Beauty Treatment Review: Duquessa Salon, Melbourne, Australia
Review: Kathryn Lewsey
Having recently swapped London life for barbies and beaches in Australia, I was keen to experience what Down Under has to offer in the way of beauty. Currently living in hipster-fave Melbourne, I was invited to try a facial at Duquessa.
Based in Carlton, a suburb just north of Melbourne’s centre, this day spa offers an extensive range of treatments. Alongside the usual facials and massages, it does dermal fillers and even celeb-fave PRP facial (otherwise known as the vampire facial).
Placed on the bustling Nicholson Street, it was a welcoming change to step in to the peaceful atmosphere Duquessa has. Once I’d checked in at reception, I was led in to a plush seating area to fill out the mandatory forms. Sat amongst calming candles and sipping on the spa’s delicious herbal tea, I began to unwind from my hectic Saturday city journey.
I met the lovely Gemma, who was booked in to do my treatment. She took me in to one of their seriously relaxing treatment rooms, where I got settled on the comfy spa bed and wrapped up in a fluffy robe.
The salon uses Sodashi products, a totally natural skincare range that uses botanical oils to get skin glowing – which always sounds great, right? Booked in for a Classic Facial, I revealed my skin concerns – blemishes and clogged pores– so that Gemma knew exactly what to focus on.
Kicking things off, I had to take three deep breaths while inhaling a relaxing aromatherapy oil. Next, my whole face was deeply cleansed with the brand’s gorgeous creamy cleanser. Gemma then used the brand’s enzyme face polish to softly exfoliate my skin and unclog my city-stressed pores.
After inhaling another aromatic blend, my face was nourished with a rich oil and massage cream to soothe and hydrate the skin. Gemma then applied a blend of purifying masks, along with Sodashi’s de-puffing eye mask. And forget twiddling your thumbs – I was pampered with a heavenly arm and hand massage while waiting for the mask to work its magic.
Once my face had been rinsed, my entire skin was treated to a softening moisturiser and spritzed with Sodashi’s Calming Rose Mist to reduce any redness.
The use of natural products and soothing aromatic aromas meant I really did feel relaxed and rejuvenated after receiving this facial. Gemma’s professionalism and talented technique made the experience that extra special and my skin both looked and felt incredibly good afterwards.
With impressive treatments, great service and a tranquil vibe, Duquessa made my first Aussie facial one that will be hard to beat.
695, Nicholson Street, Carlton North, Victoria, 3054, Australia