Wednesday, 16 Jan 2013
Originally from Taiwan, facialist to the stars Su-Man began her career as an acclaimed professional dancer before changing disciplines to study shiatsu massage. Her craft has evolved to include Pilates influences and Oriental facial massage.
Su-Man’s treatments are a firm favourite with celebrities and she can count a fair few A-Listers among her clientele including Anne Hathaway (who even said that Su-Man’s body treatment is ‘a life-changing experience’), Freida Pinto and Juliette Binoche – who Su-Man travelled around the world with for some time to take care of her skin.
Her facial treatments have even been called the ‘non-evasive alternative to Botox’, because of her approach to skin care. Su-Man uses her own, unique massage technique (each stroke is repeated 36 times in accordance to the ancient Chinese belief that the number ‘six’ is lucky), plus shiatsu method and collagen plumping techniques to lift the face. Su-Man bases herself in a treatment room at the back of her garden in Crouch End and is also available at the W Hotel in London’s Leicester Square every Thursday.
Words of Wisdom
“In my opinion it’s necessary to drink 500ml of warm water with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of organic honey (any type) before breakfast. It’s both purifying and soothing for your skin.”
“Another thing I think you should do every day is to rub your ears 36 times vigorously to improve your facial circulation – this can be quite painful for a beginner but it will become a pleasure and you’ll end up not being able to get by without doing it!”
“Spread a teaspoon of runny honey over your skin like a mask and leave it on for half an hour. The honey hydrates your skin and helps to diminish any brown spots and helps to prevent pigmentation too!”
Tools of the Trade
[1] To give my hair more volume, I use PHYTO Phytovolume Shampoo. The effect makes me very happy!
[2] I use Toni & Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray to give my hair bounce – it’s a wonder!
[3] I take Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend. It contains omega 3, 6 and 9 oils. It’s good for general health when taken everyday and I find it helps to keep your skin looking healthy.
[4] I use Lancôme Éclat Miracle on my skin to cover my tiredness if I’ve been burning the candle at both ends!
[5] I’m developing my own skincare range (due to launch June 2013). While it’s not in the shops yet I have been using the samples for a long time and my skin has some to rely on them. There’s a cleanser, toner, exfoliator, eye cream, serum and a moisturiser. Watch this space!