#prestigediversions | JULY 2019 PRESTIGE 139
THE V SIGN
WHAT: Total V Face Shaper Facial ($250; 75 minutes)
WHERE: Clarins Skin Spa at #05-05/06/07 Wheelock Place
(other outlets at Robinsons jem and Robinsons Raffles City)It was back in 1998 that, inspired by a group of Japanese ladies
who shared how they longed for a smaller V-shaped face, Jacques
Courtin-Clarins concocted Clarins’ first V Shaping Facial Lift
serum. Fast forward to 2019 and the French beauty brand now has
a new, more intensive formula called the Clarinspro V Shaping
Facial Lift, which is used exclusively in the 100 percent manual
Total V Face Shaper Facial and is not available for retail sale.
The session was all about gentle pampering, as my therapist
used her hands to work on my face with precise, targeted
movements adapted to my skin’s needs. After cleansing came a
series of lymphatic drainage massage movements, including a
fist -rolling technique that’s supposed to break down excess fats
along my facial contours, an eye massage to reduce puffiness and
improve circulation, and a lymphatic massage to boost circulation
and drain away toxins. There was no extraction.
There is something to be said for the human touch and I fell
into a nice dream-like state. Before I knew it, 75 minutes had
passed, and my face had been double-masked – first with the
V Facial Intensive Wrap to drain away excess water and toxins,
then with the Clarinspro Refreshing Lift Mask. A cold oshibori
towel was used after the removal of both, to help enhance and
intensify the effects of the masks.
I left feeling refreshed, and observed a slight toning of my
facial contours. It’s definitely suitable as a pick-me-up just before a
big event. – LLTHE BIG CHILL
WHAT: CoolSculpting ($1,000; 70 minutes)
WHERE: Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic at
#05-11 Wheelock Place
CoolSculpting has been on the scene for around
nine years, and it’s the fat-freezing treatment Khloe
Kardashian credited for her killer revenge body.
After my trial, I got why it is currently one of the
foremost non-invasive fat reduction procedures.
I decided to have my lower abdomen tackled.
Statistically, it’s the most sought-after area to treat,
followed by the flanks and back. Dr Calvin Chan let
on that the most unusual areas he’s been asked to
work on is the gynecomastia (swollen breast tissue in
men), the knees and the calves.
For comparison, 360-degree photographs of my
body were taken. To begin, a gel pad was placed on
the right side of my lower abdomen to create a
barrier to prevent frostbite before my flesh was
drawn by vacuum suction into the CoolAdvantage
applicator, which delivered controlled cooling to
crystallise and kill off fat cells in the target area.
Contrary to the name of the procedure, I did
not feel the chill apart from the initial few minutes.
The staff left me on my own for the 35-minute
treatment, during which I could comfortably text,
email and even nap. The new-gen applicator halves
the treatment time while offering greater comfort as
it covers a larger surface area than before.
The therapist then returned to massage a
patch of treated skin – the process reminded me of
ice being crushed. This was when the pain kicked
in – remember, that’s my flesh. Then, the
procedure was repeated on my left side. I left the
clinic with a swollen, tender tummy; the swelling
subsided within the week.
The treatment promises to show full results
in three months, though I returned to the clinic
for a review after just two. A comparison of the
before-and-after side profiles revealed a visible
decrease in the size of my tummy! – JA