As a beauty editor, I can honestly say rarely is a skincare product released without excessive usage of terms like ‘glow’ and ‘radiant.’ While there are loads of quality products out there and loads more ways to wax poetic about them, eventually it gets redundant. That being said, after my recent trip to the new GLOWBAR Prospect Heights last week, I’m ready to sing its praises…
A straight-forward, no-frills approach to radiant skin procured by licensed estheticians and clinical-grade facial treatments that eliminate menus and expensive add-ons, GLOWBAR is the next level in skincare. When I looked in the mirror after my rejuvenating thirty-minute session I was startled by how truly glowing my skin was. Face-timing my Mom later that afternoon, she immediately booked a session after noticing the dramatic difference it made. Not only was my skin youthful and vibrant as never before, my sparkling blue eyes and thick brows were highlighted exquisitely. As I strut proudly down the street afterward, honest to goddess I got more cat-calls that Friday afternoon than is probably legal. One guy chased me for four blocks in his car calling ‘Sexy!’ Maybe it was my new pair of Everyday Goddess leggings by CEO Active (they make my ass look like a perfect heart-shape!), or maybe it was my absolutely luminescent face!?
If facials aren’t already your essential summer glam-dunk, another reason to choose GLOWBAR is its sheer affordability, ease and totally unpretentious atmosphere. Members pay just $60 monthly for their 30-minute customized facial as part of a 1-year membership which includes product discounts, exclusive events and other peachy perks. Started by a family of skincare pioneers, founder Rachel Liverman’s grandmother opened the first fully-accredited skincare institute in the country. Customized treatments from graduates of the Glower Skinstitute vary per client, with GLOWBAR’s across the east coast offering a number of cutting edge approaches to modern skincare.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. GLOWBAR offers several procedures which are expertly mixed and matched to create a fully personalized treatment. Not only did my esthetician recommend the best approach for my skin type, she provided diligent aftercare instructions (more important than you might think) and pro tips on how to tweak my current skin regimen. Here’s a quick run down of some of the things they offer:
Cavitation uses ultrasonic vibrations and water to fully cleanse the pores of dirt, oil and debris.
A gentle treatment remedying fine lines, acne, dry skin and uneven pigmentation, non-invasive Chemical Peels remove the top layer of dead skin cells to encourage cellular regeneration.
Hydrating Masks restore much needed moisture to the skin.
Extractions manually clear clogged or impact pores.
High Frequency is a tool used to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation – fighting acne and increasing blood vessel circulation in addition to its anti-aging effects. I love this one because it literally improved my seasonal allergy induced itchy eyes almost instantly!
Extremely low-voltage Microcurrenting, sometimes called the ‘natural facelift’ mirrors your body’s electrical currents on a cellular level to repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production.
LED Light Therapy is a painless, relaxing and non-invasive approach to glowing skin which treats mild to moderate acne and stimulates collagen production.
Dermaplanning is a manual exfoliation technique which removes dead skin cells while excavating 80-90% of your ‘peach fuzz.’
With regards to the last item, Dermaplanning (pictured above) – let me just say that paying extra attention to my skincare routine as of late has only highlighted how much facial hair I low-key have! With all respect to the bearded ladies out there, hearing someone casually remark that ‘Italians are hairy’ was honestly one of the most comforting moments of my adult life. Sometimes the truth sets us free. When my esthetician showed me all the peach fuzz (scientific term vellus hair) and dead skin cells she had exfoliated right off my face, I was shocked! And happy!
Add that feeling of relief and renewal to the fact that just the right music came on during my session and as the esthetician massaged my face she cooed ‘Love’ into my ears as if it were my true name. Who needs the creme de la creme of spas when you have all the unpretentious, high yield artillery of GLOWBAR at your service? With locations all over NYC as well as New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, this femme-engineered enterprise is on the rise! Plus, all GLOWBAR products are free from animal testing.
Book your Session HERE
Finally, if you’ve read my other thought pieces you know I don’t believe in magic-bullets and preach that beauty is more than skin deep. Want to take your glow up a few more notches? Pair your next trip to GLOWBAR with Kundalini Yoga’s Meditation for the Radiant Body. What is the radiant body exactly?
Known as the 10th and final light body of Kundalini Yoga teachings, it represents the divine potential within each person. Appearing as a golden halo of bright light that crowns one’s true essence – it’s sensed by others as a strong, confident presence. When the radiant body is fortified, it boosts the power of all other nine Light Bodies.
Meditation for the Radiant Body is designed to strengthen it, making the practitioner infinitely bright and beautiful. If you need a miracle, memorize the mantra below by heart. Chanting this will elevate the mind and create shifts in perspective until eventually oppositions dissolve on their own and the path is clear. Vibrate the cosmos, and the cosmos will clear the way!
HOW TO PRACTICE IT
Sit in a comfortable seated position with spine straight and chin tucked in slightly in neck lock. Focus on the tip of the nose.
Mudra: With the elbows relaxed at the sides of the body extend the Jupiter (index) fingers of each hand and bring the pads together in front of the Heart Center. The thumbs lock over the Saturn (middle) fingers, making a fist in each hand. The right hand faces away and the left hand faces the chest.
Mantra:
Ajai Alai
Abhai Abai
Abhoo Ajoo
Anaas Akaas
Aganj Abhanj
Alakh Abhakh
Akaal Dayaal
Alayk Abhaykhe
Anaam Akaam
Agaahaa Adhaahaa
Anaatay Parmaatay
Ajonee Amonee
Na Raagay Na Rangay
Na Roopay Na Raykay
Akaramang Abharamang
Aganjay Alaykhay
Translation:
Invincible. Indestructible.
Fearless. Everywhere.
Unborn. Forever.
Indestructible. Within Everything.
Invincible. Indestructible.
Invisible. Free from wants.
Immortal. Kind.
Unimaginable. Formless.
Unnameable. Free from desires.
Unfathomable. Undamageable.
Without a master. Destroyer of all.
Beyond birth & death. Beyond silence.
More than love itself. Beyond all colors.
Formless. Beyond chakras.
Beyond Karma. Beyond doubt.
Beyond battles. Unimaginable.
Continue for 24 minutes. To end, inhale, suspend the breath, exhale. Repeat twice more.
To learn more about Kundalini Yoga visit my teacher Siri Rishi of Temple 143, Bedstuy’s Premier Kundalini Yoga Temple, nestled in the heart of the community on the parlor floor of a gorgeous Bedstuy Brownstone. Follow @temple143kundalini for updates.
Book a class HERE
