Have you waited until the absolute last nanosecond – today is the day, February 14, Valentine’s Day – to realize that you still have not picked up something special for your honey or Mom? Instead of running out at lunch, or right after work, like a crazy person on a tear, or settling for something not so unique just to check off the I got you something, box, give the gift of a pampering beauty experience! It’s so easy to phone a spa and purchase a gift certificate, and it’s something you can give right away. Everyone will welcome the gift of self-care. An indulgent treatment can be just the thing your favorite person needs to unwind, not to mention the perfect treat that communicates how special he or she is to you. Here are some of our favorite beauty and wellness treatments.

Shiatsu Shampoo at Salon Ishi

The shiatsu shampoo and head massage at Salon Ishi to the rescue. This is the quintessential serenity now gift and can be particularly wonderful during the cold winter months when our immune systems could use a little boost. A Japanese treatment is applied to open pores and gently cleanse and nourish the scalp. The massage activates acupressure points stimulating blood flow and relaxation. Prepare to be magically transported to a very happy place.

Salon Ishi, 70 East 55th Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.888.ISHI

Gift Certificate to Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté

Want to give someone a wonderful treatment experience but not certain what s/he would like? Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté is one of New York City’s preeminent spas. Yasmine has been written up in Vogue, New York Magazine, Allure and New Beauty – just to name a few – and offers a wide variety of world-class treatments including massage, cellulite and body treatments and semi permanent makeup sessions. Yasmine’s Remodeling Facial is the spa’s signature treatment. Be prepared to look 10 years younger by the end of your session! We also love the 60 minute Seaweed Wrap Treatment.

Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, 60 East 30th Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.588.1881

Colonic at Exhale Healing Arts

At first blush this might seem like an odd gift, but for a wellness-minded individual, a colonic is a wonderful  - albeit unique – gift. Gina Mikan is as good as it gets. She uses the Woods Gravity Method, essentially an internal bath (possibly the best euphemism ever) that helps cleanse the colon of gas, mucus and accumulated fecal matter. There is no discomfort (really!) and only slight internal pressure, just a gentle flow of water in and out of the colon, expertly controlled by the therapist. During the procedure Gina explains the process step-by-step so your friend (or you!) will feel as at ease as possible, given the circumstances. The colonic appointment is one hour.

Exhale Healing Arts, Brooklyn: 71 Eighth Avenue (corner of Union Street) & Manhattan: 124 East 40th Street (corner of Lexington Avenue), Suite 703. Call: 787.406.8061. Email: ExhaleHealingArts@gmail.com

Hair & Scalp Treatment at The Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic

Treat him or her to a one-of-a-kind custom hair treatment. A one hour session which includes the application of hair and scalp cream and of course, Philip Kingsley’s world famous Elasticizer which was created expressly for Audrey Hepburn. Also includes infrared, radiant heat and/or ultraviolet light therapy, depending on your unique hair and scalp concerns and a heavenly scalp and neck massage. Whether you have hair loss, texture and/or scalp issues or just want to give your hair a boost of health and radiance, this gift is aces.

Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, 16 East 52nd Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.753.9600

Aesthetic Treatment With Dara Liotta, MD

If you know someone who’s been considering a little cosmetic “tweaking”, but has been nervous about finding a quality doc, a gift certificate to Dr. Liotta’s practice is just the thing! Dr. Liotta is masterful at what she does. She is board certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Liotta spent five years training in Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery before going on to complete fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is intimately acquainted with, and comfortable manipulating, the delicate and complex anatomy of the face and neck from its most superficial to its deepest layers. As a Board Certified ENT surgeon as well as a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, she believes her job is not complete until everything looks good, functions well, and feels healthy.

Dr. Liotta does it all: from Botox, fillers and laser treatments to rhinoplasty, facelifts and necklifts (and more).

City Aesthetics, 154 E. 85th Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.288.2222. Email: facialplasticsnyc@gmail.com

By: Travel Beauty Editors

While utilizing quality skin care products and establishing a consistent self care routine is the cornerstone of any effective skincare practice, seeking out professional guidance is a must as well. Just as many of us schedule routine teeth cleanings and check-ups twice a year to take inventory of our oral health, we need to do the same for our skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is the body’s first line of defense against the elements. Like any organ, it is constantly in flux and affected by age, pollution, our nutritional intake, levels of anxiety, hormones, the season and many other factors. So in addition to cleansing, using a quality serum, moisturizer, face oil when necessary, eye cream and a weekly mask, I recommend having a routine facial. At a minimum shoot for 4 times a year. To that end, we sat down with Yasmine Djerradine, renowned skin care expert and founder of Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, to discuss her approach to skin care and why it is more important than ever to take good care of ourselves.

