Mischo Beauty Has A New Home!

I've moved! Here's where you can now visit me: www.mischobeauty.com

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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 School: Peels 101

This post is in response to a few questions I've received from readers wanting to know where- or how, a peel would fit in with regards to exfoliation, and if a peel is too harsh on the skin, if you exfoliate regularly.

Well, the process of removing the excess accumulation of dead skin cells from the outer most layer of skin (epidermis) is referred to as superficial peeling or exfoliation. It can be accomplished mechanically (microdermabrasion), manually (scrubs), or chemically- which is the category that includes "peels".

Peels used by estheticians are designed to penetrate only the epidermis and are noninvasive/nonaggressive. "Deeper peels" which are those used by physicians (dermatologists) penetrate deeper into the skin (dermal layer - also called living tissue - which sits below the epidermis) and may use chemicals such as glycolic acid (50% or more).

So, now that we know that peels are a form of chemical exfoliation, here are a few of the many benefits:

1. Improves skin texture, hydration & moisture retention
2. Increases the rate of cell turnover
3. Improves elastin & collagen production
4. Reduces fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation issues
5. May control skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation & eczema

So you're probably wondering if you're a candidate for a peel? Well, in my professional opinion, if you could benefit from any of those listed above, then you're definitely a candidate for a peel administered by an esthetician. If exfoliation is a normal part of your skincare regimen, then a professional peel treatment, no more than once a month, should be sufficient.

Now, are you a candidate for a "deeper peel"? Possibly. After a thorough consultation/skin analysis, a dermatologist would best advise you. Please feel free to email me with any questions! Love your skin.

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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 School: Extractions 101

I've reviewed a number of facials over the past few months at various spas in DC, and a few of you have asked about the extraction process- specifically wanting to know what it involved and if the process was painful.

Well, the extraction portion of a facial involves the manual removal of build-up (dirt, oil, product, etc.) and/or blackheads. And, there are three ways in which this can be done. Your esthetician may wrap both index fingers with cotton and use them, use two cotton swabs or use a comedone extractor (which is a metal tool- please beware!)

During a facial, your esthetician should cleanse, tone, exfoliate and treat your skin with steam in order to soften pores and prepare for extractions. Next, pressure is applied around the skin surrounding the hair follicle (pore) in order to extract the impaction. You will probably feel discomfort, but you shouldn't feel pain. And, as long as you're seeing an experienced esthetician, you should have no worries! Please remember- extractions are NOT a DIY procedure!

Any questions? Love your skin.

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Does your esthetician double-dip during your waxing service?

If your esthetician is doing this, then you need to RUN! It's unsafe, unsanitary and just disgusting. Think about it- most estheticians use one wax pot on all clients. So, if double-dipping occurs during the brazilian waxing service performed before your appointment, then the wax used for your lip waxing is now contaminated. And we know that the temperature of wax isn't high enough to kill bacteria, because if it was it would burn your skin.

So my question for you today is: Does your esthetician double-dip during your waxing service?

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Mischo Beauty Review: The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton

As much as I love beauty, and love spending time in Georgetown, I can't say that I have a favorite beauty salon or spa in the Georgetown neighborhood. But, that has now changed due to my visit and facial at The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton.

Located on the ground floor of the hotel, the spa offers facials, body treatments and massages and features four treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, a relaxation room and skincare by Eminence Organic. The spa is intimate and personal and makes for easy access for the hotel's guests. And, the hotel itself is just steps away from the shopping Georgetown is known for.

My visit started with a tour of the spa followed by an opportunity to relax and unwind in the steam room before the start of my facial. Following my steam treatment and unwinding in the relaxation room, my esthetician Poy, escorted me into the treatment room for the Tailored Organic Facial. I was pleased to see the Tailored Organic Facial on the menu because this facial is perfect for those who've never had a facial and aren't sure of their skin type or skin needs. It should allow (in my opinion) the esthetician to determine the guest's skin type, better tailor the treatments used during a facial and make sound product recommendations for at-home skincare.

