Organic Facial at Living Waters Therapies in Leslieville

Today was the day I chose for my semi-annual facial. Having recently moved to Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood, I was eager to try a local aesthetic salon that offered organic facials and discovered Living Waters Therapies. Unlike my mother and sister, I did not inherit the resilient skin of my Nordic ancestors. I have the pale, sensitive skin of my Irish and English relatives, which means I really should go for a facial at least four times a year.

Living Waters Therapies is on Queen Street East, just two blocks east of Pape Avenue, in the heart of Leslieville. It’s tucked away at the back on the second floor, above Pied-a-terre home decor store. Upon entering, you’ll notice the welcoming interior of calming white decor.

I had booked my appointment with skin therapist/esthetician Jessica O’Gorman, who quickly ushered me into a private treatment room for my facial. I was asked to remove my blouse for the treatment. Jessica left the room while I got settled into the treatment bed.

First, Jessica examined my skin in order to determine what products she would use on my face. She advised me that she tailors each facial according to skin type and exclusively uses Éminence Organic Skin Care from Hungary, a product line she has been working with for the past seven years.

Jessica applied Éminence’s Coconut Milk cleanser, which cleanses while replenishing hydration to dry skin. She then applied Éminence’s Arctic Berry Peel, specifically chosen for skin with rosacea, to help exfoliate and remove dead skin. By removing dead layers of skin, the peel helps eliminate fine lines and reveals smoother and more even skin. I loved the fragrant smell of this peel.

Now it was time for extraction, which was one of the reasons I felt I needed a facial. The bumps on my nose were getting out of hand and I did not feel that I could attempt the task at home. Jessica advised that they do not use steaming for extractions, as that can cause damage to sensitive skin. She normally uses a Cinnamon Paprika exfoliant; however, she felt my skin was too sensitive for this during my first facial with her.

Jessica proceeded to gently extract the blackheads and pimples on my nose. She asked me to let her know if I found the procedure uncomfortable, which I did not.

Once she had finished with extractions, Jessica applied two separate masks to my face. The first one was Éminence’s Stone Crop Masque, another product chosen to calm irritated skin. Stone Crop is an extremely hardy plant that retains its moisture. It is used as a salad herb by First Nations People and was used to treat skin disease in ancient Greece. Jessica let that rest on my face for about 10 minutes before removing it and applying a second mask, Éminence’s Key Lime Vanilla Age-Defying Masque, a lifting and firming masque. This mask contains lemon and lime essences, as well as wild jujube and maral root, and smelled wonderful.

While the mask did its work, Jessica massaged my neck, décolleté and arms while I relaxed listening to some soothing music.

After the mask was removed, Jessica applied Éminence Facial Recovery Oil containing ylang ylang, clary sage and sesame and olive oils. This oil reduces fine lines while toning and hydrating. Apparently, it’s even good for stretch marks. She then applied Éminence’s iron-rich Wild Plum Eye Cream under my eyes to target those ever-present dark circles!

In order to give my skin an even tone, Jessica then applied an Éminence tinted moisturizer with SPF 25. She then brushed on Éminence Sun Defense Minerals. a loose mineral powder, in SPF 30 in Peaches and Cream and I was ready to face the world again!

The end result? I thoroughly enjoyed my organic facial with Jessica, my face is feeling supple and tight and my nose is no longer the optimum terrain for mountain bike enthusiasts. I’m writing this 24 hours after the facial and my skin is still feeling tight and my rosacea has calmed considerably.

The cost of my organic facial was $90 plus tax and tip for a 75-minute treatment. Although I was intent on trying a Leslieville spa, I did shop around and found Living Waters Therapies’ prices for organic facials very competitive. I definitely would recommend this customized Éminence organic facial from Jessica and I am now interested in trying the Éminence skin care line. In fact, Jessica provided me with three samples to try at home. I’ve tried the Éminence Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream and I love the aroma and texture. The cream just glides across your face.