We indulged in a 24k gold facial at Taj Salon in Colaba and a purity ritual for oily/combinaion skin at Bandra's Skin Story. Find out how they fared
facial
When we walked in to the Taj Salon housed inside the iconic five-star in Colaba, the ambiance wasn’t overwhelming as we had expected from its legacy — it appeared like any other high-end salon in the city. An attendant escorted us to our seat where we were requested to fill out a short health form (about allergies or health issues). Our beautician for the session, Pramila Gilande, met us and analysed our skin, in a therapy room that also had a bed.
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She identified the problem areas (read: oily sections) and shared the routine that would be used with different products on various parts of our face, based on her analysis.
Gold high
The menu spelt opulence from signature treatments like the Crystal Massage that used Rose Quartz — a popular jet lag treatment for tired and dehydrated skin — to the Royal Indulgence Manicure and Pedicure that begins with a luxurious milk bath, also known as The Royal Hammam. We picked the 24k gold facial. On making this choice, we were informed that members of members of royalty and high society have relied on gold for anti-ageing and skin improvement, stretching far back in time. They believed gold was the key to youth and allowed them to come closer to the gods. Cleopatra is rumoured to have slept in a gold mask to enhance her legendary beauty. Gold beauty routines were also popular in Asia, especially ancient China and even in modern -day Japan. “Gold has nano particles and has the ability to get absorbed in the skin. The molecules penetrate into the skin and gold has properties to give the skin a glow, texture and shine. We use a collagen serum, so even that gets absorbed in the skin faster as the molecules of the serum cling to the gold molecules and open the pores,” explained, Reena Sheth, manager, Taj Salon, Taj Mahal Palace, as we got set to begin.
Pics/Shadab Khan
Luxe on call
The treatment was relaxing from the word go. We began with a gold cleanser, followed by a toner. We were told that after giving our skin some steam and a quick check for whiteheads, the anti-aging mask made of gold with silk proteins and marine collagen (wrinkle-fillers) would be applied. Soon, our face was wrapped in gold foil, which was covered with gauze, and a second layer, of deep tissue rejuvenation mask along with the collagen eye mask, was applied. “This helps firm and improve skin elasticity, giving you a silky smooth and rejuvenating look,” our beautician told us. She gave us a relaxing foot and hand massage while we waited for the mask to dry.
This massage was the highlight of our session. The 90-minute session ended with a cup of soothing green tea. Though we weren’t promptly transformed into a beauty pageant contestant, we did leave the salon with our skin feeling nourished and pampered and a little skip in our step.
Rating: 07/10
Time: 9 am to 7.30 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 9 am to 6 pm (Sunday).
At: Taj Salon, Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba.
Cost: Rs 20,000 (Gorgeous Gold — The 24 K Gold Facial)
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