Face It: Time for a Facial

A spa facial can do wonders for the skin. Cleansing, exfoliation, removal of blackheads, and facial massage are all most effective when handled by an expert aesthetician. How do you know if you can get away with your normal skin care routine or if it's time for a full-on facial? Take a good, hard look in the mirror under bright lighting. Do you see blackheads on the sides of your nose? Any gaping pores? Patches of dry, dead skin? Then it's time to book yourself an hour in your facialist's chair, and make the maintenance of your beauty a priority. You'll leave looking younger, smoother, and blemish-free.

Buzz Off: Relieve Itchy Bug Bites Naturally

One of the few annoyances that comes with summertime is the onslaught of mosquitoes, black flies, and other blood-hungry critters. Some of us react to bug bites worse than others. We've all scratched those red, swollen, itchy bug bites--but have you noticed that doing that usually makes it worse? Avoid welts, scars, and infections by healing your bug bites with natural remedies. Here are a few to try:

• Water and ice. First of all, make sure the stinger is removed and the bitten area is cleaned with water. Soothe with an ice pack to numb the area and provide temporary relief of itching and soreness.
• Peppermint toothpaste. Choose a natural toothpaste and apply a dab on the bite to get immediate relief.
• Cucumbers. Slices of cool cucumber placed over the bite will relieve itching and irritation.
• Honey. A natural antibiotic, honey can prevent infections.
• Aloe vera gel. Aloe, either from a living plant or commercial gel, is inflammatory and healing.
• Salt and water. A paste of salt and water will relieve itching immediately.
• Banana peel. Rub the inside of a banana peel on the bite to alleviate itching.
• Baking soda and water. A paste of baking soda and water neutralizes the venom and helps the sting heal faster.
• Oatmeal bath. Place a cup of oatmeal in the middle of a washcloth and secure it with a rubber band. Place the bag in a hot bath and squeeze it, making the water cloudy.

Remember to seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction (facial swelling, difficulty breathing) to any kind of bug bite. And of course, don't apply any of these ingredients to your skin if you are allergic to them.

Tan-talizing: How to Apply Bronzer

We all know that the safest tan is a fake tan. If you aren't able to get a spray tan, one of the best ways to get a sun-kissed glow is to apply bronzer. However, this can be a little tricky--apply too much or too unevenly, and you won't be fooling anyone. Here are some tips for adding a warm glow without exposing your skin to the sun:

• Choose a shade of foundation that is no more than two shades darker than your skin. If you have a lighter complexion you may want to choose something more peach-colored than bronze. Avoid the shimmery, glittery bronzers and choose the more natural-looking ones.
• After you have washed and exfoliated your face and applied moisturizer, apply a minimal amount of foundation.
• Next, brush a translucent powder over your face--this will ensure that your bronzer does not streak.
• Dab a wide and fluffy brush in the bronzer and shake off the excess. Apply with a light, swirling motion to areas of your face that would normally tan first--forehead, the bridge of the nose, and cheekbones.
• Blend bronzer into your neck and ears, and if you are wearing a low-cut top, apply bronzer to your upper chest.
• Check your bronzed face in natural, bright lighting to make sure there are no streaks and/or the bronzer is not applied too heavily.
• If you have applied to much, gently buff the excess with a cotton pad. Remember, with bronzer, less is always more.

Get "Stoned" for Deep Relaxation

Even though summer weather is heating up, one of the most enjoyable spa experiences out there is the hot stone massage. A specialty massage using smooth basalt stones, a black volcanic rock that retains heat well, the hot stone massage is deeply soothing and calming. Stones are sanitized and heated in water before being placed on acupressure locations along the body. The weight and warmth of the stones will relax the muscles, melt away knots and tension, and alleviate stress, while additional stones are used to massage the muscles. This is truly a pampering experience, and one that even massage therapists crave.

Renew the Skin You're In

Let’s face it—your skin has taken a beating from the sun and the effects of aging over the years. Turn back the clock with microdermabrasion, a highly effective, safe procedure that sloughs away the dead, topmost layer of skin with light abrasion and brings smoother skin to the surface. Unwanted wrinkles, pigmentation, blemishes, scars, and other skin legions are erased, leaving skin younger-looking and soft to the touch.


Microdermabrasion uses a powerful device to spray micro-crystals across the surface of the skin, exfoliating gently and precisely. It can be applied to many different areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, chest, and hands. The treatment is painless, and you will be able to return to work immediately, radiant and refreshed.

