Chopsticks NY
A UNIQUE, RELAXING SPACE BRINGS TOGETHER THE BEST OF EAST AND WEST
See real results after just one facial treatment at Shizuka New York Day Spa. Run by acclaimed esthetician, Shizuka Bernstein, this day spa provides a special omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) experience in the heart of NYC.
Owner Shizuka Bernstein believes that when people are beautiful on the outside, they are happy. She has been helping people find beauty and happiness for over 15 years.
What is the overall concept of Shizuka New York Day Spa?
I created Shizuka New York Day Spa to provide a unique and satisfying experience in a Japanese-inspired space where our customers can find complete relaxation. I wanted to mix Eastern and Western concepts, technology and methods. I also wanted to create a space in NYC that didn’t just focus on the medical part of skincare, but also the show a sense of “care” and “concern” for the customers. Trust with our customers is very important. They are exposing their bare skin – something which many people don’t even show their friends. And we work under magnification, so we can really see everything.
What is unique about your NYC spa?
Our spa provides services above and beyond any other day spa in NYC. I once had a facial and I didn’t like it when the esthetician left the room. You can’t move and you have a mask on your face. You worry about what happens if your skin gets itchy or if you are uncomfortable. It was at that moment that I thought it would be nice if the esthetician would do something extra instead of leaving the room. We want to give our customers a peace of mind and make them comfortable. So our estheticians never leave the room, instead they give a little extra massage to the customer on their décolleté, neck, hands and feet. We are not just a spa where you can go and relax. The products and facial treatment methods are carefully selected for each customer, so you can see results even after just one treatment.
What are your signature services?
Our NYC day spa’s Signature Anti-Aging Photo Facials and Signature Micro Facials are 60 and 80 minutes each. It’s a little bit longer than the classic facial. The Micro Facial is an intensified version of what you’d want in any facial. Your skin becomes more beautiful and your pores are thoroughly cleansed. Normal pore cleansing hurts a little bit. But we have researched a variety of dermatologist’s tools and methods and chosen the best methods which are the most comfortable for the customer.
Tell us about the Geisha Facial® offered at your spa.
The Geisha Facial® came out last year and it has been a huge hit with the clients in our NYC spa. The facial pack contains the secret powers of bird droppings, rice bran and other special ingredients. The end result is incredibly smooth skin with a porcelain pearly brightness.
Why did you start your own skincare line?
I wasn’t really satisfied with what was sold in the department stores – even with the high-end brands. I currently have four products available in our nyc day spa andonline. It’s important to get a cleanser that suits your skin type, so I created two types (normal/dry skin, combination/oily skin). I also created a skin freshener that exfoliates and refreshes the skin. The moisturizer can be used for dry or oily skin, younger or older people. My skincare products are unique in that they are all anti-aging and moisturizing, but they don’t clog your pores.
Do you have any daily beauty tips?
Cleansing is the most important skincare step. You don’t need a particularly expensive cleaner, but one that is appropriate for your skin type, hormonal balance, season, and amount of makeup worn during the day. Next, you should always use sun protection from a young age. Lack of daily suncare can lead to wrinkles and sun spots. Moisturizing is very important. Normally, there are a limited number of textures for moisturizers: a rich cream or something very light. A rich cream is not appropriate for young skin, as it may clog pores and cause blemishes. Even if a cream is expensive and people say it’s good for your skin, you should still check the ingredients and keep in mind the target skin type.
Conveniently located in midtown Manhattan, Shizuka New York Day Spa provides a range of spa services from facial and body treatments to hair removal to ultimate relaxation. In 2005, she introduced her own original line of skincare products, The Shizuka New York Skincare System. They were developed in Japan using special water sourced near Mt. Fuji. By including this unique water and introducing some Japanese ingredients such as pearls and rice, these skincare products create special effects on your skin.
Shizuka New York Day Spa
7 W. 51 St., 6th Fl., New York, NY 10019 / TEL: 212-644-7400 / shizukany.com/development
Mon: 11am-7pm, Tue-Fri: 11am-8pm, Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 11am-6pm
From Chopsticks NY Magazine, August 2009, vol. 28 (www.chopsticksny.com)
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