In this article dedicated to the beauty theme, I am revealing my favorite beauty institutes in Paris that I have tested and approved over the last few years during my explorations in the capital. Because if there is one thing I have learned over time, it is that it is absolutely essential to take care of your entire body! On the agenda: hammams, spas, foot care, hand and nail treatments, facials, wellness or firming treatments—I think there is something for every desire and every need!
_
Table of Contents
La Sultane de Saba
The concept of La Sultane de Saba is based on the ancient beauty rituals of oriental women, featuring a beautiful range of products and treatments inspired by the beauty rituals of the mystical Orient, but also of Asia and beyond. The brand has several locations in Paris and the close suburbs, and I personally visited their location in Vincennes, not far from the metro station.
Treatment tested: “a bath of heat”
This draining detox treatment includes a 30-minute sauna session and a 45-minute draining massage. Unlike the hammam, which is a wet heat bath known for its hygienic and therapeutic virtues, the sauna, born in Nordic countries, is a dry heat bath that provides just as much well-being. The benefits of a sauna are numerous: it combats stress, stimulates blood circulation, helps the cardiovascular system function properly, and helps keep blood pressure at a low level. Additionally, it relaxes muscles and relieves them quickly after a workout, for example.
The combination of the sauna and the draining massage provides true relaxation for the body, but I also found that it was completely re-energized after the treatment. The spa staff is very professional and welcoming, and the masseuse took excellent care of me.
Treatment duration: 1h30
Price: €115
Spa La Sultane de Saba Vincennes
24 Rue Lejemptel, 94300 Vincennes
_
Institut Berry
Institut Berry opened its doors on September 18, 2022, in the 8th arrondissement. The concept of the place is to offer treatments that bring well-being and relaxation, with a blend of manual treatments and latest-generation machines. The institute combines slimming, well-being, beauty, as well as nutrition/naturopathy, as Anaïs, one of the founders, is a nutritionist and naturopath. The place therefore groups together facial and body treatments, as well as consultations. The services offered combine beauty, well-being, slimming, and nutrition: diagnosis, drainage, kobido, wellness massage, reflexology, micropeeling, radiofrequency…
Treatment tested: “micropeeling”
So, I started this session with a micropeeling with MICROPEEL EXPERT (it was the first time I had this type of treatment). This treatment allows for exfoliation & facial radiance: it cleanses and smooths all skin types thanks to the simultaneous action of projecting a semi-precious stone powder, combined with its re-aspiration. By penetrating the pores, this powder unclogs, tightens, and lifts the skin. Imperfections (wrinkles, blackheads, scars) are smoothed away, and the epidermis is regenerated. It is absolutely not painful, and I would even say it is quite pleasant.
The 4 immediate effects are as follows:
- Exfoliation and removal of dead cells
- Smooth skin texture effect with a reduction in imperfections
- Elasticity thanks to collagen and elastin stimulation
- Radiance
Advice: do a course of 6 sessions, 1 time per week, then maintenance sessions 1 time per month.
Rate: €90 for 30 minutes
Treatment tested: “photobioactivation with LED SYSTEM”
This treatment performed on the face has anti-aging, antibacterial, anti-imperfection, and also brightening actions. This technology offers you 4 types of light rays to fight against oxidative stress and improve the functions of your cells, from the epidermis to the hypodermis.
The effects are multiple:
- Reduction of wrinkles and plumped skin
- Treatment and prevention of hyperpigmentation
- Significant decrease in acne
- Softening of stretch marks
- Acceleration of healing
- Relaxation, anti-stress
- Strengthening of fine and weakened hair
- Decrease in hair loss
- Treatment of hyperseborrhea
Rate: €75 for 25 minutes
Institut Berry
5 rue de Saint-Pétersbourg 75008 Paris
by appointment only Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm
_
Hammam les Cent Ciels
Treatment tested: “Absolute anti-aging facial treatment”
Taking care of yourself is important, and it’s something you realize more and more as time goes by (no, I’m not talking like an old person)… I had already had the opportunity to have a facial in the past, but never like the one provided at Hammam Les Cent Ciels. This new facial, set up by the hammam’s teams, is an absolute anti-aging facial treatment provided with the brand’s product range Sampar and broken down as follows:
- an exfoliation under a steam infused with lavender essence, which is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing
- a long decongestant massage of the eye contour
- application of a mask with smoothing, firming, and brightening actions
- a hand and trapezius massage during the mask’s pause time
- the famous “45 maneuvers” massage of the décolleté and face, an alternation of deep, slow, toning, and fluid massages, a true dance of the hands
- the application of a second mask with soothing, regenerating, and restructuring virtues
- a scalp and foot massage during the pause of this second mask
- after removing the mask with cotton pads soaked in rose water, the treatment ends with the application of an eye contour fluid and day cream
The place itself lends itself to a change of scenery. The decor is refined and authentic, more so than in other Parisian “hammams” I have had the opportunity to discover. The staff is attentive and discreet, and above all, I found the massage technique used absolutely fabulous.
