best facials in amsterdam

You may expect this article to be written for women... but let me start that facials make everyone feel and look good - regardless of gender and vanity level!

Proof of this statement: I managed to get my boyfriend (who has never used any skin care products in his life) to have a facial. And now... he's looking forward to his second treatment.

So herewith I baptize Ccil Beauty as the best facial salon for men, and allowing me to kiss someone with a skin as soft of that of Brad Pitt (supposedly).

what's so great about Ccil Beauty: a skin care expert coming straight from beauty-capital Paris. She's most professional and takes her time to treat the whole face, neck, shoulders and nails (if time permits).

write this down in your address book: Ccil is the only one in Amsterdam (that I know of) that offers the oxygen treatment. With a high pressure machine, oxygen is sprayed onto/into the skin. The oxygen which gets deep into the pores hydrates the skin immediately, making the face appear smoother and plumper. 

Does it really work? I've got a photo of the guinea pig with half of his face treated with the oxygen and, indeed, the wrinkles on the treated side were a LOT less. Unfortunately, the guinea pig doesn't allow me to upload this photo (as it truly looks odd to have half your face with wrinkles, and other half not).

Still not convinced? Then try to remember how your skin feels after a skiing in the alps... well that's the feeling you'll get: completely refresh, revitalized and (in case you put on sun protection) moisterized.

Before the oxygen treatment, the face & neck are intensively cleaned and massage, like a regular facial. Men look years younger after she's done with removing unwanted hairs and skin blemishes.

Now, you know Brad Pitt's and Madonna's beauty secret (and that of my boyfriend).

The oxygen treatment costs E55 

Ccil Beauty, Europaplein 77, opposite the RAI convention centre, Amsterdam. Call to make an appointment: T.06.342 112 01 

Ccil Beauty - the place for an oxygen treatment

Facial at Linda Young

Stop three during my expedition ‘Facials in Amsterdam’ was at Linda Young’s aesthetics. If I had closed my eyes during the whole experience, I would have thought that I was at a five star hotel’s beauty salon. Linda’s knowledge, service level and products used are sublime. Years of working as an air hostess, PA to international directors and training as a beautician, resulted in becoming the master of service. You can’t but love this wonderful Scottish lady!

about the facial

Though I tried to memorize all aspects of the facial, it was difficult not to relax and surrender to the treatment. What I do remember is the ultra sonic pore cleansing; using a  machine that elicits sonic vibrations, ‘junk’ deeply stuck in pore were lifted to the surface. Afterwards, I enjoyed several masks - all organic - to cleanse, revitalize, rehydrate and relax the skin. I vaguely remember an eye brow trim, too. The facial was finished with a neck and shoulder massage.

the result

A face that felt young, vibrant and full of energy, and a mind that was calmed.

the salon

As mentioned before, if I had closed my eyes during the whole experience, I would have thought that I was at a five star hotel. There is a great discrepancy in Linda Young’s service level (5 star), products (top-notch, organic) and the interior (De Pijp level). However, Linda still has great plans and big dreams, and all facilities are present; i.e. multiple hygiene products in the bathroom, sofa with international magazines and a treatment chair to be pampered in. And pampered you will be! 

why i and many of her clients love this place

Linda Young’s kindness, service, skin care expertise and organic products

Linda Young is a Scot who speaks Dutch.what I had:

Relaxing Facial (70 mins, E90) including the deep cleans, ultra sonic pore cleansing and 25 mins Face and shoulder massage.

good to know:

• Women only
• You can enjoy this facial during the Quickslim Body Wrap

Linda Young Aesthetics,  1e Jan Steenstraat 109 (parallel to the A.Cuypmarket), De Pijp, Amsterdam.

Beauty Salon Zotos

After my first kiss, my first degree and my first baby… it was time for my first facial. Nearing the ripe age of 31, I knew I have to start protecting my youthful looks. Follow my expedition for the best facials in town.

The first beauty salon to test is Zotos Beauty. This salon has been by my friend who’s been having facials for the past 20 years all over the world, thus enough experience to call herself an expert client!

what I loved about Zotos
The lady (and owner) who treated me gave me the feeling that she really cared about my skin as opposed to her wallet. After a little interview about my lifestyle and inspection of skin condition, she recommended me the Decleor facial - which was not the most expensive treatment on the list. Also, she told me not to have a facial on a monthly basis, but rather every 6-8 weeks. 

about the facial
To my surprise, the facial started with a back and neck massage. I always thought facials are a combination of that awful black head removing activity and the applying of a lame mask (which I can do myself). After the massage, during which I also enjoyed an aromatherapy treatment, my face was being cleaned, cleared of impurities (two - and it did hurt) and conditioned. The tranquil strokes, the cooling masks, the lavender aromatherapy… I felt brand new after the treatment! 

massages versus facials
I always thought massages were for relaxing, but now I prefer facial. I was so calm after the treatment plus felt ten years younger. I felt like I was glowing and that I had been ‘missing out’ for never treating myself to facials before. 

