Express Yourself: DIY a Super Fast Facial

Accelerated spa treatments have literally been "popping up" across the country. Speedy services are offered for brows, nails, and blowouts so you can get your beauty fix in 30 minutes or less (more time for spinning! Or, um, Scandal). Now, we've added a new must-do to our maintenance routine: Express facials. Red Door's Cornelia Zicu explains how to DIY a lux experience right in your own home.
by Amanda Downs

Arthur Belebeau
Arthur Belebeau


Got a minute? Neither do we. Thankfully, the beauty industry has heard the cries of over-scheduled women around the country and revamped their approach to relaxation (i.e. they're going to give it to you a whole lot faster). Today, 61% of spas are now offering express treatments, according to the 2013 U.S. Spa Industry Study, including some of our faves like Red Door Spa, Bliss, Dermalogica, and Repechage. "Time is the new luxury. We want the same results [we're used to receiving] but in minutes, not hours," says Cornelia Zicu, global chief creative officer for Red Door Spas. Fortunately, Zicu is confident that you can achieve spa-like results at home - with products that are already in your medicine cabinet! Get glowing, gorgeous skin in minutes with these five steps.

Suds up: "Depending on the results you're looking for, use a facial cleanser with anti-aging, purifying, hydrating or brightening benefits," Zicu suggests. Opt for one that's strong enough to remove any trace of dirt and makeup, but still gentle enough to treat your skin's primary issues. Gently massage the product into skin for one minute with your fingers or a cleansing brush to deep clean, then rinse and dry your face.

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Neutralize with toner: Toning both balances the pH of your skin and helps to remove residual grime on your skin's surface, explains Zicu. As with cleanser, the toner you use should be specific for your skin type. Apply it to a thin cotton pad and swipe all over face, but do not rinse. Allow a few minutes for your skin to dry completely.

Slough off: Exfoliation helps to remove dead cells on the surface of your skin -- removing them gives your face an instant glow. Choose a facial scrub that contains round beads, which are ideal for brightening and smoothing uneven patches, but remember to be gentle. "Rough scrubs aren't necessarily better," Zicu says. "They may actually scratch the skin's surface, causing damage and dehydration." To apply, dampen skin, rub the scrub in circular motions all over your face for one minute, avoiding the eye area, then rinse and pat dry.

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Wear a mask: Masks can make a difference -- if you know what your skin needs. In general, choose a clay face mask for oily skin; gel or cream for sensitive or dry. Spread a thick layer on dry skin, avoiding eyes, and let soak in on for 15 minutes to give the active ingredients time to penetrate. Rinse with room-temperature water, then cover face with a cold cloth compress to stimulate circulation. Leave on for one minute before rinsing.

Protect and prevent: Finally, seal in the results by smoothing on face serum -- it penetrates quickly into just-purified skin. Gently massage it all over your face. Extra credit: Tap a rich eye cream around your eyes and admire your new glow.


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