Skin Care, Ins and Outs

Check out the latest mention of our Halloween Week Special – Geisha facial here! There’s still time to take advantage of our exclusive Halloween Week spa deals. So hurry, offers end October 31^st, 2011!

While the idea of a daily facial seems unlikely, especially for those constantly on the go, there are a couple things you can do daily to keep your skin happy and healthy this season.

As the weather gets cooler and the air dryer, it’s important to remain mindful of the foods we eat. It’s difficult to determine the exact correlation certain foods have on skin conditions, but for most, a slight change in the way we eat can bring a drastic improvement to our skin. Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center in New York City, says, “Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look”.

To ensure you’re getting enough essential vitamins to nourish your skin from the inside out, we’ve compiled a list of seasonal winter foods to look out for the next time you go grocery shopping. For ultimate skin protection, we’ve paired them with our vitamin-infused topical serums and potions for a customized mini-facial everyday!

Reduce wrinkles, curb inflammation, improve skin tone, increase collagen levels: Eat foods rich in Vitamin C like sweet potatoes, red peppers, pineapple, oranges, and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is best known to strengthen your immune system but can also protect your skin’s cells and tissues from premature aging. Apply our C-Mollient Gel for a Vitamin C boost and Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisturizer.

Soft, smooth, radiant skin: Eat foods rich in Vitamin E like fortified cereals, almonds, turnip greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, and avocado. Vitamin E helps fight off toxins in your body and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Apply Shea Butter Ultra-Rich Body Cream to immediately hydrate and sooth any area of your skin, excellent for all skin types.

Build up anti-aging defense mechanisms in your skin, even skin tone, reduce skin irritation and itchiness: Eat foods rich with Beta Carotene like carrots, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli and spinach. Beta Carotene promotes cell growth and increases immunity. Apply Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel to naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, and for mature skin apply Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel which is infused with both Beta Carotene and Vitamin C.

Reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles and skin discoloration: Eat foods rich in Vitamin K like olive oil, scallions, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus, broccoli, and pears. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health but also helps heal skin discolorations and scarring. Apply Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum to under eye circles and our RosaGel (also infused with Vitamins C and E) to reduce the appearance of redness and small capillaries.

Smoother, naturally hydrated skin: Eat foods with Hyaluronic Acid like fish and poultry. Hyalauronic Acid helps to hydrate and tightly bond skin cells together. Apply our HydraPeptide Gel for deep skin hydration and Glycolic Purifying Peel for both exfoliation and hydration, for normal to oily skin.

Healthy glowing skin: Eat foods rich in complex B vitamins like whole grains, poultry, fish, and eggs. B vitamins helps build healthy cells and can help even out skin tone. Apply Cassis Ultra Replenishing Cream to protect the skin from noxious chemicals in the air and improve resilience. Its ‘ultra’ components include Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid to boot.

Check out our current Spa Deals here>>

Can’t make it to the spa? Check out our online store>>

Halloween Week Spa Specials

Hey Shizuka NY Insiders!

With Halloween right around the corner, you’ll scream at these Halloween Week Specials, good October 24th – 31st, 2011. Appointments are going fast, so reserve your spa TREATment now by requesting an appointment online, or calling (212) 644-7400.

Geisha Facial®, $90 (Reg $180) Save 50%!

Halloween beauty never looked so good! Save a whopping 50% on this exclusive facial, seen on TV broadcasts and magazines internationally for harnessing the unique Japanese geisha tradition of cleansing the skin with nightingale droppings. This 50 min. facial also includes cleansing and light pore extraction using products from the all-natural Shizuka New York Skin Care System, a camellia oil facial massage and a green tea Collagen Mask.

Gel Nail Manicure – solid color, $38 (Reg $50)

Show off your Halloween spirit with our solid color Presto LED gel nails. Better yet, bring in a sample of your costume and let us create a custom color just for you. Mix things up a bit with festive stamps, hand drawing and glitter for an additional $10 and up.

50 min. Shiatsu or Swedish Massage , $80 (Reg $105)

Almost as sweet as a bagful of candy, our Shiatsu and Swedish massages will leave you feeling rejuvenated minus the empty calories! Treat your body and spirit to a 50 min. massage by one of our highly skilled massage therapists.

Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel , 1.7 Fl oz/50mL – $56

If you don’t feel like carving pumpkins this year but still want to indulge your festive side, try Naturopathica’s best selling Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel. By utilizing pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities, this refining peel is formulated to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. For an additional $30, sample it by asking your esthetician to add it to your favorite facial (already included in some). Or, simply take some home for yourself and let your skin glow like a jack-o-lantern all year round!

Spa deals are available October 24th – 31st, 2011. Schedule your appointment now by using our online request form or call (212) 644-7400.

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Bird Poop Facial was featured in Good Morning America!

Shizuka New York Day Spa was featured in Good Morning America on Monday, Aug 29th. 2011.

Our famous Bird Poop Facial was introduced as one of all natural and unusual facial!
 

(Please be patient as video loads.)

owner Shizuka Bernstein says her geisha facial® – which includes the use of purified bird droppings — is in high demand.

