Category Archives: FACE + EYES

Facial Bungalow Offering Outdoor Facials, Massages And More!

November 19, 2020

The lovely and talented Trina Renea of Facial Bungalow has organized a covid safe outdoor facial + massage paradise. 
Trina put together a little outdoor situation that is lovely and perfect for a safe outdoor facial and more (massage, waxing, lashes!) She nabbed her favorite massage therapist and aesthetician to support her outdoor biz. The room is gorgeous with French doors and windows to make it very ventilated for Covid. The bed is heated, there is heat in the room and the windows and doors stay open. They are all getting tested every two weeks, wearing gloves masks, and shields. There is a HEPA filter and everything needed to keep people safe. The space is very private – one on one.
I have always loved Trina’s facials and can’t wait to get over there.
Also! Look at this outdoor pergola in La Crescenta for the massages.

11128 Ventura Blvd Studio city

Locked and gated. By appointment only.  EMAIL TO INQUIRE

They also offer massage sessions at The Bungalow and in your home.
– private massage at your home in an outdoor space for an additional travel fee.
 
– private massage from our therapist’s home in her private backyard gazebo in La Crescenta
They adhering to strict COVID-19 safety protocols:
– All service providers tested every 14 days
– All service providers wear gloves, Mask, and Shield. 
– Each room is cleaned and aired out for 30 minutes between services, following all COVID safety regulations and strict sterilization protocols 
– Each client’s temperature is taken at the door 
– HEPA air filtration system in place, and all windows and doors are open for maximum air circulation
To read the full list of services, please visit:
https://www.facialbungalow.com/treatments/
To book, please email us here to inquire:
[email protected]
OTHER cool businesses on the property:
WAXING by Sabrina  (818) 421-2313

The Affordable Natural Skincare Line You Need To Know About

November 12, 2020

Loving Three Ships – next-generation skincare line that melds nature with science to promote healthier skin.
Their mission is to be the most affordable, transparent natural skincare brand on the market that works, with all products forever under $40.
At Three Ships, they focus on educating consumers on what is in their skincare products, why ingredients matter and why you don’t need to break the bank to have healthy skin.
Three Ships is 110% about transparency and a less-is-more philosophy.
 
 
Glow 49% Jojoba Oil Serum: The Glow Serum is a standout product for its lightweight consistency and fast-absorbing quality that evens out skin tone, minimizes the appearance of pores, conditions skin and reduces redness. With a nearly identical chemical structure to skin’s natural sebum, jojoba minimizes the appearance of pores and reduces excess oil. Vitamin E and camellia oil are added to this serum for extra hydration, giving skin a supple, dewy finish.  It’s a multitasking must-have that works overtime as a natural makeup primer and moisturizer. This product will be available only on Black Friday for $21.70 (30% discount). 
 
Piña Colada Lip Exfoliator: Glosses that are sticky and slick are not compatible with this mask-wearing era. Instead, this triple-action scrub exfoliates and conditions lips without the hassle of adhering to any fabric. Fine sugar crystals remove dry skin/flakes and make lips look plump and full while natural shea butter and oils hydrate and soothe. This piña colada-flavored scrub contains zero artificial colours or flavuors. This product will be available only on Black Friday for $9.80 (30% discount). 
 
Like all Three Ships products, the Glow and Exfoliator are:
–  100% plant-derived and gluten-free with no artificial ingredients.
– The brand is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and is manufactured in Canada.
– All Three Ships products are pregnancy-safe and formulated according to rigorous European Union safety standards.  
– The Glow Serum reflects Three Ships’ commitment to sourcing sustainable ingredients and creating formulations that provide tangible benefits.
– Its glass bottle can be upcycled.
– Three Ships also use 100% recyclable cardboard outer boxes that their customers like to reuse (e.g. for storage). It is a natural, effective and affordable serum with a conscience.
For more information, please visit  https://www.threeshipsbeauty.com.
 
Three Ships also has an array of beauty bundles for the beauty lover on your list. After all, why give one product when you can give many?!
Bestsellers Kit: Contents — Glow 49% Jojoba Oil Serum, Purify Aloe + Amino Acid Cleanser, Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Day Cream, Soothe Rosehip Vitamin C Clay Mask. Price: $75  (Save $19).
Self-Care Kit Contents — Calm Lavender Hydrosol Toner, Detox Green Tea Antioxidant Clay Mask, Piña Colada Lip Exfoliator. Price: $33 USD (Save $12).

