By Amy Hopkinson October 18, 2011
Away from the hustle and bustle of the usual skincare haunts lives Su-Man Hsu- the unique facialist with a talent for creating an A-list glow- Juilette Binoche, Joely Richardson and Estelle to name three. But unlike other skincare treatments (the they’re doing you should too type) Su-Man’s talents far excel the latest celebrity gimmick.
Based in leafy Crouch End, London, Su-Man offers a facial unlike any other we’ve experienced. From the moment we entered Su-Man’s immaculate house to waking from a deep slumber three days later our face, body and mind radiated positive energy. Let us introduce you to the secret world of Su-Man.
The 60 minute treatment begins with a skin analysis- Su-Man uses a camera to determine how naughty our skincare routine actually is- before designing the following regime to suit. It is at this point we realise Su-Man isn’t here to pamper to perfection and is about to start some serious facial work.
Starting by warming up our face and shoulders Su-Man explains that ‘the channels need to be open’ so the toxins have an escape route- we suddenly feel a little guilty about our stressed out skin. But this lasts for a matter of seconds before the pleasure of Su-Man melting away our muscular tension- a repetition of 36 strokes in line with Chinese medicine philosophy- overrides.
Once we’re ready and ‘open’ Su-Man really gets to work. Steam is used to open our pores in preparation for the extraction. If like Glam you’re an extraction virgin what unfolds is a little like your first wax. Moving around the face white heads and blacks are given there evictions orders- Su-Man’s sighs and at times laughter makes for a slight comforter during the process. Lasting as long as you face demands (the more blocked the more pain) it really is like the cliché ‘no pain no gain’!
The following steps continue on with to journey to glow-land. Gentle exfoliation, more massage, a hydrating mask, a second dose of Shiatsu-style pummeling, toner and to finish a moisturiser sourced by Su-Man from her native Taiwan. In fact Su-Man handpicks all her products- just another demonstration of her unique appeal.
As the mirror is handed over to view the results we smile back at our reflection. A glowing complexion? Check. Cheekbones? Er hello! Fresh skin? Present and correct.
Exiting Su-Man’s Zen filled house we realise we feel a little gagged by our glow. From our inner self to our buffed complexion our body, mind and soul really have been given a workout.
Su-Man’s Signature Facial costs £120 for 60minutes. For more information contact Su-Man Hsu at su-man@blueyonder.co.uk