woman getting facial treatment

Where?

Dragonfly, the beauty rooms at Burwash Manor, has been open two years and in that time has attracted a loyal following of Cantabrigian women thanks to its holistic beauty treatments and air of cocooned tranquillity.

What?

The signature treatment is a one-hour facial, not available anywhere else in Cambridge as Dragonfly is the only place in the area authorised to do so. The facial is tailored to best suit your skin’s needs and uses Dr Hauschka products combined with 
a unique ‘press-and-roll’ technique that is 
incredibly gentle.

Products?

The Dr Hauschka range is famed for using biodynamic, organic, sustainable and natural products wherever possible and is a best 
selling brand.

What happened?

After discussing my skin, beauty regime and health with my therapist Stephanie, I was ushered in to a softly-lit, candlelit room and given an aluminium tub filled with warm sage-scented water to soak my icy feet. This may seem like an odd place to start a facial but, given that tension shows on the face, a relaxing foot soak was a much-appreciated touch that softened my frown lines before the facial had even begun.

A back rub followed using light feathery movements that were perfect for me as I usually find massages too firm and painful. After that the facial proper began. Warm then cool towels soaked in lavender oil were draped over the face, cleansing milk and cleansing cream were applied using press-and-roll movements to gently work the products into the skin without rubbing or dragging. The idea being that this style of rhythmic treatment helps encourage the body to heal itself. It was followed by a clarifying toner that didn’t leave my skin feeling tight or stripped of oil as many do. The cleansing clay mask was incredibly cooling and would be wonderfully refreshing on a hot summer day. Revitalising eye cream and lip balm were applied and a nourishing day oil. The philosophy is that you treat like with like, so my oily skin was treated with a facial oil to help rebalance it – a practice that I’ve noticed does seem to be beneficial and doesn’t turn your face into an oil slick as you might suppose.

End result?

Impressive – my skin, which goes blotchy and blemished at the drop of a hat, was calm and even toned. This was in part thanks to the lack of any extractions (code for squeezing spots!). My only criticism was the relaxation music, which 
was a little loud and not my personal taste but I’m sure it could have been switched off if I’d thought to ask. If you’re looking for a deep, extraction-style facial this is not for you but if you want to emerge glowing and able to show your face in public happily without a dab of makeup I would highly recommend it.

l Dr Hauschka one-hour facial, £50. Dragonfly, Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7EY, 01223 263469.

l 17 March is Dragonfly’s second birthday celebration. There will be special offers on the day including buy two treatments get two free, complimentary mini treatments and free prize draw to win a hamper of beauty goodies worth £100