You know when you can tell when someone is smiling on the other end of the phone? That’s exactly what it sounds like when the receptionist calls you from Bloomingdale’s Experience Beauty department. With effervescent enthusiasm, she reminds you of the appointment to come and it’s all part of a service that is welcoming and caring throughout. After checking in at reception on the day, a button is pressed and the wall slides back. Like M revealing a secret gadget haul to 007, a whole new world is about to be unveiled. It feels like this is the team to trust; they have the technology when it comes to the acquiring and upkeep of beauty.
The first part of the appointment, though, is that all important cup of tea. It comes with a bowl of chocolates and a consultation, not so scary at all. This is where you check your skin, cover your beauty aspirations and undergo a thorough skin analysis. Relaxing while discussing your skin’s needs with the therapist gives them a clear idea of your typical skin care routine. What is fascinating is that through the ultra, high-tech skin analysis system, it is possible to see exactly what the areas are for improvement and how to make these improvements, not what you may think your issues are.
Famous skin expert Dr. Murad developed a technology called the Murad Youth Cam to look deeply into the three layers of skin that we all have. It looks at redness, wrinkles, pigmentation, inflammation and pores. Be prepared to be shocked. It is not flattering, but it gives a very clear indication of how simple exposure to the elements, not even the sun, can affect you detrimentally. Sun screen protects from all exposure, not just the sun, so it’s advisable to always wear something on your face and hands at the very least, even in air conditioned work places. Such an in-depth look at the epidermis indicates exactly to the therapist what lotions, potions and serums are needed, and we set to work immediately.
bazaar goes through to the back rooms and spies what can only be described as something that comes from the sci-fi adventure movie iRobot. “That is the LED treatment mask,” explains Maria, the therapist. “The blue light is for killing bacteria and red light is for rejuvenation”. But all Maria needs to say about this thirty minutes long treatment is that, “The Kardashian sisters use this!” It has got to be a must-try therapy for beauty fans in Kuwait in that case. The LED mask sessions also help correct skin imperfections and increase blood circulation for a healthy glow, à la Kim et al.
Shown into a private room with freshly laundered sheets and tightly rolled pristine white towels, Maria the therapist directs this bazaarite to lay down and relax, and use the throw to keep comfortable if need be. Moving towards the bed I walk by a wall packed with the promises of the giants of the cosmetics world including Clinique, Sisley, La Mer, La Prairie and Shiseido to name but a few.
We are then given a hand-held mirror, and there is an instruction to keep looking at the reflection so that you can see the immediate changes or differences that occur on your skin during the therapy session. For the next sixty minutes the miracle of water is what is used as a treatment. Hydra-Cool is eight treatments in one, where water’s natural properties are used to make your skin glow. There’s a spray with oxygen that is so powerful you have to concentrate to catch your breath but it is so worth it. Being mindful of your breathing forces one to relax and is hugely beneficial to wellbeing. The oxygen spray is at a cool temperature and checking in the mirror, it is possible to see that any puffiness or slight redness is completely eradicated. Dewy skin!
If you have ever been asked, “What’s wrong with your face?” when you’re happy as Larry and just minding your own business beavering away, but people think you are miserable. Then this may be your “resting” face. Hydro-cool is the treatment for you. Part of the therapy includes face lifting, and it visibly lifts your face muscles in minutes! Happy cheeks! Admittedly only for up to forty-eight hours if it is a one-off treatment you are having, but if you have that ten years’ college reunion coming up, go for it! This is definitely something you would want to become part of your beauty regimen. It’s recommended to go again three months after your first treatment, and then a minimum of every six months after that. Hydro-Cool also helps with wrinkle reduction and evens skin tone.
Throughout the therapy the discussion on what products are being used continues. For this particular session it was better to go with Sisley and eleven of their products in total were slathered on the face and neck. Something to think about; while we may moisturize, do we use products which, at the very least, claim to rejuvenate? This is why moisturizing can be better than exfoliation for example and serums can be better than creams for certain therapies or overnight at-home treatments. Skin analysis really is vital before you undergo a new beauty routine. Regular facials are an investment worth making and three different kinds are available at Experience Beauty to cleanse, revive and pamper. Thirty to forty-five minutes, depending on the facial, is all the time you need to commit to. Not much time at all for treating yourself, your body and your skin.
Drinking water as we all know, is highly recommended, and Bloomingdale’s therapists will also tell you to eat watery foods too. Diet, but not being on a diet, is vital. Cucumber, watermelon, celery all of these types of foods will hydrate your body and skin. There is one piece of beauty advice that was given that was a real shocker but makes so much sense, as it is not a given that every person does this. Maria said with a massive smile and genuine concern, “You know, the best thing you can do to be beautiful, is to think well of yourself.”
Experience Beauty can be found at the cosmetics department on the Ground floor of Bloomingdale’s Kuwait at 360 MALL. Follow @bloomingdalesme on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates!
