Spa Economy

Spa Experience at Home

DIY Spa treatments light therapy, dermaplaning, chemical peels, hair masque, hair removal, massagers, acupressure, spa gadgets, and products. We tried a collection of hair, skin, and body pampering products and gadgets at home and report our experience.

Gifts to Pamper: the Wireless SKG Neck Massager to Soothe Sore Neck Muscles Anytime

May 3, 2019 · 9 Comments

Regular massage is an important part of our self-care to keep us at our physical and mental best. Most of us are too busy to get a professional massage. Take care of neck pain fast with the wireless SKG Neck Massager.

SKG Neck Massager operates with the touch of a button

WHY NECK MASSAGE IS NECESSARY

Phones, tablets, and laptops cause us to bend our necks in unnatural positions. This results in aches and pains. They sometimes call this “tech neck”. It is the undue stress caused by the posture our necks take while using technology. Other activities also stress our necks. These include travel, reading, gardening, washing dishes, heavy lifting or other household chores. Even sleeping in an odd position can cause a sore neck.

The SKG Neck Massager comes in an attractive box suitable for gift giving

ABOUT the SKG Neck Massager

SKG Neck Massager relieves aches, knots and muscle tension. in the neck and other areas of the body. It is the result of patented research and technology. It simulates the impact of real human massage.

The SKG Neck Massager comes with optional remote, manual and USB charger cord

SKG Neck Massager FEATURES

WIRELESS DESIGN

I especially love that this device is wireless yet still can deliver a strong massage. I can use it anywhere including walking outside or while traveling. It is never a cumbersome feel and I am not tethered to staying in the range of an electric cord during use.

No wires. Use SKG Neck Massager anywhere, even walking outside

SILENT OPERATION

The SKG Neck Massager is virtually silent. I’ve used it while watching TV, listening to music, talking on the phone, and working on the computer.

One touch button

DESIGN & AESTHETIC

It is a sleek, modern, all-white design. It has a 3D suspension and 4-point design for a comfortable neck fit. There is a soft silicone to support the neck. I like that it doesn’t look like a weird old lady health contraption. It looks like fashionable headphones so I can discretely wear it out in public.

It is discrete and looks like headphones. No sticky pads or wires to catch my hair

Padded silicone neck cushion provides a secure yet comfortable fit

Padded silicone neck cushions provide a secure yet comfortable fit

Padded and comfortable design features

Contoured for comfort and fit

LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO WEAR

Weighing less than six ounces (160g), it is suitable for use at home or traveling and fits into my bag or backpack. Despite being lightweight it is still sturdy. I dropped it with no cracks, dents or damage.

Lightweight and easy to carry in bag or backpack

Lightweight and easy to carry in a bag or backpack

TEN MASSAGE MODES

Many neck massagers offer two or three modes that are mostly vibration. That is soothing but not helpful enough to combat a sore neck.

The SKG neck massager has ten (10) different massage modes. These range from suitable for achy and sensitive to deep muscle stiffness. It uses e-stim or TENS technology, which is found effective in reducing muscle pain and retraining muscles within physical therapy settings. Typically e-stim involves sticky pads and wires, but this device uses neither. The two heads provide massage contact points.

Heat and massage functions on two sturdy but flexible heads

SKG Neck Massager

The SKG Neck Massager provides wireless massage relief

HEAT

There is precise temperature control. Not too hot, but warm enough to soothe achy muscles. I like that there is a heat sensor, so it doesn’t get TOO hot. It is easy to burn sensitive neck skin with moist heating pads. I don’t have to worry about that with this device.

Close up: Provides heat and e-stim massage capabilities

USB CHARGER & BUILT-IN BATTERY

I get four hours of use from one charge. The charger is a convenient USB port that recharges the built-in battery.

I especially like not having to restrict my use of the device to locations near an electrical plug. I can walk around the house or outside and get a soothing neck massage. Most devices require me to stop what I am doing to get relief for aching muscles. The SKG Neck Massager lets me go about my regular day without interruption. I especially like this feature for use while traveling.

Often portable products aren’t powerful. But this device can deliver effective relief for achy neck muscles.

SKG Neck Massager with easy access USB charger port

Fast charging by USB. It blinks orange until fully charged

SKG Neck Massager charges quickly for use anywhere. Once it is fully charged, it turns blue.

