State of the Face: The Vitamin C-Crystal Collagen Facial at Equinox

With the end of summer, comes a fading tan line and perhaps some unwanted skin damage. While I frequented the beach this summer, I parked myself right under the rental umbrella while listening to throwback Taylor Swift tunes and reading my fashion glossies. But for those who may have spent too much time in the sun (and many years prior), I suggest you consider booking the newly debuted Vitamin-C Crystal Collagen Facial (50 minutes, $175) at The Spa at Equinox.

Using marine collagen and lemon extract, this treatment will help hydrate your skin, reverse sun damage while improving skin discoloration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is quite the rejuvenating boost for the fall season and totally worth the splurge!

For those who book an appointment for the facial, enjoy complimentary access to the fitness club the day of your visit (don’t worry, they won’t judge you if you don’t).

Equinox Spa, 4905 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-652-1078; Tysons Corner 8065 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, 703-790-6193

State of The Face: 3 Reasons to Try Alchimie Forever’s Brightening Peel

When I think about skincare peels, I immediately cringe about a horrible past experience. Except, it wasn’t my own horrible experience, it was just an episode of Sex & The City. Ladies, you know what I’m talkin’ about. But when Alchimie Forever founder Ada Polla told me about this brightening peel, the latest addition to the beloved sensitive skincare family, I knew it couldn’t be anything like that Samantha Jones experience. I could go on and on about just how powerful (and gentle) this peel is, but I thought this sums it up best:

1. It works for every skin type.
“This professional-only peel has been formulated to yield immediate and visible results that is ideal for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin,” says Drs. Luigi and Barbara Polla, co-creators of Alchimie Forever.

2. The benefits post-peel are numerous.
This treatment is the ultimate multi-tasker. You’ll have to brace yourself as we list ‘em: immediate firming and tightening effect, anti-aging properties (think reduction of fine lines), antioxidant effect, evening out of pigmentation, refining of pores, exfoliation and smooth skin, minimization of breakouts and acne, facilitates extractions. Need we say more?

3. You won’t leave the spa looking like you just had a peel.
Unlike other peels in the market, Dr. Luigi Polla developed each peel’s five acids, including blueberry extra to ensure visible results and anti-redness properties. “The anti-inflammatory and anti-redness properties of the blueberries really help to quell these two side effects of any peel (inflammation and redness),” he says.

The brightening peel is available at LifeSpa (see locations here) and other leading spa locations in the District. Peel treatment only, 30 minutes, $75.

Guest Post: 3 DIY (and Edible) Beauty Masks

We all have different skin types, and while that can make choosing the right beauty product for your skin a little difficult, there seems to be a natural solution for just about any skin condition thanks to Mother Nature herself, that sassy little vixen. My love for DIY beauty masks has gotten a little out of control and I’ve tried creating different masks from just about anything I can find in my fridge. Some of them have not gone so well, but others, well, they were so good I had to write a post about them so you pretty peeps could embrace your inner DIY diva as well. And what’s even better about these masks is they taste amazing…not that I taste-test my face masks. Okay, I do. Let the tasting, er, DIY’ing begin!

The Anti-Aging Avocado Mask

What you’ll need:
1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and then mashed
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 egg, beaten well
3 tablespoons of pure honey

Once you have got all your ingredients mixed and mashed up in a bowl, simply apply it evenly to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

What it does: Thanks to the vitamins and antioxidants found in avocados, the beta-carotene in carrots, and the protein in the cream, this mask will help to moisturize your skin, promote collagen production, even out your skin tone, improve your skin texture, and cause any age spots you may have to fade away. Not bad for a mask that costs under $2 to make!

The Acne Attacker
Ah acne, it can be such a pain in my…skin? Well, you know what I mean.

What You’ll Need:
1/4 cup of mashed strawberries (After I have eaten a few)
1/4 cup of plain yogurt

Mix the strawberries and yogurt until you have created a paste and spread it on your face. Let it soak for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water and patting dry.

