Self-care you deserve in just 30 minutes at this Open Spa

Clarins Open Spa recently opened its SM Makati branch, and so I decided to drop by (without making an appointment first) to try out its services.

The Open Spa’s premise is to offer express spa treatments to those who might find themselves at the SM Makati mall and in need of some TLC. Their facials, matching shoulder and hand massages, run for only 30 minutes, which is quite convenient for those who are pressed for time.

The 30-minutes spa time is divided into two parts: The first part is a 10-minute consultation with one of Clarins’ skin experts who can help you understand your skin concerns, and then 20 minutes are allotted for the actual facial.

Clarins’ product range cover both men’s and women’s skincare, as well as cosmetics

Some of the products used in their Open Spa facial treatments

The treatments on the Open Spa menu were designed to address specific skin concerns: Bye Dry Skin is for softening and moisturizing dry skin; Men’s Skin Fit helps restore tone and vitality; SOS V-Shape lifts and firms facial contours; Eye-Must targets the more delicate skin around the eyes; Youth Express relaxes while firming and smoothing the skin; Say “No” to Tension eases tight muscles on the shoulders, neck, scalp, and hands; SOS Detox gets the skin fresh and radiant again; and All About Whitening gives clients a youthful glow. All treatments are priced at Php950 each.

Since I’m currently concerned about some dark spots left behind by past blemishes, I decided on the All About Whitening treatment after I had my consultation. Inside the red-and-white themed spa area, I was made to sit on a reclining chair, covered with a blanket, and then was instructed to relax myself by breathing deeply. A mini-massage on my neck and shoulders further helped me feel at ease, and then my face got prepped for the multi-step treatment.

There were more or less 13 products used for the treatment I picked, from cleansers to exfoliators and emulsions to masks. Those that stood out for me were the White Plus Gel Masque, which smelled so good and left my skin feeling moisturized and plump; and the UV Plus Anti-Pollution Day Screen with SPF50/PA++++ in Rosy Glow, which proved to be really practical as I still had errands to run after my spa session. Plus, the UV Day Screen had the right tint and the right amount of sheen to get my face glowing after the treatment. My skin felt and looked hydrated, even brighter and with a more even tone—all that within just 30 minutes.