Chair Massage: A Great Introduction To Massage For Beginners

Chair Massage is a great introduction for begginers as it is received fully clothed. The therapist will typically focus on the neck, back and shoulders although sometimes the arms and hands can be massaged as well. Chair Massage is perfect for corporate events or larger spa parties- and is typically done in 10, 15 or 20 minute increments. At just $1 per minute, it is a very convenient and affordable addition to your next party or large event. Providing chair massage on a monthly or quarterly basis will improve employee morale, increase productivity, decrease sick days and show your employees that you truely care about their health and well being. Chair Massage is also offered at a hourly rate for groups and organizations commited to ongoing wellness.

Benefits Of Chair Massage:

Boosts energy, alertness and productivity
Increases Circulation
Reduces muscle tension and pain
Helps prevent Repetitive-Stress Injuries
Relaxes and rejuvenates
Relieves emotional stress

             

Pedicure Safety

 With pedicure season in full swing- what should you know before receiving your treatment? There are a few things you, as the consumer, should know before receiving a pedicure. With hundreds of thousands of pedicures performed every year, most are excellent experiences with great results. However, some people are concerned especially if they hear a news story that questions the safety of pedicures. So here are some tips to help you be safe:
 
 - Skip having a manicure or pedicure if you have open wounds. This is best for your health and considerate for both the nail technician and other spa guests.
 - As a safety precaution, do not shave or wax 24 hours before your pedicure. Shaving causes little openings in the skin that can allow bacteria to enter the skin, should the pedicure tub not be completely disinfected.
 - Choose a salon with pedicure basins or pipeless whirlpool units. If you must choose a salon with whirlpool units that are not pipeless, ask to forgo the hydrotherapy portion of the pedicure.One of the most challenging sanitary issues regarding pedicures is the unseen piping and jets in pedicure tubs that cannot be cleaned properly between each client.
 - Porous items such as buffers, nail files, toe seperators, porous buffing blocks and pedicure flip flops cannot be sterilized. They must be thrown away or given to you after your treatment. Metal implements should be sanitized or sterilized after each use.

 We would love to hear your experiences regarding pedicures from our blog readers!  Keep those feet safe and beautiful!

Sunscreen: Are you really protected?

  Many people have a false sense of protection from improper sunscreen use. Melanoma cases are on the rise. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, cases of melanoma increased 45 percent from 1992 to 2004.

  Sunscreen is labeled with SPF (Sun Protection Label) — a measure of sunburn protection. SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays; the SPF 30 blocks 97 percent. SPF 30 does not have twice the protection of SPF 15. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher. Keep in mind that SPF only applies to UVB rays. UVA rays also contribute to skin cancer and pre-mature aging. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect from both UVB and UVA rays.

  Most people use sunscreen inconsistently or it’s inadequately applied. A golf ball-sized full ounce of sunscreen for a normal size adult body, reapplied every two hours. If sunscreen is applied too thin; it does not work. If your bottle of sunscreen is 8 ounces, chances are it will not last you the entire summer.
June 14, 2011, the FDA finally approved new sunscreen rules and regulations. Below is a list of the changes you will see by summer 2012:


Here are the main points in the FDA’s new sunscreen rules:

•Sunscreens may be labeled “broad-spectrum” if they provide protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
•Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher can state that they protect against skin cancer if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
•Sunscreens with an SPF of 2-14 will be required to have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.
•The terms “sunblock”, “sweatproof” and “waterproof” are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels.
•A sunscreen may claim to be “water resistant”; however, the product must specify if it offers 40 minutes or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must include a direction instructing consumers to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
•Sunscreens cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than two hours without reapplication.
•Sunscreen manufacturers will have one year to comply with the FDA ruling; smaller companies will have two years.
•The ingredients in sunscreens marketed today have been used for many years and FDA does not have any reason to believe these products are not safe for consumer use.
•The FDA reiterated that sunscreen alone is not enough, and should be used in conjunction with a complete sun protection regimen, including seeking shade, wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses.

