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 >>

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 >>

Makes sense to us!  Simply, give a quick wipe of hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to the outsides of your phone a few times a week to keep any acne-causing bacteria at bay.

Check out a few more day-to-day acne prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic:

• Avoid heavy foundation makeup. Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they’re less irritating.
• Remove makeup before going to bed. Going to sleep with cosmetics on your skin can clog tiny openings of the hair follicles (pores).
• Clean make-up brushes regularly. Be sure to throw out old makeup and clean your cosmetic brushes and applicators regularly with soapy water. *Shizuka stresses the importance of this because brushes can transfer bacteria back and forth from powder to skin.
• Shower after exercising or doing strenuous work. Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria.

Read more acne-prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic here>>

What’s helped you prevent acne? We’d love to hear from you, share your comments below>>

As winter begins, our skin starts showing symptoms such as itchiness, and we get sore throats and common colds.  A very basic tip to decrease the chance of getting these annoying winter problems  is to use a humidifier!

Where to put the humidifier?                                                                                               As a humidifier reaches all over the room, the place to put it really doesn’t matter.   It’s better to put it away from walls and windows.  If it’s too close, mold or mildew may develop from the condensation.  What’s important is which heater and which humidifier you actually use.

The best percentage of humidity for human- 40%~60%. 

Which humidifier is good?                                                                                                       –the owner Shizuka loves Air-O-swiss. http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/air-o-swiss-7135-ultrasonic-warm-cool-mist-humidifiers.html?itemId=1185　                         Humidifier Best 3 http://www.consumersearch.com/humidifiers

When you use humidifier….probably better to put it a bit away from you about 1 yard so it can hydrate you well. Better to have one humidifier in each room and close the door. When you are not at home, of course turn off the machine and leave the door or window open to let humidity go.

How to prevent dryness?                                                                                                          It is important to take care of your skin but it also important to “prevent”  before skin gets to dry.

1)      Avoid hot water- Hot water strips moisture away from your skin. Don’t use harsh soap. Use natural wash cloth rather than synthetic.

2)      Taking a bath—soaking the body into the warm water can relax you by soothing the nerves.  This will enhance the cell metabolism and increase blood circulation which can make a beautiful skin. Also, it opens up pores and let the dirt out from them. The water temperature raging between 96F to 105F is ideal. Hanshinyoku—hip bath? Too hot water is dangerous. It may overburden your body. Bath agent or bath oil is recommended to moisture your skin. The aroma can relax you as well.

3)      After the bath, pat your body with dry towel quickly and apply moisturizer. It penetrates into the skin when skin is still wet and soft. However, it you leave the skin too long without putting anything, skin gets drier due to the tendency of water evaporation. 

Please see our past news letter regarding how to take care and prevent dry skin.   http://www.shizukany.com/newsletter/old/news/vol12_2002_12_e.html

These products are really helpful to take care dry skin!                                              Shizuka NY Hyaluronic Acid Gel (Hydrating Serum) $66                                                      Shizuka NY New Barrier Repair  (Moisturizing Cream)$42                                             Shizuka NY Hyaluronic Acid Mask (Hydrating Mask) $70

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

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>>

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.

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.

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]

Here are a few important points to keep in mind when purchasing and using sunscreen this summer:

• SPF only refers to protection from the sun’s UVB rays. In order to prevent sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, you need broad spectrum UVB and UVA protection.
• SPF is based on testing that uses large amounts of product on the skin. In order to be effectively protected, apply more sunscreen than you may want to, and more often than you normally would.
• There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. All sunscreens lose effectiveness when you sweat or swim. In these cases, reapply frequently.
• There is very little difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. There is no need to purchase a sunscreen with SPF higher than 50. Rather, look for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and reapply frequently.
• In addition to using sunscreen with SPF 30-50 daily, you should protect your body with clothing and light-blocking hats and umbrellas.

When you venture outdoors this summer, take care of your skin to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Recommended Sun Protection Product:

Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+
By DCL Skin Care

DCL Skin Care’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ combines high UVB absorption and powerful UVA blockage for broad spectrum protection in an elegant silky sheer, matte finish that leaves the skin residue free.

