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Golden days of facials
Precious metal adds 'wow' factor to skin care
by Ginger Murphy - May. 29, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Jill Richards/The Arizona Republic
The CopperWynd Resort and Club in Fountain Hills offers the Cleopatra Gold Facial, a 24-karat gold-leaf mask that's massaged into the skin with frankincense and myrrh essential oils.
If going to the spa weren't lush enough, our luxury-obsessed society has just raised the bar - the bar of gold, that is.
Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, luxury and class, and now this precious metal is infiltrating high-end spas around the world.
Historians say Cleopatra maintained her youth and beauty by wearing a mask of pure gold to bed every night. In ancient Rome, gold salves were used to treat a variety of skin issues.
Now, the use of gold to channel the fountain of youth is making a comeback. Variations of the Pure Gold Facial, originating in Japan, are in spas from Newport Beach, Calif., to Manhattan to London, ranging in cost from about $300 to $400.
Gold-infused treatments are one of the top 10 spa trends for 2008, according to Milana Knowles, vice president of SpaFinder.com, an international Web site with reviews and information about day spas, resort spas and medical spas.
"There's a lot of competition, and everyone is trying to come up with something different . . . something with a wow factor attached to it," she said.
The CopperWynd Resort and Club in Fountain Hills is the first and so far the only resort to offer this type of treatment in Arizona. This natural mineral treatment, dubbed the Cleopatra Gold Facial, was added about three months ago as part of the spa's transition away from chemical-based facials.
The 75-minute treatment, which costs $275, begins with applying a 24-karat gold-leaf mask to the face. Frankincense and myrrh essential oils are then massaged into the gold, with a dusting of gold-infused powder to finish.
The treatment is said to accelerate the regeneration of new cells, remove wrinkles and blemishes and lift and firm the skin.
"I have had quite few facials, and this one is very unique," said Marcia Taylor, director of sales at the CopperWynd Resort and Spa. "The effects are much more long-lasting, and you can really see a difference."
Not everyone has been charmed by Midas' touch.
"If any gold is absorbed from the gold-leaf application, it isn't clear that it would have any significant benefit," said Julie Salmon, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Southwest Skin Specialists in Scottsdale.
Although gold has been used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects when injected or taken orally, she said, "I have not seen any significant scientific literature or studies to support the idea that it would be beneficial, such as reduction of inflammation," when applied topically.
Salmon's concerns include the possibility of the gold seeping into the skin and causing chrysiasis (permanent blue-gray skin discoloration), although that's unlikely. Gold also is the second most-common metal allergy, after nickel.
"Many people develop itchy rashes when their skin comes in contact with gold, which is the biggest threat," she said.
The golden fountain of youth has spilled over into over-the-counter beauty products as well. Last year, $8.9 billion was spent on beauty products, and $2.5 billion of that was specifically spent on skin care, according to the NPD Group, a market and research company that provides news and information on consumer trends and sales for companies.
Sales of basic skin-care products - for face, body, sun and hair - were down 1 percent from the previous year. But sales of anti-aging products increased by 5 percent, to $1.2 billion for 2007.
Gold products can be pricey: Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Cream, used to stimulate collagen reproduction, sells for $420 at Neiman Marcus.
On the low end, you can find Guerlain L'OR Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold at sephora.com for $68. This 24-karat infused cooling gel claims to smooth fine lines and tighten facial features while creating a smooth base for makeup.
Jane Iredale offers a 24-karat gold-dust shimmer. The product does not claim to take away wrinkles but contends that "feng shui practitioners confirm that gold is both 'uplifting' and 'energy-producing.' "
"When you think gold," Knowles said, "you think wealth and sophistication. Just the thought of gold gives you the feeling of ultimate indulgence."
Logos are trademarks of each represented organizations, and they do not belong to our business.
To look as "good as gold," this hot, new facial from Japan may do the trick. It's the Umo 24 Karat Gold Facial, where pure gold is lavishly layered onto the skin.
"The first time you see the benefits," Veronica Barton-Schwartz, an Umo gold facialist at Veronica's Skin and Body Care Center, said.
The precious metal forms a glittering mask that absorbs into your pores.
"It's definitely more luminous, but what you do see a golden glow to the skin," Barton-Schwartz said.
Inventors say this treatment not only rejuvenates the skin, but removes wrinkles, banishes blemishes and fades age spots.
"I feel like it's firming and tightening as I am sitting here," Yolanda Hogh, a gold facial client, said
Are you feeling like a diamond in the rough? A traveling spa service in Hollywood promises to have you shining like the stars with a "dream girl" diamond massage. Medford native and NBC host Maria Menounos checked it out.
"This is the most heavenly thing I've ever done in my life," Menounos said.
