A DAY spent cocooned in a fluffy robe being preened and pampered in the plush surrounds of a spa is one of life's great luxuries. Your complexion – and stress levels – are never better than after a thorough blitz, but sadly, there isn't always time for top-to-toe treatments.
"A facial used to be considered a luxury but as society has become more knowledgeable about the impact of environmental aggressors on our complexions, the consumer is seeking faster treatments with quick-fix results," says Emma Schulz, national education manager for Darphin.
"To address this shift, we've developed new 30-minute facial treatments that focus on immediate benefits."
In fact, almost every major spa brand now offers a selection of sub one-hour appointments for face and body, perfect for lunch-break pop-ins, or gifts for busy mums this Mother's Day.
These are the speedy treatments that will give you that post-spa glow in minutes...
HALF-HOUR POWER
Concentrating the power of its signature facials into a 30-minute blast, Darphin offers a menu of six skin-boosting options, including the Instant Illuminating Facial, for £35, at select locations.
"The facials use the same signature Darphin protocols and products as our 60 and 90 minute treatments, but in an express format," explains Schulz. "Products are applied with our unique Digitopressure technique to restore energy, balance skin and increase penetration of high performing skincare serums. Our Deep Massage facial technique is reduced, but there is no compromise on the sense of luxury and you will still see immediate benefits."
:: Treatments available in salons nationwide (www.darphin.co.uk)
THINKING FAST
"Elemis excellence and expertise in a fraction of the time," is how Noella Gabriel, co-founder and creator of Elemis Therapies describes the dedicated Speed Spa, where treatments last as little as 15 minutes.
These condensed methods don't shy away from innovative techniques: the 30-minute Firm Favourite, £45, uses microcurrent pulses to help lift sagging skin, while the Eye Do, also £45, combines microcurrents with oxygen infusion to plump out lines in that most delicate of areas.
:: The Speed Spa is exclusive to the House of Elemis in London but other 15 and 30-minute treatments are available nationwide (www.elemis.com/spa-locator)
RAISING THE BAR
Clarins BeautyBARs – described as the 'stylish little sister' to the Clarins Skin Spa, and located in the Bradford, Liverpool and London John Lewis stores – were developed in response to customer demand for shorter, but no less effective, treatments.
"For the past two years, we have been working hard to create the perfect solution, developing ways to condense all the effective massage techniques you'd expect from a Clarins Spa Treatment, but in double quick time," says Clarins UK managing director Debbie Lewis. Need a really zippy skin fix? Try the SOS Facial, which combines expert analysis and laser-like focus to home in on your needs.
:: All treatments last 30-minutes and cost £25 each (www.clarins.co.uk)
MASSAGE IN MINUTES
Escape to the tranquil oasis of a Hilton Hotel Eforea Spa for one of three targeted express massages that blend Eastern and Western techniques to send you to relaxation heaven in no time.
Available at the Bournemouth, Liverpool or Southampton hotels, choose from the Indian and Thai-inspired head and face massage; the Chinese-influenced shoulder, neck and scalp massage; or a thorough foot massage, which draws from Egyptian reflexology.
:: Each £45 treatment lasts 25 minutes, so combine two to double your blissfulness and still scrape the one-hour mark (www.hilton.com)
MICRO MIRACLES
Got a sudden spot breakout? Has a cold snap left you with parched patches or a new product caused a bad reaction? Then a Dermalogica MicroZone treatment, £35, is just what you need.
Each 20-minute session focuses on a pressing concern, from acne to dullness to irritation, starting with speedy diagnosis and finishing with immediate relief from whatever's bugging you.
:: Treatments available in salons nationwide (www.dermalogica.co.uk)
THE DE-STRESS EXPRESS
Introduced to coincide with the new Aurabsolu range, the Decleor Glow Power Boost facial is a 30-minute miracle that uses an innovative oil-in-gel mask to rejuvenate even the most flagging of faces.
And for the boys, there's the Express Energising Face Treatment, which focuses on exfoliation and massage to soothe stressed out complexions.
:: Half-hour treatments, available at various locations, start from £30 (www.decleor.co.uk)
EASY ON THE EYES
Too many late nights and early starts take their toll on peepers, but the Carita Precious Diamond for Eyes treatment, from £60, will restore that much-needed sparkle.
Available in 30 or 45-minute slots, the gentle but powerful treatment will put paid to puffiness and diminish dark circles, thanks to a highly concentrated elixir - the beauty equivalent of a power nap.
:: Treatments available in salons nationwide (www.carita.co.uk/locations)
TRIED AND TESTED
Are face oils really worth the hype? Our testers try three slick new contenders...
:: Sanctuary Spa Overnight Miracle Oil, £19.50 (www.sanctuary.com)
"Pleasantly scented, this very intense nourishing oil really coats the skin in a luxurious, oily veil, so is best used at night. Because it's so rich, it took time to sink in with gentle massaging movements. It felt like it was hydrating my thirsty skin, and handily, the leftover doubles up as a nail oil for my cuticles."
4/5
:: L'Occitane Shea Face Comforting Oil, £29 (www.loccitane.com)
"Packed with shea and marula oils, this left my skin soft, supple and silky smooth, without any sticky or shiny residue. I only needed a couple of drops at a time, warming it up in my hands before applying to my face. You can use it before your regular moisturiser but the oil is so nourishing, I didn't bother with my usual cream."
5/5
:: Sond Replenishing Face Oil, £34 (www.sondskin.com)
"To begin with, the recommended three or four drops wasn't nearly enough for my dry skin, but once I'd tripled that dose, it really worked. Extremely light, the oil soaks right in and doesn't feel at all greasy, and over time has made my winter-ravaged skin feel more moisturised, especially when used overnight."
4/5
BUY IT NOW
The same way a beautician uses steam to open your pores at the start of a facial, Origins' new first of its kind mask primer provides a blast of moisture, making skin more receptive to the actives that follow. Spritz Maskimizer, £18.50, over your face to boost the benefits of your usual weekly skin treat (www.origins.co.uk).
BEAUTY BULLETIN
:: HEAD ONE
Youthfulness is considered the holy grail when it comes to beauty, but the results of a new poll by FeelUnique.com reveal our idols aren't all fresh-faced ingenues. When asked which celebrities have the most enviable lips, 40-year-old Angelina Jolie came top, followed by 81-year-old Sophia Loren and Julia Roberts, who's 48. That doesn't mean we're all about to rush out in search of lip-plumping surgery, however, as 80 per cent of the women surveyed said they are already 'really pleased' with the way their lips look.
STEAL OF THE WEEK
Superdrug's new face wipes are designed with a dose of daily inspiration in support of the Be Real Campaign, which promotes self-confidence and positive body image. "New Day, New Mindset, New Make-up," was submitted by Connie Haigh when Superdrug asked social media followers for their favourite quotes, and can be found on limited edition packs, 99p, from March (www.superdrug.com).
