The bird poo facial, and six other bizarre ways to get beautiful in Toronto

The bird poo facial, and six other bizarre ways to get beautiful in Toronto

(Image: Becca Lemire)

Torontonians are going to weird new lengths to cheat the aging process (and score model-worthy facial features) without going under the knife. The latest techniques promise glowing skin, Brooke Shields brows and other beauty miracles—if you’re brave enough to try them. Here, seven radical new treatments, from the affordable to the totally out-of-reach.

The bird poo facial

What it is: We’re not talking any old pigeon excrement—the droppings are collected from a Japanese nightingale. The smooth mixture, which smells like toasted sesame seeds, is slathered over the face and left to sit for 10 minutes. The result: skin that feels like a baby’s bottom (for a day or two, at least).
Who does it: Victoria Beckham and Tom Cruise are fans. Japanese Geishas have been using it to maintain plump, youthful skin for centuries.
Posh factor: Medium. It costs $135, which is only slightly higher than most facials in the city.
Trinity Medispa and Wellness, 1375 Yonge St., 416-924-2466, trinitymedispa.com

The anti-aging wand

What it is: The Rezenerate wand treatment is a high-tech tool that punctures thousands of tiny holes into facial skin to facilitate speedy absorption of nutrients. It’s been shown to reduce wrinkles and heal blemishes (with zero recovery time). Victoria Radford’s Yorkville studio has exclusive rights to the treatment.
Who does it: Fergie (Radford went on tour with the singer last year).
Posh factor: Pretty high. The wand treatment alone costs $100—but for best results Radford recommends coming in a few times a month at first (clients can upgrade to the full Radford facial, which includes an 18-karot gold mask, for an extra $50).
Victoria Radford, 115 Hazelton Ave., 416-399-3704, victoriaradford.com

Embroidered brows

What it is: A year-long eyebrow tattoo. An aesthetician uses a scalpel to cut fine lines in the skin, then draws on new brows in semi-permanent ink. The technique results in a much more natural look than the stark, tattooed brows of the ’90s.
Who does it: This writer, for one.
Posh factor: Very high. It starts at $550—but you’ll save cash on brow pencils and brushes.
Ritual, 571 Wellington St. W., 416-306-0040, ritual.ca

The micro-current facial

What it is: A low-level laser treatment combined with electric currents that heal the skin and stimulate cell production. It’s great for sun-damaged, scarred or sagging skin.
Who does it: Eva Longoria is reportedly a big fan.
Posh factor: High—it’s $199 per treatment (first-timers get a small discount).
The Freeze Clinic, 2479 Yonge St., 416-925-2855, thefreezeclinic.ca

Eyebrow extensions

What it is: Picture lash extensions, but for sparse brows. Dozens of ultra-fine synthetic strands are glued to existing hairs using a special medical-grade adhesive. The whole process takes an hour, and the thick Cara Ds last about two weeks.
Who does it: All of these people.
Posh factor: Medium—about $65 per session.
Winks, 70 Yorkville Ave., 416-777-9465, winksboutique.com

The face shave

What it is: Also known as dermaplaning, the process exfoliates skin and removes hair at the same time. A scalpel is used to (painlessly) skim off dead skin and peach fuzz.
Who does it: Toronto journalist Katrina Clarke tried it recently.
Posh factor: Low. At Ritual, the treatment is $65 on its own, and $45 when added to another treatment.
Ritual, 571 Wellington St. W., 416-306-0040, ritual.ca

The vajacial

What it is: Exactly what it sounds like: a facial, but for the skin down there. Best done a week or two post-wax, it’s a five-step process (including exfoliation, extractions and a clarifying mask) that’s great for getting rid of ingrown hairs.
Who does it: Apparently a lot of people (including this writer).
Posh factor: Minimal. It’s $50—about the same price as a standard wax.
Fuzz Wax Bar, multiple locations, fuzzwaxbar.com

The bang extension

What it is: A commitment-free way to experiment with a full fringe. The clip-in extensions are made of real human hair.
Who does it: Laverne Cox recently modelled a faux fringe on Good Morning America.
Posh factor: Medium. They cost $75 at Toronto’s Doll Bar (compared to a full set of extensions, which can run wearers up to $750, it’s practically nothing.)
Doll Bar, 1205 Queen St. W., dollbarinc.com