Over $1 million in loose diamonds are laid lovingly along the spine, as a massage therapist rubs away the stress.
"Multi-millions-dollar massage, who am I right now," Menounos asked. "I am just a girl from Medford!"
The company says real diamonds add a soothing and ultra luxurious touch, even to your hands, if you are looking for a multi-million manicure!
One Newbury Street salon, Spa Newbury, stops the signs of time with The Diamond of the Sea.
"In the pearl has hyaluronic acid and fibrous proteins," said Selena Belisle, Spa Newbury. "Both of these help repair the skin."
This luxurious facial by Pevonia uses crushed pearls that makers say will give you a firmer face!
"Your skin appears firmer and a little bit more plump," Belisle said.
The pulverized pearls are applied to a special cream and then put on your skin. A mud mask seals the deal.
"I had expectations because it's a pearl facial," Aimee Maurer, a Pevonia pearl facial client, said. "It was awesome [and] defiantly lived up to it!"
But before you empty your bank account on these opulent options, doctors say buyers beware!
"Gold, pearls, [and] diamonds are not the best way to make you skin look better, but it sure sounds good," said Jeffery Dover, M.D., Skincare Physicians of Chestnut Hill. "Frankly, I would save up and buy a ring, but that's up to you."
24-Carat Gold Facial
Eldorado Hotel and Spa--Santa Fe, N.M.
Many aestheticians believe gold contains an anti-aging element,
and at the Eldorado Spa, they're so confident that gold-flecked
serum lifts, tightens, lightens and brightens skin while reducing the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they'll devote 80 minutes to
massaging it into your face and back. Other benefits are said to
include the slowdown of collagen depletion, which causes
sagginess; a decrease in inflammation; and a lightening of age
spots.
TOKYO (Reuters Life!) - They say
Cleopatra maintained her youth by wearing
a face mask of pure gold to bed. Now in
luxury-obsessed Japan, you too can gild
your features and feel like a modern-day
queen.
A Japanese firm showcased this week a
"pure gold skin treatment" which investors
say rejuvenates the skin and helps remove
wrinkles and blemishes.
Gold leaf is placed on the face to
accelerate cell growth in the basal layer of
the skin, Umo Inc. said.
"The effects of gold include anti-ageing. It
can also remove wrinkles and blemishes
that women often worry about," said a spokesman for the company which
developed the therapy last year.
The luxurious treatment is available at some 30 salons and spas across
Japan and one session, which lasts between one and two hours, starts at
20,000 yen ($170).
"My face started feeling warm when they finished applying gold. It feels
luxurious and I feel spoilt," said Satomi Ogura, 32, who tried the
treatment at the Beautyworld Japan 2007, the country's biggest beauty
expo.
The gold facials appear to be part of a trend in Japan towards a return to
the good life.
In the 1980s "bubble economy" years, wealthy Japanese were known to
sprinkle gold on food and drink pink champagne by the magnum. And
even during the recession, Japanese were among the world's top buyers of
luxury goods and diamond jewelry.
Tokyo's Ritz-Carlton recently started offering a "diamond-tini", a martini
cocktail poured over a 1.06 carat stone, for 1.8 million yen. Its 13,000 yen
"wagyu" beef burgers are also popular.
After the gold rush
The food at Restaurant 1880 is as ornate as the
dining room itself - gloriously over the top and
inlaid with precious metals. Jay Rayner discovers
the joy of capitalist consumption
Sunday February 22, 2004
The Observer
Restaurant 1880, The Bentley Hotel, Harrington Gardens,
London SW7 (020 7244 5555).
Meal for two, including drinks and precious metals, £150
It was when I began spooning gold leaf into my mouth that I
really started hating myself. What kind of monster had I
become that I could sit here, so casually, consuming
precious metals as if it were an entirely reasonable thing to
do?
I looked upwards at the ludicrously ornate ceiling, in the
hope that the gold had somehow come away from the
cornices and fluttered down to land here accidentally on the
small shiny breast of chocolate before me, but obviously it
hadn't. It was meant to be there. It was, I suppose, a case of
gilt begetting guilt.
This devastatingly fashionable restaurant, located on the first floor of the Metropolitan Hotel,
provides award-winning Japanese cuisine melded with South American influences in a relaxed
yet classy environment. Smiling, uniformed members of staff guide the diner through an extensive
menu with head chef Mark Edwards at the helm. The presentation is impeccable and the food
itself unique. Signature dishes include black cod marinated in miso, chocolate cake with tea-tree
ice cream or sake with gold leaf. The place is also one of the best spots in town for sushi. There
is plenty of opportunity for celebrity spotting. Reservations essential.
