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Review: Tata Harper's Red Carpet Facial at Sweetgrass Spa

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Review: Tata Harper's Red Carpet Facial at Sweetgrass Spa

Exclusive. Red carpet. One hundred percent natural. All of these descriptors (plus the thought of spending a relaxing 90 minutes in an easy-to-access downtown spa) had me first in line to test Tata Harper's Red Carpet Facial. Created by 100-percent-natural and nontoxic Vermont brand Tata Harper, the skin treatment features a "Quadruple-Masque System" and massage to hydrate and firm the face. As of April 30, 2015, Sweetgrass will be the first spa in Canada and only spa in Toronto to offer the facial.

Sweetgrass_spa_2The fully licensed spa lounge, where guests can order wine, cocktails or food from George restaurant

I visited Sweetgrass on a Saturday morning recently and slipped into a comfy robe and slippers before heading into the spa lounge to fill out my health history form. The lounge is exceptionally pink and girly. It seems like the perfect place to have a girls' day or bachelorette party.

Sweetgrass_spa_1The entrance to the treatment rooms, where I had my facial

After a quick tour of the cozy facilities, my facialist, Ashley Spencer, led me into a treatment room. The Red Carpet Facial starts with cleansing and extractions, which are followed by four masques that were formulated exclusively for the treatment. The masques are as follows:

1. Clarifying Detox Masque: The first step purifies the skin with Bladderwrack extract and evens skin tone with sea kelp extract. Yogurt powder resurfaces and softens.

2. Instant Lift Firming Masque: This step contains Gotu Kola extract to firm and strengthen the skin, plus biopolymeres and calcium extract to promote elasticity. It was at some point during the application of this masque that I fell asleep. I've never dozed off during a treatment (massage, facial or otherwise), so I must have been extremely relaxed.

3. Raw Honey Crystal Masque: I'm sad to say I missed most of this masque, which includes a lymphatic drainage massage, because I was asleep. Ashley told me it was known as the most soothing part of the facial, so I'm not surprised I didn't wake up. The wildflower honey is harvested from the Tata Harper farm in Vermont and has moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Ashley performed the massage with rosehip oil, which is known to minimize scars and fine lines.

4. Hydration Therapy Masque: The final step features Silver Ear Mushroom extract, which holds one million times its weight in water to enhance hydration. The lactic acid in buttermilk exfoliates and aloe soothes.

The facial also includes an arm and leg massage, a scalp massage with oils, the application of warm tea bags to the eyes to tone and brighten the area and the use of several Tata Harper retail products such as the Restorative Eye Crème, which contains Spanish Lavender to reduce the muscular contractions that cause wrinkles.

If you're looking to try some of Tata Harper's skin care at home, products are available at the spa, or online at murale.ca.

Sweetgrass_Spa_3The ozonated pool, infrared sauna and Jacuzzi

I'm so glad I was able to try this facial. After having a difficult week, the extensive, super-relaxing treatment was just what I needed. I left feeling refreshed (partially due to my little nap) and my skin felt firm and rejuvenated.

Extra details about the facial: Time commitment: Plan for at least two hours. The facial takes 90 minutes, but changing and filling out forms takes a little time. Extend your stay by visiting the pool, Jacuzzi or sauna, or have wine or lunch at the spa. Cost: $250 Tips: Always ask about a facial's suitability for sensitive skin and be sure to leave time to shower if you'll be going out after, as the scalp massage can leave hair feeling oily. Extra details about Sweetgrass Spa: Address: 111e Queen Street East, Toronto Phone: 416-368-5300 Ext. 1 Email: concierge@sweetgrassspa.ca Website: sweetgrassspa.ca All photos courtesy of Sweetgrass Spa      

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Review: Tata Harper's Red Carpet Facial at Sweetgrass Spa

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