“The ingredients in the droppings have a natural enzyme and it exfoliates, it breaks down the top layer of the skin, so it’s a good exfoliation,” Bernstein said.

But Day wasn’t so sure.

“Anything that is a leftover or a by-product especially in feces of another animal I would be very hesitant to use on my skin,” she said.

For centuries, geishas used the droppings to remove makeup and revitalize their skin. Bernstein incorporated the idea to make it a substitute for clients who didn’t want to use harsh chemicals on their face.

Mixed with rice bran and applied to the face, the bird droppings emit an “organic” aroma, but first-time client Jennifer Teman didn’t seem to mind, and she’s looking forward to her next visit.

“It smelled a little funny, but I was expecting that… I would recommend other people to do it because it’s definitely a different kind of a facial to get,” Teman said.

The geisha facial takes about 60 minutes and costs $180.

Bird Poop Beauty Video

Check out this great Geisha Facial® video courtesy of Chinese TV Better Body and Soul. What we love the most about this is that the reporter’s skin continued to improve throughout the week after her bird poop facial at Shizuka New York Day Spa!

This video is primarily in Chinese with English subtitles.
[Better Body & Soul]

Bird Poop for Men’s Health

Even though we call them Geisha Facial®s, bird poop facials are not only for women. In fact, since we introduced the Geisha Facial® a few years back, we’ve seen more and more men showing interest in this wacky, yet effective skin care treatment.

MensHealth.com investigates the bird poop facial trend in a recent post:

Experts say it actually might work. “Bird droppings have uric acid and are nitrogen based, and if rubbed on the skin can exfoliate and could be beneficial, but only in a superficial manner,” says Hayes Gladstone, M.D., director of dermatologic surgery at Stanford University. More >>

From our experience, we can say that the results speak for themselves. Clients, male and female alike, love the smoother, brighter skin that comes with one of NYC’s most bizarre facial treatments!

Oh and, for the record, we are the NYC spa quoted in the article!

More spa treatments for men >>

[MensHealth.com]

p.s Don’t forget about our amazing half-off Geisha Facial® special!

Get a Half-Priced Bird Poop Facial

Get our famous Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial at 50% off the regular price April 11-17, 2011.

The Geisha Facial® has been featured on television programs internationally as well as People Magazine, PerezHilton.com, and more, for using powdered nightingale droppings to cleanse and brighten the skin.

Normally $180, Shizuka New York Day Spa is offering the Geisha Facial® for $90 (50% off!) during a week of spa steals that also include deals on Shiatsu and Swedish massage, and 10% off the treatment of your choice when combined with a spa steal.

Get your appointment for a half-priced bird poop facial today by using our online request form (Promo Code: Spa Steals) or calling (212) 644-7400.

More spa deals like this one >>

Another Great Bird Poop Facial Video

Check out this new video of our bird poop facial that just hit the internet today! We had a lot of fun shooting this footage and the results were fantastic. Have you tried the bird poop facial yet? Should we have a Geisha Facial® sale next month?

Review: Shizuka New York Moisturizer

Shizuka New York’s original Moisturizer ($62 at ShizukaNY.com) is featured in this month’s issue of BeautyNewsNYC.com.

In a piece titled “Searching for Holistic Asian Skincare,” writer Patricia Wersinger delves into the myths and truths about this beauty trend that also includes our Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial.

The verdict?

“The Shizuka moisturizer just sinks in and melts like butter leaving the skin moisturized and fresh. It has a calming re-texturizing effect while green tea, aloe vera and chlorella clarify and brighten it. Along with buying the products for home use, why not treat yourself to one of the best facials in town at the Shizuka Spa.”

Read the rest of the review on BeautyNewsNYC.com >>

Learn more about Shizuka NY products and purchase online >>

Nothing Says NYC Like Basketball and Bird Poop

Olympian, NBA All-Star, and New York Knicks center/forward Amar’e Stoudemire has no doubt been asked all kinds of questions in press conferences. However, his lightning-speed NBA reflexes probably didn’t see it coming when a Belgian reporter recently asked what he knew about another NYC phenom, the bird poop facial.

Did anyone see it? We want to know how he responded!

[via AZCentral.com]

SNL – Bird Poop Facials & Turtle Poop?

A recent episode of Saturday Night Live included a sketch titled “Spa Talk with Tyla Yonders.” In the skit, Yonders (played by Kristen Wiig) attempts to bring serenity to her guests with bird poop facials, and even turtle poop facials!

Bird Poop Facial – Daily Mail (UK)

The UK’s Daily Mail recently featured the Geisha Facial® at Shizuka New York Day Spa:

It’s been hailed as a beauty wonder product and Victoria Beckham loves it… but would you put bird poo on your face?

From bull’s semen to flesh-eating fish, women have endured some bizarre things in the name of beauty.

But the latest treatment to hit high-end spas features what is perhaps the strangest ingredient to date.

Nightingale excrement, collected from the Japanese island of Kyushu, is being hailed as the hottest beauty wonder product.