Rochester NY Area Mobile Spa Now Offering Professional On Location Hair Cutting & Glycolic Chemical Peels!

            Spa Events NY now offers individual and group hair cutting & glycolic chemical peels in the comfort and convenience of your own space! As if being able to receive a manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, body treatment, airbrush tan, yoga session, hair styling, make up application or eyelash extension on your own schedule, wasn't enough- we now offer even more on location professional beauty services to cater to your unique schedule!

 Benefits:
 * Save time & money
 * Personalized care & superb customer service
 * Cut one or two errands out of your busy schedule
 * Avoid long waits in barbershops or salons
 * We provide complete set up & clean up, as with any of our other mobile services. We will sweep up hair and surface clean all equipment after the service.
 * Children can receive hair cuts in their own comfort zone, while watching cartoons!
 * Mom can conveniently squeeze in a cut and style for herself while children are napping
 * No need to find a babysitter

Chemical Peels:

 What is a glycolic chemical peel?

 Every day our skin undergoes the normal process of sloughing older dead skin cells.They are replaced by new cells, which ultimately, suffer the same fate. In young skin, the rate of cellular turnover is 28 days. As we age, the time needed for cells to slough off ncreases. Older cells stay in place longer, causing our skin to look dull and rough; impurities and moisture loss increase and fine wrinkles develop. Since peels accelerate the rate of cellular turnover, the appearance of the skin is improved.
 A chemical peel involves the application of acid to burn off damaged and dead skin cells of the face, neck, décolleté and hands. A peel removes several layers of sun-damaged and aged cells to expose fresh skin with a more even surface and color. Depending on peel depth, freckles, age spots and melasma may be lightened and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be reduced. Acneic skin greatly benefits from peels because the acid used dissolves or softens white heads and black heads for easier extraction. Peels may be
repeated every few weeks until desired results have been approached or achieved. Peel depth is determined by the degree of acidity, concentration of the peel medium, and the length of time the acid is allowed to interact with skin.

 How is it applied?
 After prepping the facial skin with degreasing agents, the glycolic acid is applied to the face. If it left on for two minutes (occasionally longer) and then neutralized. Glycolic acid causes a tolerable stinging sensation, which stops when neutralized. If the sensation becomes intolerable, it may be neutralized at any time. Gentle
peeling or flaking will usually begin after the 2nd day and may last up to 7 days. During that time you absolutely must not pick the skin and follow post-peel instructions. Using a sun block throughout the day (even if the sun does not shine) is mandatory

 How often should I repeat a Glycolic Peel?
 On average, we recommend a series of 3 to 5 treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart for optimum results.

 What can I expect afterwards?Everyone’s reaction to a peel treatment will vary depending on the depth of the peel, variances in skin density and thickness of the stratum corneum (dead skin cell layer). You may experience a ‘flushed’ sensation that can last a few hours following a peel. Slight flaking or peeling of the skin can last up to seven days, although you may not have visible flaking with every peel treatment, as the main function of these treatments are to cause cellular exfoliation and regeneration.
  Benefits of on location peels:
 * Some clients experience mild redness which can last a few hours following the treatment- with having this service done at home, you won't have to worry about walking out of the salon and seeing a neighbor or co-worker! You can relax at home immediately following while the pinkess subsides.
 *  Experience it with a friend over appetizers & drinks! Everything is more fun with friends.
 * Same level of professional service you would recieve in a spa, but with our low overhead- we can bring the same services to you with no ridiculous on location convenience upcharges!
 * With our "Girlfriends Club" program- spa Monday-Thursday and earn FREE Services by hosting a group of friends starting in August 2011!

