The St. Catharines Standard, a Canadian newspaper out of Ontario, highlights The Geisha Facial ® in their article:

Bird droppings, bee venom and placenta – the most bizarre ingredients in beauty products

The natural enzymes found in the droppings help to elasticize and brighten skin, or so it’s claimed.
Don’t think so? Tom Cruise, Victoria Beckham and Anderson Cooper have all reportedly tried it. The famous Shizuka New York Day Spa in New York offers “The Geisha Facial” featuring this – err – unique product.

Photo Source: Emily Berl for The New York Times

Shizuka’s The Geisha Facial® shares The Huffington Post’s list of Anti-Aging Treatments: 7 Bizarre Ways To Look Younger with some other pretty astonishing treatments.

While The Geisha Facial® incorporates sterilized nightingale droppings and rice bran to exfoliate and brighten skin, it’s also a full length facial that includes: cleansing, extraction, a camellia & lavender oil facial massage, green tea collagen mask, and toner, moisturizer, eye cream and SPF 30 sun block application. It includes a relaxing scalp, neck, and hand massage as well. The Geisha Facial® is more soothing than “gross”, but we welcome you to come and experience it for yourself!

Eyelash Perm from Shizuka new york

Besides opening up the look of your eye, lashes actually serve a function to protect the eyes, keeping them free from foreign agents and debris. Regular lash care keeps them healthy and strong.

Here are 7 easy tips to keep in mind for naturally stronger fuller lashes:

1. Rub eyes delicately if you really have to. Lash roots are extremely delicate so any scratching or rubbing can actually weaken lashes causing them to break.
2. Stay away from lash roots when using an eyelash curler. You know you’ve gone too far when you pinch or tug the eyelid.
3. Remove all mascara gently with make-up remover before going to sleep.
4. Comb through lashes to remove clumps of mascara as soon as it’s applied—don’t tug lashes. If the mascara has already dried a bit, apply a bit of make-up remover to the comb until the clumps are removed and lashes separate.
5. Throw away old mascara.  It’s ideal to renew your mascara every 6 months. The likelihood for germs and bacteria increases the longer you keep it.
6. Replace any eye makeup used during an eye infection, including pink eye.
7. Condition lashes regularly. Just like your hair, lashes need to be conditioned as well. You can purchase eyelash conditioners over–the-counter that will help fortify and moisturize your lashes. Conditioners are especially recommended between any chemical treatments like eyelash perms.

• Other alternatives for longer lashes include: eyelash extensions, Revitalash, or the prescription drug Latisse.

Check out our current Eyelash Perm Spa Deal>>

1.  Screen your skin!: In order to protect against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, generously coat all exposed skin with sunscreen, preferably broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Also, just applying once isn’t enough–remember to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or extensive sweating.

Related blog post>> Top Summer Skin Mistake

2.  Post lunch: Most people forget that the skin on your lips is also susceptible to sun damage, so be sure to wear lip balm with SPF. Don’t forget to reapply especially after eating or drinking.

3.  Made in shades: Wear sunglasses with lenses that provide UV protection. Too much sun over time can actually damage your eyes, not to mention the fine lines that can accrue from too much squinting.

4.  Exfoliate & moisturize!: Show off soft smooth skin by making it a habit to exfoliate regularly and moisturize daily. When you exfoliate, dead skin cells are sloughed off revealing smoother skin. Moisturizing everyday will not only keep your skin hydrated, but will help your skin retain water and look smoother. SNY Moisturizer goes on light and silky and provides the benefits of immediate hydration.

5.  Wax not wane: Consider waxing to get rid of unwanted body hair during the summer months. In most cases, a waxing will last for 4-6 weeks. IPL (or Intense Pulsed Light) is considered a more permanent hair removal solution, however, IPL treatments make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Because of this, the procedure is best left for the cooler winter months when skin is less likely to be exposed to direct sunlight.  If you do receive IPL during the summer, take care to wear protective clothing and reapply SPF 30 or higher regularly to the treated areas.

Related blog post>> 5 Summer Waxing Tips from Shizuka NY

6.  Footsie play: Get a spa pedicure with  exfoliation to get your feet sandal ready! Have fun and choose colors that compliment your sandals or add-on a bit of reflexology to soothe and recharge tired feet.

Related blog posts>> Reflexology for Happy Feet   &    What Color is Your Pedicure?

7.  Aloe me: Keep some aloe vera or aloe-based ointment or moisturizer on hand in case of accidental sunburn to skin. Aloe will help relieve the pain and can help the skin heal faster. Continue to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the affected area(s).

8.  Daily cleanse: Be sure to cleanse skin properly each day to keep pores free from sweat and sunscreen build-up. Sweating actually purifies your skin by releasing bacteria and other toxins through your pores. However, when you let the sweat dry on your skin, the sitting bacteria can lead to breakouts and major acne. SNY Clay Cleanser is great for summertime cleansing and the cooling effect of peppermint will leave your skin cool and refreshed.

Related blog post>> Product Highlight: Shizuka NY Clay Cleanser

9.  G’day: As the sun beats down on you, especially during the scorching afternoon hours, be sure to wear a hat or scarf to protect your scalp from burning. Scarves in light colored fabrics such as white, khaki, or pastels will help keep you cool by reflecting heat instead of absorbing it like dark colors. Brimmed hats made of natural fibers such as straw, linen or cotton will help your scalp breathe and will help protect your face as well. If hats and scarves aren’t your thing, consider using an umbrella instead.  It will keep you cool and help protect your skin, scalp AND hair from ultimate summertime burnout!

10.  Bugs beware: To avoid unsightly bug bites and itchy rashes from mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats, consider trying natural alternatives to chemical-based repellents. Apply any combination of essential oils like cedar oil, citronella oil, clove oil, geranium oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, and even the juice from garlic cloves will help keep mosquitoes and other bugs (and maybe even other humans too) at bay.

11.  HydrateHydrateHydrate: Drinking plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages will help keep your skin and hair hydrated and healthy.  Alcohol tends to dehydrate the skin and hair, so be sure to replenish your system with plenty of water and electrolytes after every mojito and margarita!

