The Melissa Facial: Aesthetician Facial

Aesthetician Facial by my friend Melissa

October 2004

This facial was inspired by my good friend Melissa who is currently training to become an aesthetician. She invited me to her school for a free facial from her so she could practice on me. Since I had never had a professional facial before, I couldn’t pass it up!

I changed into a cute little terrycloth white spa towel and laid down on the table. She draped a white sheet over my body from the shoulders down. Muzac was playing softly behind me. She turned on a steamer to start opening my pores.

I had every intention of mentally documenting her every move, asking her what product she was using on me so I could remember it later to write about here and failed miserably. I was so relaxed and into the moment that I have forgotten almost everything that took place!

Unfortunately that leaves my poor memory to recall what she did to make my skin look so fabtabulous. I will try.

First she used a gentle clarifying cleanser. Clean cotton pads were used to swipe down my face (not upwards) twice. One warmer water, the second much cooler water.

Next she added some lavender oil to my face and gave me the most wonderful facial massage. It was my favorite part! A steamed towel was placed over my face and she removed the excess oil. A toner was misted all over.

Next, a gentle exfoliant, then another steamy towel and another toning mist. She determined that my skin is normal, with a few patches of dehydration. No oil spots.

Last I was given an ampoule treat for a clear complexion. After that was massaged in, I was left alone to relax. I have no idea how much time had passed by at this point. But I was feeling very high. Eventually she came back, swiped my face again, and then the last step was of course a lotion with sunscreen.

After my skin scanner results, she let me look at all the cleansers and toners and essential oils that they used on their clients. Melissa knows how much I love all this beauty stuff, so she humored me in the name of research. I inquired about purchasing some rosemary oil and a new brand of mineral makeup. Then I briefly considered starting esthetician school myself, and then let it go. I know I’d rather write about beauty than actually have to perform it on someone. I’ll let her be my own personal beauty advisor. I insisted I be her first client. I got my wish.

What you need:

Castor Oil
Olive Oil
Essential Oil of your choice (optional)
Cetaphil (or other very gentle cleanser)
Toner
Exfoliant
Self heating mask/mud mask/moisturizing mask
Bowl of hot water (for steaming, optional)
moisturizer
Cotton pads or cotton balls
Washcloths
Your favorite music CD
Lots of time where no one will bother you

Mix equal parts olive oil and castor oil. Proceed to cleanse your face with the Oil Cleansing Method (see instructions) Take your time with massaging the oils in. This is where you would perform your facial massage.

After you have removed the oil from your face, steam your face by sitting over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over you. You can add a few drops of essential oils or your favorite tea to the water. Sit for 5-10 minutes with the steam.

After the steam, apply Cetaphil all over your face and neck. Gently massage in. Dampen a cotton pad and remove the cetaphil.

Dampen a cotton pad with your toner. Swipe the toner over your face.

Dampen your face again and apply your exfoliant. Rub very gently all over your face, neck and chest. Use your washcloth or cotton pads to remove exfoliant.

Dampen a cotton pad and apply toner again.

Now we are going to apply your mud mask or self heating mask. Apply generously to your face, neck and chest. Lay down with your feet up for until you are ready to remove your mask.

Remove the mask with your washcloth or cotton pads. Rinse very well.

Apply toner once more.

Apply moisturizer as usual.

That is my version of the at-home facial. Always be very gentle with your skin- don’t pull, tug, rub or squeeze. Never use water that is too hot or too cold. Do this at least once a month to keep your skin pampered.