I don’t own a jade egg. I’ve never voluntarily fasted. And, I have no plans to sell a candle that smells like my vagina. Which is to say: Gwyneth Paltrow and I are not exactly spiritual sisters. But, in a surprising twist of skin care fate, it turns out we do share one thing – our facial of choice.
It’s called the Hydrafacial. And, while it may sound like something Goop would prescribe alongside a celery cleanse, this isn’t just a celeb-backed gimmick. It’s a multi-step, no-downtime, pore-purging, skin-plumping, glow-giving treatment that’s won fans from Beyonce to JLo, and yes, Gwyneth. So, when I had the chance to try the Hydrafacial Hydralock HA Booster version of the treatment (featuring bonus hydrating superpowers), I was ready to go in first face.
A cleanse is queen kind of facial
My appointment kicked off with a cleanse. Not a foamy face-wash situation, but a lactic acid-infused, vortex-powered exfoliation courtesy of the Hydrafacial’s signature spiral-tipped wand. It gently whisked away dead skin cells with the satisfying precision of a Dyson vacuum on a dusty floorboard. The sensation was cool, tingly, and oddly addictive.
Extra(cation), Extra(cation) read all about it
Next came the extraction phase. Now, if you’re used to facials that involve squeezing, poking or painful prodding, allow me to introduce you to your new favourite method of pore detox. The Hydrafacial wand uses a vortex suction to vacuum out blackheads, whiteheads, and whatever else is hiding in your skin. I didn’t feel a thing – but the post-treatment “gunkie jar” (NGL. It is as gross as it sounds) gave me visual proof that my pores were, in fact, properly purged.
Hydration nation
Now that my face was squeaky clean, it was time to reintroduce moisture. And lots of it. Using a specially designed wand tip, my therapist infused a cocktail of Green Tea Extract, Red Algae and Hyaluronic Acid deep into my dermis. The result was immediate bounce, dew and a kind of glossy-but-not-greasy glow that reminded me of a glazed donut… if said donut had spent the weekend at a wellness retreat.
Booster shots (much nicer than wheatgrass types)
The final step was the boost. With my pores still wide open, the Hydralock HA Booster was delivered into the skin to seal the deal. This wasn’t your standard serum application. Thanks to the vortex technology, the booster ingredients penetrated deeper than any topical product ever could. And, with its potent actives targeting elasticity, brightness, and fine lines, it felt like a direct injection of youth (minus the needle).
Did I glow like the GOOP guru?
I left the clinic looking like I was an “I have eight hours of sleep, a personal chef, and a live-in aesthetician,” kind of gal. You know, just standard GP Things. My skin felt firmer plumper, and noticeably more radiant. Friends commented. Strangers asked what highlighter I was using (spoiler: none). And, as for me? I finally understood why Gwyneth, Queen Bey, and an entire red carpet’s worth of stars swear by the Hydrafacial Hydralock HA Booster treatment.
We may not have matching bank balances – or ex-boyfriends – but for 45 glorious minutes – and a good week afterwards – I had Gwyneth Paltrow skin. And honestly… who needs rectal ozone therapy, when you can get a Gwynnie Glow is a much less invasive way?