BURKE WILLIAMS WELCOMES THE 2020 HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ALL-NEW SPA PACKAGES AND EXCLUSIVE SPECIALS

November 10, 2020

Tis the season to find comfort, joy, and relaxation at your spa home away from home

Burke Williams will become the spa home away from home this holiday season by combining all the luxurious elements of a day spa with the comfort and warmth of being at home. In celebration of the most wonderful time of the year, California’s leading luxury day spa will launch gift card and gift kit specials starting Thursday, Nov. 5 through the end of the year, as well as promotional offers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Burke Williams is bringing the holidays home this season by offering gift card packages, stocking stuffers, and spa service-inspired gift kits within each location and online. Because we all deserve a little more this season, Burke Williams is pleased to extend an exclusive week of deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday for guests to enjoy or give as gifts to their friends and family members. Please see below for a taste of Burke Williams’ holiday offerings:

Burke Williams Black Friday and Cyber Monday Week

From Monday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Nov. 30, Burke Williams will be offering a week-long Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal consisting of exclusive 2-for-1 Merry Little Spa Day gift card packages. The gift card packages are listed below:

Have Yourself a Merry Little Spa Day 2-for-1 Package – $380
A Spa Day for You
· 50-minute Pure Relaxation Massage
· 50-minute Spa Style Facial
· Spa Manicure with Dazzle Dry
· Spa Pedicure with Dazzle Dry

A Spa Day for Me – Free!
· 50-minute Pure Relaxation Massage
· 50-minute Spa Style Facial
· Spa Manicure with Dazzle Dry
· Spa Pedicure with Dazzle Dry

Guests may upgrade to an 80-minute massage and facial plus luxe spa manicures and pedicures for only $140 more.

Pricing and services will vary by location. Please contact directly to learn more about gift card packages offered at Mission Viejo, San Jose, and San Francisco locations.

Black Friday One-Day Only Flash Sale
With the New Year approaching, Burke Williams has prioritized spreading awareness about the benefits of self-care and is excited to bring back its one-day only flash sale for Black Friday where guests can receive a three-month spa membership to any Burke Williams location. This membership will include three monthly massages or facials, gifts, and spa days for just $300 plus a 20% discount off any H2V products. Prices will vary by location.

Burke Williams Gift Card Packages
Silent Nights, Peaceful Days – $160 ($145 for members)
· 80-minute Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Facial with two enhancements of choice.

I’ll Be Home for Spa Days – $270 ($245 for members)
· 80-minute Pure Relaxation Massage; 50-minute Spa-Style Facial; Spa Manicure; and massage or facial enhancement of choice.

Walking in a Wellness Wonderland – $500 ($450 for members)
· 80-minute Specialty Massage of choice; 80-minute Radiance Facial; Herbal Spa Bath; Luxe Spa Manicure; Luxe Spa Pedicure; Advanced Eye Lift; and massage and pedicure enhancement of choice.

The Most Wonderful Gift of the Year – $1,100 ($990 for members)
· 80-minute Burke Williams Signature Massage; 80-minute Specialty Massage of choice; 80-minute Nourishing Facial; 80-minute Radiance Facial; 80-minute Regenerate Anti-Aging Facial; Luxe Spa Manicure; Luxe Spa Pedicure; Seasonal Scrub and Heel Honey pedicure enhancements; Herbal Spa Bath; two massage enhancements of choice; two facial enhancements of choice; and Advanced Eye Lift.

Pricing and services will vary by location. To see all Gift Card Package offerings, please visit https://www.burkewilliams.com/holiday-2020.

Burke Williams Stocking Stuffers
Burke Williams is offering delightful spa treats perfect to gift as stocking stuffers for loved ones and are available at just $36 or under. These items include:

· Body Bliss Bath Soak
· Body Bliss Wintergreen & Arnica Salve
· Sonoma Lavender Essential Oil
· Sonoma Lavender Massage Oil
· Burke Williams Vanilla Lemongrass Tea
· Sonoma Lavender Spa Eye Mask
· H2V Prepare Toner
· Eucalyptus & Lemongrass Shower Spa Mist
· Eminence Stone Crop Body Oil
· Dazzle Dry Mini Kit in rose quartz
· H2V Travel Kit

To learn more about these offerings, please visit https://shop.burkewilliams.com/.

Burke Williams Home for the Holidays Spa Gift Kits
In addition, guests can bring the luxury of a Burke Williams day spa Home for the Holidays with spa gift kits consisting of different spa services and packaged in a Burke Williams exclusive gift box. Ranging from $35 to $200, each holiday gift kit is listed below.

