Only a week before the Holiday Season madness hit, I had the pleasure of experiencing one of the most amazing facials New York City has to offer. The Energy Lift Facial at Ling Spa utilizes heat, a Tourmaline wand, and truly impressive skincare formulas to infuse your mind and body with intense vitality and unparalleled glow.
Let’s just say that on a gloomy November afternoon after just an hour at Ling, I was walking around downtown Manhattan looking like a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills… Apparently, that impression is no coincidence as the Ling Energy Lift Facial is available only at the Ciel Spa at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills in addition to its two NYC locations.
The zen like Ling spa is on East 16th Street (second location is on the Upper West Side) steps away from the madness inducing subway station at Union Square. Within minutes in the ‘whisper area’ as I call it, I was whisked away to a treatment room and asked to partially disrobe. Unlike traditional facials, you begin lying face down for the Energy Lift Facial. Incredibly relaxing, this first step combines key elements of massage, acupressure, and heat therapy to center your body’s energy before any face work begins.
Other than certain birthstones and healing crystals, Tourmaline is one of the very few gemstones in the world that has the ability to emit far-infrared rays and negative ions. Half the energy our bodies produce is composed of invisible infrared rays so there is no need to fear them. Negative ions are air molecules that give you the euphoric feeling more associated with being on the beach than in an office cubicle… The easiest way to explain these scientific concepts in beauty blogger terms is to think of infrared rays as good energy and negative ions as positive vibes.
The Tourmaline wand used during the Energy Lift Facial resembles a chic cross between a shower head and a paddle. Flat on my back this time, I experience the heat that combines luxury and comfort as the wand presses and glides over my face. The lovely Ling Skincare Specialist cleanses, tones, and treats my skin while I reach a state of a bliss on the verge of dozing off completely…
When I am asked if I’d like to see my reflection since only half my face has been treated, I look into the mirror and am astounded at what I see. The difference is mindblowing. Combined with Asian spa techniques, the power of Tourmaline gives a rejuvenated and lifted look with a significant glow. Within an hour, I step back into the city streets feeling and looking significantly more invigorated and radiant – a look almost impossible to achieve in the middle of Manhattan.
Having opened her first spa over 30 years ago, Ling Chang has combined the rich traditions of her native China with the needs of modern lifestyle in New York City. Implementing this expertise in her own range of skincare products, every Ling Skincare formula or treatment is bound to impress. If you’re ever in NYC or lucky enough to book yourself into the Ciel Spa at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, set aside an hour for an Energy Lift Facial.
The Energy Lift Facial is $195 and is one hour long.
Check out the full Spa Menu and explore the wonderful Ling Skincare at www.lingskincare.com.
