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:

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 >>

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 >>

At Shizuka NY we offer an aromatherapy treatment called AromaScape Massage, with three themed options to choose from: Center, Glow and Inspire. Our massage therapists create a wholly calming and intricately crafted experience, combined with massage, to take you away on a journey through your senses. You can also create your own aromatherapy experience wherever you are. Use your favorite essential oils in a diffuser, in the bath, or even throughout the day as perfume.

Here’s a quick list of some more popular scents and their uses (from Oprah.com’s Dr.Oz):

Lemon
Uplifting and relaxing, it can be used as a purification agent in skin cleansing, taken internally to soothe indigestion or as a home deodorizer.

Clary Sage
For pain and insomnia relief, and it can be helpful for balancing hormones. Should be used topically on the skin.

Roman Chamomile
Relaxing, soothing to muscle aches. People often drink chamomile tea for the same reason, but you can drop this essential oil in a cup of hot water or apply it topically to your skin.

Rosemary
Stimulating and uplifting. Taken internally, it helps to promote good digestion and immune health.

Myrrh
Used as an antiseptic, this is my family’s secret weapon against canker sores. Simply swill a mouthful of water plus a drop or two of myrrh in your mouth for 30 seconds twice daily and watch them disappear!

Read more of Dr. Oz’s article on Aromatherapy here >>

Find out more about aromatherapy including safety tips from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy here >>

Check out our other aromatic products, like our Maddison Avenue soy candles or Alora Ambiance 8 oz. Reed Diffusers (diffusers not sold online) here >>

I would like to remind you that our excellent massage therapist, Gary, is offering his time to SHIZUKA new york.

Experienced massage therapist Gary’s healing hands have been featured in Sports Illustrated for his work on US Open athletes. Gary offers the following specials:

Lunch Time Shiatsu Massage 

Mon – Thurs / 11am – 2pm (this service must be finished by 2pm)

25 Min – $50 (reg. $65)
35 Min – $60 (reg. $85)
50 Min – $80 (reg. $105)
TGIF Swedish Massage /3pm to 8pm on every Friday

25 Min – $50 (reg. $65)
50 Min – $80 (reg. $105)

Please take advantage of this promotion.  More information about our newest promotion, please find at Spa Deal.

From Shizuka

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!

Our current news letters has been updated!

(Don’t forget to subscribe for our deals and updates! –> Click here)

Please check out the News letter Vol. 101 and book your appointments with latest deals!

After Summer Spa Deals:

Through October 31, 2011

Express Facial (40min) – $60 (Reg. $95)

The Express Facial cleanses the pores with signature all-natural products from Shizuka NY. If you’d like to enhance this facial, try adding an Enzyme Peel, Extra Extraction and/or Collagen Mask. Please ask our receptionists for prices.

Lightening Facial (80min) – $140 (Reg. $180)

The Lightening Facial is the perfect marriage of pore cleansing and skin brightening, reducing the appearance of dark spots.

IPL Spot Treatment – $150 and up (Reg. $200 and up)

The IPL Spot Treatment focuses primarily on reducing hyperpigmentation on specific areas of the skin with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).

Spa deals are available through October 31, 2011.** Schedule your appointment now by using our online request form (promo code: summer) or call (212) 644-7400.

The end of Summer brings our Shiatsu Lunch Special to a close. The last day to save up to 30% on this popular spa treatment will be September 30th, 2011. Our Brazilian Bikini Wax and Eyelash Perm Lunch Specials will be ongoing.

**Spa Deals may not be combined with any other coupons or promotions, including Spa Finder gift Certificates.

Shizuka New York Day Spa
On the sixth floor of what looks like an ordinary midtown office building lies Shizuka, a serene space where manicurist Satomi Teraoka creates Japanese nail art as understated or outrageous as you desire. After being greeted with a cup of green tea, manicure devotees are presented with a case of faux nails showcasing the sun-filled salon’s most popular designs, including Teraoka’s signature “glitter waterfall” ($85). To create this effect, clear, light pink and glittery Presto gels are layered on the nails and dried under a LED light for 20 seconds after each application. Teraoka completes the mani with a few crystals and a glossy top coat. While gel manicures—which last about two weeks and cost $20 to get removed—are the salon’s speciality, they don’t skimp on other forms of nail art. Flowers, leopard spots and original designs can be brushed on with regular polish ($5–$10 per nail), and if you have a thing for bling, the ladies at Shizuka will completely cover your nails with crystals to create their Disco-ball manicure ($150). 7 W 51st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, sixth floor (212-644-7400, shizukany.com)—Leah Faye Cooper

Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

[Time Out New York]

The 100th Edition of our spa newsletter is truly the best yet, featuring exclusive spa deals and the best skin care tips from our first 99 newsletters.

