With the arrival of autumn comes the desire to pamper your skin. We tested three new skincare rituals to gain radiance and firmness.
The Supreme Kobido massage from Cinq Mondes
For those who don’t know, Kobido is an ancestral Japanese massage technique that acts as a kind of natural face lift. It also revives its shine. The promise is rather enticing when the stress and fatigue linked to the change of seasons gives you a gray face. For 1h20, the face will be the center of attention. This is also where we find the greatest concentration of muscles that do not always work as much as it should for our features to keep all their firmness.
It has been more than ten years since Cinq Mondes spas put Kobido on the menu. The Dolce La Hulpe spa now offers a longer version. This incorporates even more targeted gestures. As always at Cinq Mondes, you are first asked to choose from a chromatic card which color best suits your state of mind at the moment. It is she who will define the olfactory atmosphere of the entire session. As soon as I lay down on the massage table, the therapist disperses a deliciously scented mist of lime and coconut water over me. The treatment begins with several deep breaths which aim to facilitate letting go.
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First stage
A facial treatment always starts with a thorough cleansing. The therapist first gently removes make-up from the eyes and mouth with micellar water. Then the face, neck and décolleté with one of the Bali flower-based cleansers, known to purify and bring radiance to the skin. Then follows a gentle exfoliation that will promote cell renewal by eliminating dead cells. Everything is interspersed with the use of wet and warm towels to exude the epidermis of all its toxins.
Second step
Then comes the most anticipated moment: the massage phase inspired by Kobido but embellished with gestures developed by Nathalie Bouchon-Poiroux, the co-creator of the brand. The treatment includes in all no less than 50 manual lifting maneuvers but also targeted movements performed using a jade roller. Then follow pressures, never painful pinches, energizing “beats”. These gestures are designed to act in synergy with the Géto Suprême cream, the new premium anti-aging skincare from Cinq Mondes. We also add a concentrate of active ingredients chosen according to the specific needs of the skin. This very complete massage stimulates the entire energy circulation of the face and décolleté. It eliminates toxins and tones the muscles of the face.
Also listen to Rituals of the Senses podcast of Five Worlds on the Kobido
Third step
My therapist applies a final mask and throughout the pose, she massages my arms, hands, lower legs and feet to further accentuate the feeling of relaxation.
Fourth step
She finishes the ritual by applying an elixir, an eye contour serum and a cream. The gong signals the end of the experiment. I come out of there completely relaxed – I even fell asleep during part of the massage – my features are smoothed and my skin glowing.
Supreme Kobido Ritual, 170 euros for 1h20, at the spa of Dolce La Hulpe.
Aspria Skin & Hair Repair treatment
With autumn in its sights, the Aspria Royal La Rasante institute has come up with a new complete skincare ritual. This one is designed to repair and regenerate the skin and hair in depth. These will very soon be abused by the repeated attacks of gusts, cold and pollution. This treatment should ideally be scheduled at the end of the day so that the mask applied to the hair can be left on until the next morning.
First stage
The therapist begins with a relaxing head massage. At the same time, she applies a moisturizing mask from the brand ESPA based on red clay. A gesture that immediately helps to let go. This treatment is rich in minerals, vitamin C and natural ingredients such as watercress extract. It is applied on the lengths but also at the root to deeply nourish and soothe the scalp. The apricot kernel oil contained in the formula strengthens the hair.
Second step
In order to prepare the skin to receive the peeling, we then proceed to a thorough cleaning carried out with a hydrodermabrasion machine developed by celestetic. The beautician runs a sort of “vacuum cleaner” over the entire face. This will unclog dead cells and blackheads. The sensation is not very pleasant but is not painful either. The same nozzle simultaneously infuses a moisturizing lotion which limits irritation.
Third step
On clean, plumped skin, a chemical peel is then applied with a brush. This highly concentrated formula is reserved for professionals. By completing the elimination of the last impurities, it smoothes the skin. It also provides it with high antioxidant protection thanks to the presence of vitamin C. The beneficial effect on the radiance of the complexion is immediate. It is advisable to wear sun protection at least for the 7 days following this treatment, which can make the skin photosensitive.
Fourth step
Once the peeling has been removed, a biocellulose mask is placed on the face and the eyes are protected by safety goggles. The mask is full of active ingredients: there is hyaluronic acid which guarantees good hydration of the skin and resveratrol known for its antioxidant action. This part of the treatment takes place under LED lights: the light energy acts on the cellular functions which are reactivated. The natural production of collagen and elastin is even stimulated.
After penetrating the rest of the active ingredients contained in the mask, the beautician applies sun protection to my face. And smooth my hair still covered in mask. My skin is ultra-soft and my face is radiant. The next morning, my hair once washed is as soft as it is shiny and has regained volume.
Skin and Hair Repair treatment, 120 euros for 50 min, the institute Aspria La Rasantein Brussels.
Valmont V-Firm Ritual
As always, at Valmont, each skincare line corresponds to a massage ritual. This treatment is a kind of booster to give yourself before you start using the products at home. The launch of the V-Firm range is therefore no exception. This new routine aims to restore firmness to the skin. Serum, cream and eye contour contain different complexes of active ingredients, including peptides, packaged in textures that are particularly pleasant to use. In the cabin treatment, an even more concentrated massage serum is used as a bonus.
First stage
It all starts with meticulous cleansing of the skin of the face and chest. Several products follow one another: a make-up remover, an exfoliant followed by a light foam like a cloud that caresses the skin. Right from the start, we find Valmont’s signature gesture: the famous “butterfly” movement. By following a large 8, the therapist connects precise movements of effleurages which come to relaunch the micro-circulation and stimulate the lymphatic exchanges.
Second step
The massage specific to this luxury treatment focuses on the dermis. It is a “deep tissue” massage which includes phases of deep kneading, palpate-rolling and powerful smoothing. The Firm-C Boost serum reserved for professional use is formulated to accompany the hand of the therapist. The active ingredients it contains are “pushed” into the skin by applying the mythical collagen mask that has made the reputation of the house. When you apply it, it starts to sting seriously – to the point of wondering if you’ll tolerate it for long – but the discomfort fades very quickly. Nothing abnormal, assures the beautician. While the mask is on, she massages our shoulders deeply. Inquite it’s the turn of the hands and forearms. She will then place the pieces of collagen sheet recovered on the face during the rest of the treatment.
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Read also: The right gestures to practice self-massage of the face
Third step
To conclude the program, I am applied the three products of the ritual as well as the famous V-Neck neck cream. Always by chaining targeted massage movements. On leaving, the features are visibly smoothed and the skin full of plump active ingredients. Effects that will last in the following days.
V-Firm ritual, 240 euros for 1h15, at Here Paris XL, rue des Tongres.
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