Summer Aromatherapy for Your Home

When the weather gets hot and sticky, odors suddenly smell stronger, and most of us could use some help freshening the air in our homes. Avoid harmful chemical sprays and opt for aromatherapy with essential oils to naturally freshen your home and brighten your mood. Add a few drops of essential oils to a water-filled spray bottle and use as a linen spray and all-purpose cleaner. Here are some scents that will add a summery feel to your home:

• Lemon: Zesty and uplifting.


• Lavender: Soothing and relaxing.


• Mint: Refreshing and cooling, it brightens the mood.


• Bergamot: Sweet, spicy, and harmonizing.


• Rose: An anti-depressant, soothing and harmonizing.


• Eucalyptus: Works great as an antiseptic cleaner and leaves a refreshing, cooling scent.

Feel Alive With Salt From the Dead Sea

Is your skin in need of a fresh, youthful glow? You could probably use a bath in The Dead Sea, Israel's famed body of water in the shadow of the Judean Hills. Rich with minerals and famous for its therapeutic qualities, the waters of the Dead Sea are extremely saline (8.6 times as salty as the ocean). This makes for a harsh environment where animal life cannot survive, giving the sea its name. For humans, floating in the Dead Sea is reknowned for its effectiveness in healing and nourishing the skin. What's the matter, no plane ticket to Israel? Luckily, Dead Sea salt is harvested as a raw product for beauty and skin care products sold around the world. At @ease Spa, we offer a popular treatment that will slough away dry, dead, flaky skin and leave your entire body glowing and refreshed. The salt naturally exfoliates without irritating, and when combined with our unique aromatherapy feature, you'll feel energized from head to toe.

Pamper Dad This Father's Day

The weather forecast is calling for a string of rainy days heading into Father's Day, June 21 (what's new, right?) so if you can't take Dad to the golf course, why not the spa? You know Dad (or another special man in your life) has tired, achy muscles in need of soothing and a face in need of grooming. We are offering two Father's Day packages to treat the Dads in your life:

• $130 Father's Day Special: 55-minute Gentleman's Facial and 55-minute Deep Tissue Massage (expires 6/30/09)
• $100 Father's Day Special: 25-minute Coffee Scrub and 55-minute Deep Tissue Massage (expires 6/30/09)

Fountain of Youth: Drink Filtered Water for Beauty

We've all heard about the benefits of drinking water: eight glasses a day leads to unblemished, smooth skin, plus you will flush out toxins and lubricate your joints. So what's the best way to get your daily water intake? Coffee, sodas, and juice contain acids and sugars that can throw off your body's balance and stress your kidneys. Your best bet is to go straight to the source—pure, clear water, that is. But most tap water is pumped with industrial chemicals to kill bacteria and pathogens, and bottled water isn't necessarily any better. A recent study by the Environmental Working Group found that 45 percent of the water sold in single-serving bottles comes from a municipal source. Labels reading "purified" water likely indicate a municipal source, while "spring," "mineral," and "artesian well" sources must be verified in order to be used. However, bottled water is expensive, so a more affordable choice is to filter your tap water. For example, a Brita filter will remove lead, asbestos, toluene and benzene, among a host of other impurities and chemicals. Not to mention, filtering your water makes it taste better, although adding a slice of fruit doesn't hurt either.

Summer Makeup Tips: Keep it Minimal

Bare all—on your face, that is—this summer by wearing less makeup. Not only is minimal makeup a trend for the summer of 2009, it is also a good idea to lessen the chance of breakouts caused by increased oil and sweat. You will also save time getting ready in the bathroom, which you will hopefully spend doing outdoor activities. So how do you pull off the nude look without exposing your flaws to the world? First and foremost, make sure your face is well-moisturized. You may want to apply a light liquid foundation primer such as Smashbox's Photo Finish ($36). Create a barely-there look by choosing a foundation with light-reflecting particles that matches your skin tone perfectly, or is slightly darker than your normal tone to give the appearance of a summer glow. Add a small amount of sheen to cheeks and eyelids with a bronze or peach shimmer powder or cream. Dab on a sheer lip gloss, and if you absolutely must accentuate your eyes, apply a waterproof mascara, and you should be good to go. Enjoy your new, "less-is-more" naturally beautiful look!

