SPA BITS

(VOLUME 2011.1)
The latest news and review bits from my desk…..

…let’s welcome the new year with the hope, optimism and curiosity of a child, embracing all of its challenges and possibilities, while realizing that no one can control your destiny other than self and that no one can place limits on self, except self...

~ HIGHLIGHTS ~

INDUSTRY NEWS ~ Darphin, ISPA, Kohler Waters Spa, Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi, Spa Montage, and The Resort At The Mountain

PRODUCT REVIEWS ~ Cali Cosmetics, [ comfort zone ] sacred nature, Dentisse, Dr. H. Bellin Swiss Skin Care, IROHA Nature, jane iredale The Skincare Makeup, and Sensé-Beautiful Science Skincare

~ INDUSTRY NEWS ~
Darphin Spa At Home ~ One of my favorite product lines. Since the late1950s, Darphin has set the standard for natural-based luxurious skincare and body care products. National Director of Education, Jaklin Idris and her extraordinary esthetic expertise on the Facebook Darphin page, http://www.facebook.com/#!/DARPHIN?v=app_11007063052; if you’re not already a “Fan”, click on the “Like” and become a follower; then keep up with the latest on their product news and the popular “Spa-At-Home” tab. For more information, visit http://www.darphin.com/ or http://www.darphin.com/Jaklin/index1101.tmpl

The iconic spa organization, ISPA (International Spa Association), celebrated its 20th Anniversary this past November 15th-18th during its 2010 Conference & Expo. The mega-event was held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (Washington, DC area). This must-do annual confab was yet another energy-charged, information-packed, exhibitor-extravaganza where several thousand global attendees and hundreds of exhibitors converged to focus on the latest and greatest in the industry. The celebration included inspirational keynote speakers, educational workshops, industry survey details, and the recognition of the industry’s leaders and legends. I loved the networking and the many memorable “meet ‘n greets” of industry professionals from all over the world. This was my thirteenth Conference and I found myself short on time, but long on spirit and anticipation for next year’s event. For more information, visit http://experienceispa.com/

Kohler Waters Spa (Kohler, WI), the Midwest’s preferred and multi-award winning luxury spa is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in its gorgeous Carriage House location at The American Club. My December 15th post reviews this gorgeous spa and highlights a number of new treatment therapies being offered to coincide with this impressive milestone. A must-have to mark this milestone is a commemorative eyeshadow by mineral makeup brand La Bella Donna. The customized color is Gracious Gold and sure to add sparkle and warmth. Check the website for special getaway packages to this popular Midwestern luxury resort and spa and visit http://www.americanclubresort.com/index.html

Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi is the latest luxury hotel to open with iconic spa brand ESPA. The New Delhi location marks the second luxury hotel to open in India since the summer of 2010 (Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur). The New Delhi ESPA location boasts a multi-level facility at nearly 14,000 s.f; includes seven luxurious treatment rooms, a couple’s room, separate relaxation areas for men and women, fitness center and café. Spa treatments include traditional European and Ayurvedic therapies. For more information, visit http://www.theleela.com/

Spa Montage Beverly Hills (CA) ~ Hollywood’s crowded award season is upon us, and Spa Montage Beverly Hills is ready to treat guests like celebrities with their Ultimate Pre-Red Carpet Spa Experience now through March 2011. Included in the special star treatment package are four spa treatments, four treatment-specific products to continue the star treatment at-home, and all-day access to the spa’s facilities, including the rooftop pool; upon arrival, either a celebratory glass of the bubbly or a healthy anti-oxidant blueberry-rich tea begins the star treatment ritual. Rates begin at $1,050.00. Recommended treatments include Anti-Aging Facial, Body Sculpting Therapy, Back Facial and Elements of Earth Wrap. For more information, visit http://www.montagebeverlyhills.com/

The Resort At The Mountain (Welches, OR) ~ Skiing aside, this popular winter destination at the base of Mt. Hood mountain is offering Yoga aficionados a three-day Yoga and Meditation Retreat, January 28-30th. Respected Yoga instructor Paleena Mason (My Unique Perfections) will guide attendees on their journey at The Spa. Special pricing includes two-night’s accommodations, all meals and all retreat sessions. Early bird pricing by January 15th is $359; thereafter, $399; the retreat is priced at only $299. For more information, visit http://www.thespaatmthood.com/

~ PRODUCT REVIEWS ~
Cali Cosmetics ~ Cali Cosmetics offers a few organic winter treats like Oliva Green Occhi Eye Cream, Oliva Green Corpo Body Emulsion and Oliva Green Bagno Bathing Gel. I only received small sample sizes of the Body Emulsion and Bathing Gel and didn’t have sufficient product to try over a several week period to accurately assess the long-term efficacy for each product; however, the lotion sample was quickly absorbed, was non-greasy, but the hydration level didn’t last very long; the bath gel lathered and rinsed well without leaving the skin overly dry; both products had a pleasant aroma. The eye cream was gentle, non-irritating, non-greasy and quickly absorbed; I didn’t notice any of my fine lines diminished. For more information, visit http://www.calicosmetics.com/