· Merry Massage – $35
· Includes Sacred Earth Warming Massage Lotion, Sacred Earth Muscle Rub, and a self-massage tool
· Snowed in Wetroom Retreat – $60
· Includes exfoliating gloves, Farmhouse Fresh Sweet Tea Scrub, and Farmhouse Fresh Sweet Tea Shea Butter
· Mistletoe Manicure – $80
· Includes Dazzle Dry Mini Kit in rose quartz, Spa Ritual Anti-Aging Hand Salve, Dazzle Dry Cuticle Oil, and a Burke Williams manicure/pedicure tool kit
· A Partridge and a Pedicure – $100
· Includes Dazzle Dry Mini Kit in rose quartz, Farmhouse Fresh Agave Oil, Diamacel Foot File, and a Burke Williams manicure/pedicure tool kit
· Spa-lala Facial – $120
· Includes H2V Complete Facial Cleanser, H2V Buff Exfoliant, Stone Crop Masque, travel size H2V Balance Moisturizer, and a Burke Williams mini mirror
· A Merry Burke Williams Spa-liday – $155
· Includes Burke Williams robe, signature Vanilla-Lemongrass Tea, Eucalyptus ShowerSpa Mist, and a Sonoma Lavender Eye Pillow
· My Favorite Things Facial – $205
· Includes H2V Hydrate Creamy Cleanser, G10 Serum, Defy Anti-Aging Masque, Youth Cell Serum, travel size Advance D3 Moisturizer, and a Burke Williams mini mirror

Burke Williams takes pride in being guardians of health and wellness within the community and has dedicated crews cleaning and disinfecting all 11 facilities throughout California. Burke Williams has invested more in the health and safety of its employees and guests by implementing new safety measures to its locations, including the installation of 300 HEPA-certified air purifiers in every treatment room and common area, high quality lavender and eucalyptus spray containing antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and extra hand sanitizing stations among others.

For more information, please visit www.burkewilliams.com.

 

ABOUT BURKE WILLIAMS
Burke Williams created the original urban day spa in 1984, elevating the spa experience to a new art form. Drawing inspiration from world-class European day spas, the destination worked to combine the finest traditions with nourishing innovations to transport guests from the stress of everyday life. Today, with 11 locations across California, Burke Williams is a luxurious sanctuary, a place for wellness and beauty, inspiration and optimism. For more information, please visit burkewilliams.com.

Don’t Even Think About Self Extractions (But If You Do, Candace Marino Walks You Through It)

May 4, 2020

Spoiler Alert -celebrity esthetician- Candace Marino, aka the LA Facialist is not an advocate of self extractions. According to Candace” It’s the equivalent of giving free condoms to teens – not encouraging it, but if they’re going to do it, let’s make it safe!”

Seeing too many horror stories as clients were sucked into the rabbit hole of the 10X magnifying mirror, Candace believes in saving it for the experts.
That being said, trapped at home with a next facial [potentially] months away, it’s peak pick time so she is breaking down the safest way to self-extract and care for your poor pores!

Here is a basic breakdown of her at home “Pore Protocol”

Cleanse
  • Gentle Cleanser with light acids for mild exfoliation
  • Product Recco: SkinBetter Oxygen Infusion wash/oxygenating acid complex to help prevent/treat breakouts
Heat / DIY Steam [Note: NOT recommended for anyone with melasma or hyperpigmentation.]
  • Favorite/most cost effective way to steam is by boiling hot water
  • Throw some tea in there to give off spa vibes
  • Hover over the pot with a towel over your head to trap in steam for 5 minutes to allow your skin to soften
  • No longer or it can cause TEWL [transepidermal water loss and dehydration]
Direction for Extract but first – PUT down the knife – use clean fingers only – leave digging devices to the professionals to avoid potential permanent scarring or pigmentation issues and injury.
  • Wrap finger in tissue or cotton, gently pinch the skin together and press upward
  • Press only the direction you want the congestion to go. If you’re pressing down into the skin you’re making things worse, and potentially spreading bacteria under the skin.
  • Be gentle and give pores a break in between & minimize nails
  • Leave aggravated or super stubborn acne alone – hard angry or underground is no go
Cleanse — repeat same as above
Ice Roller Product Recco: Stacked — ideal for immediate for inflammation reduction and pain
Tone Product Recco: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W with AHA/BHA to micro-exfoliate and balance skin
Mask Biologique Recherche Vivant or Masque VIP02

“Pores are not doors – they don’t open or close – but we can improve their appearance” – Candace Marino

