Foodie Fun

In ancient times, we may think it strange that great rulers chose to have baths of asses’ milk, golden water or even blood (if they bathed at all). Over the past year, absolutely noone has considered approaching us here at Xtras Online asking “How can I do that?” Well, just in case you’re pining over such long-lost times and traditions, fear not – the ever-quirky people of Japan have come up with your perfect solution:

It may be some distance to go to the “Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa”, but rest assured, it’ll be worth it…Well, it’ll be a story anyway. For a wallet-emptying ¥3,500 (£30) – children are half price! – you can choose to bathe in one of 25 various liquid delights ranging from Green Tea to Chocolate. By the very nature of these pools, hygiene, it seems, is not the foremost consideration. Consumption therefore, is entirely at your own risk. But, in relation to the Coffee Spa, “It has been said that coffee is an effective treatment from the recovery of fatigue, and also adds beauty to the skin. The aroma of the coffee will also perk up your senses.” – Milk and sugar optional.

Not content with just offering such wonderful treatments, the spa also display regular “performances of pouring real wine into the Wine Spa” – it’s an interactive experience too!

Between Wayne Rooneys’ hair transplant and Sylvester Stallones’ plastic surgery, it seems that men are taking more extreme steps than ever to try and appear cosmetically perfect. However, despite a 45% increase in male plastic surgery in the last decade, men who have gone under the knife are still a small minority – due, in the most part to the high cost of surgery.

However, there are other, less extreme ways in which the modern man appears to be getting in touch with his feminine side. Companies such as Clinique, Nivea and L’oreal are investing heavily into their exclusively male ranges. Perhaps it’s no wonder that we’re beginning to see “male moisturizers”, “bio-scrubs” and “lads lotions”. The number of Image-Consciuos men seems to be on the increase in all their Chino and Gillet’d glory. Presenting; the ‘Metrosexual’.
Traits to watch out for when distinguishing the Metrosexual include:

• Fake tanning.
• Owning three or more hair styling products
• Knowledge of how to use an iron.
• Insistence on wearing only designer boxers.
• Swearing by anti-ageing creams.
• Thinking of themselves as the next Gordon Ramsay.
• Chest waxing? No pain, no gain.
• Wearing vests or tank tops outside the gym.
• Drinking wine/cocktails instead of beer.
• Complimenting other guys on their ‘sleek muscle tone’.
• Secretly using girlfriends GHDs
• Openly using girlfriends GHDs.
• Owning GHDs.

We sit and wonder what may have caused this development in men’s fashion. Are they jealous of the comfort and elegance of being able to hide behind make-up and beauty products? Perhaps they’re fed up with the negative connotations of the unkempt man.

It could be the ‘David Beckham’ effect – certainly if footballers are more infamous for their hairstyles than their ability on the pitch, this is bound to have an effect on the male psyche. Not typically the purveyors of anything deemed to be extra effort; some Metrosexuals are now rivalling their female counterparts in their knowledge of beauty products and healthy living.

One thing’s for sure, the Metrosexual looks good, is helpful round the house and can still be manly. What’s there to complain about?

Fiesty Foot Feeding Fish – A Health Risk?

Whilst many are left dumbfounded by unconventional treatments and beauty secrets, the Garra Rufa fish seems to be taking the high street by storm.

With a slightly grim reminder of the days where people used to apply leaches to their skin to “suck out bad spirits”, these little fish nibble away at your feet as you sit with them emersed in a tub of water. What’s more, they only eat the dead skin on your feet, leaving the healthy fresh skin underneath to be revealed. Many swear by the treatment, saying that it leaves your skin feeling soft and supple.

However, some have recently claimed that there may be risks associated with a visit to the Garra Ruffa clinics. In particular, because the water isn’t regularly changed, experts are concerned about the transmission of infection from open wounds. Although, so far no one has complained about a footbath-related illness, some states and authorities in the US have banned them from commercial operation for this reason.

In the meantime perhaps the biggest issue is for the squirmy and the squeamish – apparently having your foot feasted upon by toothless carp is quite a strange experience!

A Load of Bull

When Cameron Diaz appeared in “There’s something about Mary” with her ‘hair gel’, some were rolling in the aisles. For the more disgusted amongst us, take heed – this treatment is NOT for you!

Is your hair feeling frizzy, under-nourished and unprotected? Well, “Hari’s Hair Hospital” in exclusive Chelsea offers a swimmingly effective solution.  “Bull’s Semen Hair Treatment”. We kid you not.

A lovingly crafted mixture of pure Aberdeen Angus Bulls sperm (100% Organic) and an Iranian plant root is tenderly massaged into your hair, steamed and blown dry again. We understand that this particular treatment is alleged to leave your hair feeling completely revitalized and full of life.

As if this lavish luxury simply wasn’t enough, for another £40, you can extend your session to 90 minutes long with such features as an Indian head massage – although we’re not sure if this takes place before or after the hair treatment! (Option to exchange semen for caviar also available)

The Golden Touch

Familiar with the James Bond Movie “Goldfinger”? Shirley Eaton suffers a fairly unfortunate death at the hands of yet another evil Bond villain. His weapon of choice; liquid gold body paint. Coating her entire body in paint quite literally stopped her skin from breathing. “Epidermal suffocation”, to be technical. Rest assured, if you undergo this Palm Beach treatment, you are guaranteed to leave the beauticians table alive – lawsuit culture probably accounts for that.

Although the price for this is undisclosed, the properties of the 24 carat gold leaf is marketed as a way to rejuvenate your skin and make it appear younger. We don’t blame you for being intrigued, but we do recommend that if you’re fortunate to find yourself on the treatment table at the California-based clinic, you do your research first – Gold allergies being an obvious barrier.

Also, be sure to check out whether the Gold leaf is pure; you don’t want any unwanted, unmentioned additives providing a barrier to your quest for beauty!

Don’t Hide Your Hands Away

Hands and feet are often neglected during the winter months, despite needing more attention than ever during this time. Cold, blustery days lead to chapped hands, whilst budgeting and letting it go a bit after the frantic Christmas and New Year period can mean chipped and nasty nails!

Rather than hide them away with your gloves, Xtras online have some great products that won’t break the bank!

Clarins hand and nail cream, partnered with Sally Hansen’s quick strength treatment and Nail Magic’s 7-way buffer will have your hands looking healthy and youthful, leaving your nails strong and polished.

Beautiful hands and nails must be shown off, so why not treat yourself to Calvin Klein’s splendid colour selection at just £9.99, or give yourself a professional looking manicure with one or Royal’s false nail sets!