Beauty Budgeting with Anara Spa, Ulta, and Exhale Spa

Some say the Chinese symbol for "Crisis" is actually a combination of two characters meaning "danger" and "opportunity". Some say that's a load of ^&*$ invented by world-weary new age-ers to make themselves feel better and (in the process) slaughter mandarin chinese. You say po-tay-to. I say po-tah-to. Either way past the age of fifteen its pretty apparent to most that there is opportunity in all sorts of events that don't necessarily warrant public celebration or triumphant tweets. Today I bring you just three examples of how the recession crisis is working for you and two lessons in language.

Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is offering new “sampler” sizes of some of their world-renowned treatments. Honored by Condé Nast Traveler readers as having the best treatments in the United States, guests may now choose from a variety of treatments for less, creating their own “pupu platter” of spa treatments. (Pupu in Hawaii refers to small portions or appetizers - language lesson number two.)

“Often we see that people want to sample a number of different modalities to make for a more complete spa experience, but might not have the time or means to make it happen”, stated Shea. “With add-on options and mini-sessions, guests are able to receive a richer experience.”

With either a half, full or extended treatment a choice of enhancements may be added for a fraction of the cost of the full treatment. A half-session lomilomi massage focuses massage to relieve tension in specific areas, inducing an overall sense of relaxation. A 25-minute tropical organic body polish exfoliates and smoothes the skin while a coconut scalp massage and volcanic pumice foot massage may be added to create a state of sheer relaxation and bliss. “People love being able to have a number of treatments with minimal time and financial outlay,” declares Shea.

Exhale Spa recieved the SPOT's seal of approval last month when we visited their Central Park South outpost. This latest deal from the masters of Core Fusion will afford you an A+ in your beauty budgeting class.

For $150/month, with a 1 year commitment, exhale spa is offering this spa membership, which includes
· One complimentary therapy per month from select spa menu of services
· $50 monthly spending credit
· 20% off all spa therapies
· 10% of exhale retail purchases
· Initial gift of five mind body classes for you or a friend
And for a limited-time only, if you sign up for this annual spa package before May 31, 2009, you will also receive:
Additional 15% discount on retail purchases for initial 12 months (total discount of 25%)
One complimentary manicure per month for initial 12 months (value of $360)
One complimentary guest room at The Omphoy Ocean Resort Palm Beach (while supplies last)

Finally, on the first Tuesday of every month, bring your college student ID to any ULTA location and receive 20% off your entire retail purchase and Salon service. This is very good news. When the recession first introduced itself as real piece of business in my life my first thought was, I hpe this doesn't mean my favorite nascent beauty revolutionary provider Ulta doesn't fold. Sad, but true.

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Ulta's Tracy Guthrie Celebrates New Miami Location with DIY looks on Jennifer Aniston, Taylor Swift, and Vanessa Hudgens!

On Thursday, February 19th one of our most favorite beauty destinations, ULTA, will be opening a second urban location in Miami! ULTA Miami, located on Lincoln Road, will offer over 20,000 beauty products as well as a professional full-service salon. (If you have never been to an ULTA please we beg you, go now.)

Tracy Guthrie, top Redken stylist, finalist for the prestigious North American Hair Stylist Award, and ULTA Salon at Miami Creative Manager, shared some tips with us on how to re-create the hottest celebrity looks at home. Her play by play, featured below, is a-MAzing!

To create a soft tousled updo just like Taylor Swift’s, first work a small amount of styling cream evenly through dry hair from roots to fingertips. Separate hair into four sections and curl with a large barrel curling iron. Gather hair up into a loose pony tail, twist and secure with bobby pin at the nape of your neck, leaving the ends un-pinned. Twist individual pieces of unpinned hair, securing each section with a new bobby pin. Once hair is in place gently loosen curls on either side to frame the face. Give hair one last sprits of hairspray before your look is complete.

For long haired beauties, like Vanessa Hudgens, this look is simple to recreate. All you need is a 1 1/2 inch curling iron and some flexible hold hairspray. First, separate your hair into medium sized sections and spritz each with hairspray. Then, instead of rolling hair into the curling iron, loop each section around the iron (do not clamp down) from the shaft to the end. This easily gives you the loose ringlet effect. Finish with another spray of hairspray and a dab of shine serum, for natural looking curls that will last all night.

A lot of my clients ask me, how to get their hair super smooth and straight, just like Jennifer Aniston’s, even if their hair is really thick and coarse. I tell them to begin by using a deep conditioning treatment in the shower, to repair any damage and smooth out coarseness. Before blow-drying, use a lightweight, heat activated straightening cream, which can help to temporarily lock curly or wavy hair into a shiny, straight style. Finally, I always advise to use a ceramic straightener because they are gentler on hair then metal ones, and easily slide over hair without snagging or catching.

Thanks Tracy! Check out more ULTA here.

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