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.***