I looooove facials. As a mom of three daughters with a full-time job, to me there's nothing better than taking an hour or so to lay down in a dark, quiet room filled with the scent of lavender while someone else takes care of me. An hour with little to no conversation, where the only sounds are the gentle splashing of water and the relaxing notes of gentle music. Nirvana, people, truly nirvana!
Now, I've had some facials that were a bit, shall we say, less than relaxing. For instance, about a week before Christmas I went in for an impromptu facial at a nearby salon with an aesthetician I knew nothing about. BIG mistake. Her room was cramped to the point that my table was pressed up against a wall, she couldn't adequately reach me during the hand massage, the lighting was bright and fluorescent, shining into my eyes from the ceiling, and she chattered on the entire time, asking me questions about myself and my life. I was there to escape, yet I somehow ended up discussing my dysfunctional family for an hour. As I white-knuckled the drive home, I made a decision: never again. From that moment forward, I would stick to reputable salons with outstanding spa services. That's where Salon Three-13 entered the picture.
Salon Three-13 is an amazing salon here in Marietta, GA. I'm lucky to live only 10 minutes away. Last year, my darling husband got me a sizeable gift certificate to Three-13 for spa services, which I used up in a hot minute, loving every second of it. It's a Repechage salon, meaning that all of their facials use products from the Repechage line, a seaweed-based, spa-quality collection of products, both professional and over-the-counter strength.
When I arrived for my appointment, I was greeted at the desk and immediately checked in, then sent to the waiting area (which has the cushiest couches ever). After only a minute or two, I heard my name and turned to see the lovely Kat (really...she's gorgeous), my aesthetician for the day. She beckoned me to follow her, and led me to the dressing area, where I was given a locker key and a dressing room and allowed a few minutes to change into a thick, fleece-lined robe. When I emerged, Kat offered me a drink and led me to the facial room. The room itself was large, dim and quiet, with soft relaxing music playing and the scent of aromatherapy oils in the air. Now, that's what I'm talking about when I say I want a relaxing facial room!
Kat had my lay down on the table and proceeded to inspect my skin and discuss my wants, needs and concerns regarding my skin. Together, we agreed that the 4-Layer Facial would be my best choice. Cosmopolitan UK has called this facial "the best facial of the century", and they aren't kidding. It's sublime.
The facial consists, obviously, of four layers, which are applied in the following order:
- Layer 1: Seaweed filtrate is a concentrate of freshly-harvested seaweed. It softens lines, adds moisture and helps rebalance and tone skin tissues.
- Layer 2: A three-movement facial massage is given with a creamy hydrating forumla. Lasting benefits include improved circulation and skin elasticity.
- Layer 3: The fresh seaweed mask is the cooling and soothing treatment that hydrates while improving skin tone and clarity.
- Layer 4: The mineral mask is the grand finale. It creates its own gentle warmth to activate the properites of the seaweed mask beneath it.
I simply can't describe how wonderful this experience was. I've had many facials over the years, but this one was by far the best I've had. Kat was amazing...the facial massage she gave me literally had me falling asleep right there on the table...quite a feat considering how stressed I tend to be. I got further relaxation from the neck, arm and hand massage she gave me while we were waiting for masks to dry. She only spoke as necessary, allowing me to focus on the music, the fragrances, and the sensations of the facial. The four layers felt amazing on my skin, layered one on top of the other to create an intensely hydrating and firming treatment. I added on an eye mask and lip treatment, as well. The eye treatment banished my dark circles and puffiness while the lip treatment plumped and exfoliated my lips.
In short, the 4-Layer Facial was exactly what I needed, and I can't wait to go back for more. I plan to make this a monthly ritual...that is, if I can't do it even more often. If you've never experienced a facial, you need to start now. It's incredibly relaxing, and the effects on the skin are unbelievable. I left the salon without a single fine line, with smooth, supple, hydrated skin that stayed conditioned for days afterward.
If you're in the Atlanta area, I highly, highly recommend you give Three-13 a call and book your appointment with Kat. She's been an aesthetician for 9 years and truly takes the time to understand your skin and your personal preferences and needs.
If you'd like more information Three-13, feel free to email me at lipstickdiva at comcast dot net. I'm in no way affiliated with the salon; I just like to spread the love when it's so well-deserved. You can reach them for an appointment at 770-426-0313.
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