For those unfamiliar with this procedure (and I'm guessing there are
many of you), the Buccal is an intense facial massage performed inside
the mouth. That's right, inside the mouth. A trained therapist actually
puts their hands inside your mouth and massages parts of your
musculature where tension is stored in order to promote blood
circulation and oxygenation of the skin. Purportedly, this undoubtedly
hilarious-looking technique will give you a smoother, tighter complexion
and help with jaw issues from teeth
to TMJ. Apparently, it's also incredibly painful. Popular in the U.K.,
Buccal facials haven't spread by word-of-mouth just yet, but give it
time. Celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, and
have reportedly already opened their mouths and tried it.
2. Fire Facial
What if you were promised fewer wrinkles, younger-looking skin, and even
slimmer thighs … if you set your body on fire? While that sounds
totally dangerous, the Huǒ liáo treatment, or “fire facial," is gaining
serious traction in China, where the spa service originated. The idea
behind Huǒ liáo is to place a towel soaked in alcohol and a special
"elixir" on the face, legs, or other parts
of the body,
and then light it on fire for a few seconds. This action apparently
stimulates the skin and addresses dullness, sagging and wrinkles. Huh.
3. Slapping Facial
A Thai
natural health practitioner
claims she can turn back the clock simply by "face-slapping." The
traditional technique is said to erase wrinkles, shrink pores, and
tighten the skin without surgery by using slapping, kneading and
massaging of the area instead. Rassameesaitarn "Tata'" Wongsirodkul, who
was trained in Thailand, says she is the first face-slapping beauty
therapist in the western hemisphere, and charges $350 for each 15 minute
session at her San Francisco salon.
4. Vampire Facial
For years, we've been hearing about the "vampire facial," a skincare
treatment that involves drawing blood from a patient and reinjecting it
under the skin in order to achieve a healthy, youthful glow. The
made-for-horror movie
cosmetic procedure
is gaining popularity in the U.S. because it's an "organic alternative
to those that require chemical injections," according to Dr. Sam Lam, a
double board-certified
facial plastic surgeon based in Dallas, Texas.
We
still can't see ourselves trying this blood-sucking beauty treatment.
However, one brave soul finally took the plunge so we could all see the
results: Kim Kardashian. The reality TV star, who's currently pregnant
with Kanye West's baby, was
caught on camera crying out in pain as the doctor drew blood from her arm and re-injected it into her face.
5. Bird Poop Facial
Yes, you read it correctly. It's a facial… using bird poop as its main ingredient.
Nightingale
excrement, collected from the Japanese island of Kyushu, is being
hailed as the hottest beauty wonder product. Part of
the Bird
Poop Facial at New York's Shizuka Spa, and the rather more
romantic-sounding Geisha Facial at London's Hari's, the unique
ingredient is said to leave skin with a healthy shine as it acts as an
exfoliant.
Dried under UV lights, the excrement is mixed with
rice bran and water in the spa and applied as a face mask. The £135
treatment is nothing new to the A-list, however - both David and
Victoria Beckham have long been fans.
6. Bee Venom Facial
This new
anti-wrinkle cream is creating a big buzz in the world of cosmetics - because it's made from
bee venom. Cosmetic maker Rodial has just launched a new skincare line called Bee Venom, which is clinically proven to halt the damaging effects of menopause on the face.
Kate
Middleton
supposedly received this facial prior to her wedding day. Although it's
been hyped as a needle-free alternative to Botox, in reality the bee venom acts as
a natural skin plumper, temporarily increasing blood flow and giving skin a healthy, English rose glow.
7. New York Post Page Six Facial
No, you're not left with the New York Post lying on your mug for 20
minutes. Named after the famed gossip column Page Six, which runs daily
in the New York Post, this customized facial gives the spa-goer a
specialized treatment that focuses on the client's particular needs.
This
treament has no connection to the Post's gossip column, except for the
fact that clients who have this facial might want to look like the
celebrities it chronicles. This facial is specifically customized for
each client. The price is $125.
8. Solid Gold Facial
Why not add a little bling to your beauty routine? Now you can -- if you
live in Florida and have enough cash to dish out for the, wait for it,
24 carat gold facial. Yep! Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach offers spa patrons
the opportunity to have their entire body painted in gold. The thought
is that karats can help stave off cellulite and prevent aging.
