Pampering Elemental Herbology Facial @ Sccube
It’s been about two months since my last facial and earlier this week, I went for a Elemental Herbology Facial, complimentary from Sccube the Apothecary located at #03-19A, The Centrepoint. I do get invites for facials on and off but I usually turn them down or arrange for guest reviewers to go in my place instead. However, I was interested to try this particular one myself because it’s a manual lymphatic drainage treatment using a natural range of products and I wanted to see how different it is from my usual facial. Anyhow, it’s been awhile since I last reviewed a facial and I thought I can share my experience in a slightly different format this round.
The venue
I’ve actually come across Sccube (pronounced as S-cube) many a times at Takashimaya, especially since the hair salon I frequent used to be near the apothecary. The outlet had caught my eye because of its pristine, white and spacious layout that is almost clinical looking as well as the range of products they carry, which includes cult beauty brands like Philip B, Dr Brandt, RéVive, Rodial, and Euoko, amongst others. However, I have no idea that they have an outlet at The Centrepoint. Neither was I aware that they provide facial treatment services. In terms of location, The Centrepoint is very convenient since it is near the Somerset MRT and you won’t have much trouble locating the apothecary on the third level either.
The facial cabin
The apothecary at The Centrepoint is equally pristine looking and they had partitioned away a section as the facial treatment room. I always have the impression that a facial cabin located inside a retail store would be rather cramped and so I was really surprised the facial cabin at Sccube is very spacious. It is so spacious and I imagine you can fit about three beds in there but it only has one bed! The cabin is simple looking but pleasant enough. I could place my big bag on a counter top and I was happy they have a mirror and a basin, both of which are important amenities to me. However, I couldn’t locate a clothes hanger anywhere and so I had to place my clothes on a basket instead. Temperature within the cabin was just right; I didn’t feel too warm or too cold.
The facial
The facial I received was a 1.5 hour manual lymphatic drainage treatment using Elemental Herbology products. Its dubbed the Elemental Herbology Facial and cost S$168 per session. Elemental Herbology is a brand founded by Kristy Goodger, a veteran spa consultant in the UK and certified acupuncturist. The products are 95% natural with a few organic ingredients and they were created to help skin restore equilibrium and good health. Before the facial began, I was informed that the treatment aims to soothe and detoxify. The therapist also promised me that I would emerge with a better complexion after the treatment – specifically a glowing and radiant skin with eradication of some fine lines. So you bet I was looking forward to seeing the results!
The products used
The therapist started off with a pressure point massage using Elementary Herbology Detox Botanical Bathing Infusion to relieve tension. Next, she removed my makeup and cleansed my face with the EH Purify and Soothe Cleanser and followed on with two facial scrubs, one using the EH Facial Glow to remove surface dead cells, promote cell metabolism and improve radiance. A double cleanse followed, using the EH Cool & Clear Facial Cleanser and Flower Harmonising Mist Facial Tonic. After that, it was the manual lymphatic drainage massage using the EH Soothing Oil Free Moisturiser to detoxify and then the application of the EH Facial Detox Purifying Mask, mixed with Aloe Vera gel. There was a final cleanse before the therapist applied the EH Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator and then sunblock from a different brand. So besides the aloe vera gel, the other products used on my face were mainly from Elemental Herbology.
The beauty therapist and the treatment process
I was in good hands during the 1.5 hours as the entire facial was indeed very relaxing and soothing. I think the lovely smell of the products helped to calm my nerves as well. Christine, the beauty therapist who worked on my face, has over 20 years of experience and she worked her deft fingers on my face, neck and décolleté area, using a process she had created to get rid of toxins lodged in our lymph nodes. According to Christine, products will have a better chance of penetration into our skin if we can get rid of those toxins. I was also all ears when Christine told me that my rashes were a result of internal imbalance and that I have a “heaty” constitution. I further learnt that while my acne has cleared but there were some clogged pores within and those could emerge in time again. As a result, she did some extraction on my face, focusing more on my nose area but no steaming was involved for me although it maybe required for other skin types. Christine also explained why she needed to perform two scrubs on my face as I had expressed my concerns, especially since the texture of the first scrub felt rather rough on my skin. However, I was told that it was needed to get rid of impurities lodged within my skin but she added that it should not be a frequent treatment for thin skin like mine.
The result and after treatment service
The treatment was pretty pampering and I felt quite relaxed afterwards. Christine delivered her promise of a better complexion for me. As a whole, my skin appeared more radiant and and even my husband commented on the glow. I believe the two scrubs did work to improve my skin tone and some of my fine lines are less visible now. On top of that, I had two to three blackheads emerging a day or two after the facial and I believe those could be due to the clogged pores Christine had mentioned. However, I am still not comfortable with the first scrub and would not want to have it done on my skin again. Christine also pointed out that my current exfoliating product may not be working well for me; something I’m not too sure about. She had recommended me to get the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow but I didn’t. I did end up getting a mask from the range instead.
Overview
Overall, I like the facial treatment and the results. It also helped that the beauty therapist is very knowledgeable and knew what she was doing. On top of it, her massage techniques are good although she seem to concentrate more on my neck and décolleté area, probably because of the many lymph nodes located there. I understand that the facial can be customised to each person’s skin type with the choice of products. I also like the fact Sccube does not try to sell a huge package of 10 sessions to customers; instead, customers can take up a 3-session package if they wish. However, I felt that Christine was trying to sell me the Elemental Herbology products because she kept saying that it’s time for me to change my products. That made me felt slightly uncomfortable but at least she wasn’t pushy and she also mentioned that I needn’t do a complete switch immediately. But I guess that’s to be expected since Sccube is afterall, in the business of retail primarily.
