Mamo Mio started out as a fab range of body products aimed at expectant moms. However, once women discovered their advanced formulations and strict ‘no nasties’ policy, soon everyone, knocked up or not, wanted in on the action.  Now, they’ve expanded their range to include five facial care products; a cleanser, moisturiser, eye cream, wrinkle-buster and neck cream. The anti-ager’s ingredients include mega-moisturisers and elasticity-boosters like peptides and antioxidant vitamin C. The ‘high protein’ bit is accredited to soy and oat protein that regenerate and soothe respectively. 

Of all the facial goodies I’ve tried, I’m most impressed by their cleanser: 

It makes use of soothing aloe and, despite being free of SLS (a foaming agent used in most cleansers that can dry out your skin), managed to take off all my make-up. I also adored its gorgeous lavender scent. (And by ‘gorgeous’ I mean that it smells like the fresh wild lavender that’s just been picked off the bush; not the crappy synthetic kind they used in cheap n’ nasty bath and body ranges aimed at women aged 60+) What makes it interesting, however, is that like all the other Mama Mio facial products, it comes with instructions on how to perform two facial exercises that help relieve tension in your face.

To go along with their new facial products, Mama Mio is also offering a High Protein fitness facial that aims to help firm, plump, hydrate and oxygenate your face. It makes use of all the Mama Mio facial products as well as a mild exfoliating treatment and in-salon only oxygenating mask. What makes it different to other facials, however, is that your therapist will have you perform up to ten different facial exercises throughout.

I got to experience one just yesterday and it was absolute bliss. As I’d spent most of the morning laid up in bed with a migraine from hell, my first though was ‘Oh God, I’m sooo fucked on muscle relaxants… do I REALLY have to do facial exercises? Can’t I just lie here and pass out?’ Fortunately, the exercises are so easy and subtle they don’t intrude on your relaxation in the least. I actually was thrilled to learn one of them, The Chin Up, as it helps blitz that hideous little fat pad some women end up developing under their chin. I live in FEAR of this fat pad…

If you also suffer from Turkey Neck Terror (TNT), master this Mama Mio ‘Chin Up’ exercise fast; simply stick your tongue out, curve the tip upwards and slowly move your tongue horizontally, from one corner to the other of your mouth. I dunno about you but I’m sooo going to do it when I’m stuck in traffic… that and frenetic Kegeling…

But ja… getting back to the facial itself… I found it incredibly relaxing and, having spent all morning ‘pressure pointing’ my temple (i.e. stabbing myself in the head with a pen to alleviate migraine madness), having my facial muscles gently massaged was BEYOND blissful. You have no IDEA as to how much tension is held in your face… I also adored getting to have my feet rubbed while the oxygenating facial mask worked its magic. I think it was round about then that I fell asleep for a bit. Afterwards, my skin felt soft and plump and had a little glow thanks to the Love Your Life Lines wrinkle cream which contains light reflecting particles.

If you’re looking for a heavenly-feeling facial with a difference, Mama Mio’s got a little something for you. For more info and to find your nearest stockist as well as a salon that offers the treatment, e-mail mamamio@maternalbliss.co.za or visit them on Facebook. I had my facial at the Radisson Blu hotel in Granger Bay where it costs R500. Prices may vary from salon to salon.

Love, love

Leigh