The superb photo protective performance of ultra microfine zinc oxide contributes to the high SPF protection while supplemental antioxidants safeguard the skin from environmental free-radical damage.

Size: 1.7 Fl oz / 50 mL
Price: $24.00

Purchase Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ >>

More about this topic at NYTimes.com >>

More from the FDA >>

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]

Our Signature Anti-Aging Photofacial has been voted Best Facial in New York Magazine. It uses intense pulsed light to reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots & sun damage) and broken capillaries, and to stimulate facial rejuvenation and collagen production in the skin.

Use our convenient online appointment request form to take advantage of this great spa deal today (Online Promo Code: “Spring Forward”)

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 >>

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.

Have you ever felt as if you were still wearing your Halloween makeup a week after all the parties and parades had ended?  There is no avoiding cheap costume makeup this time of year, and anyhow it’s probably part of the fun of Halloween.

Here are a few tips from Shizuka to make sure your ghoulish look does not carry over to November 1st.  You also should definitely check out Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Halloween Spa Specials.

Before You Haunt

When shopping for Halloween makeup, make sure to look for “non-comedogenic.”  This means that it is less likely to clog your pores and lead to blackheads and breakouts.

Before applying makeup remember to cleanse your skin thoroughly with your favorite cleanser to remove any dirt, debris, and bacteria that could get trapped under your makeup.

Tips For Removing Your Halloween Makeup

At the end of the night’s festivities, follow these easy steps to give yourself a quick at-home spa facial and remove all that caked-on makeup:

1. When you get home, dampen a clean face towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes until it is warm, but not burning hot.  For extra relaxation, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
2. Cleanse your face with lukewarm water.  Clay cleansers (such as Shizuka NY’s all-natural Clay Cleanser) work well for this.  Use gentle circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin, and do not scrub.  Pay particular attention to areas of your face with the most makeup, and those prone to oiliness and breaktouts.
3. Place the warm towel over your face (pictured at right) and relax for 1-3 minutes, or about the length of your favorite Halloween tune.  Inhale deeply.  The warmth and steam from the hot towel will help to open your pores and loosen any remaining makeup.
4. Gently cleanse your skin a second time and rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel and follow up immediately with your favorite toner, moisturizer and eye cream.
6. Drink a glass of water and sleep well.

Do you have a skin care question for Shizuka? Email it to blog@shizukany.com.

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.

We’ve been telling you about the dangers of tanning for awhile now. In case you need a quick refresher, here it is in a nutshell:

1. Tanning is a MAJOR cancer risk, according to the World Health Organization, along with arsenic and mustard gas, due to the UV rays in sunlight and in tanning beds.
2. Tanning is your skin’s natural reaction to DEFEND itself from the sun’s UV radiation, not encourage you to stay out longer.
3. Tanning seriously ages your skin, weakening connective tissues in your skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation (sun spots).

Here’s more bad news for the tanners out there. If you’ve been in search of that ever-elusive full body tan, you will be searching a long time, according to a new study.

Published in Experimental Dermatology, the study found that some parts of your body (ex. buttocks) are just less prone to holding a tan. There’s tan through swimwear out there in addition to nude sunbathing, tanning beds, and that guy above. However, our bodies seem to be telling us that there are some places that are just not meant to be tan. Staying out for hours in the sun may not get you closer to the full body tan and it only increases your risk of skin cancer.

So stick to spray tanning or, better yet, no tanning. Keep in mind that skin cancer is on the rise, especially among younger women, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS protect your skin with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily.

[LiveScience via FoxNews]
Photo Source: DailyStrength

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]

TheBerry.com posted a collection of 27 epic plastic surgery fails titled I think their plastic surgeon used a butter knife. From mammoth lips to breasts that could keep you afloat on the open seas, it’s clear that some of us will go to extreme lengths for “beauty,” and that the concept of beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Is there a moral to this story? Less is more. People generally prefer natural over circus-freak beauty. Rather than resorting to extreme plastic surgery, try simpler treatments such as Botox and Juvederm administered by a tasteful and skilled doctor (such as Dr. Silich). Plus, if you find Botox and/or Juvederm aren’t for you, the results are not permanent. This may not be the case for many of those poor souls you’ll see after the jump.