At the start of my facial, I was asked if I was experiencing any issues with my skin and told that the Eminence Organic skincare line, which is formulated with nourishing vitamins and minerals, would be used for my facial. I told Poy that my skin felt dry and dehydrated and mentioned that I would pass on extractions. In place of performing extractions, I enjoyed a targeted eye treatment.

My facial consisted of a deep cleansing treatment which included use of an exfoliant mixed with a cleanser and the use of a Clarisonic skincare brush (which you all know I'm a huge fan of!), along with a steam treatment. I appreciated the fact that Poy suggested not exfoliating for 5 days after the facial. We all know over-exfoliation may wreak havoc on the skin, so less is more! The next steps included the eye treatment, mask treatment, massage (face, neck, decollete, arms & hands) and the application of a serum and moisturizer. I can't begin to tell you how much I loved Poy's touch and my skin felt and looked great days following the facial.

I do have three wishes for my next visit (as I've said many times before, I'm picky!)- yes, I can't wait to go back - and they're as follows. I would prefer the use of a magnifying lamp to ensure that my skin is properly both seen and felt at the time of my visit - leading to further customization of my treatments. Completion of a client consultation form is a must because I want to make sure that there are no issues with contraindications, communication and expectations. And lastly, and I'm probably in the minority here, but I love product recommendations from my spa therapist (if needed). I consider facials an investment in me (yes, I'm worth it) and so I'm open to learning and possibly using new products which might continue to maintain or even improve my skin's health.

I can't wait to return and the next time it'll be for a Girls' Spa Day, because there's no way this spa should be kept a secret!

Have you visited The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton?

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

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What's the worst beauty advice you've ever received?

You've got to let me know! For me personally, it's not that I've received horrible beauty advice, it's just that it's annoying when someone tries to advise you and they don't follow their own direction! For example, I had an esthetics instructor who smoked cigarettes - and I'm sure you can imagine the rest... I was never able to wrap my brain around the fact that she taught skincare/skin health, but smoked cigarettes!?! Like, who really still even smokes? Anyway, please share your stories in the comments section below!

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Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from a reader (who asked to remain anonymous), wanting to know the following:

"Any suggestions on how to get rid of or reduce ingrown hairs after a bikini wax?"

My best advice is to make sure you're exfoliating consistently in between waxing appointments! A few days before your appointment, lightly exfoliate which will in turn make hair easier to adhere to the wax. Resume exfoliation about 3 days after waxing to ensure the removal of dead skin cells, which, if not removed, could cause the hair to grow inward resulting in ingrown hairs. Here are a few products which help prevent ingrown hairs:

- Whish Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum
- BLISS Ingrown Eliminating Pads
- Tend Skin

For best results, always read and follow the manufacturer's directions on use! Also, DO NOT shave in between waxing appointments. Ideally, you'd like your hair growing on the same hair growth cycle to ensure an even length throughout and therefore a thorough waxing. I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how it's going!

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

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Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll probably say it a million more times, but I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis.

An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see/feel your skin and perform detailed work. A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you should use to improve your skin's health. You should now be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly select products for your skin type/issues.

Any questions? Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

I consider facials my "essential beauty product" because not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. For those of you who've never had a facial, it's a service performed by an esthetician and usually consists of a professional deep cleansing, steam treatment, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer and possibly other products and treatments.

Not only will facials improve and revive your skin, but they also help maintain the skin's health. You should definitely consider incorporating facials into your beauty regimen! If I haven't convinced you yet- here are a few of the many other benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Professional Deep Cleansing, Steam Treatment, Exfoliation, Extractions, Massage & Mask
3. Relaxing/Pampering
4. Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
5. Professional Skin Analysis, Product Recommendation & Custom Home Skincare Regimen
6. Stimulates Skin Renewal & Metabolism
7. Corrects/Alleviates Dryness, Oiliness & Redness
8. Softens Wrinkles & Aging Lines
9. Helps Clear Up Blemishes & Minor Acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Questions? Anyone had a fabulous facial lately? Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll probably say it a million more times, but I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis.

An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see/feel your skin and perform detailed work. A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you should use to improve your skin's health. You should now be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly select products for your skin type/issues.

