I love getting pampered as most girls do but facials aren’t a service I get on a regular basis. Why? Well for one I’ve had bad experiences in the past. Being an oily skinned girl with acne as well extractions are undoubtedly part of the facial process for me. And I am not gonna lie they HURT! I know that it may be necessary but my idea of getting pampered is not being on the verge of tears. On top of that I hate the redness that ensues afterwards. I guess I was naive when I received my first couple of facials thinking that I could go out with makeup afterwards when really I shouldn’t be applying anything to my face right after.
I was hesitant to get a facial but one of my beauty blogger and twitter friends Arianne (aka The GlitterGeek) gave Pure + Simple great reviews. I decided to go for it. I met Shari at the King and Bathurst location (there are 4 locations in the GTA in total). I loved the bright but intimate feel of the spa. It didn’t intimidate me like some spas do.
Unlike the facials I experienced in the past she sat down with me before hand and asked me a series of questions about my skin type, my routine, my skin concerns and my experiences with facials and facial treatments. I LOVE that she asked what I was hoping to get out of the treatment for the day and also what I DIDN’T like about past facials I received. That to me REALLY conveyed that this treatment was going to be really geared towards my specific skin conditions and needs and also my personal comfort.
The relaxing facial room
Shari took me through step by step everything she was applying to my face and the philosophy behind each of the products. I really love that Pure+Simple believes that beauty is from the inside out. Their promotion on health (skincare regimes, diet and lifestyle) is based on Ayurveda a form of alternative medicine which embodies the mind, body and spirit.
My recommended cleanser: Pure+Simple Sensitive Cleansing Milk
Another interesting aspect of our conversation was finding what my Dosha was. Check the link to read more on Doshas – it will be too long for me to explain! Shari concluded that my skin showed signs of being “Pitta” – Imbalanced Skin and treated my skin with the appropriate products. On my own time I took this Dosha Quiz and discovered that I am “Pitta” and “Vatta” – most people don’t fall into just one Dosha. Try the quiz out, it’s informative and pretty accurate if I do say so myself!
Recommended Serum: Collagen Elastin Plus
As many of you may know I have oily skin. So face oils are still something I’m trying to wrap my brain around. I’m glad to report that the face oil used during my facial did not break me out! I’m s-l-o-w-l-y starting to be convinced….it will take time. As anyone with acne knows we have been trained to keep any type of oil as far away from our faces as possible!
Recommended Face Oil: Pure+Simple Pure Skin Face Oil (to be used at night).
The mask combination used on me was so luxurious. The smell and the feel (not to mention the face massage I was also receiving!) REALLY made me feel pampered and that I was doing something great for my skin!
Recommended mask: combination of Rosehip, French Clay and Cucumber 1x a week and the French Clay mask can be used as a spot treatment on my acne.
The moisturizer used smelled so amazing too – it was a really nice finish to all the treatment I had just received.
Recommended Moisturizer: Black Mud Lotion
I really, really enjoyed my Pure + Simple facial and I will DEFINITELY be going back. Another aspect of this spa that I love is all the knowledge that you can find just on their website! Not only on how to care for your skin but how your lifestyle and diet can affect how your skin looks and tip on what to avoid and what you might be lacking. There is so much to read through I’m still taking notes and I’m hoping to slowly incorporate all of these things into my life style.
I REALLY want to thank Shari for her patience with me and for taking the time to answer all my questions. (She even allowed me to contact her days AFTER my treatment for some advice!)
I also want to thank Ali and Michelle for arranging my first (but definitely not last) facial at Pure + Simple.
For those in Toronto that are interested, you can find Pure + Simple on Facebook, on twitter and of course on their website.
Oh, I should add – if you sign up for their newsletter there are usually monthly specials!!!
Do you go for regular facials? What is your tried and true skincare routine?
****Disclosure: received my facial courtesy of Pure + Simple but was not asked for post in exchange. This post is about my personal experience.***
Glad you liked it! However I find the service at P&S to be very inconsistent because the staff changes all the time. I once got a great facial there (King St location) but the following visits weren’t nearly as good, it was a different girl (a Polish girl I think – VERY unprofessional) Also, just a comment about the P&S Sensitive Cleansing Milk – it is def not for sensitive skin, i used it for about 2 weeks it burned my skin every time i washed my face, I thought I’d get used to it but there is something in it that my skin doesn’t like, which is funny since designed for sensitive skin….
