Mischo Beauty: Bliss spa

Showing posts with label Bliss spa. Show all posts

Mischo Beauty Review: Shellac Manicure at Bliss Spa at W Hotel

Most of you know that I visited Bliss Spa at the W Hotel for the first time this past summer, so I won't go into details about the spa because I've mentioned it here. But, I was recently invited back for a tour and to experience their new Shellac Manicure service. Now I've had the Shellac manicure once before, (you all know my thoughts!), but the results from this second time around were different.

Shellac Manicure in Tropix - Day #1

Shellac Manicure in Tropix - Day #7

Shellac Manicure in Tropix - Day #14

I clearly need a new application, as you can see the growth of my nail beds after two weeks. But, there was no peeling, lifting or chipping. And, my nails are STILL glossy! I'm impressed. Have you tried the Shellac Manicure yet?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beauty Extra: CND Shellac Manicure

While visiting Bliss Spa yesterday, I decided to give the CND Shellac manicure a try, again - this time in Tropix. I'll be back in about 2 weeks to tell you all about my visit and let you know how long the manicure lasted. Please stay tuned!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beauty Review: Bliss Spa at the W Hotel (Washington D.C.)

A few weeks ago, as a pre-birthday celebration, my friend and I decided to visit the new Bliss Spa at the W Hotel (Washington, DC). As most of you know, I love to spa (remember this review), and so we were actually overdue with this visit after considering the fact that it's been open for a year now. Because we'd planned to do lunch at POV, which is the W Hotel's rooftop restaurant, we decided to keep our spa treatments simple and booked ourselves for a manicure, pedicure and brazilian bikini wax.

What's important to know is that this Bliss location, in my opinion, is for treatment maintenance only. It's small - the relaxation area only seats four comfortably, the changing area is tiny, and there's only one shower and one restroom (for women). There are four treatment rooms, two stations for manicures, and two stations for pedicures. It lacks of ambiance, but I do think it's a great place to go for your monthly maintenance treatments such as- waxing, facials, etc. - especially if you find a spa therapist there you love!

Well, that happened to be the case with me. You see, I had the most amazing brazilian bikini wax (brazilian bikini - the fully monty) here, and the spa therapist responsible for it was Shae Jackson. Shae's waxing technique is like none other I've experienced, which made the service quick and almost painless (no brazilian bikini wax is completely pain free!). My disclosure to you is that I'm naturally biased (because I'm an esthetician, I naturally have very high expectations) when it comes to spa services. She used hard wax, never double-dipped, and sanitation/disinfection was taken very seriously! I was beyond pleased with the results.

I also had a manicure (Bliss hot cream manicure) and pedicure (Bliss basic pedicure) which unfortunately were "nothing to write home about". The services were just average, which doesn't quite justify the $80 price and 20% gratuity. But, I guess you win some and lose some, and I definitely "won" with the waxing service!

If you've visited this Bliss location, I'd love to hear about your experience. So, please share it in the comments section.

Mischo Beauty School: Spa Etiquette 101

Remember how excited I was a year ago about the news of a Bliss Spa coming to DC? Well, a friend and I headed over there this past weekend for a few treatments (which I'll tell you about later this week), and while there I noticed that not everyone knows "spa etiquette". So, here are my top five tips for ensuring a relaxing spa experience:

1. Arrive early: This will give you time to check in, complete your client consultation form, change your clothes (if needed), and most importantly relax before your treatment.

2. Be courteous: This should really be unspoken. But, as a reminder, turn the cell phones off, use a low speaking voice and keep conversation to a minimum. Respect others, as well as the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

3. Use the amenities: They are there for your comfort, convenience and pleasure!

4. Complete the Client Consultation Form: This is a MUST! Don't ever skip completing this form. The questions you are asked to complete will determine if it is safe to receive services. Your spa therapist may discover a contraindication, which is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. Contraindications include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders or medical conditions.

5. Communicate with your spa therapist: No one I know is able to read minds. So, ask questions and communicate your "likes" and "dislikes". If it's your first time, let your spa therapist know. If a treatment doesn't feel right, be sure to tell them. If you're unsure about how to maintain a treatment (if possible), then please ask.

Follow these tips and the rest will be up to the spa and spa therapist to guarantee that you have the most amazing visit ever!

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Marcia Kilgore (founder of Bliss Spa)

I was recently reminded that "life is too short to not be doing what you love", and so every day is yet another opportunity for me to work even harder to achieve my goals. I've made significant progress and I'm not giving up until I get there! And so in continuing this series, I had to include Marcia Kilgore (even though I wrote about her 2 years ago on the blog), because she's accomplished what I'm working so hard to achieve.

You see, she's an esthetician, entrepreneur and well-respected beauty authority (that'll be me one day soon!). She began giving facials in her New York City apartment, which led to opening her first business, "Let's Face It". In 1996, she founded Bliss Spa, and the Bliss and Remede beauty product lines. The luxury goods conglomerate Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH) acquired 70% of the company in 1999, resulting in a $30 million deal. And, in 2004, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. acquired the company, which is why we now see Bliss Spas in W Hotels.

Marcia serves as the Chief Creative Consultant for Bliss, and consults on product development and design, advertising, and promotional work. Her latest entrepreneurial ventures include the Soap & Glory product line and the Fitflop.

With all that said- can't you understand why I want to be like her when I grow up? She's AMAZING- right!

Mischo Beauty Review: Bliss Peeling Groovy Facial Serum

You may remember my trip to Bliss 49 (located inside the ultra-luxe W Hotel) last year for the Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial. And of course, by now, you all know that I HEART Marcia Kilgore! Anyway, I loved the facial and in an effort to maintain it, I left with the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask and the Sleeping Peel Serum.

Well I just recently learned that the Sleeping Peel Serum is now called the Peeling Groovy Facial Serum. It's a leave-on formula that works to exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent premature aging. It's the same formula, and yes, I've experienced the same results! My skin's texture remains soft and smooth- oh, and I would advise using it not only on your face, but your neck and decollete (second face!) as well!

My preference is to still use it at night (though you can use it during the day as well), before applying my eye cream and moisturizer, because I know that the majority of skin cell repair/renewal occurs during sleep. For those of you wanting to learn more about peels, because check out my post "Mischo Beauty School: Peels 101" and feel free to send me your questions!

Mischo Beauty: Bliss Spa Says Farewell to Bush...

I thought you all might want to take advantage of this discount! From January 19th - February 1st, get 20% off Bliss Spa's signature brazilian bikini wax- and any waxing and post waxing products.

And, if you live in NY, LA, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta or Scottsdale and haven't visited a Bliss Spa- well, here's your opportunity! If you decide to visit, please share your experience with us!