Showing posts with label spa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spa. Show all posts

Monday, November 6, 2023

Defy Facial at Naturopathica Spa & Healing Center



I have been a fan of Naturopathica products for years and was so excited to finally indulge in one of their spa services. As much as I wanted to go with one of their massages, I opted for the Defy Facial since I really wanted to experience several of the Naturopathica skincare products on my face.


The 60-minute Defy Facial includes HydroFacial technology (for exfoliation and painless extractions) combined with firming LED followed by a cooling jade stone mask to bring down any redness. This facial treatment combats fine lines and stimulates collagen with ingredients such as Vitamin C, Retinol, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids. I do appreciate that this facial also extended to the décolleté area and included a mini massage. 


I didn't experience any redness, just immediately refreshed, hydrated and glowing skin! The changing room has amazing lighting so you can really see the difference in your skin right after. There's also a nice relaxing lounge area to enjoy before or after your treatment. 


Here's a look at the products used on my skin:

  • Oat Cleansing Facial Polish
  • Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm
  • Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel
  • Vitamin C15 Wrinkle Remedy Serum
  • Manuka Honey Whipped Oil
  • Lavender & Manuka Honey Balancing Mist
  • Sweet Cherry Conditioning Lip Butter

I truly love all the Naturopathica products so it's hard to pick any favorites. Their products are moisturizing and leave my skin looking radiant, and they also smell amazing! I love the Manuka Honey, Sweet Cherry and Lavender & Manuka scents!


A special thanks to my aesthetician Carol, who was absolutely amazing! She really took her time to give my skin the attention it needed. I highly recommend you ask for Carol if you book a facial at the Naturopathica Spa & Healing Center in Chelsea, at 127 West 26th Street in NYC. Be sure to check out their spa menu!


Many thanks Naturopathica! Next time I can't wait to experience one of the massages!



- Kim Weling

Thursday, March 16, 2023

IECSC New York 2023 Recap and Highlights

Celluma Light Therapy


I've been attending the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) in New York for the past few years, yet this is the first time I've been able to experience all three days instead of cramming all my time into the first day and it has made all the difference. This year, the show took place from March 5-7 at the Javits Convention Center in NYC. 


I noticed this year there was a lot more focus on demos on the show floor, and if you wanted to book a demo, it was easier to get an appointment, either by scheduling before the show, booking when you get there, or getting a walk-in appointment. I was able to book multiple demos per day, and really learn about the process and the products and devices used. 


Here's a look at all the demos I experienced at IECSC:


Celluma Light Therapy - I enjoyed a relaxing 20-25 minute LED red light treatment on my face for anti-aging, which boosts collagen and elastin, reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin's firmness and resilience. Red light therapy is also great for bringing down redness and inflammation. Blue light therapy is great for diminishing bacteria causing acne, clearing existing breakouts, and restores skin's healthy appearance. Near-infrared is great for pain management: reducing inflammation and increases circulation, relieves arthritis and joint pain, and reduces stiffness and muscle spasms. LED light therapy is great as 60 minute stand-alone treatment or as an add-on for 30-45 minutes. 



Epistep Epifusion Facial - this non-invasive and pain-free treatment uses micro pins made of 3D-lized hyaluronic acid. After the first step of skin cleansing, Jennifer moved forward with the microchanneling needle-free needling process (the vibration was actually soothing and relaxing), and applying a peptide serum. The last step finished up with a moisturizer. I love this treatment because there is no down time and it only took 15-20 minutes. I didn't have to worry about and redness or irritation and could just go about my day with glowing skin! Thank you Jennifer for my epifusion facial!



BIBOTING Massager - I've had a cupping massage before, but the biboting machine was on another level and a lot more intense! The biboting massager not only massages but also firms skin, provides accupressure, healthy negative ions and vital energy and blood circulation. It also has a rhythmic suction and release, comfortable vibration and warm feeling. Different sized cups were used on my back. The strong pressure and suction may feel uncomfortable at first but I got used to it quickly and really felt the toxins leaving my body. Right after it looked like an octopus had suctioned onto my back (all the redness and cupping marks disappeared within a few days) and my back, neck and shoulders felt bruised to the touch immediately and for the next two days. I did feel really relaxed afterwards and was so ready for a nap! As the demo was done on me, the aesthetician can tell by the redness on my back that I frequently get headaches and even pinpointed the spot by my lower neck/upper back area that was causing my headaches. I actually had been experiencing a headache the day before (my headaches can last for days) and my headache did not come back after I got this massage! This massage was a temporary solution, but I do feel that if I continued this type of massage regularly it would really help with my headaches, maybe even stop them from happening all together. 



