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Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

facial

'Tis the season to spoil YOURSELF!  Check out the new twist on facials, courtesy of an esteemed Valley esthetician.

Truth is, us ladies wear a lot of make-up.  We have to, considering it looks good in the work place, especially if you’re on HD television.  (All my colleagues will agree!)  However, all that stuff surely takes a toll on our face, so it’s time you put the Christmas shopping aside, and take some TLC for yourself.

Honestly, I never was a facial type-of-girl; I really don’t favor people spreading unknown stuff all over my face.  But I think I’ve had a change of heart, thanks to Carmen Cherry, licensed esthetician at Scottsdale’s Zolton’s Salon & Spa.

Her last name might ring a bell…Carmen’s hubby is NBC’s consumer connoisseur Dave Cherry; however, his leading lady has mad skills of her own.  The Peru native is making a name for herself here in AZ, becoming one of the Valley’s go-to gals for beautifying treatments.  Carmen specializes in custom facials, but what makes her services truly unique, is that they are vegan.  Let me explain.

The Cherrys live a vegan lifestyle, saying “no” to animal products and dairy.  That’s because Carmen says fatty foods are rich in saturated fat, causing your pores to clog.  (In other words, what goes in your body effects your outer body—that’s why fruit, veggies, and whole grains are good for your health and physique.)

According to Carmen, natural foods have a lot of vitamins and antioxidants—the building blocks for radiant skin.  These products flush out yucky toxins, therefore giving your face a healthy glow.

Carmen takes this idea to a whole new level, offering “vegan facials” for her clients to enjoy.  So I gave her service a whirl—and whoa, what a difference 90 minutes made.

Her hour and a half facials start at $85, but that buys you the most elite pampering for your face.  Her 12-step facials start with a simple cleanse—mine consisted of a pomegranate cream removing dirt and make-up.  This was followed by a green tea cleanser, and for that she used a super cool electronic facial brush called Clarisonic.  Consider it the ultimate in facial deep cleaning.  (You can own one for a hefty price.) And then she used a cucumber toner which regulated my pH levels.  (And FYI, all her natural products are from a Tempe-based manufacturer, Skin Script.)

Step four was the analysis—that’s when Carmen determined what my face specifically craved.  This was followed by a delightfully-scented pumpkin enzyme; a deep exfoliate to prevent fine lines.  (Carmen doesn’t like the word “wrinkles.” LOL.)  The enzymes also soften the skin before extractions…the zit-popping, black-head busting technique.  And while steam activated my enzymes, I was treated to a foot massage.

Ah, the foot massage.

In addition to feeling comfy on a heated pad, under a blanket, with calming music in the background, Carmen paid my pitiful feet a soothing visit.  Instead of just a typical foot rub, Carmen targeted problem spots that trigger stress.  It was delightful!

Of course, the extractions followed.  (They weren’t too painful.)  And then I fell asleep.

That’s because Carmen topped the foot massage with a gentle grape-seed shoulder massage while my face laid coated with a goji berry mask.

Following my cat-nap, she gave my eyes and lips some love, treating them to a soft scrub.  (Carmen says we often forget about our eyes and lips; when in fact, we should take extra care of our precious facial features.)

My 90-minutes wrapped up with a light moisturizer, but then came something I’ve honestly never experienced:  a no heat eyebrow wax.  See, Carmen uses a totally unique waxing product that’s sugar-based and water-soluble.

She says people should invest in monthly facials to keep their skin young, tight, and fresh.  In addition to special treatments, Carmen suggests drinking a lot of H2O and making SPF your best friend.  Also, it’s a good idea to use quality products—many generic brands encumber a lot of preservatives.  And of course, add a little vegan to the mix.  You don’t have to go totally no-meat extreme to make smarter choices; for example, you can easily substitute butter for olive oil.  Moral of the story: go natural.  Your body will thank you.

To book with Carmen, call Zolton’s Salon & Spa at (480) 513-8414.

rsz nadine

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