Alisa Sirisant. Eliza Cosmetics
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Alisa Sirisant operates her own spa but specialises in facials originating at Les Fermes de Marie, a five-star hotel in Megeve, nestled in the French Alps.
From using an authentic jade roller to modern equipment, the French facials are performed with Pure Altitude skincare products exclusively distributed by Alisa, who now finds herself more than an importer.
The 33-year old considers herself Thailand’s first facialist based at the Eliza Facial Spa located at Lumpini Place Buidling, in Yannawa.
“I never thought of becoming a facialist but now I’m actually training others in giving facial massages and advising clients on personalised skincare programmes,” Alisa said.
Her training took place at the flagship Les Fermes de Marie under the Maisons and Hôtels Sibuet label, whose founders launched the spa of the same name, and Pure Altitude natural products, powered by active ingredients from mountain plants.
“The training at the original spa was an amazing experience. It involved both art and science, the latter including such things as learning about facial structure and muscles. I had to read and practise a lot to acquire knowledge and skills before qualifying as a Pure Altitude facialist,” recalled Alisa, who has an education background in hospitality management.
The job is not merely about delivering massages, she explained, as the facialist has to analyse the skin and provide consultation on lifestyle changes, not just the use of beauty products, to maintain a healthy complexion.
“Nowadays, people tend to seek medical treatment, but the problem may not completely go away. And I was one of those frustrated patients,” she said. “Often, the solution is not having a quick fix with cosmetic procedures, which may be too harsh on the skin and worsen the problem. Identifying the root cause is important. I take time during the consultation to learn about clients’ lifestyles, which can play a big role on the skin.”
In other countries like the UK and US, celebrity facialists demonstrate how one can have a prosperous career from helping people boast beautiful skin whereas in Thailand, it is not yet a serious profession.
“The country is renowned for its skilful spa therapists, who complete their job in the treatment rooms,” she said. “A facialist further advises a personalised programme according to clients’ skin needs and follows up to keep their skin in good condition on a long-term basis, which makes the job more fulfilling.”
Treatments at Eliza Facial Spa include detoxifying oxygen featuring a deep massage to enhance blood circulation and an oil-based elixir containing an active ingredient from Maca tuber dubbed Peruvian ginseng. Manual massage is combined with a micro-current lifting machine for the brightening Seve de Vie and firming LiftAlpes facials.
Organic edelweiss provides a key active ingredient for Pure Altitude products, including the LiftAlpes range for mature skin.
“When clients come to me, I always have them tell me first which cosmetic products they’ve been using. In many cases, the problem may come from these formulas,” she said. “Whether switching to Pure Altitude or other brands — helping them find effective and skin-friendly products is another part of a facialist’s job.”
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.