La Jeunesse jeunessespa.com is one of New York’s best kept secrets and it could be dubbed “Serenity Central.” This tranquil spa oasis is tucked in beside the Empire Hotel on the Upper West Side, just a stone’s throw from Lincoln Center.  With over 6,500 square feet of palatial luxury, seven grand treatment rooms, a wellness studio and a VIP suite suitable for couples (or ten of your closest friends) complete with two massage beds, a private lounge and a sauna.  La Jeunesse also features hair, makeup, nails and waxing treatments. Surely I must have walked past it a thousand times and never even knew it was there.
For me, the main draw to La Jeunesse is their complete menu of glorious Elemis facials. I have long been a great fan of Elemis – since I was first introduced to the brand in the UK. The quality of the products is unsurpassed in the spa world. It is the British equivalent of what Natura Bisse is to Spain. I keep travel size of the classic Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream in my bag to combat post flight hydration. It smells divine and repairs and conditions my weary complexion into a firmer, happier state.
There is nothing better than booking yourself in for a facial treatment, looking forward to an hour or so of relaxation, to that splendid feeling you get after a professional treatment that cannot be duplicated at home no matter how hard you try. It is an experience every woman deserves, and as frequently as possible, and most busy women do not take advantage of nearly enough. It’s like having your teeth cleaned professionally, or having a blowout – you can do it yourself, but it is a whole different level when a pro takes the reins.
My experience at La Jeunesse was with the signature Elemis Quartz Lift Facial at the highly experienced hands of Clinton Hardesty, Elemis Education Director and a true brand ambassador. Clinton is the master of the facial, and travels all over the free world training aestheticians in the Art of Elemis for the face and body. The Quartz Lift facial is one of Elemis’ classic treatments, clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness. Using potent botanicals alongside the electrical energy of precious minerals Quartz, Tourmaline, Rhodochrosite and Malachite, your cells are re-energized. The self-indulgent Pro Collagen Quartz Lift Mask is a divine way to end a stressful day to instantly uplift and hydrate the skin. Clinton walked me through the process, explaining what he was doing and why every step of the way. The treatment is an hour and 15 minutes of sheer heaven and you leave feeling refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated, as you should from a high end spa experience. Clinton recommends having a treatment every three weeks for optimum results, and a course of six, which sounds perfect if you can book yourself in.
He also recommended that I come again for the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, another of their most beloved anti-aging treatments. They layer three targeted enzyme serums, which he feels are less abrasive than granulated particle exfoliants, to do away with the rough, outer layer of the epidermis. Once the dead cells that have accumulated are gone, your skin has a newfound radiance and your other skin products penetrate more effectively.
Clinton’s choices for me included an all important night cream – when your skin has time to regenerate during sleep – Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream – with lipids and antioxidants for cell renewal – coupled with the classic Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel which I have become seriously addicted to. The yummy rinse-off home facial peel is jam packed with naturally exfoliating papaya and pineapple enzymes, and as I am prone to over-exfoliating, this peel is gentle enough to slough without drying you out or any signs of irritation.
One of my New Year’s resolutions that I have not broken yet…is to take better care of myself through pampering indulgences when I can get them. In Clinton’s words, “Treat yourself honey – you deserve it!.” I think he is spot on.
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