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Review: What It's Really Like Getting A Professional Exfoliating Body Treatment
Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. Such was the case this Monday when, with the sunscreen barely dry from two weeks’ holiday in Hawaii, I was ordered to the day spa on my first day back at work. Tough life.
Upon arriving at the truly delicious Aurora Spa in St Kilda, I was ushered to the change room, where I stripped down and robed and slippered up, before settling into the tranquil lounge for a cup of tea. The Relax Spa Tea, a calming blend of chamomile, lemon balm and spearmint, was just the ticket to soothe my frayed, post-public-transport nerves, and a much wiser choice than the poolside Lava Flows I’d been downing for Australia.
As the stress disappeared and the zen vibes set in, my lovely therapist Anne told me it was time for my treatment. Today, I was having the Body Smoother Treatment, with an Olive Leaf Replenishing Hair Masque, using Aurora Spa’s inhouse range of ASPAR products. Yum.
As I lay face down on the comfy, heated spa bed, Anne wafted some essential oils under my nose before getting down to business. First up was a thorough exfoliation with ASPAR’s Wattleseed & Walnut Resurfacing Body Scrub. Designed to smooth, boost skin radiance and enhance cellular renewal, the exfoliator tackles dull, dry skin in two ways: with a very mild physical exfoliant sloughing away congestion and dryness, and the enzymes from pineapple and papaya extracts essentially gobbling up dead skin cells. Kinda like the Pac-Man of good skin.
Next step was a quick spin in the waterfall shower to wash off the scrub while Anne magic’d away the carnage on the bed. Scrub errrywhere. I helped myself to the Aspar Qantas First goodies in the shower – a zesty Sweet Orange & Patchouli Body Cleanser, and Sandalwood & Bergamot Replenishing Shampoo and Conditioner. I could have stayed in here all day, marvelling over my new, miraculously soft skin. So touchable. Very silk. Much smooth.
Back on the squeaky clean bed, it was time for the massage and moisturisation part of the treatment. I’d earlier been asked to pick a body oil by scent, and had gone for the Revive option – an uplifting blend of grapefruit and rosehip. This was expertly blended with the Ultra Rich Body Cream and massaged into my skin in firm motions as requested. Oh Anne, what hands you have!
Just when I felt like I’d had too much bliss, Anne started on the head massage, while applying the Olive Leaf Replenishing Hair Masque. A rich, nourishing blend of olive leaf, shea butter, rosemary and more, this masque will soften even the coarsest of hair, returning stressed tresses to good health. I was told to keep this on UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING, but if you’re after an at-home hair treat, 20 minutes under a towel will do (pro-tip: pop your towel in the dryer for added cosiness and even better penetration).
After popping to the lounge for some more tea and ‘me time’, I headed home with my silky smooth skin and interesting looking hair. I managed to stick to the instructions as I had no plans that night, washing out the glorious goop the minute my alarm went off. It was worth the wait, as my hair has NEVER felt softer.
A few days have passed and my skin and hair are still glowing with good health and hydration. I’d definitely recommend this treatment for anyone after a little pampering and intense nourishment (pro tip: if you book in for any 2+ hour treatment from Monday to Thursday at Aurora Spa in Melbourne or the Gold Coast you’ll receive 30% off). Or if you can’t make it to Aurora, you can purchase all the ASPAR products mentioned for a mini spa sesh at home.