Face Time at Pampered VI
Many people love to indulge in a massage or body treatment from time to time, but don’t forget about taking care of your face…after all, it is the part of you that everyone sees. For years now the beauty industry has offered a range of different facial treatments in a relaxed spa setting, but now there’s even more! Now you can also get longer, fuller, thicker looking eyelashes with semi-permanent lash extensions.
I recently had the opportunity to indulge in a facial treatment and eyelash extensions at Christiansted’s premier day spa and lash lounge, Pampered VI. Located in The Courtyard on King Street, Pampered VI is a serene space offering massage and body treatments, facials, waxing, lash extensions and services, and even a sauna. I recommend getting there early and enjoying a smoothie, fresh juice, or a cup of coffee in The Courtyard before your treatment. The Courtyard Juices & Fitness Studio offers a secluded courtyard space with a juice and coffee bar, lush greenery and a beautiful water fountain, making it the perfect place to relax before or after your visit to the spa. Now…onto the spa!
As you may already know, facials can help you to deep clean your skin while also brightening it, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, shrinking pores, reducing hyper-pigmentation and clearing up blemishes. Pampered VI offers a Signature Facial in which an esthetician creates a facial based on your skin type, problem areas, needs and wants. In my case, my skin was cleansed first, then a skin brightening scrub was applied and then removed with a steaming towel (which was incredibly relaxing). I then had a microderm abrasion treatment followed by a soothing masque. The facial also includes a tension relieving face and shoulder massage, then ends with a moisturizer and sunscreen to protect the skin, especially after exfoliation. I was in heaven!
After my facial, we moved onto the eyelash extensions. Going in, I knew nothing about lash extensions – which are a huge beauty trend right now. Jordan Stevens, owner of Pampered VI as well as an esthetician and lash stylist, walked me through the process. Jordan gave me some information about the actual lash extensions, asked me if I wanted natural or dramatic lashes, and then we started the preparation. The strangest part of the process was the preparation which consisted of Jordan taping my bottom lashes to my cheeks to keep them out of the way as he applied the extensions to the upper lashes. It didn’t take long, and then I closed my eyes and we got started. The extensions are applied with a special pharmaceutical grade adhesive to the existing eyelashes one at a time, so the process can take about an hour and a half for a full set. If you are getting lash extensions, for the best results make sure your lashes are clean and dry (do not use oil based remover to take off mascara as it will make the adhesive less effective), and try not wear mascara for a day or two before your appointment.
A photo of Jordan applying lashes to a Pampered VI client
What are the benefits of wearing eyelash extensions? They provide longer, thicker, fuller lashes, and you don’t have to wear mascara or eyeliner! Dark, thick and beautifully curled, the synthetic lashes are customizable, safe, waterproof, and can last up to two months here on the island. If you like the look, you can get touch-ups done every 2-4 weeks to replace the lashes which have fallen off due to the natural life cycle of your lashes. In fact, Pampered VI offers special package pricing for their clients that regularly come in for touch-ups. The extensions are also very easy to care for, you just avoid excess eye rubbing, as well avoiding the use of oil based cleaners, lotions, and make-up removers.
A before and after photo of a Pampered VI lash extension application
When I went in for the lash extensions, I had no idea what to expect, but the results were remarkable. My lashes looked longer and fuller, but still natural. In fact, in the days that followed my friends would ask if I was doing something different with my eye makeup. I thought it was wonderful that they could obviously see the impact the lash extensions made, but they didn’t immediately think I was wearing false lashes or even notice that it was the lashes that were making the impact. While there are many that wear lash extensions all the time, they are also perfect for special occasions, weddings and events, or anytime you will be photographed.
To put your best face forward, contact Pampered VI and schedule an appointment today. Whether you choose a facial or eyelash service, or both, you will come out of the spa feeling beautiful, relaxed and ready to face the world.
– Jennie Ogden, Editor