TB: What do you love most about what you do?

Yasmine: So many things…I love to take care of people. There is something intimate about caring for another’s skin. I like to customize each treatment.

People often call me and describe their skin over the phone and ask me to recommend a regimen for them. I always tell them that I need to see and touch their skin in order to understand their unique health and beauty needs.

TB: What is the single most important piece of skin care advice that you give your clients?

Yasmine: Please don’t overdo it! Your skin is an organ, and your body’s first line of defense against the elements. Many harsh procedures actually strip your skin of what it desperately needs to protect itself! Focus on cleansing and hydrating, and your skin will always be there to protect you.

Customization in skin care is also crucial. Everything has to be “sur mesure”, or made to order. Everyone ages differently and responds to the elements and pollution uniquely.

TB: If you had to recommend a few essential skin care products that you would encourage people to splurge on, what would they be?

Yasmine: Today people are living longer and so we need our youthful complexion to last indefinitely. It is more important than ever to take care of ourselves as we age. If you think about the adverse effects of collagen collapse, sun or wind damage, cancer, etc., all of these issues can be traced back to the various ways we have neglected our skin. We must utilize a serious moisturizer during the winter to protect ourselves from the cold and wind and the best sun protection when we are in the sun – basically all year round.

TB: What defining moment in your career had the strongest influence on you?

Yasmine: I have defining moments all the time! I am constantly discovering new products, working with new clients and experimenting with new treatment technologies. This is why, even after 30 years, I am still so passionate about skin care. It is my hope and vision for the future that each new experience will be insightful and exciting. I strive for every moment to be the next “aha” moment!

Read more about Yasmine on her Travel Beauty Expert Page.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

I’m sure I’m not alone when admitting that sometimes there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to fit in time for personal grooming – but is pre-flight pampering possible when you’ve got hours to kill at the airport?

When I think of airport indulgences, I think of the long overdue and much needed airport wine. However, a couple of glasses will dehydrate your skin and make you feel not so beautiful – so, a spa is the way go to.

Or is it?

Airports are vying to be our go-to beauty destinations and besides beauty vending machines airport spas are the place to go to get a little pampering.

Here is a list of time-starved services that are springing up at airports nationwide. Let’s explore which options are truly viable.

Manicures and Pedicures (YES)

This could be the safest and best – as long as you have enough time to let your polish dry! To make this bet even safer, skip the manicure part and just go for a polish change. That way you don’t have to worry about when the tools were last cleaned, etc.

Facials (NO)

Facials at the airport could easily be a hit or miss. Having oily skin I look for pros that can empty out my pores like no one else. Great aestheticians have years of experience and training, plus a set of expert tools to make your skin glow. I don’t think airports can provide this experience, although Anne Bauso, contributor for Allure, had a facial at the airport and shared her amazing experience.

Blowouts (YES)

I am talking about a basic blowout – no cut, colour or up-do. This service would be best done when you get off the plane – nothing is worse than disheveled airplane hair! I recently wrote a handy list of airports that have blowout services for VANE Airport. It’s definitely safe to try a blowout at the airport at least once.

Waxing (NO)

Best to say no to avoid getting burned or a rash. Can you imagine sitting on a plane for 6 hours with a wax rash?! Plane seats are uncomfortable enough as it is… Bustle recommends “…go(ing) to a professional technician that only waxes.” You want someone who specializes in waxing and knows what they’re doing!

Massage (YES)

Massages are the best option if you’re looking for a little relaxation at the airport. Before and after your flight – this pampering option works anytime. There are also a few varieties of massage available at the airport:

• Chair Massage: We are familiar with this service already offered at almost every nail salon in New York City. However, airport chair massages are usually done in the front of the store, are very public and not as relaxing because of all the airport distractions.
• Table Massage:  I have done it before and didn’t regret it but I can’t be sure that others will experience the same treatment. Table massages and facials at the airport are slightly more expensive compared to spas outside the terminals but hey, so is everything else at the airport.
• Coin-operated Massage Chairs: Although lacking in human touch, many airports offer chairs around their airports. If you have time to kill and are not wild about making more of a commitment, why not?

I am all about personalized services and prefer to go to my regular beauty teams who know my skin, hair and preferences but when you really need something done at the airport, there’s not much you can do. Having said that, a manicure, blowout and massage are low risk beauty services that I have experienced with success.

The pros of pre-flight pampering

These beauty services accept walk-ins (though reservations are welcome) and most places do have a separate treatment area in back for table massages and pedicures.

The cons

We may never know what we are going to get and most places are a little too noisy to be relaxing – which can be expected at an airport.

Maybe one glass of wine paired with a 20 minute chair massage is all I need to take off into bliss mode!