Any questions? Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty Review: Completely Bare's Sculpted Tan

I was invited in to experience Completely Bare's Sculpted Tan about a month ago. And, after reading the service description, and based on the fact that I hadn't had an airbrushed tan in a couple of years, I was actually excited to try it out!

"The Sculpted Tan highlights and redefines areas of the body with precise, natural looking results. The Sculpted Tan is an airbrushed technique that "chisels" your body using two different airbrushes and two different solutions, the first giving you your base tan while the second shapes your body."

The words "precise, natural looking, and chisels", were not only the words that stood out for me, but were actually the results I was eagerly awaiting. So I visited the 25 Bond Street location for the service and was greeted by my esthetician, who escorted me into the treatment room. Now it's completely up to you on whether or not you'd like to be airbrushed in a bikini of your own, use their disposable thong or be completely naked. The service lasted about 45 minutes (including drying time), and I felt my esthetician did a great job with the coverage.

My only concerns were with the fact that there was no full-length mirror in the room, so my esthetician kindly held up a 5x7 mirror as I checked to see the results. Also, I don't believe there were "two different airbrushes and two different solutions" used during my service. At least I didn't see my esthetician change the equipment or solution... I was indeed sprayed twice, my esthetician did not miss a spot!

I think the service is great if you're headed to the islands and you want to save your skin from the sun, or if you're just in need of a "pick-me-up glow" while in the city. My advice is to purchase a self-tanner for maintenance, because you'll lose some of the glow when you first shower after waiting 8 hours after the service.

If you've had this service, then I'd love to know what your experience was- also, if you've had any other services at Completely Bare, please share!

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Mischo Beauty: Sweet Beauty Organic Chocolate Spa Treatments

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of "chocolate" body products/treatments, but I wanted to make you all aware of the Sweet Beauty collection of products because they're made with organic, fair trade chocolate- instead of chocolate by-products; and the line was founded/created by an esthetician (like myself!), Lisa Francoise, whose passion for skincare led her to obtain a Cidesco Diploma (the world's most prestigious qualification in the field of Esthetics).

The Sweet Beauty line includes sugar scrubs, lip balms, milk baths, body creams, facial scrubs, facial masques and hand & body soaps. Visit www.sweetbeautyspa.com to learn more.

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Mischo Beauty School: Sun Damage 101 & Innovative Skincare SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen

I have no lecture today (*smile*), because I'm sure everyone knows the obvious by now. If you need a refresher or need questions answered, please visit my Mischo Beauty School: Sun Damage 101 post and please feel free to email me with any questions.

So, in continuing to present you with options when it comes to suncare, you should know that Innovative Skincare has released it's SFP 25 Treatment Sunscreen. The sunscreen provides broad spectrum UV protection (includes UVA & UVB), can be used as a sunsburn treatment (which is a first) and contains antioxidants to prevent premature aging. It's available in a cream, powder and tinted "PerfectTint" formula and is recommended for all skin types. Visit Innovative Skincare to learn more.

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Mischo Beauty School: Eyelashes 101 & Revlon's Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Glue On Eyelashes

If you've been following my blog, you probably know how to apply lashes by now, right? If you need a refresher, please visit my "Mischo Beauty School: Eyelashes 101" post from last month, and please feel free to leave questions for me in the comments section.

So, I have to let you know how much fun I've been having with Revlon's Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Glue On Eyelashes. You might remember me telling you a few years ago that lashes were my favorite beauty accessory, inspired by the first Mischo Beauty Icon, Diana Ross, and her iconic look of the 60’s/70’s.

Well the Revlon Fantasy Lengths collection includes five different eyelash styles and comes with a set of eyelashes, eyelash adhesive and an instruction guide. Four easy steps, and with a little practice, you've got new lashes!

I just realized that Revlon's website doesn't list the eyelash styles included in the collection, so I've decided to include photos (please pardon the flash!). Pictured above is style called "Defining", which I believe will give you the most natural look- if trimmed down...

And then there's "Lush"...

A style called "Chic"...

"Minx" is the "party" lash style...

And the style called "Blue Shadow" (the lashes are actually blue!) is simply put- FIERCE!

Do false eyelashes interest you? If so, tell me why?

