January spa update

My New Year's resolutions inevitably revolve around something to do with my body, starting with the universal top three: lose weight, exercise more, eat better. But these require more effort on my part and delaying immediate gratification. That's why I add new beauty products and spa treatments to my list. You, too, can be resolute – make an appointment for a facial today or buy yourself a new moisturizer. Here's what's new on the spa scene to start the year off right.

Banya 5

This Russian-style spa just added new services and deals to its menu. If you're unfamiliar with this health spot, there's no better place on earth on a cold, rainy Seattle day than Banya 5. Slip in and out of the cool and hot pools and then sweat in the dry sauna and Turkish steam room. The $30 admission covers it all, but if you're addicted to this healthy ritual, buy a five-visit punch card for $120 or a six-month membership for $600.

For the month of January you'll receive half off your admission when you purchase services totaling $70 or more. They've added Swedish and deep tissue massage. Swedish massage is $45 for 30 minutes, $70 for 60 minutes and $100 for 90 minutes. Deep tissue is $55 for 30 minutes, $80 for 60 minutes and $110 for 90 minutes. Another new treatment is the 50-minute mud wrap for $70. It includes being slathered with Uspa mineral mud, baking for a bit under a heat lamp and getting a foot treatment and a mini-facial. Finally, I recommend trying the salt scrub and its two new add-on treatments. The scrub is $30 for 20 minutes or $50 for 40 minutes, and it will get rid of all those nasty dead skin cells and make your skin soft and smooth. The add-on head and scalp massage treatment is $12 and the body moisturizing treatment is $12. Get both for $20.

Wax On Spa

Owner Anne Uhlir recently opened a new spa location in Kirkland. Uhlir's claim to fame is being one of the first to bring Brazilian-style waxing to Seattle and having waxed the private parts of such luminaries as Demi Moore. Uhlir has a devoted following at her hip, urban spas. Along with waxing services for men and women (everything from fingers and toes for $5 to Brazilians for $80) the spa also offers manicures, pedicures, facials and massage. Massage is a bargain at $65 for Swedish or shiatsu.

Look for new products at the spa including an apothecary line by Yves Roche of Paris and reasonably priced Mary Green lingerie.

To celebrate the grand opening you'll save 15 percent off all services at the Kirkland location in January. Just mention the offer when you schedule your appointment.

Dahlia Spa

If the winter cold is getting you down, make an appointment at this cozy neighborhood spa known for its deep tissue massages. This month you'll receive a free 30-minute steam bath with any treatment. The eucalyptus-scented room will warm you right up.

If you opt for a massage, licensed massage practitioner and owner Colleen Gray will work out the kinks, whether you're stressed or experiencing pain or injury. Gray also does pregnancy massage. Massage is $70 for one hour and $100 for 90 minutes. Or, try one of the facials from Renae Torno. She uses Eminence skin care products from Hungary, including a paprika masque which naturally heats up the skin. And don't miss the spa's own body polish with Dead Sea salts, olive and jojoba oil, and vitamin E. They've perfected the formula over the last year and it's become a favorite among ladies in the 'hood for the soothing, smoothing benefits to the skin. The 60-minute treatment includes a 30-minute hydration massage.

Ummelina International Day Spa

This downtown spa is a true mid-winter getaway. The exotic decor will surely make you feel like you've taken a vacation in Bali or some other far-away island. Book a spa service such as the Body Renewal ($145), which includes a healing massage, sea salt body polish, and therapeutic soak in a jetted tub.

Afterward, check out the complete line of Mineralogie makeup. This mineral-based makeup is a natural, healthy alternative to all the chemical-ridden lines out there. The foundation, concealer, bronzer and blush all have sun protection. The line has an amazing number of color choices for every skin tone. The makeup has staying power, too, from your morning latte to happy hour in Belltown.

Have the staff at Ummelina assist you with technique and colors. The foundations should be applied with a swirl of the brush and then pressed and patted for optimum, natural coverage. Along with the mineral powder foundation, I like the moisturizing pearlescent lip glosses (they're not sticky) and the pretty Radiance Body Shimmer in Apricot Toast. Dust this on your face or body for bit of sparkle.

Cepia Dermotique

This salon, known for its lightning speed application of bronzers and skin-quenching elixirs, is having a special through January. Save 40 percent on all Cepia brand products with the purchase of five or 10 bronzing or body sessions. It's a great way to start off your escape to Mexico or just pamper winter skin. Step into the magical SkinPod and you'll be bronzed or soft and creamy in seconds.

They've also launched online shopping for skin care and beauty products. This is Cepia's "A-list" of skin products. It includes Fusion Beauty, Anthony Logistics (for men), Cepia Elixirs, Lothantique, Merben, Thalgo, Aqua Dessa, REN Skincare and other products such as the Zeno Pro "zapper" for inflammatory acne pimples. Since I only have one face I can't personally vouch for them, but as usual, scads of celebrities can. You can also buy products at the Belltown salon.

Look for a new location near the end of the month in Kirkland at 364 Kirkland Parkplace.

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