They also always try really hard to sell you their expensive Collagen serums & other Pure and Simple products.
Sorry you had a bad experience
I’ve been to the King location several times and have always had a great experience there – much more so that way more “posh” spas in fact. I didn’t have a reaction to the sensitive cleansing milk but I need something more to remove my makeup. There could definitely be something in there that you in particular are sensitive to!
That’s interesting you point out about them trying to sell their expensive serums b/c I actually find they don’t push their products the way other spas do. The collagen serum is definitely more expensive but in general serums (that work) are and I know people that swear by this serum and have no issues spending the money for something that works.
Did you speak to P+S about your issues? I’ve always found them very open to helping you resolve any issues
sounds like a wonderful experience!! i love facials!
cute & little
This sounds amazing – like Lisa above me, I’ve only had one facial in my life
I think I may need to go hunt down a facial – I’ve actually only had one in my life!
My facials have always been pleasant, I go to the Clarins counter at Nordstrom. They have a spa and perform facials back there and the ladies have always done a great job. I go every 3 months. I can’t imagine a facial casuing pain…OUCH! So glad you finally found a good place to go!! I’ll be doing a tutorial on all of the fun DIY including today’s scarf with the giant cocktail ring
I’ve been to pure and simple many times and I have to say its one of my favourite places to get a facial.
Ive had the URgan facial I believe thats what its called.
@MelanieOxygen facial??? What’s this? You must give me details!
@Louise Oh Louise, so glad you had a great experience too. I totally trust your expert opinion
I have purchased but Shari was kind enough to give me samples of all the recommend products. I really like the facial clay mask, I have been using it as a spot treatment lately. I keep forgetting to do the whole face mask thing.
@Kathy Thanks!! Where do you usually go? I think you should definitely try them out
@dani@callitbeauty ahhh that sucks! You should ask them if they are expanding!
@CherYou’ll have to tell me more about this emu oil! And yes this facial had extractions yet was relaxing…sounds impossible right?
@TaraMixandMatch I know Tara, I think I’ve only gone in the past b/c I had a gift card or something
I think now that I’m older I will definitely have to make this a regular investment 
@Donna Marie I’m now a believer that years without a facial is a sin
I’m so sad we didn’t meet yesterday!!! Crazy!
@newpetite Ahhh that’s so good to know! I love hearing first hand accounts.
@Anonymous Thanks for the comment! Do you go regularly?
@Jen Thank you so much Jen <3. Good luck on your next facial - maybe you should post about your experience!
i LOVE facials but like you, i’m very picky with products and how they do it. i’ve heard so many great things about pure+simple. thanks for the review.
A friend and I went to Pure + Simple for facials as part of a “girls day out” and both of us were really impressed by the service and the friendliness of the staff. I agree, definitely recommended! Did you purchase any of the products to use at home? I’m curious about the facial oil and the clay masks!
I love getting oxygen facials. They make my skin glow.
I love this post and how thorough you are! I used to get facials but like you the redness and sometimes breakouts as well as the expense stop me from getting them. Love that they were patient and went through your skin analysis!
I’m trying another facial next month and am hoping my experience is like yours.
http://redsolesandredwine.com
Love the facials at Pure and Simple
I love Facials! I go regularly to this place called Calidora skin clinic and they are almost similar to what you’ve mentioned here. I will definitely recommend them to anyone in the Seattle area.
I haven’t had a good facial in years! I think it’s about time I get one.
I think I’ve gotten one facial ever in my life! Glad you enjoyed your pampering, you so deserve it!
Back in the day, I used to get facials but as part of a regime that involved “Russian Peels”. I have skin like you, so extractions were always part of the process! I’m so jealous of those women who actually get “relaxing” facials. LOL. I have never experienced a relaxing facial in my life and I’ve had many. And not all oils are bad! I actually use emu oil on my skin, which, unlike other oils, has healing properties. It’s really great for acne-prone (and aging) skin. Sounds like you had a great time!
this sounds DIVINE! too bad they don’t have a location in Vancouver =(.
@meredith I think I will pick up that book! I can only imagine how helpful it must be considering there are only snippets on the website!
I love the P&S facials. I am long overdue for one. I highly recommend the book Beauty, Pure and Simple that Kristen wrote. It’s so informative and I reference it on a regular basis!
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s so worth it!