Give me more at More Than Skin!

More Than Skin Spa and Beauty, Ponsonby has been in my neighbourhood for three years, but it was only last month that I finally made my way through its doors. Boy, was I missing out! Originally opened on Queen Street 16 years ago, the day spa and salon moved to its present location at the top of College Hill in September 2006, offering a great range of treatments from the gorgeous Decléor of Paris and legendary Joyce Blok. They specialise in facial treatments and I was fortunate enough to be left in the very capable hands of therapist Claire to trial the Decléor Aroma-Expert, which was customised to match my skin's needs. The “Hydra Force” version of the facial - which I was in dire need of - targets dehydration, intensely replenishing the skin's natural moisture levels using fruit and floral extracts and active essential oils. The treatment began with a delicious 15 minute long back massage to really get me in the mood to relax and let Claire work her magic, which included a cleanse, thorough exfoliation, draining facial massage and lastly, a thick hydrating mask. It smelled as great as it felt and the 90 minutes that it took to complete flew by way to fast for my liking! I left feeling utterly blissed out beyond belief, and with skin that looked akin to my nine month old son's bottom. The Parisian Decléor brand was started an amazing 34 years ago by a team that consisted of a beautician, a doctor, a shiatsu teacher and a fantastic aromatherapist and physiotherapist, and all of the company's treatments for face and body utilise their combined knowledge base. This means that Decléor take a totally holistic approach to the business of beauty, and it showed in the overall feeling of wellbeing that I carried with me out the door. Sensational - quite literally! They are now the largest cosmetic aromatherapy brand in the world, and More Than Skin certainly are experts in administering their plethora of treatments, and then some.
The Ponsonby branch of More Than Skin - there are four around Auckland - has a talented team that includes three full time beauty therapists. There is also a professional make up artist, Megan, on site who is an expert in the application and background behind the make up line they stock exclusively, SLA Creations. I'd never heard of SLA Creations prior to popping in to More Than Skin, but am sure glad I have now. It is the signature cosmetic line from internationally recognised French make up artist Serge Louis Alvarez, and is reportedly amazing. Their treatment list is long and offers pretty much something for everyone, including a great range of options for men. They also take care of all of the essentials like waxing, pedicures and manicures, as well as electrolysis and treatment programmes such as a Non Surgical Face Lift and Lymphatic Drainage. They also regularly have promotions running that give you lots more bang for your buck, and often work with the seasons and what your skin and body might be needing heading into Summer, say. Check out their website for what's on offer at www.morethanskin.co.nz.
The salon boasts five treatment rooms - including a spacious 'couples' room so that you can enjoy your treatment in tandem with a friend or partner - but in the lead up to Christmas their appointment book is filling up quick so I recommend that you get on the blower now!
*This article was first published in my column in the wonderful Ponsonby News.