There’s something really exciting happening at The Peninsula Spa in Chicago with the launch of two new treatments —the ESPA Ultimate LIFESTAGE Facial and the ESPA LIFESTAGE Facial.

The LIFESTAGE Facial ($175) is a 60 minute facial that helps target signs of aging with a focus on the eyes, neck and jawline with immediate results. You’ll leave feeling and looking more radiant and see better hydration, decreased appearance of pores and redness.

The Ultimate LIFESTAGE Facial ($260) is a 90 minute facial that is technically advanced with the use of massage, skin radiance mask and the use of a professional lifting and smoothing mask —my personal favorite because of the seaweed extracts, argan oil and scent of menthol. Typically these facials are great for 45+ so since I’m in my early 30s, certain parts of the treatment had to be adjusted. The esthetician was great at tailoring the needs of my skin (prone to breakouts!) mixed with early signs of aging to focus on the key areas like the delicate part around my eyes and lips. Once the facial was done, the best thing was immediately seeing results that continued with healthier, glowing and prettier skin the following days.

Optimal Skin Pro Serum

Early last month, we were able to meet with Sue Harmsworth, Founder & CEO of ESPA, who was in town introducing some of her products which are used in the treatments and sell in the spa. This woman was completely inspiring –not only was she savvy and smart, but she was the best salesmen for her products, without even saying a word. She’s in her late 60s, yet looks not a day over 45. Ever since that meeting, I’ve been using her products. The Optimal Skin Pro Serum ($85) is perfect for the 20 to 30-something that wants to start focusing on the anti-aging aspects of their skincare routine. The serum is enriched with Omega’s 3, 6 and 9 and Vitamins A & E, along with extracts like Turmeric, White Lupin and Sunflower. This product helps brighten your skin, even it out and most important, protect against premature aging. One of the most important things, though, when using a product like this is be consistent! You’ll find that you will reap all of these benefits and then some if you use it everyday.

ESPA Mandarin Lip Balm

The next product on my must-have list is the ESPA Mandarin Lip Balm ($28). Seriously, I haven’t loved a lip balm as much as I love this one. It’s incredibly nourishing, especially since winter is finally here. Infused with Mandarin, it leaves lips completely soft and smooth.

ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud

The ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud ($69) is the perfect product to grab to nourish dry hair.  With rich red clays, the mud mask thoroughly conditions hair, the vitamin C and Apricot kernel oil soothes the scalp and the best part, the red clay stimulates hair growth.

We caught up with Sue Harmsworth, the UK-based beauty guru behind the ESPA product line, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how she started her company, her secrets to younger looking skin and an inside look at the LIFESTAGE facial at The Peninsula.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: We read that you used to write for Vogue, how did you make the transition into the beauty industry and creating products?
SUE HARMSWORTH: I was 48 when I created ESPA, it was my third business. I had been in a similar industry for about 20 years, having worked as a Beauty journalist, run a health farm in the UK and created a Day Spa in the USA. The vision is very much as I wanted but what I didn’t anticipate or could predict was the size of the market and scope of the business. Without a doubt you have to have passion and self-belief to start and run a successful business and had a clear vision that I wanted to create the natural, results driven products and treatments that, at the time, I couldn’t find on the market. ESPA regularly win awards for our products and treatments and that makes me really proud.

FM: What are all of your secrets to younger looking skin?
SH: I’m religious about my ESPA treatment regime to keep my skin feeling healthy and looking its best. I’m very passionate about oils and serums and the benefits from inhalation of essential oils. Also, I meditate daily, have a positive mental attitude, sleep well, swim regularly, have a personal trainer, ensure my home environment is harmonious and keep grounded with my family. Although a beauty regime in place is essential for long-term skin health, I truly believe that positivity, happiness and stress management is the key to feeling good and looking good. Stress is the worst thing for the skin.

FM: Give us an inside look at the new LIFESTAGE Facials at the Peninsula. What do you love about the benefits of this facial?
SH: ESPA’s LIFESTAGE Facial treatment features the ground breaking combination of ESPA’s latest facial massage techniques with the pioneering LIFESTAGE skincare range which shows immediate benefits, including enhanced overall skin tone and improved skin firmness. This specialized age-defying facial is perfect for mature skin to help minimize lines and wrinkles around the eyes, neck, lips and jawline to combat the signs of aging.  ESPA’s latest facial massage techniques include; advanced lifting movements to help improve muscle tone, concentration on specific facial pressure points, and targeted lifting movements to the eye area to release tension. The facial also incorporates a deep brush cleanse and the application of the professional Lifting and Smoothing Mask, resulting in a visibly plumper and firmer appearance with more toned, radiant and rejuvenated skin.

FM: What are your favorite ESPA beauty products that you can’t live without and why?
SH: My skincare routine includes oils and serums which I interchange according to my skins needs. I regularly use ESPA’s LIFESTAGE Serum for its targeted active ingredients which have been designed for mature skin, Regenerating Face Treatment Oil for its skin strengthening properties, 24 Hour Replenishing Eye Moisturizer and Hydrating Cleansing Milk for its calming properties. I love Floral Spafresh Spritzer as it contains Rose Geranium and is particularly great at hydrating my skin on flights and use Refining Skin Polish twice weekly.

FM: Do you have a favorite spa around the world?
SH: ESPA have over 350 spas based in 55 countries, it would be impossible to pick just one!

FM: What are your favorite things to do in Chicago?
SH: I always stay at the Peninsula in Chicago as the service is amazing and I love their restaurant, Shanghai Terrace. The therapists at Peninsula Chicago are outstanding and one of the few places I take treatments.

The Peninsula Spa is located at 108 East Superior Street in Chicago.