The menu of services at ESP Wellness Center includes: massage, Reiki, nutritional counseling, private sessions in their infrared sauna, guided meditation, breath work and some very fun fitness classes. Their menu for fitness classes includes: pilates, yoga, boxing training, suspension training, trampoline classes, and a class that I’m very excited to attend at some point…Inner Child. The Inner Child class is all about releasing your inner child, while getting a fun workout. This class playfully includes hula hoops, jump ropes, trampolines, hop scotch, parachutes and more. It sounds like a blast! I can’t wait to try it. I think this class would be great for getting a group of your friends together for a super fun activity, while getting a great workout and having a laugh. ESP Wellness Center offers private sessions, two or three person shared sessions, and semi-private group fitness classes. They offer more services than I’m mentioning, and I highly recommend that you visit ESP to check out all they have to offer.

On the day that I visited ESP Wellness Center, I went for the hot stone massage with Michael and Reiki with Parvati. I have had hot stone massages before, but Michael Canvin always takes every massage to a different and higher level. Check out this pic of me on Michael’s massage table with hot stones placed on my body and hot stones in between my toes. There were many more hot stones placed on and under my body than what you can see in this picture.

I absolutely loved Michael’s placement of the hot stones. It felt so healing and relaxing. Michael explained why and where he placed the hot stones on my body and explained to me that because the stones are earthy, they are very grounding. At the very beginning of my session with Michael, he placed hot stones under my body, for me to lie down on. This may sound like it could be uncomfortable, to lie on top of hot stones, but it was extremely relaxing. The stones that Michael placed between my toes were also very relaxing. Perfect placement!

Michael Canvin: “I placed the chakra stones on the front of your body on chakra areas. And on your back, I made a spinal layout with the stones. The stones run along the spine, not on the spine but next to the spine. It really relaxes the back muscles so that they are prepared for when you turn around and I work on your back. They are warm and soft and it’s a very relaxing feeling to have those stones. (Along with the stones that Michael placed between my toes, he also placed hot stones in my hands) The benefit with hot stones is that they are a warm-up for your body, in a way.”

Massages are never predictable with Michael. We talked a lot about going deeper in a massage and the benefit of slower movement by the massage therapist. Michael explained to me that there are some people who have trouble letting go during a massage, they are resistant. When you completely surrender to a massage, the benefit is much greater. During my massage, when Michael was working deeper with my muscles, he guided me with my breathing through his movements. It was such a powerful massage. In his healing hands, I completely surrender. And, in doing so, the benefits I get from the massage are much greater. While it was an amazing massage, Michael also gave me what felt like a truly healing experience. I will always go back to him. If I could, I would schedule a massage with him every week. Honestly, I’ve yet to find anyone who is on Michael’s level when it comes to massage. He works on a level that is high above anyone else that has ever worked on my body.

Michael Canvin: “I often see the body as an instrument, and I find new tunes every time I work with someone. No massage is the same. I don’t want it to be predictable. I never get tired of learning about the body and how to work on it. So, it’s a constant new flow.”

I can’t recommend booking a massage with Michael enough. I previously wrote on My Skin Affair that Michael is my favorite massage therapist but, I have to say, I think this hot stone massage that I had with Michael was even more impressive than when I first wrote that he was my favorite. He’s that good! If I could, I would treat everyone that I love to a massage with Michael.

When I listened back to the chat I had with Michael after my massage, I had to laugh at myself. In the recoding of our chat, I sounded like I was in a completely different world than I was in before my session with Michael. I was SO relaxed that my voice had lowered a few octaves and I was talking very slowly. My normal pattern of speech can be a bit fast, sometimes too fast. After my massage with Michael, I sounded like I was half asleep, in a state of deep relaxation. His hot stone massage put me in such a relaxed state that I felt like I had let go of tension in my body that I didn’t even realize was there. Michael truly took away my tension and stress and my body felt like it was floating. I felt so much lighter. I could go on for days about how skilled of a massage therapist Michael is and how healing his massages are. Just do yourself a favor, and treat your body to an hour with Michael Canvin if you can. Your body will thank you.

After my session with Michael, I joined Parvati Shallow for a Reiki session. I had never had Reiki before my experience with Parvati. I was very curious about it and really looking forward to a new experience, as I always look forward to new therapies and treatments for my body. I didn’t know much about Reiki, so I asked Parvati to explain to me what Reiki actually is.

Parvati Shallow: “Reiki is a light touch energetic healing process. You are fully clothed when you have a Reiki session, you’re lying down and the therapist works as a channel for energy. The universal energy of healing comes through the therapists body and out through their hands. When I practice Reiki on a client, I’ll feel the points and go through their body (she does this with the light touch of her hands) and I’ll find knee energies, ankle injuries, stomach problems, headache issues (issues that she wasn’t told about by the client prior to their Reiki session) and I feel that in my body. It’s interesting and I really enjoy it because you have this connection with your client and when I sense those areas that need a little bit more energy, a little more healing…I’ll stay on them for a second and send some extra love.”

