KEY POINTS:
Whether you're trying to fool a new date or an old friend you haven't seen in a while, there are times when you need a little extra help pulling it all together. Forget the crash diet plans and concentrate on the usual sound advice about a good attitude
and good grooming being your best advertisements. Fake tan and a quick mani-pedi are worth the effort too, but here's a couple of other options to get you in tip-top shape.
Shiver solution
"This isn't a fluffy treatment," Forme clinic manager Carol told me several times as I sat in my robe in the Albany clinic's zen-like relaxation room. You can't say I wasn't warned about the cyrotheremic wrap I was about to undertake, expressly to see if a bit of basking in ungents, body massage and warm wraps would tighten my tummy and thighs to allow a little black dress to look a little bit drapier.
There's a suggestion, though no promise given, that the LBD wrap could shift my dress size in the right direction.
I liked that under my robe I'd been given a sarong, so I could hop onto the massage table without having to bare all. I was draped in a towel and warned I'd get both hot and cold. As it happened, despite the room temperature being like a hothouse and that I was lying on a thermal blanket, I felt chilly. I was massaged with creams high in menthol, among other things, designed to stimulate my sluggish lymphatic system.
The shivery sensation meant this wasn't a relaxation massage, though the strokes were pleasant enough and applied back and front, concentrating on the tummy, bottom and thighs. Afterwards, I really did feel like the warming cup of herbal tea. I felt a bit odd and also had an urgent need to pop into the loo. That, apparently, is part of the detoxifying effect.
Over the next few hours I felt shivery and, finally got back to normal after around three hours. My thighs really did seem tighter and smoother (and lasted into the next day), so there was at least a superficial effect from this rather odd procedure.
Carol told me the treatment could be done as a oncer, but that best results would be from a course. The litmus test is would I do it again? It was sufficiently intriguing to warrant further exploration as it certainly did something to my metabolism. I'd ensure, though, that a few hours passed before I headed out in that LBD so I'd look, rather than just feel, cool.
* Forme LBD treatment takes 55 mins and costs $129. Forme's Albany clinic is at 1-4 Kell Dr, Albany Highway, ph 415 4915 formespa.co.nz
Lock lustre
I've been lucky enough to try out two good hair treatments recently and if your hair is feeling flat or frizzed, then this is a good way to not only get some deep conditioning, but also a professional blow-dry so you can walk out of the salon ready to give that Pantene flick. The shampoo ranges in my rituals weren't budget options though. I had a Redken ritual at Blaze Salon in Newmarket and a Kerastase at Morgan & Morgan in Takapuna.
Both followed similar routines, so I'd say your hair type or preferred destination could be the decider. These types of treatment are becoming the hair salon equivalent of spa therapy. If you're going to spend a small fortune on cut and colour, it makes sense to ensure your hair condition is up to the effort. And for a big night out, it's a relaxing way to get your hair looking and feeling great.
Morgan & Morgan is particularly well set-up for treatments, with individual rooms with comfortable recliner chairs at the rear of its roomy refined salon. Senior stylist Casey used the newish Kerastase Probiotic range on me after a thorough questioning of my hair needs and her own informed assessment.
I get an excellent scalp massage and then serum is applied to deeply nourish my slightly dry, coloured hair. A blowdry in a nice, bouncy shape follows. The treatment was relaxing and a good chance to pick the brains of a senior stylist about haircare without any pressure over cut and colour.
At Blaze, salon owner Mana Dave used Redken's Real Control range on me, which is a best suited to people who use heat tools on their hair. That's not me, so although I preferred the other treatment, for many this could be ideal.
I enjoyed the buzzy, bright atmosphere of the Broadway salon. Mana was fun and gave me a good scalp massage and also a salon-exclusive deep conditioning balm. The blowdry alone was worth the visit, especially with Nuffield St so nearby for a quick sashay through the shops, feeling swished-up.
Either option is best done when your hair needs some TLC, but time it so you can make the most of the blowdry by heading out afterwards.
* Kerastase Deluxe Ritual, Morgan & Morgan, 6-10 Como St, Takapuna, ph 486 9772 morganandmorgan.co.nz, $80.
* Redken ritual with blowdry at Blaze, Newmarket, ph (09) 529-7522; blazehair.com