Alexandra Soveral’s been on my list of uber Facialists I want to see for yonks. Her skincare philosophy: use organic, seasonal products to harness the power of nature applied with energy to encourage blood flow, drain toxins and render skin bouncier and more contoured, which is essentially all my favourite ideas about skincare all rolled up in one brand.
This week after moving house, working ridiculous hours and eating sugary food, I decided my skin needed a treat and opted for the next best thing to seeing Soveral herself: one of her facials at the Mondrian London on the Southbank.
The newly-opened Mondrian is part of the Morgans Hotel Group who are responsible for the Sanderson and Delano South Beach and their recent venture is similarly impressive to behold: lots of brass, dollops of modern art and views of the Thames running along the restaurant and bar.
The subterranean Agua Spa is my favourite part of the hotel (and not just because of the magic that happens within its giant belly); spas that manage to look ‘designy’ and feel welcoming simultaneously are a rarity, but this one hits the nail on the head – the copper statues and bubbling water features work in synergy so by the time I hit the treatment bed I was already half asleep (though on reflection I was so tired I’m not sure I can attribute that to the surroundings – an hour later, I fell fast asleep on the Jubilee line, head in hand, and that’s hardly a soothing atmosphere…).
The facial was all I’d hoped it’d be – circulation-improving, skin-smoothing and relaxing in one, my face was brushed with mini brushes, smothered in antibacterial honey and firmly tapped to allow blood to flow between the skin and muscle before finally being massaged with one if Soveral’s famous oils. That’s it – no extractions (I would’ve liked a few but it’s not that kind of facial) or machinery; just hands and good, natural ingredients.
Afterwards I snuggled under a duvet with a cup of lemon tea in the coppery candlelit relaxation room and promptly fell asleep. Nobody woke me, and when I finally came to of my own accord and looked at my face in the mirror I could see a definite improvement – it looked lit from within and far less puffy. I’ll be returning (and of course will also continue to try to secure a treatment with Soveral herself)…