6 Weird and Wacky Facials

You may often associate facials with lavender-scented oils and hot steam, but these innovative spas have other ideas. Before you bug out-'you're going to put that there?!'-review the beneficial elements.

Caviar Indulgence Signature Facial at Equinox Spa

Not only does luxe gym chain Equinox think outside the box when it comes to fitness classes (like Liquid Strength and Below the Belt), but it also pushes spa service boundaries. This anti-aging facial starts out like a classic one, with a deep exfoliation (to soften the skin and allow ingredients to really penetrate) and extractions. But it caps off with a hydrating caviar collagen mask. The formula contains vitamin-rich fish roe, hydrating quince fruit extract, and regenerative marine DNA. The potion helps boost fiber, neutralize free radicals, and plump fine lines.
$175 for 50 minutes; Equinox Spa

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Banana Foster Facial at Dorit Baxter

This skin-brightening treatment was inspired by owner Dorit Baxter's favorite desert. It begins with an exfoliation using a brown sugar-and-dark rum concoction, which has a grainy texture and refreshes skin. Then, elasticizing whipped cream is massaged onto the epidermis to make it feel smoother. It is followed by a toner, created from cinnamon and water, which acts as an astringent and antiseptic. The big finale includes a mask comprised of vanilla ice cream and bananas that provides your mug with nourishing milk and vitamins, such as potassium, B6, and C. The whole aromatic, sensual experience will have you licking your lips.
$95 for one hour; Dorit Baxter New York Day Spa

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Geisha (Bird Poop) Facial at Shizuka

Ancient Japanese traditions are fused into modern practices at this Midtown NYC haven. Owner Shizuka Bernstein has exposed the geishas' best kept secret: uguisu no fun (powdered bird droppings) has the ability to break down dead skin cells and leave your face with a vibrant glow. The service kicks off with a cleansing using house-brand natural products, followed by a green tea-, collagen, and -fiber mask. But try not to gag when a second mask, containing rice bran and UV-sterilized bird feces, is applied so that you can attain the full exfoliating properties. Then it's back to normalcy with a Camilla flower oil massage to boost circulation. Walk away with a porcelain doll-like mug.
$180 for one hour; Shizuka New York Day Spa

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Brazilian Facial at Strip: Ministry of Wax

International hair removal spa, Strip: Ministry of Wax, recently added facials for your girly parts to its roster of rare services (such as eyelash perms and eyebrow resurrection). The main attraction is the use of a gentle microdermabrasion machine that deals with one of three concerns of your choice: ingrown hairs, dry skin, or discoloration. The treatment can be combined with a wax, using Strip's signature chocolate and strawberry strippless wax formulas (and yes, they smell like their names!). See how our editor felt when she tried this daring service!
$55-$85; Strip: Ministry of Wax

Milkweed Facial at Andrea DeSimone Spa

Organic-focused esthetician Andrea DeSimone offers a facial with milkweed oil, which is the same substance caterpillars feast on during their metamorphosis stage. The formula has healing, hydrating, hypo-allergenic, and antioxidant properties. The facial begins with a double cleanse using milkweed oil and a milky-based cleanser to dissolve dirt. Then, DeSimone applies a customized mask comprised of enzyme-packed Greek yogurt mixed with skin-tightening clay. It is removed using crushed flax seed, and Milkseed oil is pressed onto the skin again to make your epidermis pliable for extractions. After your zits are popped, she wipes the area with a homeopathic toner to disinfect. Any redness is taken away with the use of rolling cold glass balls on the skin.
$150 for 75 minutes; andreadesimoneonline.com

Benefit Peel With Spanish Moss at Oasis Day Spa

Tucked underground in the middle of Manhattan, you'll find this quiet sanctuary that features a potent antioxidant peel containing Spanish moss, which is known to exfoliate skin. The earthy ingredient is combined with pumpkin seeds, vitamin C, and Retinol to plump collagen and treat conditions like rosacea, hypersensitivity, acne, and hyperpigmentation. The process begins with a thorough cleanse, and then the formula is applied. Expect a brighter, tighter face for up to three days following the treatment, as well as a bit of dead skin cell shedding.
$100 for 30 minutes; Oasis Day Spa

For more from Real Beauty:
• 33 Surprising Things That Ruin Your Skin
• 12 Ways To Cure Adult Acne At Any Age
• 33 Ways to Look Thinner Right Now
• 9 Dirty-Hair Styling Tricks
• The 7 Biggest Beauty Sins
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.