Miracle 10 Skincare and Peel

A few mths ago I had the pleasure of attending an awesome blogger event at the Miracle 10 Skincare Spa in Yorkville.  During the event we got to learn about the latest in skincare and makeup trends as well as have your own skin analyzed and assessed by the Miracle 10 skincare specialists.  At the end of the event we all received full size bottles of the Miracle 10 skincare system based on our skin type and needs.  We also were lucky enough to get a complimentary skin peel to be booked on another day! So overall I have to say a pretty awesome event w/ some pretty awesome swag!

I went away to Central America for 3 wks right after the event so I didn't want to start using the skincare system until I got back.  Plus I had to wait until the New Year to book my first peel b/c I was going to be in the sun a lot on my trip and you can't do a peel if you're going to be/or have been in the sun a lot.

For products in our gift bag we got to try out:

Cleanser - Cleansing dirt, oil, makeup etc. from the skin
Solution - For exfoliating and toning the skin
Sunscreen - Water and Sweat resistant, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and offers protection against premature aging and sun damage
AHA Gel - Advanced exfoliator that reduces build up of dead, lifeless skin.  Helps brighten the skin and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin - probably my fav. product in the system - also please be aware it may cause a bit of burning or itching when it's first applied (at least it does for me)
Light Serum - Hydrates and Soothes the skin.  Also helps to reduce fine lines and doesn't leave a greasy residue which is great for oily skin

So as you can see they were MORE than GENEROUS with their swag bag!  Also, feel free to check out their FAQs - it has lots of great answers about the products!

Anyone who reads this blog knows I do not have great skin...in fact especially considering my age I'd say it's quite problematic :( and I'm not going to lie here...it took about a mth for my skin to get use to the system and during that time my skin actually got worse...like a lot worse than it's been in ages! So bad that when I went to get my peel the woman giving it actually called in another esthetician to get a second opinion on some of the very deep/painful pimples I was getting.  They both agreed that I should stick w/ the system as it was probably just really deep cleaning my skin and pulling out/drawing the the surface a lot of the dirt, congestion and bacteria that's deep within my skin.

My skin has improved a lot since that first peel.  In fact I've now had 3 peels at the clinic and I really like what it's doing for my skin!


I've never actually had a peel before a couple of mths ago so it was a really cool process to me and my esthetician was great about talking me through all the steps and explaining what each step was for and the benefits of it.  I actually just had another peel yesterday and this time I took some pics and video of the process (which is also why there was a delay in my post...I wanted to wait till I had another peel).

It first started w/ cleansing of the skin and then next we did an optional (but actually my favourite) step called dermaplaning - it's an exfoliation treatment where a very fine blade is run over the face in order to remove dead skin and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz).  Afterward, I do find my makeup goes on the skin smoother and no you don't have to worry about hair growing back thicker or coarser on the face.

I actually took a short video of the procedure which you can see here!

After that the peel is applied to the skin.  I started w/ the most gentle lactic peel but last time I did the 30% Glycolic Peel..my skin is red for a bit after the procedure but it's nothing a little makeup can't fix.  And it's not that painful.  A little stingy but it's only on for a minute and w/ the fan blowing on my face I personally don't find it that bad at all. 

After that a soothing and hydrating mask is placed on the skin which is very cooling and relaxing after the peel.

After that they do this sort of neat dry ice type thing which is anti-inflammatory and helps disinfects the area...in this pic you'll see the "redness" from the peel.

I've already got my next peel booked at the Yorkville Miracle 10 Spa...definitely worth checking out!

Wow What A Deal! Rhythm Spa Downtown Toronto

 I love a good deal!  I also love going to the spa!  So when those two things can come together I'm totally game!  If you're a looking to get pampered for a couple of hours and not break the bank I definitely have a great deal for you if you live or work in Downtown Toronto!

Rhythm Spa located at 199 Church St. (Just South of Dundas St. E) is having an amazing special right now! 

