We all love the idea of going for monthly facials, highlights, manicures and pedicures, but that can really add up. Hair and nails aren't really negotiable, so it's usually the facial that doesn't make the regular beauty routine. That's unfortunate because our skin is truly the most worthy investment of the lot - unless you have premature grays like I do, in which case it is a tie with the hair.

I get a lot of emails from PR companies with news releases on the newest spas, services and treatments among a slew of other announcements. Generally, unless there is something in the email that really grabs my attention, it gets filed under "G" for garbage because, well, it is impossible to cover everything. So when I received a blast that Ritual 2 on King St. W is offering speedy wallet-conscious MicroZone Treatments, I was intrigued and immediately called their publicist to see if I could test drive one. Lucky me, they let me try two!



The MicroZone Treatments are five quick 20 minute facial treatments for $25 a pop.
Using only Dermalogica Products, these sweet pick me ups are designed to address the following issues:

1. Dull skin? The Flash Exfoliation Treatment polishes and brightens your skin.

2. Bothersome breakout? Extractions are in order to decongest your problem areas with the Blemish Banishing Treatment.

3. Tired eyes? The Eye Treatment concentrates on hydrating and minimizing fine lines, leaving you looking well-rested and refreshed.

4. Rough, chapped lips? Their exfoliating, hydrating and firming Lip Treatment is designed to plump your pout.

5. Feeling dehydrated? The Hydrating Treatment quenches environmentally stressed skin.




My appointment was set for Saturday to try the Flash Exfoliation and the Extraction treatments. I thumbed through magazines for 10 minutes while I surveyed the bustling little spa. The concrete floors, white walls and pink accents are quaint and cheery. The front section is a full service hair salon with a little Dermalogica products corner where anyone can walk in, test the products and take home a sample or two. Tucked in the back, behind a thick curtain is the spa area.

After a short wait I was greeted by my esthetician, Samantha who carefully explained the treatments and did a "face mapping" of my skin telling me how the different areas were doing. I did pretty good, with the exception of some "pinking" on my cheeks, which Samantha told me can be caused by issues with your lungs, usually caused by smoking or extreme temperatures. Since I've never smoked a cigarette in my life it's fair to split the credit between Winnipeg's Artic winters and Toronto's smog. Thanks! I scored a "B" for my chin area, which actually means "breakout activity" thanks to a sizable zit that has taken up residence there.

Samantha expertly slathered and massaged my skin for the exfoliation (very nice!) and then turned up the lights for the extractions. I never look forward to extractions as they can be quite painful. It's like getting excited before a bikini wax. You don't. It hurts, but it makes you look better. I don't know if it was Samantha or the way they all do extractions at Ritual 2, but these did not hurt at all. It was surprisingly pain free. The 40 minutes went by in a blink and I was sorry when it was over. For a combined retail price of $50, these treatments lasted approximately 45 minutes and were well worth it.

There was no heavy sales pitch at the end of the treatments. Samantha actually said to keep doing what I was doing, but step up the exfoliation to 3 times a week for the summer.

Having never visited Ritual 2, I was struck by how friendly the staff were. There is absolutely zero attitude here. This makes perfect sense: Owners Maria Cristina and Bruna were former bartenders - an excellent occupation for honing great people skills!

For $25, I have now have no excuse not to add these treatments to my regular beauty routine. I will definitely be back!

www.ritual.ca

Read my review on ChickAdvisor