Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from Monica, who asked the following:

"After reading your blog for over a year now, I've finally made the decision to invest in a serious skincare regimen. But, there are so many steps and products to buy! Do I really need to purchase a toner?"

Thank you so much for your support! I really, really appreciate it! Now I'm biased (I'm a licensed esthetician), so yes, I do recommend you purchase one and here's why. I believe that toners are a necessary step in a skincare regimen. And just to clarify - toners, fresheners and astringents are all essentially the same type of product. But, it is important to note that the products do have different properties and vary by strength and alcohol content.

Most often these liquids are used after cleansing, just before a moisturizer is applied. If using during a mini-facial, for instance, then multiple applications are required. Toners are applied by using a cotton ball/pad or by spraying directly onto the skin. Most fall into the following categories below:

- Fresheners: Beneficial for dry, mature and sensitive skin. Often have the lowest to no alcohol content.

- Toners: Beneficial for normal and combination skin. Very low alcohol content; tones or tightens the skin.

- Astringents: Beneficial for oily and acneic skin. Higher alcohol content; helps remove excess oil on the skin, but can be too drying and may cause more harm than good.

So, here are the benefits:

- Removes residue left behind by cleansers.
- Restores the skin's natural pH after cleansing or other treatments.
- Prepares the skin for increased product absorption.
- May improve certain skin conditions (some toners contain
vitamins/antioxidants, etc.).

I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how you decide to move forward! And as always, please feel free to send me any additional questions you might have. Love your skin.

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

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Mischo Beauty Review: Hela Spa (Georgetown)

Without actually realizing it, I've been on a quest to find the best facial in DC. Over the past two months I've had two facials that I've loved, and recently added a third to the list. I recently visited Hela Spa, a medical spa in Georgetown, for a tour and facial. Unlike the other spas I've visited, and although very chic, Hela Spa has a clinical feel to it. This is definitely where you'd choose to come for a very thorough analysis of your skin and a series of treatments. It's not set-up for lounging, and not a place to bring a group of friends for a spa day.

But, it very much is the place to go for your biweekly or monthly skin services. Yes, there's no doubt that your skin's health and overall appearance will be in the best condition. My appointment started with completing the client consultation form and relaxing in the lobby area with fresh hot tea. My service started with my esthetician, Brianne, examining my skin under a magnifying lamp both before and after cleansing. And based on her analysis, she recommended The Liv Ullman facial, which is a deep cleansing treatment followed by a rejuvenating medical-grade glycolic peel.

I wasn't expecting this recommendation and was even hesitant (my skin is easily sensitized, so I didn't know how my skin would react to the peel)- but this recommendation proved to be excellent. And, I appreciated the fact that Brianne performed a thorough skin analysis before recommending any arbitrary facial or the most expensive facial. She also added a collagen mask and vitamin C treatment to the service, which combined with the peel, left me with the freshest glow!

I opted out of extractions (you all know how I feel about them) explaining to Brianne my reasons why and during our conversation she shared great information skin health, post treatment care and the importance of repeat visits. Skin health is important to me and so I appreciated being given this information. I had no redness or irritation at the end of the service (I was shocked), but Brianne had prepared post treatment instructions (specifically for those having received a peel) detailing how to care for my skin following the treatment.

If you have a skin type that requires extra care or are treating a skin condition that really needs special attention -or if you are just concerned about the best care for the overall health of your skin, then Hela is definitely the spa for you.

If you've visited Hela Spa- either the Georgetown or Chevy Chase locations - I would love to know your thoughts!

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

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Sulwhasoo Skincare

It was announced last summer that Sulwhasoo had opened a boutique on the beauty level at Bergdorf Goodman. Now if you haven't been to the beauty level of Bergdorf's- you are missing out! This particular collection of products peaked my curiosity when I learned that they were considered "medicinal herbal skincare" because they're formulated with a blend of specially selected medicinal herbs meant to promote healthy skin from within. They're also one of the oldest and best selling skincare brands in Korea.

So based on that information and the words "healthy skin" (the goal of a successful skincare regimen should always be healthy skin that glows) I knew I had to try the line! And because I liked the products I've tried so much, I called Bergdorf's to learn more. I was told that Sulwhasoo offers complimentary 1 hour facials (no extractions), custom to individual skin types/conditions. I love it and can't wait to book my appointment!

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

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Mischo Beauty Review: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

I started the "Because You're Worth It" posts about 3 years ago shortly after starting this blog because I felt, well quite simply, that readers needed to be encouraged to go out and pamper themselves. And, it was then that I first mentioned The Spa at Mandarin Oriental (Washington, DC).

Well earlier this week I headed over to The Spa for a tour of the facilities and most importantly - an afternoon of pampering! As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with slippers, a warm towel for my hands and a cup of calming tea. At that point I knew this was going to be an experience like no other. I'm so glad that I arrived early because I was able to take full advantage of the "Heat and Water Oasis" (which you can use before or after a treatment), which included use of the Amethyst Steam Room, the Experience Shower, Ice Fountain and Vitality Pool. It was THE perfect way to unwind and relax before my treatment.

My Time Reversal facial treatment started with a thorough consultation to ensure there were no contraindications (this is a MUST--- always! remember this post?), followed by a thorough cleansing, toning and skin analysis. After the skin analysis, the treatment was customized to meet my individual needs and included an exfoliation, a cold stone massage, hand massage, collagen mask and foot massage. The treatment ended with the application of a serum, eye cream and moisturizer with an SPF.

Now being the beauty professional that I am (you all know that I'm a licensed esthetician) I'm somewhat picky when it comes to spa treatments. I opted out of extractions because those are for the hands of my regular esthetician. I wish I would have enjoyed my foot massage - but I do realize that "touch" is personal. So, what feels good to one, may not necessarily work for another. And I must say that I always look forward to mask treatments, with a preference for those that work for the face, neck (shows first signs of aging) and decollete (the second face!). The collagen mask used during the treatment was for the face only.

At the completion of my treatment, my therapist Lisan recommended that I consider purchasing Somme Institute's Step 3 Serum, which is a highly concentrated vitamin C gel that works to improve skin tone, elasticity and build collagen. I thought her recommendation was excellent after having discussed the results of my skin analysis with her earlier and knowing she'd used both a magnifying lamp and woods lamp during her analysis. It's always my goal to protect an investment such as a facial, and maintain the esthetician's hard work with a consistent at-home facial regimen. So, great product recommendations are always welcome!

The afternoon I spent as the The Spa was outstanding - my facial was amazing (yes, my skin is still glowing!) and I was treated like a queen! I'm looking forward to returning soon for much, much more! Why? Because I'm worth it!

Have you visited The Spa at Mandarin Oriental yet?

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

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