by Holly Crawford
A VISIT TO a Ritz-Carlton hotel is always a good thing… and this day’s visit is made even sweeter because I’m on my way to the exclusive Spa My Blend by Clarins.
The elevator’s golden, mirror-finish doors open up on the fifth floor. To one side is the cool blue of the hotel pool, on the other the muted tones of the spa. Here, the menu features Clarins treatments for the face and body, as well as My Blend facial treatments, customized for each client. I’m here to learn all I can about My Blend by Clarins, and in the spa’s reception area you can see all of the products unique to the My Blend line, and how they can be combined to create completely custom skincare for today’s treatment, and to take home.
The Spa My Blend by Clarins concept is an exclusive partnership between two brands; Clarins: a collection of iconic products with a pioneering approach to beauty derived from plants and My Blend: a highly precise diagnostic tool that creates a unique blend in real-time to provide a completely tailored treatment. These products are not those that you find at the department store beauty counter, they are a specialized line from Clarins, and can only be purchased at the spa.
Spa My Blend by Clarins offers a complete range of services performed by an expert Beauty Coach. They incorporate original application techniques, custom formulas, expert advice and next-generation equipment. Originally launched in France, Spa My Blend by Clarins at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto is the only location in North America (the other is at Le Royal Monceau-Raffles in Paris).
Created by Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins, My Blend is a revolutionary concept that aims to meet the changing and individual needs of every skin type at any age through customized treatments. By taking into account a person’s lifestyle in addition to the skin’s age and type when developing formulas, My Blend goes well beyond “conventional” cosmetics. It offers 150 blends and 350 day-night combinations by adding “boosters” (concentrates of pure active ingredients) to 15 day and night creams.
Assisted by the expert Beauty Coach, clients begin the trademark My Blend Facial with an analysis and thorough Q&A in order to create the perfect custom skincare combination for the treatment. The prescription can include anywhere between eight “Essentials” like Oil Crisis Control or Early Age Alert; five “Specifics”, which cover cleansing products and exfoliators; and an additional seven “Boosters,” vials of antioxidants and vitamins that can be injected into any or all products.
Aside from product selection and customization, there are “machines” used in this facial. Most interesting, the Colourblend LED Light Mask looks like something from a sci-fi movie. Placed on the face (imagine a goalie mask) it glows bright red. The treatment uses changes in light frequency to stimulate collagen. The second bit of technology, the Wave Blend, incorporates pulsating movements of a hand-held device to help with lymphatic drainage while reducing puffiness, crow’s feet, and fine lines.
This 90-minute treatment aims to start you a path to correcting your skin’s specific concerns, all while cocooning you in comfort and relaxation. At each step of the facial—while a cream mask is tackling dryness, or that science fiction mask is lighting up your pores—the Beauty Coach is performing a head and neck massage, hand treatment, or foot massage.
After your treatment, when your skin is bright and glowing, be sure to take time to relax in the spa’s facilities. There is a steam room, dry sauna, pool and Jacuzzi, and deep comfort chaise beds in a relaxation lounge that beckon for naptime.
MORE NEW SPA OPTIONS IN THE CITY
Guerlain Spa
Canada’s first Guerlain Spa opened recently at Hotel X by Library Collection adding the brand’s signature skincare to the luxury spa scene in the City. With exceptional views overlooking Lake Ontario, the Guerlain Spa at Hotel X Toronto offers exclusive treatments perfected by the prestigious French beauty house in ten well-appointed treatment rooms. This location joins the ranks of Guerlain’s 40 spas worldwide, all located in exceptional places. Each world-class spa offers traditional and innovative treatments, as well as experiences specifically created in harmony with the atmosphere, culture and activities of each location.
hotelxtoronto.com/en/guerlain-spa
Hammam Spa by Céla
King West’s iconic Hammam Spa recently opened the doors to a sprawling new location in Bayview Village. Inspired by the moments where beautiful becomes spiritual, Hammam Spa by Céla is a uniquely modern take on ancient wellness rituals in a breathtaking environment: the 13,000 square foot space features a 765 square-foot steam room, 26 private treatment rooms, and a tea lounge. In addition to the Eastern-inspired spa treatments they have long been known for, the spa’s second floor houses Hammam Medical Aesthetics. Under the helm of renowned plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sean Rice and in partnership with SkinCeuticals, they will offer medical-grade facials, potent chemical peels, and injectable options, all with the gilded polish that has become synonymous with Hammam Spa.
