The promise: A multi-faceted spa indulgence. Facial paired with a warm stone upper body massage to deliver visible results and induce deep relaxation. Includes an intensive hand treatment and relaxing scalp massage.
The practice: I'm ushered into the smart Cabine Treatment Room at the rear of the Queen St boutique, past the boutique's shelves lined with the full range of Elizabeth Arden skincare, makeup and fragrances. The glossy white and red decor suits the urban setting and references the heritage of the brand, which has a renowned Red Door spa on Fifth Avenue, New York and a top-selling perfume in Red Door. Red flowers are a nice touch in the spotless white treatment room. Therapist Nannerl consults about my skin and desired results to help determine which of the brand's retail skincare lines and professional products she will use. I'm left to change and lie face down on a comfortable spa bed before Nannerl's accomplished fingers administer a shoulder and neck massage which sets me at ease.
My face is cleansed with Ceramide Cleansing Oil, and a pumpkin enzyme exfoliator used for a gentle slough off. This is one of several exfoliators for different skin types drawn from the spa range. A Lemon Burst Polishing Scrub with fine granules and a lovely aroma is used to target pigmentation on the décolleté and then it is mask time. First up is the new Arden Ceramide Overnight Firming Mask, which even in my shorter nap time delivers a burst of hydration, before one of Red Door Spa’s rubberising masks intensifies the product absorption. During this time, I enjoy a foot massage, having switched from the usual hand and arm one because I had fitted in a pampering manicure with massage earlier in my visit. Spa facial oils then smooth the way for more relaxing facial massage before Prevage essence, eye and lip serum, eye cream and lotion are layered on. Nannerl ensures my neck is not neglected, applying Prevage’s heavier neck cream. She also has on hand the advanced anti-ageing range’s anti-wrinkle smoother which I’m relieved to hear I don’t yet need.
The treatment concludes with my freshened skin being made street ready with a protective coating of tinted moisturiser.
The price: $175 for a 90-minute facial, with shorter options priced from $55. Before the facial, I also had a Shellac Essential Manicure, $65, with the boutique's skilled nail specialist Erin who tidied my cuticles and left my nails rounded and respectable.
The place: Elizabeth Arden Boutique, 62 Queen St, Auckland. Ph (09) 379-4869. The boutique also offers makeovers, brow and lash services and facial waxing. For the menu, see boutique.elizabetharden.co.nz
The verdict: Smart skilled service in a location that will appeal to business women, city visitors and those prepping for a night on the town. The express facials would be ideal before an event, this longer one more of a timeout treat with the hot stones during the back massage being a reminder of how warmth helps unwind.
By offering a virtual one-stop shop for beauty services, Arden is filling a gap and doing it stylishly. Prices, especially for nails, are up there, but you are getting much more than a quick lick of paint and in a pleasing convenient environment.
The makeup services, overseen by boutique manager Lidean Erasmus, who has worked as Arden's national makeup artist, are especially appealing, with booking fees for these redeemable on product.