Get 4 hours of massage from one USB charge

ABOUT SKG

SKG researches, designs, and manufacturers of small appliances, beauty and massage appliances. The company has won design awards and has 114 patented technologies. SKG products are popular in Germany, France, and 28 other countries.

SKG makes beauty and health devices, like this Neck Massager

MAKES A GREAT GIFT

The SKG Neck Massager is attractive, sturdy and effective. It is lightweight and easy to use anywhere. It comes in a box suitable for gift giving. Its sleek design makes for a great gift for yourself, a friend or for Mom! What Mom couldn’t use some pampering?

There is a special Mother’s day 15% discount for Amazon Prime Members on the SKG Neck Massager from May 3 to May 12.

The SKG Neck Massager makes a great gift

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the SKG Neck Massager at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5D2TH8

The SKG Neck Massager

ABOUT THIS POST

Like you, the team here at Style Chicks needs time to evaluate and form an opinion of the products we talk about. In the case of the SKG Neck Massager, we received compensation for our time and effort to form an opinion of this product. We produced this blog post because we think the product is great and want to share it with you!

Endorphins & Better Beauty Sleep with the Wellness Collections Acupressure Mat

April 18, 2019 · 3 Comments

If you could choose a daily spa treatment, what would it be? How about a massage with acupressure? Acupressure reduces stress, pain and encourages restful beauty sleep. A few minutes of acupressure makes a remarkable difference. So I’m delighted to find the Wellness Collections Acupressure Eco Cotton Mat.

Wellness Collection Acupuncture mat and pillow

WHAT IT DOES

The Wellness Collections Acupressure Eco Cotton Mat eases pain and muscle tension within minutes.

This mat has “spikes” that work like an acupressure treatment. The spikes engage the body’s natural healing and relaxation capabilities. It can improve a stiff neck, headache, chronic pain, and stress.

This Wellness Collection Acupressure Mat

This mat uses numerous spikes clustered in a shape of lotus flowers to form of steady means of acupressure

HOW DOES ACUPRESSURE WORK?

Acupressure is an ancient medical practice. It uses targeted pressure to restore body balance and blood flow. Increased blood flow encourages skin rejuvenation, improved metabolism, and releases endorphins.

Close up of the lotus flower spikes that provide steady but comfortable acupressure points

HOW DO ACUPRESSURE MATS WORK?

Acupressure mats use spike meditation to increase blood flow. The mat works by applying body weight against the spikes. The balanced force of the spikes increases blood flow and massages deep into muscles.

But… most at-home acupressure items use hard “bed of nails” style spikes that are too painful to use long enough to get the benefit.

WHAT MAKES WELLNESS COLLECTIONS ACUPRESSURE MAT SPECIAL?

The Wellness Collections Acupressure Mat has 27 point Yoga Lotus Flower spikes. The spikes are not too hard but not too soft. This gives the ability to tolerate a long enough session to gain benefit. This enables pain relief, muscle massage, and increased blood circulation. Twenty minutes relaxing on the mat gives acupressure session type benefits.

The Wellness Collection Acupressure Mat and pillow

MY EXPERIENCE: PUTTING THE WELLNESS COLLECTIONS ACUPRESSURE MAT TO THE TEST

We tried the Wellness Collections Acupressure Mat for seven days to test if it eased muscle aches, improved sleep, and promoted relaxation.

The spikes look sharp and scratchy but are comfortable to lay on

The spikes look sharp and scratchy but are comfortable to lay upon

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

HOW IT FEELS
At first, I was a bit worried about these spikes. I thought they would be too hard and scratchy. But this mat works for me because it relaxes my muscles and is firm enough without being too pointy. It emulates the gentle but steady pressure of practitioner acupuncture.

The mat and pillow fit comfortably on a chair, bed or on a yoga mat, overhead view

Wellness Collections pillow and mat, side view

Just twenty minutes a day provides relaxing acupuncture benefits

If you’ve had acupressure or a deep massage before, you recognize the feeling. If you haven’t had acupressure, it is comfortable but still a pressure that takes a few minutes to get used to. Then it feels very relaxing.

After I adjusted to the mat, it was relaxing enough to fall asleep!

The neck pillow is comfortable. It is an ergonomic neck position and precise acupressure point delivery. Ever sleep the wrong way and awake with a crick in your neck that is sore all day? The pillow is helpful to ease that feeling.

The acupressure pillow works on neck and calves

Closeup of pillow and lotus spikes. Try it under the knees for rejuvenating tired legs!

