The T-Zone on the Town x miraj hammam spa
We’re heading into Month 7 of this whole COVID-19 situation, and while these days we have a firmer grasp on what needs to be done collectively to help nip it in the bud (y’all are wearing a mask and washing yer hands, right?) our personal stress levels haven’t exactly flattened out. So, when a complimentary invite to experience the latest facials offered at the Miraj Hammam Spa landed in our inbox, you better believe we were quick to reply and get in on the soothing action ASAP. Equally important to our beauty-lovin’ hearts, the spot has recently teamed up with luxury French skincare brand Biologique Recherche, aka the line behind the cult-fave glowifier Lotion P50 and the famously stinky-yet-effective Masque Vivant (think: marmite). Formulated to address the epigenetic factors of skin (i.e. environmental aging, inflammation and irritation), this is the brand worthy of an investment if you’re serious about major results. Were we a lil’ anxious about a spa visit in the midst of the pandemic? Yes, because everything right now feels a bit iffy at the best of times. BUT we have to admit that entering the cozy labyrinth of luxury care made us feel better as soon as we stepped off the elevator. And after being temperature scanned and answering a questionnaire, we felt even more at ease. Then, upon meeting our PPE-d facialists, we also learned that talking would be a no-no during the treatment. Another sigh of relief! It’s an extra safety measure that benefits both parties, and TBH being able to seep into the silence just made the whole facial that much more relaxing. In addition, the spa is also limiting the number of staff and guests in the space to minimize interaction, encourage distancing and ensure the communal areas are not busy with multiple bodies. Read on to learn more about the different facial treatments we tried. TL;DR: A facial at the Miraj Hammam Spa will leave you with luminous skin AND lowered cortisol levels!
Post facial hair, don’t care 😏
I’ve been fortunate enough to be treated at the swish Miraj Hammam Spa a few times but this was my first experience receiving a Biologique Recherche facial and I gotta say, it did not disappoint! I knew getting a spa treatment during COVID-19 would be a new experience but from the moment we walked in, I felt at ease and completely safe in their hands. I received the Oxygenating Ritual, $240, as my skin coming out of the summer season needed a little detoxifying, glow-getting boost, especially as the arrival of cooler weather has my oily skin on the fritz. This treatment uses micro-exfoliation, oxygenation and bio-energy massage to balance the skin and the one-hour session left me seriously glowing. Each step that Chloe my facialist did to my skin was divine, from the deep facial massage to the intricate application of the brand’s cult fave toner P50T. The oxygenation portion of the facial used Biologique Recherche’s Booster VIP 02, a heavy-duty treatment that enables cells in the skin to breathe better so they can produce more energy. While the crackling texture of the product felt *very* tingly upon application, all of that melted away when Chloe performed her massage techniques to my face, neck and décolletage. Post-facial I was radiant, clear-skinned and genuinely plumped.
I’m already thinking about when I can head back as being pampered for an hour-long facial renewed me in ways I honestly wasn’t even expecting after six plus months of pandemic stress and anxiety. A super safe BR facial and swanky lounge hang in robes? SIGN ME UP.
That glow tho!
Not to whinge, but it’s been a looonnng, strange stretch since I had a facial. So, let’s just say I was ready for one after months of dealing with all the seasonal changes and stress breakouts inflicted on my complexion since COVID-19 hit. REAL READY! Which made the new Oxygeneo 3-in-1 Super Facial, $235, a perfect fit because it is designed to target several concerns at once. Prepare for exfoliation (yay!), oxygenation (ooh!) and an infusion of active ingredients that will leave skin smoothed, brightened and plumped (huzzah!). Basically, it brought me back to life / undid whatever mark half a year of ‘unprecedented times’ had left on my face. The treatment also includes the use of innovative tools, which always piques my interest. As my facialist warned me, the buffing part felt a bit intense during. Worth it tho: my skin was ultra-smooth and, yes, glass-like afterwards. But my hands-down favourite part was the good ol’ fashion facial massage. Performed during the cleansing portion, with the silky texture of Biologique Recherche Lait VIP 02, the divine calming gestures played over my cheeks and eyes not only helped drain lymphatic fluid to dramatically depuff and lift but felt like an amazing treat I never wanted to end. Every minute was priceless, and would be worth the price of admission again. And I sashayed away extremely relaxed, with an undeniable glow, customized product recos (to manage post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Lotion P50 PIGM 400 is my glass slipper) and inspiration to step up my DIY massage game from here on out.
Our treatments included a luxe lineup of Biologique Recherche products, which are exclusively used at the Miraj Hammam Spa.
New safety measures, same delish treats: you can do some socially-distanced unwinding in the lounge while enjoying tea and individually-wrapped Turkish cookies.