Skin Benefits:
(Results depend upon skin conditions & number of peels)

 * Refined appearance of pores
 * Minimized appearance of fine lines
 * Increased ability to absorb product
 * Reduced appearance of superficial hyper-pigmentation
 * Stimulated circulation: improved skin tone
 * Encouraged shedding on dead skin cells
 * Improved elasticity and texture
 * Extractions of impurities are more easily performed

  You will also recieve an in depth "how to" prior to your party when booking for all glycolic chemical peel services! These services are performed by licensed, insured and experience estheticians who are ready to get your skin glowing! Inquire today about our "peel parties" or individual services appointments Monday-Thursday from 9 AM - 7 PM. Travel restrictions may apply for individual service appointments but please inquire.

Hair Tip Of The Day: 2 in 1, Yay Or Nay?

Do not use two-in-one shampoo and conditioner products. Ever! Shampoo is designed to have one effect on your hair, while conditioner is supposed to do another, and one application cannot do both. Shampoo opens the pores or scales on the hair follicles and cleans away any buildup of oil, dirt and pollutants. Conditioner closes or smoothes the follicles down, filling them with clean moisture and protection. It is important to do both, regardless of your hair type.

Benefits Of Spa Treatments: Rochester NY

No matter how busy you are, taking care of yourself should always be a top priority!  Many people have so many difficult challenges to face that they often feel the effects of a stress-filled life.  Studies have been conducted and show that stress is one of the major causes of various illnesses.  It is a great idea to make sure that you take the time to take care of your body and give yourself time to unwind and relax.  This relaxation is a necessary means to get rid of the stress that has built up on a daily basis.
  One way of doing this is by going to the spa (or better yet, having the spa come to you!) There are many benefits & reducing or eliminating stress is just one of them.  It is very important that you should stay away from stressful people and situations when possible- It will help you have positive thinking and be able to control your emotion.  Eliminating stress makes you more patient and some little things that seemed to annoy you before will not affect you anymore.
  Spa treatments also offer ways to relieve joint and muscle pains caused by over work. Many spa treatments incorporate massage that will relieve body pain and give you a sense of renewal and overall well being.
 Often times the most difficult part of it all is setting up the appointment! So next time your feeling stressed or need a little "me" time.... pick up the phone, order up a spa treatment or two & then sit back, relax, pour yourself a glass of wine, grab the remote and let our professional therapists pamper you into complete and utter bliss.

DIY Herbal Foot Bath

 Germans have relied on the healing powers of herbs and essential oils for centuries, using ingredients like lavender and valerian in baths and body wraps to address health issues ranging from stress to tuberculosis. Powerful botanicals are also often used to treat the feet during hydrotherapy rituals in which herbal concoctions -- containing natural healers like calm-inducing melissa, circulation-stimulating rosemary, or respiratory-boosting eucalyptus -- are added to footbaths.

  At health spas around Germany, guests' feet are plunged alternately into warm and cold baths several times each morning, and herb-infused cream is then massaged into the skin to help smooth cracks and calluses.
Do it Yourself: Release stress while nourishing your soul from the bottom up with the following ritual incorporating authentic German products infused with tried-and-true healing botanicals.

What You'll Need:
•Dresdner Essenz Organic Eucalyptus Herbal Bath Oil
•Dr. Hauschka Rosemary Foot Balm
•TeaGschwendner Chamomile Blossom


How to Do It:
•Sprinkle bath oil into a soaking tub filled with warm water. Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the eucalyptus to invigorate and moisturize.
•Dry off, then massage warming rosemary balm into feet and ankles to soothe soreness and heal cracks.
•As the nutrients are soaking in, keep feet warm with a thick pair of woolly socks while you sip a steaming mug of chamomile tea.

Credits: Spa Magazine

On Location Bridal Beauty- Choosing The Right Company!

