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If the pointy end of 2019 has well and truly got you beat, it might be time to book yourself in for a little R&R to ring in the new year. Far flung vacations aside, a facial is one of the best ways to switch off and wind down (without boarding a plane, anyway). Below, we round up the best Sydney and Melbourne have to offer.
Venustus
If your tank is well and truly empty, book yourself in to Venustus in Sydney’s Paddington. The owner Jeannie is truly one of a kind – intuitive, caring and incredibly generous – and this permeates through the entirety of her business. It’s less about good skin (however you’ll get that too) but more about recharging the batteries; filling up your cup. All treatments are preceded with a one on one consultation where Jeannie will check in on where you’re at spiritually, emotionally and physically. If you’re up for it, there’s even tarot and crystal work involved (be open – it’s incredibly additive). There’s a range of face and body treatments worth trying, but the latest Sculpt and Define Lymphatic Drainage Facial Treatment is the ultimate form of bliss at the end of what has been a tumultuous year in more ways than one.
At an hour long, the treatment is essentially a medley of rigorous facial massage, gua sha, cryotherapy, cupping and masking designed to shift stagnant lymph fluid, reduce swelling, reduce jaw tension and nix puffiness. All products used are organic in-house blends, and every step is infused with a palpable sense of care and thoughtfulness. While intense (internal mouth massage is available for those who would like it), you’ll leave with a clear mind, sculpted face and a full heart. Suffice to say, Venustus is a very special place.
Onda
The perfect pairing of efficacy and luxury, Onda Beauty is a NYC export that’s finally opened shop in Eastern Sydney. Partly incubated by Naomi Watts and run locally by the wonderful Nicole Manning, just setting foot inside will install an instant state of calm. Light-filled and airy, the first point of difference is the beautifully curated retail offering; an array of clean, non-toxic elixirs (think The Beauty Chef, Tata Harper and Vintner’s Daughter) that are available for purchase. As for the treatments, it’s hard to put that kind of bliss into words, but know that Nicole’s wonderfully blended technique of traditional treatments (like LED) with holistic massage is sublime. Book in for the Onda Signature Facial – a highly personalised treatment that will deeply clean, hydrate and nourish the skin. You won’t even know yourself when it’s over. But we’re sure the newer, cleaner, glowier, more sculpted version of you is a welcome adjustment.
Rationale
If crystal clear skin is your jam, Rationale should be at the top of your list. The Australian brand is known (and seriously loved) for its ability to transform a myriad of problems (dullness, acne, uneven tone) into a picture of luminous skin health using its covetable “Essential Six” – a complete regime designed to restore optimum skin health. The treatments – while the tip of the iceberg – are sensational though in their own right. Perhaps one of the most prestigious is the DNArray combined with the DNA Sequence Facial: a process that involves a DNA test to determine concerns and genetic markers that give light to how your skin currently functions, and how it’s predicted to age. The DNA Sequence Facial comes afterwards and is a highly personalised treatment that will work to target your specific issues based on the DNArray medical consult results. It’s highly prescriptive and effective, so wonderful for anyone who really wants to get a handle on skin health in the new year. Science aside, the treatments are all blissful. Think a cloud for a bed, luxurious massage and the warm glow of LED. Heaven.
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Melanie Grant
Melanie Grant’s client list is like a rolodex of the world’s most enviable complexions: Georgia Fowler, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Warne, Victoria Lee, Victoria Beckham, Hailey Beiber, Nicole Trunfio… You name it – if they have good skin, they’ve likely been to one of Melanie’s four salons (Sydney, Melbourne, Paris and Los Angeles). She favours brands like Chanel, Biologique Recherche, IS Clinical and Augustinus Bader, but the real calling card is that glow. All treatments are great, but we recommend letting Mel and her team prescribe a tailored approach . They’re well-versed in the newest tech but strike a beautiful balance as far as luxury is concerned, so it’s a sure bet they’ll steer you and your face in the right direction. While a little more targeted, you’re guaranteed to leave Melanie Grant with skin like a newborn baby – no word of a lie.
Chuan Spa
Melbourne folk know all too well the old world glamour of the Langham hotel, but the swishy bar and fun rooms aren’t all the Southbank property has to offer. Beneath it all lies Chuan Spa – a dimly lit space where good skin comes to swim in the lap pool. Start with 20 minutes in the sauna before settling into the 90-minute Grand Cru facial. It’s the perfect all-in-one treatment, comprised of skin, but also massage around the neck, shoulders and upper back. 90 minutes sounds long, but you’re sure to slip into a state of bliss not long after you lie down. Wonderful for lifting and nourishing, the facial is indulgent but imparts a visible glow. And to finish, you’ll get a glass of Champagne. A toast to the new year indeed.
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