As the semester continues and the stress levels rise, a little rest and relaxation may be in order. While spending a weekend at a luxury spa may not be within the typical college student's budget, a trip to the mall may suffice - considering the growing popularity of at-home spa treatments.
"When using at home products you can feel good whenever you want. You don't have to make an appointment, drive all the way there, and drive all the way back," said Trinity Phillips, a sales leader at Bath and Body Works. "Plus when you're at home, you're already relaxed. You can watch television or read a book while you're doing the procedure."
The September issue of Cosmopolitan magazine featured an article that uncovered ways of self-beautification, just as the pros would, if time and money permit.
To set the proper spa atmosphere, the article suggests using aromatherapy candles and stepping into a comfortable pair of slippers. It also includes recipes for milk baths, body butter, and tub tea bags.
With cash to spare, the "day at the spa" can start at the mall. Bath and Body Works now has an extensive line of foot and body scrubs to accommodate the at home spa phenomenon. They also offer more mild face scrubs, "hand defying" lotion and indulging body oil.
Phillips described the brands' new line of gel filled gloves and socks.
"The gloves and socks feel just like your hand is in a bowl of gel. You can leave them on for 14 minutes to overnight and when you take them off your hands and feet feel incredibly soft and smooth," she said.
Lotions and scrubs at Bath and Body Works range from $12 to $24, while the gloves and socks are $35.
Dana Cinquanti, a junior psychology major, agrees with Phillips about the convenience of at-home pampering.
"I used to always get my nails done at the salon, but it's so much easier to do it myself. I don't have to make an appointment and go all the way there, it's much cheaper, and they look just as good," she said.
While a trip to the mall may be easier on the wallet than actually going to the spa, many think that it is worth the extra cash to get professional treatment.
Claire Havener, owner of "A New You by Claire," on Cayuga Creek Road in Buffalo, said the professional products and techniques pays off.
"I use mostly products from Europe that you can't get over the counter. Plus, it's much more relaxing to have someone perform the service on you than to try to do it yourself," said Havener.
"A New You" spa features body and facial scrubs including a "savar" scrub consisting of buffered salts from Austria, which are mixed with oils to exfoliate dead skin cells.
"The buffered salts are so much better than sea salt, which is what is in most over the counter products, because it's not as coarse and rough on the skin," said Havener.
The spa also has a "moor mud" scrub made of over 1,000 detoxifying herbs from Hungary, and a "sothy's" body treatment for reduction of cellulite.
"(Sothy's) is much better than cellulite treatments you can buy because we use a $5,000 machine to massage and tone at the same time. Most people don't have these at home," said Havener.
Facial treatments at "A New You" range from $55 to $75, while full body scrubs go from $75 to $100.
Rita Lauricella, the owner of "Capello Salon and Day Spa" on Main Street in Williamsville, agrees that more complex services should only be performed in a salon.
"Procedures like waxing are very difficult to do if you're not properly trained. Waxing eyebrows, for example, can be very dangerous because you might mess up your face or get some in your eyes," said Lauricella. "Professionals also know general rules of thumb that amateurs could not know."
Vicki Cond, a junior health and human services major, agrees that she would rather have services performed at a spa.
"I have tried to wax my own eyebrows before, and they were a mess. When I get it done at a salon, it's so quick and easy, and they always turn out great," said Conde.
Capello Salon's most popular services include manicures, pedicures, waxing and bridal services, at a wide range of prices. A mini day-spa package, for example, goes for $125.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
