Weddings: Ming princess

Get the golden glow from the Ming Facial at Chuan Spa. Photo / Supplied

Tradition and new beginnings sealed with a band of gold are what weddings are all about. Brides - or their mothers - wanting to look their best for the big day generally start their beauty regime well ahead of time and often round it off with a relaxing facial a day or two before the ceremony.

Chuan Spa's Ming Facial could be made for the occasion. It incorporates ancient Chinese beliefs about internal energy flows and the word "ming" means tomorrow. Then there's the little gold magnets that sit on the meridian points and bridging lines of the face, looking like decorations on a wedding cake.

After a basic cleanse, therapist Cherry carefully applies them to me anchored by a tracing of gel. She had earlier explained that the magnets' job was to awaken Qi within the body. They are placed on recognised meridian lines in Chinese traditional medicine, but their density varies, with each facial personalised to work on any particular areas of client concern. For some women this is a desire for firming. I mention dark circles and get extra gold balls under my eyes. Cherry recounts having seen these gold balls turn quite dark on women with especially dark circles and later I'm told those under my eye darkened a little. All very telegraphed you might sceptically think, but she also mentions a little darkened cluster under one side of my mouth. This is an area where I often get hormonal breakouts, though at treatment time my skin was clear.

I'm given a hand massage, and relax in solitude for a short while, before the balls are gathered up and various natural skincare applied. Among this is organic sea buckthorn oil which I've come across in products previously, added for its high counts of fatty acids and antioxidants.

Afterwards my face feels firm and my cheeks look fuller, fresh and photo-ready.

* Brides are best to choose a facial that is gentle and hydrating. The aim is to make the skin look radiant, smooth and plump and the bride feel calmed. Anything involving significant exfoliation, peels or overly active ingredients such as a vitamin A infusions should be avoided before a big event because they can cause flakiness and reactions. Such treatments are better taken over several months. It is also risky switching or using rich skincare before the big event. Firming facials and moisture and oxygen boosts are best. Don't ask me why, but Ming is gold too.

* The Ming Facial lasts for 60 minutes and costs $170 at Chuan Spa, The Langham, Auckland, ph (09) 300 2960. chuanspa.co.nz