What: An intense massage that uses strong pressure movements to relieve deep tension, sore muscles and even spasms. Clarins’ customised hand movements are paired with uplifting effects of the Clarins Pro “Tonic” or “Relax” oils with the former made of rosemary, wild mint and grapeseed meant to energise; and the latter made with basil, chamomile and grapeseed, meant to relax and soothe.

The oils are used with the Honey Massage Gel, which coats the skin and evolves during the course of the massage to bring out the benefits of the plant extracts in the oils.

Clarins Melting Honey Deep Touch Massage, $175 for a 60-minute treatment, is available at Clarins Skin Spa at Wheelock Place, #05-05. Tel: 6838 5060.

Review:
When I heard the words “honey” and “massage” used in the same sentence, I was immediately intrigued. Only goodness can come out of those two words, and boy, was I right.

I love my massages - I like them firm and done with a strong hand. The new Clarins’ Melting Honey Deep Touch aims to relieve deep tension and seems right up my alley.

It started with a decompression step where my therapist prepped my body through a series of breathing and stretching exercises, almost like a warm up session. I appreciated this after having rushed around to get to my massage on time. It served to unwind my frazzled mind and body.

Next up were the stimulation and recovery steps where long sweeping strokes were used to relieve tension from the feet upwards, for the simple fact that we’re always on our feet. The pressure is tailored by the therapist; from using their stronger forearm to the fingertips where the pressure is softest.

The strokes worked through my whole body seamlessly. Said to aid in boosting your immune system and improve oxygen circulation, it definitely is perfect for the working soul. Attention was paid to the lymph nodes too, in a bid to drain the toxins from my body.

My favourite bit of the massage has got to be the Honey Massage Gel as well as the “Tonic” oil. The gel is aptly named so, as it literally looks like honey, from the colour down to the texture, which interestingly, transforms from a gel to oil during the massage. It soothed my aching joints and sore muscles with ease.

The “Tonic” oil felt thick and almost balm-like, but with a hint of wild mint, it smelt heavenly, and was very refreshing. It also seemed to energise my body and get rid of all the tension within.

In a nutshell, the entire treatment was thorough, pampering and an absolute treat. I felt rejuvenated almost instantly but immediately wished I could do it again!

5/5