Flawless beauty at affordable rates

Manila Standard Today — Flawless beauty at affordable rates — 2010/august/23

When a woman says, “Nag-Flawless ako,” she probably means that she’s had a facial or some sort of beauty treatment at one of Flawless Aesthetic Center’s 35 branches.by Dinna Chan Vasquez

“we have come to be known as the place for affordable beauty,” explains Rubby Sy, chief executive officer of the line of aesthetic centers.

“Flawless,” Sy acknowledges, “was coined by actress Rossana Roces.”

Roces, the center’s first celebrity endorser, was also a shareholder in the company, along with noted beauty and weight-loss specialist Dr. Vicki Belo, until she had a very public falling-out with the latter. as a result, the actress divested her shares in the company, following a rather messy lawsuit (whose resolution is still pending in court.)

Despite everything that has happened, Sy acknowledges that Roces had a big hand in making Flawless Aesthetic Center a well known brand.

“She was the first to get the message across that every person can be Flawless,” Sy says.

Today, Flawless has other celebrity endorsers like Lorna Tolentino, Judy Ann Santos, mark Herras and Yasmin Kurdi but Sy says that the beauty center is not just about famous people but about being a place that offers affordable and high-quality service.

Flawless’ 35 clinics, 30 of them company-owned and five franchises, is a popular destination for regular facials, most of which are priced at under P500, and more advanced non-invasive procedures that tackle skin problems from aging to acne.

Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of boxer Manny Pacquiao, has a Flawless franchise in General Santos City. A turnkey franchise costs about P5 million, inclusive of staff training and supplies for two months.

the fact that most of the branches are located in malls is proof of its popularity. Tanya Quibilan, the company’s chief operating officer, says Flawless gets many walk-in clients, which is why a mall location is very helpful.

among its most popular services is Cosmelan’s Mesoestetic Peel treatment. Flawless is one of the few establishments that offer this treatment, which is administered by the center’s doctors. the Mesoestetic Peel is a depigmentation treatment that combines retinoic acid and prescription-strength hydroquinone for a noninvasive action compatible with all skin types. It produces accelerated results without the visible peeling and irritation associated with chemical peels.

Flawless’ regular facials are also very popular. Sy explains that facials cleanse all impurities and dirt around the face; boosts blood circulation, promote relaxation and relieve stress; exfoliates dead skin; helps to soften pores and the skin in preparation for vacuum and extraction; and remove whiteheads and blackheads and deep-seated dirt. the facials’ anti-inflammatory effect, she adds, also restores the PH balance of the skin.

the Platinum and Nano Power Peels even out skin color, reduce fine lines, clear scars, refine pores and renew the skin’s elasticity through the stimulation of skin calls and collagen. Other procedures are cauterization, Derma Roller, injectables, meso lipo and hair removal.

“Flawless has over 30 doctors, one for each branch and we have a medical director to oversee everything,” Sy shares.

Dr, Michelle Denis Cruz, Flawless medical director, says that the most popular treatments are those that address acne.

“you would be surprised at how many people, even those in their 30s or 40s, still have acne. For that, we have facials and our acne medication,” she shares.

In extreme cases, Cruz says the doctor would need to prescribe oral tretinoin.

“But this is only for those who do not respond to topical treatments. Oral medication is always a last resort,” she adds.

Sy believes that it is not enough to offer just affordable products and services.

which is why this year, Flawless is raffling off a designer bag every month to its loyal clients. Every P1,200 single receipt purchase of products or services at any of its clinics entitles the patient to one raffle coupon. For the grand prize, clients have the chance to win a one-karat diamond necklace as Flawless celebrates its anniversary on December 8. the grand prize of the necklace with a 6.5 mm diamond also qualifies raffle entries taken between June 1 and November 30.

“the promos we have serve to remind our clients that they are not only good-looking and attractive but that they deserve nothing but the rest,” she adds.