“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.” Coco Chanel
I was invited to try out a new salon experience recently at Scintillia Skincare. The first branch was opened on Muroor Road in the capital back in 2013 by founder Tomadir Eltayeb, specialising in a more dedicated personal one-on-one service favoured by local ladies who prefer extra privacy. The newly opened Reem location caters for a more Western clientele with treatment rooms, nail services and a hair salon for multiple clients all under one roof.
To be perfectly honest I had never heard of the salon before but as it came highly recommended by a friend who is a regular customer and I always like to discover new places, I was keen to try it out for myself and delighted to be invited. First impressions were that the white and bright space had a slightly clinical feel but that was offset by a row of comfy muted velvet upholstered winged armchairs, pops of colour were provided by pink orchids, intricate designed ornate mirrors and rows of brightly coloured nail polishes.
The Promise – I was very generously offered both a relaxing 60-minute massage and a 75-minute Age Corrective Facial using Award-Winning Organic Eminence skincare products from Hungary.
Step by Step – First up was a full body massage with the most silky feeling and indulgent products I have ever had, leaving my skin fully moisturised. Deep confident massage strokes by my therapist Goma revived my tired muscles and smoothed out all tightness especially in my shoulders.
An epic facial followed performed by Ipit that used ten products (yes, ten!) for improving the overall vibrance and elasticity of my skin. Three separate masks were applied; the first one for exfoliation and clarifying, the second offered healing and calming properties after the extraction process (aka blackhead removal) and the final one was a collagen boosting and deep hydration masque. In additional, collagen boosting firming fluid and eye serum were applied at the final stage. My skin felt plumped and hydrated.
The Result – I felt completely relaxed and reinvigorated, all my stress and knots eradicated. My face felt clean, clear and brighter, the icing on the cake would been to have looked ten years younger but then treatment never promised such miracles!
Pros – I immediately felt relaxed when I arrived (well once I had a coffee to de-stress after getting pretty lost and turning up late!). The salon offers a fantastic and extensive Organic product range and the therapists are very knowledgeable and professional.
Cons – As the salon is located right at the end of Al Reem island it was a bit tricky to find first time so leave extra time, Amaya Tower where it’s located next to La Brioche is in google maps so that should help (I discovered this a bit too late). Disturbingly the bathrooms are off site and quite a walk away, so not ideal if you are caught short during a treatment.
Alongside the extensive body and skincare treatment menu, Scintillia Skincare also offers hairdressing services from the latest cuts to blowdrys, keratin treatments and hair colouring. A full range of waxing options are also available as well as nail treatments including Bio-Sculpture and the rather intriguing colour changing ‘mood’ gel polish direct from America, sensitive to temperature change. A wide range of the Hungarian Organic Eminence skincare products used in the treatments can be purchased from the salon including some very beautifully presented boxed gift sets.
I was most impressed with the treatments that I received and what’s on offer overall. Scintillia Skincare treatments are perfect for those who prefer natural and organic skincare products. My advice is to book yourself a relaxing post-festive spa day, you know you deserve it!
Scintillia Skincare
Location: Amaya Tower, Al Reem Island
Telephone : 050 697 6111
Facebook: Scintillia Skincare
An edited version of this review first appeared in the Body & Mind section of Time Out Abu Dhabi on Wednesday 6th January, read online here.
Thank you Scintillia Skincare for the opportunity to review these treatments. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2015. All rights reserved. First three photos provided by Scintillia Skincare.