The Blurb:
Award winning British skincare brand OSKIA has partnered with the new Bamford Haybarn Spa at The Berkeley to offer a selection of facial treatments using their range of luxury, natural products. On offer is a menu of signature facials, as well as the bespoke Rejuvenating Facial, created specially for the The Berkeley’s seventh floor hideaway.
I was booked in for the Signature OSKIA Glow Facial, which promises to leave the skin luminous and revitalised through specialised facial and eye contour massage techniques, lymph drainage and acupressure. This treatment is suitable for all skin types and ages, refraining from some of the more abrasive techniques of specifically anti-ageing facials, and also includes a back massage.
The Process:
Upon arrival I was offered iced cucumber water and the option of using the sauna and steam room. The spa itself is all shades of cream and white – unremarkable but perfect for helping to switch off the mind – and the staff are friendly and welcoming. My treatment took place in a gently lit room, which was scented with an OSKIA Rose De Mai skin-smoothing massage candle – the melted wax can also be used as a hydrating body oil. Lulling, if somewhat typical, music played throughout the entire 75 minutes and I was only disturbed once by outside noise, when a particularly loud lorry passed by the hotel.
After my skin had been cleansed, it was exfoliated with the OSKIA micro exfoliating balm. Containing micro silica and MSM granules, once combined with water this dissolves into a light, smooth, milky paste. My face was then steamed while I enjoyed a gentle head massage before extraction. This, quite understandably, was the only unpleasant part of the entire experience, but as someone who has never been blessed with blemish free skin, the discomfort was accompanied by a sense of anticipated satisfaction. The extraction was thorough without being overdone and my skin soon felt soothed again after being moisturised.
The remainder of the experience was highly relaxing and I could easily have slipped into a carefree snooze. I am prone to being a bit of a stress head, so my head, jaw, neck and back all benefited from the generous massage and acupressure techniques and I did feel as though my mind stopped whirring for a brief period.
The Result:
Slightly wary of getting straight on the tube after my treatment, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the effects were immediate and my skin looked dewy and glowing. My nose was ever so slightly red and tender from the extraction, but this was easily rectified by a spot of concealer. My skin felt deliciously smooth and firm, setting me up perfectly for my holiday a few days later.
