Urban Cleanse Facial for Men

What is it?

The Frederique Urban Cleanse Facial for Men, which uses Elemis products, many of which you can buy and use at home, too.

What was it like?

This was my first spa experience. It turns out that having someone massage your face and feet with mysterious elixirs is perfect the day after a night on the town. The best parts were the face massage, which lasted 20 minutes, and the foot massage, which took about half that time. The clinician massaged my feet while letting dry the concoction she'd just mixed with mortar and pestle and putty-knifed onto my face. Once dry, she peeled it off in one rubbery piece. Then more oils and lotions were massaged in.

How long does it take?

An hour and half, not including filling out first-visit forms about your work habits, eating habits and levels of stress.

What was the final result?

Immediately after the treatment I felt as though the clinician had peeled away an old layer of skin - in fact, that's exactly what it did. But it's a letdown after that because Hong Kong soon works its way back into your pores. I was told that one treatment wouldn't have any noticeable long-term results - which was true - and that I'd need another seven visits.

Was anything not so good?

Having my clinician call during dinner the next week to see if I was using my scrub wasn't so good. Having to explain when she called a second time that my company wouldn't pay for seven more treatments wasn't so good either.

Does it last long?

It felt great for only about 15 minutes afterwards. I'd rather the massage had lasted an hour and the facial just the few minutes it takes for the mask to set and be peeled off.

How much is it and where can I get it?

HK$1,280 at Frederique, part of the Paua chain of spas, 3/F Centre Stage, 108 Hollywood Rd, Central (entrance on Bridges St). Tel: 2522 3054.