I’m a home-schooled spa girl: Facials are a DIY, see-what’s-in-the-pantry affair. Oatmeal? Sure thing. Green clay? Get the mixing bowl. Like any true glossy-mag hag, I love my impromptu creations, but when I got my latest assignment, a posh new fall treatment at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, I knew it was time to enter the world of pro beauty.
But was my mug ready for The Spa’s Essence of Rubies Facial–yes, as in Dorothy’s slippers–priced at a whopping $225? The star of the treatment, designed to “rejuvenate, revitalize and balance” skin, is a hydrating oil imported from Dubai that’s infused with the precious gem. My initial impression was that I’d be draped in jewels and sipping champagne. That’s what happens at spas, right?
My expectations piqued as I strolled through the graceful hotel. I was told to arrive early so I could steam my face a bit, but the hotel layout isn’t crystal clear (lobby on the fourth floor; spa on the eighth and ninth) and by the time I stumbled across the spa entrance, I had just a few moments to spare.
Inside, a friendly receptionist directed me to the changing room, where a robe and slippers awaited me. After stripping off my work clothes (and some office anxiety), I was led to a calming waiting area with dim lighting, herbal teas and fresh strawberries. I could feel the stress lifting.
Just as I was settling into the waiting area (and planning my postfacial takeover), Irena, my aesthetician, greeted me and took me to a fragrant treatment room, where I slipped my feet into a warm pool of peppermint-infused water. She was surprised I’d never had a facial before and told me I was in for a treat. I agreed.
We started with a practice called Lomi Lomi, meant to “relax and unwind the body.” The gentle rocking motion sparked a smile I couldn’t shake. I wanted to take in every scent and sensation: Asian shiatsu for my face and neck; a shoulder and arm massage that went right to the tips of my fingers; and warm mitts to cover my moisturized hands.
Next, Irena rubbed in the ruby-infused oil, which smelled wonderful (I detected a hint of geranium and rosewood) before applying a light exfoliating cream to my face and dabbing it off with a hot towel.
The next step, the three-layer mask, was my favorite part, resulting in a hard, plasterlike cast of my features. During this phase, Irena massaged my shins and feet; she even turned up the lights so I wasn’t enclosed in total darkness from the impenetrable mask covering my face (my eyes were completely protected). A final rub with the Dubai oil left my skin feeling utterly relaxed (though maybe a bit too hydrated for my oily complexion). The treatment ended with more Lomi Lomi. I felt like a pampered pet.
Once the service was over, I sat up to change and realized my neck wasn’t quite as relaxed as the rest of me. Lying still for 80 minutes, despite the frequent massaging, created some serious stiffness. I could have asked for a pillow or towel, but I didn’t, so it was with a very uncomfortable stitch that I reached for my robe and slippers, and returned to the waiting area for some posttreatment transitioning.
Irena greeted me in the hall and insisted I take a peek at my skin, which, she said, looked “amazing.” Having never heard such terms used to describe my skin, I made my way to a mirror. My skin was glowing with the oil; I was the poster girl for shiny (maybe too shiny?) happy people.
I would have floated back on to the streets of the Gold Coast had it not been for this pesky stitch. But as I re-entered the land of traffic and tourists, I was comforted by the gorgeous scent of my skin. The aroma was strong enough to linger after riding a bus and train (I know I was relaxed because I traveled two stops in the wrong direction).
Would I go back? Sure; who’s buying? I’d like to try something more suited to my skin (and much less expensive), and I don’t think the spa needs jewels to dazzle. Their real talent is treating clients like celebs. Seriously, who doesn’t need a little star treatment during a stressful week?
If, however, your wallet runneth over, I’d recommend a visit; you can also DIY with a 30-milliliter bottle of the oil–complete with a ruby–for $345.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
120 E. Delaware Place, eighth and ninth floors
312-649-2340
Essence of Rubies Facial $225, 80 minutes
