The invitation was to try out a new beautifying facial. A common occurrence in the world of newspapers. Nobody in the team was old enough to want to do it so I thought: "Why not?" – Once a writer…Politics, social issues, beauty…what's the difference? Heaven and earth in my experience. I had forgotten that in my always-on world of deadlines and responsibilities, whether at work or at home; lying down on a heated bed covered with soft fluffy towels in a soundproof room would transform me to a better place. Add to that soft music, dimmed lights and the capable hands of a spa therapist named Margie and I was there. The idea was to have my facial skin resurfaced with products from Elemis containing natural micro-encapsulated enzymes distilled from white lilies, frangipani and other flowers, along with other fruit enzymes from the Amazonian cherry and white truffles. This would help slough off the top layer of skin on my face and neck to bring out its natural brightness. For an hour Margie cleansed, washed, toned and masked me, but first she massaged my toes and my arches with Japanese Camella oil and then moved on to washing off all the grime, impurities and excess sebum from my face to prepare the skin for the real treatment. Tri- enzyme facial wash, resurfacing serum and peel off mask… and while that took its time there was another massage of arms and hands. More attentive care followed in the form of cleansing and toning and a moisturising mask that smelled of a garden in full bloom. Margie and her deft fingers then took the knots away from my neck and shoulders and I melted further into the heated bed as pleased as Cleopatra would have been. Stepping out into the bright Dubai sunshine thumped me back to reality. Was I beautiful again…naah… that would be hoping for a Meta miracle. But, did I feel beautiful? Absolutely! My natural self… no makeup… tossed hair… my relaxed muscles on holiday. Well, that was short but sweet…back to the grind. Mental note…must do it again. Nothing feels better than giving myself up to pure pleasure.
