Shizuka New York’s Day Spa DIY Facials For Those On A Budget
Cheap, Edible At-Home DIY Facials
Who doesn’t enjoy a spa facial? But with the ever-tightening economy, paying for a luxurious day at the spa may be out of reach. The good news is that you can make the same masks at home for a fraction of the cost. Shizuka Bernstein, owner of Shizuka New York – home of the bird poo facial, explains how to make lavish facials, like the one seen here on model Tina Moss, for as little as $5.
Here are Shizuka’s recipes for luxuriating on a budget!
Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
Natural enzymes in pumpkin help to peel away dead cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin. Pumpkin facial products can cost up to $80, but this quick and easy mask can be created in your own kitchen with leftovers from your holiday celebrations, and for as little as $2. This mask is a great clarifying treatment for those with oily and combination skin types.
| 1/4c1 Tsp1 Tsp3 Tsp | Pumpkin PuréeGround CinnamonGrated Fresh GingerHoney |
Juice of 1/2 a Lemon
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Lightly massage onto clean, dry skin and let the mask sit for 5 -10 minutes. Rinse the skin well with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.
Hydrating Oatmeal Body Mask
Oatmeal is the perfect natural remedy for dry and itchy skin. This delightfully delicious mask is one of Shizuka’s favorites in dry climates and during the winter season.
Ingredients:
1c prepared plain oatmeal (leftover from the breakfast pot is perfect)
1/2c whole milk (please do not substitute skim)
3 tbsp honey
After cleansing your body, restart your shower or bath water on hot and close the bathroom door to collect steam. Combine the oatmeal, whole milk and honey in a food processor and pur̩e until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and microwave for 30 Р60 seconds, until warm, but not scorching. You may now stir in a few drops of your favorite essential oil for added aromatherapy (optional). Return to your bathroom with the heated mask. Massage the mask into your skin in the steam-filled bathroom and let it sit for up to 10 Р15 minutes. Lower the water temperature to warm, and rinse off. Lightly towel dry and immediately apply your favorite moisturizer.
Matcha Green Tea Facial Mask
Shizuka’s Matcha Green Tea Mask is appropriate for all skin types, but especially effective for those with mature and aging skin. Full of powerful antioxidants, Matcha (green tea) powder is easy to find online, or at your favorite Asian specialty store. As an alternative, cut open a few natural green tea bags (beware of additives). Silken tofu adds a luxurious texture while hydrating and soothing the skin. Honey and lemon exfoliate and brighten the complexion.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Matcha (green tea) Powder
1/3 Cup Soft Silken Tofu
1 Tbsp Honey
Juice of 1/2 a Lemon
Use paper towels or a fine cheesecloth to squeeze excess moisture from the tofu. The resultant texture will resemble a moist feta cheese. Whisk the ingredients together in a non-reactive bowl. Apply to clean, dry skin on the face, neck and d̩collet̩ areas. Turn on your favorite relaxation music and leave the mask on for 10 Р15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water, pat your skin dry, and apply your favorite all-natural moisturizer.
January 13, 2009
Story by Jessica Mulvihill
Other Shizuka NY Day Spa Press Coverage:
Delicious Living Magazine – Scouring the planet for traditional therapies is the freshest way to diversify your regimen. Now that science is confirming the benefits of these ancient beauty secrets, it’s becoming increasingly easy to find them in the personal care aisle of your natural products store. Includes international skin care ingredients such as Acai, Neem, Rooibos, Sake and Rice Bran.
Geisha Facial® in Boston Globe – For the spa-goer who wants treatments using organic ingredients without perfumes, parabens, and chemical preservatives, there are exquisite facials, massages, scrubs, and wraps to be experienced in New York City. One of the most unusual treatments using organic ingredients offered in the city is the Geisha facial at Shizuka New York Day Spa…
AsiaSpa – Thanks to ever-increasing competition in the industry, spa menus are continually evolving to incorporate unconventional treatments that push the spa experience to new – at times wacky – heights. We check out the latest, greatest and strangest…
Wild Blue Yonder – At Shizuka New York Day Spa, if you can’t see rejuvenation smiling back at you in the mirror, you’ve missed the point entirely. Compared to mastering a full lotus, it only takes a New York minute to achieve complete facial rejuvenation at this award-winning Japanese day spa.
BeautyNewsNYC.com – Financial burdens got you down? Put down the Prozac. There’s nothing like a trip to the spa to ease your woes minus the medication. Luckily a few NYC spas have heard our cries; they have some awesome deals to give you more bang for your buck.