For the amount of time that I was actually awake for my Reiki session with Parvati, I found it to be very relaxing. I’m not sure if it was the killer combo of Michael’s massage with Parvati’s Reiki, or the fact that I was new to Reiki and, therefore, very affected by it. But I was so relaxed that I briefly fell asleep while Parvati was working on my body. I actually prefer to stay awake during relaxing treatments so that I can be present for how wonderful my body feels. But, on this particular day, I don’t think I had a chance of staying awake. I had reached a state of relaxation that is almost too difficult to describe. After my Reiki session, Parvati shared with me the areas of my body where she felt different types of energy, even telling me where she thinks I might need to do some healing work on myself. That’s when she invited me to one of her breath work classes, thinking that I would benefit from it and that her breath work class could possibly help me to get in touch with certain areas of my body that need a bit more love and healing. It was a great experience.

I completely believe in and support what Erika Shay and Parvati Shallow are doing at ESP Wellness Center. I will most definitely be going back to take Parvati and Erika up on their offer for me to experience their infrared sauna and experience Parvati’s breath work class. I’m also really looking forward to the Inner Child class that they offer. I had a truly great experience at ESP Wellness Center. It was relaxing, healing, inspiring, welcoming and warm.

Thank you so much to Michael Canvin, Parvati Shallow and Erika Shay for a wonderful afternoon. I will see you all again very soon!

Related reviews:

1. Spa Review: The Argyle Spa Detoxifying Body Wrap
2. Spa Review: Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa
3. Spa Review: The Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa and My Favorite Massage Therapist

I absolutely love The Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa. It’s very beautiful and relaxing. I had a Rub N’ Buff body scrub there that was to die for. M.J. was also the therapist that gave me my scrub. It made me feel like I had new skin. So unbelievably soft! It was a scrub down like no other. Also, I highly recommend the Hydrotherapy Soak Treatment at Ole Henriksen. Bath time there is transcendent. A small tea pot is placed beside your bath and you can relax and enjoy a cup of detox tea while you soak in the relaxing sent of lavender. My favorite part of the soak is the actual room that you get this treatment in. This serene room is candle-lit by the most beautiful lanterns. It’s absolutely breathtaking. I want to live in that room. So lovely! I highly recommend visiting The Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, booking a massage with M.J., and having the Hydrotherapy Soak before your massage. You can’t go wrong with this one! Delish! Your body with thank you.

*Read my interview with the very fascinating and talented Ole Henriksen.*
Enjoy!

Related reviews:

1. Spa Review: The Argyle Spa Detoxifying Body Wrap
2. Spa Review: Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa
3. Spa Review: ESP Wellness Center - Santa Monica, CA.

Why did you start a skin care line?

My skin care line evolved very naturally. When I started out in 1975, I would make my own products in my kitchen, bring them on my bicycle to work and used them on my clients. In those days I would say what I became known as was the acne expert. The first big star that came my way was Barbra Streisand. So, that was a very good start for me. I got educated in London in cosmetic chemistry, phys and body work. When I landed in Los Angeles in 1974 no one wanted to hire me as a man because they didn’t want me to see women topless or without their clothes. So it was actually a great thing, because I was pushed against a wall and I realized that I was so passionate about what I had been educated in, in London, that I decided to start my own business on a shoe string. And that was what I did on Camden Drive in Beverly Hills. And I would literally bring the products on my bicycle, in my tupperware containers, to work. My specialty was complexion care, even though I had been educated in body work as well. We called ourselves “Ole Henriksen of Denmark” in those days. A lot of my inspiration as far as skin care is; keep it simple, make it effectual, make it pure, make it natural. That came from my heritage. My mom worked at the local pharmacy in my village and made up a lot of remedies for her sons for the cold weather conditions. So I was sort of inspired by her.

Henry Jaffe was one of my many clients very early on. He was the producer of The Dinah Shore Show and Dinah was the Oprah of her time. So Henry put me on Dinah’s show. He found it fascinating that I was doing the kitchen formulations. So that sort of evolved. But I remained very focused on taking care of my clients, together with a great staff, elevating people’s skin to the very best it could be, specializing continuously in eruption prone skin. In 1985 I wrote my first and only American book, Ole Henriksen Seven Day Skin Care Program, where I aim to make every woman her own skin care expert. I put celebrities in the book and I landed on Oprah’s show and Oprah helped bring the book into the forefront and on the best seller list and that was really when I began, step by step, creating products. So the products sort of had a natural, organic start in the sense that it wasn’t something that I mapped out and strategized. People said “I love your recipes in the book, please create products that have a shelf life”.

Of the products that are available in your skin care line now, how close are they to what you originally created in your kitchen, years ago?

