Many of you that know me or are regular readers of the blog, know I am a fan of the finer things in life. I like to treat myself to little luxuries every so often and indulge in real treats. Last Thursday I was invited to Iconic Beauty salon, for a treatment that I can only describe as out of this world. It was literally like nothing I had experienced before..
Iconic Beauty, is located in Rathgar village in Dublin. It is a quick drive, or bus trip from the city centre and has parking outside. From the moment you walk through the door, this salon screams opulence and luxury. There are so many lovely little finishing touches around the salon and the decor is absolutely gorgeous. In fact I was seriously taken with the lighting fixtures, that I have been googling frantically trying to find something similar for my bedroom.
The salon offers a large range of treatment, including shellac, tanning, and massage. One thing that caught my eye straight away was the American style pedicure chairs. I haven’t seen this in a salon in Dublin before. I love nothing more than sitting in the massaging chairs getting my feet done. To me this is absolute heaven.
The treatment I was booked in for was the Image o2 signature facial. Here’s the thing. I had never had a facial before!! I don’t know how this happened, but I had never booked myself in for a facial and my god was I missing out. Jackie, the therapist who was doing the facial, told me that this particular facial was literally like Hollywood in a facial. It would brighten the skin, boot circulation, reduce stress and elimate toxins. In other words I would leave the salon with seriously gorgeous skin. Bring it on.
The room in which the facial took place, was absolutely gorgeous. The first thing that hit me was how relaxing it was. It smelled soothing, without being over powering and the music tinkled gently in the background. Even the blanket that I put over me during the treatment was soft and furry, which just added to the luxury and relaxation of the treatment.
The facial itself takes about 45 minutes, although I think mine was a little longer. There are 5 different steps to the Image O2 facial.
Step 1: Cleanse. A gel to milk cleanser is massaged into the skin and takes off all the makeup and dirt and grime for day to day life. Jackie took her time, gently massaging the product into the skin. It was so soothing on the face, and the smell was absolutely divine.
Step 2: Lift. A papaya and pineapple enzyme peel is applied to gently exfoliate the skin. As the therapist is gently massaging the enzyme peel into the skin, it gently dissolves the dead skin away. At this point, I was so beyond relaxed. The smell of the peel was absolutely gorgeous. All I could think of was that I didn’t want this experience to end.
Step 3:Oxygenate. After cleansing and exfoliating, an oxygenating facial masque is applied. The purpose of this is to penetrate deep down into the skin and improve the skins circulation. Oxygen has so many benefits for the skin including repairing and stimulating cell growth. This masque was such an unusual feeling and absolutely the highlight of the facial. The product goes on like a gel, but begins to foam on the skin very quickly after application. As the skin soaks up the oxygen there is a popping or fizzing sensation on the skin. It reminded me of a very gentle popping candy on the face. It was ridiculously soothing. While the masque worked its magic on my face, Jackie massaged my shoulders, neck and arms. Aboslute heaven. All I kept thinking was ‘ why had I never done this before?’
Step 4: Rejuvenate. At this point a stem cell enhancer was applied to the skin to help rejuvenate the skin and prevent signs of ageing. The product was massaged into my face, neck and chest.
Step 5: Protection. At this stage, I had a feeling the facial was coming to an end and I was more than a little devasted. A tinted moistuiser was applied to my skin to help protect my skin from the suns rays. It is important that sunscreen is applied to the skin after a facial so that now damage is done.
When the facial was finished, Jackie showed me the results of the facial in a mirror. My skin was genuinely glowing. I could see an immediate difference in my skin.I was seriously in awe.
We also discussed my skin care routine and I was informed that my skin was actually in really good condition and my routine was working. Wohooo. I have put so much time into my skin care routine, I was delighted to hear this. The only thing I was missing was an SPF, so I asked Jackie to recommend one for me. I actually bought the Image skincare prevention + daily hydrating moisturiser. It was €39, but she promised me it was amazing.
The results of the facial were obvious over the weekend. My makeup sat so much better on my skin and it was almost like the age of my skin had turned back a few years, as it had that youthful smooth appearance. Even my boyfriend commented on how well I looked and how nice my foundation sat. Boyfriends really do say the strangest things, but I am obviously rubbing off on him.
While facials can be expensive business, I would absolutely recommend the Image 02 signature facial 100%. Seriously you deserve a treat. If you have any big events coming up, I would recommend this particular facial as it really does leave your skin looking fresh youthful and well rested. We often spend on the hair, tan nails etc why not splash out and treat your skin? I have a few weddings coming up over the next few months and I will absolutely be getting this facial again.
As for Iconic beauty, I am already thinking about what treatment I can get there next. Vicky has created such a welcoming salon and it was very clear that clients love going there as there was such a friendly chatty atmosphere. You can check out all of their fabulous treatments on their website here and if you are getting the facial, I highly recommend Jackie and her magic soothing hands.
