Face to face with Bōbé Beauty

I’ve only had two facials in my life. One, clinical: a pore extraction with results that were immediate if not very long-lasting. I liked it! And the second, a wellness-based treatment with Marlese of Bōbé Beauty, a facialist here in Saskatoon I’d been following on Instagram for quite a while until we met in person at a birthday party (small world, she’s Auntie to my daughter’s friend). Now the former of my two experiences came with an understanding it was a “take pictures for a side-by-side comparison afterward” kind of deal so naturally, when Marlese invited me in for her signature Revive Facial, I asked if I should take a before shot. To my surprise, she said she’d never thought to do that since her treatments and post-facial homework have a long-term aim. She explained that I’ll notice improvement to the clarity and health of skin over time.

But I took a before anyway.

And an after. On the left, do you see the dark divot in between my brows? I do. I’ve seen that crease many times in the mirror. It might not look like much to you, and it used to be deeper until I started tapping it to get blood flowing (a thing I made up)… but in the last year or two, it’s crept back in and no amount of my unpatented tapping could combat it. Well, AFTER THE FACIAL IT WAS GONE and the new massage I’ve been doing at Marlese’s instruction is keeping it at bay. My skin feels softer and softer. My undereyes are brighter. And I think I’m on track for a regular period.

Eep. Am I really writing about this? Yep, I am.

Marlese is trained in, among other techniques, Italian facial reflexology which deals with the connection between facial musculature and the rest of the body. We had a pre-treatment consultation where I answered some questions about my skin, my whole body, my medical history, and she asked about any concerns I was having. Here’s what came up (you’re all adults and like 99.9% of you are women so this topic shouldn’t shock you): my period is super irregular. I go on a vacation and oops, there it is a week early. Other times it’s a bit of spotting and then I find myself like, you’re still here?! after ten days. No rhyme or reason, really.

She told me, let’s work on balancing that out. And, I actually think we are! (Yes, we. I’m doing my homework!)

Who is this healer? She’s Marlese Assman of Bōbé Beauty and you need to know her. Please have a read about the work she does in her beautiful facial studio in the heart of downtown Saskatoon, why she feels called to do it, and what she may be able to do for your skin and body, too.

S&L: What drew you to providing this service? 

M: When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2010, I began researching natural alternatives for products and services for myself and soon-to-be baby. It led me down a path I never imagined myself going, but am ever so thankful I did!  I am now trained as an aromatherapist, a facial reflexologist, and in advanced holistic facial techniques. I had acne as a teenager and into adulthood so in all honesty (and through no fault of my own), I did not have a healthy relationship with my skin or my body for that matter. Over time as I have evolved as a person and experienced the positive impact of a connection to self, it naturally flowed into what is now my business. I've always enjoyed being a caregiver and found nurturing a fulfilling act for me. But most important is that my services are about showing women how to care for and nurture themselves. As women, we often care for others but we need to get back to feeling in touch with who we are as person and making sure we are well cared for.  

S&L: Why do you think facials are important for self-care?

M: I practice what I consider wellness-based beauty. While I'm working with the skin, it goes far beyond being "just a facial" or skin treatment. It truly reaches all areas of mind-body-spirit. At the bare minimum, one can expect deep relaxation (often sleep) and a sense of rejuvenation of the skin with a session.  Especially when stress is at chronic levels and takes a toll on our health (including our skin), simply that peace can be of great benefit. We are trying so hard to just hold it all together sometimes. It’s an hour of complete solitude, no demands from anyone or anything, where you can just be. Let everything go in a safe space - no judgement.

Beyond that, the goal of sessions is to provide more balance on the inside which then shows on the outside. And the benefits just begin in the studio! After the session is complete, I'm able to share what I noticed through the service time and give a personalized take-home exercise. This is really what takes things to the next level. I show what you can do to help yourself in a simple and accessible way. The time in studio has its special place but the self-care portion at home is just as powerful, getting in touch with taking cues from our body, and understanding what is happening. Perhaps it becomes a time of reflection.  And for those that may be looking to create a more positive relationship with their skin, this is a great place to start/continue.

One doesn't need to get roped into buying a ton of things. Products and tools can have their place but I'm a fan of simplicity first. Through the self-care work at home it can become a personal ritual, just for you, continuing to build on the work we did in the studio and into the next 30 days. It doesn't have to take more than 5 minutes/day. 

S&L: You asked if I was hurt or had a pre-existing injury in my left arm based on a single crease in my forehead. After I thought on it, I realized I carry Paris on that arm all day long. And now, my period seems on track! WHAT MAGIC IS THIS and what else can you know about a client so they can get down to root causes of skin issues?

M: It really does seem like magic (or a bit crazy haha)! It amazes me, in the best way, what our bodies are capable of. So often when we see lines, marks, or have skin conditions on our face we approach it with an attack mentality. This work has taught me to be more inquisitive and appreciative of myself because our body tells us what it is requiring support with. In your case, based on where a crease was, it allowed me to ask questions to see if there may be an underlying cause on a physical level, rather than it being simply a superficial crease. Sometimes things are there "just because": life happens, we age, it could be exterior causes that create injury or marking but I can use the same facial techniques to address a specific area if someone already knows they require more support. It is often musculoskeletal things (neck, back, arm, leg pain/issues) but we can integrate anything from hoarseness, reproductive health, gut health into a session...a wide range really. I also have techniques to decrease fine lines, wrinkles, reducing scarring or pigmentation, but my intention is still the same, and that’s to provide an experience that honours who we are and builds confidence, rather than seeing these things as "flaws"

S&L: What do you love about your job? 

M: There truly isn't much I don't love about it, but the biggest part would be helping women feel like themselves (a self that is allowed to change many times over in our lives), showing them that it's important to value themselves, and perhaps offering an approach or words that they may not have yet received. I love seeing the lightbulb moments when women learn about how they can help themselves, it's truly a self-empowerment tool! 

Thank you to Marlese Assman of Bōbé Beauty for having me in for the Revive facial and for continuing the conversation with me. I hope you’ll get to experience the Revive or other facial for yourself!

xo