Well, there is no doubt that the key ingredients, among others are: the essential fatty acids, sesame, avocado, the wheat germ, the soy, the grape seed oils…all those good fats are what I incorporate to this very day. They cushion, they calm, they insulate, they are not comedogenic. What happens is you take inventory ever so often and look at a product formulation and say what science and what part of mother nature can I add to elevate it to the next level because there’s always progress. So you stay close to the integrity of the texture but infuse it ever so often with a little update. I would say I’ve always stayed very true to nature. But at the same time I say nature, science, beauty wellness is sort of what I operate under, a total wellness brand, because by putting a twist of science onto mother nature you render greater results. But when you look at the ingredient index it is very clean, very simple. For me, as a formulator it is about, of course, enhancing the skin’s self proliferation that you obviously continuously stimulate the skin to function at top level. It’s amazing what you can do creatively with formulations. We have won, this year alone, 5 international awards. I just won four in the UK by the National Health and Beauty Awards. Again, for me the formulations are key that they feel great, they smell good, they deliver results. And I aim to always say keep it simple, you don’t have to do a lot. I mean someone young and flawless like you, you want to do the basics. My spa has always been the foundation because this is sort of the lab. This is where we work one on one with our clients and it’s also where you build relationships long term. So we have second and third generations here now which is such a treat. Sadly for me, having been a hands on expert as well, with the business having grown into 35 countries, I am involved, certainly here and creating treatments and working with the great staff but I’m also on the road seven months out of the year as a spokesperson for the brand so I no longer have booked appointments.

Now, what if Barbra Streisand called? Would you give her a treatment?

You know it’s so interesting. Actually, mostly not. Because the truth is I remember some years ago Naomi Campbell called who I’ve treated since she was seventeen years of age. Naomi said “Please Ole, please just do this for me” and I said “I would love to Naomi but we are not going to be able to coordinate our schedules. I’m here and you’re there. And you have all the great people here.” I mean they all (celebrities) see the staff. The truth is, we are all replaceable, all of us. And it was really hard to walk away from, but I had to. When I retired from the treatment room Charlize Theron, Renee Zellweger, Jessica Alba , Hugh Jackman, Eminem…they all began seeing different staff members.

Even Eminem is coming in for a facial?

The list is very, very long. We are very honored. Paris Hilton, who I’ve known since she was a little girl, comes in. Her mom used to have a shop here at Sunset Plaza. We have a very diverse client base, male and female.

Two different celebrities have mentioned your spa on my site and how much they absolutely love it. Most recently, Julie Benz.

You’re kidding! Well, I am honored. And they get the best treatments from everyone. So it isn’t just that I have to be here. For me, I just really cannot commit myself to a booking because I am in town this week, I just got in town from three weeks, I leave tomorrow morning…

What a treat that I was able to meet you!

Oh, it’s mine. Well I am honored that you are here and that’s what I enjoy. Meeting people of your caliber and your success. I mean that sincerely and I’m grateful. As far as my job, it takes me to small parts of the world and big cities and I’m really available for all of these different job assignments and love it.

Ole tells me (taking a look at my face) that “Your skin is very stable and very balanced”, and then he recommends the products from his line that he would like to send home with me. Very generous! I felt so fortunate to have Ole personally selecting products for me from his line. Such a treat!

I mentioned to Ole how much I enjoyed my first treatment of the day at his spa.

You got my favorite, Rub ‘n Buff. You got the Rub ‘n Buff that Madonna is a huge fan of. The last time Madonna had the Rub ‘n Buff was at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, and at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, where she also came in and requested the body treatment by me and walked away with a Rub ‘n Buff. It’s been years since she has been here, but she has showed up for my treatments around the globe. We do the treatments, in addition to retail as well in about 400 spas in Europe.

We begin chatting about Ole’s partner of 26 years, Laurence Roberts. So, is he completely spoiled rotten?

He is, but you know what, he deserves it. Your other half, that you love, you want to spoil. He is such an integral part of the business in as far as his creativity. Much of the design you see here, since he does interior design, is his. Laurence also is very active in the final decisions on product names. He is, of course, very much a lover of face and body treatments. For him, it’s just a lifestyle. And I believe for all of us it’s a balance. You don’t have to obsess, you have to keep things simple. But you really must take time for yourself as part of living a good life. Eat well, celebrate, laugh a lot, have fun don’t take yourself too seriously. And great skin I often sum up in just one word. It’s all about great texture. It’s all about texture. I am not a fan of the extreme procedures that are done today. I find that it’s sad, plastic surgery and injectables, that I’ve used as well. I see it as taking things to the extreme in many instances where faces that at one time had life and natural beauty, suddenly are transformed into a mummification and often takes away the elegant features because as far of the aging process, what’s beautiful is that the face takes on more character, more defined features. Those features you want to highlight as you get older. Many people chase youth too obsessively. That doesn’t mean there aren’t certain conservative procedures that can be done but it’s knowing where to draw the line. And it’s hard for people, I know. Because you want to look good but you want to look naturally good. I think you can find a happy medium.

Ole gave me a great tip about using the Rub ‘n Buff, that is also a great tip for any exfoliator that you’re using in the shower.

“As you’re using the Rub ‘n Buff in the shower or whatever exfoliator you’re using in the shower, kneel down so you can close your eyes, not bending over hurting the back. Really be able to relax and close your eyes. Dampen your body, turn the shower off, then do your scrub. That way you maintain the density of the formula”.