Cristina Alcivar is the Founder of Vane Airport, Twitter: @CrisAlcivar

Having been an aesthetician and spa owner, I am well-versed in various anti-aging treatments like microdermabrasion, photo facials, etc. I have achieved great results for both myself and my clients with these treatments, but they can only take you so far. As a makeup artist, I always teach my clients tricks for smoother-looking skin: The right moisturizers, exfoliators, primers and foundations. Still, some clients remain unhappy about the signs of aging, such as sagging jowls and neck, age spots, wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven coloration…all of which need more help than superficial concealing makeup can provide.

I have had the unique opportunity to observe a wide array of anti-aging treatment modalities offered by the many medi-spas that carry my M.B. YORK products. Even with my extensive knowledge, I am often confused by all this technology, and secretly wish someone could offer a simple explanation of what devices and treatments could achieve profound anti-aging results. As much time as I have spent in these environments, I remain frustrated, still not clear about exactly what to do to receive the results my clients and I am looking for.

One of my makeup clients has flawless skin. When I asked her secret, she told me about Robert Mazurek, owner of Rx Skin Clinic, so I decided to check it out. When I went to his office, he examined my skin with a Wood’s lamp, which reveals the extent of sun damage. He provided a full consultation, explaining how my main concerns with aging (reversing sagging, sun damage, and wrinkles) all need to be treated in different ways. He advised photofacials for my sun damage, skin tightening laser for the sagging, and Pixel laser for smoothing wrinkles and enlarged pores. He noticed the spots on my hands and offered to include two photo facial hand treatments to be added at no charge if I were to purchase the package of 6 face & neck treatments sessions. As a makeup artist, I’ve long been self-concious of my sun damaged hands, since they are always front and center, often closeup on camera to capture my makeup technique.

While I was nervous about how much this would cost, I was also excited as I looked over his compelling before and after photos. He informed me that he has performed over 30,000 laser treatments, and the way he expertly explained everything made me trust him immediately.

My first treatment consisted of a photofacial and skin tightening laser treatment for face & neck. I was worried about the pain as he didn’t numb my skin first— but it wasn’t bad. It felt like the snap of a rubber band on the skin. For sensitive clients, topical numbing cream is available. The treatments took about 20 minutes and there was zero downtime! My skin looked a little red— which was gone in an hour—yet vibrant and stimulated. I couldn’t wait for my second treatment.

A month later I went in for my second skin tightening treatment, followed by my first Pixel laser treatment. The latter required some topical numbing cream to be applied afterward to soothe the sunburn-like sensation. I felt some heat, but no pain at all. Once again, the two treatments were completed in about 20 minutes. My face looked more red than the first treatment, so I was given some topical healing ointment to apply every 4 hours for the next day. I couldn’t wear makeup for 24 hours, since all of the pores were temporarily exposed from the penetration of the laser. Though I felt self conscious, no one could tell a thing unless I pointed out how my skin was redder than usual. My skin also felt like sandpaper as it developed microscopic rough dots where the laser made “Pixel” perforations. You really couldn’t see them, though—I only felt them if I touched my face. After a week, all this “rough” skin fell away and underneath was brand new baby skin. My moisturizers worked better, delivering deeper hydration than before, and my fine lines were disappearing! I also had my first hand photofacial, the results of which Robert said are the equivalent of 2 face photo facials. Any freckles or sunspots became temporarily darker, but not scabby or different in texture. He explained that it would take longer than the face (almost three weeks rather than one) for the spots to completely fall away. I am about two thirds of the way there and my hands are looking at least 10 years younger!

Robert explained that this series of treatments can potentially take 20 years off your skin, and I am already seeing huge progress! I’m excited to see improvements with each session, and of course the final results after finishing the series. And it doesn’t stop there: The improvements continue for five months after the final session as new collagen continues to regenerate and grow. It is like real life photoshopping!

Robert and I are excited to collaborate on a special offer that combines his laser and light-based treatments with my expert makeup applications. All laser packages purchased at Rx Skin Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ will now include a complimentary makeup consultation with me ($150 value). You will look younger, yet incredibly natural. No pulled skin from a face lift—just a younger, fresher, more polished you.

I have asked Robert to offer special pricing to my clients, so if you mention M.B. YORK he is temporarily extending his holiday special exclusively to my clients. I will also include my complimentary makeup application tutorial.

2016 is your year to do something incredible for your skin. Call now and schedule your complimentary skin evaluation with Robert at Rx Skin Clinic: 480-483-8902

Experiences. Not Things.

Everyone is so busy running around during the holiday season—shopping, traveling, cooking, etc. Sometimes the best gift you can give is the gift of self-care! An indulgent day, or even an hour, can be just the thing your favorite person needs to unwind.

