Anne Semonin is a French skincare and spa brand with a unique approach that incorporates a bespoke mix of products to get the most effective results. The customised, made-to-measure system focuses on mixing drops of trace elements and essential oils for a potent effect.
I’ve always keen curious as to how this regime works and the best way to experience the brand is to go to the source – the Anne Semonin spa. Anne Semonin has spas in select locations across the world, including the flagship spa at Hotel Le Bristol in Paris, and closer to home is the relatively new Anne Semonin spa at Hotel Verta in Battersea.
I arrived at the spa reception and was shown down to the changing area by a warm, friendly fellow North East girl who was to be my therapist for my facial.
I changed into my swimsuit and the provided slipper and large fluffy towel, ready to try out the facilities. After a quick shower, I tried the sauna, which was just at the right heat level, spacious and pristine, as though I was the first to use it.
I then went on to steam room, which was dark and atmospheric with twinkling ceiling lights and calming, spiritual music. I felt like I’d been transported to a humid, twilight garden in Morocco.
Next up was the Sanarium, which was also designed in light wood, but was a combination of the dry sauna heat and the moisture of the steam room. I was told that many visitors find this more pleasant and moderate, however, I found that I prefer the two extremes of heat, either the sauna or steam room.
There are also tropical showers and foot baths to prolong the spa journey, but my main indulgence was the hydrotherapy pool. Completely silver and surrounded by tiny gold mosaics, this was quite possibly the most stylish spa pool I’d ever seen. There were various jacuzzi areas and water jets to massage and sooth the muscles.
I washed and blast dried my hair and changed into the fluffy robe and slippers, so I would be comfortable during the treatment. I relaxed on the heated mosaic beds and waited for my therapist came down to collect me. She took me up to the relaxation area and offered me a pot of fresh peppermint tea while I filled out a consultation form. I lay back on the white leather bed, covered in a blanket while sipping on my tea, flicking through Conde Nast Traveller and waiting for my treatment room to be ready.
I chose the Deep Marine Purifying Facial (£115 for 75 minutes) – ideal for detoxifying and rebalancing combination, oily, congested or problematic skin. Before my treatment, I was asked about the condition of my skin and the frequency and exact type of the blemishes. I was told that this was because certain methods can make the problems flare up and the treatment would be tailor-made for my skin complaints.
My therapist started with a double cleanse using Botanical Milk and Marine Toner. Her hands were incredibly soft and she immediately put me at ease with slow, graceful movements.
The next stage was an exfoliating mask to whisk away the dead skin cells. My therapist then applied a mixture of Balancing Essential Oils + Trace Elements to various pressure points on my face and used a range of massage techniques to stimulate the skin.
The therapist then used a steam machine to open up my pores, followed by light extraction. To draw out further impurities, the therapist applied a spa-exclusive thick, paste-like mask that set quickly. Treatments always feel more decadent and special when the therapists use products that can’t be bought in stores. It makes it difficult to then replicate at home, but I was told that the next best thing is the Mineral Mask.
While my mask was working its magic, my therapist gave me a relaxing hand and arm massage with a light Botanical Body Milk. She found the pressure points and the areas of my hands that are continually stressed due to typing and the effect was just blissful. The arm massage was invigorating and got the blood flowing around my body.
The mask was peeled away in one rubbery layer with deep-rooted impurities and oil particles attached.
To rebalance the moisture levels, my therapist mixed some Marine Emulsion with a few drops of 100% Active Contour Serum and Tissue Serum and massages it into my skin.
She finished with Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes covered in gauze and gently ran along the contour of my eyes, followed by a few drops of Tissue Serum to brighten, firm and hydrate.
It was then time to go back to reality, albeit after another revitalising pot of peppermint tea in the Relaxation Lounge.
After my treatment, I felt rejuvenated, supple and ready to face the world. The soaking and steaming in the spa prior to the facial really helped me to relax and opened my pores enough to get the most out of the treatment.
Immediately after and for the following days, my skin felt plump, smoother and more even and best of all, the blemishes dried out quickly and diminished.
Anne Semonin treatments are a high end investment, but the results are significant. The Deep Marine Purifying Facial immediately tamed my angry, inflamed blemishes and in the longer term, gave my skin a full detox.
The couture approach appealed to my skin and the combination of different products makes it easier to gauge what works best for your skin and unlike a uniform skincare cream, adapt it accordingly. Even as a one-off treat, I encourage you to indulge!
For more info, products and treatments, visit: www.annesemonin.com
Chérie City was a guest of Anne Semonin Spa