I Got the Elemis Biotech Firm-A-Lift Facial on board Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas! (Should you get one too?)

Indulging in Luxury: Elemis Biotech Firm-A-Lift Facial Review on Ovation of the Seas

Embarking on a 6-day voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas, I found myself tempted by the promise of ultimate pampering. Curiosity piqued, I dared to venture into the world of luxurious spa treatments. Join me as I unveil the secrets behind my first-ever Elemis Biotech Firm-A-Lift Facial!

Cost

I booked my facial during a pre- boarding special and saved quite a bit.  The total cost was under $150 + tip. Be aware there are AMPLE opportunities to upgrade your package if you so choose. You can add on an Oxygen Infusion Treatment, Firming Neck & Decollete Treatment, or Eye Renewal Treatment for under $20 each at the spa, or add all three for under $50.

Process

There was a consultation before my cruise pampering, requesting information on my stress levels and areas of concern.  All questions are for the staff to locate areas they may be able to up-sell other spa services so be prepared for a pitch.  However if you are up for trying new treatments, there are many wonderful options the spa professionals can tell you all about. I recommend the Swedish or hot stone massage or a mani/pedi as the prices are comparable to what I pay in Dallas and FAR exceed the services I'm accustomed to. 

Stepping into the sanctuary of the onboard spa, I was greeted by soft melodies and the gentle fragrance of essential oils. Every detail, from the plush robes to the soothing ambiance, whispered of indulgence and relaxation. The dimmed lighting cast a warm glow over the serene space, while the sound of trickling water from a nearby fountain added a symphony of tranquility to the air. It was as if time itself had slowed, inviting me to leave the stresses of the world behind and surrender to the blissful embrace of pampering perfection.

Confession time: at 39, I had never treated myself to a facial. Why? Because, like many, I thought I knew how to care for my skin. Little did I know, a world of rejuvenation awaited me at the hands of Tarryn, a spa magician aboard the Ovation of the Seas.

My Experience

Tarryn asked me questions about my skin care and informed me I was actually using far more product than necessary to care for my particular needs.  She created a very simple daily and weekly plan for me to follow and told me what products I already have that I should keep using, and which aren't for me.  She did also recommend a few Elemis products but there was no pressure or sales pitch, only information.  

I added the neck treatment onto my Elemis Biotech Firm-A-Lift Facial package and Tarryn left the room so I could get under the sheets. You can choose to undress and use a soft robe for a full spa feel or keep your clothing and simply move aside anything blocking access to your face and neck.  When she returned Tarryn asked if I was OK with oils being used in my hair (oh yes!) and the process began. 

Now the products are different for each treatment and based on your own skin's needs but I was given a wonderful face, neck, and scalp massage using a variety of masks, serums, and creams. Everything smelled soft and divine! There were toners, eye patches, ice rollers, and a fantastic array of luxurious oils.  She explained each process, although I suspect if I had not been chatty myself she would have allowed me to enjoy the process in silence. I love talking with people and prefer the conversation, but if that isn't your jam I suspect the pros can read that and will respond accordingly.  

After a series of creams Tarryn used a device with 4 metal probes delivering micro-currents for a gentle lift, led therapy, and galvanized bio-active therapies to restore elasticity and firmness.  The process was quiet and pain free. It was almost like a very light acupressure massage. I could tell she used patterns and techniques designed to target the areas of my face needing the most help. Then she informed me there would be some noise and a different wand appeared with a large metal disk that blows Oxygen directly into your skin, infusing your cells and softly plumping fine lines.  This was also painless and not very loud at all.  If you ever used an electric cleanser that suctions dirt from your pores it was very similar in feel, except it blows Oxygen into your skin rather than sucking out debris.  

After this there was another eye and face mask that was absolutely divine and had a nice velvety texture,  along with a neck wrap for firming delicate skin.  Thus was left on for 10 minutes or so while I relaxed to peaceful music. Each step was removed with a warm towel and gentle massage.  

When the mask had absorbed, Tarryn applied a very light serum and helped me to sit,  then guided me through the steps and products and asked if there was anything I needed.  There was no push for more to be bought than I requested and she was very knowledgeable on the products I asked about.  I ended up buying a few items she had used during the treatment and she gave me a few final instructions before I headed back out into the world. 

I ended up spending about $120 extra on add-ons and products during my Elemis Biotech Firm-A-Lift Facial,  and I have zero regrets. The process was informative (I had no idea I needed to exfoliate my face IN the shower,  or extract sebum from the pores on my nose occasionally!) luxurious, and extravagant. I left feeling cared for, cared about, and pampered. I also can NOT believe I've never indulged in this process, I can tell you if you are on the fence that this facial made me a true believer in the process! 

I am not afraid of my age, I truly don't mind looking 40. However,  I don't desire to she any faster than I need to, and if a monthly facial can assist in this, I am all in!

Below are before and after photos. I took the before photos in the waiting room,  the first set of after photos immediately after the procedure, and then more a few hours later and the next morning.  I can see a noticeable difference not only in the texture of my skin but also the firmness of my face. The lines on my forehead and around my lips are drastically softer as well which makes me very happy. 

For the price, this experience is a must- try.  Curious to experience the transformative power of an Elemis Biotech Firm-A-Lift Facial for yourself? Dive into the world of luxury pampering and embark on your own journey of rejuvenation. Share your thoughts, questions, or spa adventures in the comments below—I'd love to hear from you!

Results

Immediately following the treatment my face was red, and I wasn't looking my best. This was to be expected. While this was my first rodeo, I've had enough friends go through the process to know not to judge my results too hastily.  After about 20 minutes the redness was more of a glow and my skin looked dewy and refreshed.  A lady at the coffee shop told me I looked like I had just woken up from the world's greatest nap! After about an hour I could certainly see my face looked firmer than before, and when my husband woke up from his nap he told me my skin looked amazing. He asked me if my nose was smaller somehow (I don't know how but I'll take it!)

Before/After

 

Out on the town the day and evening before. Light makeup, feeling pretty good, but needing a little love.

Just before my appointment. No makeup. Very tired skin!

 

 

 Immediately after my appointment. Face is a little red but already looking more toned! My husband asked me if my nose looked smaller, and I really think it shrank somehow (don't ask me how, I have no clue, but see for yourself!)

 

 

After a few hours. My jawline, under eye, and forehead are much smoother. The lines by my lips on are significantly less noticeable!

Just before bed. I'm lifting my eyebrow to check out my forehead wrinkles, and they are far less noticeable than before the facial! 

 

The next morning, full face of makeup, ready to take on the world. My makeup went on so much more smoothly than it has in quite some time (years?) and I felt like I needed a lot less of it to feel "human". I will absolutely be doing this once a month from now on! The cost and time spent at the spa was comparable to getting a set of acrylic nails but the results were truly impressive.

 

Just for comparison- look at my skin in these two pictures. The one on the left is from the night before, and the one on the right is the evening after. The one on the left has a full face of makeup but you can really see the lines around my lips and above my eyebrow. Even without makeup in the second photo,  my skin tone and texture were far smoother than before.

In conclusion- if you have the opportunity to try the Elemis Biotech Firm-A-Lift Facial, DO IT! You will not be disappointed. My only regret is that I don't live anywhere near a spa that offers this service... guess I'll have to book another cruise :)