more than a couple of hours. Elemis BIOTEC really does work, and treatments last about a month. I have booked my next treatment already. The only caveat to this treatment is that it can’t be used in conjunction with botox, as apparently the current stimulates your facial muscles that the botox freezes.
My facial cost £110 GBP for an hour of treatment. I highly recommended it.
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