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Pamper yourself: bird droppings facial

By Brigid Delaney
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LONDON, England (CNN) -- WHAT IS IT? A nightingale droppings facial. This facial starts with an acupressure massage on the feet and scalp massage before the facial. Cleansing oil is applied the gold leaf soap, where the properties of the gold are said to soften the skin.

Then a micro-exfoliant of pure pulses ground into a fine powder is applied. After it's pulled off there is a light massage with camilla oil, which therapist Gita says is 'healing and fragrant.' Then the nightingale dropping mask is applied, which is mixed with clay and water. In Japan it's used in two ways: geishas used it to clean off their heavy makeup and it's also used as a facemask. A tonic mist was sprayed and lip balm applied after the mask was washed off.

GOOD POINTS: Therapist Gita Lavingia was amazing. She's been at Hari's for ten years and she has a great touch.

BAD POINTS: The exfoliant made from pulses smelt a bit like peanut butter which was a bit off-putting but the nightingale faeces were odourless, as they have been purified before the treatment. At £135 it's one of the most expensive facials in town but Hari's is notorious trendy, so you are also paying for the cool atmosphere and the chi-chi Chelsea location.

VERDICT: The therapist made the facial special, not the ingredients. I can't help but think the nightingale droppings may be a bit of a gimmick capitalising on the fact that Japanese women tend to age quite subtly and are blessed with smooth skin. If you like off-beat treatments you could also try Hari's bull's semen hair treatment.

THE AFTER EFFECTS: My face was shiny, clean and fresh looking for the rest of the week. A decent facial.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? 90 minutes

COST: £135.

ADDRESS: Hari's, 305 Brompton Road, SW3 2DY (020 7581 5211 or harissalon.com). E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

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