- Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Anne Hathaway described her body treatment with super-facialist Su-Man Hsu as "a life-changing experience," phrasing usually reserved for PR bumf and religious encounters. So when the offer of a one-on-one with Su-Man dropped into my inbox, there was only one thing to do...
Team GLAMOUR.COM put Su-Man Hsu's facials to the test.
Tested by: Rebecca Cox, Beauty Editor
The Spa
Su-Man usually practices out of her own home in Crouch End, but has recently started doing one day a week in cool Leicester Square hotel W's spa (handy for us central-dwelling townies). The W Spa is ultra-modern and oozes luxury: everything's white, white, white, clean, fresh and fabulous.
Su-Man usually practices out of her own home in Crouch End, but has recently started doing one day a week in cool Leicester Square hotel W's spa (handy for us central-dwelling townies). The W Spa is ultra-modern and oozes luxury: everything's white, white, white, clean, fresh and fabulous.
The treatmentSu-Man is a former dancer and an expert in shiatsu, Pilates and facial massage: and has combined her knowledge to come up with her own unique facial technique. Dubbed as a 'non-invasive alternative to Botox', Su-Man aims to reawaken the skin through massage. Each stroke is repeated 36times in accordance with ancient Chinese beliefs, leaving skin thoroughly exercised and plump.
What it involves
Following an individual skin analysis (expect total honesty about any problem areas), Su-Man awakens skin with a firm scalp massage, cleanses the skin with steaming and deep-cleans with extractions. Su-Man believes that your complexion is directly affected my your body, so for the treatment to be effective she must 'open your channels', by thoroughly massaging neck, shoulders and décolleté. Following the cleansing, a soothing botanical mask is applied, during which time Su-Man will work on massaging neck, shoulders, back and even feet to keep the energy flowing. The treatment is finished with a toning and moisturising treatment to soothe and treat skin.
Following an individual skin analysis (expect total honesty about any problem areas), Su-Man awakens skin with a firm scalp massage, cleanses the skin with steaming and deep-cleans with extractions. Su-Man believes that your complexion is directly affected my your body, so for the treatment to be effective she must 'open your channels', by thoroughly massaging neck, shoulders and décolleté. Following the cleansing, a soothing botanical mask is applied, during which time Su-Man will work on massaging neck, shoulders, back and even feet to keep the energy flowing. The treatment is finished with a toning and moisturising treatment to soothe and treat skin.
The verdict
Let's get one thing straight: Su-Man's facials are not the most relaxing in town. You won't drop-off with a face mask on and wake up wondering how you've just spent half a week's wages on a nap. She's friendly, straight-talking and ridiculously likeable - even when she's pummelling your tense shoulders or extracting your stubborn black-heads you won't get mad. If I was at all dubious about what to expect from her technique, described by one of her celebrity clients as 'pilates for the face' - I am completely converted. My skin felt tighter, healthier and instantly softer, and the after-facial glow is still there, a week on. A life-changing experience? I think I agree on this one.
Let's get one thing straight: Su-Man's facials are not the most relaxing in town. You won't drop-off with a face mask on and wake up wondering how you've just spent half a week's wages on a nap. She's friendly, straight-talking and ridiculously likeable - even when she's pummelling your tense shoulders or extracting your stubborn black-heads you won't get mad. If I was at all dubious about what to expect from her technique, described by one of her celebrity clients as 'pilates for the face' - I am completely converted. My skin felt tighter, healthier and instantly softer, and the after-facial glow is still there, a week on. A life-changing experience? I think I agree on this one.
The info
Su-Man's signature facials cost £200 for 60minutes at the W Spa. For more information visit www.su-man.com
Su-Man's signature facials cost £200 for 60minutes at the W Spa. For more information visit www.su-man.com