Every now and again it pays to take stock and assess your skincare routine to see whether it really is addressing those ever changing needs.  Whether it’s anti-ageing, fatigue, dryness or dullness, the chances are, from one month to the next your skincare priorities will change.  One thing we do know, is that there is no universal skincare product.  No matter what manufacturers tell us, there is no one magic product to address and effectively treat everything we’d like to improve about the appearance of our skin and so layering is key.

You already know I’m a fan of Decleor skincare products, I adore the Neroli Night Balm when I’m on vacation, my skin changes when I’m in a sunny environment and Decleor’s botanicals pack the perfect punch to give it an overnight reset.  But what about when your regular product seem to have stopped being effective and you just want to reset your skin, give it a big moisture boost and a chance to normalise?  I visited Sisley at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre to find out all about the innovative skincare research behind the cult French brand, and to discover the latest release, Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream before its official launch.

Before you say it, yes, Sisley is a very expensive skincare brand, there’s no denying that.  It’s one of those cult skincare brands like Vintner’s Daughter or Creme de la Mer with a pretty eye-watering pricetag, however, Sisley has a raft of loyal followers who can’t get enough of those research backed benefits.  Whilst Sisley does also produce a makeup range, it’s skincare where the brand really shines, and with their own research laboratory and academy in Paris, years and years of research, development and scientific testing goes into each product before release.  Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream is no different, whilst the Black Rose range has been pivotal to Sisley’s success – one Black Rose mask is sold globally every three minutes – the consistency of the new Skin Infusion Cream is revolutionary and a whole new concept for the brand.

I was treated to a Black Rose Facial treatment, (yours for free with the purchase of any two Sisley products) in the House of Fraser Beauty Rooms with Milanese skincare expert, Michela.  Michela is the personification of perfect, conceptual in-brand advertising; her skin is line free, smooth and radiant and she gushes about how Sisley’s products have helped her achieve perfectly balanced skin.  She talks me through the thirteen steps to the Black Rose Facial and as always, the treatment begins with breathing exercises and fragranced oils to encourage tranquility and deep relaxation.  She begins the facial by cleansing and toning my skin before buffing with Gentle Buffing Cream and hot towels to create a clean base, after which, the Black Rose Cream Mask is applied.  Fun Fact Voyeurs, ask any French woman worth her Manolos what her favourite skincare product is and this mask is guaranteed to be up there.  The mask is similar to Decleor’s Phytopeel in that it’s rubbed off, encouraging resurfacing of the skin, only the botanicals and essential oils are ramped up to the max in Sisley’s must have product increasing the efficacy.  Once removed, skin feels softer and has that inimitable ‘bounce’.  Black Rose Facial Oil is then applied all over, this step is a treat in itself, the fragrance encourages relaxation and the texture is that of a non greasy, dry oil.

In the arena of skincare for the face and body, Sisley’s expertise is well known.  the brand’s complete line of products meets the needs of various different skin types and tackles the various stages of the average skincare routine: makeup removal, hydration, anti-ageing, sun protection, hair care, makeup and so on.  Sisley seems to favour selective distribution, it’s not something you can pick up in your local Boots or Superdrug and to that effect, it definitely feels more prescriptive and exclusive – certainly the price tag reflects that.

The Black Rose Facial is more than just a skin treatment, it’s a sensory experience.  From the warm, fragranced towels, to the heated gem stone facial massage, it’s a pleasure for the senses as well as the abundant skin benefits.  Before I’m done, Michela covers my face in Sisley’s Ecological Compound which protects skin from environmental factors including pollution and sun damage, a slick of Confort Extreme Nutritive Lip Balm (amazing stuff) and Double Tenseur for immediate radiance.  When I look in the mirror immediately after, I look fresh, like I just woke up from a ten hour sleep and pleasant dreams.

Phyto-cosmetology is the concept at the centre of Sisley’s creations and relates to using the best plant-based extracts in order to create what they consider to be the best cosmetics on the market.  Plants’ vital energy, their capacity for regeneration and adaptation, their protection systems, and their fragrances have all been put to use for the skin and obviously, materials and associated research cost money.  Sisley selects the best type of plant in its category, the most effective part of the plant for the problem being treated, the country or region where this plant is the best and, finally, harvests the plant at the very moment when it will provide the most effective active properties – none of which comes cheap.

So, reading about Sisley’s Black Rose Collection will either be the best or worst thing to happen to your skincare routine, best because, well we’ve covered that, and worst because the three Black Rose products in the range will set you back a whopping £370.  What you need to weigh up now Voyeurs, is whether you’re worth the investment, I know I am.

Pixie xo

If you want to take the plunge and try out any of the Sisley skincare and cosmetic range, you can nab yourself a free facial with the purchase of any two products on counter at House of Fraser.  To book your Sisley beauty treatment at Intu Metrocentre call 0191 4932424, service also available nationally.