What I appreciated: the fact that they don’t leave you without being touched for even an instant during this treatment. The person taking care of you is constantly massaging you. During the two pause times for the masks, you enjoy a shoulder and arm massage or even a scalp massage.
Result: this treatment is a true fountain of youth, but not only that, because depending on your skin and age, it can be focused on products that will help your skin get rid of Parisian pollution and regain its radiance.
This was my case, and I had regained a beautiful complexion after this treatment, although I also found that it dried my skin out a little, but after a bit more intensive hydration, everything returned to normal. The only problem with this treatment is indeed its cost: €145 is clearly not the kind of treatment you can afford regularly (unless you have an unlimited budget, but that’s rarely the case); however, if you really want to treat yourself, or treat your friend, your mom, your loved one, etc., it’s the kind of gift they won’t forget, and you really spend a magical moment.
45 bis, avenue Edouard Vaillant – 92100 Boulogne
7 rue de Nemours – 75011 Paris
Absolute anti-aging facial treatment duration: 1h30
_
Molitor Spa by Clarins
Treatment tested : “Révérence de Bastien treatment”
Bastien Gonzalez, a famous podiatrist-pedicurist, chose to offer his expertise in Paris in a legendary and recently renovated place: the magnificent Molitor complex and its brand new spa. This was an opportunity for me to discover his line of products dedicated to foot, hand, and nail beauty and also to meet this singular and exciting personality in a magical place. I also had the chance to test the famous Révérence treatment by Bastien, a must in this field.
The ritual takes place in three stages: exfoliation, polishing, modeling.
The treatment:
- After a warm bath (hence the name water pedicure as opposed to dry pedicure), I was treated to a Black Diamond exfoliation (a mineral product with abrasive and exfoliating properties, derived from volcanic sand and mixed with essential oils of thyme and sage with purifying properties). What is very funny is that this completely black product turns grayish and becomes lighter and lighter as it is used. When the mixture becomes very clear, it’s the signal that the exfoliation is finished; clever!
- Next comes cutting the toenails with a glass file, then old-fashioned polishing with a natural horn polisher (apparently this is a very effective grandmother’s technique) and with Eclat de Perle cream for exfoliation based on finely ground mother-of-pearl that eliminates all traces of polish.
- The treatment ends with a massage of the toes up to the knees with Bastien’s Révérence Balm, to fight against dryness and the feeling of heavy legs. The massage is essential because, as Bastien explained to me, it restarts blood circulation, softens muscles and tendons, restores mobility to joints, and plumps up the pads. So, I am now completely convinced that my “foot massage” moment during my yoga sessions is completely indispensable!
- Last pressure of Voile de Fraicheur talc with sage and cypress extract, which is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, neutralizes excess cream, and powders the epidermis, while a pink drop of Ointment placed at the base of each nail nourishes the cuticles.
Of course, one experiences a gentle feeling of well-being after this treatment, and I felt as if I were on a little cloud. I felt light. Plus, my feet were sublime; I almost wanted to be in sandals to show them to everyone, but the temperature wasn’t high enough for that, which is a shame. I’ll have to come back!
Molitor Spa by Clarins
8, avenue de la Porte Molitor 75016 Paris
Spa open 7 days a week from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone for reservations: 01 56 07 08 80
Révérence de Bastien treatment duration: one hour of pure happiness
Treatment price: €90
_
Institut Bullez Zen
Treatment tested : “Duolift treatment by Advance Beauty”
It is in the very charming little institute Bullez Zen, located not far from Nation metro, that I went to test this new facial treatment that beauticians use with a patented machine. Duolift Sequential is a treatment with an instant lifting effect but without surgery (which is an excellent point because I would never want to resort to that kind of thing!) patented by Advance Beauty, with natural processes and absolutely no pain, which will reactivate the micro-circulation of the skin of the face.
How the DuoLift session works:
- Step 1: classic makeup removal followed by a small peel with the machine to eliminate dead cells, deeply cleanse impurities and pollution.
- Step 2: the device emits a radio frequency that helps to redensify the deep layers of the epidermis by stimulating collagen renewal.
- Step 3: frequency ultrasounds for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines (a step I didn’t have in my Beauty flash because the beautician didn’t think I needed it; so I was very happy, I obviously don’t have too many wrinkles, that was the good news of the day!).
- Step 4: a final pass with a combination of sequential ultrasounds and luminology for a revitalizing action.
The little extra: the use of the machine is truly adapted according to your personal needs and supplemented by the use of the DermoCosmétique ADM range.
