Beauty Shopper: Kama Ayurveda

What: An invitation to try Kama Ayurveda products.
When: January 28, 2004
Where: AxiSpa & Salon, Toronto
Why: To learn about Ayurvedic treatment and how can it help me.

Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to life and well-being with treatments that incorporate plant oils and herbs to satisfy physical, mental and spiritual needs. Kama Ayurveda products are designed to help the skin and hair look and feel its best, while relaxing the body and mind.

Cleansing
Tracy Sheridan, Spa Director at AxiSpa, ushered me into a softly-lit treatment room, where I relaxed under warm blankets. To start, my face was washed with the Soap-Free Cleanser ($35), a powder that forms a fine paste when mixed with water. The paste was lightly massaged into my skin and left for a few minutes to lift dead skin cells and remove toxins. The same paste was then massaged into my arms and shoulders. Warm towels were wrapped around my face and upper body to wipe the cleanser off.

Rejuvenating
Next, the Natural Plant Mask ($30) was applied. I felt a slight tingle as the herbs in the mask drew out impurities and nourished my skin. After ten minutes, it was removed and my face was steamed while the Rejuvenating Body Treatment ($62) was massaged into my arms, shoulders and upper chest. The body oil was my favourite part of the experience. It was heated before application so the sensation was the ultimate in relaxation; later, my skin felt softer than ever before.

Retexturing
Lastly, the Retexturizing Skin ($62) and Intensive Hair treatments ($70) were massaged in. I liked these oil-based products, along with the body treatment, most.

Kama Ayurveda products range in price from $12 to $80. For a complete list of salons and stores carrying the line, log onto Kamaayurveda.com.