Muddy Stilettos Review HydraFacial
HydraFacial – celebs swear by it
Beauty editors and A-Listers are obsessed with the HydraFacial for its glow-getting results. But is it really the holy grail of facials? Muddy investigates.
The Location
Results-driven treatments to reduce wrinkles and improve skin health are booming – and aesthetics clinics are popping up all over Berkshire, as a result. Aspire Clinic has been around for 12 years, and rather unusually, located in Reading’s Madjeski Stadium – home to the Royals. Bit odd? Not really. It’s on the outskirts of Reading, there’s loads of free parking, and you can duck in and out without anyone noticing. Sounds good, right?
Simply step into the lift, you’ll be swiftly deposited on the third floor and the comfy reception area of Aspire Aesthetics.
The Vibe
The clinic occupies what was former Reading FC owner John Madjeski’s private apartment. It feels a bit like a boutique private hospital. The waiting room has a few comfy sofas and the three treatment rooms have a medical, feminine vibe that is very different from your average beauty salon. It’s not clinical and scary, but each room is kitted out with specialist machinery. It’s worth noting that staff are super-friendly. If you are at all concerned about your treatment, there’s plenty of hand-holding and information on tap.
The Treatment
Image: HydraFacial
Cranking up the central heating, the cold weather and too much red wine can take their toll on your face. So we’re keen to try the HydraFacial – the secret weapon of beauty editors and celebs like Beyoncé and Kate Winslet. In fact, it’s so popular, one is performed every 15 seconds around the world. The principal is simple but effective – deep cleansing and exfoliation, extraction and finally hydration, by infusing skin with intensive serums through a unique HydroPeel tip.
The beauty of this treatment is that you get radiant, super-clean skin without any redness or irritation. Using hydradermabrasion – which is far gentler than traditional dermabrasion – is vacuums out pores. In fact, you get to see what’s been hoovered out of your face which is gross and compelling at the same time.
Warning! Gross image of face goop
Available as a 30-minute express or one-hour treatment, the HydraFacial is described by Aspire as ‘gym for the skin’, and I can see why. Even after one 30-minute treatment (£90) my fine lines and wrinkles are reduced thanks to use of hyaluronic acid and collagen stimulation. Despite the fact that it’s more than a basic spa facial, there is nothing painful or uncomfortable about the process, in fact, I actually found it very relaxing.
Ahhhhh... extreme close up
The results are very good. I looked about 100 when I went in so it’s like some kind of miracle. But if facials aren’t your bag but you like the sound of Aspire, they also offer CoolSculpting, peels, laser hair removal, a radio therapy treatment to combat stress incontinence (damn you childbirth), as well as needly treatments like dermal fillers.
THE MUDDY VERDICT
Good for: Anyone after gorgeous glowing, clean skin. You’ll really notice the difference in the texture of your skin. If you want anti-aging results without having to opt for injectables. Those looking for excellent customer care.
Not for: If you prefer a hands on snoozy facial. You might be put off by the machinery. It didn’t bother me at all. That said, the results you get may change your mind.
£££: As with all aesthetics, it’s not a cheap option. The Hydrafacial is £90-£150 per treatment, but discounts are available for block bookings.
Aspire Clinic, Third Floor Suite, Madejski Stadium, Reading RG2 0FL. Tel: 0118 931 3575