…

Known in Japan as uguisu no fun, the facial was conceived in November 2007 by New York facialist Shizuka Bernstein, who was inspired by her mother describing how geisha girls in feudal Japan removed their thick white lead make-up.

Mrs Bernstein, 52 explained: ‘The bird poop facial works because of an enzyme that breaks down the dead skin on the upper layers of the face.

Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/beauty/article-1350741/Its-hailed-beauty-wonder-product-Victoria-Beckham-loves–bird-poo-face.html

Bird Poop Facial on Jay Leno

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb were recent guests on the Jay Leno Show. They dished with Jay about new loves (Hoda), exes (Kathie Lee), and Bird Poop Facials.

“Look at our skin. If it works, it works,” said Gifford. The ladies also described their post-bird-poop-facial skin as “like butter” and “like a baby’s bottom.”

Shizuka Bernstein, owner of Shizuka New York Day Spa visited the ladies on the set of the Today Show to surprise them with bird poop facials. The original segment is also posted below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Bird Poop Facial and Fish Pedicure on ABC News [VIDEO]

The Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial was on ABC News Now  Health on July 8, 2010. Also included in this segment titled “Bizarre Beauty Secrets” was the wacky Fish Pedicure where tiny garra rufa fish literally nibble the dead skin off your feet.

Bizarre Beauty Secrets was hosted by ABC’s Tanya Rivero and also featured Dr. Susan Evans, a Los Angeles dermatologist. Other weird beauty rituals shown were leech therapy and skin care treatments made of volcanic ash, beer, and papaya.

Shizuka Bernstein of Shizuka New York Day Spa was invited on set to view the taping and you can also see her behind the scenes photos on this blog!

If you still haven’t done it, you can enter to win a FREE BIRD POOP FACIAL through today!

Bird Poop Facial on ABC’s GMA Health

Shizuka Bernstein was invited to the set of ABC’s Good Morning America Health this morning to watch ABC News’ Tanya Rivero and Dr. Susan Evans discuss bizarre international beauty treatments, including Shizuka New York Day Spa’s own Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial.

The segment will air today at 2pm and 5:30pm (check your local listings for GMA Health), and will also be available online later today at abcnews.go.com. More information will follow when it is available.

Also featured in the program are the fish pedicure from Alexandria, VA, and other unusual skin treatments made from beer, volcanic ash, leeches, and papaya.

We are extending our Free Geisha Facial® Contest for GMA Health viewers through July 9, 2010, so keep those entries coming!

Shizuka Bernstein with Tanya Rivero on the GMA set

Shizuka Bernstein with Dr. Susan Evans

Shizuka watches ABC's Tanya Rivero get a Fish Pedicure

Win a Free Bird Poop Facial

If you’ve tried (or thought about trying) the Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial we want to hear about it!

Leave a comment and let us know what your experience was like! Was it weird? Funny? Effective?

If you haven’t tried it yet, would you want to?

Enter here to win a FREE Geisha Facial® with owner and master aesthetician Shizuka Bernstein.

Entries will be accepted until June 30, 2010. One entry per person. Does not include airfare or NYC accommodations. Winner will be contacted by email. Prize is non-transferable and has no cash value.

Halloween How-To: Geisha Makeup Video

Thinking about dressing up as a Geisha this Halloween? Take a look at this very thorough video that depicts a Geisha applying her makeup for some pointers and don’t forget to wash your face before applying makeup!

Don’t forget that spa facials, including the Geisha Facial®, are 10% off Sunday, November 1st through Saturday, November 7th when you mention this website.

Goth Geisha Graces French Vogue

Dawn of the Dead? Zombie B-Movie? Nope, it’s French Vogue!

This gothed-out geisha may be crumbling before our eyes, but she sure is rocking out that blood-red leather jacket, manicure and…football?

Read more about Shizuka’s spooky Halloween spa specials and Halloween skin care tips.

The Resident Reviews Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Geisha Facial®

The Resident recently stopped by Shizuka New York Day Spa to review the Geisha Facial®.

Take a look at her review in the video above and leave your own Geisha Facial® reviews below. Have you tried Shizuka NY’s Geisha Facial®? What was your experience?

Celebrity Spa Treatments in People Magazine

Look for the Bird Poop Facial in People Magazine on newsstands today!

The one-page spread in People highlights three $50 Spa Week treatments from New York, Los Angeles and Dallas that are favorite celebrity spa treatments.  One of these celebrity beauty secrets is Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Geisha Facial®, usually $180, which is a favorite of fashionista and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham!

Other discounted spa week treatments featured are “The Musk Try” manicure and pedicure in L.A., a favorite of celebrity Anne Hathaway, and a Warm Oil Massage and Scalp Treatment in Dallas that Hills star Lauren Conrad loves.

Spa Week in New York will be October 12-18 and numerous NYC spas will be offering discounted spa treatments for $50.

Bookings for the 45-Minute Spa Week Geisha Facial® begin on Friday, September 11, 2009. Shizuka New York Day Spa is also offering a 45-Minute Swedish Massage for New York Spa Week.

P.S. There is a special contest through People and SpaWeek.com for 50 Spa Week gift cards valued at $50 each!