Shiatsu Shampoo at Salon Ishi

The shiatsu shampoo and head massage at Salon Ishi to the rescue. This is the quintessential serenity now gift and can be particularly wonderful during the holiday season when we are not only physically running around but have lots on our mind. A Japanese treatment is applied to open pores and gently cleanse and nourish the scalp. The massage activates acupressure points stimulating blood flow and relaxation. Prepare to be magically transported to a very happy place.

Salon Ishi, 70 East 55th Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.888.ISHI

Gift Certificate to Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté

Want to give someone a wonderful treatment experience but not certain what s/he would like? Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté is one of New York City’s preeminent spas. Yasmine has been written up in Vogue, New York Magazine, Allure and New Beauty – just to name a few – and offers a wide variety of world-class treatments including massage, cellulite and body treatments and semi permanent makeup sessions. Yasmine’s Remodeling Facial is the spa’s signature treatment. Be prepared to look 10 years younger by the end of your session! We love the 60 minute Seaweed Wrap Treatment.

Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, 60 East 30th Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.588.1881

Colonic at Exhale Healing Arts

At first blush this might seem like an odd gift, but for a wellness-minded friend, a colonic is a wonderful  - albeit unique – gift, especially around the holidays when many of us are prone to overindulging! Gina Mikan is as good as it gets. She uses the Woods Gravity Method, essentially an internal bath (possibly the best euphemism ever) that helps cleanse the colon of gas, mucus and accumulated fecal matter. There is no discomfort (really!) and only slight internal pressure, just a gentle flow of water in and out of the colon, expertly controlled by the therapist. During the procedure Gina explains the process step-by-step so your friend (or you!) will feel as at ease as possible, given the circumstances. The colonic appointment is one hour.

*For a limited time, Exhale Healing Arts founder, Gina Mikan, is offering Travel Beauty readers a special introductory offer of $90 for a first colonic appointment. Just mention Travel Beauty!*

Exhale Healing Arts, Brooklyn: 71 Eighth Avenue (corner of Union Street) & Manhattan: 124 East 40th Street (corner of Lexington Avenue), Suite 703. Call: 787.406.8061. Email: ExhaleHealingArts@gmail.com

Hair & Scalp Treatment at The Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic

Treat him or her to a one-of-a-kind custom hair treatment. A one hour session which includes the application of hair and scalp cream and of course, Philip Kingsley’s world famous Elasticizer which was created expressly for Audrey Hepburn. Also includes infrared, radiant heat and/or ultraviolet light therapy, depending on your unique hair and scalp concerns and a heavenly scalp and neck massage. Whether you have hair loss, texture and/or scalp issues or just want to give your hair a boost of health and radiance, this gift is aces.

Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, 16 East 52nd Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.753.9600

Microcurrent Treatment for Face and/or Body at SB Skin

Shamara Bondaroff, founder of SB Skin, has been featured in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Yahoo Beauty and more for her transformative face and body treatments. Know someone who is soon to be jetting off to the Caribbean? A gift card for a microcurrent body treatment (or five) with SB Skin is the perfect pre-vacay gift. What does microcurrent actually do? The low level electricity applied stimulates the muscles, causing them to contract — just like when you do crunches or squats — thus helping to tone and slim the area being treated (the stomach and bum are two of the most-requested areas). The treatment encourages lymphatic drainage, which makes skin look taut and smooth, and also majorly improves cellulite. One treatment will have a subtle, noticeable result, but the best way to really fulfill your derriere dreams is to get a series of at least five sessions. Bonus: Your friend (or you!) can also enjoy a body treatment and a facial AT THE SAME TIME.

SB Skin, 289 7th Avenue, #4 (2nd floor), Manhattan. Call: 917.273.7374. Email: info@sbskin-nyc.com

Aesthetic Treatment with Dara Liotta MD

If you know someone who’s been considering a little cosmetic “tweaking”, but has been nervous about finding a quality doc, a gift certificate to Dr. Liotta’s practice is just the thing! Dr. Liotta is masterful at what she does. She is board certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Liotta spent five years training in Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, before going on to complete fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is intimately acquainted with, and comfortable manipulating, the delicate and complex anatomy of the face and neck from its most superficial to its deepest layers. As a Board Certified ENT surgeon as well as a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, she believes her job is not complete until everything looks good, functions well, and feels healthy.

Dr. Liotta does it all: from Botox, fillers and laser treatments to rhinoplasty, facelifts and necklifts (and more).

City Aesthetics, 154 E. 85th Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.288.2222. Email: facialplasticsnyc@gmail.com

By: Claire McCormack, Twitter & Instagram and Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie