Older men enjoy pampering

Owner Annette Jones (right) and beauty therapist Carole Mathey say a growing number of men are realising the benefits of skin care. Photo/Stuart Munro

You don't have to be a sensitive new-age guy to have a facial, a pedicure or a massage.

Annette Jones, who runs Indulge Skin Spa, says some of the clients she and colleague Carole Mathey see are in their 50s or older and have been regular clients for some time.

Ms Jones has just re-opened her spa in new premises, in the arcade at 45 Taupo Quay and with Ms Mathey she brings years of experience to the business.

The new business opened about a month ago and the pair provide every sort of pampering including electrolysis, waxing, hair removal, facials and body scrubs, therapeutic massage and beauty treatments.

"We've got the exclusive rights to Sothys of Paris skin care products for this area. This French brand includes both skin care and make-up products," Ms Jones said.

"Skin care is our speciality but we do most everything. While Carole specialises in make-up, her forte is make-overs."

She said the business has always had a good male clientele that had been built up over the years.

"We're talking men who're mainly 50 years plus," she said.

Ms Jones said Indulge Skin Spa's primary business was aimed at creating healthy skin for their clients.

"People are definitely more aware of the need to look after their skins. I'd say 10 to 15 years ago it was regarded as a luxury and pampering, pure and simple. But people now do want to look after their skin because it doesn't matter how much make-up you put on, if you haven't got a good skin you don't have the foundation," she said.

"When we do a consultation, we'll tell the client that the first and most important step is to thoroughly cleanse their skin and then apply a sun block. From there you can add your moisturisers. But if you're not doing those first two things there's no point doing anything else."

She said it was not unusual for a husband and wife to come in together and while the wife has the massage, the husband will have a facial and a pedicure.

"It's not easy for the man to come in here, certainly not the first time anyway, and it's usually the wife or partner that brings him in.

"They'll be nervous but they're very loyal after that.

"But these are men who are working long hours, working harder and some of them working outdoors, so something like a massage is a huge benefit."

Ms Jones said the massages provided at the spa are Swedish remedial massages.

They are not full sports massages but rather relaxation massages.

"We're also wedding make-up specialists offering a bridal make-up and we also offer ball make-up options. And as with all things we offer prices vary but packages can be purchased," she said.

Indulge Skin Spa, (06) 348 4418 or: www.indulgeskinspa.co.nz