Facials - are they worth it?

I was surprised to read recently in the Sydney Magazine that arch-fashionista Belinda Seper, owner of Belinda and The Corner Shop boutiques, has never had a facial that made her feel it was worth investing in.

It’s true, in my opinion, that about 80% of facials are no more effective than what you might achieve yourself by using some good products and a few simple techniques: cleanse, steam, exfoliate, mask.

However, if you are lucky enough to have sussed out one of the 20% of highly skilled and knowledgeable beauticians who offer great facials, you will agree with me that it is certainly worth it.

How do you identify a beautician who really makes it worth spending anywhere between $70 and $150 for a facial?

Beauticians are like many other professionals where experience counts. A young beauty school graduate is unlikely to have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of skin types and skin problems. As the beautician must be trusted to give safe and reliable advice on skin care and products, you need to feel confident that they understand enough about your skin type. Career development for a graduate is to start with nail care, eyebrow shaping and waxing before assuming the role of fully fledged facialist.

An experienced facialist will have observed the trajectory of hundreds of clients over lengthy periods, understanding the ageing process, the challenges of different stages of life and their impact on skin, and the success of products in treating different kinds of skin problems.

Skin problems, tied as they are to people’s genetic inheritance or lifestyle, often persist for long periods. Acne, rosacea, age-pigmentation and other problems can take up to years of treatment. Once you find a trusted facialist, she will take a long-term interest in the treatment outcomes. She will adjust your treatments and products as your skin gradually responds.

Without doubt, the Australian beauty salon industry has long been dominated by Eastern European professionals who brought with them a legendary culture of female grooming and skin care. Names like Madame Korner (Romania) and Ella Bache (Hungary), still dominate the beauty industry scene in Australia.

Helena Rubinstein (Poland) and and Estee Lauder (born in New York of Hungarian and Czech parents, and mentored by her Hungarian biochemist uncle) are even bigger names who internationally commercialised what had been hitherto a cultural norm, that is, the prioritising of skin care by East European women.

Carrying on this tradition of excellence in Surry Hills, Sydney,  is Sylvia, whose eponymous salon in Surry Hills is prominently situated on the corner of Devonshire and Crown Streets. The pink corner shop has been a feature of the local streetscape for close to 30 years.

Trained in Serbia/Yugoslavia as a make-up artist, Sylvia worked in films and TV in her home country before coming to Australia, where she studied beauty therapy. Highly observant, and with a detailed understanding of different skin types, Sylvia offers a range of facials to suit all skin types. 

I recommend the Deluxe facial, which includes cleanse, exfoliate, steam, lymphatic drainage massage, blackhead/whitehead extractions ( if needed), mask and takes around 2 hours. For a booking call  (Sydney) 02 - 9690 1131

What to avoid in a beautician?

Over the years, on the occasions when I have been tempted, or been given a gift voucher or other opportunity to try some new facial, I have often been disappointed, just like Belinda Seper.

Look out for, and avoid beauticians who:

• Rely too much on the promise that a particular product will “cure” your problem
• Push too much product (good products are a plus but good habits are even more important) 
• Don’t do anything  more than what you can do at home
• Are sold on gimmicks

Coming up soon on Glamablog: 

An  interview with Sylvia about skin ageing and how you should change your skin care routine.