Bonne Sante in Old Lyme, CT

I was lucky enough to get in for a last minute appointment with Audra. She asked what I was looking for to determine if I had booked for the correct type of massage and asked if there were any areas I wanted her to focus on. She gave the rundown of how it would go and then I changed and she started. She was friendly and I felt totally comfortable with her. She was gentle while also using just the right amount of pressure. I left feeling awesome. I'll definitely be back. Thanks Audra!!

Last time I had a facial at Bonne Sante, I felt like the owner, Rosemary Barclay, erased my wrinkles just from the massage! Well, I'm embarrassed to say how long ago that was, but I was way past due for a return visit. This time, I wanted to check out her new offering: the non-surgical facelift.

Besides the normal routine you'd expect at any facial: a steam, a thorough cleansing, a bit of massage (using her signature products), the point of this one is the microcurrent. A low level of electric current is applied to the skin, triggering chemical reactions at a cellular level, which increases natural collagen and elastin and according to Rosemary " re-educates the muscles of the face". For those of us that are fearful of needles, this is a thoroughly lovely way to spend an hour (the hot towel wrap is divine), but the end result is, well, a minor miracle. I'm a skeptic about everything, but my wrinkles were not as apparent, and my skin sported a youthful glow. If you're looking for visible results PLUS a good cleansing, give the non-surgical facelift a try.

Good to know: Rosemary Barclay is a PhD in Biochemistry and has created her own organic skincare line, Glow, that women on the Shoreline swear by. She is equally well known for her anti-inflammatory, four-week weight loss program.  Also on offer at the spa in Old Lyme is a full menu of facials and massage therapies, including an all-natural, organic treatment for teen acne.

The non-surgical facelift is $160, organic hour-long facials start at $100. New clients take 20% off through March 31, with mention of The E List.

Key Treatment: Microcurrent to increase natural collagen.

Appointments can be made online.

I discovered Bonne Sante a few years ago because I was looking for a local wellness center that featured natural products for facials and the body. I have two daughters and was interested in switching them from drug store cleansers and lotions to organic and natural ones and Bonne Sante fit the bill. Not only did they offer Teen Facials but they also support their work with the whole approach; educating young people about diet and exercise as a way to clear skin. It was so refreshing. I go there myself for natural anti-aging facials (read: moisture packed honey and aloe) as well body lotions and the most divine candles. Rosemary and Joanne take very good care of us.