What do beauty blogs, women’s magazines and best sellers have in common? They all tout the French for leading in the fashion and skincare industry. Mathide Thomas cofounder of the international beauty company Caudalie, writes in her latest book, The French Beauty Solution: Time Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out:

We don’t consider regular facials to be a luxurious treat we’d indulge in maybe once a year. They’re a necessary part of our regular skincare regimen, and as there’s a cumulative effect from good treatments and the use of good products, that encourages us to keep up with this maintenance.

So drawing on my inner Francophile, I visited Tuscan Sun Spa for a facial. Today is, after all, National Mud Pack Day!

I arrived at the salon a few minutes early and was immediately
greeted at the front desk and asked if I would like to visit their relaxation room or look around the store. In addition to the regular spa services, Tuscan Sun Spa has an eclectic gift shop. They carry an extensive Vera Bradley line of fashionable, colorful, cotton quilted handbags, accessories, luggage, and paper and gift items. Papyrus handmade cards, Spartina 449 handbags and jewelry and Ginger Snaps which is interchangeable jewelry that features “fashion snaps,” button-like charms you snap in and out of stylish bracelets, rings and more.  They also carry Sorreli, John Wind, Angelica, Crabtree & Evelyn and much more. I was a little overwhelmed and should have probably gone to the relaxation room!

The relaxation room is a treat in its own right. Once you ease yourself into an overstuffed couch or chair, someone will whisk in and ask if you would like a glass of water with lemon or a cup of herbal tea. Enjoy a magazine while the tension in your neck and shoulders subsides with their heated herbal neck wrap.

But now it’s showtime! Tatjana led me to the facial room where I was instructed to remove my top, put on a soft terry cloth smock and get under the covers.

Tip: Before you get started, remove all jewelry and wear pants that are loose enough to roll up to your knees.

Tatjana came back in the room and we discussed any concerns I have about my skin and any health problems I may be experiencing. Then she dimmed the lights and began the magic!

The next hour was a blur! In a much synchronized manner, she removed my makeup, cleansed, steamed, exfoliated, extracted and massaged. The best part is this pampering didn’t end at the jawline. She also included my neck and chest. At various times during my facial, she also massaged my arms, hands, legs, feet, shoulders, scalp and ears. Divine!  And with the dim lighting, warm layer of blankets and instrumental background music, it was hard not to drift off.   

Tuscan Sun Spa uses a combination of Aveda (a subsidiary of Estee Lauder, using only plant-derived ingredients) and Dermalogica. Both brands are also sold in their store. However, Tatiana did not push the products just mentioned that if I was interested in learning more or purchasing something to let her know. I appreciate a soft sale.

Once I got myself put back together – and trust me, it was difficult to get moving again – she had a cup of hot tea and snacks waiting on me in the relaxation room.  

I did forgo the mud pack but let me tell you, the French are on to something here! Mathide also writes: We just do it. Even if you don’t think you deserve a break (and you do!), an hour or two in a spa is an ideal way to show you not only how to relax, but also that you’ve earned every peaceful and soothing second you’ll spend in there.

Ready for that break now?

Which spa service do you most enjoy?