TOP TEN PORE IMPROVING TIPS
  1. Extract with caution and care
  2. Keep face free from cellular build up and environmental sludge — triple cleanse
  3. Clean pores will always appear smaller so exfoliate daily [Salicylic Acid is your friend – use it!]
  4. Strengthen collagen and elastin with peptides
  5. Support balance using humectants and moisture binders like hyaluronic acid
  6. Don’t overly dry – limit Benzoyl Peroxide it can create a rebound effect of more production of sebum
  7. Incorporate BHA in skincare daily – add it!
  8. Use hydrating, calming and soothing serum after extractions iS Clinical HydraCool Serum
  9. Retinol for turnover without trauma Better Skin AlphaRet overnight combo of AHA and Retinol
  10. Go for the big guns weekly with a peel AlphaRet Peel Pads with the starring role of Retinoic Acid
FINAL NOTE: little dots on your nose most likely aren’t blackheads, they’re sebaceous filaments.
Blackheads will be raised, textured, truly black, thick and waxy. The skin oils solidify, forming plugs that can dilate the pore further leading to enlarged pores. Sebaceous filaments are the normal function of the follicle. Narrow, lighter in color under the skin — they do not fully obstruct the pore and are not meant for extractions.
top LA facialist Candace Moreno

According to Dr. Ava: It’s The Right Time To Ramp Up Retinoids At Home

April 29, 2020

Retinoids are the A-List of all Vitamin-A derivatives. The gold standard for over 2 decades in wrinkle reduction, pore refining, texture softening, dimming discoloration and fighting acne can however, be highly reactionary.
Not all created equally with some less potent and some a harsher as they essentially work to trick the skin into thinking and acting like its younger self.

“Retinol transition can be outright treacherous with dermal downtime but,
worth every flake in the end” – Dr. Ava Shamban

A bright side Benjamin Buttons skin scenario is the “Qua-Routine” can power through the “rough stuff” red, flaking, raw, irritation and inflammation. Come June, emerge fully “filtered” with visible improvements and glowing reviews.
WHY NOW
  • NEVER too early or too late
  • Best to start when there is limited to sun exposure / outdoor activities [and not a chemical peel, laser or other contraindications in sight]
  • Minimum 1-month commitment to breakthrough the transitional side effects and dermal downtime
HOW THEY WORK
  • Engages skin cell turnover — replacing old with new, fresh cells
  • Thickens skin from inside out
  • Stimulates production of new blood vessels
  • Removes dead skin cells keeping pores clear
  • Eliminates dry rough patches
  • Dims discoloration and smooths scarring
  • Increases collagen and elastin
RETINOID RANGE — NOT ALL A’S ARE EQUAL
  • Retinyl palmitate – lowest strength / converts with enzymes but at 20-25% % less potent than Retinol
  • Retinol Most tolerable middle strength OTC product
  • Retinaldehyde High strength product converts 10 times faster into Retinoic Acid in skin therefore considerably stronger than Retinol
  • Adapalene Strongest OTC option but a little different than the others. It slows process of hyperkeratinization in the pores making it a beneficial acne treatment. Can be used with Benzoyl Peroxide without contraindications.
RX versions include: Retin-A, Tretinoin or Tazarotene, which work faster, no conversion and most effective, but also extra irritating to the skin/sun sensitive. Tretinoin can be less effective if used with Benzoyl Peroxide products.
THE RETINOL RULES:
  • Start at night pea sized amount twice weekly
  • Building up to 3X and then nightly over 4 weeks
  • Another 2-4 weeks of nightly usage will yield real results
  • Add neck/décolleté
  • Use calming moisturizer or serum to hydrate and sooth skin at night
  • Add a hydrating spray by day helps to keep from itching/touching face
  • Wear sunscreen daily SPF 30 – [preferably mineral]
THE REWARD
  • After 2 months of consistent nightly usage peeling redness and all irritations will be gone
  • Game-changing reduction in fine lines, dark spots, pores, texture, tone and acne
Here is a list of Dr. A’s fave  Retinols
Instytutum:
ADVANCED RETINOL TONER
X-STRENGTH RETINOL SERUM
POWERFUL RETIN-OIL
All formulas are developed by our Swiss R&D laboratory and scientists with over 30 years of experience in the skincare industry; they are famous for their cutting-edge innovation, outstanding quality, and high performance-driven actives.
Skinbetter:   
ALPHARET OVERNIGHT CREAM
Evening application. Unretouched clinical photography. Data on file, skinbetter science. Individual results may vary. *Twice-daily application of Even Tone Correcting Serum and evening application of AlphaRet Overnight Cream.
U.SK Underskin: 
ADVANCED RETINOL RESTORER
RETINOL ANTIOX DEFENSE
Experience radiant skin as enchanting as the purest of precious stones! This is the premise of U.SK UNDER SKIN, a brand that relies on excellence and a partnership with renowned Italian laboratory, Monteresearch.