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Get Red Carpet Ready

Fashion & Beauty /

Get Red Carpet Ready

So December has arrived and with it lots of festive social outings. In my usual seasonal panic about what to wear and how I look, I decide that action must be taken, and fast, and I book myself in for two facial treatments at the Adonia Clinic in Maida Vale. Both promise to have me red carpet ready, I am excited to give them a try.

Going for gold

The talented Dr Ejikeme and her expert team at the clinic offer prescriptive skin-care routines as well as cosmetic treatments and my first outing is for Aqua-gold Fine Touch. It's a patented, gold-plated needle system that delivers a personalised blend of ingredients deep into the skin to address the areas needing treatment. Dr. Ejikeme composes a unique blend of nutrients and fluids like Botox, hyaluronic acid gel such as Juvéderm or Restylane, and serums such as growth factors or pigment reducers.

The AquaGold needles are hair-fine, which makes it possible to administer the solutions painlessly at the ideal skin level (600-micron depth). I have a numbing cream applied to my skin beforehand so I'm a little nervous when it comes to application. The good doctor is so reassuring though that it really isn't too painful an experience. I'm still able to chat throughout it and it only takes seven minutes for a full application. Of course there are more sensitive areas of the face that do sting a little and I'm left a little red afterwards, but this has completely calmed down by the time I go to bed that evening. It can take a few days for the full effects to be seen but I can definitely see a brighter, perkier me; my pores have shrunk and my skin is smoother. 

Adonia, Ultimate facial

Cleopatra

Next up, two weeks later, is the charmingly named 'Cleopatra Facial' and this comprises a hydrofacial, a superficial peel, dermaplaning, an eye hydrating mask and LED therapy. In other words the full whammy. I'm more than happy to throw everything I can at myself for some added confidence for this party season. This is the first time I've had dermaplaning;  in a nutshell you have a scalpel gently scraped across your face! It gives skin a fresh, smooth appearance due to the sterile aesthetician-grade blade that is used during the procedure. The blade is stroked along the skin at an angle to gently “shave off” dead skin cells from the epidermis. Another (very worthwhile) benefit is that it also temporarily removes the fine vellus hair of the face, leaving a very smooth surface. Be gone peach fuzz and hello much smoother make-up application. The whole facial is relaxing but also effective. I have complete faith in my therapist, Corina, and even find the dermaplaning a pleasant experience. I'm able to go straight out for dinner after this treatment looking very lifted and smooth. I don't need any make up and don't seem to scare anyone who sees me au naturel!

Improvement

Either of these treatments will make you feel encouraged by their instant, positive results. Having both has without a doubt made me feel ready to tackle the party season with more confidence. I still don't know what to wear though...

Prices start from £450 for the Aquagold Facial and £205 for the Cleopatra.

474 Harrow Road, W9 (020 3875 7399; adoniamedicalclinic.co.uk)

Katie Hutley