Melanie Grant Skin Health sits on the aesthetically-minded stretch of Transvaal Avenue in Double Bay, among the hair salons and the cosmetic surgeons, which is roughly the right postcode for what it does. Melanie Grant is Chanel Australia's official skin expert.
The Room
Monochrome elegance, and an unashamed ode to the fashion industry. A vast vintage Chanel advertisement hangs behind the reception desk, which groans under a mass of creamy white roses. The marble coffee table carries photography and fashion books, an enormous multi-stemmed orchid towers over the whole scene, and above the waiting area hangs Herb Ritts' image of The Supermodels.
The staff wear black with white trainers, which appears to be the unofficial uniform and is terribly on point.
The Treatment Rooms
You're given a strapless gown with a bronze Melanie Grant logo on it. The laser machines sit hulking in the corner, and there's a large screen playing footage of models walking the latest collections, which is either a distraction or a thesis statement depending on your mood.
Two Ends of the Menu
The IPL laser facial is the results-oriented end and not the relaxing one. Skin is cleansed and prepped first, then Melanie works the laser over the pigment.
At the other end is the Organic Radiance Facial, which is the restful one. Between them is the useful point about this clinic: whatever your skin, or your mood, there's something on the list for it.
Afterwards
Sunscreen goes on before you leave, and you're handed a chilled bottle of mineral water to use as a cold compress. Skin is flushed and warm after IPL, so it isn't a lunchtime appointment to schedule before anything that matters.
Booking
Bookings go through melaniegrant.com. IPL and laser treatments start with a consultation.
Photography by Elise Hassey