It's been awhile! We apologize! Wedding & Pedicure season are in full swing!
 With wedding season upon on us, it seems appropriate to talk about how to choose you’re on location bridal hair and make up artist or company. More and more brides are realizing the convenience of having a beauty team travel to them on their Cinderella day, instead of having to travel to a salon or spa.
 On location hair and make up was a luxury once available only to celebrities. Now, it isn't just celebrities who are enjoying the royal treatment by hiring on location hair and make up experts! Many brides are realizing they too can experience the celebrity treatment without breaking the bank.

 Choosing the right company is very important. Here are some things to ask and keep in mind when hiring a beauty and/or spa team for your special day:

 View their portfolio! The portfolio should have a wide range of looks and styles ranging from dramatic to natural. A portfolio with a range demonstrates the artist’s ability to work with many face and eye shapes as well as skin. However, if the artist specializes in special FX make up and occasionally does a bride- that artist may not be the best fit for you unless you are having a Nightmare on Wall street themed wedding!

 Rates. Many times you can save by booking your hair and make up together as a package. But remember, cheapest isn't always the way to go. A variety of factors play in to choosing a hair and make up artist that is right for you. Make up and Hair can vary in price so much and the type of product a make up artist uses especially is very important. Chances are that if you are being charged $20 per make up application, the artist is not using a high quality foundation. A high quality foundation is essential for looking flawless both in film and in person and provides a long lasting coverage- especially for outdoor events during the dog days of summer! Some great foundation choices are: Smashbox, Christian Dior, Chanel,YSL, Armani, Cinema Secrets, RCMA, Graftobian Airbrush & Luminess Airbrush.

 Products. This goes hand in hand but product choices are very important! Be sure to ask what type of make up they use. A make up artist who uses a high quality foundation is essential. This is going to provide you that radiant, flawless look in pictures and while talking to guests. A low quality foundation is just not going to product the same results and can rub off or worse- become blotchy- especially during an outdoor humid event. 
 If you have sensitive skin or allergies- let them know! They can recommend special base products that won't irritate your skin.

 Sanitation. Sanitation is oh so important! The artist should use hand sanitizer or wash their hands prior to working on your face. The make up artist should sanitize and sharpen their eye and lip pencils prior to using them on you. Individual mascara wands should be used when applying mascara. Watch out for double dippers! Mascara wands can transmit bacteria that can cause pink eye or sties. Some brides even ask to use their own mascara. Brush cleaner or rubbing alcohol should also be used to clean brushes in between clients in order to not cross-contaminate.

 Back Up. What happens if (God forbid) your stylist or make up artist is sick or has an emergency on your wedding day? Do they have a back up? This is sometimes the benefit of booking an actual company over an individual artist or stylist. Often time’s companies will have back up staff on hand for your wedding day in the event of an emergency. Always ask what the back up policy is!

 Trial Run. The trial is the opportunity to play and run through the ideas and looks you will want on the wedding day. Having magazine or printed pictures of similar styles you want is very helpful to have on hand for the trial to give the artist an idea of your vision. For make up, make sure your skin is clean and hydrated. Listen to the artist or stylist and trust that they have professional sound advice. For example, if your hair is natural very curly and the look you are going for is pin straight- it might not be the best choice for an outdoor very humid ceremony. Or if you are a bride who cries on the drop of a dime or just thinking about your wedding day, you may choose to go with a more subtle eye style rather than the dramatic smoky eye.

After your trial look is perfected and you are 100% happy, make sure either the stylist or you take a picture and writes down the color choices used so it can be replicated on your wedding day.

 Day Of: Make sure you and your wedding party have clean hydrated faces ready for application. Typically, the company you hire will give you an idea of the time needed for each person and advise a start time based on your ceremony or limo pick up time. A rule of thumb is 1 hour per updo, 45 minutes for bridal make up and 30 minutes for wedding party make up. But make sure to discuss this with your stylist and/or make up artist so that you can plan accordingly. Make sure to allow yourself extra time so that you are not rushing around on your wedding day! There is usually enough going on that day- allow yourself to be able to relax and enjoy the day you have been planning for so long as best as possible.

