A few weeks ago I turned the grand ol’ age of 40 and I really wanted to do something a bit special to mark it. I had come across Vaishali Depala on Instagram by chance and I had always lusted after her video uploads that demonstrated an amazing facial technique, so I cheekily got in touch to see if she would be interested in allowing me to review one of her bespoke facials, and thankfully she agreed!
Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from South Kensington station you will find Vaishali’s treatment room, which sits on the top floor above a trendy hair salon. Small but well kitted out, comfortable and inviting, the room strikes a balance between comforting and professional. You will be greeted by the gorgeous Vaishali, who is honestly just one of the loveliest people I’ve met in a while; she’s very sweet, kind and attentive, but also incredibly knowledgeable with so many tricks and techniques up her sleeve, meaning you can expect a glorious mix of both results-driven treatments and pampering.
For the Bespoke Facial, you pay for time with Vaishali (between 90 – 180 minutes) so the treatment is tailored to your exact requirements. Vaishali will have an idea of where to start, but you can also provide your own suggestions to collaborate on your ideal experience. For me, I want it all! I wanted results for my difficult skin, plus lots and lots of relaxation; wanted to leave looking and feeling my very best, which I relayed to Vaishali, so we drafted a rough plan for my treatment, which Vaishali said she would adapt as the facial went on, depending on how my skin responded to each element.
We kicked off with a thorough cleanse, and as the treatment progressed, each element was discussed with Vaishali explaining why she felt the particular treatment would benefit my skin. I can’t remember the order, but I know I had High Frequency, extractions (at my request, and they were excellent!), oxygen infusion, LED therapy, a peel, plus lots and lots of massage, including the fascinating buccal massage technique, which involves having the inside of your mouth engaged in the massage – it sounds bloody awful but it’s actually surprisingly relaxing and really good if you’re prone to jaw tension!
I also received a Gua Sha massage (I have been doing it so wrong) and, whilst under the LED light, I received a thorough hand and arm massage followed by a lower leg and foot massage. I was there for almost 2.5 hours and it was genuinely one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve had in a very long time. Not only that, but my skin looked so much better afterwards too! The redness was reduced, breakouts minimised, hydration levels balanced and my whole face looked more relaxed. I also didn’t break out after the treatment, which is something that always happens after a facial as I have skin that reacts to the most random ingredients, but my skin stayed calm until I tried a new product that annoyed it the following week…
First image taken straight after treatment, second later on in the evening and third the next morning.
I’m sure it will be of no surprise that I could not recommend Vaishali’s treatments enough, and if your budget and time will allow, I’d go for a Bespoke Facial for as long as you can afford and your skin and mental health will thank you for it! Prices start at £185 for 90 minutes. Find Vaishali’s website here – link – and it’s well worth checking out her Instagram page here – link.
Disclosure: unpaid ad – press appointment