CryConcepts Esthetics CryoTouch Facial - This facial was quick and easy, with a focus on hydration and reducing fine lines. The entire treatment took only about 10 minutes - 5 minutes with the actual CryoTouch facial device and then 5 minutes of massaging in the serum with using the massage roller balls. The device was cold on my skin but not super cold as a I expected and there the device has a bit of a vibration. This kind of treatment takes advantage of carbon dioxide, helping to release oxygen at the surface of the skin, which boosts the effects of the cosmetic formulas used. The CryoTouch facial is recommended three times in the first month, and then monthly after that. I was glad this was the first demo I got during the show because I immediately felt energized and refreshed. It was a great way to start my day at IECSC! Thank you Sam for the demo!



Myolift Microcurrent - my treatment was targeted for the under-eye area with concerns to darkness, tired or puffy eyes. It's a great way to prevent the onset of aging and to treat any wrinkles or signs of aging that have already formed in the muscle. Microcurrent stimulates all the muscle around the eyes (plumping it up and bringing it back to life) and also stimulating circulation of blood, and helping to facilitate the movement of fluid. First we focused on relieving tension around the edge of the eye (treating crow's feet) and moved to the 11 lines (two vertical lines between your eyebrows) with the Erase wave form, and then using the Educate wave form for brightening up under the eye and picking up the eyebrow. The Myolift Mini Microcurrent which was used on me, retails for $329 and is available for both consumers and professionals. The only thing that is necessary to use the device is the ReStore Conductive Gel. This treatment is great to do in the morning, as often as every other day or at least once a week to help you feel refreshed and energized. This is a great alternative to Botox. Botox paralyzes the muscle, where this treatment just relaxes it and leaves the muscle stronger, whereas Botox leaves it frozen. Thank you Sam for this treatment! I really did see an immediate difference! 



Cryo-Lean 360 Fat Freezing - Thank you to Chris at 360 Aesthetic Devices for my 15-20 minute demo using the Cryo-Lean 360 device for fat freezing and body toning. First a glycerine sheet was applied on me before hooking the device up to my stomach, as you don't want direct contact with the device on your skin. It felt really cold at first (-4 degrees celsius/24 degrees farenheit) As the cold breaks down the fat cells and toxins come out, you'll want to flush it out of your system by drinking lots of water, sweating it out by working out or going in a sauna and avoiding alcohol. A full session is 35 minutes long, and 6 sessions (between $300-350 per session) is recommended to really see results. 



Prism Light Pod Whole-Body Red Light Therapy - This was the first time I've ever tried full body red light therapy thanks to the 10 minute demo I got to experience at the show. A session is normally 30 minutes, helping to rejuvenate the skin and body, relieve inflammation, stimulate collagen production, reduce sore muscles, aches and pains and enhance relaxation. Prism Light Pod uses non-invasive, non-fluorescent, non-UV rays, and non-infrared heat-based red LED technology. I was so relaxed in just 10 minutes. I was able to tune out all the noise around me!



Procell Therapies Microchanneling - This was my first demo with Procell and it did pinch a little bit but I got used to the feeling which was more like a sand buffer (I also did not have any numbing cream applied to my face). Microchanneling creates micro punctures to stimulate collagen synthesis. Microchanneling uses a stamping technique with a tip that has a fixed circumference, with less injury to the surface of the skin and shorter down time than microneedling. As Isabel does the microchanneling, she also applied the Procell serum on my face. The last step was a 15-20 minute hydration mask. Right after my treatment my face was a little red, and a few hours later my cheeks were a little pink and felt like mild sunburn. The redness was already toned down by the following morning. Results peak after 3 weeks so can't wait to see! For the next few days, I was instructed to avoid direct sunlight and make sure I have SPF on, and avoid using any retinols, glycolic acids and vitamin C serums and continue using the small sample of Procell serum I was given. The Procell serum enhances delivery and collagen growth. Thank you Isabel for the demo and Gillian for walking me through every step and answering all my questions!



Geneo Hand Treatment - Since I had just done a microchanneling treatment done the day before, my Geneo demo was done as a hand treatment with 3 steps: Oxfoliate (exfoliation + oxygenation) creating a bubbly CO2-rich environment on the skin's surface, Ultrasound (nourishment) creating micro-vibrations that instantly smooth the skin and increase permeability of the skin's protective layer, and Sculpting Massage (lymphatic drainage) a relaxing hands-free massage with an instant reduction of redness and puffiness. There are different types of Geneo treatments based on skin concerns: Balance, Detox, Glam, Hydrate, Illuminate and Revive (the one I went with). The Geneo oxypods react with the Geneo primer gel to create a gentle, non-invasive exfoliation, while triggering oxygenation within the skin. The oxypods contain ingredients in their dormant state, which are more powerful than in serum form. My hands never looked so good after this demo! Thank you Marci for my treatment!



Germaine de Capuccini Timexpert Hydraluronic Facial - I was excited to end my last day of IECSC with a traditional (no device), luxurious facial including the Hydraluronic 3D Force Moisturising Fill-In Serum, Plumping Moisturising Cream. The new products are powered by a formula featuring Germaine de Capuccini's patented HLG nonopolymer to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dehydration, while restoring elasticity and skin's natural glow. First step was cleansing, then after toning applying the concentrate, followed by the soft scrub/exfoliate. Then the glass gua sha-inspired sculpting tool was so soothing and cooling when massaged on my face. The tool is prepped / immersed in cold water and chilled repeatedly as needed. The last step was a peel off gel mask that stayed on for about 15-20 minutes. Thank you to the whole entire Germaine de Capuccini team for all your hospitality! I was the last appointment and the show was breaking down and they took their time with me to make sure I got the full hour length of the facial, leaving my skin glowing and hydrated. It was a truly pampering experience, one I would indulge in at a spa or resort. 


I was very grateful to all the aestheticians that gave me demos at their booths. Everyone was so friendly,  informative, accommodating and took their time - I didn't feel rushed at all really got to take everything in. 


In between demos, I visited some favorites brands such as G.M. Collins, Tzol' Skin, PCA Skin, Voesh and Noshinku (their first IECSC NY booth - so glad to see them here)! I also got to know exhibitors that were new to me like Face Reality, Tizo, Nuebiome, Sugarbear. 


Tzol'Skin

Nosinku Hand Sanitizer in two newest scents: Vetiver and Limon. Love their flat packaging to easily fit in your back pocket or clutch bag and they also have refills available.

New from G.M. Collin! 4D Visible Lifting Neck & Décolleté Serum (this was already sold out at the show when I got to their booth!)

Face Reality Skincare

Nuebiome
                       
Sugarbear Hair Vitamins! They also recently launched their Lashcare Vegan Vitamin Serum

The Lipgloss and Aftershave scavenger hunt was also a lot of fun and introduced me to exhibitors I wasn't familiar with. I can't wait to try all the product I collected!

Check out my IECSC show highlights here
and the Instagram reel of all the demos I received at the show.

- Kim Weling

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Sothys Energizing Intensive Treatment Facial at Elite Hair Studio & Spa


One of the more indulgent facials I had this summer was the Sothys Energizing Intensive Treatment at Elite Salon & Spa in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. I've always been familiar with Sothys, but this was the first time I was able to experience an entire Sothys skincare regimen. 

Marzenna had started my facial by cleansing my skin with Sothys Vitality Cleansing Milk and then looked at my skin more closely. She noticed dehydration, clogged pores and some sun damage. After assessing my skin, Marzenna explained that she was going to be using Sothys Intensive Treatment with Siberian Ginseng for my facial. This five-phase treatment started with the Enzymatic exfoliating scrub, followed by the Revealing Serum with Siberian Ginseng massaged into the face. What I love about this face massage is that Marzenna also focused on the neck and décolleté area as well as the arms. Next my face mask consisted of a foaming/algae mask that was left on for 10 minutes, as I enjoyed an amazing scalp massage. The last step of my treatment was applying the Enlightening Fluid for smoothing lines and illuminating the skin.

It was one of the most luxurious, relaxing facials I ever had, with my skin feeling radiant, energized and luminous! This facial was an amazing hour and a half! Most facials I have had are 50-60 minutes, and feel over so quickly. With the extractions, massage techniques applied, I really felt like every skincare phase was emphasized and that the products were hitting a deeper layer of my face and not just the surface. 

The Sothys Enegerizing Facial is priced at $125, plus an additional $25 for extractions, and additional $25 for a glycolic peel. 

After my facial, I took a tour of the complete space. The hair studio included the wash stations, cut & style, and hair color areas. I was really impressed how much open space the hair studio has. There is also a nail bar, brow bar, and spray tan services. This salon also has a full Elite Academy program on-site for professional education workshops, seminars and courses. Having a full program on-site like that shows how dedicated the studio team is to their craft and treatments. I will definitely go back to Elite Hair Studio & Spa to experience some of their other services and treatments. Check out their hair promotions and other specials! Elite Hair Studio & Spa is located in Heights Town Center at 65 Route 17 South.  

Thank you to Marzenna, master esthetician, for an incredible facial, Monika, Academy Manager for meeting with me and Martha Mehlman, owner of Elite Hair Studio & Spa for having me!




Unedited selfie, post-facial glow
 








- Kim Weling

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Lotte New York Palace Mother's Day Beauty Event


On Saturday, May 11th, Lotte New York Palace hosted the third annual Mother's Day Beauty Event in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue.

The Villard Ballroom was transformed into a beauty pop-up for hotel guests and attending media, filled with makeovers, special gifts, and a rose-themed gift with each purchase to celebrate this year's "Roses" theme. Featured brands included Alexander McQueen, Acqua di Parma, Aerin, Bottega Veneta, Chloé, Clé de Peau Beauté Clive Christian, Estée Lauder, Lancôme, NARS and Nest Fragrances.

Throughout the event, live entertainment was provided by New York City-based jazz duo, Actute Inflections. The Lotte New York Palace Spa & Fitness Center offered complimentary hand and chair massages in the Red Salon.

Check out highlights from my afternoon of beauty as I visited each brand. 


Estée Lauder showcased Re-Nutriv skincare collection and spring makeup palettes. Estée Lauder created my eye look using the La Dangereuse eyeshadow palette by Violette filled with sparkle, pearl and matte finishes, along with the Sly & Sultry Deluxe Eye Crayon by Violette.


Chloé showcased three fragrances, including the classic scent that I actually keep at the office, Love Story, and the newest fragrance, Nomade, a floral scent with notes of Oakmoss, Freesia, and Mirabelle Liquor.


Bottega Veneta showcased their ultra-luxe Parco Palladiano collection inspired by an olfactive journey through a Palladian Garden, in Italy. One of my favorite scents in the collection is XIV Melagrana.

Alexander McQueen highlighted, Celtic Rose, a delicate aromatic floral perfume. 

Lancôme previewed the Absolue collection, which launched a rich cream, soft cream, eye cream, oléo-serum and eye serum in January. The luxurious line revitalizes to result in luminous, bright skin. 

Lancôme Spring Collection


Nest Fragrances displayed perfumes and body creams including Wild Poppy and Cocoa Woods. Wild Poppy has aromas of pear, raspberry, and apricot infused with hints of Himalayan jasmine and Rose de Grasse. Cocoa Woods has the essence of bittersweet cocoa wrapped in sequoia wood and white sandalwood, blended with exotic hints of tiare blossom and Thai ginger.

Nest Fragrances Rose Noir & Oud candles and diffusers


Wisteria Blue rollerball and Grapefruit candle

Clive Christian Noble Collection - Rock Rose is one of my favorites with top notes of Tarocco Orange, middle notes of Rock Rose and bottom notes of Lavender. 


Clive Christian 1872 and Original Collection No. 1


Clive Christian Private Collection


One of the Acqua di Parma fragrance picks: Note di Colonia VI 


Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneao Collection, with Fico di Amalfi as one of my favorites, with  top notes of Bergamot, Lemon, Grapfruit and Citron, heat notes of Fig nectar, Pink pepper and Jasmine petals, and base notes of Fig wood, Cedar wood and Benzoin.

I'm really excited about the new line of Acqua di Parma candles ($69) and diffusers ($97). They smell absolutely amazing!


For my makeover, I had tried Clé de Peau Beauté The Foundation, with SPF 21. I was amazed at how well this foundation moisturizes, radiates and illuminates my skin. I can't say I've ever come across a foundation like this one! This foundation has medium coverage and is also acts as a primer. I also tried on Clé de Peau Beauté's concealer and lipstick.


Clé de Peau Beauté Synactif skincare contains MACC-PD, which strengthens the lymphatic channel and results in youthful, refined facial contours.

Nars showcased new palettes for spring/summer, including the limited edition Summer Lights Face Palette and new Endless Orgasm Palette



- Kim Weling