See more plastic surgery fails.

[TheBerry 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!

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

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.

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.

How far will people go in search of beauty, and what the heck does beauty mean anyway? The Frisky posted a series of wild (and often disturbing) examples of bod mod, a.k.a. body modification, practices ranging from the “lip window” to Lord of the Rings-style elf ears, scarring and more.

All of these make the Geisha Facial seem vanilla in comparison.  After all, it’s just bird poop! They also demonstrate to what great lengths women and men will go to in search of beauty. [The Frisky]

Mega-retailer H&M recently settled a lawsuit brought on by a consumer watchdog agency regarding the lead content in its handbags, wallets and other accessories. Believe it or not, some of the items contained as much as 115 times the legal limit for lead!

Remember that it was lead in their thick white makeup that first led ancient geishas to experiment with nightingale droppings like the ones used in Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Geisha Facial. [The Frisky]

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

Recessionistas beware! Before you buy that $20 imitation perfume from a street vendor consider that said knockoff may contain bacteria, antifreeze, and even urine (gross!). A beauty expert for ABC news posited that the urine found in certain fake perfumes tested may have been there purposefully to alter the pH of the liquid and also “for color” (double gross!). If you are not yet convinced, these cheap imitators can also cause major skin irritation. Do your body a favor and save up for the real thing, even in this economy, because genuine perfumes are more closely monitored and regulated. [ABC News]

Find more details here…

You may remember from our recent post, Style Watch: Nail Bling, that Katy Perry rocked a ‘disco ball’ manicure at this year’s VMAs. Other fans of this celebrity manicure include Serena Williams, Pink and Beyonce.

Time Out New York featured this trendy nail look at Shizuka New York Day Spa as a great way to bling out your New Year’s Eve look. What goes into a disco-ball manicure? Hundreds of shimmering Swarovski Crystals that will make your nails shine like the Swarovski star atop the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree a few steps away from our NYC day spa. The price of a disco ball manicure is $180, although you can get it for $150 through December 31, 2009 when you mention Time Out.

To make an appointment for a disco ball manicure, contact us online or call (212) 644-7400. BTW, Shizuka New York Day Spa is open until 6pm on New Year’s Eve, and while you’re at it, try our brand new Collagen Boost Facial, the ultimate pre-party facial on special through December 31.

Is Katy Perry’s look a little too extreme for your style? Try our Crystal Manicure ($65), a more subtle and affordable version of the celebrity manicure.

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…

Check out this space-age-looking Japanese creation that tells you if your breath is date-ready. The Digital Bad Breath Checker is $50 at Japan Trend Shop. They say it’s for women, but maybe we all could benefit from such a handy gadget. BTW, the English product name does not do the original Japanese justice, loosely translating to Loving Breath. [TheFrisky.com]

Here’s a bit more of Japanese culture in a crazy kitty. From Chopsticks Feeding Squirrel-Like Kitten on Youtube:

“To avoid being bitten and pounced on during kitty training, we have been using chopsticks and toothpicks to feed the kittens their treat. As seen in this video, this technique has worked particularly well with training “Gluteus,” where the kittens will sit up straight, balancing on their buttocks muscles (the largest of which is the gluteus maximus).”

Crazy? Cute? Crazy cute?

You’ve heard of Atkins, South Beach and Master Cleanse, but what about cookies? The new Hollywood Cookie Diet promises to slim your waistline while satisfying your sweet tooth. An indulgent meal replacement program, the Hollywood cookie diet replaces breakfast and lunch with four high-protein and high-fiber cookies.