It was an absolute pleasure meeting and chatting with Ole Henriksen. He is beyond charming and I could have spent hours talking to him.

Ole: Thank you for your time and generosity.

Look forward to an upcoming review of the Ole Henriksen spa, Ole Henriksen spa treatments and more Ole Henriksen product reviews. Coming soon!

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1. Spa Review: The Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa and My Favorite Massage Therapist
2. Celebrity Skin Interview: Christine Lakin
3. Dr. Howard Murad: An Interview And An Experience at Murad

Marla Sokoloff has her own blog, that I love, Don’t Hate The 818. She wrote her own review of KLS Skin Care. Check it out!

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Why do you think Aveda is the best?

Ginger: I think Aveda is one of the best products on the market because of it’s natural process and I like to have organics. I think it’s food for the hair and the scalp. And I want to know that I’m giving my guests the very best to make their hair healthy and shiny. So far, to date, I haven’t found anything that’s comparable to Aveda. I stick to Aveda because if you really stay focused I can tell you what you need to get what you want, where if I have too many variables (other product lines) I may not be able to prescribe what your needs are and this way I feel like I can keep it simple, not have you overuse product, and I can give you the right product for your needs.

Any favorite Aveda products over the years?

Ginger: The new Texturizing Creme is one of my fave’s. It’s really soft and light and I feel that it keeps the hair clean. I started when Aveda began and I’ve always been a fan of Volumizing Tonic.

Note: I’ve been using Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic for about six months now and I love it. I have fine hair and it’s great for helping me get the extra volume that I need.

Planet Salon is an all-inclusive experience. Ginger does all that she can to ensure that it’s a very peaceful environment. She doesn’t want loud music playing, she makes sure that her stylists aren’t on their cell phones, etc. Ginger says that when you leave her salon she wants your shoulders to be lower by two inches.

While my hair was being colored by Dean Roybal, I asked him about his work.

Dean: I truly feel like it’s an expression. Like an internal expression that we put on the outside. It’s finding a mood, maybe an event that’s coming and then really working with the guest and finding out how they feel and what vibe they want to put out there, through hair color. So for me it really is art and then connecting the hair color with the hair cut is my second major thing. Because first I want the person to really feel it and have the energy behind it to really wear it and then to compliment the hair cut. Then it’s about the hair cut and coloring to the shape and making sure that I really show off the hair cut to my best ability and that way it’s such a good marriage between all of it. And that’s why we do a lifestyle consultation at Planet Salon. It’s really kind of digging a little deeper. Really listening and finding out the energy of the client and also what’s coming up in their life and what it is that they want to do.

By the way, not only did I love what Dean did with my color but he also gives an amazing hand massage!

Of course, we all look forward to a wonderful shampoo when we get our hair done…but Planet Salon takes pampering to a much higher level. When my hair was shampooed, I received a neck and shoulder massage and was offered six different oils to choose from for my massage. I chose the Blue Oil. It’s a menthol oil and it smelled wonderful and felt amazing. I was also treated to my second hand and arm massage during my visit. Yes, I was treated to two different hand massages while I was at Planet Salon and I was told that not only does every client receive a hand and neck/shoulder massage when they come in for any service, but quite often clients are treated to more than one hand massage during their visit. My first hand and arm massage, with the Aveda Hand Relief, was wonderful. But my second hand and arm massage was even better. First a hot towel has wrapped around both of my arms and hands. So relaxing! Then my arms and hands were cleansed, followed by a toner…then massaged with Green Science Firming Face Cream. This was after my neck and shoulder massage and my wonderful shampoo, so I was in heaven. And I must add that while I was getting my shampoo, a warm towel was placed behind my neck. You know how sometimes it can be uncomfortable leaning your head back to get your hair washed? Not at Planet Salon. They take care of you and make sure that you’re relaxed and comfortable every step of the way. Ginger believes that all salon experiences should be this relaxing and special. And I agree, they most certainly should be. But out of all of the salons that I’ve ever been to, this was the most relaxing experience that I have ever had while getting my hair done.

After my hair was colored and I had my wonderful shampoo/massage experience, I was treated to a Botanical Hair and Scalp Treatment. This treatment, which conditions and strengthens your hair, includes time under a micro mist that Planet Salon has lovingly named “Wally”. I loved that treatment. It was very relaxing and it’s such a wonderful treatment for your hair, especially colored hair. I was told that it will even help your hair color last longer. I absolutely love that because my color always seems to fade way too fast. So, the Botanical Hair Treatment is perfect for me.

