I get facials fairly frequently (not frequently enough!), but I have experienced enough to know when I have found the best. I was asked to try a facial at Vera Bella Beverly Hills last week. I didn’t know what to expect, but the moment I walked in, I was struck by how sweet and unpretentious owner, Vera, and her daughter, Victoria, are. Don’t let the Beverly Hills address fool you – it’s not all flash – these women are the genuine article. Vera is Russian-born, and she told me that she had to learn how to make her own skin treatments because ingredients were often scarce. Over the years, she has perfected the art, and now whips up incredible, cruelty free skincare products that she uses in the salon, and sells online.
I was lucky enough to get Vera to do my facial because one of her clients canceled at the last minute. Lucky me! Vera gave me one of the best facials I’ve ever had in my life!
She did a cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, and an AMAZING aromatherapeutic face, neck and shoulder massage. She did very thorough extractions, followed by the application of a handmade antioxidant masque topped by a blue paraffin veil, which was brushed over the face and neck (over cheesecloth so it could easily be removed). The masque’s warmth promotes absorption of all the purifying ingredients, leaving skin soft, moist and radiant. She also put paraffin on my hands to soften them.
After the facial, she performed a non-surgical micro-current facelift on me. It stimulates, tightens and tones facial muscles and contours. Improves circulation, hydration and diminishes the appearance of premature aging and discoloration. Celebs regularly get this treatment before the red carpet. It typically lasts about 7 days, but the effects are cumulative if you get them regularly. She told me because I’m young (thanks Vera!), I may not see a huge difference. But I did!
Above is a before and after shot (excuse the lighting differences – and my brows – I need to go see Jen at Plush Beauty Bar immediately!). You can see the lift in my nasolabial folds (marionette lines around my mouth), a bit in the eyes, and the sides of my jaw. They explained it as “exercise for your face” and the next day, my facial muscles were a bit sore (in a good way). The treatment itself doesn’t hurt at all. It just feels relaxing, as metal rods are massaged over your face.
Vera Bella salon is frequented by celebs, including Kerry Washington (have you SEEN her skin?), Diane Lane, and many more models, actresses, actors, etc. Vera told me they had to reduce the number of signed headshots on the wall because it was starting to look like a drycleaner in there! LOL!. The salon has been featured in Allure, Harper’s Bazaar and E! Entertainment Television. Despite all this, the prices are extremely reasonable ($135 and up). And there’s a parking lot in the complex where her salon is located! A big deal in LA! I really need to sign up for their monthly membership – facials for $95 and a discount on products.
I went home with some of her products. There are a ton of amazing products, but if you have oily or combination, sensitive skin like me, do yourself a favor, and order the Aloe Tea Tree Healing Gel immediately! It’s made with lots of soothing aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, tea tree oil and witch hazel. It purifies and kills bacteria, while moisturizing without being heavy. A little bit goes a long way too. You don’t need a lot because it’s a gel and spreads easily over the face and decollete. This is an original formula that Vera used to make in her kitchen. After years of perfecting it, you can now buy it online or in the salon. Seriously – I don’t ever want to be without this stuff!
I also tried the Cucumber Aloe Moisture Screen SPF 45. It smells like cucumber and it’s not super thick, so, even though I usually break out with sunscreens, this one doesn’t cause acne. I don’t use sunscreen every day because I am indoors most of the time. But, if I’m going out on the town, this will be what I use.
She also has some adorable lip glosses that light up and have attached mirrors. Glam Gloss is perfect for “da club” or if like me, you’re feeling a little too old for that – use it in the car or anywhere you need a quick lip gloss re-do in dim lighting. 😉
To purchase Vera Bella products or make a facial appointment, visit www.verabella.com. Or call (310) 278-4733.
