DIY Skincare: Turmeric & Chickpea Recipe

Are you a big DIYer?  Truth is, I'm completely incapable of being crafty unless it comes to mixing up my own skincare.  It's true what they say – that you can use ingredients right in your own kitchen cabinets to create effective scrubs, cleansers and masks.  My esthetician, Megan McGee from the Bliss Spa gave me the scoop about the benefits of using turmeric and chic peas to create new skincare recipes.  Read on and you may be inspired to whip something up tonight.

"Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent and can help you defeat the signs of aging," MgGee explains.  "Chickpeas have manganese, which causes skin cells to produce energy and fight wrinkle-causing free radicals. They also have molybdenum, which detoxifies the skin by removing sulphites and are laced with other nutrients like folate and Vitamin B that work as fuel for the skin cells to repair damage from the sun."

Cleanser Recipe

Mix chickpea flour with turmeric to cleanse and exfoliate your face. This will improve your skin texture, remove dead cells, moisturize and improve your complexion too.

Mask Recipe

• Mix chickpea flour with turmeric powder and milk or yogurt
• Make a fine paste apply it evenly on the face
• Wash off thoroughly after 10-15 minutes with warm water

A Facial Worth Trying at Bliss Spa

Whenever I go for a facial, I'm normally after one thing – clean pores.  To get the job done, I often visit Mario Badescu in midtown, which is more like a factory than a spa. Not sure what I'm talking about?  Check out my review here.  Last week I moved to Hoboken (seriously) and visited Bliss Spa (which happens to be directly across the street from my apartment, dangerous I know) for a Fabulous Facial.   My esthetician, Megan McGhee, was super sweet, yet on a mission.  After chatting with me about my skincare concerns (I'm currently breaking out like a teenager), she recommended the facial I booked along with an added on peel that consisted of a combination of salicylic and glycolic acid.  Exactly what my poor skin needed to help rid my pimples, tight up and make it glow.

I found it interesting that instead of using steam, Bliss uses an oxygen mask to help open the pores before extractions.  "Steam allows for bacteria to get into the open pores," Mcgee explained.  As one who's always had facials with steam, this made me think.  The facial was worth every penny.  While face masks took their time to set, my face, neck, arms, shoulders and feet were massaged.  In the end, not only do I not have a clogged pore in sight, but I also had a full spa experience of relaxation and massage.

I ended up booking one every six weeks with Megan.  Yes, I know it sounds extensive, but I do have a wedding coming up!

The Bliss Spa in Hoboken is located at the W Hotel at 225 River St.  Call 877 862 5477 for an appointment.

Simon Cowell's Bizarre Beauty Secret

Simon Cowell thinks he found the fountain of youth.  Seriously.  Something that boosts his energy and his does wonders for his skin.  He looks crazy doing it and is even crazier for believing in it.  Well here it is along with a not-so-crazy solution for achieving similar results that actually work.  

Play the Qwiki: Simon Cowell's Bizarre Beauty Secret

Celebrating My Mom on Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my readers who are mother's!  Today, I'm excited to take the time out to show my mom how much I really appreciate her.  I'm very fortunate to have a mom that I also consider my best friend. Throughout the years, she has always been my backbone and no matter what, she's always right, too. Growing up the beauty advice she always gave me was not to wear too much makeup, because it makes you look fake and takes away from your true beauty.  As of late, she lectures me about practicing safe sun and always makes sure I have and SPF of 15 or higher on.  Obviously I do, but she's a mom, so she has to double check.

For Mother's Day, I'm taking my mom to get pampered at Bliss Spa in Soho, NY to get pedi-colada's.  She's just like me, we love Pina-Coladas and a day together of beauty treatments is better than anything else.

What's the best piece of beauty advice your mom ever gave you?