The spikes are resilient but not stiff. Muscles in my shoulders and back relax with use. As someone who spends time hunched over a laptop, that’s a huge selling point.

Standing on the mat in bare feet relieves foot fatigue from standing or walking in high heels.

Try standing on the mat after a long day on your feet for instant foot relief

I also like to sit on the mat for post-workout recovery. I also found it useful when sitting at my desk.

While I have used it on my bed with successful results, I have a fluffy pillowtop mattress that makes the surface less even. I personally find that I get the most benefit using it on the floor or laying the Wellness Collection Acupressure Mat on top of a rug or on my yoga mat.

DOES SCIENCE SUPPORT ACUPRESSURE?

Style Chicks own in-house researcher located many clinical studies supporting acupuncture benefits. Studies showed acupressure helped anxiety, sleep problems, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and nausea. Pain reduction occurred in chronic neck and back pain and acute orthopedic injuries. Acupressure even helped reduce labor pains. Improved circulation and endorphin release are both benefits of acupressure.

One acupuncture study appeared last month in The Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine.

This large hospital-based study included 519 acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture was done on subjects with anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain ranging from minor to serious. Serious pain included bone cancer pain. Some study finding excerpts:

“Seventy-five percent of participants were highly satisfied with acupressure treatments.”
“96% of treatments were administered in less than 30 minutes”.
“Acupressure is a highly satisfactory complementary therapy that can demonstrate a clinically significant decrease in self-rated pain and anxiety scores.” (1)

A second acupuncture study was done on injured athletes. It showed consistent pain reduction in even acute musculoskeletal sports injuries. (2)

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

The mat is attractive and well made with spikes formed into lotus flowers.

The mat itself is 100% organic cotton, soft hypoallergenic pad. The spikes are made of organic cotton and polymer. It is sturdy and well made.

Mat and pillow fold together with handles to carry

Each mat and neck pillow set has attached handles and a sturdy waterproof carrying bag. This makes it easy to use after long flights or cramped car rides.

Zippered carrying case for ease of storage or for use while traveling

Included zippered bag with handles for easy storage and use while traveling

GUARANTEE

The mat comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year free replacement warranty.

CONCLUSION

The Wellness Collections Lotus Acupressure Massage Mat addresses pain, post-workout soreness, and stress. It is comfortable enough to use but stiff enough to be effective. It is an easy way to get the benefits of acupressure at home or while traveling. A great gift for men or women, students, a new mom or someone on their feet or sitting at a computer all day.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Wellness Collections Lotus Acupressure Massage Mat with Original Yoga Lotus Spikes at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FTRGD2Z

REFERENCES

“Beyond Pills: Acupressure Impact on Self-Rated Pain and Anxiety Scores.”
Altern Complement Med.2019 Mar 30. doi: 10.1089/acm.2018.0422, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30932686.
“Does Acupressure Hit the Mark? A Three-Arm Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Acupressure for Pain and Anxiety Relief in Athletes With Acute Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries.”
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 27(4):338–343, JUL 2017
DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000378
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28653963

ABOUT THIS POST

Like you, the team here at Style Chicks needs time to evaluate and form an opinion of any of the products we talk about. In the case of the Wellness Collections Lotus Acupressure Massage Mat, we received compensation for our time and effort to form an opinion of this product. We produced this blog post because we think the product is great and want to share it with you!

Dermaplane at Home with the Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System by Michael Todd Beauty

November 7, 2018 · 3 Comments

Our skincare and makeup is an investment: we spend a pretty penny on products to look and feel our best. But the best serum, retinol, masque or moisturizer can’t do its’ job if dead, dry skin layers sit atop your skin. Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells so skin care products perform better. Until recently, dermaplaning was best left to a professional. But Michael Todd Beauty has a safe, easy to use dermaplaning device: the Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System. Read why dermaplaning works for skin at any age, and how this handy Michael Todd Beauty device can help you achieve flawless skin!

Dermaplane at home safely and effectively with the SonicSmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System by Michael Todd Beauty

Skin looks better exfoliated, fine lines are softer and skin glows. Exfoliation is vital to optimal skin care, makeup application, and acne prevention.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Skincare products can’t work their magic if dead skin cells obstruct their absorption. For example, Retinol causes excess irritation if it can’t properly absorb. Vitamin C serums must penetrate skin layers to build valuable, beauty enhancing collagen. Retinol and Vitamin C cause rapid cell turnover, but dead skin must be regularly removed to see it.

