Going For The Gold

Everything is better in gold, and a facial is no exception. Facials using the precious metal, hyped as an anti-aging hero, are now being offered at high-end spas around the world. Though it’s just recently hit the mainstream, the treatment has ancient Egyptian roots as Cleopatra is rumored to have worn a mask of pure gold to bed. The facial consists of a cleansing followed by the application of microthin sheets of 24K gold leaf (massaged onto the face and misted for full-on infiltration). The gold leaf accelerates cell growth in the basal layer of the skin as the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and age spots are reduced. Results are immediate and skin is left firmer and brighter—proving a vacation isn't the only way you can get a golden glow.—Jennifer Appenrodt