My skin has been a hot mess after all my travels in August. Two transatlantic trips coupled with outside food and changing environments left me dealing with painful acne on my cheeks. I also developed red patches of dermatitis on either side of my nose – not a cute look! I could temporarily cover most of by layering primer, foundation and setting spray (like in the outfit pic below). But underneath it all, my face felt constantly painful and sore.
So when I was invited to the Grand Opening of Pure + Simple Mississauga to experience their signature facial – I eagerly accepted. It came at just the right time, since I needed some expert insight to get my skin back on track. Read on to find out what I learned.
WHAT IS PURE + SIMPLE
Pure + Simple is a Canadian chain of spas + skincare brand with the mission to “provide high-quality natural skincare in a sustainable, environmentally and socially concious way”. The company, which owns natural spas across Toronto, focuses on using pure ingredients and takes a holistic approach to skincare. They recently opened a new location on the border between Mississauga and Oakville – which is perfect for customers who don’t want to travel downtown for their facials.
Along with their spa services, Pure + Simple sells a full range of own-brand skincare products, as well as a curated range of other natural skincare, makeup and haircare brands including: Coola, Jane Iredale, Bella Aura, Naturopathica and FITGLOW Beauty.
CONSULTATION
Pure + Simple has a holistic approach to skincare that integrates Ayurvedic principles. Here you are more than a skin type. Rather than the “typical” categorisation of dry/oily/combo skin, Pure + Simple take into account numerous factors – including your ancestral background, the thickness of your skin, your personality and your diet! I was told that my Ayurvedic type was a mix between Vata and Kapha – where I had delicate skin that was prone to clogging.
TREATMENT
My facial started with Sensitive Cleansing Milk, followed by steam. Hydration Serum was applied to reduce sensitivity, then Camellia Oil was massaged on my face – with a focus on lymphatic drainage. I could feel the soreness of my pressure points disappear as the massage worked its magic. This was followed by Sensitive Skin Exfoliant to unclog my pores. There was a gentle extraction session, then my face was disinfected with Organic Witch Hazel Hydrosol (toner). The Hydration Serum was reapplied, and the Purifying Clay Mask was tapped onto active breakouts. My whole face was covered with a Black Charcoal Sheet Mask to draw out impurities – it felt so cooling and soothing on my skin. After the mask was removed, Lupine Protein Serum and Hyaluronic Lotion were layered on my skin.
POST-FACIAL RESULTS
Pure + Simple’s gentle approach to skincare also extends to their customer service. They don’t like to push products or try to get you to purchase a whole range at once. Instead, they recommend starting with one or two items as a base (perhaps products that you’re already running low on) and integrating them into your existing skincare routine. In time, you can add in more products as needed.
In my case, despite feeling oily, my skin was very dehydrated – which meant that my under-moisturized pores were staying clogged, and my skin was over-compensating by producingmore oil. I was gifted four products after my facial – the Purifying Clay Mask, Sensitive Skin Exfoliant, Lupine Protein Serum and Hyaluronic Lotion. I’ve been using the Serum twice a day under my moisturizer, it really locks in hydration and has made my skin so soft. I apply the Clay Mask as a spot treatment on my acne, and have been exfoliating twice a week. So far I haven’t had any new breakouts – which is very rare for my reactive skin! I’ve also noticed that the red patches of dermatitis next to my nose have faded. I’m very cautious when it comes to skincare because of my acne – so I’m always ecstatic when I find something that actually improves the condition of my skin!
ANTI-AGING TIPS
I was lucky enough to have my skincare consultation and facial with the co-founder of Pure + Simple, Jean Eng. Jean is in her early 60s and has the skin of someone decades younger than her – whatever skincare advice she is giving, obviously works! After getting my own diagnosis – I asked Jean to share her beauty secrets.
The key to Jean’s youthful appearance is hydrated and healthy skin. She uses the Pure + Simple Minimalist line, which is designed for combination maturing skin. It has key ingredients including Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides along with rich natural oils. She uses the Exfoliating Cleansing Milk, Face Lift Serum Plus and Face Elixir Oil. For moisturizer, she uses the Bella Aura Daily Repair and Night Cellular Repair, and layers on Coola SPF20 sunscreen when necessary. She also books regular facials, along with seasonal IPL photo facials – which help reduce pigmentation, chronic redness and wrinkles.
INFORMATION AND PURE + SIMPLE PROMO CODE
Pure + Simple Mississauga is located at 1140 Winston Churchill Blvd., ON, L6J 0A3. You can reach them at 905.829.2055. Drop in for a free skincare consultation, product recommendations, samples and to book a treatment. I received the Pure + Simple Facial (priced at $79) with the add-on of the Black Charcoal Sheet Mask.
Pure + Simple DISCOUNT / PROMO CODE 2017: USE ELLAPRETTY (online) and ELLAPRETTY25 (in-store) for 25% off services and products (code valid until Nov 30, 2017)
- How to redeem: In-store: mention during cash out. Online: type in discount code on check out page.
- Only applicable for regular priced facials
- Discount on products will only be applicable to Pure + Simple house brands (Pure + Simple, Holistic Vanity + Minimalist)
- Discount codes are valid at all Pure + Simple locations and can only be used once per person (once in person, once online)
DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Pure + Simple. As always, all opinions are my own.