 After. After the big day, make sure to send in a wedding photo or two. We love keeping our portfolios up to date and always appreciate brides sending photos!



For more information or to ask questions, e-mail us at info@spaeventsny.com and in the mean time, check out some photos from a recent bridal party we did over the weekend!

 

Does Organic Mean Healthier?

Does being "organic" or "natural" mean that a product is healthier than others? The answer is No! The USDA has repeatedly stated that the term "organic" does not ensure that a product is any safer, better or of higher quality than "non-organic" products. Nature is filled with many naturally occurring toxins & other potentially harmful substances: pollens, cat dander, poison ivy and hemlock to name a few. Natural simply indicates that an ingredient is normally found in nature, not that it is inherently safer.

 Whenever we hear someone insist on the superior safety of a product do to its natural ingredients, we wince because virtually ALL pharmaceutical products were originally isolated and purified from “natural” sources.  Later, synthesis (in many cases) has actually resulted in removal of toxic contaminants that could not be removed during purification of the “natural” product.

When chemicals such as Cocamide DEA or Sodium Hydroxysultaine are followed by the words “derived from coconut oil” the consumer is led to believe that these synthetic chemicals must somehow be "natural". While this may be true in some cases where a natural oil or extract is actually used, it is ultimately irrelevant because what you end up with after the chemical solvent extraction and processing is usually anything but natural, pure or organic. It is just another chemical concoction with some rather awful sounding long names to describe the process the original "natural" substance went through.

 To create Cocamide DEA, a foaming agent found in some shampoos, requires the addition of a synthetic chemical and known carcinogen, Diethanolamine – DEA, to the coconut oil. It's therefore no longer natural, or even what you could call safe!

 Fortunately, there is a very simple way to differentiate between the hype and the truth in skin care and that is to read the ingredient list on the label. It's a legal requirement that all skin care products, natural or otherwise, must be labeled with the ingredients in descending order of their quantity in the product. A good rule of thumb is to divide the ingredient list into thirds: the top third usually contains 90-95% of the product, the middle third usually contains 5-8% and the bottom third, 1-3%.

You'll often notice that when looking at a product, the things like "Apricot Oil, Organic Sugar, Grapefruit Seeds, Sage Extract, Chamomile Extract" etc. that would be beneficial, are often found towards the end and make up less than 2.5% of the volume of the product!

 So next time someone insists that their product is safer because it contains "natural" ingredients, use your intellect to think about all of the products found in nature like poinson ivy, belladonna or hemlock. You'll be left thinking "So what?"

  We are not against natural products by any means. I think we all prefer natural products. But just because a product is natural or organic, does not mean it is necessarily better for you. Do your homework yourself and look up ingredients if you need to!

Chocolate Spa

We are getting ready for the Ladies Night event at Affaire De Chocolat in Penfield next Wednesday May 4th from 5-8 PM! We will be offering complimentary Mini Chocolate Manicures and there will be plenty of chocolate samplings and beverages to compliment a great girls night out. Our chocolate spa treatments are just FAABULOUS! So come on down and sample a little taste of what your own spa party would be like at Affaire De Chocolate 1769 Penfield Road    Penfield,  NY   14526

 With chocolate & spa treatments on the brain, here are a few inspirations for your own chocolate themed spa party! Remember, no spa party is complete without fabulous in home professional spa offerings from Spa Events NY.

Senior Portrait Make Up

We have had the pleasure of working with Natalie Sinisgalli Senior Photography, doing Make Up for all of their Senior Photo clients. Natalie is a fabulous photographer with a great eye and artistic style. She is great at capturing the story of who each individual teen is, through their photo sessions. Hip music, a VIP style make up artist (the wonderful Taylor) in studio, unlimited wardrobe changes, friendly upbeat personalities- are all a part of the experience. Their cute little studio located in Pittsford, with chandeliers and chic design elements really set the tone for a memorable photo shoot experience.