Executive Mom:

The executive mom is usually always busy with work. When she’s not cooking dinner or going to soccer practice, she’s glued to her Smartphone to keep in touch with the office. She’s perpetually busy but loves it when she’s finally able to RELAX, even if it’s just for a couple hours.

Treatment suggestions: Coffee break Mud Wrap, 80min Shiatsu/ Swedish Massage

Our Coffee Break Mud Wrap combines soothing heat therapy with refreshing exfoliation and detoxification. Our “Mud” mixture will reinvigorate the senses with sweet earthy aromas of Arabica Coffee, honey, and bergamot, among others. Combine this with an 80min Shiatsu or Swedish massage and Mom will leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to go!

Gift suggestion: Espresso Mud Body Scrub, LEMONGRASS MIMOSA BODY SCRUB, Plant Stem Cell Serum

On The Go Mom:

On The Go Mom is usually busy as a bee, with a daily mile long to-do list. She loves getting things done, and try as she might, finding time for herself just isn’t a top priority most of the time.

Treatment suggestions: The Geisha Facial® , GentleWaves® LED Facial Rejuvenation, Collagen Mask add on

Since On The Go Mom is likely hopping cabs, catching trains and walking, er running, through the busy city streets, her skin is also susceptible to innumerable free radicals (airborne impurities) in the air. Over time this can age the skin, so we suggest treatments such as The Geisha Facial ®, Gentle Waves treatment, or even adding on a collagen mask to any of our facials to stimulate collagen production, encourage cellular renewal and shrink pores.

Gift suggestion: VITAMIN C REVITALIZING COMPLEX

Lady of the Manor Mom:

Lady of the Manor Mom usually, quite literally, has her hands full engineering ways to keep the home and family in tip top shape. She’s always coming up with new and better ways to improve productivity and time management. She’s super practical and doesn’t usually have time for some much needed pampering and relaxation.

Treatment suggestions: Signature Micro Facial, EYELASH PERM, Sugar Scrub Manicure + Bamboo Scrub Pedicure

Our Signature Micro Facial is our most popular facial with the most pampering. This facial combines deep cleansing with face, scalp, hand and shoulder massage, as well as reflexology treatment (foot massage). Combine this facial with an Eyelash Perm and nails, and Mom will feel like a Queen!

Gift suggestions: SHIZUKA NY MOISTURIZER, Lavender Honey Balancing Mist, ON THE CUFF

Health-conscious Mom:

The health-conscious Mom loves to feed herself with all-natural foods and products like fresh juices, whole-grain breads, organic vegetables, and prefers using paraben-free facial washes and soaps. She wants to stay as healthy as possible, especially in a big (dirty) city like NYC.

Treatment suggestions: The Natural Face Lift Facial, Nagomi Manicure + Sakura Pedicure, Far Infrared Sauna

The Nagomi Manicure and Sakura Pedicure are SNY’s signature nail treatments using only natural ingredients free of harsh chemicals and additives that are mixed right in front of you. Ingredients include fresh lemon, olive oil, soy, rice, and sake to exfoliate, hydrate and protect the skin and nails. Combine this with the Far Infrared Sauna and The Natural Face Lift Facial which uses Naturopathica’s high-performance, all natural and paraben-free products. These treatments will leave Mom feeling well-balanced and glowing!

Gift suggestion:  SICILIAN BERGAMOT BODY LOTION

Loves to Spa Mom:

The Loves to Spa Mom, well, she loves to spa! She finds comfort and peace in all things pampering.

Treatment suggestion: DAY OF BEAUTY

During our Mother’s Day Promotion May 3^rd – 19^th, 2013 we are offering a SNY exclusive “Day of Beauty” 4-hour spa package* that includes:

Far Infrared Sauna

50min Aromascape Massage

Classic Facial

Bamboo Scrub Pedicure + added Reflexology

Gift suggestion: Maddison Ave pure-scented soy candle

*This spa package includes a complimentary spa candle for Mom to take home!

We’d like to applaud Bernstein Medical, founded by Shizuka’s husband, Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, for being named the #1 Best company to work for in NY State in the Small/Medium Company Category!

Each year, the NY State sponsored, The Best Companies to Work for In New York program, recognizes the best large  and small/medium companies that go above and beyond to appreciate and value their employees. The program conducts a two-part assessment process, the bulk of which assesses employee satisfaction in the workplace.

Congrats Bernstein Medical!

Can you guess what “beauty product” the 51-year-old actress, Heather Locklear, admittedly applies to her face?

Reportedly, when TMZ reporters asked her about her secret to her ever-flawless skin, she replied with: “You just put semen on your face.”

Not sure if she’s joking, but this same article in The Stir mentions our Geisha “bird poop” facial as well!

Shizuka New York was featured in the episode “From the Mud to Manhattan” which aired April 14th, 2013 on the MTV reality show, Buckwild!

Take home products from the Shizuka New York Skincare System and give yourself a mini-facial everyday! We use a customized combination of the Shizuka New York Foaming and Clay Cleansers, Toner, and Moisturizer in every facial offered at the spa.

The skin care line was formulated by Shizuka and her husband, a dermatologist, Dr. Robert M. Bernstein. The line was created after years of careful research and testing and in following with Shizuka’s goal to offer a holistic line of products made with premium natural ingredients found in Japan.

Every product features pure spring water from Mt. Fuji and other natural ingredients such as: sake, rice bran, pearl protein, soy, green tea, aloe, lavender, and peppermint.

Using a cleanser, toner and moisturizer from one product line is always ideal since the products are formulated to work together to optimize your skin’s health.

The Shizuka New York Skincare System works great for anti-aging, brightening, restoring hydration and antioxidants, and helps control acne.

Try the Basic or Sugar Scrub Manicure with this delicate and chic gold blocked design for an additional $2/nail or an additional $3/nail with colors.

For some sparkle and fun, try the Gel Manicure with a stripe design for $3/nail and stone assortment for $2-$4/nail!

Got an idea you’d like us to try? Email an image to: contact@shizukany.com and let’s talk!

