Your DeLush Divas Visit the Absolu Spa

Jen and Melissa enjoyed a day of pampering at the serene yet hip Absolu Spa in Indianapolis. Here, each of us tell you a bit about our experience there. If you've never gone to a spa yourself, you may just change your mind after this! Or create the experience at home, using these or similar products.

Melissa and Jen at The Velvet Lounge in Indianapolis

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: It's a pretty well-known fact among those close to me that I am completely weak for massages. I ADORE them. So of course, I wanted that to be part of my afternoon. But one thing I've never had is a facial. A real, honest-to-goodness, someone-else-touching-my-face-and-I-just-lay-there facial. I was very curious.

First of all, I got the Hydroxy Peel facial using Dermalogica products. It was to help rebalance my skin and renew the surface. I was a bit nervous about the word "hydroxy peel", but it really wasn't that bad at all. I felt a slight tingle that was slightly unpleasant at most, and that was only after it had been on my skin for the extent of the time before she removed it.

I certainly didn't expect the neck and upper shoulder massage I got with the facial! After applying one of the products to my face, I got a very relaxing mini-massage while she waited for the product to soak in. Her technique of applying each product to my face (as well as the removal of each one) was equally relaxing.

Well, let's talk extraction. Ouch. It's true, I'd been told it would hurt, but I didn't quite anticipate the tears that formed under the mini-towel shielding my eyes from the blinding light she turned onto my face so she could see each little tiny pore - and each respective pore's storage of ick. I did my best to control the wincing, but the eyes couldn't help but water. However, it did end eventually, and when my esthetician asked me how bad it was I said "Oh, it was fine. I wouldn't want to do it again, but..."

There were more soothing treatments after the extraction, and by the end of it I (almost) forgot about it. At the end, a vitamin power pack was applied, and she brought a warm, comfy towel which I relaxed under while it warmed the mask. I got an amazing facial massage to finish it all off, and when I was left to get my robe on and examine the results of my very first facial in the mirror...I was incredibly pleased. I had smooth, soft skin that had a pinkish glow. And it felt great.

My Swedish Massage was set for 90 minutes. I was already so relaxed I didn't know how it could get any better. ...Let's just say I felt myself jerk awake a few times during the massage! I'm hoping she took that as a compliment! A Swedish Massage is a great option for someone that has never had a massage before, because it can be as gentle as you need it to be, and it is super for general relaxation. I love the way my skin is so soft from the lotion they use afterward. It is usually just soft, not greasy. Also, even if you're modest, you can enjoy a massage's benefits! A good massage therapist will always make sure you are covered, and will work very carefully and discreetly in order to make sure you are comfortable.

Both of the ladies that worked with me that day were incredibly sweet and personable. Thank you so much!
My Esthetician: Deidra Baker
My Massage Therapist: Ann Hardesty

Dermalogica Products Used During My Facial:
special cleansing gel
daily microfoliant
active moist
skin refining masque
solar defense booster
(www.dermalogica.com)

Jen's Experience:  My day at the Absolu Spa started off with a facial as well, but mine was the Aromatherapy Facial, which was one of the best facials I've ever had.   My facials in the past have always been mostly painful, except for a little head and neck massage at the end, but this was mostly a lovely experience other than the extraction part in the middle!  During the first part of the facial, my face was cleaned and exfoliated using a series of wonderful smelling products.  My favorite part was a chest massage with a thick and warm mud.  Really heavenly.  Then the steam was turned on and the extraction began.  As Melissa mentioned, this part is truly painful.  I spent the entire time telling myself, "You WILL do a better job cleaning your face...", because I cannot imagine undergoing something like that on a regular basis. 

After the extraction, my face was covered in an antibacterial mask that really made my face sting!  I wore the mask for 5 or 10 minutes (it seemed like forever) before it was washed off and the wonderful relaxation portion of the facial began.  I love the massage at the end of the facials.  It totally lures you into forgetting how painful the last half hour was. 

Overall, my esthetician, Jill Eicher, was wonderful.  She had a light touch and every time she touched my face it felt like a massage.  I would heartily recommend her to anyone looking for a classic facial.

I do have to say, though, that a few days after the facial, I do still have bumps where the extractions occurred.  That procedure was a little rough on my sensitive skin.

After my facial, I headed to Absolu's nail salon for a classic manicure/pedicure.  I very rarely have this done in a spa.  I am much more likely to visit a nail spa in a strip mall, so this was a treat.  (Except for the obnoxious bridal party and the woman who would not get off of her cell phone despite the signs on the wall every 4 feet telling her to turn it off.)  My manicurist seemed a little distracted and was not terribly talkative, but she did heed my warning about being very ticklish on the bottom of my feet, which I appreciated very much.  I chose "Cha-Ching! Cherry" by OPI for my toes and a nude color from Essie for my fingernails. 

My toenails look exceptional, like the finish on a new car.  It's been so long since I've had them done professionally that I just have to keep staring at them.  My fingernails are somewhat less impressive, but are still very professional looking.  It's very obvious that I didn't paint them myself!

It's been a long time since I had a spa day, but this one will definitely make me want to return to the spa much more often.  You may find this to be a regular feature!