ULTA Spa Day

We get our ULTA catalogs every month.  Every month they have their specials for their salon and spa.  This month I decided to give it a go.

The one I went to didn't have a treatment room, just a small sectioned off space on the main floor.  No worries for me though if I can relax in a class full of people I can relax just about anywhere.  My skin therapist was super nice, we chatted for a bit about schools and such.  She had a very nice touch, gentle and relaxing.  

As far as Dermalogica goes, she used some items from their Ultra Calming line and some from their Age Smart line.  My skin is a little sensitive (it gets red very easily) and I tend to be more dry.  She gave me my face chart to show me her analysis of my skin which is awesome because it tells you exactly which product were used. My favorite product of this skin care session was the Age Smart MultiVitamin Power Firm for my eye area (and a little on the lip area). 

If you haven't checked out your local ULTA for their spa services it's worth looking into.  I think that finding a good skin therapist is a lot like finding the right hair stylist and manicurist.  You've got to try out a few (or a lot) to find the right one for you.  Overall, it was a really good experience.  

why you need an acupressure facial

This week I took a Chinese Acupressure class at the International Dermal Institute...while it was only a two day look into a massive subject it was AWESOME.  We learned a technique that focuses on 21 points of the face and neck area and I am hooked.

I've always had the basic European massage in facials before (it's the standard that most of us learn for state board testing).  It's all fine and dandy, I mean it feels nice and relaxes you but sometimes you want something a little different...enter acupressure.

It is also very relaxing, which I wasn't sure it would be at first (being so used to the European style).  Turns out that it is relaxing but somehow in a different way.  Maybe because the focus is on breathing and overall wellness so the relaxation comes secondary.  Based off of this class I'm super excited to attend the IDI Reflexology course and the Chinese Diagnosis: Face and Body Reading.

If you have the option of trying it, I would highly recommend it! 

Why Spa and when?

I am still working to get my post graduated certificate from International Dermal Institute.  I am also trying to work out what kind of Esthetician I would like to be.  I think that I would really like to focus in on skin care and body treatments, and not so much on waxing.  Waxing has just never been my thing (maybe because I too feel the pain that we have to suffer walking around letting our hairs grow out prior to a session).

Personally, I'd rather go the shave and laser route...to me it's just easier (especially if you consider how many deals are to be had on things like Groupon and Living Social).

Bunny applauds going cruelty free

 Here's what I do know, I want to provide a cruelty free experience (bunnies of the world rejoice!).   I would also like to focus on facials and things like body wraps and such.  These are the treatments that I enjoy, and I'd like to think others do too...I could be wrong.  I know I don't go as much as I'd like, do you?

Product splurge: Vine Vera Cabernet Peel

I took a trip to the mall the other day, just to purchase a gift for a friend.  I was not shopping for myself.  Ok, maybe one small thing...a bracelet or t-shirt...but just one thing.  

I was lured into the Vine Vera store because of a free sample...and Zoie.  She sat me down to her chair to show me how their product worked.  The peel seemed awesome, very gentle and when she removed it with a cotton ball I was amazed at what I saw...(and a little grossed out, I mean come on I had showered that morning and here were all these little dead skin cells sitting on a cotton ball!)

Then came the price pitch...I can't even remember what the original price she said based on their website let's say $300.00.  I about fell out of the chair, I'm sure my jaw was on the floor.  And I said NO.  I was honest and told her: I'm out of work, I'm only here to purchase a gift for a friend.  We went back and forth for a bit, she wanted to make the sale work...and I really was impressed with how the product worked.  I held strong--this is not in my price range, and I am not one to haggle.  However, when she came down to $80.00...I caved.  I'll save money in another area of my life.

Resveratol Cabernet High Potency Cellular Peel

I've used the peel once so far, it is recommended to use once a week.  I will take some before/after pics after I've used it for a little while.  After one use, I could not stop touching my face--it was so soft!  

This product line does appear to be questionable in regards to their pricing.  If you are interested in trying them out do some research first...and if you are a good haggler--go for it. If using the internet--shop around to get a good price.  

Per their website Vine Vera does not test on animals. You can visit their website here to check them out.

How is your sales resistance? Can you walk on by or do you go for the sample?

Cheers! 

twilight is one thing...but vampire facials?

The other day I was watching some TMZ (as I do, you know to keep up on current events) and they showed a clip of Kim Kardashian getting a facial.  Not just your average run of the mill facial though, it was a blood facial.  It appeared to be intensely painful.  Basically, they take some blood from your arm whip it up to get the platelet-rich plasma then inject it back into your face.  For more info click this.  To me this is a bit extreme...I've heard the expression that beauty is pain, but this may be taking it too far.  I'm still on the fence about injecting botulism into wrinkles.  Thoughts?

And on another extreme note I also present to you the fire facials of China.

pretty blissful

Took myself for a little facial the other day (to use a gift certificate that I'd received at Christmas).  There is a small spa by me that is just super relaxing called Wild Earth Spa. I went in for their "Spring Cleaning Skin Therapy" which included their Organic Bliss Facial and Eye Treatment. My service was performed by a girl named Tanya, who I've had for various services and she is super sweet.  The spa uses Eminence Organics products which always smell lovely.

I enjoy Eminence products, I've gone to watch their Master Trainer, Boldijarre Koronczay speak and do demonstrations at the Esthetic and Spa Congress in Long Beach. He is so upbeat and entertaining.

My skin felt all dewy and glowy when I left so I passed on having the dusting of makeup the spa offers.  I enjoy  going on little spa trips.  It is super relaxing...even when I'm not stressed.