When I started to write this piece, it was supposed to be on a variety of options for facials in NYC… but after I experienced the Nature’s Radiant Facial at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Columbus Circle, I realized it needed an article all by itself.
Upon my arrival at the spa I was greeted with a cool cup of a mildly sweet tea and offered a shoe exchange. Truthfully, they were off to a good start when they offered to swap my hot-weather-ouchie-heels for a cushy pair of slippers. I was taken back to the locker and dressing room (that was nicer than most high end apartments in this city) to enjoy a sauna and steam. There’s nothing like some hot steam to clear away the stress of the day and help you forget that you’ve got a pile of work waiting for you in just a couple hours.
I chose the Amala Facial because my combo skin just needed a pick-me-up. My skin was tired and dull, and I longed for my pre-mothering glow. According to the spa, “The 80-minute holistic treatment for the face, neck and décolleté was developed with the ecologically conscious and 100% organic sustainable skincare company Amala, based in Germany where standards for natural and organic are among the most stringent in the world. The line of Nature’s Radiant Facials takes eco-conscious skincare to the next level by treating skin’s specific needs with some of the world’s most potent healing botanicals to ensure noticeable results.
Each customized Nature’s Radiant Facial begins with a thorough skin analysis to determine whether toning, deep pore cleansing, softening of fine lines and/or restoring hydration is needed. From there, Amala’s organic seed oils and whole plant products gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin to balance and renew elasticity while stimulating cell renewal and providing antioxidant protection. The facials include two masks – a Rhassoul clay mask to draw out impurities and soften the skin, followed by a customized mask that stimulates collagen and hydrates the skin.”
The treatment was so soothing and gentle that I ended up falling asleep. I woke at the end to find my face glowing- so much so that I didn’t need ANY makeup for about 3 days. That’s the longest post-facial glow I’ve ever experienced, by far.
While the facials at the Mandarin are pricey, they’re a luxury worth splurging on. Your skin will thank you for weeks (and you can retire your cakey makeup for a while).
Disclosure: All products were provided for review. No monetary compensation was received for this review. All opinions belong to the author.
