Zen in a Mall - The Shiseido Massage

I just had to share this here - got a complimentary facial massage from Shiseido when I bought my toner/lotion. I am all for freebies but invariably find they are just not worth a mention leave alone anyone's time. But this...oh you just have to get this..its gooooood.

Shiseido has spas..I just don't know if they have any in Bangalore, though. If anyone has any idea, please let me know. My facial massage was at the Shiseido counter at Lifestyle. I wasn't too keen on this, but its free...and I admit I got tempted.

The SA settled me into a comfortable but regular swivel chair, the kind that you find at most cosmetic counters. Then she placed a disposable shower cap to cover my hair and tucked towels in to keep my shirt from getting messy. I got some curious looks from people shopping for jeans nearby!

Products used:

Shiseido Skincare Massage - Facial

• Skincare Cleanser to remove any makeup/dirt (I had on my moisturizer, sunblock, loose powder).
• Then the actual massage with the White Lucent Brightening Massage Cream. It is a light gel-like massage cream. Does not feel one bit heavy or oily and spreads really easily. There was a STRONG alcohol smell to it, and I panicked. I have very sensitive skin (or so I believe), but nothing happened, and once she started massaging I was too drowsy to think about it. I have no idea how long she massaged..she finished I guess in about 20-30 minutes. Was heaven.
• Dab with paper tissues to take off any excess massage cream. Applied Pureness Alcohol Lotion Free Lotion (thats similar to a toner - function is to prepare your skin to help absorb the next step, cream/gel, better).
• Waited a minute or two for the lotion/softener/toner to absorb, then applied Pureness Anti-shine Refreshing Lotion. This is a super-runny watery lotion, and the only way I would get oily with this is if I take some oil or cream and rub it on my face.
  

If you get a chance to try this facial massage at one of the counters, I suggest TAKE IT...even if they are selling cauliflowers (or castor oil :P) next to the counter. Its really relaxing and my face did look brighter the next day.

I am putting up pictures from Shiseido on how to do this massage yourself using any cream that you might want to try it with. Use enough to allow your fingers to slide/glide easily over your skin without stretching it or applying pressure. Finger pressure should be very very slight...just glide, that's it. The same thing is there somewhere on a website, but I cannot find it right now.