100th Newsletter Spa Deals good through September 5th, 2011:
Signature Micro Facial – $120 (Reg. $160)
Nagomi Manicure & Sakura Pedicure – $80 (Reg. $100)
Eyelash Extensions – $200 (Reg. $250)

Get your appointment by using our online request form (promo code: 100) or calling (212) 644-7400.

Become a Shizuka NY Insider today by joining our mailing list!

More spa deals like these >>

TONY lists the best spa deals that can easily be squeezed into a busy NYC schedule, including Shizuka New York Day Spa’s lunchtime spa deals on Japanese-style shiatsu massage and Brazilian bikini waxing.

You’ll want to inhale your turkey sandwich at your desk, so you can sneak off to this midtown haven for a mind-numbing shiatsu massage…The golden-hued space is run by aesthetician Shizuka Bernstein, who incorporates elements from her native country of Japan—for instance, you’ll be provided with a yukata, or lightweight kimono, to wear, and receive herbal green tea and rice snacks posttreatment. The latter should help you avoid experiencing afternoon slump later on at your desk.

More spa deals like these >>

[Time Out New York, August 11-17, 2011]

Father’s Day is June 19, 2011.

Treat Dad to relaxation and rejuvenation with a soothing treatment from Shizuka New York Day Spa and take 15% off all men’s facials and massages June 13-26.

If you make an appointment for yourself with Dad, you can also enjoy 15% off any of our spa facials and massages.

Also, enjoy free shipping on all Shizuka New York Day Spa gift certificates when you order online.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dedicated dads out there!

Learn more and request an appointment >>

More spa deals like this one >>

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

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 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 >>

Imagine waking up in the morning with perfectly curled lashes and not an eyelash curler in sight? Enter the perm. It’s comeback from the ’80s, but unlike its predecessor, this one’s solely for your fringe. More >>

For brides-to-be, Shizuka recommends trying our Eyelash Perm at least two months before your wedding to make sure you like the look. You can then come back 1-2 weeks before the ceremony to have perfectly curled lashes on the big day.

Shizuka New York Day Spa also offers Eyelash Extensions, Eyelash Tinting and spa packages such as our Hanayome Bridal Spa Package (4 hours, $350).

To make an appointment for any of our eyelash or bridal spa treatments, please use our online request form or call (212) 644-7400.

[AisleDash.com]

This March, we at Shizuka New York Day Spa are pleased to offer one of our most popular spa packages at an even better deal than normal.

The Total Body Spa Package, valued at $285, is available for $250 March 1-31, 2011.

Including a detoxifying Infrared Sauna session, a 50-Minute Swedish Massage, Classic Facial, Classic Manicure & Pedicure, this spa package is the perfect break from your hectic life.

Use our convenient online appointment request form (use the Promo Code “Spring Forward”) and you will soon be on your way to 4 hours of relaxation and rejuvenation!

The possible combos are endless, so take a big step toward a smoother you with this great special. When requesting an appointment online, please use the promo code “March Madness.”

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

[via AZCentral.com]

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!

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

“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

If you’re still recovering from the holiday season, take advantage of these awesome spa deals to ring in the new year. Shizuka New York Day Spa is offering 11 spa deals on our most popular facials, massage, body, eyelash and nail treatments through January 31, 2011.

Learn more about our 11 spa deals here >>

Are you in need of some serious relaxation? Give yourself a much needed break and try our Shiatsu Lunch Special with Japanese-Style Shiatsu Specialist, Yukitoshi.

These special prices for Shiatsu Massage are available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11am – 2pm.

To take advantage of this great massage deal, you can request an appointment online (enter “Lunch Special” as the Promo Code), or call (212) 644-7400 for spa reservations.

Save on festive holiday nail art with any Gel Manicure through December 31, 2010. Our nail artists recommend one design on the ring finger for a subtle display of holiday cheer.

