IF THERE?S one thing I?ll keep going back to Manila for, it?s the accessible beauty and wellness services around town.

I love how I can pop by Neo Day Spa at The Fort (tel. 8158233, 8156948) and indulge in a blissful Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, or visit their Ki Spa branch in Greenhills (5846789) for a rejuvenating Green Tea Body Scrub and Lymphatic Drainage Massage.

But sometimes, the thought of driving through traffic or haggling with a cab driver can put a damper on even the most urgent skincare and body-pampering craving. Enter the new home-based beautifiers that can rival a posh spa experience.

At-home ahh

Massage ?r Us is one of several home service spas to open in recent years. Choose from an array of services that address every tired muscle or knot in your body: A full-body massage-Swedish, Shiatsu or Thai-starts at P250 for the first hour; or try a soothing one and a half-hour Hot Stone Massage for P500. And for P100 extra, you can ask for a massage bed to be brought to your home.

If your tresses need a deep-conditioning boost plus extra bounce, try the hair spa and blow-dry at P600. And if a trip to the waxing salon is too daunting for you, go hair-free at home, starting at P250. While you?re at it, throw in a foot spa and pedicure, for P400. (Tip your nail technician and masseuse generously.)

Comfortable facial

Now if you?re one to be hands-on when it comes to looking flawless, a new generation of consumer products mimics the skin-smoothing results of an in-spa facial.

One is the Aloe Fleur de Jouvence set from Forever Living Products (e-mail foreverlivingproducts.ph@gmail.com, visit www.e-mall.com.ph).

The seven-piece set harnesses the natural anti-aging and moisturizing properties of aloe vera, used for centuries to help maintain skin?s luminosity.

Hydrolized elastin and collagen also add to this DIY facial cocktail that combines Rehydrating Toner, Firming Foundation, Lotion, Recovering Night Crème, Facial Contour Mask Powder, Aloe Activator, which can also be purchased separately.

Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and Ok! Magazine Philippines. Ask a beauty question at http://BeautyintheBigApple.com or visit her blog at http://NyMinuteNow.com.