Eat Pretty: Top 10 Foods for Beautiful Results

There's a great article on Epicurious detailing the top ten foods recommended by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone for enhancing your outer beauty. If you are looking for nourishment that does the double duty of improving your health and appearance at the same time, you'll want to reach for foods that are high in antioxidants and those that fight inflammation. We will mention the foods here, but you'll want to click the link for the full article and recipes:

• Blueberries: This superfood is both high in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory.
• Apples: Full of anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting phytonutrients.
• Wild salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon also keeps your skin supple.
• Nuts: A good source of omega-3 fatty acids for heart health and they increase lean muscle.
• Dark leafy greens: Kale, spinach, and others in this category reduce the risk of heart disease and help your skin.
• Asparagus: May help prevent broken capillaries.
• Olive oil: Good for the heart and nourishes the skin, it can even be used topically.
• Green tea: Rich in antioxidants, can reduce the signs of agging.
• Red wine: High in antioxidants, one glass can do wonders.
• Dark chocolate: A great source of antioxidants and a mood enhancer!

Bikini Beauty: Preventing Razor Bumps

Like it or not, bathing suit season is just around the corner. Whether you prefer one-piece or two, there's nothing worse than calling attention to "down there" than with a rash of red, splotchy bumps caused by shaving. Fortunately, these bumps, aka pseudofolliculitis barbae, can be avoided. If you're looking for smoother skin on your bikini line, here are some tips:

• Before breaking out the razor, wash skin with a gentle antibacterial soap to keep germs at bay and exfoliate with a washcloth to create a smooth surface.
• Before shaving, rinse or soak in warm water for several minutes to soften the hair.
  Next, apply a conditioning shaving gel or cream to the area.
• It should go without saying, but dull blades make for bumpy results. Always use a sharp razor.
• Shaving tips: While you can shave in the opposite direction of hair growth, if you are prone to ingrowns, go with the grain. Try not to go over the same area multiple times or shave each day, as this can cause unnecessary irritation. Also, rinse the razor after each swipe to prevent clogging, and pull the skin taut to get a nice, close shave.
• Splash on some cool water when you are done, and pat dry with a towel. For added protection against bumps, apply a postshaving product to reduce inflammation, like Tend Skin ($16) or Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps, Medicated Bikini Pads ($8).
• If you're having trouble getting rid of razor bumps, you may want to try other hair-removal options, such as waxing. Do not squeeze pick at your bumps, as you can cause scarring. Use Neosporin to help them heal faster.

Hey, Bambi: New Eyelash Lengthener

Everyone (well, fashionable females, mainly) is a-flutter over Latisse, the first FDA-approved drug for growing longer eyelashes. Perhaps you have you seen the Brook Shields commercial? Why all of this fuss over lashes? We all know the eyes are the windows to the soul, and the lashes, well, they're like the drapes. Accented eyes command attention!

From the makers of Botox, Latisse was created by doctors who discovered that glaucoma patients were growing lush lashes thanks to an active ingredient in the glaucoma treatment, Lumigan. Dab Latisse onto the root of the lash twice a day, and presto, in 8 to 16 weeks, you'll have thicker, longer, and darker lashes. So what's the downside? This treatment is expensive, costing $120-$140 for a one-month supply, and since the effects do not last, you have to keep applying the drug to maintain the look. That means paying at least $4 per day for longer lashes. Also, even though the side effects are reportedly rare, they sound a little scary: itchy, red eyes, darkening eyelids, and permanent brown spots on the irises.

At our spa, we offer safe, easy, and affordable eyelash extensions that last about one month--no prescriptions, no side effects. What is your method for lengthening your lashes? What do you think of this latest craze over luscious lashes?

The Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient healing art--traced to Egyptian times--based on the principle that the feet and hands have reflexes which connect to every part of the body, including your internal organs and glands. The Chinese believe the vital energy (chi) circulates through the body along a system of meridians. The physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands through specific finger, thumb, and hand techniques identifies areas of tension or tenderness. The client is said to benefit from improved circulation, detoxification, reduced tension, and the body's ability to heal itself. Reflexology is known to be effective for back pain, migraines, infertility, arthritis, and many other problems. Some just enjoy the deep relaxation that reflexology offers. Curious about reflexology? Read more about it here or contact us with any questions.

