American Spa Blog

Spa Scoop Is Moving–Please Take Note

Julie Keller, Editor-in-Chief — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 03:00:33 +0000

The powerful partnership between American Spa and Spatrade continues to thrive. As such, we are moving our blog to a new location—www.spatrade.com—starting Monday, Sept. 26. There, you will be able to access all of your favorite blog items, as well as some exciting new options, including:

Highlights of the latest industry news
Blog postings from American Spa’s editors
Business-building articles from industry experts
Profiles of spa movers and shakers
A comprehensive calendar of events
A look at the latest edition of American Spa
And much more!

Plus, the Spa Scoop newsletter is going to be offered weekly starting in October. This fabulous new weekly roundup will be replacing both American Spa and SpaTrade.com’s former bi-weekly newsletters. If you are already a subscriber to either, you have been automatically signed up for this exciting new option. Feel freel to share the news with your friends and colleagues and invite them to sign up here for this informative new offering.

I look forward to getting your feedback.

Vegas Spa-Goers Get a Hint of Mint For the Holidays at CityCenter Spas

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:09:39 +0000

Last December, I took a trip out to Vegas to visit some friends right around the time the holiday season was in full swing. While I am not necessarily a huge fan of the single-digit temperatures we were experiencing in New York City, something feels unsettling about being in the blazing sun or laying out by the pool while Christmas carols are playing in the background. To try to replicate at least some semblance of holiday fun, two CityCenter spas are offering Vegas visitors a taste of the holidays while they are relaxing. At Vdara Health & Beauty guests can choose the Candy Cane Scalp Treatment (a $35 add on to any salon treatment), which refreshes and stimulates the scalp with peppermint, or the Candy Cane Mani-Pedi ($110, 90 minutes), in which clients top off their services with a holiday hue from SpaRitual’s Holiday Glow Collection. Over at The Spa at Aria, guests can indulge in an Herbal Peppermint Pedicure ($130, 50 minutes, which combines a warm peppermint tea bath with a lemongrass and lavender pumice scrub and peppermint-infused mask. After choosing one of these holiday treatments, Sin City spa-goers will be feeling minty fresh.

Stock Up Your Retail Area with Items that Give Back

Nicole Altavilla, Associate Editor — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:07:59 +0000

Company: Caswell-Massey
Product: Fresh Cut Flowers-scented Products
Charity: A portion of the sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Website: www.caswellmassey.com

Company: chicBuds
Product: Pink Products (Pink Fauvette Bird Speaker, DJ Sport Headphones, and More)
Charity: 20 percent of proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Website: www.chicbuds.com

Company: Dogeared
Product: Make a Wish Hope Ribbon Pin
Charity: A portion of the sales will be donated to Stand Up To Cancer
Website: www.dogearedwholesale.com

Company: Gianna Rose
Product: Pink Ribbon Soaps
Charity: A portion of the sales will be donated to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.
Website: www.giannarose.com

Company: I am BEYOND
Product: Pretty in Pink Collection of Lifestyle and Activewear
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer awareness
Website: www.iambeyond.com

Company: Krickette
Product: Think Pink Collection of Purses
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research
Website: www.krickette.com

Company: Needham Lane
Product: Isabella Pink Collection (PJs, Tunics, Slippers)
Charity: 20 percent of sales will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Website: www.needhamlane.com

Company: Project Iris
Product: Pink Ribbon Shirt
Charity: 10 percent of sales will be donated to breast cancer research
Website: www.projectirisclothing.com

Murad and Bellus Academy Team Up for Continuing Education

Lisa Bruckenstein, Contributor — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:02:19 +0000

Murad’s University for Inclusive Health (UIH) partnered with Bellus Academy in San Diego to inspire and teach current and aspiring professionals in the esthetic, medical, and wellness areas. In October, Bellus Academy will begin offering the UIH course program to current students and alumni who want to take learning to the next level. The course outline and content has been developed by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, the founder of UIH and Murad, to educate students on external, internal, and emotional self-care theories based on Dr. Murad’s philosophy of Inclusive Health. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate that identifies them as an Inclusive Health Ambassador, which is considered an elite group in the world of wellness. “The Inclusive Health program at the Bellus Academy provides the latest in educational innovations for the wellness field,” says Lynelle Lynch, president of Bellus Academy. “The Inclusive Health program elevates the services spa professionals can offer their clients, significantly improving overall wellness for all, and continuing to build on Bellus’ tradition of excellence.” To apply, contact info@uiheducation.com or visit www.bellusacademy.edu/w_university-of-inclusive-health.aspx .

