Mystery Shopping Expose #5

Article compiled by BR Natalie

Being one of our three Superheroes has some perks. The most enviable (other than the cape) has to be the chance to mystery shop a beauty counter, salon or shop.  Oh yes, we give our Superheroes some spending money and send them undercover in the beauty industry

We sent Chikoboo, aka Kirsty, to the Oak Villa Beauty Spa in Omaru - here's how she got on! 

What was the assignment you were given?

To book in to the Oak Villa Beauty Spa for a 'Skin Deep Treatment Facial'. 

Describe your first impressions when you walked into the spa?

I have had a facial before and didn't really enjoy the experience so I went in a little nervous but the building envelopes you as soon as you walk through the door and are greeted by Beverley.

I called the spa on Monday and easily made an appointment for that Wednesday for an after-work appointment. The best thing was how at ease I felt which as a naturally nervous person is a very surreal thing! The old villa that has been converted into part personal dwelling and part business has such an amazing aura of well being, its cozy and charming with lovely views from the massage room over the town down to the sea, that alone is very relaxing.

I had the hubby drop me off so I didn't require off street parking but they do offer a car park across the street for clients. As I was saying I was greeted by the lovely Beverley who sat me down and handed me a client form to fill in whilst she prepared the room (I was a tad early) but it was a very short and comfortable wait.

What questions did they ask you before commencing your consultation?

I was asked to fill in a client form, and then has a little chat about any skin issues such as rashes, coldsores, dryness, oily patches, etc.  The form required my full name, address, date of birth and if I wore glasses or contacts

Describe what happened during your consultation. Talk about the environment, how you felt during the appointment, your consultant’s attitude:

Beverley was very a calm and friendly professional who was very easy to talk to, she explained what she was going to do, why and when.

The enviroment was a dimmed room with incense wafting through the air, soft music in the background and then warm massage table that just made me want to fall asleep the second I laid down.

The Skin Deep Treatment is made out of 100% natural ingredients and I was informed of the steps as she applied them. Staring with a double cleanse, the first to remove dirt and grime then the second to lift all deep down rubbish that sits in the pores.  This was followed by a gentle exfoilation made out of dried jojoba oil its was so soft but effective plus the smell...heavenly. Then we went onto to the double mask application, 100% natural manuka honey, warmed up and spread across my face which was odd at first but the warmth was just relaxing and not at all sticky as I thought it was going to be, on top of that some gauze was placed over the honey, followed by a warmed mud mask.

Whilst the mask was setting, Beverley massaged my arms, hands and neck this was almost the point of no return as I felt the land of nod trying to suck me in, but then she found a small knot that must have been there a while as I have been complaining about a sore neck for a while, by applying a firm pressure she rubbed that out in a second, without effort but it jolted me awake in a good way mind you.

Anyway with the mask all firm now, she peeled it off and cleansed the honey residue off. A light layer of jojoba oil was then applied before the moisturiser which was finally set with a toner spray.

I was going to have a light make up after the treatment but was advised that it ruins the effect of the facial as my face was clear and glowy.

How experienced/professional did you think they were?
 

Beverley was very professional and show excellent experience as I mentioned before my last facial wasn't any good as it was done by part time summer workers at a spa retreat but having that experience shown how well Beverley knew what my skin needed

What did you like about your experience?

To be honest the whole procedure was delightful and relaxing, but the best part was meeting Beverley; as another ex Brit we had a few things to talk about, as well as her willingness to explain what she was doing, why and with what products.

Anything you didn’t like?

I'm not a huge fan of dimly lit places but that is the enviroment that facials and massages are performed in and after a short while I calmed.

Were you happy with the outcome from your experience?

Yes.  Not only did I walk out of the building with clear, healthy and glowing skin, but I had earnt some valuable knowledge about my skin, and how I should treat it.

For example when I mentioned that I treated my skin with rosehip I was told that I was actually doing wrong, that I should be using jojoba oil as my skin doesn't need repair it needs balancing and jojoba oil does that for cheaper.

Would you visit this place again, if you were paying for it yourself?

If I felt I needed a facial or massage I would return to this spa again, yes it's one of the first places I have been where I haven't felt alienated, shy or out of my comfort zone

Would you recommend this experience to a friend?

Yes 110% yes!!!

Is there anything else would you like to add?

I think I've covered everything alread.y.  *Pauses for a good think...

...only that I feel like I'm walking on pillows, with a buttery soft face and at one with myself....so calm and serene. Thanks to BR for providing me this experience, you girls rock!!  And especially the difficulty of picking a place in this small town, hats off to the First Lady of BR

So there we have it - another Superhero Mystery Shop - big thanks to Chikoboo for going undercover for us!