I can't even remember the last time I had a facial. I think it actually might've been in San Francisco, with a visiting friend, around three years ago. Yep, t-h-r-e-e! I was long overdue and in desperate need of some face TLC. Knowing I didn't want to just purchase any old Groupon facial, what I really wanted was to splurge on an amazing aesthetician. So where did I go? I went to Venus DeMarco right here in Austin.
I've been purchasing my Jan Marini product(s) from her for over a year now. Every time I pop by to grab my facewash or sunscreen, she always reminds me that her facials are her specialty and what she's known all over Austin for. I finally took her up on her offer and laid back to enjoy an hour and a half of pure facial bliss.
Then I picked her brain about which facial would be best for me. I told her I'd been a big slacker with moisturizer lately and she told me she could tell from just looking at my skin. We chatted about my routine; everything from eating, sleeping, stress to the supplements I currently take. We also caught up on everything new with her business, including a Facebook page HERE (which I've been telling her to do) and her additional website HERE. If you're battling breast cancer or know someone that is, please direct them to her site. She's a survivor and her story, wisdom and research will amaze you.
Ok, ok..back to the facial. So I'm a huge believer in getting a facial from someone who really knows what they are doing and has been in the business for years. Understandably, everyone has to start somewhere but this level of splurging happens only occasionally for me so when it does, I splurge on the best. Venus is the best! Her product knowledge, skincare know-how and all around wellness make her an extremely respected expert in her industry. I knew I was, literally, in good hands.
During my entire facial, Venus used only Phytomer products. I had vaguely heard of this line but had never tried them. Can I just say, one whiff and I was sold. This is some good smelling stuff and personally, that matters to me. I had creams that smell old lady creamy and sunscreen that just wreaks of chemicals. Nope, I want natural ingredients and pleasent aromas. Phytomer is a great combo of both...done and done!
After my lymphatic facial (find out more on that service HERE which was a first for me and exceptionally lovely) we then sat back down and talked about a few products that would provide a better moisture barrier for my skin. I told her what my budget was for skincare and she really tried to give me the best combo for my skin type. She said this first found of products would be more expensive just to get my skin's moisture back on track. Once that happens, we can tailor my routine back and make it more affordable. I don't mind spending a good amount of money on skincare (it's the accessory you wear all the time) but I'm a budget minded lady.
So the three products I left with; Douceur Marine (Velvety Smoothing Cream - above), Oligoforce (Purifying Enforcement Serum with Oligomer) and Peeling Vegetal (Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes) and I'm hooked on all three! The cream smells so good I want to eat it and Zola is constantly trying to lick my face. The serum feels like this amazing barrier on my skin and has toned down my breakouts. Lastly, the peel/mask reminds me that twice a week I need to think of me!
If you're in the Austin area I highly recommend popping in to see Venus. HERE's her contact information and HERE's her Facebook page. She's running a great special on Phytomer and Vie products for all her Facebook fans so head over there and get the details on that. If you're not in the Austin area, I highly suggest googling skincare specialists/aestheticians and reading all the reviews. Venus has 35 reviews on CitySearch HERE and an overall five star rating. Don't spend your hard earned cash on some lackadaisical treatment...splurge on quality. Go on and treat yourself, gorgeous readers, you deserve it!
