Face forward

It’s lavish, laidback and a terrific way to unwind. Now creams and applying fruit scrubs are passé, writes Rahul Sabharwal.

It’s lavish, laidback and a terrific way to unwind. But the era of creams and applying fruit scrubs are passé. Welcome to the world of quirky facials.

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There are a variety of exotic and premium facials available now. From the 24-carat gold to the pearl and the diamond facial, here are new ways to pamper yourself.

Golden touch
Shahnaz Husain, who claims to have introduced the 24-carat gold facial, talks about its benefits, “The high degree of awareness and the instinct to look good have led to the popularity of such treatments,” she says.

While brides usually go in for gold facials, the pearl and the diamond ones are gaining tremendous popularity even in men’s salons.

Another much-wanted facial is the gem therapy facial in which the properties of emerald, ruby, sapphire and topaz are used to preserve the youth and beauty of the skin.

The prices of these facials range anywhere between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500.

Unusual taste
While the chocolate and coffee facials have made their mark in salons, the newest additions take facials involving edibles to an all-time kinky high.

Facials involving caviar and champagne are not unknown in the Indian market any more. While champagne is known to tighten and tone the skin, caviar is said to have anti-ageing properties.

Anup Dhir, cosmetic surgeon says, “Today, Indians are willing to experience expensive treatments including a host of exotic facials. The cost of facials ranges between Rs 2,500 and Rs 10,000.”

Dr Renu Nath, V P, Research & Development, VLCC Healthcare, says that gold and wine facials help revitalise the skin.

Also popular is the advanced dew facial that is primarily pearl-based. She asserts that these facials are gaining momentum “due to their instant results.” These facials are in the price range of Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500.