Dermalogica Facial

Time flies so fast, and now its the fasting month and in another three weeks is Hari Raya celebration! Well in an attempt to look good for Hari Raya and hopefully have a glowing complexion! Especially the large amount of pictures that you will be taking during Hari Raya, obviously you would want to look your best. This is it, a reputable and revolutionary and perhaps to only place in Brunei where you could have a good facial. Get this: using a brand which actually does works, Dermalogica!

I have to admit, I have only found out about the goodness of the brand when I travel to London during the summer holidays last July! Holiday sale shopping in London is heavenly for a shopaholic like me and especially when you’re also a beauty junkie! I actually saw Dermalogica products sold over the counter at John Lewis, one of the premier department stores in Oxford Street, London. The prices for the products falls under the high end, but seeing that each will probably last you 4-5 months, I’d say its a pretty good investment when you know that the products you apply makes your face achieve that healthy glow.

Anyway, I was ecstatic to find out here in Brunei where someone would hardly find high end beauty products (unless ofcourse you consider products above $10 is high end) that Dermaline, Kiulap sells Dermalogica products. Plus the opportunity to experience a number of facial choices made available to you.

Anyway, I was greeted by a trained facialist where I voiced out my skin concerns and which problem areas needed to be fixed. She determined that I have a normal-combination skin, which is quite normal for anyone who lives in hot countries. The skin releases sebum as a result from the hot and humid Brunei environment, and if not properly washed, it will allow skin bacteria to thrive and multiply, and you’ll end up getting skin blemishes and worse skin acne.

She recommended the Skin Balancing facial, the basic facial offered in Dermaline to revitalise and freshen up tired and fatigued skin. I am led to a treatment room which reminded me a dental clinic. My concerns gradually gone when the classical music was on and the light was dimmed. It really felt just like being in a spa!

The facial steam coming off infused and open the facial pores to allow deep cleansing and absorbed the wonderful Dermalogica products effectively. I find the facial such a delight, the pre-cleanse gel contains scents of eucalyptus, chamomile and hobs essential oil. I can also feel the a mild mint essential oil. It really does makes a terrific job of calming my skin. The facialist skilled fingers using facial lymphatic massages enables the flushing of toxins and ease the tense of facial muscles. It was such a delightful feeling.

I am told that the products used during facials are more effective because the ingredients are much more concentrated and potent. This is true, because I can definitely notice the effects on my skin straight after the facial. Afterwards, the facialist recommended take home products that I can use to prolonged the glowy effects. Dermaline Kiulap really paves the way to allow more high end beauty products sold here in Brunei. The next time when I have a bad skin day, I know just the place to go.

Verdict: 8/10

Dermaline skin balancing facial costs around $50. It’s located on the first floor, and shares the same building with Chong Hock Kiulap. Do tell Dermaline that I recommended!

Happy fasting everyone

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Cheapest reflexology in town: $10 spa

Just when I thought I have found the cheapest one hour reflexology treatment last month (see Haniesah Spa Kiulap $15) a friend of mine showed me one spa which only costs a mere sum of $10! Of course, I can’t wait to try the cheapest reflexology treatment in town.

I just discovered the mini spa joints and outlets in Batu Besurat – and there is even one building that accommodates four spas! Talk about stiff competition! Hence some spas follow the I have the cheapest treatment to attract people to come and try out the treatments on offer. The cheapest reflexology treatment at the time of writing is at Treatmine Health Care, Batu Besurat.

Here is my review of Treatmine Health Care:

First Impressions:

Well just by looking at the price, I didn’t expect much from the spa except for the foot treatment itself. It is actually a bit difficult to locate the spa in Batu Besurat and the roads can be quite confusing especially to go and about. Finally, I was to locate the spa on the first floor of the building complex, the stairs leading up to the spa aren’t really flattering. It was dark and poorly lit and the door was not welcoming. It didn’t exude the sense of stepping into another world, that escape from the real world that you yearn for every time you enter a spa.

How did they welcome you?

Not much – I was not greeted at all with the empty reception. It left me wandering around for two minutes before being one of the employees asking what treatment I would like. He then showed me a list of treatments available such as a list of $10 treatments which includes ear candling, neck & shoulder massage, the signature foot reflexology and other treatments. All you have to do is to avail yourself around 10am until 4pm to get the off peak prices. I chose the foot reflexology from a friend’s recommendation.

As you can see from the blurry picture above, the spa area is pretty basic, it involves a cushy-sofa bed and where you lay your legs on when you experience the foot reflexology treatment. The therapist did not speak any word of English or Malay. My futile attempts to communicate with the therapist which included adjusting the pressure of the massage was unsuccessful. I finally had to just try to enjoy the foot reflexology treatment however in my mind was restless thinking critically whether paying cheap means I have to get a much less enjoyable spa time.

There’s also the problem with the ergonomics of the chair itself, the place where you rest your head and neck is way too low for my neck to rest, this led to a mild sprain on my neck afterwards! It does spoils the reason why you would go to a spa in the first place.

Verdict: 3/10 since cheap price I’ll give an extra point so 4/10

Treatmine Health Care

Lot 7753 Unit 8 Block A

1st floor, Jln Batu Besurat

Call in 245-0316