Airing tonight,  Sunday April 14th, 2013 at 8pm on MTV (before the 2013 Movie Awards Preshow) will be an exclusive feature about Shizuka New York Day Spa and The Geisha Facial® on the reality series “Buckwild“!

This special episode is called, “From the Mud to Manhattan”!

Sounds bizarre! Would you ever try the “fire treatment”?

The Huffington Post also mentions the “bird poop” facial or what we call The Geisha Facial ® in the “Weird Beauty Treatments & Products” slide show!

Ya magazine features Shizuka new  york’s The Geisha Facial® in their article about Japanese beauty.

It’s Monday morning, you walk into work, and already the stress starts to build just thinking about  the week ahead. Glamour.com shares 4 ways to reduce stress at work, so you can feel on top of your game and a bit more relaxed throughout the work day.

Cross off an item from your to-do list. Do you ever look at your list of must-get-dones–which grows exponentially by the minute, it seems–and freak? Yeah, me too. But being able to physically take a pen to paper and scratch something off can make a big difference in your levels of stress–so tackling the rest of the to-dos doesn’t seem quite so impossible.

Chew a piece of gum. Research has shown that, not only do gum-chewers feel less anxiety (and are possibly even in better moods), they may also have increased blood flow to their brains–meaning they’re more alert. (Which, hello, can always be helpful on a Monday morning.)

Find one thing that makes you feel grateful at work, every day. No, it’s not always easy to find, but there’s always at least one reason to feel grateful at work–even if it’s small! Maybe it’s that you have a nice view of the blue sky, or the supply closet is always stocked with your favorite kind of pens, or you have a coworker who’s especially good at making you smile. Research has shown that gratitude can actually help your physical wellbeing.

Play a game online. I mean, wait until it’s OK to do this (like during your lunch break). But doing an online puzzle, like solitaire or sudoku, can actually decrease stress and improve your mood, according to research from East Carolina University. It’s a distraction that helps get your brain thinking about another task–and lets your nervous system take a break.

• Need some sure-fire stress relief on your lunch break? >> For starters — save OVER 20% on a 50min Swedish or Shiatsu Massage w/ Gary $80 (reg. $105) –  between 11a – 2p, M-TH only! Call us at (212) 644-7400 to set up an appointment.

Related blog post>> Tips for Instant Neck and Shoulder Relief

Shizuka gives tips to Fox News Magazine for Spring Cleaning For Your Skin!

Shizuka’s Tips

Read more:  http://magazine.foxnews.com/style-beauty/spring-cleaning-your-skin#ixzz2O5R3trfr

 
Related blog post: “Tips for Nail Art Perfection” >>

India’s Spa Veda Magazine features

Shizuka New York’s The Geisha Facial®

in their March 2013 issue!

At NYC’s Shizuka New York Day Spa this ancient and prized Geisha beauty secret is artfully revived

through the Geisha Facial®. It is perfectly safe to
use on the facial skin, sanitized through exposure
to ultraviolet light before being milled to a fine
powder. During the facial, Shizuka mixes the
nightingale droppings with delicate Japanese rice
bran to enhance its inherent exfoliating and facial
lightening properties.

Cleansing and light pore extraction using her allnatural
skin care line (the Shizuka New York Skin
Care System) further refines skin texture, and the
Geisha Facial® is completed with a hydrating
camelia oil facial massage and a refreshing
antioxidant Green Tea Collagen Mask.

(L-R) Diane Keaton, Michelle Obama, and Helen Mirren. (Getty (2); AP (1))

The First Lady Michelle Obama showed up for inaugural weekend sporting a new flirty hair style with bangs. The Daily Beast reported that Ms. Obama jokingly responded the bangs were a result of a ‘midlife crises’. Scrutinizing beauty experts were left wondering what other beauty-related lengths women will go to during a midlife crises.

But as far as these experts are concerned, bangs just scream beauty:

• John Barrett, founder of the Bergdorf Goodman salon says, “If done correctly, [sporting bangs or deciding to add color] can shave years off of a woman’s appearance.”

• Marshall Lin, a stylist at the Frédéric Fekkai Salon in SoHo, agrees, “Bangs can add a youthful, modern edge to a style.”

• President Obama proclaimed them “the most significant event of [the inaugural] weekend.”

What are your thoughts? Do bangs enhance or hide a women’s beauty?

-          Shizuka new York Day Spa enters into its eighth year of business at it’s 51^st street location, it was previously located on 58^th street. The spa encompasses 3000 square feet of space with 6 rooms, 2 doctors on staff, as well as other skilled aestheticians and technicians.

-          The spa has treated over 17,000 clients including such celebrities as Emma Watson(Harry Potter), Christine Wig(Saturday Night Live), and Bill Cowher (former head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers), among others.

-          SNY has continually received many honors and awards. A few include: 2003 & 2005, Selected Best spa in New York by New York Magazine; 2007: Rising star Award (Fashion Group International); from 2008 The Geisha Facial® has been gaining a good reputation around the world.

The article will be on display at the spa.

With The Oscars quickly approaching this Sunday Feb 24, 2013, celebrity beauty trends are all abuzz.

Check out this article from Reuters, “Bird droppings, bull testicles among pre-Oscar beauty treatments”, which mentions Shizuka New York’s The Geisha Facial ®! It also appears on bdnews24.com, an online newspaper from Bangladesh, “Poop facial for Oscar beauty“!

For those who are needle-averse, bird poop could be the answer to brighter skin. Shizuka New York Day Spa in Manhattan offers a Geisha Facial, an hour-long treatment that involves applying nightingale bird droppings in powder form to the skin.

“There are so many drastic options to exfoliating the skin like chemical peels and microdermabrasion,” Bernstein told Reuters. “But if you want a more natural approach, this will give you great results as well. Dead skin is removed, skin tone is brighter and you’re left with a radiant look.”

Having trouble deciding what your next nail art should be? Here are some helpful tips to get your creativity flowing:

• Look at images on nail art websites or just Google “nail art images”. Sometimes you don’t know what you want until you see something that inspires you!