Results: When I left the institute, my skin wasn’t wearing any makeup, and yet my complexion was much more radiant than after a makeup application; in short, I looked great, in short. After good hydration in the evening before going to bed and in the morning when I woke up, my skin tolerated this treatment very well, and it really gave it a little boost.
Duolift Sequential treatment prices: €40 for the Beauty flash of 30 min that I tested / €70 for a 1-hour premium duolift / €80 for a 1h15 Hydra Lift / €95 for a 1h30 Duolift advance
open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm (late night on Thursday until 8:30 pm) and Saturday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
47 rue du Sergent Bauchat 75012 Paris
_
Institut Menard
Treatment tested: “Authent treatment”
With such a name, how could you doubt the Japanese origin of this brand, which nonetheless comes to us from the land of the rising sun… It is in the very beautiful boutique on Rue de la Paix in Paris that I discovered this brand through one of its high-quality signature treatments, the Authent treatment.
The treatment: It is a true moment of serenity, well-being, and tranquility. It detoxifies the skin, provides an immediate lifting effect to the face, and intensely relieves the mind. The products used are obviously those from the Authent range.
On the agenda: Scalp modeling, facial and décolleté treatment, exceptional cream, and application of hot stones (jade & basalt), because basalt promotes blood circulation and relaxes the facial muscles, while jade eliminates toxins, reduces fatigue, and purifies the skin. Then, application of the Authent mask (about 15 minutes), which fights against aging for firmer skin. This mask (unit price €50) has an “omni-azimuthal” shape that adapts perfectly to the face and contains a particular mushroom, the Kinugasa Dake, which is used for its numerous virtues. This mask is used during the treatment but can also be purchased individually to reproduce part of the treatment at home.
Menard Institute Paris
21, rue de la Paix, 75002 ParisAuthent Treatment price: €200 for 2 hours of treatment
_
Lovely Spa
Modeling Bloomea is a new 3-action radiance treatment, designed for beauty institutes by French aesthetic surgeons after 10 years of research and which represents a true revolution in the treatment of stretch marks, scars, acne scars, pregnancy masks, fine lines, and other superficial skin imperfections.
Treatment tested: “Lovely Bloomea 30′”
I tested the device on the face for a little boost. It allows for macro-exfoliation on the upper layers of the epidermis, by oscillation, which promotes the elimination of dead cells. High-frequency micro-vibrations tone and tighten the skin by also stimulating the production of elastin and collagen.
Plus, it’s harmless and painless. You just feel a little heat during the second phase (modeling by micro-vibrations), but as someone who is sensitive, I can assure you that it’s not much. After the treatment, the beautician massages the face with Bloomea cream, rich in elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, which helps to optimize the treatment and nourish the skin after it. It also prevents the skin from feeling too tight.
The little extra: as a bonus, we do a bit of light therapy, thanks to the light emitted by the handpiece.
The effects: tightens and tones the skin, refines skin texture, tightens pores, reduces fine lines, homogenizes skin relief and color.
This boost, as I did it, can be provided in a monthly session or every 2 months to regularly regenerate the skin, or more sporadically, to prepare for a special occasion. And frankly, you see the result immediately when you leave the institute. My skin was truly fresher, tighter (she had even done just half of the face at the beginning so I could see the difference between the 2 sides; it was striking), and even without makeup, I felt good.
Good to know: single-use tips are used during the treatment, which ensures impeccable hygiene.
The Bloomea boost
Rate: €50 duration: 30 min
Lovely Spa
19 rue Benjamin Franklin 75016 Paris
_
The Dermalogica Space at BHV Marais
The Derma Space is the only Parisian center where you can find the alliance of Dermalogica facial treatments as well as the latest LPG technologies (a brand I discovered through their new slimming skin-enhancing CC cream). This haven of relaxation with its design and sleek decor, installed in the heart of BHV Marais, is therefore exclusively dedicated to skin health and slimming.
Treatment tested: “Dermalogica Fundamental facial treatment”
I went there to test a Dermalogica Fundamental facial treatment (60 min duration). This signature treatment of the house offers a 100% personalized service according to your needs. For my part, we decided on a little boost with the expert who took care of my case. And the result upon leaving was striking; my complexion was much less dull! Initially, the professionals of this center, skin experts, offered me a personalized analysis of my problems, as well as an appropriate treatment program at the end of the session.
My “Skin routine” was combed through, and I was able to discern my good points and my bad ones… a change I made that very evening during my makeup removal (apparently I was using my micellar water incorrectly…). And then it was off to the treatment, with Dermalogica products adapted to my needs. In addition to the obvious good it did to my skin, I was totally relaxed when leaving the session, and I frankly had a huge desire to sleep too!
The good tip: the Club card which allows you to benefit from exclusive advantages and discounts on products and treatments, invitations to previews, for €9.90/month.