Pictured at left: Christmas Tree with Crystal “Star” – $7/nail (reg. $10)
Pictured at right: Holiday Snowflake with Crystal Center – $5/nail (reg. $7)

Also, save on soothing and hydrating Paraffin Hand Treatments ($10, reg. $15) with any Shizuka NY manicure through December 31st.

To get these great looks, you can request an appointment online or call (212) 644-7400 for spa reservations.

Give yourself the gift of relaxation this fall and treat yourself to 1 hour of spa for $55 through October 3, 2010!

Your hour will begin with a detoxifying 30-minute infrared sauna session (or steam shower) followed by an invigorating body scrub in which the aroma of lemongrass awakens the senses as finely ground bamboo sloughs away dead skin to reveal a body that is smoother, softer and more relaxed.

Get your hour of spa for $55 today by requesting an appointment online or calling (212) 644-7400.

Okay, so we’ve all seen those crazy Swarovski-crystal-studded false lashes, right? (Think Ricky’s at Halloween-time). If you could go matchsies with your car this Halloween, would you do it? If so, Carlashes^TM has the solution for you that gives new meaning to “pimp my ride.”

This BMW is ready for her(?) close-up. Find more information about eyelash treatments for people here.

[Carlashes via TheFrisky]

In New York City, Latisse is available only with prescription and behind the counter at your local pharmacy. Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Dr. Robert Silich provides Latisse consultations in our relaxing spa environment conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan near Rockefeller Center.

Learn more about Latisse, including instructions on how to apply the Latisse solution here.

View Claire Danes’s full gallery of Latisse before and after photos here.

[Latisse via TheFrisky]

Anyone who has sat patiently through a professional manicure only to have it chip or peel a day or two later can appreciate the popularity of the gel system, which lasts weeks. This is especially important during the summer months, when chlorine and humidity are punishing to traditional polish. Until now, the standard gel manicure was set with UV light, which not only made the process take at least an hour, but exposed the hands to damaging rays. Shizuka New York has introduced an updated gel manicure system that uses LEDs instead of UVs. Not only is it healthier, it takes about half the time to set and the results are just as pretty. Best of all? Shizuka offers a no-chip guarantee: If your gel nails chip or lift within ten days of treatment, they’ll reset them for free.

We are currently offering a introductory offer of $40 for the LED Gel Manicure NYC (one color) that lasts through Labor Day, September 6, 2010. This is 20% off the list price of the manicure!

FYI, the LED gel manicure pictured above also uses gradation (color blending, +$20) and sparkly glitter gel (+7). However, a single color is equally stylish and the results speak for themselves!

With Shizuka New York Nail Salon’s 10-Day No Chip Guarantee, we will also fix LED gel manicures that have chipped or lifted within 10 days of the initial treatment.

Read more about our LED Gel Nails.

[NYMag.com - The Cut]
Photo by Melissa Hom

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!

Okay, so we know it’s cold outside in NYC, and it’s hard to even imagine summer when it’s snowing, but now is actually the perfect time for Laser Hair Removal. Take 10% off all laser hair removal in our NYC spa through March 31st, 2010 when you mention this website.

Shizuka New York Day Spa uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to permanently reduce unwanted hair in as little as five minutes. Because IPL treatment can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, it is best performed during the winter months when the sun is less strong and when we are less likely to be outdoors.

IPL laser hair removal is great for women who want to toss out their razors and achieve smooth and groomed underarms and bikini lines. It is also perfect for men who want to permanently remove excessive back hair, or who suffer from persistent ingrown hairs in the beard area.

Schedule an IPL laser hair removal appointment today by calling Shizuka New York Day Spa at 212.644.7400 or emailing contact@shizukany.com.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Shizuka New York Day Spa with soothing couple’s massage (the perfect date idea) and a V-Day spa package designed to provide much-needed pampering to the singles out there. Receive a complimentary chocolate and champagne toast with either of these Valentine’s Day spa treatments February 12 – 19, 2010.

50 Minute Couples Massage, $200 per couple
80 Minute Couples Massage, $290 per couple
Find more NYC couples massages here

Single (And Loving It!) Spa Package

2.5 hours, $195, Available 2/12 – 2/19/2010.

