SPA VISIT: DAPHNE STUDIO

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting Daphne Studio in Nolita. It is the perfect downtown spa--whitewashed walls, chic floral arrangements, and an impeccable black and gold bathroom that I nearly moved into. Not only was it beautiful and serene, but they sell Biologique Recherche! No longer is a trek uptown necessary to score some P50. The entire line is available at the spa (including bottled placenta!!!), and the products are used for both face and body treatments. Treatments include traditional and oxygen facials, microneedling, body wraps and sugaring. For those out of the loop, sugaring is a natural form of hair removal designed as an alternative to waxing for sensitive skin. Daphne's formula uses a non-irritating mix of sugar, water and lemon juice.

I went with the oxygen facial for my first treatment. My aesthetician, Agnes, asked me about my skin concerns, and together we chose the best masks and serums for my skin type. I was prepping for a wedding weekend, so I wanted something to make my skin as glowy and clear as possible, while also addressing a recent sensitivity reaction on my forehead. We went with the purifying and brightening Masque Vivant mask, which is packed with yeast extract, witch hazel and cucumber. This is a best selling Biologique product--the live yeast extract has a fairly offensive smell (somewhere between Vegemite and subway urine), but includes amino acids and vitamin B that have incredible skin-clearing properties. On my forehead, the Masque Biosensible was applied for it's healing and soothing benefits. 

The masks are then removed, and serums packed with hyaloronic acid and antioxidants are massaged into the skin. A vitamin C serum was included for that extra brightness. Pressurized oxygen is applied to the face, neck and chest using a futuristic pen-like apparatus, which may sound a bit scary but in practice feels amazing. An oxygen facial is a great option regardless of which masks and serums are used. The oxygen helps the serums penetrate the skin, increases moisture by acting as an emollient, and is incredibly soothing. The result? Incredibly moisturized, even and glowing skin. I didn't even flinch when visiting packed next-door neighbor Cha Cha Matcha completely makeup-less.

Daphne Studio, 375 Broome Street. Open daily, 11:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M. For info and to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.daphne.studio or call 212.257.2310.