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Mischo Beauty School: Mini-Facials 101 & Mario Badescu

So those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I sent out a few "tweets" yesterday about the mini-facial I was giving myself. Mini-facials, like facials, are my "essential beauty product" - they're vital to maintaining my skin's health in between facial appointments.

I've decided to share my mini-facial routine with you because everyone can benefit from it- whether you receive monthly facials or not. My best advice is to invest in great products for your skin type/issues, and make mini-facials a part of your skincare routine. My skin type is normal/combination, with an oily t-zone and I used the following Mario Badescu products:

Cleanser: Enzyme Cleansing Gel ( all skin types)
Toner: Cucumber Cleansing Lotion (combination & oily skin types)
Exfoliant: (my own)
Mask: Enzyme Revitalizing Mask (combination, dry & sensitive skin types)
Eye Cream: Hyaluronic Eye Cream (all skin types)
Night Cream: Seaweed Night Cream (combination, oily & sensitive skin types)
Moisturizer: Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15 (combination & sensitive skin types)

So the steps are simply: Cleanse (Enzyme Cleansing Gel), Tone (Cucumber Cleansing Lotion), Steam Treatment, Exfoliate, Tone, Mask (Enzyme Revitalizing Mask), Tone & Moisturize (Hyaluronic Eye Cream, Seaweed Night Cream or Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15)!

So there you have it! Very easy- and anyone can do this! Please leave your questions in the comments section below and I'll get right back to you. Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty School: Bikini Waxing 101

This lesson was inspired by the many questions I’ve received over the past few days regarding waxing, specifically bikini waxing. Waxing is simply a form of epilation which removes hair by pulling it out of the hair follicle. Because hair is removed from the hair follicle, it takes longer to grow back- generally 4-6 weeks.

Below I’ve listed my best tips on how to prepare for waxing and what to expect:

1. Your hair should be at least a 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, if longer, prepare to have it trimmed by
your esthetician.

2. Plan to wax after your menstrual cycle because your body will be less sensitive.

3. Lightly exfoliate a few days before waxing to remove dead skin cells and make hair easier to
adhere to the wax.

4. A Brazilian bikini wax involves the removal of all hair, except for a “landing strip” in the front,
but you may choose to have it all removed.

5. Your esthetician will tweeze stray hairs.

6. It may take 24 hours for any redness or soreness to disappear. During that time, avoid the
sun, exfoliation, cream irritants and excessive heat.

7. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and aspirin before waxing as these heighten sensitivity.

8. If the wax pot is dirty and has old wax on it and a spatula sitting in the wax- RUN! There may
be sanitation issues.

9. If your esthetician “double-dips” the spatula in the wax pot each time wax is applied to the
area to be waxed- RUN! There are definitely sanitation issues.

10. Do not wax if you use Accutane, Retin-A, are sunburned, using other topical AHA's, or
medications that will make your skin reactive to waxing.

11. Do not wax if you have diabetes. You are more vulnerable to infection.

12. You must wax consistently every 4 - 6 weeks for the first few times. This will give your hair
time to begin growing on the same hair cycle. Don’t shave in between waxing appointments.

13. Resume exfoliation about 3 days after waxing to ensure the removal of dead skin cells, which,
if not removed, could cause the hair to grow inward resulting in ingrown hairs.

Love your skin. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

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Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

I consider facials my "essential beauty product" because not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. For those of you who've never had a facial, it's simply a service performed by an esthetician and usually consists of a professional deep cleansing, steam treatment, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer and possibly other products and treatments.

Not only will facials improve and revive your skin, but they will also help maintain the skin's health. You should definitely consider incorporating facials into your beauty regimen! If I haven't convinced you yet- here are a few of the many other benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Professional Deep Cleansing, Steam Treatment, Exfoliation, Extractions, Massage & Mask
3. Relaxing/Pampering
4. Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
5. Professional Skin Analysis, Product Recommendation & Custom Home Skincare Regimen
6. Stimulates Skin Renewal & Metabolism
7. Corrects/Alleviates Dryness, Oiliness & Redness
8. Softens Wrinkles & Aging Lines
9. Helps Clear Up Blemishes & Minor Acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Questions? Anyone had a fabulous facial lately? Love your skin.

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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!

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