[ comfort zone ] sacred nature ~ [ comfort zone ] sacred nature is this brand’s entry in the crowded organics field. All packaging is 100% recycled material and printed with water-based colors. Renewable energy sources are used during production, and Ecocert, the European certification standard, certifies that the natural and organic cosmetics are sourced, manufactured and formulated according to their established standards of measurement. This certified organic line’s formulations are rich in anti-oxidant and skin cellular regeneration and protection. I love the fact that no matter what skin type a person, this line is highly effective. All products I tried were extremely gentle, non-irritating, non-greasy, quickly absorbed, and had favorable aromatherapeutic properties. I also enjoyed how the texture of my skin improved; fine lines appeared diminished; skin tone was more even, and the texture smoother. I also enjoyed how my face looked brighter after applying either the day or night creams. The improvements were cumulative and didn’t diminish over time.

Active certified organic ingredients include buriti oil, a Brazilian nut tree prized for its healing and moisturizing qualities, and anti-oxidant protection; shea butter, also a prized derivative of a nut that further protects the DNA structure; butterfly bush extract, with properties that nourish and improve skin’s elasticity; and, distilled orange water, with its re-mineralizing properties. Skincare products tried included the bio-certified milk, bio-certified day cream, bio-certified night cream, and bio-certified hydrating fluid. Products tried for the body included bio-certified gommage, and bio-certified oil. For more information, visit http://www.comfortzone.it/en/products/sacred_nature

Dentisse ~ In my Spa Bits Volume 2010.6, published November 9, 2010, I reviewed Dentisse Natural Reflection Toothpaste, a natural oral care product by this brand. In this edition, I’m reviewing the Dentisse Natural Solution Alcohol-Free Oral Rinse. Like the Toothpaste, the Oral Rinse delivers amazing results and uses natural ingredients. The Oral Rinse is alcohol-free, and contains gentle and natural ingredients like baking soda, xylitol (inhibits bacteria that causes bad breath), aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils of clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, menthol, peppermint and wintergreen. After my routine of flossing, brushing and rinsing, a few swishes of this power-packed mouthwash not only left my breath feeling fresh and minty, but my mouth felt healthy and hydrated, and my teeth glistened. Dentisse Natural Solution Alcohol-Free Oral Rinse is a must-have product to complete one’s oral hygiene accoutrement, along with an effective toothbrush, dental floss and Dentisse Natural Reflection Toothpaste. For more information, visit http://www.dentisse.com/

Dr. H. Bellin Swiss Skin Care ~ Working with a team of scientists, highly regarded and respected board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin has applied his four decades of passion and expertise in helping others to realize healthy and rejuvenated skin has formulated three exceptional products that combat aging and improve cell regeneration. The cosmeceutical products include Scar & Stretch Mark Body Cream, All in One Eye Cream and All in One Face Cream. The Scar & Stretch Mark Body Cream is formulated with ingredients that include pure Swiss Edelweiss, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter and vitamins B and E. Applying twice daily, over time, the affected areas are noticeably smoother and healthier in appearance; skin becomes suppler and scarring appears reduced in overall size. The product’s consistency is silky, non-greasy, quickly absorbed, with a neutral aroma. The areas I applied the product too definitely improved in texture and was noticeably smoother. Both the All in One Eye Cream and All in One Face Cream also contain pure Swiss Edelweiss, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The product’s consistency was silky, non-greasy, quickly absorbed and had a neutral aroma. Although there was a slight tingling sensation after I applied the Face Cream, it quickly dissipated. The Eye Cream irritated my eyes and I ended up removing the product. I did enjoy the Face Cream, however. My skin appeared brighter with a smoother texture. For more information, visit http://www.drhbellin-swissskincare.com/

IROHA Nature ~ If you love the positive after-effects that an intense mask treatment gives, but not the mess and inconvenience, then consider IROHA Nature Anti-Aging Tissue Facial Masks and Hydra-Gel Eye Patches. The Facial Masks are paraben-free and contain moisturizing hyaluronic acid along with other formulated ingredients that target specific results; other ingredients include collagen, seaweed, vitamins, essential oils, herbs, soy, Q10, olive oil, green tea, ginseng and witch hazel. Each targeted formulation is infused in a pre-cut tissue face form that is easily applied to a clean and dry face. Facial Masks are individually sealed in single packets, which eliminate any concerns of contamination, evaporation or ingredient degradation. Once the masks are removed and discarded, any formulation residue can be gently massaged into the facial area. I tried the Anti-Aging, Rejuvenating & Brightening Face Mask, which contained caviar (proteins and vitamins) and arbutin (skin brightening). The Hydra-Gel Patches are also pre-formed and infused with ingredients that moisturize, lift and reduce puffiness. Both the Anti-Aging Face Mask and Patches were gentle and non-irritating. I especially noticed that fine lines were visibly diminished and the overall skin felt hydrated and smooth. Other facemask formulations target sun/age spots, firming, wrinkles/firming, revitalizing/purifying, and nourishing/comforting. For more information, visit http://www.irohamasks.com/