I could go on and on for days about Planet Salon and how impressed I was with the entire facility and how wonderful my experience was there. But I haven’t told you about my haircut yet! Ginger Boyle looked like a goddess cutting my hair…holding her scissors and showing my hair who was boss. I’m usually that client who sits down and has a million things to say about how I’d like for my hair to look. I was so confident in Ginger. I gave her a very basic Idea of what I wanted and then I just let her take over and do her thing. I had no doubt in my mind that I would love whatever she did, and I absolutely did. I loved it! If you are ever in Ginger Boyle’s chair I would highly recommend letting her take the lead with your hair and do what she does best. I know that sometimes it’s scary to let go of that haircut you’ve been hanging on to for the past five years…but you will be thankful that you left your hair in the hands of this unbelievably gifted stylist. I was beyond thrilled with my color by Dean Roybal and my Ginger Boyle cut. I’m using “Ginger Boyle cut” the same way I always use the name of my favorite designer jeans. They aren’t just jeans, they’re the best jeans. And I say that with a proud smile because it takes a while to find the best pair of jeans and they are always worth the price tag when they fit perfectly. So, this wasn’t just a haircut, no…it was a “Ginger Boyle cut”. And it was fabulous! Dean and Ginger are a fierce combo! They are both artists that compliment each other beautifully in their work. So, you simply must make appointment with both Ginger and Dean. You will be getting non-stop compliments on your hair.

I love my cut, I love my color, I love Ginger, I love Dean and I absolutely love Planet Salon! It’s hard to consider letting anyone else even touch my hair after this experience. Plant Salon is now on my “must have” list.

About Ginger Boyle:
Ginger has built her reputation over the last 30 years as one of the most sophisticated stylists, gifted teachers and popular platform artists in the country. As a Global Master for Aveda, Ginger has provided advanced training and continued education to beauty industry professionals. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Interview and Mademoiselle, as well professional trade publications, video shoots, and NBC’s The Apprentice. In April 2006, Ginger received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Aveda for her continued commitment and leadership.

Many thanks to Ginger Boyle and Dean Roybal.

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3. The Argyle Salon and Spa

After the Sensual Escape Body Treatment, I was escorted to Dr. Murad’s office to receive the Technosceutical Resurfacing Skin Treatment (a customized peel). From the moment I met Dr. Murad, I felt at ease and delighted. He’s warm, generous and so passionate about what he does. As Dr. Murad explained: “We call it the Technosceutical Resurfacing Treatment and the reason it’s Technosceutical is because it’s not just a chemical peel. It’s looking at the whole person. It’s reviewing who you are. Because what we found is that part of how you look better is how you feel. And part of how you feel is a combination of everything. So eating better, reducing stress, as well as this. 40-50% of people who have surgical treatments are dissatisfied at the end. It’s not that the procedure didn’t work well, it’s that they anticipated, “Oh now that I had this I’m gonna sleep better, I’m gonna have more friends” and whatever. You’re not. With this, it’s a whole combination. And the nice thing about it is that it’s customized to you. Your skin (referring to me) was a little sensitive, so we didn’t leave it on longer and we didn’t scrub it too much. We just put on light gauze.”

I have to say, I truly didn’t expect Dr. Murad to be doing the actual treatment on my face. I expected that his nurse would be doing all of the work on me, under his supervision. Having Dr. Murad give me a treatment was such a wonderful gift. I felt honored. I’ve loved so many of his products for so long. I felt very lucky.

Dr. Murad spoke to me about all-inclusive health.

“It is thought right now that this will be the first generation where our children will not outlive us. This is despite the fact that there’s all new kinds of medicines, new technology, new surgeries, new procedures, new ways of diagnosis, yet we’re having that. Why are there more people with diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and everything else? My opinion is that it’s not looking at the whole person. It’s looking at the problem but not looking at the whole person. Every cell in your body is connected. Unless we make every cell in your body healthy, we can’t help you entirely.”

Dr. Murad continued:

“We have a ten week program and the reason for that is your whole body changes in ten weeks. Your skin turns over once a month, your liver once every six weeks and your bones about once every three months. So you’re constantly having cells die and new one’s form as we modify your behavior, as we reduce the damage from free radicals and inflammation and as we give you nutrition that’s going to help build the cell membrane. Then, within a ten week program, pretty much every cell in your body has now reversed itself and been as healthy as it could be. If you continue the process, the improvement continues.”

I very hesitantly asked Dr. Murad if he has ever had any plastic surgery. I had to ask. He looks amazing for his age.

“I’ve had no plastic surgery and no Botox”. He then pulled back his ears to show me that there were NO plastic surgery scars and pointed out a deep line on his face that he told me wouldn’t be there if he had chosen to have Botox. You’ve got to love that! He’s so open! And, I have to add, at 71 years young Dr. Murad has perfect looking hands and he has amazingly radiant skin. His nurse, Julieta, said “He’s a beautiful human being.” And I totally agree. You can tell by the staff that surrounds Dr. Murad that everyone is happy to be a part of the Murad family. It always starts at the top. And the top of Murad is absolutely first-rate.

Loving so many Murad products myself, I had to ask Dr. Murad if he had any favorite Murad products.

“You know, the problem with that is that it’s like having children and being asked which one you love the most. A lot of times it’s the one that just came last because you’re excited about the new one. So, the Hybrids are the newest things and that’s exciting. If I had to pick one thing it would be my oldest which is Night Reform. It wouldn’t be my favorite now but it was my all-time favorite for many years because it was really something that made a big difference in the skin. We could firm your skin by 35% and it was just immediate. And now there are just so many others, it’s hard to know which one is my favorite.”

