A Sisley facial is as luxurious as you would expect from this high-end company

Olivia Abbott tries a Sisley facial using the new Black Rose Cream Mask

There is range of five Phytocomplex serums to suit eveyr skin

Sisley is a name in cosmetics synonymous with sophistication – and expense. It’s definitely a high-end brand, but the important thing to remember, says Sabiha Nehvi, counter manager at John Lewis, is that the products are also very high quality and extremely potent. ‘You don’t need much,’ she says. And OK, a product such as the ‘must-have’ (according to Sabiha) Hydra Global has an eye-watering price tag of £129, but it should last you about six months.

Sisley’s products are based on a concept called ‘phytocosmetology’ - using natural plant extracts, which contain key active ingredients and perform a specific action. The idea is that using these extracts in careful combinations amplifies and strengthens the effects of each individual active ingredient, maximising benefit to the skin.

As you would expect, then, a Sisley facial is a luxurious affair. Treatments are highly tailored, with a range of serums, moisturisers and masks, that can all be mixed and matched, so it’s possible for a Sisley therapist to create a totally personalised treatment for you.

So, after cleansing and toning my face, Sabiha used the Gentle Facial Buffing Cream, which is applied like a mask and then rubbed gently off, leaving me with fresh, peachy-feeling skin. She then selected the appropriate Phytocomplex for my skin (there are five to choose from) – in this case Number 1, for hydration – and used this as the basis for a lymphatic drainage massage. The method entails a cross between tapping and pushing of the skin and muscles, to drain out impurities, improve blood flow and bring oxygen to the skin.

By now, Sabiha was able to make a firm assessment of my skin type and decide which treatments were required. ‘I am concerned about lack of radiance, and dullness with your skin,’ she told me so she chose the new Black Rose Cream Mask, for its anti-ageing properties, plus the Eye Contour Mask to counteract fine lines and puffiness. While these two products were left to do their magic, Sabiha gave me a hand and arm massage.

Then, once the masks were removed, there came a barrage of products to counter my own personal complexion problems. First off was Daily Line Reducer, followed by Global Firming Serum and Radiance Anti-Ageing Concentrate, which kind of do what they say on the tin. Then Sabiha applied Hydra Global, an intense anti-ageing hydration treatment, followed by Global Anti-Age, a day and night moisturiser, and All Day All Year, to protect against UV and environmental aggressors. Finally, Eye and Lip Contour Cream was applied.

With all the products, I was surprised at how little Sabiha used, and also that she simply swept the product over my skin in one move and that was it. No massaging or rubbing in. That was a lesson in itself, and brought home Sabiha’s comment quoted above – less is more when it comes to use of Sisley’s products, at least in amount if not in quantity. In fact, another of Sisley’s tenets is the perfect mastery of dosage so that the main active ingredients are as effective as can be without causing any kind of adverse reaction.

All the products are available to buy for home use, and although it might feel like you need to remortgage your house in order to be able to afford the first outlay, the cost of your facial is redeemable against products bought on the day. And those products will last, and if the results of my treatment are anything to go by, they will work, too.

The Botanical Facial from Sisley, £25 at John Lewis, The Grand Arcade, call 01223 224646