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Summer Solstice: Beauty And The Beach Part I

The Egyptians have a god named after it. You try to catch it on your lunch break. And for marketing purposes, it is used as a descriptive element in products and services to signify all that is glowing and cheerful. I am referring to the sun, and without trying to burst your bright bubble on what the summer solstice is, I ask you: are you prepared?

Whether it has been on the beach or at a festival, more likely than not, you have already taken advantage of the sun’s rays. Since we got a late start temperature-wise, perhaps many of you have already tossed your impatient bod into a sundress or bathing suit without a little prep work beforehand. It wasn’t until you got to the beach that you realized your bikini line needed some attention, and that glare you were experiencing on your eyes was the sun bouncing off of your pasty skin. No worries, both the spa and the drugstore have remedies to transform you in less time than it takes to navigate Michigan Avenue during tourist season.

Part I: Spa Solutions

Wax on, wax off

Like Ralph Macchio winning the trophy at the end of The Karate Kid, one should also receive a reward after a waxing at Sisters. I completely admit that I have yet to crawl up on their table on all fours for a waxing extravaganza, but know of many friends and acquaintances who have. The two Lebanese sisters have a reputation for executing the most detailed and expedited waxing services in the city. Women continuously exchange stories of the “Cirque de Soliel”-like poses they endure during their encounter, so leave your modesty at home. Why go through such an experience you ask? Simple. They are the best. With over thirty years experience each, your service will be nothing but professional, leaving no hair to bare on the beach this summer. (NOTE: Just in case you need to wind down afterwards, Sisters also has a full menu of relaxing spa options).

Sisters Skincare and Waxing
Water Tower Place
845 North Michigan Avenue
312.943.8800
www.SistersSalon.com

Thigh Hopes

Summer is filled with a bounty of delightful reasons to make us smile: dining alfresco, longer days, baseball games, bathing suit shopping….SCREEECH! That would be the sound of your daydreaming coming to an abrupt end. Who likes bathing suit shopping? Heidi Klum maybe, but I am sure that even she has issues. It’s time to say auf wiedersehen to ripples! One of the top ten services on the treatment menu at Bliss Spa is their “High Thighs” cellulite fix, which includes an anti-cellulite lympathic drainage massage, seaweed task mask and support serum. How nice that a serum attempts to replace those icky stockings that we have all poured ourselves into on at least one occasion. (The little black dress, remember?) Next step: to the dressing room at Londo Mondo to try on the new Brazilian number you have been eyeing since they adorned the mannequin way back in March.

Of course, the reality of this magic treatment lasting throughout the entire season is “slim” to none. Like anything in life that requires results, maintenance is key. I advise you to bypass Bliss’s legendary brownie buffet and make a beeline for their retail boutique to pick up these goodies instead. Remember ladies, as the saying goes, “a moment on the lips, a lifetime…..”

Bliss High Thighs Cellulite Fighting Serum - $35
A Bliss bestseller and the same cottage cheese fighting blend of seaweed’s and essential oils that was used at the end of the “High Thighs” treatment, making it the perfect maintenance product. The only thing missing is the therapist to put it on for you.

Bliss “Thigh-namic duo” - $40
Beauty editor favorite, “Fat Girl Slim” anti-cellulite cream is packaged with a nifty handled massage tool to use along with the product, thus increasing the circulation in the skin and promoting a lymphatic action. Packaged in a blue Bliss tote.

Bliss Spa Chicago
W Hotel Lakeshore
8th Floor
312.201.9545
www.BlissWorld.com/spa/location/Chicago

Faking It

How embarrassing would it be to go into one of those spray tanning booths the day before an important event with a guy you are dating only to turn out hours later like the victim of a bad paintball experience. Horrible, right? It most certainly was, and trust me when I speak from experience that some things such as strong jet streams of self tanner are best left to the pros. My friend Sally (a.k.a., Sally Hansen) bailed me out once again, this time, with the wonderful innovation called, Pantyhose in a Can. While my friends and I laugh at the experience now, I urge you to learn from my embarrassment. (P.S.: He could never tell!)

Elizabeth Adam Salon and Day Spa uses the same “Fantasy Tan” technology of a spray booth that assaulted my powdery complexion. At Elizabeth Adam Salon, a therapist uses a controlled application via a handheld airbrush-like device. Brilliant! If you are looking for a fluffy spa treatment, this is not it. Some other spas in the city start the service with an exfoliation step, potentially followed by a relaxing rain bath shower. I chose Elizabeth Adam because of the airbrush versus the cream application of tanner. I have had (and executed) many self tanners this way, post-fluff, only to have such a little result afterwards, I felt as though all my money went into the salt scrub and not the color I was anticipating.

Shower at home and be sure not to skip the exfoliation step. Apply a water-based moisturizer and allow the pros to do the tricky part. $65 gets your initial application as well as a follow-up application for the next day. (HINT: Getting a professional service first takes away the fear by giving your skin an evenly covered canvas to experiment with on your own.)

Elizabeth Adam Salon and Day Spa
Water Tower Place
845 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 908E
312.944.431
About Rebecca Taras:

A Chicago resident, Rebecca Taras is a licensed esthetician and creator of Cleansing Queen Bath and Body Care, which was well-received by both local and national press. She was recognized by the Chicago Fashion Foundation in 2004 by receiving the “Style Makers and Rule Breakers” award in the beauty category. Her passion for travel and wellness grew into Terminal Getaway airport spa, web apothecary and specialized hotel amenity concept, which she co-founded and serves as Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development.

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