When professional British spa and skincare brand Elemis asked if we’d like to try out their recently launched Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial - specifically designed to reduce wrinkles and firm skin after just one treatment, we were of course happy to oblige.

At the Ritual Day Spa in Norwich - a deceptively labyrinthine and serene space in the heart of Norwich that is decorated with rich, exotic colours evocative of a Moroccan boudoir and evokes feelings of calm as soon as you step in from the street - I was greeted by Debbie, who would be my therapist for this journey into wrinkle-banishment. While I sipped a glass of water, she explained that the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial can diminish fine lines by up to 94%, while increasing skin firmness by almost 60%. We live in hope! Debbie told me that the key power ingredients used in the facial are precious minerals, renowned for improving cellular communication and protection. Other than the Quartz in the name of the treatment, these include Rhodochrosite and Malachite. Without going into the precise science, such minerals re-energise and promote healthy cellular activity and revitalise skin cells that are tired and stressed from the likes of sun damage and hectic lifestyles. Younger looking skin, here I come.

 

 

Once settled in one of the snugly warm treatment rooms, each Elemis therapy at Ritual begins with a ‘signature welcome touch’. This involves Debbie massaging my bare feet with hot cloths soaked in lime essential oil and is intended to ‘introduce touch’ to the client helping you to slip away from the reality of the outside world. Essentially a reflexology procedure, Debbie activates pressure points that will swiftly encourage relaxation and well-being to even the most anxious customer.

 

 

The facial begins with a thorough but gentle cleanse and tone with all-natural, all-gentle rehydrating Elemis products, after which Debbie covers my eyes with ‘eye silks’ infused with Eye Lift Serum (good for puffiness and circulation). This is followed by Debbie using a ‘lifting’ massage to apply the contents of Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss capsules to my face and neck. Containing concentrated Moringa Oil and Rose Absolute, this super anti-oxidant potion helps repair signs of ageing while at the same time boosting your mood by stimulating the production of those happy-chemicals endorphins.

After this, Debbie uses a gentle rose and cucumber-based exfoliator to get rid of any dead skin cells and thus promote skin renewal - vital in eliminating those fine lines, pigmentation and other undesirable affects of age and time.

This is followed by the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum, which includes such mysterious-sounding active ingredients as Padina Pavonica (an algae with anti-ageing capabilities) and Argan Tree Oil and gives a near-on instant ‘face-lifting’ effect.

On top of this is applied the warm Rose Quartz Life Mask, which feels wonderful going on and boasts contents including Laminaria Digitata (also an algae, this time one that boosts collagen production: essential for skin firmness). This powerful moisturising and protective mask - a key component of the Quartz Lift Facial, boosts skin oxygen levels while encouraging firmness, elasticity and suppleness through promotion of collagen and elastin synthesis.

While the mask sets and does its work, I am delighted to receive a firm but soothing head, body, arm and hand massage that really sends those aches and strains packing. Afterwards, I feel enveloped in moisture.

The mask (my favourite part of the facial) is peeled off and Debbie completes the facial using Pro-Collagen Marine Cream on my face and Pro-Collagen Lifting Neck & Bust Treatment on my décolletage.

 

 

Seemingly all too quickly, an hour and a quarter has passed. Looking in the mirror, my skin looks fabulous - plumped and radiant, I love the way it looks and feels (baby-soft and smooth). Additionally, I feel ultra-relaxed and leave on a ‘cushion’ of calm and tranquillity that I hope radiates as I make my way up Exchange Street!

 

 

Although suitable for anyone, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial is ideally suited to those with concerns about lines and wrinkles (frown lines beware!) or who have very dry skin. The instantly visible results also means it is perfect for those looking for an immediate improvement in skin quality (so great the day before a big event such as a wedding or celebration).

If more proof is needed to encourage you to try this amazing experience, the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial has been voted Anti-Ageing Facial of the Year 2008 by Grazia magazine, who’s tester said: “it’s the 'mirror test' that impresses: skin gets an unbelievable 'lift' that lasted a whole weekend, and is smooth and even to the touch for weeks.”

 

 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial 1hr 15 min £60.

Ritual Day Spa.
36 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1AX
Tel: 01603 623366.

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