Do you have any plans of creating a neck cream? (I was so excited by his answer)

“Yes. It will be coming in 2011.”

Would you recommend always treating your decollete the exact same way you treat your face?

“The decollete is different because it’s got thinner skin and it’s not attached. You need something more. But if you don’t have anything, you can treat it the way you treat your skin. There are things you could do that would be better. What you could treat your decollete with is the Murad Firm and Tone Serum. That would be better. It’s good for the neck and decollete.”

You have two daughters. Are they completely spoiled rotten by your products and your services?

“One of my daughter’s actually works here, so she’s here all the time. She gets her facials and uses the products. My other daughter doesn’t come here that often. She comes here once maybe every two or three months.”

Do you work on your wife?

“I worked on her yesterday. I gave her the exact treatment that I just gave you. She doesn’t come very often. You would expect a typical wife would be here almost every other day. She’s never had Botox and she’s never had a facelift. She’s never had any face work other than a few chemical peels that I’ve done on her. I’ll tell you something funny about my wife. We got married about three years ago, although we were together for about ten years. You would think in those ten years she would be down at the spa often. She could have come anytime she wanted, as often as she wanted. She could have come every day if she wanted.”

I interrupt to say…”By the way, Dr. Murad, this makes you a huge catch!”
Smiling, he says…”Too late!” We all laugh.

Dr. Murad continues:

“So what happened is before we got married she finally wanted to come and get a facial and a manicure. So, she went to the reception desk (at the Murad Spa) and told them what she wanted. And do you know what they asked her? “How are you going to pay for that?” They had no idea who she was because she had never been there. Then, of course, she told them that she was Howard Murad’s wife. She looks great. She’s the kind of person who takes care of everybody else but herself. Which is good if you’re the person receiving it, but it’s not necessarily good for her.”

To be blunt sir, obviously you don’t have to be here (as a practicing doctor) for financial reasons. I have to ask…why are you still practicing?

“I love doing it. You’re right, I never have to be here. If I didn’t want to come here, I wouldn’t have to be here. But, it’s my passion. And really my ideal is to help people have better skin, looking at the whole person not just looking at their skin because your whole skin is connected. And so, it’s my passion. It’s what I enjoy doing. And, you’re right, I don’t need to be here. I mean, I DO need to be here for me, but I don’t need to be here for financial reasons. I just love it.”

My skin has been more radiant than ever, after having the Technosceutical Resurfacing Skin Treatment with Dr. Murad. I can’t wait to get another treatment. It made my skin look and feel brand new. I noticed a difference in my skin right away and that difference is lasting and feels great. It’s an amazing treatment. I got truly great results.

On a final note and to put it simply…I love Dr. Murad. It is impossible not to. Thank you Dr. Murad for your care, kindness, generosity and for being so open with me. It was truly an honor and I look forward to my next treatment with you, sir. To Julieta (Dr. Murad’s nurse): Thank you for the care and warmth. And a special thanks to Jennifer Newton for facilitating and always being such a pleasure to work with!

“We are each born with a unique commodity called life. It is stressed by the environment, and it is up to us to make the best of it.”
- Howard Murad, M.D.

Thanks Dr. Murad. See you soon!

Related reviews:

1. Spa Review: Murad Inclusive Health Spa
2. Murad Sleep Reform Serum And a Chat With Dr. Murad about Sleep Reform
3. Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask

The hotel and spa, which are both environmentally conscious, are decorated in subtle tones of earthy taupe and brown and deep shades of teal and sage. These colors were both relaxing and a reflection of their inspiration…nature. In my experience, the most wonderful thing about Aveda spas that sets them apart from others is the way they stimulate all of your senses. The smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and touch…words cannot describe the spell they can put you under. In my opinion your spa visit begins as soon as you walk through the door. So I was impressed, and happy, to be welcomed by calming and soft voices as I could hear water dripping from a fountain nearby. Awwwww, take me away…and that’s just what they did.

My massage began by personally choosing my oil. I was lying face down with my eyes covered and several balancing essential oil blends were waved under my nose and I chose the one that was most appealing to me, which ended up being Aveda Blended Chakra 1 Oil. This blend of the essences of olibanum, organic patchouli and vetiver are thought to balance your 1st chakra, which, in traditional Indian Medicine, is a center of energy force on the physical body. This is where we ground ourselves and once this chakra is in balance it is believed that one will feel a greater sense of security and healthy body awareness. I took deep breaths in an attempt to fully absorb the aromatherapy. Between the intoxicating aroma of the balancing oil and the perfect amount of light pressure and pinpoint accuracy on my pressure points, I like usual, fell into such a deep relaxation that I soon forgot where I was. Luckily, I came to just in time to experience one of the most stimulating feelings up and down my spine. Aveda Blue Balancing Oil was applied to my back, focusing on the upper back and neck. This amazing oil includes Blue Chamomile, Menthol, Peppermint, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. The menthol and peppermint erased any tension I was holding in my upper back as it warmed and tingled to the touch. Hot towels were then placed on my back. After that, my legs and feet were treated to a bit of reflexology using Aveda Foot Relief Lotion, which I have been a BIG fan of for a while, but I actually fell in love with it all over again.