Miraval Arizona Introduces Special Offers to Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Heather Mikesell, Executive Editor — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:59:48 +0000

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Miraval Resort & Spa (Tucson, AZ) is introducing three special offers throughout October to help support Breast Cancer Research. Guests will want to take advantage of the Mani for the Cure ($65, 50 minutes) and the Pedi for the Cure ($80, 50 minutes), as the spa will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. With each treatment, they will also receive a complimentary SpaRitual nail polish from the In Pink 2011 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection. Guests can also do good by purchasing PINK items, such as the Miraval Crystal Ball Cap, the Pink Miraval Ribbed Tank Top, the Pink S’Well Water Bottle, and more. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these featured items will also be donated. What are you doing in your spa to bring awareness to this important issue?

The Spa at Ravella Debuts Sip & Spa Thursdays

Julie Keller, Editor-in-Chief — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:12:43 +0000

Like most people, by the time Thursday rolls around each week, I’m pooped from four days of working hard. So it has quickly become one of my favorite days to gather my girlfriends and enjoy a cocktail or two. So when I heard news of a fun new offering at The Spa at Ravella (Las Vegas), I wished I lived in Sin City. The spa recently debuted Sip & Spa Thursdays, a fashionable ladies’ night out featuring fun spa treatments and cool signature cocktails. The weekly event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. and features a fun new duo every Thursday night. Each week, participating ladies leave with a great takeaway gift from OPI, Naturopathica, and Morocconoil, among others. Plus, they have the chance to win a spectacular spa gift basket. Options include an express treatment, a signature cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, and a spa gift for $25. Or, they can indulge in everything but the treatment for $10.

Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule:

Mai Tais & Massages (Sept. 22)
Bellinis & Brows (Sept. 29)
Ritas & Relaxation (Oct. 6)
Long Islands & Lashes (Oct. 13)
Absinthe & Aromatherapy (Oct. 20)
Tinis & Tinsel (Oct. 27, Nov. 17)
Martinis & Manicures (Nov. 3)
Mojitos & Makeovers (Nov. 10)

Heading to Vegas any time soon for a fun girls getaway? Be sure to make a pit-stop at The Spa at Ravella.

The (Many?) Benefits of Arnica

Nanci McArdle, Managing Editor — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:52:04 +0000

As a self-proclaimed clumsy girl, I have come to rely on the healing power of arnica, which I discovered a few years ago while researching a story. It has long been used to help alleviate swelling and heal bruises quicker, and I can personally attest to its effectiveness. But I had no idea, until I read a recent article in The New York Times, that it is also being used among within the fashion crowd for other reasons. According to the article, models and other designers are ingesting the herbal supplement in order to stay slim and have clear skin. But not everyone thinks this is a good idea. According to one doctor who was interviewed for the article, taken orally, arnica can cause irritation and toxicity for the gastrointestinal system and the kidneys. To read the full article, click here.

What are your thoughts on this debate?

Affinia Hotels Takes Guests’ Suggestions to Heart

Heather Mikesell, Executive Editor — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:52:31 +0000

I’m not one to shy away from giving my two-cents worth. That’s why I couldn’t help but like the way Affinia Hotels went about choosing its new spa product line. The boutique hotel brand relied on its guests to test a variety of spa products over the summer and then selected a retail spa partner based on guest feedback. The clear winner turned out to be Philosophy, which guests singled out for brand recognition, the ability to purchase the product in stores, and the whimsical messages on each bottle. Philosophy’s Lime Blossom shampoo, Blackberry Musk conditioner, Green Tea lotion, and Lime Blossom facial bar will be available in all rooms at Affinia Hotels in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Soliciting guests to test the products is part of a newly launched comfort movement at Affinia Hotels. A key part of the hotels’ messaging and programming, Comfort by Design features platforms such as My Affinia, where guests can customize their stay with a variety of options ranging from a six-choice pillow menu to Experience Kits to explore each city. The hotel brand is now asking guests for feedback on what makes them comfortable and actually using that info to shape its offerings.

