Yes, You Really Do Need to Use Toner: An Expert Explains

If there's one thing I believe it's safe to say we all skip out on (at least once in a while) in our skin care regimens it's got to be toner.  When I was younger I used to swear by oil-stripping astringent to help keep my pimples at bay (eek to both), but now I find my self including toner as an essential part of my daily routine (Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion).  And just for the clarification – no, it's not the same thing.  So, what is toner and what does it actually do?  I spoke with Jamie Ahn, the Founder of the Townhouse Spa in NYC to get the 411. Why is using toner such an essential step in a skincare regimen?

Toners are great for balancing the skin, adding moisture by acting as a humectants and maintaining your skin's PH level.  A balanced PH is crucial for healthy skin – you do not want skin to be too dry or too oily and toners can establish a balance in the middle.  

There are so many different types of toners on the market, do you have a favorite that does it all?

My all time favorite is the Dew Perfector by Circ Cell –it has great active ingredients and the best I've used so far.

Do you believe home made toners are as effective as store bought ones?

You can very well make simple homemade toners, but they will have a short shelf life and may not have as effective ingredients- toners these days have much more sophisticated ingredients that make them more effective.

Do you have a recipe for an effective at-home toner?

Mint-Vinegar Toner 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 cup distilled water

You can also add aloe vera and lemon slices if you'd like.  Keep it refrigerated and toss it after a week.

5 Things to Add to Your Holiday Wish List from NYC Spa Owner, Jamie Ahn

Recently I wrote about my favorite places to go for massages, the Townhouse Spa.  Here, the Founder of the Townhouse and Acqua Beauty Bar in NYC, Jamie Ahn discusses her top five items to add to your holiday wish list and it's all beauty treatments and covetable pieces of fashion.  I have to say, we really do have the same sense of style.  I have a feeling you'll be salivating over at least a few things on here as well.  Enjoy! 1. Luzern Force De Vie Luxe Creme

It brings a glow to tired skin, diminishes signs of lines and wrinkles, promotes fresh cell growth, and deep hydrates. Excellent for those wanting a combination of deep moisture and powerful anti-aging actives.

2.  Michael Kors Shearling Boots

3.  Renove Royal Perfect Collagen Mask

It contains CO Q10 & Royal Jelly which provides firmness and elasticity to help make the skin look more revitalized and lifted (exclusive to Townhouse Spa).

4.  Hermes Scarf

5.  Gift Certificate to Townhouse Spa for a Gel Manicure

Gel manicures don't chip and keep a glossy shine, so they're perfect for  holiday party hopping...in addition to a Aroma Paraffin Hand Treatment, which is super moisturizing.

My Top Places in NYC for Relaxation

Last Friday I decided to unplug, well as much as possible and treat myself and my skin to a day of wellness, which included pilates, a facial and a massage.  While I love checking out the latest treatments from spas across the city and even around the world, when I book myself a much needed day to de-stress I always turn to my two favorite spots  – Mario Badescu and the Townhouse Spa – for guaranteed results. Facials at Mario Badescu are no joke.  Pampering?  Somewhat, but what I like about their services is that they get the job done.  If you're one of those people who get facials twice a year to relax and enjoy a variety of masks being slathered on your face, while you get a hand massage, then this isn't the place for you.  For a busy New Yorker on a schedule, who wants an efficient skin cleansing with an added boost, this is the place for you.  I try to visit every three months.  They also have an incredible skincare line that works miracles.

The Townhouse Spa has been my go-to spa since my Cosmo days.  It's a three floor boutique spa in midtown that's always ahead of the curve with the latest treatments and technology.  Joe and I actually had a couples massage there on Friday night (as we do a lot) and besides giving a heavenly massage, they also cater to men very well.  There's a whole men's floor, which makes it more comfortable for the guys.  Just ask Joe.

Ban Cellulite Now

Let's face it, truth is, no matter how skinny a person is, cellulite is still one of their biggest enemies, especially during bikini season.  Yes, that's tiny little Eva Longoria in the photo to the left with cellulite!  Owner of the Townhouse Spa in NYC, Jamie Ahn, filled me in on how to eliminate the enemy (and she's not a fan of creams). "Cellulite treatments in the spa have sky rocketed about 60% in the past month because of bathing suit season," stated Ahn.

The Townhouse Spa offers a cellulite treatment that uses an Ultrasound and non-invasive subdermal therapy to treat all different forms of cellulite.  It can be performed... anywhere on your body from your butt and thighs to your stomach and upper arms.  However if you can't afford spa treatments, there are things you can do on your own to improve the appearance of cellulite.

"The key to ridding cellulite is all in circulation," spilled Ahn.  The best thing to do before hitting the beach is get a massage.  Your butt, and thighs normally receive no circulation on their own so you have to work them yourself.  Do squats and lunges to get the blood flowing in that area and massage it in a circular motion.  You'll see in a short period of time that the cellulite is not as noticeable.  You can also drink water with electrolytes.