jane iredale The Skincare Makeup ~ Winter’s extremes mute light’s brightness, while literally sucking the healthy vibrancy of color from my fair skin. I’m fair skinned verging on pale! The best antidote for this is to use color to enhance, brighten and to bring out the glow, without looking intense or superficial. My choice remains products from eponymous jane iredale The Skincare Makeup. This line never fails to deliver, remaining true to its inception of offering the most natural and purest mineral-based products that are natural, free of paraben and phthalates, sun safe, and great for all skin types and colors. The latest mix of outstanding new products includes Eye Steppes, Mystikols, and Tantasia. The Eye Steppes come in a gorgeous multi-level compact with mirror and coordinated colors geared for blue, green or brown/hazel colored eyes: goBlue ~ Oyster, Rosy, Taupe, Swiss Chocolate and Smoke; goGreen ~ Allure, Iris, Sepia, Slate and Grape; goBrown ~ Sea Green, Blue Sky, Tan, Forest and Licorice. Each top-level color is ideal as an all-over eyelid base; all colors can be mixed/blended to create an individualized signature look. Three step levels on a swivel hinged mirrored compact, containing five gorgeous hypoallergenic and natural mineral color eyeshadows that you can take from neutral to glam.

Mystikols are another brilliant addition to this fabulous line and are ideal worn alone, or used to accentuate color preferences from the Eye Steppes collections. Individual Mystikols come in five gorgeous colors, like Malachite, Amethyst, Dark Topaz, Lapis Lazuli and Onyx. Make it exotic; make it dramatic. Line it, smudge it, and define it. The dual tip pencil applicator has the creamy color in one end and the applicator tip on the other end. Both the Eye Steppes and Mystikols are long-wearing, crease proof, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.

Tantasia is the first-ever self-tanning product to intelligently know what your skin wants in terms of color, adjusting to levels that intensify with repeated application; a person can take it as faint or as dark as its normal skin pigmentation will accommodate. For me, I have fair skin and can never get a deep, dark bronze color. My pigmentation gets to one level and that’s it. A deep, dark bronze would look rather ridiculous on my fair skin. The product applies easily, is non-streaking and doesn’t have an unpleasant aroma, nor does it leave an orange cast to the skin; it’s very natural, and the pleasant aroma is reminiscent of fresh cut oranges and reminds me of the warmth of the summer’s sun. Some of the ingredients include acetyl tyrosine (an amino acid) and Monk’s Pepper (an extract), which helps to synthesize and mimic the skin’s natural tanning process through melanin production; there’s also copper gluconate, which is part of the tanning process delivery system; there’s another vegetable amino acid, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which helps even-out variances in color. Winter’s definitely an ideal time to use this outstanding product, mimic sun-kissed skin and thumb one’s proverbial nose at the season’s challenges. For more information and to check out their informative how-to guides, visit http://janeiredale.com/

Sensé - Beautiful Science ~ I tried the Sensé Hydrating Toner and found it to be gentle, non-irritating and non-drying; it had a gel-like consistency and a pleasant aroma; I enjoyed this product. The Sensé Daytime Protective Emulsion was non-greasy, but difficult to apply. Rather than gliding on easily and smoothly, the product dragged on my skin. Once I managed to apply the product, taking care not to pull/tug my skin too much, the product was quickly absorbed and left no residue. However, the hydration properties didn’t last long and my skin felt dry to the touch within an hour after applying the product; perhaps that was due to the dryness of winter air, which definitely impedes hydration and retention. For more information, visit http://www.usana.com/dotCom/sense/index

……COMING ATTRACTIONS.....
My next edition will be all about healthy lifestyle choices and a continuation of my August 9, 2010 edition, "GOING GREEN ~ AT-HOME ECOCENTRICITIES ~ PART I".

Product reviews will include nutriceuticals, energy bars and drinks, a detox program, and eco choices for maintaining a greener home. For the foodie, I’ll be including some heart-healthy recipes from an AZ luxury spa, and a review of a spa cookbook from a CA luxury spa.

That’s it for this edition…until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those around you.

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the spa industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker. You can email her at terry_h60559@yahoo.com.

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(Photo credits: "Water" by Filomena Scalise.)