My Pamper Day at Bioessence - Eccentric Yet Happy

Years ago, I’d spend my hard-earned money on clothes, shoes and bags. As I turned 30, I’ve decided to change my retail therapy strategy and invest more in skincare products, spas, mineral makeup and facials. Attending Blogapalooza 2014 was a feel-good moment for me as I was able to visit the Bioessence booth and got two cool items: a small jar of Lava Calm Balm by Dr. Beleno Skin System (which is like a combination of Vicks Vaporub and Efficascent Oil #IMHO) and a Premium Pass for either a Stress Relief Back Massage or a Beauty Break Facial. The Premium Pass also includes a treat for bloggers: a meet-and-greet opportunity with its celebrity endorser, Allison Harvard of ANTM.

I booked an appointment through Thea of Bioessence Marketing Department, with Beauty Break Facial as my treatment of choice. The facial, as I was told, involves extraction of whiteheads and blackheads and it’s something I thought I needed given that I haven’t had a professionally-done facial for a month (thanks to my hectic sked as a virtual assistant, I resorted to DIY facials at home).

I used the Premium Pass at their SM Southmall branch, which is just 10 minutes away from my place. Its facade got my attention because of the colorful balloons, and this is because October is their anniversary month (20 years in the business – staying strong in spite of the growing competition).

Members of the staff were very accommodating and didn’t make me wait long at the reception area. As I was accompanied to the treatment room, I was advised that a skincare expert would drop by and assess my skin first to see if the facial I booked for is indeed the right one for me. The physician recommended another type of facial that’s best for acne-prone skin, but I said I’ll have it done during my next visit instead. Hence, we proceeded with the Beauty Break Facial. The aesthetician assigned to me right after the assessment was the petite and bubbly Marisol.

Here’s how the facial was done step by step (with photos):

Facial massage using the Lava Calm Balm

Cleansing and exfoliation

Ozone (facial steaming)

Extraction (the semi-“ouchy” part of the treatment)

Acne mask application

Application of Vitamin C solution

I may not have chosen the Stress Relief Back Massage, but I was offered a back massage right after the facial (thank goodness!) and a cup of hot tea as well, so there…it’s like being pampered with both treatments using one Premium Pass.

Convenient location, friendly staff, clean facilities – I’d definitely come back here for more facials and to try the other treatments as stated in their Menu of Services. So far, my face hasn’t been that prone to breakouts since my Bioessence visit despite staying up late as my job would usually require.