Yesterday, I was at an event in the morning, when I was asked what I was doing thereafter. “Oh, I’m going for a facial” I said flippantly. Yes, I know, what a hard life, but someone’s got to do it right? LOL!
The facial I was going for was at the Caudalie Boutique Spa at Bangsar Shopping Centre, which I believe, is the first Caudalie spa in Malaysia, and only the 4th in Asia (The other 3 are in Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong). Malaysia represent!
For many years, I’d been wanting to try a Caudalie spa, because I read that they use fresh grapes in their treatment. Grapes! How absolutely fascinating! But I was told a few years ago, that I had to either go to Bordeaux, France (I wouldn’t mind!), New York (wouldn’t mind that either!) or Shanghai (erm… no, I’ll pass 😛 ) Well, now that we have one in Malaysia, I could go and have a snoop around to see how I liked it! Hurrah!
I won a Vinosource Anti-Oxidant Hydrating Facial in a lucky draw a while ago, so I trotted off to redeem it. I’d also purchased an additional 2 facials earlier, before I won the lucky draw (darn!) and I really wanted to know if I’d picked the right one.
Well, let me spy for you, so you know what to expect at the Caudalie Boutique Spa in Malaysia 😉
The Caudalie Boutique Spa in Malaysia is at Bangsar Shopping Centre, tucked away in a quiet corner of the neighbourhood mall. The boutique is large and bright, and is a store in front, and has facial treatment rooms at the back.
I grilled the therapists for a bit while I was there (for your benefit of course 😛 ) and found out that they can handle 2 bookings per session, so advance booking is necessary. When I arrived for my facial, my therapist greeted me and had me fill up a form – normal for a first time customer at a salon.
This being my first time, she explained what she was going to do during the facial, and then, off we trotted for the 60 minute Vinosource Anti-Oxidant Hydrating Facial (RM279). Here’s the fun part! 😀
The facial room was fairly large and spacious. You change into a tube-gown, and snuggle down under a lovely comforter for your treatment.
I had my makeup removed and skin cleansed, followed by refreshing spritzes of the Caudalie Grape Water and Beauty Elixir. It was then followed by exfoliation, extraction and a lovely face, neck, arm and hand massage. Then, a mask was applied, and your arms further pampered, before the mask was removed, and the rest of your skincare routine applied – more grape water mist, serum and moisturiser.
I thoroughly enjoyed the facial and upper body massage. The therapist used good, strong pressure and lovely relaxing techniques. I must mention the facial massage with a grape. Oh yes, grapes! I could feel her rolling the grapes on my skin, and it was interesting – like she was using a roller, except that she was using grapes LOL Yes, she tossed it thereafter – not eat it 😛
However, I must note that for the exfoliating step, an exfoliator was applied on my skin, that felt like a traditional scrub. However, what happened next surprised me, for I felt a brush gadget on my skin, that reminded me of the Clarisonic. Later, after the facial, I asked if they had indeed used the Clarisonic to which she said yes.
Now, I personally am not a big fan of the Clarisonic, and especially not when it is used on top of a scrub. I would personally feel that to be too harsh. The second reason I’m not sold on the fact that a Clarisonic was used, was that I felt it to be taking the lazy way out, even if it purports to offer a better cleanse than just using hands. That said, if you use the Clarisonic or have no thoughts about it either way, then you might not mind it. I asked if it could be omitted the next time, and I was told that it was possible. I just have to notify them, which I will. Again, this is a personal thing, so if you don’t mind it, then by all means, enjoy the experience!
60 minutes flew by far too quickly, and after I had changed, and exited, I was greeted with a little cup of fragrant tea and yep, GRAPES! Not the ones used on my face I hope LOL! 😀
I personally enjoyed the facial at the Caudalie Boutique Spa, and the therapist was pleasant and friendly. There was no hard sell nor were they pushy, which is always something I appreciate. I also asked if the products used during the facial are the same ones that you can purchase in store, and the answer is yes they are. So, if you are familiar with Caudalie skincare, then your skin will likely take to the facial quite readily. Or if not, it’s a nice way to introduce your skin to it! 🙂
IN A NUTSHELL
The Caudalie Boutique Spa at Bangsar Shopping Centre is the first Caudalie spa in Malaysia. It is a boutique in front, and a spa at back, with facial and body treatments using Caudalie products for face and body. Treatments are a little pricey, starting at RM279-RM380 for a 60 minute treatment. Each treatment for different skincare concerns will have different techniques and products used, so my experience may differ from yours. I enjoyed the lovely, firm facial and upper body massage, which is wonderfully relaxing. I think it’s worth trying if you don’t mind the prices, or if you can get a special offer, or packages which they may have from time to time.
What I enjoyed: Lovely firm massage pressure and generous massage of face, upper body and arms, No time wasting, Generous use of products on skin, Spacious facial room, No hard sell
What can be improved: Music was a little loud, but I think that’s because the background noise had to be drowned out, Room was a little bright during most of the facial
Where is it: Lot S127 Level 2 Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-2095 0001 (Best to call ahead for reservations)
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
Here’s something interesting I noticed after my facial.
If you are a member and refer a friend, they get 50% off their first facial, and you receive a little gift and cash voucher for use in store. I think that’s terribly attractive. When I asked how this is done, they showed me a little card you can give to your friend, which will be filled in with your name and member number so everyone knows what’s happening.
Naturally, if any of you reading this decide to try the facials after this, I don’t think I qualify for this offer, since I have no idea what my membership number is LOL! But if you want to try your luck and tell them you were referred by me, and you know the name I go by in person (Initials S. Y. Unfortunately I didn’t register myself as Paris B, darn! 😛 ) give it a shot and see if they find me in the system so you can get 50% off your first facial 😉 I’m going to make a friend go for a facial – the gift is a good enticement LOL! 😀
Have you tried a Caudalie Spa facial treatment anywhere?
I haven’t actually come across many or any reviews of the Caudalie spa treatments in other countries. The one I really want to try is the Vinotherapie spa body treatment where they use crushed grapes in their massage. That would be one hell of a treatment! 😀 Oh well, some day…
Paris B
I’m a fan of Caudalie products and even though I’m aware of the boutique in Bangsar, I’ve not tried any of their treatments. Thanks for this review and I’ll now make a mental note to make an appointment for real!
If you’re a fan of the products, I think you’ll enjoy this very much! Good for a nice spiritual pick me up one day 😉
Sounds like a relaxing session – I find that it’s a good idea to rest your body and mind for a while after you do your shopping and this facial sounds like a good idea!
While the idea of someone does the facial and massage is lovely, I cringed when I need to change into the tube gown. I’m pretty heavy on top so I’m always feel self-conscious and afraid if the tube gown will slid down exposing me haha.
I’m still can’t decide about the Clarisonic brush. I have one I’m using now. Pro, I love how it has auto timer so I don’t have to count like usual when I wash my face and I feel my skin feel much more cleaner than the usual hands method. Con, after a while using it, my skin feels drier but not sure if it’s the brush type or the cleanser (I use a Biotherm cleanser with the micro beads). I asked the Biotherm counter (I got the device from there) and we ended up with some solutions for me to try: I don’t use a scrub at same time; try another cleanser. I guess my skin is too sensitive against either the brush bristle or the micro beads. I think I’ll try the sensitive brush head, just in case hehe.
P/s: Maybe they reuse the grape to make the grape mist or drinks? Lol
I love facials in general but I just haven’t had the time to go for one in recent times. Doesn’t help that I’m so picky too! Else I can just accept all the “free offers” that come my way haha! Ala once you change, you just lie down. So, it’s fine 😉 I’m sure if you prefer not to change, they won’t mind either, but you’ll lose out on the lovely neck and shoulder massage 😉 I’d suggest that you switch to a more gentle brush. A friend told me she uses the cashmere brush head and that’s better for her skin. I on the other hand, am not crazy about these gadgets. Once a week maybe, but not everyday, and especially not once you notice your skin starting to feel drier. It’s over cleansing .
Wah it’s been a very long time since I had a facial. I’m talking about years!
I do remember being extremely put off by hard selling though. I need to stress that I was there just for the facial, not to buy products. Sigh. I need to take a day off for myself for some spa goodness!
I stopped going for facials for about a year. I miss the facial massage and me-time. Don’t miss the uncertainty of the products used LOL! I never go back to a salon that hard sells me. But I’ve eradicated that problem these days by not salon hopping very much or trying new places that offer cheap trial offers. Those will definitely hard sell you, based on experience!
I used to frequent this salon because they have the best massage during facial. The only problem is they hard sell every single time. LOL! Guess I asked for it, but I did get quite good at saying no 🙂
Some of these salons really push their luck. I suppose that’s what happens when they operate off a commission based system. The girls don’t get a lot and the commissions from selling a package or product actually makes them more money. That’s what I was told at the last salon I was at.
Thank you for the review ..I was searching for it after I saw this spa couple of days a go and have a thought of asking you .. Definitely I’ll give it a try … And try to use your name as referal hihihi
Hehe glad to have been of service Iza and ping me if you want to know which name to use to try your luck 😉
Hi paris,
I called them and they said the friend referral of 50% is only applicable to the member itself, not the friend. The friend will get some free gift. They are offering RM189 for first trial (even if you purchase a lower end facial of RM279).
Hi Irene, that is most certainly not what’s stated on the image I showed and not what was explained to me. The opposite in fact! I’ll get to the bottom of this, thanks for letting me know. I’ll be very pissed off if they are trying to tell a different story!
Hi Irene, we apologise for any convenienced caused or misunderstanding.
Would like to confirm that our referral program is accurate on what Paris had mentioned.
Our referral program entitles for the members friend to enjoy 50% of the single facial treatment. The member will enjoy a gift from the referral.
We do hope to see you at our boutique and enjoy the service as Paris did.
Wishing you a lovely evening.
Warmest regards,
EAVE Management
Hi Irene, I received confirmation from the people from Ken’s Apothecary who manage Caudalie, that what the SA had misinformed you. What I had said was correct i.e. as the friend who is referred, you will get the 50% off the first facial, not vice versa. Drop me an email if you’re keen to try, I’ll tell the salon so you can get the discount 😉
I totally should have gone there – BSC was where my gym was, and I remember when Caudalie moved into the shop lot. I was also afraid of the hard sell (lol – Malaysian specialty!) but now I’m kicking myself. With the good RM-USD exchange rate, it would have been a great deal! Glad you enjoyed it and got some much-needed pampering. 🙂
Yes, Malaysians are really well known for all the wrong sorts of things! LOL! If there’s one thing I have to say is how affordable pampering services are here in comparison to many other countries. I thought of trying a spa in France while I was there and almost fainted at how much it would cost for a basic massage. By contrast, I could have bought a 6 month supply here! Is it that way in the USA as well?
Yes, spas are so expensive in the U.S. I should have really taken advantage more of the affordable prices in Malaysia. Here, a bare bones massage at a reputable place (ahem) will cost about $80 for one hour, I believe. Facials are usually around the same price. Mahal!
OMG that is crazy! It’s $ to RM! Despite all my grumbling, I really should be grateful I live where I do right? Since I love pampering so much haha! 😀 It’s ok, if you’re ever back here for any reason whatsoever, you know what to do – massages everyday! 😀