Celebrate YOU with a detoxifying infrared sauna session, Coffee Break Mud Wrap, Express Facial, and a special champagne toast for one!
Find more NYC spa packages here

Celebrity facialist Shizuka Bernstein spoke with FoxNews.com recently about ‘manscaping’ and current trends in male grooming. Over the past few years, her spa, Shizuka New York Day Spa, has seen a steady growth in the demand for men’s beauty treatments, including men’s facials, manicures & pedicures, and hair removal treatments including laser hair removal, electrolysis and waxing. The following is an excerpt. Read the full ‘manscaping’ article here.

‘Manscaping’ – 3 Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair

There was a time, back in the 1970s, when a hairy chest and a few gold chains were all the rage in men’s fashion.

But the birth of “metrosexuality” over the past decade has men striving for a “smoother” look, paving the way for a movement called “manscaping.”

Men have been going for men’s facials, manicures and pedicures — grooming procedures once limited to women. And one of the more recent trends involves the removal of unwanted hair, mostly on the chest and back.

Some men try shaving the unwanted hair off, but quickly tire of the daily requirements of shaving and soon head to the salon to seek out alternatives.

“Men have been coming in for facials for a while, but I would say it’s really the last 10 years that men have been doing hair removal,” said Shizuka Bernstein, owner of Shizuka New York Day Spa in Manhattan.

Read more…

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.

The thought of tiny carp nibbling away your foot callouses is sounding a little fishy to New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez. The “Fish Pedicure,” a recent Asian import, has already been banned in numerous states across the US for its questionable sanitation.

Cortez-Vasquez believes that existing departmental regulations permit her to cook the fish pedicure even without formal legislation. However, she is willing to take that step if necessary: “we believe we can do it from a health and safety standpoint through our existing regulatory process.”

Source: The New York Post

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?

Are you ready for Fall NYC Spa Week?  You had better get ready because bookings begin today!

Last Spa Week, Geisha Facials saw a huge response from hundreds of New Yorkers looking to be slathered with bird poop!

Back by popular demand, Shizuka New York Day Spa is once again offering this legendary bird poop facial for $50 during New York Spa Week (October 12-18).

Normally $180, the 45-Minute Spa Week Geisha Facial includes cleansing with Shizuka’s all-natural skin care products, exfoliation with the original nightingale droppings bird poop facial mask, pain-free pore extraction and hydration.  The story of bird poop facials has been seen around the world, recently in People Magazine, and even on Oprah.

The Fall Spa Week Event includes over 750 spas nationwide and in Canada who are all offering $50 discounted spa treatments including facials, massages, body treatments, and laser hair removal. In addition to the 45-Minute Spa Week Geisha “Bird Poop” Facial, Shizuka New York Day Spa will also be offering a 45-Minute Swedish Massage at the $50 price.

Appointments begin today and a full list of participating NYC spas and discounted spa treatments is available at SpaWeek.com.

In case you haven’t seen it already, take a look at this hilarious bird poop facial video:

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!

By visiting the Yoga Month website, you can sign up to get a week of FREE yoga classes in your area (in New York City there are about 25 participating yoga studios).

We’ve visited the site, and signup is easy and takes under 5 min, not to mention the great rewards for your body and your wallet (free anything in NYC is exciting!).

Short for Light Emitting Diodes, LED facials are becoming increasingly popular these days in the skincare and spa industries because they provide excellent facial rejuvenation and anti-aging results in a gentle and convenient process appropriate for all skin types. So what exactly does LED treatment do?

Light emitting diodes are all around us in alarm clocks, traffic lights and Times Square billboards alike.  However, the LEDs in skincare treatments such as Shizuka New York Day Spa’s GentleWaves Facial ($150, 30 min) are specially coded to emit light that encourages the skin to rejuvenate itself.  Similar to photosynthesis in plants, photomodulation helps to stimulate cellular renewal and stimulate collagen formation without pain or injury to the skin.

An FDA-approved procedure, GentleWaves facial treatment gradually diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and can also reduce inflammation and irritation after procedures such as photo facials, facial peels and microdermabrasion.  The perfect add-on to any Shizuka New York Day Spa facial, GentleWaves treatment is $80 with any of our facials.  GentleWaves is also popular as a non-invasive alternative to injectables such as Botox, Juvederm and Restylane.

For more information about GentleWaves treatment at Shizuka Day Spa in NYC, please call 212.644.7400 or email contact@shizukany.com.

