We tried out a facial at Brown Thomas Dundrum, here’s everything you need to know …
Autumn’s definitely here and it’s getting darker earlier. There’s only so much that coffee can pep us up at the thought of getting up in the dark. It’s also a time when our skin can start playing up – it might be showing more signs of pigmentation, post-summer, and start wanting a bit more comforting hydration as the wind gets harsher (Augustinus Bader’s Ultimate Soothing Cream is a calm-restorer). Not that we have to worry about the effects of central heating on our skin this year, since it’s cost-prohibitive to switch it on – we’re digging out our chunkiest jumpers.
Anyway, school’s back on, we’re in the midst of a busy season and our skin could do with a pick-me-up. But before you just “Add to Basket”, I urge you to instead carve out an hour for yourself and nip to Brown Thomas Dundrum. What you might not know is that behind the scenes of its fab beauty hall, there are treatment rooms dedicated to both 30-minute express consultations and excitingly bespoke facials.
Several things make these facials appealing: first, they are redeemable against your beauty purchase on the day. So if you were eyeing the Clarins Super Restorative creams, or considering a splurge on La Mer, Sarah Chapman or Kate Somerville, for example, pause and book this first. Second, therapists don’t only use one brand, but select from across the store. I love this idea of cherry-picking the best and most suitable items for your skin. And it’s a chance to really road-test the top-end skincare you’ve always wondered about: your therapist will do a consultation and advise on what your skin needs. Book in for an express skin consultation (€40), an hour Signature Facial (€60) or longer appointments for a complete regime overhaul (€100, 90 minutes).
For me, Emma selected Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (already a favourite); Augustinus Bader Face Oil – a beautifully nourishing hazlenut oil blend that skin drinks up – and also used the Light Salon LED mask (which feels like lying out in the sunshine), La Mer lotions and (joy) the new Jo Malone London x Olio Russo Jasmine & Neroli Body Oil for the arm massage. It’s one of very few facials I’ve tried where you don’t lie there hating the music – Salons! No one likes lift music! – and instead drift off to the sound of waves; anyway, you’re not aware of either the bustle on the shop floor beyond, or the irritation that’s usually induced by earnest harpsichord or panpipes. The signature facial is thorough and relaxing – a lovely experience, both useful and restorative, especially compared with scrolling through products online.
Brown Thomas Dundrum Town Centre; book online at BrownThomas.com.