Yep, you read right. A grand for dinner in 10 courses over five hours at Astral, Star City's fine diner. Actually, it costs
$2000, since dining solo for a meal like this is as much fun as sex on your own. You have to share the experience,
which involves the expected trappings of luxury: caviar, truffles, foie gras, lobster and Krug champagne.
I want to be wowed, to swoon and be seduced by an experience that's almost impossible to replicate. A meal worthy
of the movie La Grande Bouffe (and perhaps Babette's Feast) filled with food and wines that will haunt me until my
final breath.
Astral's chef, Sean Connolly, sets himself an almost impossible task. His biggest hurdle is that we eat so well in
Australia for so little money. The previous night I dined at Tetsuya's and was reminded of why it is one of the world's
truly great restaurants.
Caviar and quail egg with gold leaf by Sean
Connolly at Astral.
(Pic: Marco Del Grande)
It makes me giddy to recall all 15 superb courses ($185). The final bill was $558. So my expectations are a bit like
drinking a $50 shiraz and wondering if I'd have 10 times the fun if it was a $500 Grange (you don't).
Connolly is talented. While Melbourne's Crown and casinos all around the world have pulled out all stops with global
brand-name chefs, he has quietly built a solid reputation in this plush, spacious room, 17 floors above the gambling
din. My cynical side wonders if the $1000 menu is designed to retrieve your winnings but the Yorkshire-born chef is
by nature a generous host, as his normal menus ($105-$240) prove.
Unfortunately, his style is probably too robust for this task. He's blessed with sound technique, an imagination and
the intelligence not to try too hard with prime ingredients - a flaw in many lesser chefs - but, in the end, I'd love this
meal at half the price.
The other difficulty is assistant sommelier Gabrielle Webster's wine choices. There's the obvious; Krug with caviar,
plus the unexpected and fabulous Bordeaux-style Herzog sauvignon blanc with lobster but the wines are otherwise
pedestrian for the circumstance. She hampers herself with half bottles from Astral's impressive, 30-page global list.
Somewhere along the way, I want to see stars, if not touch them.
The flourish of a French grand cru, a benchmark Australian, a standout year and that rare pleasure in an instantly
gratified world, bottle age, should play their parts. Instead we're poured a lacklustre Burgundy that downplays the
loveliest dish: quail, fragrant from Manjimup truffle, with peeled asparagus and a truffle-flecked "anglais" of potato
soaked with butter.
In total, the wines cost about $550, or $700 if you count a glass of Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac with the excessive,
multi-textured Valrhona chocolate plate. That leaves $1300 for food, so let me tell you about it. You can try four of
the 10 dishes here without blowing a grand. The pleasant cauliflower veloute with scallop and almond oil is the
amuse bouche for everyone. Our 50g of Petrossian caviar would cost $425, although the gilt-cloaked quail egg would
thrill Faberge. The caviar, farmed in California, is respectable.
King crab raviolo, covered in a foamed treacle beurre blanc, is a balance of sharp and briny. It's an a la carte entree,
while the lobster, poached with a confit of portobello mushrooms and creamy pine nuts, is a main.
Abalone is the ocean's answer to choko. I don't know how it got the reputation it enjoys. Connolly braises his in
master stock, slices it finely and then sautes it in butter for a salad with slivers of artichoke and pickled carrot with
the pizzazz of micro-herbs.
The wagyu is wonderfully over-the-top with buttery excess. A large, rich and rare tenderloin is slathered in foie gras
butter, with a fairy ring of tiny morels and marrow-and-breadcrumbs-filled roasted bone.
It's followed by the wicked Brillat-Savarin, a triple-cream cow's milk cheese. Here's the moment, I think, when
gluttony will top my list of sins. But rather than leave the cheese on the table, a dollop is scooped onto a slice of fruit
bread and away it goes. Penfolds winemaker John Duval's Plexus shiraz-grenache-mourvedre, which I really admire,
is its predictable company.
After such artery-clogging decadence, poached pear, lifted by bergamot in earl grey ice-cream and the refreshing
note of a green tea foam, is welcome, before plunging full-throttle into chocolate at a point that demands something
small and exquisite. I suppose, as Oscar Wilde said, nothing exceeds like excess. The service is efficient, without
bathing us in affection. I don't want sycophancy but it would be nice to feel valued. At times we feel ignored.
In the spiritual home of conspicuous consumption, Monaco, dinner at Alain Ducasse's opulent Le Louis XV sets you
back about $400 each (plus wine). Measured against that benchmark, Astral's $1000 menu isn't the indulgence you
deserve. It's a gimmick, unworthy of Connolly's ability and the every day excellence this restaurant offers.
I miss the last tram home, thus forfeiting my $1.50 return fare. That's the sort of risk you take when you splash out.
Copyright 2008 SpicyGold.com. Intelligent Choice Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without permission.
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