Fall Spa Week will be October 12-18, 2009 in New York City, with full details of participating spas and treatments available on the Spa Week website on September 11th. Spa Week in certain states, including California, will take place September 14-20.

To enter the Spa Week online gift card sweepstakes, visit this link through October 31, 2009. FYI, you have to refer 5 friends.

Stay tuned to the Shizuka New York Day Spa Blog for more information about New York Spa Week to come in following weeks and posts.

Set in a La Jolla, CA medical spa called Changes Plastic Surgery, ATB shows that rich housewives of New York City and Orange County aren’t the only ones entitled to nip, tuck and inject Botox. They’re also not the only ones with drama.

As the New York Daily News describes it, “this workplace has more nasty conflicts than “The Office,” “30 Rock” and “Ugly Betty” put together.”

We are especially fond of the redhead, back and center in this promotional photo, who happens to be the owner of Changes.  She is quoted on Addicted to Beauty‘s official website:

How do you count procedures? Do you count botox as procedure, restylane, laser resurfacing or just going under the knife? I’ve had tons of Botox and the other non-surgical procedures. I go in every six months or more if needed for these non-surgical procedures. For the surgical procedures, I’ve had more than 5 and less than 10.

Addicted to Beauty airs Tuesdays at 10pm on Oxygen.

Classic Facial + Eyelash Tinting or Eyebrow Tinting $150 $132

Classic Facial + Eyelash Perm $200 $176

Classic Facial + 50 Minute Swedish Massage $215 $189.20

Don’t forget that the T-Zone Facial is also on special through Labor Day.

The special also included celebrity beauty secrets such as the “Acupuncture Facelift,” cupping (a favorite of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow), snake massage, leech therapy, ayurvedic treatments, and of course the bird poop facial, a favorite of Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and Victoria’s Secret Angel Karolina Kurkova.

During the show, Shizuka Bernstein, owner of Shizuka New York Day Spa discusses the benefits of having Geisha Facials and why they are so great at getting celebrities red carpet ready.

Acne is a serious problem for many people.   Pimples and blackheads can be embarrassing even if you are not a celebrity on a magazine cover.  The Geisha Facial is an excellent facial treatment for all skin types, including acneic.  Also highly recommended for acne treatment are the Acne Facial with Intense Pulsed Light and the new T-Zone Facial.

Apparently Posh has been battling acne since her teenage years and has recently turned to Geisha Facials to treat acne:

Victoria has been regularly indulging in £100 Geisha Facials, using a paste made from nightingale droppings.

A friend told Closer magazine recently: ‘When Victoria was in Japan recently she was admiring the local women’s clear skin and discovered it was down to these facials.

‘She was intrigued and when she got back to the US she found that some New York beauty salons now offer the treatment.

‘She tried it and loved how great her skin looked.’

Hopefully Posh will get back on the Poo!

Related Stories:

What is a t-zone?
T Zone is the nickname for a group of areas on the face that are most prone to acne breakouts and excess shine in people with oily and combination skin types.

If you look at your face in the mirror, draw an imaginary T that covers the forehead, nose and chin.  Many people have an excess of oil, whiteheads (pimples) and blackheads that are concentrated in these areas.

During the summer heat and humidity, these problems can often become more troublesome.

Shizuka New York Day Spa’s new T-Zone Facial acne treatment is the perfect summer remedy that combines cleansing using Shizuka’s all-natural products with a Lactic acid exfoliation and painless pore extractions focused on the t-zone area.

Lactic acid is highly effective at gently removing dead skin and debris while Shizuka’s pore extraction technique maximizes results while minimizing the squeezing, pinching and redness often associated with facial treatments.

The result is skin that is softer, smoother and clearer.

T-Zone Facial (60 minutes, $140 $120 through Labor Day, 09/07/2009)

In case you’re interested, you can also read PTA Mom’s original review of the Geisha Facial.

Watch the video that started all the Bird Poop Facial hype.

Here’s another very funny video in which Shizuka and an assistant perform Geisha Facials on Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb of NBC’s Today Show.

In upcoming blog posts I will be personally addressing your questions regarding skin care, spa treatments and spa etiquette.

I invite you to submit your own question to our day spa blog by either commenting on this post, or emailing blog@shizukany.com.

If you have not already joined our free e-mailing list, please follow this link for quick and secure sign-up.

Sincerely,
Shizuka Bernstein