A Metropolitan Makeover
A Metropolitan Makeover
Jo was treated to a one hour Rising Sun Gentle Exfoliation body treatment, costing 57 euros. Here’s what she thought of being pampered from head to toe…
I’m not going to lie, getting a regular body treatment has never featured on my to-do-list, yet I was mighty excited at the prospect of having one at swanky Metropolitan. I was escorted by the lovely Anna to one of the three trés chic treatment rooms; decorated in pale tones it was cool and contemporary with an adjoining shower room (to wash off the sticky stuff which makes your skin look ten years younger, duh). Lying back on the comfortable treatment chair, I watched as Anna expertly blended exfoliating products from the Clarins range in a bowl. As Enya-type music played in the background, I felt the tension escape me as the special potion was 
massaged into my legs.
“Your skin’s very dry,” commented Anna. My garbled reply blamed the Hungarian water, when really I knew that I could do with opening that bottle of moisturizer I bought a month ago. I soon came to realize that this treatment was very thorough. My legs, feet, arms, hands, stomach, back…and a couple of other areas I don’t care to mention, were scrubbed into smooth submission: a perfect prelude to summer tanning. After a shower, it was time for part two of the treatment…the application of a thick Clarins moisturizing cream. My skin, by that time, felt silky smooth…could it get any softer? After the cream was massaged into (every inch of) my body, though, I felt amazing. No more excuses for me: I’m adding body treatments to the to-do list.
Bliss and Make-Up
Vera was able to enjoy the ultimate makeover by the expert Metropolitan make-up team. She had a 60 minute Express Make-Up Application Treatment, costing 27 euros.
It’s hard not to be impressed by Metropolitan. On the entry level there are shelves and shelves of top-quality make-up and cosmetic products. After a complimentary cup of fruit tea, I was taken to the make-up room, the design of which was as cool and elegant as the rest of the three-storey establishment.
My first lesson was in cleansing. Clarins Bi-Phase Cleanser, a gentle, non-greasy product, was applied
to my skin by Andi, followed by a non-sticky moisturizer which made my skin look matte rather than shiny – very important for the summer time, I must remember that one!
There was just one more step before the make-up excitement could commence: a Clarins cream called Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch…which is nothing short of magic! It makes wrinkles and other skin imperfections completely disappear. In a word, wow.
Then out came the luxuriously packaged Guerlain make-up range: seriously, you wouldn’t be ashamed to have them on your dressing table – they were gorgeous. Terracotta bronzing powder was dusted over my face, neck and décolleté to give me a healthy summer glow. Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl gave my eyes some va-va voom, thanks to its intense color. The finishing touches were added with a natural Clarins lip gloss and a coating of cute pink Clarins light-reflecting lip gloss to give my lips that summer shimmer. I can’t wait to try out my new look at the next summer party now!
Bonjour Couture!
One of the things that sets Metropolitan apart from straightforward salons in the city is the free personal styling 
consultation it offers. Amy swapped her flip-flops for couture…
As well as the slick boutique upstairs, the cool basement of the deceptively large Metropolitan is home to a collection of Italian designer labels. Moschino Cheap and Chic, Pollini and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti were my friendly stylist Mária’s tools for the afternoon, and the session began with a tour of the collection and explanations of the key looks behind each. Whilst moving through the rails, Mária collected a range of dresses, skirts, tops belts and trousers, asking my opinion along the way.
I’d be lying if I said personal styling was the kind of thing I receive every day, or if I claimed to have worn clothes anywhere near as high-end as these before. What followed, though, was a series of outfit changes that left my usually dressed-down self looking like nothing short of a Sex and the City starlet. This wasn’t down to the clothes alone, though, as Mária knew instinctively what would suit me. We settled upon three final looks: a daywear ensemble (including a crisp, white pencil skirt), striking evening-wear (a stunning purple silk floor-length gown) and a racy evening number (a cocktail dress that, if Mária hadn’t been so nice, I’d have mugged her for). The shoes that accompanied these outfits were to die for.
So, will I be shunning anything other than designer gear from now on? Well, my rent may be a little hard-hit, but I’d thrust myself into Mária’s capable hands again any day!
Click here to see photo gallery!
Metropolitain
1054 Budapest, Aulich utca 4-6.
Tel.: +36.1.302.5243
www.metropolitain.hu
Related
- Kicking off the Running Season 29 February 2012, Wednesday
- Through the Waves 8 December 2011, Thursday
- The Metropolitan Opera at the Palace of Arts Gounod: Faust 10 December 2011, Saturday 18:55
- The Metropolitan Opera at the Palace of Arts – Handel: Rodelinda 3 December 2011, Saturday 18:30
- MakeOver 19 October 2011, Wednesday
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