Treatment Review

THE VALIDATION FACIAL AT LUSH SPA

Tested by Louise Emma Clarke

What it promises: The Validation Facial – the second treatment to be offered at Lush Spa after the signature Synaesthesia massage – is designed to not only leave your skin looking fantastic, but also to instill an inner confidence that will leave you feeling altogether better about yourself. The brand has once again worked with behavioural therapist Lady Helen and composer Simon Emmerson to create a treatment that is designed to tap into the sub-conscience.

What happens: I was lucky enough to test the Synaesthesia massage when it was launched last year, so I knew that I was in for another treat. I arrived at the Lush store on London’s King Road and was invited downstairs to the Spa – greeted by a surreal Alice in Wonderland-style mirror at the foot of the stairs and, around the corner, a twee country kitchen with huge glass bottles lining the shelves. My therapist – the wonderfully smiley Mo – sat me down at the kitchen table and asked me to pick two words to describe how I would like my skin to feel after the facial. I plumped for ‘GLOWING’ and ‘SOFT – she nodded, wrote some notes, then lead me back upstairs to the shop floor to pick the skincare products that would be used during the facial. She added scoops of cleanser, toner, moisturiser, eye cream, neck cream, serum, and body lotion to a large granite palette as we walked around – then back downstairs, the palette was set on the treatment bed and covered in a mist of dry ice to ‘cleanse’ the products. As the treatment began, the music started – it has been composed to give the impression that you are being rowed out to sea, with confidence-boosting words and phrases to dip into the self-conscious state of mind. I remember hearing these words right at the beginning – but after that, they were simply tranquil noises that soothed me into a deep state of relaxation. The facial itself was incredible – everything from the cleansing and toning, right down to the shoulder massage felt amazing. The treatment concluded with a cup of energising tea at the kitchen table, before I braved London’s King Road for my journey home.

The Results: I am thrilled to report that this is one of the nicest experiences I have had on a treatment bed. My skin felt and looked amazing, but it was more than that – it was the way I felt afterwards that made it so perfect. I felt energised, balanced, yet completely relaxed – similar to the feeling of waking up from an extra-long lie-in and knowing that you have the whole weekend ahead to relax. My skin did indeed feel soft and look glowing – and whilst it broke out in a few blemishes in the days following (my skin’s way of detoxing from the treatment), I have been impressed by the long-lasting results. I would highly recommend this facial – it would make the perfect gift for a friend, mother’s day, or better still, an indulgent treat for yourself.

Price: £75 for one hour, plus consultation time.

Location: The Validation Facial is available at Lush Spa: 123 Kings Road, London SW3 4PL (0207 3768348), 31 Commercial Street, Leeds, LS1 5AD (0113 2433626), 29 High Street, Poole, BH15 1AB (01202 672217), 27 Market Place, Kingston, KT1 1JH (0208 9749929).