3 /5 cheryl demarzo: This is probably the second time I have visited this salon in a couple of years. I wanted a deep cleansing, hydrating, relaxing facial with extractions and steam which incorporated a facial neck and shoulder massage. I made this quite clear when I booked with the receptionist. A lot of salons are into using machines now and newer techniques with no hands on treatment from the therapist and hoped this would be a different experience especially as I had discussed my requirements when I booked. However, when I arrived I was introduced to my therapist Natalie who I will say was very nice and seemed knowledgeable. When we discussed the facial I had booked she said that there was steam but no massage. I said that I wanted the massage as part of the treatment and that was something that I felt I needed for relaxation and mentioned when booking. Natalie said that the hyradermie guinot facial sounded more like what I wanted but there was not enough time as it was a longer facial. She said that she would try and tailor this facial to what I needed but to be honest I left feeling the facial I was given was something I could have done myself. Natalie did do a really nice massage but I felt like it was over before it started to then be having the masque put on my face and then told the facial was finished. Minimal extractions but apparently my skin was too dehydrated and pores were tight. This was the reason I was there in order for them to correct these problems and do any extractions. I left with my skin still feeling congested with a lot of moisturiser on top at the cost of ÂŁ90.00 which I felt was far too expensive for the treatment I was given, which was pretty basic. Natalie did swop the LED face light for the masque as I said I had a headache and did not want bright red lights seeping through the protective glasses. Although I appreciate times have moved forward with expensive machines and skin peels, I still feel that the relaxation part of the facial is important but sadly I did not get that. The hydradermie facial might satisfy my needs if I were to visit again but I expect my needs satisfied on my first visit and for ÂŁ90, which I did not mind paying provided I was satisfied with my treatment. The reception staff were friendly enough and assume they were the managers of the salon but I left feeling that my first visit was not great, especially as it was a birthday present paid for by a family member. When I paid with my card the machine gave me the opportunity to leave a tip which I declined as I felt I had paid far too much in the first place for what I received. I am not sure why everyone is expecting tips at the moment and customers can barely justify spending that much money on the facial. Sadly my skin feels no different today and I know how it should feel as I have regular facials but used hilltop as I fancied a change. I think the problem lies with the reception staff rather than the therapist as she did not take enough time at the booking stage to make sure my requirements were met.