At $19.95 for a three day supply, the Hollywood Cookie Diet is not so cheap (you still have to eat a full dinner), and we can only imagine that these are NOT your grandma’s cookies. [Allure]

A study this year at Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University used a unique method to show the effects of lifestyle choices on aging. Researchers photographed and interviewed 186 pairs of twins during the 2006 and 2007 Twins Festival in Twinsburg, OH and compared these data to find clues into how our daily choices affect the way we age.

In the above example, researchers recorded an over-11-year gap in perceived age difference between 61-year-old twin sisters Jeanne (left) and Susan (right). “We don’t have the same taste in men and weather,” says Jeanne who lives in Ohio and has aimed for “as little sun exposure as possible” in contrast with her sun worshiping Floridian counterpart. In addition to her tanning habit, Susan also smoked a pack-and-a-half per day for 16 years during her 20s and 30s.

The evidence of aging is far stronger in twin sister Susan’s hyperpigmentation (sun damage and age spots) and the greater appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes and around the mouth.

In addition to sun exposure and smoking, another major factor in the appearance of age in the twins was weight. In women below 40, lower weight generally translates to a more youthful appearance.  However, in women over 40, more weight contributes to a younger look by filling in fine lines, wrinkles and skin sagging. In the case of the above 46-year-old twins, Laurie (left) weighs 38 pounds less than her sister Lisa (right) which contributes to her more pronounced wrinkles and sagging in the eye area.

Other factors that could contribute to aging include birth control pills (younger), antidepressants (older) and stress (older). [MSNBC.com]

DCL’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ DCL Skin Care’s Super Sheer Sunscreen 50+ combines powerful sun protection in a lightweight and sheer application. DCL’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ is non-whitening, PABA-free and fragrance-free for all skin types. Size: 2.5 oz Price: $24.00

The Huffington Post debuted a new series this week titled “The Big Picture” where you can find blown-up and untouched photos of celebrities in all their glory, or lack thereof. Take a look at the above closeup forehead crops of Lindsay Lohan (age 23) and Elizabeth Hurley (age 44) who were among the first lucky celebs to be featured. Can you guess which photo matches which celeb? Click on the images to find out!  [TheFrisky.com]

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.

If you liked it then you should’a put some bling on it. Nail bling is a hot celebrity fashion trend because of it’s immediate wow factor. By celebrity logic, why have one or two jewels on your hands when you can have a hundred shimmering crystals? Witness Katy Perry (above) at the VMA’s.

Other fans of nail bling include Serena Williams, Pink, and even Sasha Fierce herself who sported this nail ring from Bijules NYC in the “Sweet Dreams” video. Priced at $4500, Jay Z really must “like it.”

Understandably, these looks may be a little over the top for the everyday woman. However, we recommend our Crystal Classic Manicure ($45, 40 min) that adds just a few sparkling Swarovski crystals to two fingers of your choice for a much subtler look that can still give you that celebrity vice you’ve been craving.

P.S. Don’t forget that the Classic Manicure is 10% off October 26 – 31 as a part of our Halloween spa specials.

We already know that women will go to great lengths for beauty, however this might be a bit much. There’s eyelash perms, eyelash extensions, and even Latisse, but what about LED eyelashes?

Korean fashionista Soomi Park has created a unique new tool for self expression. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, hers is looking rather bright.

LED Eyelash is a clever product that speaks to many Asian womens desire for bigger eyes. It features an inclination sensor with mercury to turn on and/or off. The sensor can perceive the movements of the pupil in the eyes and eyelids. If someone wears it and moves her head, LED Eyelash will flicker following the movement.

We’ve been fans of LEDs (light emitting diodes) for years, and LEDs are actually used in one of our skin care treatments, the GentleWaves Facial. What do you think…is this trend going to catch on? A great Halloween look? Enjoy the video.

If you think your skin is starting to resemble that of a jack-o-lantern, you might consider making Jack into a pie and then slathering that on your face.