What it does: While there are some amazing acne solutions out there, many of them are so laden with chemicals that they can actually do more harm than good. Not only does this mask taste amazing but the strawberries are a powerful, and natural, anti-acne treatment thanks their salicylic acid content, a common ingredient found in the over-the-counter treatments many of us buy. The bonus? Not only are you effectively treating your acne but you are doing it in a natural way that won’t ravage your skin with a bunch of synthetic chemicals.

A Moisturizing Mask
I just had to save the best for last, and it’s not because I tend to eat half of this mask before actually getting it on my face, but because of how it makes my skin feel after washing it off. If you are similar to me and suffer from dry skin, especially during the cooler months, then this mask is straight up calling your name.

What You’ll Need:
1/2 of an avocado
1/2 a banana
1 teaspoon of honey

Mash ingredients into a paste and spread evenly on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

What it does: What’s great about this mask is not only is your skin being infused with loads of minerals, vitamins A and B, and antioxidant rich vitamin E, but it is also being nourished with healthy fats that will leave your skin with a youthful, radiant glow. Take into account the anti-inflammatory and humectant properties of honey and you have created yourself a tasty moisturizing mask that will help to hydrate your skin, keep it soft, and protect it against the damaging effects of dry weather.

Vanessa Roberts reviews popular beauty products as the chief beauty blogging babe for TopBeautyBrands.com where she reviews popular beauty products such as the best self tanner. The best part about her job? She gets to help her readers look and feel their very best!

Mani Monday: The Emerald Door

Usually when I treat myself to a mani and pedi, my trip to the salon becomes just another errand I have to check off my to-do list. The customer service is quick but my mediocre salon rushes me in and out without feeling like I ever really treated myself. Needless to say, it’s as if my trip to the salon is just another errand I have to check off my to-do list.

After attending a beauty blogger event at The Emerald Door, my standards on nail care changed. The Emerald Door is a luxe nail spa that boasts all eco-friendly nail, skin and waxing services, not to mention sells a bevy of eco-chic nail, skin and hair products that you can take home. I indulged in some much-needed nail therapy as they introduced me to their products and services, complete with sips of champagne and bites. Boasting a luxe nail bar, lounge and six comfy pedicure chairs, Emerald Door is the ultimate eco-chic nail haven in the suburbs.

Tatiana, my aesthetician, gave me a gorgeous mani and pedi using one of my favorite nail polish lines, Deborah Lippmann in Mermaid’s Dream and On The Beach. I sat in a large comfy chair while soaking my feet in a fluffy gelatin filled foot tub, experiencing my first ever Japanese Jelly Pedicure (60 minutes, $60). This ultra-smooth concoction is a treat for your feet and provides relief for stress and aching muscles; the perfect pre-soak for a pedicure.

If you’ve never experienced an Emerald Door Spa Mani/Pedi or Facial, I highly suggest you schedule a little “me time.” And here’s some incentive: Book a spa mani/pedi or facial and get 20 percent off your purchase. Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail and I’ll send you the coupon to print and bring to your first appointment, and tell them I sent you!

The Emerald Door, 8311 Grubb Rd., Silver Spring, 301-587-5800; emeralddoorspa.com

Follow The Emerald Door on Twitter: @emeralddoor
Like The Emerald Door on Facebook here.

You’re Invited: Aura Spa Open House

Aura Spa invites beauty and spa treatment aficionados and newbies alike to kick off summer in style at not one, but two of either locations in the District. Depending on your personal style (or residence), choose between a swimwear trunk show by Stylish Fit (Logan Circle) or head downtown (Penn Quarter) to shop apparel from Ida’s Idea Woman’s Boutique. Enjoy X-Rated Fusion Liquer (think French vodka mixed with rich blood oranges), while shopping 10 percent of GM Collin, PDB and South Seas tanning products. Sample complimentary treatments such as lip waxing, chair massages or facial consultations. Psss… a little birdie told us there will be swag bags as well!

When: Tuesday, June 12th 5:00-7:00 PM

Where:
Aura Spa-Renaissance Hotel (Penn Quarter)
Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel
999 9th St., NW - 3rd Fl.
202.742.1940
RSVP Space Reservation Required: [email protected]

Aura Spa-Metropole (Logan Circle)
1517 15th St., NW
202.588.5557
RSVP Space Reservation Required: [email protected]

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