Beauty Tips

Road Test: In-Salon vs. At-Home Treatments

Should you splurge on the salon treatment or go the do-it-yourself route? Find out which treatments should be done by a pro -- and which ones you should attempt at home

by Dawn Davis

2 of 7

Chemical peel If your skin needs major resurfacing, then Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, suggests seeing a dermatologist. However, for instant brightening and softening, many of the at-home versions work just as well as a peel you'd get at a spa. My personal favorite is Bliss That's Incredi-Peel, $49, which contains a blend of glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acids in a pad. Unlike most peels, you don't have to wash off the formula after 10 minutes -- you can actually sleep with it on and the ingredients release over time.

Our verdict: See a doctor if you're looking for drastic results; an at-home version works well if you're just looking for a little extra glow.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Hair color

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage

products mentioned

Shu Uemura Essential Drops Purifying Blend

0.0

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10

7.4

Sephora by OPI Gelshine At-Home Gel Colour System

10.0

KeratinPerfect 30-Day Brazilian Hair Smoothing...

0.0

Sally Hansen Simple Spa Wax Warmer Kit

3.0

leave a comment

Older comments

great advice - i wax myself (yes, where i can see, so i do visit the salon from time to time), i sometimes colour my own hair and I would love to try the DIY gel nails and face peel.

by AstridB Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 04:52AM Report as inappropriate

Keratin Perfect may not be any good--never tried it myself-- but don't assume all DIY keratins are bad. I've tried about eight--some were crap, but I actually think Uncurly is better than the Brazilian Blowouts I used to pay $400 for and I think it costs me around $25 per use. I would say Keratin Earth, Pravana, and whatever Sally's brand is called were a waste, but Uncurly and Global were successful for me. A few more whose names I don't recall were so-so--not great, but not as bad as you're describing Keratin Perfect to be. If your hair's like mine--thick, too curly/wavy, and a frizz disaster in humidity--keratin is NOT optional and money IS limited, so you need to be able to do it yourself.

by patriotwoman Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 07:26AM Report as inappropriate

Being so un-geeky this article definitely left me with the attitude that all is not lost. I will at least try one or two of the DIY's. Thanks Total Beauty!!!

by aussiegene Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 03:16PM Report as inappropriate