• It’s best to come into a salon with a picture already printed out or email the salon beforehand. There’s a possibility the salon won’t be equipped to execute the design and plus, there’s nothing more disappointing than trekking somewhere for nothing!
• Although DIY nail art kits are super fun, letting a professional do it for you ensures you’ll have a pristine manicure without any stress or time wasted. Professional manicurists have a good idea what will work for the shape and size of your nails and can recommend ideas you may not have thought of.
• If you’re really into a type of pattern, fabric, or design, bring in a swatch or a picture and watch your manicurist do wonders to bring that design to life on your nails!
• If nail art isn’t your thing, but you still want to try something new, try picking out 2 or 3 or your favorite colors. Adding a small colorful embellishment (like a color blocking design, images like a heart or flower, or even crystals) to a nail or two can really elevate your manicure to the next level!

Here at SNY, we have talented nail artists on staff every day! Contact us beforehand with your idea and we’ll make sure to pair you with the best manicurist for your needs!

Popularly, Botox is known to temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the face and neck, as well as contribute to pore and sweat reduction.

But did you know, Botox is also a widespread solution for treating headache pain for chronic migraine sufferers? This FDA approved procedure works to block or lessen the irritation across nerve endings that lead to migraine pain.

Injection sites vary from person to person, but are primarily located around the face, forehead, and back of head and neck.

Although its true cause remains a mystery, chronic migraines are usually the byproduct of genetics, environmental or hormonal triggers. Botox treatment can significantly lessen the need for and/or dosage of oral medication or other therapies. But please note, Botox is merely a pain management option and not a cure.

Learn more about Botox for migraines by setting up a consultation with one of our doctors at our Medical Spa >>

Lashes: Shizuka New York

At this spa, silk lashes are delicately and meticulously applied one by one, making eyes look bigger and more feminine; the look even lasts through swimming. You’ll never need to apply mascara again!

Visit our website for FAQs, pricing, and more about our Eyelash Extension treatments >>

The Huffington Post and Glamour.com caught wind of Anderson Cooper’s segment about The Geisha Facial® on his talk show, Anderson Live!; and here’s what they said:

“The foul (no pun intended) puffy eye cream is actually known as The Geisha Facial, a treatment created by celebrity facialist Shizuka Bernstein of New York City’s Shizuka spa…Apparently, Victoria Beckham and Tom Cruise are huge fans of this bizarre beauty treatment that costs $180 a session. And if their damn-near-flawless complexions are proof that this stuff works, then we’re down with the bird poo, too.” ~ Dana Oliver for The Huffington Post

“As someone who has actually tried this treatment (don’t judge, it was Spa Week and my roommate gave it to me!), I can say that, no your face doesn’t end up smelling like poop and yes you walk out with noticeably softer and brighter skin.” ~ Nikki Ogunnaike for Glamour.com

Shizuka’s The Geisha Facial® was featured New Year’s Day on Anderson Cooper’s talk show: Anderson Live!

This facial was created by Shizuka to not only promote collagen production, but also brighten complexion and offer deep cleansing and moisturizing using only chemical-free ingredients. Nightingale droppings, a natural enzyme, have been used for centuries in Japan for flawless complexions. Please note, our ingredients are completely bacteria-free! You can sample the Geisha Facial by adding a “Geisha Exfoliation” to any Shizuka new york Day Spa facial for an additional $40. Call or email us for more information!

Shizuka was featured in the New York Beauty section of the Limoneira Company’s website. Limoneira, founded in 1893, is an agricultural company in California with nearly 8,000 acres of land dedicated to the production of lemons, avocados, and other specialty crops.

Play the video to hear Shizuka’s lemon juice recipe for dull or damaged hair.

The recipe is also included below:

You’ll Need:

¾ cup olive oil

½ cup raw honey

3 tbsp lemon juice

Combine all three ingredients and set it aside. After shampooing hair, towel dry and apply lemon juice mixture evenly throughout hair. Cover with plastic cap for ½ hour, then shampoo and rinse hair slowly.

• Styling break: The heat from blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons can leave hair looking dry and brittle. Apply a styling cream while your hair is still damp and lower the heat level on your styling tools. Also, consider letting your hair air dry once in a while to give it a day off from the heat.

• Brush before bed: Brushing hair helps spread out oils from your scalp.

• Lessen shampoo: Too much shampooing can dry out the scalp and hair. When you shampoo, rub just the scalp allowing the lather to run down hair. When using conditioner, apply only to ends, not the scalp.

• Fatty treatment: Hair loves the fatty acids found in foods like avocado, salmon and olive oil. These natural oils can help moisturize a dry scalp.

Representatives from Cuore Cosmetics company in Japan visited Shizuka New York Day Spa last Monday December 10th, 2012 to attend a lecture given by Shizuka.

Shizuka discussed the latest trends in the spa and beauty industry in the United States and highlighted how she was able to imbue a Japanese day spa within New York City’s already saturated spa scene. Among those in attendance were professional estheticians from Cuore Cosmetics as well as the company’s president.

Shizuka also demonstrated her Signature Micro Facial on one *lucky* participant.

Facial fillers are a great alternative to surgical facelift procedures, and are a fraction of the cost. Fillers enhance certain areas of the face by smoothing out wrinkles. At our Medical Spa, our doctors administer a hyaluronic acid based filler called Juvederm, with results lasting up to a year, or sometimes longer. Clients can come in at anytime for touch-ups.

Juvederm works to fill in wrinkles, leaving the area smooth and wrinkle-free. It can also be used to plump and push up certain areas of the skin such as lifting the cheeks and filling out lips.

“Discovering Columbus”, Japanese conceptual artist, Tatzu Nishi’s 6-story art installation is still on view in Columbus Circle until December 2^nd, 2012.

Viewers are invited into a fully furnished 6^th floor walk-up apartment to interact with the statue in an unconventional, yet cozy way.  In the apartment you’ll find couches, TV, mini-library filled with classic American literature, and even wallpaper (designed by Nishi himself) with iconic images of Americana like Elvis, the Empire State Building, Michael Jackson, Mickey Mouse, and the Hot Dog. The apartment even has windows allowing visitors 6^th floor views of Central Park South and Columbus Circle.

