Everyone has their beauty musts, those little routines or perfect products that you just couldn’t live without, but it’s all too easy to stick with your old friends and fall into a beauty rut. With summer just around the corner, now’s the time to shake up your routine and discover a new treatment to add to your collection. If you’re a little short on inspiration, worry not, we’re here with just a few of the more unusual options out there.
Snake Massage
Not for the faint-hearted, this treatment was developed by a spa in Israel after the owner noted that many people felt calmed when handling snakes. The treatment involves six snakes being placed on the client’s back and then left to work their slithery magic. Apparently the smooth movement in combination with the cool skin makes the whole treatment rather pleasant and is meant to be great at reducing stress and releasing built-up tension.
Snail Slime Cream
As unpleasant as the thought of rubbing mollusc excretions into your skin is, this wondercream has been touted as the panacea of skin ailments. Originally put forward as a miracle wrinkle cure after Chilean farmers found that long days of handling snails had left their hands baby-smooth, the product promises to improve acne, stretch marks, scars, age spots and even ingrown hairs. Snails use their slime to heal and regenerate their shells, so why not give your own skin a similar pick-me-up!
Bull Semen Hair Mask
Just how far would you be willing to go for Kate Middleton-esque glossy locks? I dream of a cascade of smooth shiny hair as much as the next girl, but I’m not sure how I feel about letting my hairdresser massage the love juice of a bull into my scalp! The logic behind this, frankly gross, haircare revolution is that the proteins in your hair can form a protective layer, keeping it healthy and giving you that enviable shine. Based on this, there have been a surge of protein-rich hair treatments flooding the market, and what’s a great natural source of protein? Bull semen of course!
Beer Bath
The Czech region of West Bohemia is known for its extensive spa culture, so it’s no surprise it offers up a bit more than your standard massage and manicure. If you take a trip to the Chodovar brewery you can recline in a warm (and presumably sticky) bath of beer, water hops and yeast. A twenty-five minute dip in one of the baths is meant to be great for your hair and skin as well as improving your circulation. For hardcore ale-lovers you can also enjoy a cold beer as you soak, followed by a beery dinner in the brewery restaurant!
Arctic Ice Room
Described as the anti-sauna, the shot of cold as you enter the room is supposed to reduce hypertension as well as tightening up your pores. All you have to do to get all of these lovely benefits is sit back on a heated bench and enjoy being chilled to perfection. Add in mint-scented air and a beautiful display of falling snowflakes and you’ve got one very relaxing ice room!
24 Carat Facial
Who says wearing gold has to be limited to your jewellery? The ultimate in luxury skincare, the latest pampering craze is a facial containing pieces of genuine 24-carat gold. The concept is based on traditional Indian medicine, where the therapeutic effects of gold have been known for thousands of years. The combination of creams used in the facial are meant to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as boosting circulation, leaving your skin glowing. As truly fabulous I’m sure it is, this decadent treat will set you back around £75 per treatment! Maybe we’ll stick with the Nivea…