Lipstick Mystic

Sunday May 20, 2012

Power of the human touch

By SHARMILLA GANESAN

clove@thestar.com.my

A massage doesn't just soothe away the day's cares but serves to provide solutions to specific body concerns as well.

Treating yourself to a massage is the ultimate luxury for many a modern woman. After all, nothing melts the stresses of the day away like a good kneading of those tense muscles. And when that massage comes with the added benefit of addressing our body concerns, it is certainly a bonus.

French skincare brand Clarins' new range of Tri-Active Body Treatments do just that. Combining their tried and tested massage methods with high-quality, plant-based specialty products, the treatments are not just pleasant sensory experiences but are touted to also provide a solution to specific body issues.

Hydrating, contouring or firming treatments are available. Each 60-minute treatment is designed to boost circulation and eliminate toxins, thereby improving the appearance of the skin, while the massage is also deeply relaxing, benefitting both the mind and body.

Clarins trainer Winnie Lai shares that the massage techniques are an important aspect of each treatment. Each gesture of the manual massage movements is carried out with extreme precision, including the weight of the hand on the skin, and the rhythm and direction of the movements.

"We believe that no piece of equipment or machinery can replace the power of the human touch. The massage movements are designed to activate and stimulate lymph nodes, drain water retention and toxins, break down fats, and shape the body," she explained.

Working in tandem with this are the new Clarinspro Body Formulas consisting of eight products, including exfoliators, body wraps, masks and supplements, created for exclusive use in treatment rooms only. The products and massage come together in a three-step process: first, the skin is prepared and exfoliated for better absorption; next, the skin is allowed to absorb the ingredients; finally, optimised results and targeted action reveal the beauty of the body's silhouette.

Depending on each client's needs, the products are custom-blended by the therapist to achieve the desired effect. These are highly-concentrated key ingredients from the Body Supplements that work to boost results. Additionally, three Intensive Care Masks of gel, balm or cream can be applied to specific areas on the body that need targeted care.

"The products applied during the treatment is like a cocktail, blended to achieve the best result," says Lai. "Our therapists will talk to our clients to assess their specific concerns, and blend different products in specific quantities based on those needs."

According to Lai, their most popular treatment is The Sculptor, which boasts a slimming effect. Key products for this option include the Body Contouring Gel Mask, Body Shaping Cream, Firming/Hydrating Supplement and Signature Anti Eau Treatment Oil. After the skin is firmed and softened by exfoliation, the lipid-releasing abilities of the blue button flower is combined with specific, contouring massage movements that alternate between draining and targeted pressure to break stubborn fats and curves.

Also popular is The Firming Age Corrector treatment, which works on skin density, tone and elasticity. The firming and revitalising properties of organic lemon thyme are used to create a firmer body, more supple skin and an overall youthful appearance.

The Moisture Quencher, meanwhile, provides comfort, suppleness and smoother skin by using shea butter, while The Polisher performs double exfoliating action to leave the skin softer, smoother and purified.

Customers can further complement these treatments by using Clarins' at-home products, such as the Body Shaping Cream, High Definition Body Lift, Moisture-Rich Body Lotion, Body Firming Cream and Smoothing Body Scrub.

*The Clarins Tri-Active Body Treatments (priced at RM288) are available at all Clarins Skin Spas.