Article Feature: Our Enzyme-Based Facial

The beauty therapy world is rapidly dividing into two facial camps: the relaxing, pampering, doze-while-it-works facial, and the para-medical facial that is perhaps uncomfortable and not particularly relaxing, but gives spectacular results.

Heavenly Retreat in Sans Souci falls into the latter category. Their signature enzyme-based facial will at times make your face feel seriously tingly and you may think the wet concrete mask is doing a strange hip hop dance on your face while it sets. But 24 hours later, when you swap your foundation for BB cream, and the compliments begin, you’ll be happy you forewent the aromatherapy oils. Both types of facials have their place in our beauty world. But the para-medical one delivers an outcome that’s the streets ahead.

The Heavenly Retreat premises are comfortable and spotlessly clean and have easy street parking. The therapists are enthusiasts of their work and DMK products. Science heads will enjoy the explanations of the various chemical forces at work. The rest of us can nod at the appropriate moments.

Heavenly Retreat rarely advertises – and yet at peak times are always booked ahead. Word of mouth is their chosen marketing technique and it’s working for them, with customers coming from inter-state for a treatment.
Results-orientated facials have long been a favourite with the Hollywood crowd. The Galvanic Current facial of The Face Place in West Hollywood has, until now, been this reviewer’s ultimate facial – followed closely by the Eve Lom Signature Facial in London. Both will set you back considerably more than a visit to Heavenly Retreat (never mind the plane fares), but you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference when it comes to the results.

So if your skin needs a bit of help, here’s a suggestion: to relax, enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and put your feet up in front of the Real Housewives of Melbourne. But first, set your sat nav to Sans Souci to have a facial that stands up to the world's best. Your skin will thank you for it.

Article By Alison Black

Alison had the Signature DMK Facial, which is 1 hour 45 minutes and costs $175. It includes pre-exfoliation, enzyme therapy and transdermal infusion. Heavenly Retreat also offers many other face and body treatments, massages, IPL, manicures and pedicures, waxing, spray tan, makeup and more.