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The original

Caudalie Vinosource Facial ($185) Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa at the Plaza, 1 W 58th St at Fifth Ave (212-265-3182, caudalie-usa.com)

The remake

Materials
4 (large) whole green or red grapes
1 tsp honey
1 tsp plain yogurt
2 face towels

Step 1. Wash your face well. Cut the grapes in half and, with a half in each hand, massage the juice into your face, starting at the middle of your forehead and moving in slow circular motions across the forehead, around the eyes, cheeks, chin, neck and on the lips.

Step 2. Once complete, smoosh the grapes into the skin. You can also massage the fruit into your cuticles to soften them and into your nails to brighten them.

Step 3. Mix the honey and yogurt in a bowl and apply a thin layer to the face and neck with fingertips (like a mask). Dampen the towels with lukewarm water and warm in the microwave on a low setting for 30 seconds. Place one towel on the upper part of the face and the other on the lower part, leaving the nose free to breathe. Relax for ten minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Why it works: “Fresh grapes are an amazing natural exfoliant,”says head aesthetician Regine Berthelot. “The fruit acids do wonders for the skin. When you combine them with the richness of the plain yogurt and honey mask, the skin will be soothed and nourished.”

Still want to indulge? Receive 10 percent off a Vinosource Facial between Thursday 5 and Wednesday 11. Mention this article when you call to book.

The original

The Bliss Carrot and Sesame Body Buff ($165) Bliss, various locations (877-TO-BLISS, blissworld.com)

The remake

Materials
1 carrot
½ cup sea salt
1 tbsp sesame seeds
½ cup olive oil

Milk-and-honey soak
2–3 cups whole milk
2 tbsps honey

Step 1. To create the carrot-and-sesame mulch, grate the carrot in a food processor. Transfer it to a medium-size bowl; then stir in the sea salt, sesame seeds and olive oil. Warm the mixture in the microwave for 45 seconds.

Step 2.Take the mulch into the shower and scrub for a top-to-toe sloughing, paying special attention to hardened elbows and knees. Rinse off well with warm water.

Step 3.To emulate the effects of the treatment’s milk-and-honey drizzle and wrap, next prepare a milk-and-honey soak: Combine the milk and honey, and add to a warm bath for seriously soft skin.

Why it works:
“The carrots are rich in vitamins A, C and K and potassium,” says Ann Marie Cilmi, Bliss’s director of education and development. “The sea salts are remineralizing and a great exfoliant, and the olive oil is very moisturizing to the skin. In the bath portion, the lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, a natural material that dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together, and the honey will act as a moisturizer.”

Still want to indulge? TONY readers can book Bliss’s Hot Milk and Almond Pedicure through February 28 and get a free Hot Cream Manicure on the same day. Call and mention TONY for more details.

The original

The Herbal Poultice Massage ($195) Townhouse Spa, 39 W 56th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-245-8006, townhousespa.com)

The remake

Materials
1 cup of a mix of dried herbs from your kitchen cabinet (recommended mix: rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, mint and basil)1 cheesecloth A thick rubber band or string

Step 1. Place the mix of herbs in the middle of the cheesecloth and tightly wrap the rubber band or string around the outside to form a bulb.

Step 2. Place the poultice in a steamer for three minutes. If using the microwave, wet the poultice first and heat for two minutes; let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure the poultice is not too hot to the touch.

Step 3. Gently but firmly press on the skin from the ankle up all the way to the thighs; the poultice can also be used on the arms. If you’ve got a willing partner, have him or her treat your back as well.

Why it works:
“This massage is performed with a heated herbal poultice that infuses the therapeutic values of the herbals into the skin,” explains Jamie Ahn, president of Townhouse Spa. “The motion helps to release tension in the muscle; this is great on the legs and limbs after a strenuous workout or walking in high heels. The herbs will aid in loosening up the muscles, and the menthol in rosemary and mint will ease achy muscles as well.”

Still want to indulge? TONY readers get 20 percent off Townhouse’s Herbal Poultice Massage and the Herbal Detox. Mention TONY when you book your appointment through March 31.

NEXT in Spa guide 2009: Preening is believing >>
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