To conclude my massage I was treated to a warm oil infusion scalp treatment. Perfectly warmed oil was tousled, dripped, drizzled, poured and even pulled through my hair, which was then wrapped in a hot towel. I personally found this to be the most relaxing part of my massage. Better yet, the added bonus has been the compliments I’ve gotten on my shiny hair ever since. I actually hadn’t given much thought to the apparent benefits of the hot oil. I just relished the feeling of it. So this was a pleasant surprise that lasted well into a week after my massage!

When my massage was over I took some quiet time to sip on some peppermint herbal tea in the relaxation room, which also had an abundant supply of fruit and ice water. I also indulged in the steam room, which is magnificently beautiful and relaxing in its bluish-sage hued glass tile. Following my visit to the steam room I enjoyed a Swiss shower, which combines an overhead deluge shower with multiple shower heads surrounding me from all sides. The ladies locker room was stocked with Aveda products, Zendals (yes, “zen” instead of “san”) and, oh yes, of course white, fluffy robes. Ahhhh, you’ve gotta love an Aveda spa. I especially love The Aveda Spa at the Palms Hotel in Miami, Florida!

A very special thanks to Kate Brown at The Palms Spa.

Related reviews:

1. Spa Review: Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa
2. Aveda Concept Salon Review: Planet Salon - Beverly Hills, CA.
3. Spa Review: Murad Inclusive Health Spa

The Kate Somerville description of The Ultimate Kate: It begins with enzymatic exfoliation and light extractions. The skin is then drenched with Kate’s DermalQuench serum and oxygen technology. The client is then placed under the DermaLucent red light to further penetrate the serum, and stimulate collagen and elastin. The result is a firm, even skin tone and red carpet-ready complexion.

The Ultimate Kate left my skin looking radiant for days. I recommend visiting the Kate Somerville Clinic if you’re in Los Angeles.

Since my visit to Kate Somerville, I’ve been using a few of the Kate Somerville products. Kate Walsh told me that I had to try the ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Mineral Mud Mask and the Micro Glycolic Polisher. I made sure to get all three of these products to check out. I also got the Deep Tissue Repair, which was one of the products that was used during my facial at Kate Somerville. I was so in love with the scent of the Deep Tissue Repair that I couldn’t leave without it. I am loving all of my new Kate Somerville products.

I highly recommend the ExfoliKate. It makes my skin feel so incredibly soft. It’s great to use before extractions and I love the tingling effect is has on my skin while it’s working it’s Kate Somerville magic. The ExfoliKate rocks! I’ve now used the Micro Glycolic Polisher twice and I really like it. It makes my skin feel great. You only need to use it once a week and you only need 2-4 pumps for each use, so I’m thinking that this is the Kate Somerville product that will last the longest. A little goes a long way with the Micro Glycolic Polisher. The Mineral Mud Mask is warm and tingly once it’s on your skin. I really like the feeling. Actually, the ExfoliKate, Micro Glycolic Polisher and the Mineral Mud Mask are all very tingly on the skin. The Mineral Mud Mask makes my skin feel renewed and fresh. It also makes my skin feel super smooth. All three of these products make my skin feel incredibly smooth. Since I’ve been using these Kate Somerville products, my face has been unbelievably soft and very clear.

I’m absolutely in love with the Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair. I could go on about it for days. It makes my skin look flawless, it smells phenomenal and it absorbs really well. I can’t get enough of it. Each time I use the Deep Tissue Repair I stare at the jar, hoping it will magically multiply into more jars so that I’ll have enough of this product to last forever. It’s so fabulous! I love smoothing it over my face because I love the smell so much and I love the feeling of treating my skin to such an amazing product. Love it, love it, love it! The Deep Tissue Repair is absolutely my Kate Somerville “must have” product. If you’d like to try Kate Somerville and want to start with just one product, I’d have to suggest trying the ExfoliKate. That’s if you can only try one. If you can try two…you have to get the Deep Tissue Repair. I’m in love!

Along with checking out some fabulous Kate Somerville products, I’ve also been reading Kate Somerville’s new book, Complexion Perfection. In the book, Kate Somerville writes about her treatments in great detail. Complexion Perfection includes some wonderful skin care tips and even suggests the right foods to eat for good skin health. It’s packed with valuable skin care information.

I’m thrilled that Kate Walsh introduced me to Kate Somerville products and the Kate Somerville Clinic. Thanks Kate and….thanks Kate.

Related reviews:

1. Celebrity Skin: Kate Walsh
2. Celebrity Skin Interview: Kate Walsh
3. Celebrity Skin Interview: Kate Walsh and her Boyfriend

My appointment at The Argyle Spa started with a Hammam. A Hammam is a Turkish bath that is absolutely to die for. I felt like a Grecian goddess, all alone in a spacious steam room of beautiful grey marble with a marble bed of running water. I was given a cold wash cloth and a sugar/coconut scrub to take into the Hammam with me. I was told to take a cold shower, while in the steam, and I have to admit it was hard to stand under the cold water in such warm and cozy steam, but it felt so invigorating and woke up all of my senses. It’s the prefect preparation for any treatment. For the reasonable price and the absolutely delicious addition to your spa experience, I would recommend adding the Hammam to any and all treatments at The Argyle Salon and Spa. I loved the Hamman. You can go to the Argyle Spa just for that, but if you’re going for a treatment, definitely add it on. You won’t regret it.

