What It Feels Like to Get a $1,250 Caviar Facial
When I was asked if I wanted to try out an abbreviated version of a $1,250 facial, I will not lie to you: I instantly said yes without a moment's hesitation. Just like everyone else, I've had a long and tiring year, so lying down for 30 minutes as somebody pampers my skin sounded incredibly appealing.
Performed at the La Prairie Spa in the Ritz Carlton New York Central Park Hotel (yes, it's as fancy as it sounds), the Ultimate White Caviar Illuminating Facial features cleansing, soothing, firming and moisturizing formulas that promise to leave skin bright and hydrated. Having recently gone to Vegas, where my skin faced 117-degree desert heat and the dry effects of air-conditioning, my complexion has been in rough shape and needed a pick-me-up.
As I walked to the spa in NYC's 91-degree, humid heat, I could practically feel my pores clogging with gross city-garbage air, and I was wiping away perspiration from my forehead. Not a good start!
But once inside (and in the blessed hotel air-conditioning), I headed up to La Prairie, where I got into a robe and started to relax ... by way of selfies in the glorious locker room.
For the facial itself, La Prairie esthetician Lisa applied cleanser to my skin to remove any makeup (and pollutants, because New York City air is full of 'em), gently wiping them away with warm cotton towels. She performed a few basic extractions on me, which is essentially the removal of black or whiteheads. This is one aspect of facials that shouldn't be tried at home, as popping your pimples and poking at your blackheads can actually damage your skin if you aren't a trained pro.
Lisa then applied La Prairie's cellular peel to my face to exfoliate and brighten it. For the record, it smelled like apples and Christmas (I was super into it). An eye cream was applied to my orbital bones - the bones that make up the encasing of your eye socket - and massaged into the skin. She then used two fascinating little blue glass globes to massage caviar cream around my eyes, which felt like a cold and calming way to end the abbreviated facial. Afterward, my face felt refreshed and, again, I took selfies. But now with no makeup and brighter skin:
Full disclosure: I pay $1,225 in rent every month for my share of a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate, so this facial, while remarkably relaxing, actually costs more than I pay to put a roof over my head. Still, I am a firm believer in pampering yourself if and when you can - I know that a $15 manicure has definitely cheered me up in the past - so if you've got the cash to do it, by all means, give a fancy facial a go.
Wanna watch the whole thing? See below:
