What's so good about bespoke facials?

In the beauty world, receiving a cream and black Jo Malone bag is the equivalent to that longed-for arrival of Tiffany's iconic turquoise boxes wrapped with a white silk bow. Renowned for their evocative fragrances and beautiful scented candles, Jo Malone's skincare collection and the treatments offered in store are equally chic and effective - the ultimate go-to for those in need of a skincare routine tailored to their individual needs.

Why Jo Malone?

Jo Malone's philosophy is based on the notion of combination. Her innovative Fragrance Combining allows you to become the scent maker, mixing her original fragrances together to create a personal scent of your own. The same attitude is expressed through the skincare collection and in particular The Facial.

On arrival the first stage is a 15-minute consultation with a skin expert, where you outline any problem areas or concerns you have with your skin. Based on this you will be introduced to the products that will be combined to produce the best results for your skin.

The Facial

My facial was carried out at the Brook Street store, a haven of sweet smelling glass bottles, creams and candles, the perfect escape from a cold, drizzly London morning. On entering the treatment room I was met by a beautiful cream dresser stacked with chic pots of cleansers, moisturisers and masks, an inviting bathroom complete with fluffy white robes and a sink lined with every Jo Malone fragrance.

After discussing my skin with my informed facialist, I had to choose which of the fragrances I would like to incorporate into my facial, shoulder and hand massage - easy as I am unashamedly devoted to Pomegranate Noir! As a reflection of the expert-combining that was to come, this was mixed with the chocolate notes of Blue Agava and Cacao; needless to say I smelt incredible for the rest of the day.

Given that my skin is prone to dryness I was treated with nourishing cleansers and moisturisers designed to combat surface dehydration and give my skin a healthy glow. After cleanses with the Avocado cleansing milk, and relaxing circular facial massages with the Ginseng day cream mixed with the much lauded Vitamin E gel, my face was wrapped with a warm facial cloth scented with rosemary skin tonic; the ultimate in relaxation. As my Nectarine face mask worked its magic, my neck and hands were massaged with creams infused with my chosen fragrances, and I lay in my robe lulled by the gentle music. Utter bliss.

So does it work...

In a word, yes! I left with a glowing complexion that garnered compliments for the rest of the week and a personal skincare plan detailing the products used. I was so impressed with how nourished my skin felt that I brought the skincare starter kit containing dinky little pots of the cleanser, toner, moisturiser, eye-cream and vitamin E gel so that I could carry on the routine at home.

The kit gave me the chance to test out the routine without having to buy full size bottles of the products - of course now I'm hooked! Knowing that this facial will be tailor-made to your individual needs sets it apart from the legions of generic treatments available, the personal touch is worth its weight in gold and I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. Now that my skin's is couture-ready surely the dress can't be far behind, can it?

Prices and locations

The Jo Malone Facial is £125 and lasts for an hour and thirty minutes. The treatment is available at the following Jo Malone stores: Chester, Glasgow, Leeds, London Brook Street and London Sloane Street. For contact details and further information visit www.jomalone.co.uk.

Click here to see last month's spa review...

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