For my Detoxifying Body Wrap, Nester was my therapist. He was such a delight from start to finish. I loved chatting with him about treatments and spas. He has such a healing touch. Very relaxing. Very soothing. By the way, the treatment rooms at The Argyle Spa are fabulous. Very chic! Back to my treatment…Oh my gosh, I was scrubbed down! I mean…seriously scrubbed down. My skin was exfoliated like it has never been before. There couldn’t possibly have been a dry skin cell left on my body after my wrap. The seaweed was warm and soothing. The heat from the body wrap was comforting. My skin felt incredible and after the wrap was removed, I was moisturized from head to toe. Warning: I’m getting ready to brag. I must have had the softest skin in Los Angeles that day. The Detoxifying Body Wrap is definitely a fabulous treat when you want to feel fresh and rejuvenated. In conclusion: My second trip to The Argyle Salon and Spa was a complete success. And, honestly, I will always plan on adding the Hammam to all of my future treatments at The Argyle Spa. It was such a lovely experience! Highly recommend!

Related reviews:

1. The Argyle Salon and Spa
2. Spa Review: Murad Inclusive Health Spa
3. Spa Review: Burke Williams

I arrived yesterday afternoon and not only did I enjoy floating in the natural hot springs, so relaxing, but I also received a treatment at the Two Bunch Palms spa called the Watzu. I had read about the Watzu and seen pictures before I arrived here, but I had no idea what to expect. It was extraordinarily relaxing and unique. The Watzu is a treatment that is given in a private mineral-water pool. For the Watzu, you are cradled in the arms of your therapist in a small heated pool, while you are gracefully stretched in the water. Before we got in the water my therapist told me that the only thing I needed to do was “let go” and let her do all of the work. So, I completely surrendered to the experience, relaxing from head to toe, and allowed my body to completely go limp. For me it felt like an involuntary and unexpected underwater ballet of sorts. Muscles were stretched that I couldn’t stretch on my own. And certain areas that were stretched left me with the feeling of “I needed that and I didn’t even know it”. My body being pulled through the water felt so therapeutic. I definitely got the greatest lower back stretch I’ve ever had. It was incredible and so peaceful. Not only was this one of the most unique treatments I’ve ever had, but it was one of the most relaxing things I’ve done in a long time. I highly recommend it! The Watzu is such a special and beautiful treatment.

Earlier this morning I went back to the spa and received the Maha Rani Facial and the Ayurvedic Trio. The combination of these treatments was out of this world relaxing. I got all of the works and more. Along with the standard facial treatments that one expects (cleanse, exfoliate, steam, extractions, mask), this was the first time an esthetician even cleaned out my ears during a facial. Talk about being thorough! Not deep down in the ears, but the visible parts of my ears were tended to. I felt so pampered and taken care of. And, along with a face/neck/shoulder massage, I got my first ever ancient foot bowl massage during my treatment. Absolutely wonderful! It took me several hours to recover from the intense relaxation. It was as if I had a few drinks. Seriously! I have never been that relaxed during a facial. I have to say…this is the first facial I’ve ever had that I woke up in the middle of from snoring. Yes, I was snoring. I had fallen into such a deep state of relaxation that I fell asleep. It’s difficult to find the words to explain how amazing this treatment was. You’ll just have to take a trip to Two Bunch Palms and ask for the Maha Rani Facial with the Ayurvedic Trio and experience if for yourself. Sunrise was my esthetician and you must believe me when I say that she was sent from the facial heavens. Her hands are so healing and strong. It felt like I had never had a face massage before Sunrise laid her hands on my face. She takes a facial massage to the next level. I was so happy in her care. Not only do I recommend this facial, but I highly recommend getting this facial from Sunrise. She’s in a league of her own. The most relaxing touch ever! Thank you, Sunrise.

I’m way too relaxed to drive home today. It’s a crime that I have to leave. I’m in love with this resort. It’s so peaceful and beautiful! I think I’ll take one last dip in the natural hot springs. One last dip in paradise before I leave. I have to say, I am one lucky girl right now. I feel so pampered and relaxed. Two Bunch Palms is the perfect place for you to relax, unwind and enjoy fabulous spa treatments in a beautiful environment. I can’t recommend it enough. You must go! I promise you’ll be scheduling your second visit there before you even leave the resort. I will be returning to Two Bunch Palms as soon as possible. It was such a lovely experience!

A very special thanks to Mark Eads and Tony Calsolaro.

Related reviews:

1. Spa Review: The Palms Hotel and Aveda Spa - Miami
2. Spa Review: The Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa and My Favorite Massage Therapist
3. Spa Review: The Argyle Spa Detoxifying Body Wrap