Would I recommend?
Yes. The treatment is effective and Christine mentioned that this facial can last me 28 days, since skin takes that period of time to renew. The price is reasonable, considering Christine has over 20 years of experience and her massage techniques are superior. However, be prepared to fork out more to buy the products although I anticipate the selling wouldn’t be too pushy. It might be good for those who are considering a change in their skin care products and want to try something that is natural and yet contains ingredients that are proven to work on our skin.
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i saw their products featured in her world magazine and thought of trying their cleanser but i didn’t know they have facial services. what’s their price for facial?
I’m curious about the herbal smell. Are they strong like those TCM? Weird question, I know. I’m starting to get interested in herbal stuff because I desire to detox my body ?
Also, I’m doing the lymphatic drainage method on my face regularly (look under Clarins Auto-Lifting Method on my blog) and I was wondering how’s the procedure is like for body massage
The facial I did is S$168 for 1.5 hours.
Not, despite the name, the smell is closer to those products with essential oils. Quite natural to me…not too overwhelming and very pleasant.
I’m doing daily facial massage using the Tanaka method. It does have a bit of lymphatic drainage. For the body, quite hard to do ourselves. One method is dry brushing. I’ve been wanting to do it and actually bought a brush for the purpose. But I couldn’t get started due to the rashes on my body.
as in Gua Sha?
No, not like Gua Sha. It’s a technique where you use a dry brush and brush from your legs to your heart. If you search for dry brush techniques, you should be able to find info or videos on it.
And a bit of correction on the smell of Elemental Herbology…it’s more botanical and some smell like floral water.
I try to dry brush on a daily basis and it helps to reduce the look of my dimpled skin which is largely due to water retention.
Correct me if i am wrong – lymphatic drainage massages are done softly without much pressure, rite?
Oh you’re dry brushing? I don’t remember reading anything about it on your blog. Can you write your experience with it in time? I would really love to get started but my body is not ready for it at the moment.
Lymphatic drainage massages need a certain pressure point and I quote in Tanaka’s words – strong but comfortable. If it’s too light handed, then there’s no effect. It can get slightly painful at some of the lymph nodes which are blocked too. Try pressing the area behind your ears and the side of your neck and see if they’re painful to the pressure. Or the area near your armpits.
aha, sounds good! cross-comparisons with True Beauty? especially on the after-facial results?
you’re really tempting me haha! i just passed by this place at Shaw Towers where they claim you can do an ion detoxification ($25 for 30min, and 20% discount with the card they hand out to passers-by) and I think I might try that too x=
Results quite comparable but in terms of process, TB focus more massage on the face while Sccube more on the neck and décolleté area. Also, TB doesn’t use a scrub and they rely on their water and cleanser to improve the skin tone. Sccube used two scrubs on my face, but I have to say, the face is still glowing.
hmm still glowing? sounds good! unfortunately the brightening effect of TB doesn’t last so long so I am so tempted by Sccube! do you remember how much the 3session price was? thanks!
I don’t remember but you can call them up to check at +65 6737 8482/+65 96457119. Must ask for Christine. If your skin isn’t too thin, the two scrubs should be okay. The first one she did on me was more like polishing.
Ooh… Still glowing! I do agree the glow from TB doesn’t last so long…am Tempted sesame…
Surprising, my husband noticed and commented. He doesn’t say that much when I go for the TB facial.
Okay, I’m going to run a special on this on my Viva Woman Facebook Page very soon…so if you’re a fan, keep a lookout!
I’m going to run a special on this on my Viva Woman Facebook Page very soon…so if you’re a fan, keep a lookout!
i actually have a blog entry ready that’s on dry brushing but i’m in the midst of fine-tuning it. U’ll see it in time to come ?
Hi Sesame. i think this is a late response for this post…But i have to..
I was searching for a good facial treatment and i found this review..So last week i had my facial done there..It is oxygen infused facial treatment…. wow…This facial is extremely nice…they have passed oxygen to my face together with a serum…..the massage was also nice…the result after the treatment is visible…now it is almost more than a week and i could see the glow in my face,,,also i bought Elemental herbology’s Facial Glow
Radiance Peel … the beautician there told me to use this once in a week to have a really even and glowing skin..i tried only once and this product is also great…Thanks for your review…If you have time please review this product also….
Oh glad you enjoyed the experience! I find their facial quite good because the effects lasted quite awhile. I have only tried one of Elemental Herbology’s products…haven’t gotten round to trying others.
You mentioned about tanaka massage. I actually intend to do the massage but the problem is i don’t know what to put on my face as lubricant.
I try to buy cheaper facial cream in a big tub like Ego or rosken but still not lubricating enough to massage on.
May i know what you use? I am thinking of baby johnson oil, hopefully doesn’t clog my pore after washing off.
I do the massage when I’m washing my face. With the foam and all, that helps to lubricate. I do a shorter version of the massage though.
Hmmm..I see. I don’t use foaming cleanser and i have to cleanse very quickly as my skin is very thin. I guess i can ask a facial salon which did a massage on my face with oil before during the facial.