Believe it or not, pumpkin is a very effective skin care ingredient. Natural enzymes in pumpkin break down dead skin cells and pumpkin is also loaded with beta carotene, a natural anti-oxidant. If your skin is feeling dull, dry or congested this October, try Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, an aromatic facial mask that decongests and polishes the skin. Here’s an easy way to work Pumpkin Enzyme Peel into your routine:

1. Start by taking a warm shower or bath. Cleanse your skin while bathing, using gentle circular motions. The steam from the water will also allow your pores to open.
2. Pat your face dry and apply Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Enzyme Peel to the skin. Allow it to sit on your skin for 3-5 minutes (dry your hair or listen to a tune). You may feel a light tingling sensation which means the peel is activating. However, if any burning or itching occurs, or if the skin becomes red, remove the product immediately.
3. Rinse Pumpkin Enzyme Peel off with lukewarm water.  To help remove the product, you can also use a gentle cleanser.
4. Apply your favorite moisturizer.  If it is in the A.M., make sure to apply sun protection before leaving home.
5. Repeat 1-2 times per week, as needed and tolerated by the skin.

You should also check out a homemade pumpkin facial recipe from Shizuka that was featured on FoxNews.com.

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 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

Is Lindsay Lohan starting to look old? We were shocked to see the Project Runway season premiere (above left) a few weeks back with LLo looking a bit dark and puffy under the eyes, tanorexic, and saggy in the skin for a 23 year old.

Perhaps Lindsay should take a cue from Kate Moss who woke up one day in her mid thirties to realize that all the partying, drinking and smoking can definitely catch up.

Excessive drinking can seriously dehydrate your body, including your skin, and smoking can rob it of essential Vitamin C. Excessive partying can also lead to lack of sleep – your body’s time to regenerate.

For more tips on remaining youthful and delaying the signs of aging, see Shizuka’s Secrets to Beautiful Skin.

Okay, so we’ve previously dished about the new 21st Century metrosexual man and are 100% behind great grooming and skin care for men, but finding this was still a bit of a shocker.  For the couple that shares everything, introducing his and hers…unisex makeup?

Holly Doss Cosmetics has a new line of unisex foundations, bronzers, and for the more adventurous, eyebrow mascaras, “lipstix,” eye shadow, and even blush for men (and women) who want to look their absolute best. With product names such as “BECKHAM” and “JETER” you kind of can’t go wrong. Does Derek Jeter wear foundation? We’re not sure, but apparently a portion of the proceeds of JETER under-eye concealer go to his “Turn 2″ Foundation.

What do you think…is this going to be the hot new registry item for 2010?

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?

Is Jessica Simpson the next celebrity to go geisha? Jessica was recently photographed in Tokyo, Japan filming her new VH-1 series The Price of Beauty in a full geisha get-up including kimono, fan and, of course, the signature white face paint of the geishas.

What else is on Jessica’s beauty menu, you might ask? Apparently a stint in a Ugandan fattening hut “because, in Uganda, fat is beautiful. So the bigger you are, the more beautiful you are.”

The question on our minds is will Jessica also be taking up Geisha “Bird Poop” Facials? She’s going to have to find some way to get all that makeup off! Perhaps we’ll just have to wait and see…

Okay, so baby Botox is technically not Botox for actual babies, although that subject is surprisingly less than fictional.  Julian McMahon’s character on Nip/Tuck recently faced the moral dilemma of whether he should inject dermal fillers into the lips of an infant model.  Okay, so that’s still technically fictional, but check out this site and a clip of a young “Toddlers and Tiaras” type of girl who desperately wants plastic surgery because “I love my mommy.”  Huh?

Baby Botox actually refers to a less-is-more approach to injecting Botox Cosmetic that aims to simply soften fine lines and wrinkles without creating the cliche “frozen face” or perpetually quizzical look.  Baby Botox is becoming more popular especially among younger women in their 20′s and early 30′s (Jessica Simpson was having regular Botox injections and lip fillers as early as 25!).

The New York Daily News printed an interesting and related article this week on anti-aging skin care for teenagers, stating that “a third of women under 25 years old regularly apply anti-aging products meant for the 40-plus crowd.”

