Throughout the winter season, we are constantly being drilled on finding that perfect skin routine that provides the proper balance on exfoliation and moisturization. However, if you don’t want to go through all of the hard work of trying dozens of products; there is a new quick fix that recently made it’s way to Chicago and that is Mud Facial Bar.
The genius behind Mud Facial Bar is none other than entrepreneur extraordinaire Shama Patel. Shama can be credited for bringing the craze of aerial fitness to Chicago with her AIR fitness classes. Not one to do anything typical or ordinary, Mud touts itself as the only facial bar. This means that if all you want is a facial, you don’t have to worry about being enticed and wrapping up a hefty bill with other services. Sometimes all you need is a facial which is where Mud comes into play.
What distinguishes Mud from your typical facial is that it takes only 30 minutes. It cuts out all of the extra fuss that may be involved with other facials, and guests are treated to an essential 5-step process. The 5 steps included are cleansing, exfoliating, masking, toning, and moisturizing.
Recently I had the opportunity to check out Mud for myself, and I received a facial according to my skin type. Instead of selecting a facial, an esthetician has you fill out a questionnaire where you answer questions about your lifestyle and the type of skin you have. In addition to this questionnaire, the esthetician then takes a closer look at your skin with a magnifying tool to get a better sense of your skin situation.
Sammy Sowa was the lovely esthetician who performed my facial. When she first examined my skin, she noticed that I had visible pores around the nose area. She then informed me that visible pores signifies that my skin is dry around that area. Now I know that whenever my pores start to become visible, it’s time to moisturize.
Also upon arriving, I was having some major breakout issues. I typically don’t break out too often but on this rare occasion I had not one but two major pimples center stage on my face. Mind you, these pimples came at the opportune time when I had to be on camera for work. To handle my little situation, Sammy then applied a spot treatment on those problem areas to facilitate the healing process. After the analysis of my skin was complete, Sammy decided that the Glow facial would be most suitable for me. Glow also happens to be their most popular facial, and once I guide you through the process you’ll understand why.
As we went through my facial, I was guided through a series of treatments that would give me the ultimate glow. To begin the cleansing process Sammy placed a warm towel around my face. This was incredibly soothing and created a fresh palette for her to work with.
After the cleansing was completed we went through the necessary 5 steps as the facial product was applied. To set the various products in my face, a steam treatment was applied where a constant stream of steam was sprayed on my face. After the steam, the glow facial was then gently spread throughout my face. The appearance of the product was like peanut butter but much smoother in texture.
The products at Mud are all natural ingredients that the consumer is easily able to understand. As you begin to examine the product bottles, visitors will notice that all of the ingredients are easy to understand and may be familiar to the average consumer. Long overly complicated scientific names are non-existent at Mud.
As the product was being applied I noticed that it didn’t have that heavy clay like feeling like most facial products tend to have. The absence of that clay feeling is in part due to the implementation of Sandalwood. As a special nod to Shama Patel’s Indian heritage, Sandalwood is this earthly serum is used throughout much of the world. The implication of Sandalwood serves as an astringent throughout the facial process which is critical for the cleansing stage. This was also especially helpful for the healing process of my pimples.
Throughout the treatment, it felt pretty much like a regular facial with various products being applied; however there was one extra component that made the process unique. To counteract some of the heat from the steam earlier, Sammy then massaged cold blue globes throughout my face. While it sounds like cold globes wouldn’t be that pleasant, it was quite relaxing and the highlight of the facial process for me.
As my facial came to a close, the 30 minutes was up and I felt incredibly refreshed. With the glow facial, I immediately noticed a difference in my skin as I was presented with a light dewy glow. Also, the next morning I noticed that my pimples had significantly reduced in size with it being completely gone in just a few days. Now I know I should have gone to Mud before I do any on-air work.
It is recommended by Mud that you receive a Mud facial as least twice a month. It is in Shama Patel’s vision that Mud will allow visitors to develop a comprehensive skin routine. Your average facial lasts about 2 weeks, so if you have an upcoming event like prom or a wedding schedule a facial accordingly. Sammy suggested that a few days before an event or even a full week just to be on the safe side. Some individuals breakout from a facial but that is expected, so it’s best to leave a little wiggle room in the event that this happens.
My skin felt exceedingly vibrant after my Glow facial, and I was incredibly pleased with the results. Spring has arrived, so be sure to check out Mud so you can have that Springtime Glow 🙂