For $120 (including tax) you get:

30 Min Massage

30 Min Facial

Mani/Pedi

30 Min Exfoliation

Eyebrow Shaping 

Brazilian Waxing or Full Leg or Full Arm...and it can be used over multiple visits!

We can't all afford to have spa days at The Ritz...but that doesn't mean we don't deserve to be pampered too!

I think this would be really fun to do as an afternoon w/ a girlfriend...go to lunch, go to the spa, hit a patio for some cocktails...you know all that fancy fun stuff ;)

I've been to Rhythm Spa before and I can say the staff are really nice and friendly.  It's a clean place and they've done quite a few renovations over the past couple of years to expand the business.  It's not the fanciest place in town but you're also not paying the highest prices in town either.

I should mention they also have some great deals for Spa Parties - Great idea for Bachelorettes or Birthdays!  Plus they also have some Monthly Membership spa services definitely worth checking out!

So if you're looking for some pampering...or a gift for someone that is in need of some pampering definitely a deal worth checking out!

GIVEAWAY!!! FREE 60 min Facial at Saul's Beauty Shop - $100 Value

I'm hosting another giveaway and let me tell you I'm SO EXCITED about this one!  Why you ask? Well it's a really awesome prize!  I'm giving away 1 60 min facial at Saul's Beauty Shop in Toronto - Value $100.  Contest open to anyone in Toronto or GTA (if you're willing to come to Toronto for the facial) - open to Men & Women - Saul's is a gender neutral joint and they actually really really want the boys out there to start taking better care of their skin ;)

Never heard of Saul's?  Well that's probably b/c it's pretty new but can I just say it's also pretty awesome!  I personally had the pleasure of getting my own facial at Saul's last week and it was probably one of the best facials I've had..no lie!  The spot itself is located right on Dundas West near Bellwoods Ave.  It also has a totally different vibe than most spas too...almost like you're stepping into someone's cute apt...not sterile or all white...that's b/c owner Eliss wanted to create a warm and friendly environment that would appeal to both men and women...reg. spa goers as well as newbies.

Eliss has been in the aesthetics biz for years and funny enough I've actually had the pleasure of receiving her services before once or twice at Aroma Wellness Clinic.  Eliss even recognized me when I came in for my facial which was surprising b/c I'm sure she saw A LOT of ppl at Aroma so kinda nice that she remembered me even though we only met once or twice before.

What makes her place different from a lot of other spas out there is as I mentioned she's really trying to make an inviting gender neutral, unpretentious environment and in fact not only does she carry a wide range of shave products for the boys out there but she also has a conditioning mask for facial hair during the male facials...facial hair and the skin underneath it need love to you know ;)

She also only carries products that are SLS and petrochemical free...she even writes up about it here on her site.

Also...and this is probably the biggest one compared to most places I've received facials from before.  Her facials are booked in time increments instead of the type of facial.  Basically when you go in you speak to Eliss about your concerns, sensitivities and the things you want most out of a facial ie. mask, extractions, peels etc. and from there she customizes your facial based on your skin type, needs, concerns and the time increment you've paid for.

So why did I enjoy my facial so much you might be asking.  Well to start off I just really liked the vibe...I actually always liked Eliss the once or twice I had her at Aroma so I knew I was off to a good start there.  Unlike most spas she doesn't play typical waterfall or meditating music but instead it's more of an old school classic slow r&b & jazz sort of thing.  Plus using the Aromatherapy Associates spa line she customizes the masks based on what she thinks you need...maybe a bit extra oatmeal or guava etc.  I had the Rose face mask.  And this was probably the best part...during the facial a lot of times the esthetician will leave the room during the steam or mask but Eliss actually gave a hand massage, shoulder massage and finally a scalp massage all during the facial...definitely aided in my relaxation!

Eliss also offers waxing services and spray tans...I'm actually going back next week for a spray tan to get my healthy "Summer glow" on ;)  I'll be sure to tell you guys about that too!

So here's how to ENTER!  Please allow a few moments for the widget to open.  Open to Men & Women.  Toronto or GTA area ONLY!

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