Tuesday, July 29, 2008
From the, "Um, yuck!" files, comes the skin treatment New Yorkers are allegedly flocking to (pun intended): the bird-poo facial.
Yes, for just under $200, you too can have powdered nightingale faeces — amongst other things — smeared over your mug.
The treatment, introduced to the US by spa owner Shizuka Bernstein, isn't actually new. In the 18th century, geishas used the poo powder (known as uguisu no fun) to clean the heavy white make-up off their faces.
"I'm always trying to bring Japanese culture and tradition to my spa," says Bernstein. "I heard my mother talk about this treatment when I was a little girl."
The active ingredients are said to brighten, heal and "re-texturize" the skin. And if you're worried about the hygiene factor, rest assured: the manufacturers of the product kill any nasties with a UV light before it lands on your face.
Certainly makes the humble mashed avocado and cucumber slice treatments seem rather dull, doesn't it?
