The New and Improved Clarins Spa Experience

The ideal shopping day for me would be to buy a pair of fabulous new shoes (and a handbag to match!), have a yummy lunch outdoors, and go to the spa for a little R&R. Well, I've been blessed to live in a city like San Diego where I can go to the mall and do all of those things!

Last summer I introduced you to the Clarins spa at Bloomingdale's Fashion Valley Mall. Since then I've been there a couple times just because I love the idea of getting a facial and then going shopping right after. You feel energized, refreshed, and in such a peaceful state of mind.

Just when I thought the Clarins spa experience couldn't get any better, I find out that they've launched 9 new facial treatments along with a new generation of PRO Forumula products that they use exclusively for these facials.

What I like about Clarins' estheticians is that they customize the facial according to your individual skin needs and issues. Also, the signature manual technique used is the same regardless of which Clarins' spa you visit - whether it be France, New York, or San Diego - you receive the same quality service.

So even before I stepped into the one-room oasis, I sat at a massage chair and was treated to a back and shoulder massage right there next to the makeup counter. That was a first!

Onto the facial...

I wanted to work on hydrating and exfoliating my skin, so after cleansing and toning, an exfoliator, mask, and moisturizer was applied to my face....all done with a gentle, massaging touch. I think I may have even dozed off a little because of the soothing, relaxing music.

During the facial I received a very relaxing hand, scalp, and upper chest massage, which was definitely a nice new addition to the experience. I declined the foot massage just because my feet tend to sweat, plus I'm very ticklish!

"Soft and supple" sounds so cliche to describe how my face felt, but those are the only two adjectives I can come up with!

The 60-minute treatments are priced at $90; a series of 4 treatments is also available for $270. In essence, buy 3 get 1 free!

Let's take a peek at some of the new Clarins products for spring 2011... 

I absolutely love, love, love the Rouge Hydra Nude smoothing cream lipstick ($24 - Limited Edition). It goes on so smooth that it feels more like lipgloss than lipstick.  I don't know if I can go back to regular lipstick after using this!

I have the Nude Coral color, but it's also available in Nude Rose, Nude Beige, and Nude Caramel.

I haven't tried the Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour ($28) yet, but I do love it's pretty presentation and packaging.  This new formula includes bamboo powder and tomato extract, and comes in the following colors:  Lovely Rose, Soft Peach, Miami Pink, Sunset Coral, Rosewood, and Spiced Mocha.

Another product that I still have yet to try out is the Instant Smooth Self-Tanning ($32.50) which is supposed to smooth skin and fill fine lines and pores.  When I do use it, I'll make sure to post my review.  It will be available beginning in March 2011 at Clarins counters nationwide.

This last product I received is the Vital Light Day SPF 15 Illuminating Anti-Aging Cream ($85).  This formula for spring is different from the one I've been using in that it has a new lightweight texture.  I also like that it already has SPF in it because I'm very bad about applying regular sunscreen every day.

What I love about this cream is that it gives my face a very radiant, luminous complexion.  What I learned is that as we age, our skin's ability to metabolize slows down, which dulls the appearance.  This product stimulates cellular elimination and restores deep luminosity.  It will be available next month.

Clarins in Bloomingdale's Fashion Valley is located at
7007 Friars Road | San Diego, CA 92108 Phone: 619-688-9100.  Visit Clarins online at:  www.clarins.com