Nestled deep in the heart of the cosmetics department at Lane Crawford lurks a hidden gem: a cluster of cocoon like pods specially designed to soothe, rejuvenate and invigorate. I went along to Pacific Place to experience pod living the Elemis way and familiarize myself with some of Elemis’s next generation retail beauty products.

As one of those people whose daily beauty routine is lucky if it includes moisturiser, the Elemis facial was something of a master-class in how one should really look after one’s face – if you want to avoid looking like a soggy beancurd sheet by the time you’re 50 that is.

As soon as I’d discarded my day-wear for a toweling robe and settled onto the comfy pod bed, we kicked off the treatment with a gentle cleanse. Rehydrating rose-petal cleanser was applied in an artfully soothing manner to help remove the build up of grot and grime from my un-loved skin. I particularly liked its delicate fragrance which, unlike many rose scented products, was not too overpowering.

After the cleanser came the application of toner and a gentle exfoliation. Sophia, the therapist, applied eye mask, face mask and lip mask (see below for details) before settling me, ready for a 15 minute hot stone massage. Ahhhhh – what bliss. I drifted near sleep as Sophia oiled my shoulders and set to work with her hot stones. I wasn’t expecting to feel so much more relaxed after only 15 minutes, but I was………zzz.

Sophia removed the mask, again using the rose-petal cleanser and applied pro-collagen marine cream, an anti-ageing treatment cream. It wasn’t too heavy, cloying or perfumed. As for its anti-ageing credentials, one session just isn’t enough to comment, but according to Elemis its anti-ageing ingredients include marine algae, gingko biloba, Chlorella, Prophyridium, Rose and Mimosa Absolutes. Quite a list!
After donning my day-wear, I walked away feeling a little bit taller (thank you the hot stones) and more energised. My face didn’t feel clogged up by the application of multiple products, but firmer, brighter and better tended than it has done in some time.

So with my critical hat on, what could have been better? Well the exfoliation could have been a little more abrasive but I suppose that’s partly a personal preference and on the plus side, I didn’t leave looking like my face had been on the receiving end of a sand storm.

End Result
The pod facials are a brilliant way of taking a little time out from the office or the shops (especially if you work or shop in Central) and treating yourself and your skin to some professional care. I liked the products and am tempted to treat myself to the rose-petal cleanser and apricot toner.
X factor

Hot stone massage. This was an unexpected treat and I encourage all you hot stone skeptics out there to give it a go.
Things you should know

A number of power booster facials are offered in the Pod, all at the HK$790 mark. Guys don’t need to feel left out either as there is a specially designed treatment to keep you looking and feeling and looking tip-top-tastic in the face department.

Helen Wrigglesworth

Costs
Facial:
Pod Power Booster facials: HK$790
Products:
Rehydrating Rose Petal Cleanser, 200ml: HK$399
Soothing Apricot Toner, 200ml: HK$399
Gentle Rose Exfoliator, 50ml: HK$365
Pro-collagen Quartz Mask, 50ml: HK$1150
Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask (applied to lips), 50ml: HK$550
Absolute Eye Mask, 30ml: HK$450
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, 50ml: HK$1380

Where
Elemis Counter
Cosmetics Department
Lane Crawford at Pacific Place
Tel. +852 2118 3654

Elemis fans should also check out the Elemis day-spa
9/F, Century Square,  
1 D’Aguilar Street,  
Central, Hong Kong  
Tel: +852 2521 6660