MAKEUP APPLICATION

Concealer, primer, and foundations need an even surface to adhere well and look their best. Powders, creams, and contour look blotchy over dry, dead skin cells.

ACNE PREVENTION

Dead skin cells are a harbor for bacteria, trap sebum and oil, making a perfect home for blemishes to develop. This is why exfoliation is key in the reduction of acne.

THE BONUS REASON: SELFIES & PEACH FUZZ

Exfoliating can’t get rid of peach fuzz, but HD cameras can make you wish it could. Superficial vellus hair is the transparent peach fuzz that we all have but *think* no one notices. It is actually quite noticeable. And makeup doesn’t hide it. Rather, makeup can cake up in peach fuzz, making it all the more obvious. It’s tempting to start covertly shaving like a dude. But don’t, that carries risk of razor burn and uneven, choppy exfoliation results. There’s a better answer: dermaplaning.

DERMAPLANING DEETS

Dermatologists and Aestheticians have been dermaplaning for years. They use a surgical scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother and brighter skin. It also removes peach fuzz. While the lack of fuzz feels amazingly smooth, the real benefit is improved skin texture and younger skin appearance. And skincare products and makeup go on like a dream.

WHY USE AN DERMAPLANING EXFOLIATING SYSTEM

As teens, we may have exfoliated with a gritty, granular face scrub. Adult skin cannot tolerate harsh, abrasive scrubbing. Skin can even get microtears and damage in the process. Dermaplaning can make skin of any age appear its’ best without damage. But it must be done regularly to see the best results.

ABOUT THE SONICSMOOTH SONIC DERMAPLANING & EXFOLIATING SYSTEM BY MICHAEL TODD BEAUTY

FEATURES

While the device is spa-grade, the design is safe enough for a layperson to use. The ergonomic handle prevents slipping. A sonic technology treatment head gives results without the risks.
Pain-free with no downtime; but comes with a soothing Aloe Vera based serum to apply after use anyways. This serum is light and nourishing.
Unlike a razor or scalpel, the Sonicsmooth is for the more delicate female facial skin. Even those with sensitive skin can use it.
It has 3-speed settings to customize your treatment.

MY RESULTS

It didn’t hurt, sting or zap like some devices. It didn’t leave my skin in “recovery mode” for a day or two like a chemical peel. No downtime.

I used it on the lowest setting and used very gentle, light strokes going in the direction of the hair growth. I practiced a few times on my forearm to get the hang of the correct angle and pressure.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how much of my uneven discoloration was, in fact, very surface level. My skin appeared far more even after using Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System. Removing dead skin reveals younger skin. It is like a glycolic peel but without the dryness, redness and irritation.

I thought my Vitamin C serum wasn’t getting the results lately. But after using this device, it appears I just had lots of dead skin blocking absorption.

So..um, here’s a close up of the head with the dead skin that came off my face. Yuck.

I was also surprised to see the impact “peach fuzz” had on the appearance of my face. This dander-like layer is still very noticeable in bright light or sunlight. This is especially so on the angles of our face like cheekbones, jawline, and around our lips. My cheekbones look more sculpted without that layer of fuzz diffusing their angles. Blush and highlighter go on so much better.

I would recommend doing this by a well-lit window, or better yet, in your car, where you can see peach fuzz and dry, dead skin very well. I was surprised at how much dead skin and fuzz came off the top of my cheekbone where I put highlighter. But it makes sense because I would not use a traditional exfoliant scrub this close to the eye area.

The first time peach fuzz is dermaplaned, there is a fluffy dander-like layer to remove. Afterward, the skin is so, so soft. But the real benefit is skincare products can do their job once dead skin cells are gone, and my skin can look its’ best.

VERDICT

Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System from Michael Todd Beauty promotes better skin by removing acne-causing debris and surface discoloration. In-office dermaplaning costs between $100 – $200 a session. This makes Sonicsmooth a spectacular deal in my book.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System from Michael Todd Beauty at Ulta.

Style Chicks received the Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning & Exfoliation System for review purposes. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Healthy Hair Styling with the Versatile Merakii Steam Curling Straightener with Argan Oil Infuser

May 5, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Argan Oil does wonders for hair health and appearance, making it softer, silkier, and shinier. Argan Oil is also frequently used as a styling agent, although this is a tricky balance: too much leaves hair greasy, too little doesn’t enhance shine. The Merakii Steam Hair Curling Straightener is designed a way to combine flat iron or curl styling infused with the benefits of Argan Oil by steaming Argan Oil into the hair for both a conditioning treatment and styling system in one.