Not So Fast: Advice on Fasting

Fasting has been practiced for religious purposes since ancient times, but in this day and age, we hear about the "Master Cleanse" (or the lemonade diet) being used by celebrities to lose weight. As summer approaches, and with it, the need to wear a bathing suit, you may be considering a fast as a quick-fix for shedding pounds. But beware--fasting can wreak havoc on your body and slow your metabolism, so when you end your fast and begin eating again, you will gain weight at a faster rate than you did before. Some fasting diets claim they can detoxify the body, but there is no evidence that this works, or that the body even needs to be detoxified--that's what your liver, kidneys, and colon are for. However, studies do show that reducing your calories--by eating a conservative amount of raw fruits and vegetables and proteins, or fasting every other day--could add years to your life. Your body enters "survival mode," and people on the calorie restriction diet report a radical increase in energy. This diet is even being recommended by Dr. Oz on the Oprah show. Critics warn undereating can lead to eating disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and fertility problems. If you are considering a fast, consult with your doctor first and do some research before you put your health at risk. It's also important to transition into and off of a fast with plenty of fluids, such as broth and juices. Be prepared if your fast backfires--you may find after one day of starvation, that you binge-eat the next day.

Sleeping Beauty: Tips for Deeper Sleep

Do you apply anti-aging, oxygenating, and replenishing serums and creams to your face at night, only to get less than the recommended eight hours of sleep? Or perhaps you are resting your weary head on a pillow enriched with aloe or copper? Whatever your nighttime beauty routine is, during deep sleep, you secrete a growth hormone that helps repair and rebuild body tissues. There is also evidence that skin cells regenerate faster at night than during the day. Here are some tips to help you fall asleep faster and deeper for a fresh face the next morning:

• Try to go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends. This allows our body's natural clock, or circadian rhythm, to initiate and maintain our sleep.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable.
• Avoid eating or drinking in the few hours before bedtime. Sugar and caffeine are especially disruptive to sleep. If your stomach is growling, drink warm milk, which encourages sleep.
• Exercise, but not too late at night. Regular workouts reduce stress and allow you to sleep deeper. Just don't work out to close to bedtime, as it elevates your heart rate and raises your body temperature, making it difficult to fall asleep.
• Avoid watching TV right before you go to bed. Unwind with relaxation, meditation, or a good book.

Beauty At Any Age

These days, many women of a certain age find themselves wondering, 'Should I age naturally, or should I partake in enhancements like so many others?' The decision is entirely personal, but as we watch some celebrities go too far with plastic surgery, we can't help but be inspired by those who exude youthfulness from within while embracing their wrinkles and gray hair. Check out this wonderful article on six of the world's most beautiful older women recently posted on Huffington Post. Of course, there are so many more women who belong on this list. Who is your favorite mature beauty, and what does she do to stay that way?

Pucker Up: Treat Your Lips

Are your lips constantly dry and flaky? The combination of hot summer sun and dry indoor air conditioning leaves many of us with a parched pout. Go from chapped to kissable with our anti-aging rejuvenation lip treatment. Our special formula will leave your lips softer and fuller and reduce wrinkles on the lips and around the mouth. In addition to a lip treatment, here are some other must-haves for smiling, supple lips for the season:

• Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
• Gently exfoliate with a lip scrub. For a DIY version, mix olive oil and sugar.
• Increase your water intake and stay away from cigarettes.
• Avoid licking lips. Saliva will only make your lips drier.
• Add some color! Just remember that high-shine gloss will attract the sun to your lips. Apply a layer of opaque lipstick over your sunscreened lips before adding a dab of gloss. For Summer 2009, hot lip colors include peach, coral, and hot pink. It's an inexpensive way to make a bold statement--just be sure to keep the rest of your face neutral.

Hello, June! Special Offers This Month

Are you as excited about the start of summer as we are? Take advantage of our special offers this month, including two Father's Day packages to treat the dads in your life:

• $130 Father's Day Special: 55-minute Gentleman's Facial and 55-minute Deep Tissue Massage (expires 6/30/09)
• $100 Father's Day Special: 25-minute Coffee Scrub and 55-minute Deep Tissue Massage (expires 6/30/09)
• $35 June Massage Special: Any 1/2-hr. massage (expires 6/30/09)

Ongoing special offers:

• $150 Special: 1-hour Massage, 1-hour Facial, and 1/2-hour Body Scrub
• $100 Special: 55-minute Massage or Facial with 25-minute Scrub or Reflexology
• $35 Special: 25-minute Reflexology

When booking your appointment, please mention this promotion. Not to be combined with any other offers.