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A Quick Tip About Facial Massage, Part 2

BellaSugarUK — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:00:00 -0700

For a relaxing, pampering facial massage – you don't need to trek to a spa. First, read part one of my easy tips, and then settle in for part 2.

Facial massage is a great way to stimulate the skin and get blood pumping to the face, as well as having a calming effect, so that your skin will glow with health.

Getting into a habit of giving yourself a facial massage, once a week, or even every time you put cream on your face, will make a real difference to your complexion – as well as helping to ward off signs of ageing and stress.

Just read more for how to do this at home:

First massage your forehead, nose and around the eyes, using a facial oil. See Facial Massage Part 1 for these simple tips.
Now, concentrate on your lips and chin. Use your index and middle fingers, and starting at the chin – gently massage in a circular and upward motion around the mouth and lips. Bring the tiny circular motions around the mouth, to the top of the lips, under the nostrils. Repeat a few times.
To firm the skin around the chin, start where the right jaw meets the ear. Gently grasp the skin, between your index and middle fingers, and 'walk' the length of your jaw, in a scissor-like motion.
Then, massage back to the starting point, using circular motions. Repeat a few times. This is especially good for men, as they often hold stress in their jaws.
Now concentrate on your cheeks. Start at the chin, and move upwards, across the cheeks, to the temples. Massage lightly with your middle and index fingers. When you reach the temples, massage in a circular motion four times. Repeat a few times.
Finally, begin at the back of the neck and massage upwards towards the head using small circular motions. Repeat three times.
With your fingers facing upwards, come round from the back of your head, to the front of your neck, massaging gently with the index, middle and ring fingers, of each hand.
Then, using the back of your hands, smooth upwards, from the collarbone, up the neck, to the chin. Gently pat under the chin, with the back of your hand, to encourage firmness in this area. Repeat a few times.

A Quick Tip About Facial Massage, Part 1

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:00:00 -0700

The best part of any good facial is having a skincare professional smooth and massage your skin – for a firming, plumping and youth-enhancing effect.

To top up your regular facials, or if you don't have the time or money to get professional facial massages – try these top tips for at-home pampering:

First, choose a good facial oil. I like a diluted rose essential oil. For mature or prematurely aging skin, try Trilogy Rosehip Oil.
Apply the oil to a clean face. Use your index, middle and ring fingers to lightly stroke and massage the skin.
First, tap your eyebrows with your middle fingers, lightly at first, and then harder. Start at the very top of the nose, and tap outwards, over the brows and then in a circular motion, around the eyes, and across the top of the cheekbones, under the eyes – until you come back up to the bridge of your nose.
Repeat this a few times, and imagine that you are 'tapping away' any stress or worry.

Just read more for the rest of the easy how-to:

Then, starting at the bridge of the nose, use the middle fingers to smooth up and outwards, in arc motions – starting small and making the arcs get bigger as you move up to the top of the forehead.
Then, open your index and middle fingers into a V-shape. Place each ear in between the V of each hand, so that the index finger is behind the ear, and the middle finger is in front, by the face.
Press gently with both fingers, and then make small, circular motions with the middle fingers, on your temples. This is great for reducing tension headaches.
Next, work on your nose. Begin at the hollow of each eye, and smooth down the sides of the nose with your index fingers, one on either side. Repeat this five times.
Now starting at the top of the nose, lightly pinch down the bone, across the bridge, to the nostrils. Repeat a few times.

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Fit Find Follow Up: Spa Day Package

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:30:00 -0800

It was the first time the Fit Find was something other than a tangible product and you all did well coming up with great spa day packages. Let me tell you all that I cannot wait.

My favorite was submitted by crispet and boy does it sound marvelous.

The six hour Maximum Package from Skintology includes:

Farm Fresh Facial
Ear Candling
Age Defying Body Polish
Japanese Hot Stone Massage
Seaweed Wrap
Spa Souffle Manicure and Pedicure
Lunch
Wine

I think it was the wine at the end of the list that pushed me in this direction. It is, after all, a day of indulgence.

In case you are in the market for a spa day yourself here's the other spa packages for you to check out.

If the term "Fit Find" is new to you and you would like to learn about it, check out geeksugar's explanation of our bookmarking system.

Money Tip: Get a Cheaper Massage, Facial, or Pedicure

SavvySugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:30:24 -0800

Visiting a stylist-in-training for your trim is a known trick for saving money on your beauty upkeep, but I hadn't thought of utilizing the same idea for other treatments until I came across the tip in an article by The Frisky. In an article called "Five Ways to Stay Fabulous on a Budget," the author mentions that she can indulge on things like massage, pedicures, and facials by making an appointment with a massage or beauty school.

A student may or may not have the same polished touch of a full-fledged professional, but serious savings can be worth the slight sacrifice. If you went to a school for your treatments alternating every other appointment, with your usual splurge salon, you'd certainly notice the positive change in your bank account balance. The article's author suggests searching online for a recommended massage or beauty school, so I checked Yelp for reviews in San Francisco. There were plenty to choose from, and the affordable prices made me eager to try one for my next indulgent treatment.

Have you ever taken advantage of this money-saving method?