As if all is homage to Columbus and his ever-adventurous spirit.

Nishi's drawing of the planned living room exhibit space.

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been touted world-wide as a symbol of the holidays in New York City. The tradition of erecting a tree began on Christmas Eve in 1931 and has continued for over 80 years.

This year the tree lighting will be celebrated with special performances on Wednesday November 28^th beginning at 7pm. The over 30,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights will light up the tree along with the Swarovski star that crowns the top.

After receiving an IPL treatment it’s important to protect and keep the treated area(s) covered to prevent irritation and further redness from occurring.

>> We love hearing from you! How has protecting your treatment area helped it to heal?

Looking forward to the weekend? So are we!  Shizuka will be on the set of Access Hollywood Live in Rockefeller Plaza on October 26, 2012! She will be performing The Geisha Facial® on co-hosts Billy Bush and Kit Hoover in front of 10 Rockefeller (where The TODAY Show is filmed!) at 11:45 am. Check it out!

Also, just published in Access Hollywood’s Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday column: “Hollywood’s Bizarre Beauty Treatments!”, an article featuring Shizuka and The Geisha Facial®! >>

Starry Night – Craving a little star-studded sky? This look can be as romantic or as galactic-glam as you like!

Adorably Dotty – Kate Spade’s Fall 2012 collection showcased polka dot nail art —  so fun and can be combined with a variety of colors!

Ombre, Ombre! – Ombre hair (color fading from dark to light) is still on trend and the look has translated into nail art as well. Celebrities like Rihanna rock the ombre effect (also called Gradation Manicure), and it looks stunning!

On this debut episode, Shizuka New York will be included in the “Extreme Beauty” segment!

First off, what’s most important is your own skin’s reaction to the toner.

Absolutely do not use any toner that irritates your skin. Any irritation disrupts your skin’s natural healing process and reduces healthy collagen production.

The purpose of toner is to rebalance and restore skin’s pH balance after cleansing. Your skin needs a range of ingredients like antioxidants, glycerin, fatty acids and ceramides to restore and repair its surface (skin can never get too much of these important ingredients!) The right toner can do wonders for your skin, giving it what it needs for a healthy, radiant glow.

Skipping toner can cheat your skin of the beneficial ingredients it needs to become healthier and smoother. Using toner within a particular skin care line is always a good idea because the products are formulated to work together (cleanser, toner, and moisturizer).

>>In the news: Tune in to the Hallmark Channel to watch the debut of Marie Osmond‘s new talk show October 16th, 2012 at noon. Shizuka new york Day Spa will be featured in the “Extreme Beauty” segment!

Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel utilizes pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. This peel also includes antiseptic herbs such as cinnamon bark, oregano and rosemary extract that help clean and soften skin. It smells so good, you’ll want to eat it (PLEASE DON’T)!

We use this peel in some of our Shizuka NY facials and also offer it as an add-on treatment.

Use this peel on normal to oily skin and give yourself a mini-facial at home 2-3 times a week. Here’s how:

1. Apply 1 tsp of Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel to clean skin and hold face near a stream of hot water (can be done in the shower) to allow steam to activate the enzymes. Massage with fingertips and leave on for 3-5 minutes, rinse and towel dry.
2. Rebalance skin with Shizuka NY’s Skin Freshener to help close pores and remove excess oil.
3. Finish by applying Shizuka NY’s Oil Free Moisturizer to hydrate and restore normal barrier function without clogging pores.

The Spring 2013 Prada show in Milan last week showcased an ode to Japanese culture with a modern take on traditional Japanese kimonos (T-shaped full length robes), obis (sashes) and even tabi socks (ankle high split-toe socks).

In keeping with traditional Japanese style, Prada’s new line was minimalist and delicately embellished with single flower shapes. Traditionally, flowers were used as a family crest and were even emblazoned onto Samurai kimonos.

The color palette resembled a scene of blooming cherry blossoms which surely represents the arrival of Spring in Japan; colors ranged from soft pink, sage, and white to light brown, black and grey.

You may remember our blog post earlier this year about the many health benefits of green tea, but did you know green tea can also help soothe puffy eyes– fast?

After steeping two bags of green tea, let them cool (or stick them in the refrigerator), then place over eyes for 5 minutes. The Vitamin C, antioxidants and tannin from the green tea will help reduce swelling and tighten skin around the eyes.

We’ve all heard the benefits of having good posture, but we may be doing more damage to our posture than we know, especially when sitting in front of a computer screen for hours on end each day.

The neck and shoulders are most vulnerable to stress, and when these muscles tighten, other muscles throughout the body weaken leaving the body tired and sore.

Here are a few tips to help relieve neck and shoulder pain before it becomes chronic:

1. Take short break every 30 minutes to stretch your neck and shoulders. This will help keep your body limber.

2. Position your monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level. This way you won’t have to twist and crane your neck as much while typing.

3. Check your posture regularly. Roll your shoulders back, and sit in such a way where your knees are at right angles with both feet comfortably resting flat on the floor.

Need a little help limbering up? Come in during your lunch break for a half hour Head and Shoulder Massage. This spa special combines soothing and healing elements of Shiatsu and Swedish Massage techniques that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! >>

Some benefits include:

- Strengthens immune system
- Prevents aging: high in antioxidants and protects from free radicals
- Provides protein, vitamins B12, B2, E, K.  Miso is also a good source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and helps facilitate the body’s absorption of calcium and magnesium
- Promotes supple skin: miso contains linoleic acid which helps your skin stay soft and pigment free

Even today, in some parts of China and Japan drinking miso soup every day is associated with a long, healthy life.

This soup is so versatile you can add your favorite veggies for added flavor and nutrition.

Photo source: Elle.com

Elle.com’s Best in Show for 2012 features these two new trendy takes on the French manicure.

“The new French manicure follows just one rule: no white polish.” Also pair the manicure with a metallic shade to resemble jewelry.