BHV Marais / 52 rue de Rivoli 75004 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
Dermalogica Fundamental treatment price: €70 standard rate / €45 for Club rate
_
The Mamabali Spa
Inspired by ancestral Indonesian rituals, Mamabali is the only Balinese spa in Paris; it is also in partnership with the Indonesian Embassy in France. This space entirely dedicated to Bali offers a true sensory journey to Bali in the heart of Paris, through its spa and restaurant, both entirely dedicated to Balinese tradition.
At the origin of this place born in October 2011 is a desire of Audrey Arnaud, founder of Mamabali, a former consultant specializing in luxury spas and passionate about Bali and Indonesian culture. Installed in the 11th arrondissement, on 200 m² entirely devoted to well-being, you are invited to travel as soon as you step through the front door, with decor inspired by Indonesian nature. From Balinese statues to wooden furniture, passing by bamboo tableware… almost everything comes from Bali.
The spa treatments are performed with the Mamabali product range, on the lower floor of the establishment, which has 5 treatment cabins, a hammam, and a relaxation lounge. Made with frangipani flowers, the Balinese emblem, the products are natural, organic, and made in France. We thus discover the Pijat Bali massage (which I tested), inspired by ancestral Ayurvedic medicine.
The good tip: do not hesitate to take a look at the Groupon Spa in Paris page, the 1-hour Balinese massage was €59.90 instead of €99
8, rue Guillaume Bertrand Paris 75011
open Tuesday to Sunday by appointment only
_
The Spa Or’Normes
Located opposite the Pantheon, the Spa & Hammam Or’Normes offers a Parisian stopover to discover, in the heart of the capital, world rituals thalasso-style. The idea for the place, born in 2012, is centered around travel and well-being, as Or’Normes is originally a bespoke travel agency.
This spa is therefore the ideal place to take a break from the frantic pace of everyday life, to forget the notion of time (and that feels good sometimes), and to experience moments from elsewhere. The reception area was designed as a sober and chic lounge, while the Spa and Hammam part is of Asian and Oriental inspiration with mashrabiya as a common thread.
The Spa offers a bespoke treatment program and rituals inspired by the world, from Polynesia to Asia, which are a true invitation to travel (some of the travel agency’s clients even begin or end their stay by stopping by the spa). For my stopover, I personally tested the marine ritual with Dead Sea salt and mud to purify the skin (allow 2 hours), and last January I also had the chance to discover the oriental ritual with black soap exfoliation.
The stages:
We start with a little visit to the hammam area which consists of 3 parts where water and heat are omnipresent: steam room, ritual room, and room to cool down. This step is important because the hammam prepares the skin to receive an exfoliating or scrubbing treatment (depending on the product and the use of a glove or not) without assaulting it. Depending on the selected treatment, the ritual starts with a scrub or exfoliation, followed by a wrap, then a hair spa, to finish with an oil massage. The techniques are the same according to the rituals; only the products and their properties change. As for the treatments (solo or duo), they are combined with Asian massage techniques. Before the treatment, you can obviously have a short personalized interview with the masseuse to define your needs of the moment.
The little extra: the products used are custom-made mixtures, prepared on-site, based on raw products (traditional herbalism for 100% aromatic treatments, Dead Sea salt and mud, or even seaweed for thalasso-style treatments). The Spa offers a treatment menu as a source of inspiration, and each month a new treatment ritual is offered exclusively and in a limited series according to what the Or’Normes team brought back in their suitcases after a spotting trip.
5 Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
_
Obvious Nail Bar
This small, very recent nail bar that I tested last year offers ultra-competitive prices in a modern and intimate setting located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. The polishes used for the treatments are from the OPI brand. For my part, I went there to test a hand polish application and a pedicure + polish application as well. I particularly liked the massage chairs in which you are seated during the pedicure; it’s perfect to pass the time pleasantly.
The good tip: the “Les copines d’abord” (Girlfriends first) offer to come with friends to enjoy a semi-permanent hand polish application at €10 each
Price: polish application €10 / manicure + polish application €18 / semi-permanent hand polish application €20
Obvious Nail Bar
90 avenue Philippe Auguste, 75011 Paris
_
Beauty Applications for home treatments
It’s almost spring and beauty applications are budding… well, that’s the only explanation I’ve found for these multiple, almost simultaneous creations… In bulk, we can mention Popmyday, the beauty application that wants to seduce connected moms by offering them beauty breaks according to their desires. Another concept, MY M.E.C (initials for Makeup, Aesthetics, Hairdressing), is an application that has been offering high-end at-home aesthetic services since January.
Otherwise, to find your way through all these applications, you can always try Appsdecopines, the application that allows girls to discover and share apps made for them and tested and approved by the community…
_
And you, what are your favorite beauty institute addresses?
Photo credits: Melle Bon Plan