Some British dermatologists have spoken out about this trend and it’s potentially negative effects for the youth-obsessed teens: “cosmetic products that boast of maintaining youthful skin contain high concentrations of retinoids and AHAs, which can actually accelerate the aging process for those with vibrant skin.” These retinoids and AHAs (alpha hydroxyacids) can stimulate cellular renewal in those with more mature skin. However, in the young, the dermatologists contend, they can lead to redness, irritation, itchiness and a greater susceptibility to sun damage and hyperpigmentation, especially if the teenagers are not wearing sunscreen.

So how young is too young?  Unless the teenager has an acne problem, we recommend keeping skin care simple.  It is a great time to learn proper skin care basics and to create routines that will hopefully last a lifetime, including daily cleansing, hydration and, most importantly, sun protection.  Botox will always eventually wear off.  However, sun damage is not an easy problem to fix.

Uma Thurman is looking fabulously flawless on the cover of W Magazine.  Inside you can get the scoop about her two children, NYC townhouse in the Village, and her upcoming movie “Motherhood.”  So is Uma’s stunning cover look the result of meticulous skin care or Photoshopping?  You be the judge.

As for Uma’s beauty tips, she has stated her need for a good night’s sleep as well as her regular exfoliation.  Those both sound like great ideas to us!

The weather is changing…is your skin care routine?  It is important to slightly modify your beauty regimen each season as you change your wardrobe.

Moving into the Fall season, the weather begins to get cooler and less humid in many places, including NYC.  Here are a few tips to adapt your routine to maximize your skin care results:

Tip #1: Putting on an extra layer of clothes? Remember to put on some moisturizer as well.

As your surroundings get colder, you will naturally want to wear more layers of clothing. Don’t forget that your skin also needs extra protection from becoming dried out.   If your skin is feeling itchy and dry, try a slightly richer moisturizer during the day.  Here are a few of our recommendations for fall moisturizers by skin type.

Tip #2: Make sure that your cleanser is still working for you.

Keep in mind that if you have been using stronger cleansers with Salicylic acid and AHA’s for congested summer skin, this may not continue to benefit you through fall and winter months.  After cleansing, your skin should feel clean, but not overly tight and dry.  If this is happening, you may want to transition to a gentler cleanser during colder weather:

You can find more information about Shizuka NY Spa Products and Naturopathica products, including ordering information in our Online Store, or simply order below using our secure shopping cart. If you have further questions about fall skin care tips, please feel free to email blog@shizukany.com.

Order the Products Listed in this Blog Post

Shizuka NY Theramoist Oil-Free Clarifying Moisturizer (Oily/Acne)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Moisturizer (Normal/Combination)

Naturopathica Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisuture (Normal/Dry)

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream (Dry/Mature)

Shizuka NY Multi HA Medicated Cleansing Foam (Oily/Acne)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Clay Cleanser (Oily/Combination)

Shizuka NY All-Natural Foaming Cleanser (Normal/Dry)

Naturopathica Chamomile Cleansing Cream (Dry/Mature)

View your shopping cart and check out here

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:

Take 10% off these three great facial peels at our New York City day spa through October 11, 2009!

Lunchtime Chemical Peel ($150 $135)
“Crystal Peel” Microdermabrasion Treatment ($250 $225)
T-Zone Facial ($140 $126)

Learn more about these facial deals by taking a look at our spa newsletter.

Sign up to receive our free newsletter

Scandalous vixen Kim Kardashian of Keeping up with the Kardashians and Dancing with the Stars fame is now a contributing beauty editor at OK! Magazine.  Kim will divulge some of her personal celebrity beauty secrets and makeup tips for looking gorgeous.

She will make her editorial debut covering New York Fashion Week on September 10, and we’re all  very curious to see what she has to say!

Source: Examiner.com

Did you know…?

Shizuka’s Foaming Cleanser was featured in OK! Magazine shortly after Shizuka’s line of skin care products was introduced.

“My facialist used this during a treatment and I’ve been addicted ever since!” said an OK! staffer.

Read more about the Shizuka New York Skincare System and purchase through our online store.