Argan Oil Steam Curling Straighter with durable swiveling cord

ABOUT ARGAN OIL

Argan Oil works in three ways to improve hair:

CONDITIONING: by improving the health of growing hair. Argan Oil makes hair healthier with its’ rich fatty acid content and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and encourages the production of strong, healthy hair.
RESTORING: by reversing much of the damage done by chemicals, styling products, and the use of flat irons and hot styling tools.
ENHANCING: by improving the appearance, shine, and softness of the existing hair.

The Merakii Steam Curling Straightener delivers the Argan Oil deep into the hair by having it penetrate the hair shaft via steam. This gives a dual styling and conditioning benefit. Steam styling is also far gentler on the hair than straight dry heat, and the style tends to lock-in and lasts longer.

3D Floating Ceramic Plate provides for even heat surfaces whether curling or straightening

Merakii Steam Curling Straightener FEATURE OVERVIEW

Heats up in under one minute
Auto shut off after 60 minutes
Designed to straighten, wave and to curl
Three temperature settings: 180C (350F), 200c, (400F) and 220c (430F) for even hard to straight or curl hair.
Swivel base and body with salon length cord
Steam Knob control for the steam pump
Use water or water and Argan Oil steam
Thick, durable ceramic plates
Sturdy but not too heavy to hold during styling
A unique 3D Floating surrounding heating plate of 3.5 inches. This styles and treats the sides of the hair for the smoothest look with no ridges or bumps.

HOW THE ARGAN & STEAM WORKS

A small chamber tank is used to hold either just water for steam or a combination of water and Argan Oil to steam infuse the Argan Oil evenly through your hair. This not only penetrates deeper into the hair shaft but results in a far evener distribution of Argan Oil that is just enough to be shiny and silky but not weigh hair down or make it appear greasy.

Removable water tank

The kit comes with a small glass bottle, see the included directions of use for the ratio of how much water to Argan Oil. Use the Argan Oil of your choice.

Easy to follow guide for filling instructions, use, styling tips

Once the bottle is filled and ready, remove the water tank compartment from the side of the flat iron. Underneath you will see a spot to uncap and fill with the Argan Oil and water mix in your bottle. Replace the cap and fit the water tank back onto the styling tool.

Comes with a guide, bottle, and clips

The ceramic plates function both traditionally and to diffuse a steam mist to style and condition your hair. There is just enough steam to enable styling and Argan penetration. Hair will not become excessively damp, but it is enough to style and not rob your hair of its’ own natural moisture during the heat style process and to keep hair from burning even at higher heats.

Close up of the steam function of the ceramic plates

TIP: While these are anti-clogging steam plates, ONLY use the amount of oil instructed, this is not a case where “more is more”. The best results are with this exact ratio or just using water for the styling power of steam.

AS A CURLER

The unique swivel body and base along with its’ shape make it very easy to use this as a curler. A bit of practice with the included clips make for some great waves ranging from bombshell to beach waves to vintage 20’s wave set styles.

Barrel shape for use as a curler or waver

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

The shape of the Merakii Steam Curling Straightener is easy to hold in my hand. Made with a long cord with a swivel base, it is easy to use this on even very long hair. The handle remains cool to the touch.

The parts are well constructed and the 10ml chamber tank is sturdy. It holds 1/3 of an ounce. All knobs, buttons, and switches are in working order. There is an easy to read digital display. I am especially impressed with the durability and size of the ceramic plates.

Sturdy construction and design elements

Operation panel easy to use and read buttons

RESULTS

The steam adds a nice styling component, it does not unduly wet the hair down, just enough to style. The infusion of Argan Oil is just the right amount to not get too sticky while creating optimal shine and softness. I love that with this steam and Argan Oil combination, I can style my hair without chemicals AND that it has the benefit of a leave-in conditioning treatment without the stiffness or dullness of most leave-in conditioner.

Easy to use Steam Control

OPINION

We love how the versatile Merakii Steam Curling Straightener turns a hair-damaging heat styling tool like a flat iron and turns it into a styling and conditioning treatment that is actually BENEFICIAL for the hair.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Get an extra 30% off through May 16th, 2018 at https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/AQ1NYJLNIVNPQ

Style Chicks received the Merakii Steam Curling Straightener in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.