Aesop is one of the most distinctive skincare brands out there. For example, did you know that every Aesop store in the world has a different unique design concept? Their location in Hong Kong’s Harbour City was created in collaboration with Mavis Yip, Kian Yam and Kwanho Li who are designers from MIkk Studio. After stepping into the space, it’s easy to see how much design and thought has gone into the design of the Harbour City store – it looks simple, but minimalism is not easy. They incorporated pebble wash into the design, a material once very popular in Hong Kong and Southern China which played an important role in shaping public spaces. Also, in the shop there is not a single surface that isn’t rounded off – even the shelves on the wall are curved on the edge.
As an Aussie I’ve naturally been a fan of Aesop for years – their skincare is cruelty-free, paraben-free and silicone-free, and I love it. I’d never had the chance to experience their facials before…but that all changed recently when I got the chance to treat my face at Harbour City.
The experience began with an initial consultation with a trained facial therapist to determine the type of treatment required based on skin concerns of the guest. When I walked into my facial treatment room at Aesop Harbour city (they also do facial treatments at their Aesop shop on Hollywood road, too), I was surprised at how big the room was. They could easily have designed it to make room for two treatment rooms to provide more daily treatments. However they are not greedy and are more about the guest experience – they decided to make sure everyone is given enough time to enjoy the space, before and after the facial. They only take four facial bookings a day to give the guests space, which I find really impressive – quality over quantity. Their tranquil treatment room features Moroccan hues and is decked out in soft blush tones, with minimalistic decor and soothing sounds on the speakers. I hadn’t even started my facial and I felt relaxed.
Not wanting to interrupt the treatment, my therapist talked me through different stages of the treatment before it started – she focused mainly on explaining the steps and products that would be used. After a double cleanse, steam, tone, extraction and mask, a warm towel was wrapped around my head while my therapist started my shoulder and neck massage. Let me just say, this was not some quick five minute massage. It was professionally done, for about 15 minutes (but it felt like a lovely eternity). With oil, she firmly massaged my shoulders, arms and neck. She hit all the right pressure points and knots, and my whole upper body was in heaven.
The massage ended with a facial massage – which is not often included in your everyday massage parlor. A good facial massage gives the muscles in your face a wake up call, massaging and molding them into action. Like muscles in the body, if the facial muscles aren’t strengthened they will begin to sag – and, boy, did my face get a workout. I noticed a difference immediately and actually started searching online how to do facial massages later – I was sold! The experience ended with the therapist suggesting ways to improve my skin health, skincare routine and overall skin appearance. While my therapist did recommend Aesop products she also suggested some helpful free tips, such as sleeping on my back, adding some oil to my moisturizer for when my skin is extra dry and improving my body muscle tone as she noticed my shoulders and neck were quite weak.
You can choose between six Aesop facial treatments for either 60 or 75 minutes. I would definitely recommend an Aesop facial treatment prior to a big event or party – you can see the difference in your face immediately. It’s like a mini, temporary facelift. Prices are HKD $920 for 60 Minutes or HKD $1,090 for 75 minutes – in Hong Kong, this is very good value for money.
Buy products at:
Aesop at Galaxy Macau G049, The Promenade shops, www.galaxymacau.com
Facial treatments are currently only available in Hong Kong at Aesop Harbour city, 1415, World Commerce Centre, Harbour City, 7-11 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. You can book online here