Spa and Salon Products That Give Back

Nicole Altavilla, Associate Editor — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:07:56 +0000

Spa, salon, and wellness companies are contributing to the cause in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Check out these products that give back:

Company: Alchimie Forever
Product: Kantic Evening Cream
Charity: 10 percent of sales will be donated to the National Foundation for Cancer Research
Website: www.alchimie-forever.com

Company: Bath by Bettijo
Product: Fenomenole
Charity: During the month of October, 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Website: www.bathbybettijo.com

Company: Beautyblender
Product: Travel Kit
Charity: 10 percent of sales will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Website: www.beautyblender.net

Company: Boom Boom
Product: Boom Boom Push-Up Brow highlighting pencil
Charity: 10 percent of the sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Website: www.boomboombeautybar.com

Company: CND
Product: Pink Wishes Colour & Effects Duo
Website: www.cnd.com

Company: Cricket
Product: Pink Technique Thermal Brushes
Charity: A portion of the proceeds from Cricket’s pink products will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Website: www.cricketco.com

Company: Cureology
Product: Haircare Products
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Website: www.cureologybeauty.com

Company: FHI Heat
Product: Limited Edition GO “Crush” Hairstyling Iron
Charity: $1 from each iron will be donated to The Regis Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.
Website: www.gohairstyling.com

Company: Fleur’s
Product: Silky Cleansing Cream
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Website: www.fleur-s.com

Company: Free Your Mane
Product: Conditioning Pomade and Restorative Hair Oil
Charity: 7 percent of proceeds will be donated through SE%EN, the company’s non-profit organization, to breast cancer awareness.
Website: www.freeyourmane.com

Company: Institut’DERMed
Product: Renewing Mask
Charity: 15 percent of sales throughout October will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Greater Atlanta Affiliate.
Website: www.idermed.com

Company: Kenra
Product: Volume Spray 25 and Platinum Blow-Dry Spray
Charity: The company will donate $20,000 to The Rapunzel Project.
Website: www.kenra.com

Company: Ole Henriksen
Product: Truth Serum
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Website: www.olehenriksen.com

Company: Phytomer
Product: Toning Bust Gel
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen For the Cure.
Website: www.phytomerusa.com

Company: Pureology
Product: PureVolume Kit
Charity: Pureology will make a flat $20,000 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of its mission to end breast cancer forever.
Website: www.pureology.com

Company: Robanda
Product: Mr. Pumice Pink Contour Shape Bar
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Website: www.robanda.com

Company: Sanítas Skincare
Product: PeptiDerm Eye Treatment
Charity: A portion of proceeds will be donated to Sense of Security.
Website: www.sanitas-skincare.com

Company: SeneGence
Product: LipSense
Charity: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Make Sense Foundation and to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Website: www.senegence.com

Company: Skin Authority
Product: Touch Transforms Kit
Charity: $5 from the sale of each kit will go to Look Good…Feel Better.
Website: www.skinauthority.com

Company: Suki
Product: Eye Lift Cellular Renewal Cream
Charity: All proceeds from the online purchase of Eye Lift Cellular Renewal Cream will be donated to Breast Cancer Action.
Website: www.sukiskincare.com

ORLY Introduces Fall Nail Color Collection

Lisa Bruckenstein, Contributor — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:24:30 +0000

With the fall season in full swing there is no shortage of bold colors and fabulous prints available in stores for the season. To complement any look this season, Orly has created an array of daring yet sophisticated colors that were inspired by bird feathers from around the globe. The new Birds of a Feather collection, full of iridescent shades, draws its inspiration from this colorful and vibrant species. With hues ranging from deep purple flecked with fuchsia, to shimmering natural beige, the new lacquers are sure to add glamour to any look.