Spas are cashing in on the oxygen facial, but is it really worth it?

Oxygen therapy is found in spa treatments and moisturizers. Let’s not forget the “Oxygen Bars” of years past.

So what is an oxygen facial? Some treatments involve hyaluronic acid being sprayed on by a wand the size of a pen that adds oxygen. Oxygen facials promise lifting, firming, tightened pores, and the stimulation of collagen. Treatments vary from spa to spa. Some places offer a variety of serums that are chosen based on your skin type and what is trying to be achieved.

There is a debate among dermatologists if these facials actually work. “Dr. Christopher B. Zachary, a professor and the dermatology department chairman at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, bluntly labelled it “snake oil.”

The concept that high-pressure oxygen would do anything to help the skin is such nonsense as to be laughable

Other dermatologists believe that over time these treatments have the potential to slow down the aging process.

Madonna is the most popular celebrity who swears by these facials. She is reported to have one before every performance even when she is out of the country.

We’ve tested these facials and have come to the conclusion that if they are done correctly (proper equipment and product and a knowledgeable hand) these facials offer instant results. If they prove to not work over time, we suggest to have one the day before big events such as a wedding or Christmas party. The immediate results lasts for days.

If you want to try to add a little oxygen to your at-home products we suggest:

Sothys Oxyliance Perfect Serum, Sothys Oxyliance Crème
Peter Thomas Roth Oxygen Mist
Dermelect Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Commission
Philosophy Oxygen Peel Kit

We love this self tanner. It is so natural looking and contains ingredients to smooth skin and have an even tan. It lasted for days and the fade out was natural too!

Dr. Michelle Copeland Sunless Tanning Bronzer SPF 15 The only sunless tanning product with SPF-15, antioxidants and vitamins that leave skin smooth and supple. Works within an hour and tan lasts for approximately one week.Apply a thin, even coat over cleansed skin. To deepen your tan re-apply after several

Welcome to July everyone!

With the hot July sun, we figured it was a good time to show you how to keep your hair healthy this summer, how to summer proof your makeup and very effective ways to naturally treat sunburn.

We’ve delved deep into the world of oxygen facials, busted proved some myths and concluded if they’re really worth the extra $.

Got stretch marks? Follow our tips.

We also have the scoop of eyelash growth enhancers. We discuss the safety and efficacy of these products so you’ll be educated when these products become the next big thing. (We’re sure they will).

Have a great July, be safe in the sun!

“Eco Chic” boasts new organic wear, a collection of paraben-free powders, bronzers and blushes in recyclable packaging.

The bronzer looked great and went on smooth but oh my god the smell!!

I had to throw it out (so much for recyclable). It even took 3 washes to get the smell out my makeup brush. It has totally turned me off of trying any other product in this organic collection.

The spa pedicure looks immaculate and is a wonderful pampering experience.

Here’s what you need to do one at home:

A foot bath (preferably one with jets, but a plastic dish drainer or large bowl will work too).

A foot soak. This is very important. A good foot soak makes for a great pedicure. You want one that deodorizes, hydrates and comforts the feet. Try: BABOR Feetness Refreshing Bath. It’s great for tired feet.

A cuticle remover if you have thick and/or overgrown cuticles. This helps dissolve the excess and makes the nails look neat and clean. Try: Trind Cuticle Remover.

Tools: Nail file, 3-way buffer, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper (Try: Tweezerman Student Cuticle Nipper), and foot file (Try: Bliss Diamancel #11 Tough Buffer).

A great way to have all the tools you need at a fraction of the price is this amazing kit from Tweezerman. Tweezerman Pedicure Solution Kit.

A foot scrub is very important to finish off the buffing. After you’ve used the foot file a scrub will just ensure that everything is smooth, and will leave feet fresh and up your circulation. Try: Barielle Cucumber Foot Scrub.

A foot cream, cuticle oil, base coat, nail color and top coat. The best foot cream: AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream. You’ll also need some Kleenex to separate your toes.

Step One
File nails. It’s easier to file nails when they are dry and they don’t shred. File in one direction straight across to prevent ingrown nails and you can round the corners slightly.

Fill the foot soaker with warm water if you have hard callus and cracks, cool water if you’re swollen and sore. Otherwise, choose a temperature that you find comforting and relaxing. Apply some cuticle remover to the cuticles and you can also use it on callus to help soften it. Soak for a few minutes.

Step Two
Push back cuticles and trim off the excess being very careful not to cut any live tissue. You are only trimming the dead skin.

Step Three
Buff feet with foot file concentrating on callus and corns. Over buffing can cause discomfort to be sure to keep checking your progress. Follow up with the foot scrub. Use good pressure to get the blood flowing and get off the last bit of dry skin. Be gentle on the tops of your feet. Rinse off the scrub.

Step four
Use the 3-way buffer to buff the nails smooth. Start with the roughest side and finish with the softest side. Watch that you don’t over buff the nails or they can get thin and break. Follow up with cuticle oil. Massage the oil into the cuticles and nails.

Massage foot lotion using long movements toward the heart. Focus on the nails and cuticles and hard callus.

Step Five
Wipe the nails off with a damp cloth or the edge of the towel you’ve been using to get the oil off the surface of the nails. This will make the polish stick better. String the Kleenex through your toes so they are separated. . Apply base coat, two coats of polish and topcoat. Let each coat dry in between.