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Bella Bargain: $60 Facials and Massages at Exhale Spa

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:57 -0700

Spa treatments are never cheap, right? Well, never say never. Exhale Spa, which has eight locations throughout the country, is shaving prices on its 60-minute Fusion massages and True facials. Either treatment is now $60, which saves you up to $70 off the regular price.

The catch: You have to purchase these treatments before June 30, but you can enjoy them anytime between July 1 and August 31. There's no limit to how often you go, so now's the time to indulge in that series of massages you've been dreaming about. To book an appointment, call the location near you. I've been only to the Chicago spa, but the services are good - and at these prices, they're an absolute steal.

Beauty Glossary: Ayurvedic Massage

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Ayurvedic massage is an ancient Indian method that combines deep-tissue massage with energy techniques, reflexology and meditation. It is designed to help restore a sense of serenity and balance to the mind, body and soul. Sometimes herbal supplements are prescribed to boost the body's immune system and help create feelings of wellbeing.

Marc Zollifer who is Aveda's global spa educator told InStyle magazine that Ayurvedic massage helps people "zone in" to their body's and skin's needs. It's all about taking control of your own health and looking at skin issues or tension in the body from a holistic perspective. He says,

"Not only will the massage leave you relaxed, but the techniques balance the endocrine system, boost circulation and cause an overall reduction of muscle tension in the spine."

For more about how Ayurvedic massages can treat skin issues and for my choice of treatments, read more.

Yesterday I was talking to a fellow beauty editor about how back, neck and shoulder tension can cause a lack of blood circulation to the face. This means that poor posture can be an underlying cause of skin issues, like adult acne. In addition, Ayurvedic massage is excellent for helping neck or back problems which are often cause by sitting in front of a computer all day. Combine this with stress and not enough fresh air, and it's no wonder that our skin is playing up.

Expect a good Ayurvedic massage to leave you with clearer skin, a glow to your complexion and more vitality. A word of warning though, initially you may feel tired and your skin may break out as the toxins are released. I'd recommend the Chakra Balancing Massage (£50) from Aveda or an Abhyana Massage (£60) from Tri-Dosha.

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Spa Treatments Get More Affordable at Exhale's Wellbar

BellaSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0700

I'm doing a little dance right now because Exhale, the luxe spa that has everything from Core Fusion exercise classes to acupuncture and brow tweezing, is adding another quirky set of services - and they're cheap, my friends, (relatively) cheap. From this month on, all their spas will have a Wellbar kiosk that offers shorter, less expensive takes on some of their full-length services, which means $20 for a zit-zapping mini-facial that includes a round of blue light therapy, or $40 for an aromatherapy scalp and hand massage, which is incredi-cheap given how much spa massages usually cost. It sounds perfect for days when I'm stressed in the morning and just need a half hour of pampering.

Fab Site: Wahanda

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0700

When I first heard of Wahanda.com I was skeptical. I wasn't quite sure how a website could do for spas, beauty and wellness, what Trip Advisor has done for holidays. However, after speaking with co-owner Salim Mitha, I've come to understand the in's and out's of this year old site site and couldn't wait to tell you guys all about it. I think it's a diamond in the rough!

Have you ever wanted to treat yourself to a mani, pedi or facial but are low on cash? Or, maybe you'd like to know more about a spa professional before walking in and totally disrobing in front of them? Owners Salim Mitha and Lopo Champalimaud have taken their expertise from Skype and Yahoo! to create a platform that connects users, businesses and therapists. With the click of a mouse, you can research all kinds of treatments, deals, share and read ratings and reviews, check out photos, spa menus, prices and create wish lists.

I also love that you can buy a voucher as a gift (or for yourself) that can be redeemed at over 300 spas, salons, yoga studios and gyms in the UK. I've been addicted to surfing around for the past couple of days and am excited to have scored a two-for-one massage in my neighborhood! What do you think of the site?

Vanessa Williams on Aging and Fish Pedicures

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:00:25 -0700

You might have caught a glimpse of Vanessa Williams's sense of humor in the first installment of my interview with her, in which we discussed her use of Botox, along with her love of cars, Irish music, and baking carrot cakes.

Currently, in conjunction with the Dress For Success organization, Vanessa is making a few appearances for the Botox Cosmetic: Express Success Campaign, and in October, we'll be seeing her back on the air as the villainous Wilhelmina Slater on the much-loved Ugly Betty. And now, as promised, there's more from Vanessa after the jump.

Girl-Grooming Trend on the Rise in India

BellaSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:50 -0700

In our image-obsessed culture, girls are grooming at younger and younger ages, making youth-targeted bikini waxes and toddler beauty pageants more and more common. Now, it looks like the disturbing trend of underage grooming is impacting the youth of India, as girls, and even boys, are making stops to the salon and spa more frequently. In fact, recent marketing studies imply that the hottest Indian beauty trends involve services targeted towards teens and tweens. (As if puberty wasn't already difficult enough.)

"Young children should not use beauty products at all, because their immune system is not fully developed," dermatologist Ajita Bagai told Mint. On the beauty industry side, however, some salon professionals would argue that body wraps on 11 year olds and minifacials using natural products on preteens are all right. But when it comes to the practice of juvenile primping, just how young is too young, and what is deemed appropriate by the medical side? Find out some guidelines from doctors interviewed in this article