The next big thing? A facial for your boobs

MANILA, Philippines - “We must — we must — we must increase our bust.”

Had women known when they were little girls how having big breasts isn’t all that popular media has made it out to be, they might have chanted a modified mantra in their tweens. Instead of a bigger bust, they might have prayed for a firmer, smoother, perkier-looking bustline, regardless of whether their bra cups runneth over or their girls measure less than a handful.

An answer now comes, not in the form of arm/chest exercises but in skin care that strengthens the dermal structure of the breasts with regular use. Clarins introduces Beautiful Décolleté, a treatment that has been designed to keep the skin on the décolletage — from the base of the breasts up to the chin — smooth, supple, and firm. A woman’s breast volume isn’t the main concern with this treatment; with Beautiful Décolleté, it’s all about healthy skin that maintains the bust shape and firmness, providing support like a natural bra.

Rustan Commercial Corporation marketing assistant Shay Mazon says: “Beautiful Décolleté is generally aimed at women who need to maintain the skin in the bust area from slackening due to weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or sun exposure.” She points out the Clarins manual suggests the treatment is best for women 35 years old and up, but Mazon adds, “Women as young as in their early 20s can also avail of the treatment, especially if they have an active or sporty lifestyle. Constant movement, as we know, affects the firmness of the breasts over time, and girls who like going to the beach and wear their two-piece bikinis would also need to protect their décolletage from the effects of sun exposure.”

Beautiful Décolleté is a 45-minute treatment that begins with the Clarins therapist prepping the skin on the chest, shoulders, and neck with a gentle exfoliant to remove dirt and dead cells. After wiping off the exfoliant, the therapist then applies the Clarins Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel, massaging it onto the skin with gentle circular and figure eight motions. Due to the exfoliation, a slightly prickly sensation can be felt upon the application of the gel. The gel is allowed to be absorbed for a few minutes, then the Clarins Bust Beauty Firming Lotion is smoothed onto the skin with the same circular and figure eight motions. Mazon describes it as the “Clarins way: a massage technique comprised of 70 strokes. Our therapists can teach clients on the proper massage techniques so they can do it at home and achieve optimal results.”

Just one Beautiful Décolleté session produces a noticeably tauter sensation on the décolletage. A treatment costs P2,700. For best results, Mazon advises, “Clients should avail of it once a week for five weeks, with the Bust Beauty Care line products used at home.”

The Bust Beauty Care line products are, of course, the Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel and the Bust Beauty Firming Lotion, launched in 2009. The Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel (P3,050) is an oil-free gel that has a dual tightening and shaping effect. Easily absorbed by the skin, the gel forms an invisible veil on the skin’s surface and gives an instant lifting effect. Formulated with oat sugars (for tightening) and katafray (for hydration), the Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel is best applied during the day, to be complemented by the Bust Beauty Firming Lotion (P2,850) at night. The creamy lotion takes care of age control of the skin on the bust, nourishing and protecting it from slackening. It is formulated with sunflower and pomegranate, and has a silky texture that smoothens, comforts, and enhances the fragile skin on the décolleté area.

An important ingredient in these two products is the plant extract from Vu Sua or the caimito, a sweet, white milk derived from the pulp of the fruit; “Vu Sua” is its Vietnamese local name, which means “mother’s milk.” Vu Sua has been discovered to boost collagen production, protect skin cells from harmful free radicals, and increase cellular energy levels. The use of this plant extract is one of the latest developments in the Clarins Laboratories, in the skin care brand’s thrust to harness the goodness of nature to provide excellent cosmetic skin care.

Beautiful Décolleté is a safe treatment, as it works only on a dermatological level and won’t affect breast volume. For pregnant or menstruating women, it’s better to hold off, however, until after birth/period, when breast size has returned to normal and bust skin care will bring the needed effect. 

* * *

Clarins Institute is located at Heaven on the 5th, Rustan’s Department Store, Makati. Call 817-8414.