It has quite literally been YEARS since I last went for a proper facial!
Pre-pandemic, I never found a salon or service I was happy to settle with. I have rather particular preferences for facials (I must know the brand of products used, for example) and it was very hard finding one that met my requirements.
Post-pandemic, well, it speaks for itself really. I was in no frame of mind to go for a facial, especially as it requires both me and my facial therapist to be in close quarters.
However, a few months back, I was invited by Elemis Malaysia to try their newly launched Elemis Biotec Facial service. Elemis is a brand that I enjoy using very much, and I’d read a lot about their facial services in London. After a lot of thought, I agreed to try the facial. It was not without a lot of trepidation on my part, health-wise.
Part of the reason I agreed, was because I wanted a little break, and a glimpse of normalcy. The other part was because I had been in the market for a facial using products I was familiar with, and also using machines/microcurrent technology, and the Elemis Biotec Facial fit the bill!
Elemis Biotec Facial – Pro Glow Smooth Facial
What distinguishes the Elemis facials from other brand-salon facials, is the use of their specialized facial machine that is used in their treatments. It is a state of the art treatment, that utilizes five different types of technology: microcurrent, LED light therapy, oxygen infusion, galvanic infusion, and an ultrasonic spatula.
The Elemis Biotec Facial therefore combines the use of their products, hands-on massage therapy, and technology.
When you undergo the Pro Glow Smooth Facial, you will be given a choice of 3 different machine treatments:
- Galvanic Dramatic Skin Softening – Intensive hydration to immediately soften and plump skin
- Microcurrent Instant Face Lift – lifts and tones the skin
- Oxygen Glow Booster – A burst of energy to refresh and revive tired skin
Feeling tired, and not having been for a facial in years, I felt like my skin needed a rejuvenation, so I opted for the Glavanic Dramatic Skin Softening treatment. I always love me some hydration! 😀
What to expect at an Elemis Biotec Facial
The Elemis Biotec Facial is currently available at the Elemis stores in One Utama and The Gardens Mall (at time of writing). I visited the store at The Gardens.
The facial room is set behind the store, and is beautifully designed to look like the Elemis Spa in London. The light is comfortable to the eye, and it is spacious. An appointment is highly advised, so they have the space ready for you when you arrive.
I was ushered into the room, and left to change into a facial robe, that leaves your shoulders bare.
The facial bed is very comfortable, with a heated blanket, that is very thoughtful as the air-conditioning can be a little chilly. Lying on the blanket, it was very comfortable. The lights are dimmed, and your facial begins.
First off, a cleanse with their Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (a personal favourite!), accompanied by a firm but gentle massage, before it is cleaned off. A cleanser then follows to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed (I went in bare-faced).
No-extraction facial
Elemis facials do not feature any extractions. Instead, they use their machine to do an Ultrasonic Peel, which is painless. You feel a flat spatula being run across your face. But what it is is a spatula that vibrates at 27,000 times per second to draw out impurities, boost circulation, exfoliate, and stimulate collagen production.
It is very comfortable and did not feel painful or abrasive at all.
Galvanic Dramatic Skin Softening – hydration boost!
At this point, I can’t quite recall what products or masks were applied, but you will be treated to 2 rounds of masks, to boost skin hydration. Then, the machine is used with the galvanic rollers. The two step process of Galvanic uses positively and negatively charged ions to push active products deeper in to the skin, making them far more effective at a deeper level.
The rollers are cool and you may feel a slight current tingling on the skin as it is rolled over, but it is very comfortable (for me). I am quite used to having machines used during a facial, so very little fazes me, even if I don’t know what it is 😛
Thereafter, a hydrating mask is applied on the skin, and you are given a lovely neck, shoulder and arm massage – my favourite part of most facials. It has been years before I’ve been for a body massage, and it felt good to have my stiff muscles kneaded, if only for a little while.
Once the mask is removed, a serum and cream is applied, and you are done with your facial.
The whole process is just about an hour, but what a wonderful hour it was!
I drifted in and out of sleep, as I do during facials, and it was just so lovely to be pampered after such a long time.
Result after the Elemis Biotec Facial
The most immediate thing I noticed after the facial, was how hydrated and plumped my skin looked! It was lovely, without looking oily or greasy. In fact, I did not have that uncomfortable greasy feeling that sometimes accompanies a ‘hydrating’ facial.
Even when I touched my skin, I did not feel any residue. It just felt and looked clean, refreshed and hydrated. There was a perceptible glow, my skin tone looked even and I was more than happy to traipse through the mall bare-faced (albeit with a mask on 😛 ).
The result did last quite a few days. I do care for my skin daily with a hydrating skincare routine, so I suppose I was able to prolong the effect a little more. But the ‘glow’ and plumped up feeling of the skin comfortably lasted a week.
What I liked about the Elemis Biotec Facial
- Products I am familiar with – Elemis is a brand I’ve tried and used off and on since 2009, and it’s a brand I like very much.
- Treatment using machines – Often, treatments that come with the use of machines tend to be costly. The Elemis Biotec Facial, while not cheap, is less costly than other medifacials, and delivers satisfactory results
- Comfortable treatment room – The lighting, sound level, warmth/cool is all just right
- Not pushy service – I did not experience any hardsell nor pushy service. It might be because I was expected for a complimentary trial, but I experienced pleasant service the last time I was at the store too so I will update if this changes.
What I did not like about the Elemis Biotec Facial
It was too short 😛
Would I go back for the Elemis Biotec Facial?
Yes I would! I was informed that there is a first-time trial offer at 50% off, which I fully intend to take advantage of (while it lasts). I am a little hesitant to go right now, due to the surge in cases, but I will return, for sure.
It isn’t the most affordable facial in the market by any means, but it fits what I’m looking for – a brand I recognise and am comfortable using, the use of machine technology to further enhance the efficacy of the produts and treatments, and a comfortable setting.
I was a little apprehensive at first, as I dislike salons set in shopping malls. They are often too noisy. However, I have to say the soundproofing at the Elemis store is quite impressive, for outside noise was noticably muted when you are in the treatment room, and the soft soothing music covers most of the noise. It is comfortable, and that is so important when you’re having a facial treatment done.
Price: RM418-450 depending on which treatment (50% off first time trial)
Duration: 60 minutes – please be respectful and arrive a few minutes before your alloted time
Location: Elemis store at One Utama (+6010-201 8321) and The Gardens Mall (Tel: 03-2202 0989)
Would the Elemis Biotec Facial be one you’re keen to try?
When was the last time you had a facial? I have to say that I am pretty paranoid about going out and being in close quarters with people at the moment, so it will be a while before I go back. But I will definitely go back! 😀
Paris B
Disclosure: Featured products were press samples by the store for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.
I tested this service in January 2022, with mask mandates in place, and I am vaccinated and boosted. You must remove your mask to enjoy the treatment. The therapist will remain masked throughout, and uses disposable gloves when applying product on your skin. Please visit and partake of the service based on your comfort level.
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