Yayoi Fever at Louis Vuitton on 57th Street and 5th Avenue

Yayoi Kusama, prominent Japanese contemporary artist, and Louis Vuitton are collaborating to bring fashion and art to new audiences in New York this summer. Kusama is best known for her dot patterns spanning mediums from film and sculpture to immersive installations. You can find Kusama’s designs in a limited edition collection across the entire Louis Vuitton brand from clothing to footwear and accessories.  In turn, Louis Vuitton will be supporting a retrospective of Kusama’s most intense innovations at The Whitney Museum of American Art  through to September 30th, 2012.

Maintaining an optimal moisture balance is essential to youthful-looking skin. Avoid harsh detergents and exceedingly hot showers, and always use a moisturizer. Formulas rich in glycerin and hyaluronic acid will plump, while formulas with ceramides or lipids help lock in hydration.

Check out our Hyaluronic Acid Mask ($43) and Hyaluronic Acid Gel ($67) for its deeply hydrating and anti-aging properties.

One of the top summer skin mistakes is incorrectly applying sunscreen. Most sunscreen wearers apply it only once a day but in reality most sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, or every hour if swimming or sweating. For each application, apply the sunscreen and/or sunblock at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and use enough to generously coat any area of the skin not covered by clothing.

Apply sunscreen to children and babies as well, however, babies under 6 months should not be exposed to the sun at all.

Sun protection is serious business–it’s common that most sun-related skin damage occurs by the time we reach 18 years of age.

Q: At another salon a gel soak-off takes about 10 minutes, why does your LED Gel Soak-off take longer?

 

A: Our Gel Soak-off takes about 45min to complete. After soaking off and removing the gel from your nails, our estheticians carefully perform a detailed dry cuticle care treatment. This treatment is very detailed and helps to extend the health of your nails and to prepare them for their next treatment.

 

 

 

 

Q: Can I request a soak-off even though I received a gel manicure from another salon? And how much extra does it cost?

A: Yes, we can still perform soak-offs for UV-cured gels, however, the process is a bit more arduous since in most cases we need to file down the whole nail first. Our soak-off price for UV-cured gels is $40. To save you time and money, we suggest going back to the salon you received your treatment and receive a soak-off there before coming in.

 

 

 

Q: Is your LED Gel Nails really long lasting?

A: Yes! If your nails chip or peel within 10 days of your treatment, we will gladly redo the nail for free! Because our LED Gel Nails last longer than a regular manicure or pedicure, it’s an ideal treatment if you’re going on vacation or will be away for an extended period of time—more time to enjoy your time away and less time worrying about your nails! To show you how durable our LED Gel treatment is, we documented a LED Gel Manicure performed recently:

Day 1

Day 7

Day 14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to email us at: contact@shizukany.com or leave a comment here. We love hearing from you!

“For this modernized hourlong version, which costs $180, the excrement is sanitized under ultraviolet light, then mixed with rice bran, an exfoliant and brightener. Because the poop contains guanine, a nucleobase, it supposedly shines the skin as well…and surprisingly the next morning my skin did glow.“

Shizuka talks about the Geisha Facial® and gives the host, a Tom Cruise look-alike, a mini facial!

“Celebrities keep some weird beauty secrets… but one of the oddest tricks we’ve heard of is the Geisha Facial® — which is made from actual bird poop.  Made popular by Victoria Beckham, the bird poop facial now has a new fan – Tom Cruise.”

Aloe Cleansing Gel – A foaming sulfate-free cleanser with a refreshing blend of Aloe Vera and Lavender that gently clarifies the skin while maintaining natural moisture.

Lavender Honey Balancing Mist – A refreshing blend of balancing Lavender and moisture rich Honey helps tone and hydrate the skin while restoring equilibrium to the mind. This can be used as a toner after cleansing the face or throughout the day as a skin refresher.

Lavender Protective Moisturizer w/ SPF 17 – This nourishing emollient cream combines micronized Zinc Oxide to help protect the skin from UV damage with antioxidant Turmeric Root to help reduce redness. Apply a liberal amount to skin 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. The SPF 17 blocks over 95% of sun’s damaging rays. (Note: this product is not water-proof).

Lavender oil, known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, can be found in our Shizuka New York Skincare line as well:

Shizuka NY Moisturizer – This moisturizer is a non-greasy and absorbs immediately to hydrate, condition and rejuvenate, and works to clarify and brighten the complexion.

Shizuka NY Foaming Cleanser -This Foaming Cleanser is used in most facial treatments in our NYC day spa and contains a slew of other nourishing ingredients leaving the skin renewed, softer and more supple.

1. Wax first, tan second. Wax before getting a tan — wait at least 24 hours before spray tanning or bronzing. Since waxing also exfoliates the skin, it will strip away any color application. Waxing also tends to irritate the skin so if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to wait 3-4 days (or until your skin recovers completely) before tanning.

2. Down time. Waxed skin is highly irritable, especially to sweat, sun exposure and hot water. Wait at least a couple hours before working out or taking a hot shower. If you’re in the sun be sure to take precautions by covering up and using plenty of SPF.

3. Wait. For a wax to be successful, hair needs to be at least ¼ of an inch long. Try waiting 2 – 4 weeks before getting waxed to allow for sufficient hair length.

4. Exfoliate at home. In order to prevent ingrown hairs, wait three days then begin exfoliating the area daily. This will help the hair grow back evenly for your next waxing.

5. No more razors. Shaving can actually irritate hair follicles negating the benefits of waxing. If you stick to a waxing-only regimen, you’ll notice over time that the hair will grow back thinner and finer. In most cases, a waxing will last between 4 to 6 weeks.

If you’ve never waxed before or are concerned about how your skin may react, feel free to call us at (212) 644-7400 to schedule a consultation with Shizuka.

Basically, the difference lies in the gels’ ingredients and the light needed to cure, or dry, it. Our gel requires LED light to form an even protective layer over your nails. “LED” stands for “light emitting diode,” which refers to the type of bulb an LED gel lamp uses.

Our gels are made from a formula designed to respond specifically to LED light wavelengths, which dries the gel in 30 seconds. Most UV gels take about two minutes to dry under UV Light.

The end result — base coat, two coats of color plus one top coat — looks no thicker than nail polish and stays on your nails for at least 10 days. We guarantee it!

