I have been in Montreal for years now and had yet to come across a really great esthetician until I went to Dermalis and met Laura, the director of the new medical spa opened on December 3rd. The Argentinian beauty provided me with a free consultation and, given that I was only available that afternoon, had me come in for a microdermabrasion ($110/1 hr) on short notice. I fell in love with her almost immediately; she is as relaxing as she is knowledgeable, and uses some of the most advanced skincare equipment I have seen in this city. She told me she chose their (very good smelling!) products from the Dermaquest and Image lines because she "wanted to find very good quality products that were also medical."

I have since been back a second time (yes...that is twice in two weeks, a bit much, but I was so stressed!) to receive a basic facial ($69/45 min) and reap the benefits of their 20% grand opening discount, available on all their products and services until December 31st. I told Laura I was there to relax, and she did an amazing job at doing just that; It didn't take long until I was swept away from all the stresses of daily life into a state of utter calm and serenity.

Dermalis offers a range of treatments for the face and body (ranging from $69 to 200) that will address any specific skincare issues you have, from aging and acne. Laura also told me about their laser, infrared and limelight treatments for the skin, designed to tighten, reduce redness and rosacea, and remove any unsightly solar lentigenes, cherry hemangiomas, and veins. She told me they work wonders for tightening loose skin around the neck, and are effective for thirty-somethings as a preventative, non-invasive, anti-aging treatment. She also informed me about their laser hair removal ($40-400/treatment), which, as any of my close friends will tell you, is something I swear by! But, if you aren't in the mood for something permanent or overly medical, Dermalis also provides all the spa basics: waxing, manicures, pedicures and the like. So go! I swear you won't regret it.

Dermalis

356 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest   |   Montreal, QC   |   H2Y 2A6   |
(514) 289-2626

www.dermalis.ca

*-20% off all products and services until December 31st, 2009 *

Also: Grand Opening Event from December 10-11th - stop by to have your skincare questions answered and enter their draw to win a gift certificate!

The Kiehl's store on Ste. Catherine quickly became one of my favourite places to visit after its opening last year. I am absolutely in love with their Lip Balm #1 and grab a few every time I go to throw in all my handbags. During the winter months, I opt for their Ultra Facial Cream, which helps combat Montreal's freezing, harsh climate. I also grab their Ultimate Strength Handsalve and Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Polish whenever I am pressed for time and in need of a fool-proof gift idea. I assure you, the recipients are always thrilled.

Kiehl's  |  760 Ste. Catherine St. W  (corner of McGill College)  |   Montreal, QC, H3B 1B9   

(514) 788-4226

www.kiehls.com

Note: Kiehl's is also available at Ogilvy (main floor)   |   1307 Ste. Catherine St. W  |  (514) 842-7711