Here is a sneak peak of just some of the photos:

                           All of these girls went with a very natural, subtle look and rocked it out!
   

Flip Flops & Lemon Drops

We were brainstorming about our new summer pedicure and have came up with the Lemon Drop manicure and pedicure to go with our Flip Flops & Lemon Drops new party theme for the summer! Like a tall cold glass of fresh squeezed lemonade for the feet- this one is refreshingly good and good for you.

Services: Lemon Drop Manicure, Lemon Drop Pedicure, 1 Hr Lemon Zest Massage
Activities: Make Your Own Flip Flips- have a contest for the gaudiest, flirtiest, cutest etc.
Drinks: Lemon Drop, Lemon Drop Martini, Lemon Whiskey Sours (with fresh cherries) Lemon Infused Water, Lemonade (Alcholic or Non)
Food: Use hollowed out, scalloped lemons to serve side dishes like rice and dessrts like lemon custard, sherbert or mousse, lemon meringue pie, Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabobs, Shrimp Scampi with lemon butter sauce, Mini Lemon Sandwich Cookies, Oprah's Summer Squash Lemon Thyme Soup

Decor Inspiration:

Added Touch: when serving finger foods or messy outdoor foods like BBQ, serve these lemon infused towels to guests to wipe their sticky fingers! (Drop a few squirts of lemon juice on towels and put them in the microwave for a few minutes to add to the pampering citrus theme.)

 Credits: Lemon Cupcakes, Lemon Drop Tray, Lemon Centerpieces, Lemon Placecards & Lemon Infused Towels

Spa Jama Sleepover Party

Today we are sharing some ideas for the Spa Jama theme. One of our most popular teen party requests- although this theme can be used for all ages- even adults- when adapted appropriately. We have even heard of a "Bedtime Story" themed Baby Shower that many of these design concepts would work with. Adorable!


                     We love the idea of setting the bed up as a table setting for this theme!

      Credits: Hostess With The Mostess, Party Wishes, Setting The Mood With Jamee & Walmart
                                                              Picture 2: Real Simple

              This adorable breakfast buffet inspiration is just the cutest for a child's Sleepover!

Credit: The Purple Pug

                                                    

                                        We love these ADORABLE slipper cookies from Family Fun!

                              

Recipe Here: Family Fun

A fun birthday cake idea for a children's party from Kids Birthday Party Guide

These adorable spa themed sleeping masks from MommaWants1More

You can use this same concept to inspire some adorable invitations! By using felt or cardstock, use scissors to cut out invitations in this shape. Using a hole punch, punch a hole on both sides of the mask and use a pretty, coordinating ribbon to create an "elastic band". Remember, the invitation is the first impression guests get of your event- spend the extra time and make it impressionable!

From our personal experience from parents reviews, a spa themed sleepover is the perfect solution to any parent dreading the idea of a sleepover party! The spa theme usually calms & relaxes and parents tell us saying "Wow! We have never seen them this quiet!"

   

                                                              Credit: Spa Events NY
                                                  

Mermaidia Under The Sea- Splash Splash Celebration Bash!

In addition to our fabulous "grown up" spa events- we offer the poshest children's events that Upstate NY has to offer! We offer an event that children will remember forever. With the warm weather upon us, we would like to feature this fabulous summer party plan- our Meramidia Under The Sea party!

 As each child arrived to the party, she was given a mermaid costume to change into and could choose accessories to create the perfect mermaid look. For boys, we had pirate costumes, eye patches and pirate hats!
       

                                     

        A real mermaid visited this party- pampering the girls with make up, face paint and nail painting! They were also led through the Mermaid & Pirate Promise ceremony where they were given the rules to become "real mermaids and pirates" for the day.

                   

Children decorated their own Treasure Chests! They decorated with stickers, foam letters, glitter and glue and had a fabulous time personalizing each trinket box and making it their very own.