Learn more about our LED Gel Manicure or Pedicure treatments >>

It all depends on your sandals—which, this summer, should be a decidedly brilliant shade of something.

Yellow looks so pop against the hot pink shoes.

This muted coral tones down the drama—but still looks exotic.

Deep blue-green, and drop-dead sexy.

So feminine! The soft rose sets off the shoes’ bold fuchsia.

Photo Source: Lucky Magazine

Upgrade from a Basic to a Classic Pedicure for added exfoliation and light massage >>

Here are some highlights:

In Japan there’s a saying, Kami wa onna no inochi, which means ‘Hair is Life’. In Japanese culture beautiful hair is an essential part of women’s beauty. So naturally women may become worried if their hair begins to thin or fall out.

In our medical spa we offer a treatment called Revage 670 Laser Hair Rejuvenation which helps hair grow back over the course of a series of treatments and works for both men and women. Doubling this treatment with medicines like Rogaine or Propecia may help hair grow faster, however, this regimen isn’t appropriate for everyone. Consultations with Shizuka are free and are required before this treatment can be administered.

Learn more about Revage 670 here>>

“Retinoids trigger change in the skin to make it look clearer and more youthful; they actually help skin get back to a healthier place. And there’s strong, strong clinical data behind that,” says Jennifer Linder, M.D., dermatologist and chief scientific officer for a clinical skin care line.

We agree that retinol can do wonders for the skin! Our Shizuka NY Anti-Aging Night Repair 1 product contains retinol which actively evens skin tone and texture, while it also gently reduces fine lines and wrinkles (all while you sleep)! We suggest using this product in conjunction with Anti-Aging Night Repair 2 and Weekly Brightening Pads for maximum results.

Check our our discounted Anti-Aging “Bento Sets” for Day and Night >>

Discover our Shizuka NY Clay Cleanser featured in the latest issue of Essential Homme Magazine, pp. 154-55:

Before basking in the rays of the sun, you’ll need to clean up that face. Made with Moroccan lava clay,this cleanser rids clogged pores of the kind of impure built-up that could result in an uneven tan while its green tea and pearl protein components leave your skin looking rejuvenated. $48/ 5.3 oz.; shizukany.com/development

Reflexology is a practice that targets certain areas of the feet and hands with specialized pressure to increase circulation, relieve tension and improve organ function.

A good foot massage will help stimulate the thousands of nerve endings in your feet—keeping your feet (and body) happy and healthy!

Sweeten any spa pedicure by adding 10 extra minutes reflexology for only $20! >>

Also, check out a new segment featuring Shizuka on VH1 Big Morning Buzz Live airing Tuesday April 17th, 2012 at 10am!

Check out our Spa Deals here >>

While we’ve never used worms, snails (or any other insects!) as part of a beauty regimen, we do applaud the use of bird poop for softer brighter skin!

SHIZUKA NY is the creator of the ever-popular                Geisha “bird poop” Facial. This facial uses traditional and natural Japanese ingredients, including uguisu no fun (powdered nightingale droppings), to soften, brighten and nourish the facial complexion. Uguisu no fun is perfectly safe as it’s sanitized through exposure to ultraviolet light before being milled to a fine powder.

Wondering what all the royal hype is about? Request a Geisha Facial® appointment now by calling (212) 644-7400

Check out our spa deals here >>

It comes with a FREE custom made “T” stand to keep your cuffs clean and dry. The 4 pair pack is ideal for keeping cuffs at the bathroom sink, kitchen sink and even an extra pair for when you travel!

To use: Simply place cuffs around each wrist, then wash your face, dishes, etc. as usual.

After use: Place cuffs on “T” stand to keep clean and dry.

Milk Bath— Cleopatra was famous for her beautiful skin. Her beauty secret was that she soaked in baths of fresh milk. The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, a natural material that dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together. Milk cleanses the skin down to its deepest layers. Soak for a good 20 minutes. Gently rub your skin with a washcloth to slough off the dead skin. Rinse your body thoroughly after soaking.

Sake bath— Sake cures dry skin issues by deeply moisturizing and reducing fatigue. Japanese Sake contains koji acids that can brighten the skin complexion and prevent skin from aging. Fill your bathtub with hot water; add two or three cups of sake, then stir.

Rice Bran bath— Rice bran, which is rich in oil, makes an effective exfoliant and contains phytic acid, a B-complex vitamin that can help improve blood circulation and stimulate cell turnover when used topically. Renowned for its skin smoothing and lightening properties, rice bran powder can be purchased at any natural foods stores. Put 1 cup of rice bran into a cotton bag and place it into hot water. Gently rub on the face for lightening blemishes, freckles and brown patches, and for elbows, knees, feet, and hard skin areas – for extra-smooth skin. Rice bran is used in our Geisha facial at Shizuka NY!!

In addition to the above, you can put your favorite essential oil or herbs wrapped with gauze into the bathwater. Also, at Japanese grocery stores, you could buy a variety of bath agents like those shown below.

From the top: Placenta bath agent, Onsen ( hot springs) bath agent and Sake bath agent.

Left : Chamomile  powder with Japanese bath agents.

Here are a few of the many other unique bath methods performed around the world: In Ireland, seaweed baths treat rheumatism and arthritis. In Korea, “Dr. Fish” baths (where fish nibble off dead skin) are considered a folk remedy for skin conditions such as psoriasis. Also, salt baths (when correct amount of salt is used) can promote the healing of psoriasis and eczema, as well as help relieve muscle strain, rheumatism and arthritic pain.

On a recent episode of The View (3/9/12) Lori Klein, Barbara Walter’s personal make-up artist, highlighted eyelash tips that will “transform your whole face” even without make-up.

In addition to eyelash extensions, Ms. Klein featured products you can apply yourself for fuller thicker lashes (we offer both at our spa!):

- Latisse: “The first FDA approved prescription treatment that grows your eyelashes”. You will need to first obtain a prescription from your doctor then purchase this product from your local pharmacy. Request an appointment with one of our doctors for a Latisse consultation.*

* For a limited time only when you come in to SHIZUKA NY for your Latisse prescription, you will receive a coupon good for $40 off the retail cost of $72 or more. Good until May 31st, 2012 only!

