Beauty 101: Beginners Guide to Spa Treatments

If you’re getting a full pedicure, make sure you are wearing shoes that don’t squash your feet and that you have a pair of flip flops in your bag for afterwards. An express pedicure will just need you to hike your pants up a bit, whilst a more intensive treatment may include a leg massage. Make sure you wear something that allows maximum access to the leg region without over exposure of other regions (best to leave the short skirts at home girls).

 

When I say they have seen it all before…they really have. These are people who have been touching tootsies and waxing bikini lines even before they got the job. And when they are working they are stacked with bookings all day, each of those bookings is just one more brazilian, or upper lip wax. Your manicurist won't mind if your hands have seen better days – all she will do is make them look amazing. Beauty salons are judgment free – they have seen it all!

 

Oh IPL, how I love you. When It comes to beauty treatments this is one of the areas that’s really getting people through the door – no surprise given that an IPL or intense pulsed light treatment can not only work to remove unwanted hair permanently, but also diminish broken veins, uneven skin pigmentation and diminish fine lines and enlarged pores. If you want more information head along to RubyWaxx (phone 09 302 1294 or visit them at 29 Karaka Street, Newton, Auckland), their website explains the basics behind this great spa procedure and the specialist services this Auckland clinic offers.


 

 

Forgive us beauty buffs - sometimes we get ahead of ourselves. We forget that not everyone knows what a course of microdermabrasion followed by a collagen treatment actually is, or why you would even want to have it! Any good beauty salon will go to lengths to explain to you what each of their treatments are, if they don’t personally I'd steer clear. If in doubt ask! Don’t be afraid to ask why you need a particular treatment. If your salon has a website, scour it beforehand to be in the know about the treatments, and if you are unsure ask for a recommendation!

 

When it comes to treatments they usually fall into two categories – the first is relaxing and reviving treatments. That’s things like a relaxing facial massage or a  foot soak - they feel beautiful, allow you to take some time out and as a result you glow. The second are the creating/active treatments. These are the ones that will lift bits that sag and brighten bits that are dark. Think glycolic peels for smoothing and lifting skin, or dermabrasion to deeply exfoliate skin.

 

You have to have a general idea of the concern you have. Stressed from work but don’t like people touching your bare skin? A manicure is a good bet! Annoyed about your underarm hair – IPL might be the answer. Know the concern then visit your local beauty clinic and ask them what they recommend. Or if you know you want a brazillian wax just ring up and book it, but please keep your appointments or let them know if you’re not going to show up! If you haven’t done it before ask them what you should expect and if there is anything to keep in mind, most places will ask if it's your first time receiving a treatment when you book allowing you to voice any concerns you may have.

 

Getting someone else to make your hands look fab, and your legs hair free just means one less thing for you to worry about. And at the end of the day isn’t that the best thing! So don’t be afraid to hit the beauty salon for your next bit of pampering even if you have never been before!