insideKENT Magazine Issue 46 - January 2016 | Page 64

FASHION+BEAUTY Bionic-Oxygen Facial by Exuviance AT BEAU BOUTIQUE Arriving at Beau Boutique’s modern barn-esque building, primely positioned at the centre of Evegate Business Park & Craft Centre near Ashford, it was fair to say I was filled with intrigue, excitement and in all honesty a little trepidation at the prospect of trying the new Bionic Oxygen Facial that is launching at Beau Boutique in January 2016. BY SAMANTHA G. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a bit of antiaging, skin repairing, youth replenishing me-time, but I’m also a tad skeptical when it comes to new fads, complicated scientific information and to putting my face in the spotlight all in the name of product testing – especially having experienced some rather disappointing results in the past. Stepping through the door into the shiny, plush and welcoming reception area to be met by the smiling (and undoubtedly youthful looking) Nicola East – Beau Boutique’s resident Skincare Guru and Holistic Therapist – my fears were soon to be allayed. Having originally starting out in Holistic Therapy, Nikki became ever more interested and passionate about slowing down the ageing process but with a focus on finding non-surgical, non-invasive alternatives for both the face and the body. It was instantly reassuring to realise that Nikki had undertaken a thorough and thought-out approach to finding a new skincare range to launch at Beau, and through this extensive research decided upon the Exuviance and NeoStrata range. Well this can now be combined with the Exuviance range; or how about a traditional hands-on fully tailored skin consultation and treatment plan combining microdermabrasion, peels, masks and massage? Check! And so my Bionic Oxygen Facial began with skin cleansing, with what can only be described as the most wonderful banana and fruit essence smelling smoothie. It was in fact the Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme, which was delicately yet expertly applied to my face, not once, but twice (as Nikki explained – old habits die hard) – to remove all traces of day-to-day dirt and grime. This was swiftly followed by a Soothing Toning Lotion leaving my skin fresh and clean. Serum, Age Reversing Eye Contour and Multi Protective Day Moisturising Cream. And the result? The traditional hands-on application, pressure point, face and scalp massages and a delightful mix of products left me with probably the best facial results I’ve had – and this was just from a one-off visit. A fresh, radiant glow to my rejuvenated skin lasted for days afterwards! It’s fair to say that I am a new convert to Bionic Oxygen Facials and look forward to sampling the Exuviance range back at Beau and in my own home throughout 2016! Bionic Oxygen Facial by Nicola East £45 Exuviance and NeoStrata are dermatologist founded and Nikki explains that she chose them not only because “they were medically driven, protect and restore the skin but also because they are a truly versatile range of products”, and this works so well with Nikki’s intuitive hands on approach but also with her existing treatments such as CACI and (this is the best bit) the range suits all types of people, skin types and timeframes. The application of the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish was probably the least enjoyable part of the process, but of course this is to be expected, and the few minutes of warmth and sanding suitably reinvigorates the skin, which is instantly soothed as the smooth, cool Lily of the Valley and Cucumber gel of the Bionic Oxygen Facial was applied. And then you wait… and then it happens... the slow popping, bubbly, fizz as the facial reacts with the air and your own skin to create gentle oxygen bubbles on the skin. Thinking of a way to explain this (I ruled out placing your face in a bowl of Rice Crispies or rubbing popping candy on your skin) I went with Nikki’s much more apt “it’s like when bubble bath bubbles gently pop against your skin” and it really is! As if this wasn’t enough, Nikki combines this part of the process with a gentle and effective scalp massage. Want a skin refresh but don’t have much time? Then how about a 15-minute mini treatment? Prefer the science behind the CACI concept? Once the facial had worked its oxygen bubblebased magic my treatment was rounded off with the application of an Antioxidant Perfect 10 64 Beau Boutique 1 & 2 Hembrow Evegate Business Park Ashford TN25 6SX 01303 814000 [email protected] www.beauboutiquesalon.com/ /beauboutiquesalon @beau_salon