- Revitalash Advanced: An over the counter product that promotes eyelash growth (no prescription necessary!). Purchase it for $150 at SHIZUKA NY!

Learn more about Latisse here >>

“I insist on exfoliation, even if you have dry skin,” says  Susan Evans, M.D., a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist,  “You have to remove old layers first before products can really penetrate.”

Check out Shizuka Bernstein’s appearance on Good Morning America with Dr. Evans >>

Shop online for Naturopathica’s Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub >>

From IN TOUCH Magazine:
“While Naturopathica’s East Hampton boutique spa pampers the likes of Liv Tyler, Julianne Moore and Meg Ryan, anyone can indulge in their holistic products.”

We use Naturopathica’s Rose Geranium soothing mist in most of our facials here at SHIZUKA NY. This mist helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while it moisturizes, soothes, and enhances skin radiance. The uplifting scent will leave your senses feeling balanced, refreshed and wanting more!

Featured ingredients are: Rose Geranium Flower Water, Geranium Flower Oil, Galactoarabinan (for fine lines and wrinkles).

Order now from our online store >>

A recent post in truthinaging.com reviews Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Collagen Boost Facial. The reviewer highlights our GentleWaves® LED Facial Rejuvenation technology that’s used in this facial. Nisha Buckingham of truthinaging.com explains:

Adele's Louboutin-inspired Mani

Adele’s super glamorous Louboutin-inspired manicure at the Grammy’s this month has certainly caught our eye! This lux look only works on longer nails, so take a month or so to grow out your nails, then visit our nail spa for this sing-your-heart-out celebrity treatment!

We also think Zooey Deschanel’s Tuxedo Nails from the Golden Globes are super adorable (and also do-able in our nail spa!)

Mari Miyoshi, an occupational therapist and director of the Brain Gym Learning Center NYC, shares how prioritizing self-care can propel you to accomplish more things faster:
“Ensure you participate in activities weekly that bring you ease, and help you relax. By making this a priority, your brain’s electro-chemical activity enhances, allowing you to release stress, rest better and have more energy left over to take on new challenges.

Prioritizing self-care means ensuring you are taking necessary steps to limit the amount of stress (whether it’s emotional, mental, physical, etc.) you feel on a daily basis. As you take conscious steps towards fulfilling your resolutions, the fear of change will quickly turn into the exhilaration you feel after you’ve tried something new.“

How do you plan to keep your resolutions this year? We’d love to hear from you!

1) Inhibit cancer cell growth

2) lower total cholesterol level

3) Slow down the aging process

4) have bacteria-destroying properties that can help prevent food poisoning, dental plaque and promotes odor elimination.

5) be rich in Vitamin C

Green tea also contains caffeine, which gives you a boost and helps burn fat. However, excessive caffeine consumption can cause insomnia or headaches. At Shizuka NY, we serve either green tea or houji tea (roasted green tea) per our clients’ request. Houji tea contains significantly less caffeine, so we recommend choosing this tea for a reduced caffeine option.

Also, we’ve been asked what gives our green tea its rich green color? Well, our tea is a special mixture of finely chopped green tea leaves and matcha. Matcha is powdered tea often used for tea ceremony in Japan (it looks like finely ground coffee beans). Matcha immediately gives the tea an extraordinary bright green color.

On your next visit, please enjoy our tasty teas with rice crackers at Shizuka!

Sometimes we forget that the skin on our scalp needs our love and attention just as much as the skin on our face and bodies — in fact, a healthy scalp means healthy hair!

A scalp massage with nutrient rich scalp serum will nourish your scalp evenly and fully. It may even prove a great way to wind down and relax.

At SHIZUKA NY we incorporate head and scalp massages into most of our facials including: Signature Micro Facial, Classic Facial, Geisha Facial®, Lifting Facial, Lightening Facial, Microcurrent Facial, Ionizing Facial, and Omedeta Maternity Facial.

Request a facial appointment with head and scalp massage here >>

Check out the WebMD Slide show about hair health here >>

If you want to sweat without the physical activity, check out far infrared saunas. Unlike traditional steam saunas, infrared saunas use the same rays that come from the sun, with the UV rays filtered out. The infrared light heats you up from the inside out, leading you to sweat out impurities while you relax and decompress. We offer 1 hour private infrared sauna sessions that include a steam shower at your perusal. When you purchase 10 sessions up front, you get the 11^th on us.

Check out more information about our Far Infrared Sauna here >>

Request a Sauna appointment here >>

Kardashian Khaos Grand Opening - December 15, 2011

Ever wondered what you’d look like with Kim Kardashian lashes?

Our Full Set with frequent touch ups won’t give you that exact “falsy” lash look but we can get you pretty darn close!

See our current Spa Deals here >>

Check our Eyelash Extension page for maintenance guidelines and FAQs >>

A Paraffin Wax treatment for your hands and feet is an inexpensive, speedy, yet luxurious way to warm and hydrate your skin while relaxing stiff muscles and joints. The wax contains paraffin oil making it softer than, for example, wax used for hair removal. Because it’s softer, the wax melts at lower temperatures, so it won’t burn or blister your skin. Add a Paraffin Wax treatment to your favorite manicure or pedicure or get it on its own for a quick and soothing treatment for your hard-working extremities!

Here’s what our Paraffin Wax treatment entails:

• First our estheticians lightly massage your hands or feet using SpaRitual Organic Moisturizing lotion, with Geranium essential oil.
• Then you will submerge your hands or feet into melted paraffin wax until your skin is generously coated (for feet, the process is slightly different to ensure that hands and feet aren’t dipped into the same wax).
• Your hands or feet are then covered with plastic and then slid into terry cloth mitts to keep the wax warm.
• After about 5 minutes, the process is complete and the wax is removed all at once.

Your skin will feel deeply moisturized and softened without being oily or greasy.

Paraffin Wax treatment by itself:

Call (212) 644-7400 or inquire online about pricing and appointment availability.

Request an appointment NOW! >>

Check out our current Holiday Spa Deals >>