Costs: Decleor aromaplastie E 59.50

Zotos Beauty, Kerkstraat 131, Amsterdam.

luxury facial at Akasha Spa of the Conservatorium Hotel

In need of (another) holiday, but lack the time? This is my best tip of the year for all you hard-working professionals: a visit to the AKASHA SPA at the Conservatorium Hotel. 

All Life in Amsterdam readers receive a free SPA day pass worth E50 with any facial booked; meaning, swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam, dry sauna, lounging and light snacking....  (read conditions below)

The Akasha Spa is located one floor down from the lobby.unwind in one day

The official name of the SPA of the Conservatorium hotel is ‘AKASHA HOLISTIC WELLBEING CENTER’. Quite a mouthful and it means that the spa incorporates the ‘four’ elements and is aimed at making people feel good in every aspect (holistic). 

For example, all facial and massage treatments on offer are focused at relaxation, rejuvenation and getting back to your senses. Thus, no sports massages nor ‘that awful  beautician’s lamp that always make me cry’ (you know what I’m talking about when you’ve ever had a facial).

5* service

Training service staff in Amsterdam is a difficult job. At Akasha the staff has tremendously improved since my first visit in the opening week, when not every staff member was aware of what a 5*-experience entails. Since the summer, however, service is tip-top in the spa. For example, the receptionist remained friendly and patient after a long discussion with a ‘demanding’ relative of mine. Trust me, that was a big test. The sincerely kind, professional and service-mindedness and lack of ‘haughtiness’ of the staff (from cleaner to manager) does not go unnoticed. 

Akasha treatment rooms are design for relaxation, so dim lights and tranquilizing music.For my facial, I was helped by Cécile, a sweet and petite French lady with years of experience pampering guests avec style. “I seee you have a good skin. It is a liettle biet sensitieve so may be the shaker facial.... Oui, thee shaker is soft for your skin and gieves immediate hydration. And it is with diamonds - you love diamonds, Kira?”. Needless to say, Kira took the Pearl & Diamond shaker facial...

about Gemology’s Pearl & Diamond shaker facial

How to detect that I’ve enjoyed my personal favourite facial? Well, my skin is literally illuminated by pearls and diamonds! I thought it all was mere marketing, but truly, it’s not! 

The pearl and diamond micro-particles go inside the heart of wrinkles and reflect light, making the skin radiant and reduces aging signs by this optic effect. ‘Very fantastique, huh, Kira?’ My skin had indeed never looked better: hydrated, moisturized, illuminated and radiant. 

Now I know what you think: Kira doesn’t have any wrinkles. So herewith I promise you: when the first lines on my face appear, I will add a before-and-after photo to this blog post. 

One can relax after the treatment in the 'fire' lounge ....mental relaxation

Of course, pearls, diamonds and a glowing skin make you leave the spa with a smile. What’s more, though, is how the AKASHA Spa manages to relax your body AND mind (the holistic well-being approach). The interior is simply mag-ni-fi-cent. I would describe it as frill-free and modern yet warm with many natural elements, such as a green wall. Best is to have a look. The receptionist is happy to show you around. 

The ambiance in the SPA is remarkably ‘relaxed and easy-going’. I presume that the beautiful surroundings and the outstanding service, makes everyone inside less stressed, less-agitated and ‘territory’-focused. People are minding their own business and ... or at the 'water' lounge (aka pool side).are at the same time happy to help and greet each other in a friendly manner. It’s such a revelation for me (not only my skin is sensitive, you see). And it is this part that I want to get across to you: the general environment and ambiance truly make you escape life for a moment and completely recharges your batteries.

luxurious pampering

In the service industry it is often ‘the little things that count’. And boy, do I love the little nibbles at AKASHA! Not to mention the Jacuzzi followed by a lounging with your easy closed, wrapped in a  big, fluffy white bathrobe. Yes… “I LIKE” to put it in Facebook terms.

Special offer for Life in Amsterdam readers

For privacy sake, I was not allowed to take photos. Therefore, I contacted the marketing department for some illustrations... and gues what... all Life in Amsterdam readers receive a complimentary SPA day pass with any facial treatment; meaning, enjoy the swimming pool, jacuzzi, public hammam, dry sauna, lounging and light snacking.... Do make a booking before showing up and tell the receptionist that you would like to make use of this offer. Akasha maintains a strict privacy policy in the sense that a limited amount of guests at a time are welcome in the SPA. On busy days, the offer may therefore not apply. 

Pearl and Diamond Shaker facial E120 (and worth every penny, I also tried to collect the micro particles in the sink after the facial, but failed in doing so...)

Duration: 60 minutes 

AKASHA Well being center at the Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam

Van Baerlestraat 27, Amsterdam 1071 AN, T. +31 (0) 20 570 0000