There’s nearly six weeks left to summer, and
while temps might not be cooling down as fast as many would like, including
myself, many areas are still experiencing extremely hot temps. Summer’s sizzle remains strong. If you’re one of those watching your
calendar, the Northern Hemisphere won’t officially welcome fall until the
Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd at 10:49AM EDT. Only then will summer officially be over. That being said, there’s still plenty of
beach time and tanning time left to enjoy summer’s continuing sizzle. With that in mind, following are my latest reviews
of products ideally suited for incorporating into your waning days of summer,
which will also transition nicely into fall.
California Footwear Company ~ You don’t need to live in California to fall in love with
the Hermosa Spa Sandal design in White Floral. One of the company’s founders is a former
Birkenstock executive whose influence in the design is apparent. The soft foot bed naturally conforms to the
foot’s contour without distorting it and offers maximize support; it’s
extremely comfortable to wear; the toe loop and easy to adjust straps are a big
plus for me and the breezy design screams summer. I also liked the knobby pattern throughout
the foot bed, which stimulated the feet at key reflexology pressure points. http://www.californiafootwearco.com
DNAEGF Renewal ~ DNA Defense SPF
30+ and DNA Intensive Renewal are perfect take with products for the gym
bag or beach bag. The DNA Defense SPF 30+ not only protects
the skin from harmful UVA and UVB light, it also doesn’t leave a white or
chalky residue like other comparable products; it absorbs quickly, without
leaving any tacky residue; it’s also gentle and non-irritating; active
ingredients include zinc oxide and vitamins E and A. The DNA
Intensive Renewal is an ideal product to use in the evening after a day in the
sun and on a freshly cleansed face; it also absorbs quickly without leaving any
tacky residue; it’s also gentle and non-irritating; the product also
contributes to firming and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles; a few of the
key ingredients include DNA repair enzymes, hibiscus peptide and rapeseed
sterols. http://www.dnaegfrenewal.com
Feed My Skin ~ Aloe Push-Up, Pumpkin
Peel Masque and Strawberry Scrub In A Tub are a fun additions to face and body
care. With summer’s heat and humidity,
these products add welcome relief to the heated skin surface. The Aloe Push-Up is kept frozen at all times
and when cooling relief is desperately needed, especially after sunning, apply
the product all over the face to heal and cool in one step. While the Pumpkin
Peel Masque may make you think of fall, chilling it before using it is a
great way to prime the skin before giving it a deep cleaning. To really cool off, the chilled Strawberry Scrub In A Tub is ideal;
gentle and effective in sloughing off the dry skin cells, while cooling down
the surface temperature of the skin. All
products are made by hand in small batches and use fresh and natural ingredients.
http://feedmyskin.com
Fiafini Skincare ~ Delicate Cleansing
Emulsion, Divine Hydration Moisturizer and
Deluxe Anti-Aging Eye Cream is one of
the first product lines I’ve tried that truly is for any skin type, regardless
of its range. The key ingredient in
these products is South African Marula Oil, which is hand harvested; it is
prized for its hydrating and humectant qualities, anti-aging and healing
properties; it is naturally high in anti-oxidant levels that fight damaging
free radicals. The products were all
gentle, absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any tacky residue; they were also
non-irritating. In addition to Marula
Oil, other key ingredients include prickly pear, evening primrose, avocado,
vitamin E, chamomile, licorice and apple seed stem cells. Hydration levels were maintained throughout
the trial period and I noticed firmness and luminosity; fine lines and wrinkles
appeared diminished. All products are
free of mineral oil, parabens, fragrance and alcohol and aren’t tested on animals.
http://www.fiafini.com
Ilike Organic Skin Care ~ Stonecrop Toner turned out to be my favorite go-to products during the
torrid heat waves my area has experienced since June. Not only was this product calming, but it
also soothed and cooled my heated skin; it also provided refreshing hydration
and was never drying; it can also be used as a gentle skin cleanser; some of
the key ingredients included stonecrop, aloe, vitamin C, bioflavonoids,
enzymes, mineral salts and plant protein.
http://szepelet.com
L.A. Christine ~ No3 Berry Face Oil is magic in a bottle.
This formulation contains some of the richest anti-oxidant berries that
are also rich in Omega fatty acids, known for the anti-aging properties; included
is the Scandinavian Lingonberry, the Brazilian Açai Berry and the
Raspberry. Along with these three über
berry extracts, a delivery system of sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil,
apricot kernel oil, and vitamin E make for an intensely hydrating, replenishing
and nurturing Face Oil. Highly concentrated, very little is needed to
apply to the face; product was quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any tacky
residue; the lovely natural aroma was very pleasant; noticeably improvement to
hydration levels, firmness and elasticity; fine lines and wrinkles were
diminished. http://www.lachristine.com
Moroccanoil Body ~ Body Buff,
Cleansing Bar, Body Soufflé, Intensive Hydrating Treatment and Hand Cream are
the latest product offerings from this phenomenal company, which revolutionized
hair care with its nourishing and restorative argan oil treatment products.
These latest new body care
products expand the company’s market capture and elevate Moroccanoil as the über argan
oil company; never mind “cult-status”; Moroccanoil
has legions of fans beyond celebrity-dom.
Each product is brimming with the goodness of super-hydrating
wild-crafted argan oil; this natural oil is prized for its inherent properties
that include anti-oxidants, Omega fatty acids and vitamin E. Key ingredients in the Cleansing Bar include shea butter, glycerin and a natural
mineral-based talc; the Bar’s aroma
is exquisite and it’s consistency, creamy and luxurious. Key ingredients in the Body Buff include orange peel (for exfoliation), orange oil, avocado
oil, sweet almond oil, safflower oil, sesame oil and grape seed oil; these oils
drench the skin with hydration; the product was gentle and non-irritating,
while thoroughly sloughing off dead skin cells; rinsed well without leaving any
residue; left my skin feeling silky smooth.
Key ingredients in the Body Soufflé
include shea butter, macadamia oil, aloe and oat protein; the product was
quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any residue; my skin felt revitalized and
drenched with hydration; I loved the aroma of this product as well. Key ingredients in the Intensive Hydrating Treatment include organic sunflower oil,
organic chamomile water, vitamin E, glycerin and lavender oil; this product was
remarkable as it alleviated some very dry patches of my skin; product was
quickly absorbed without leaving any residue and its aroma was
outstanding. Key ingredients in the Hand Cream include shea butter, cocoa
butter, mango butter and avocado butter; once again, all of these butters, plus
the argan oil drenched my hands, especially the cuticles, with restorative
hydration; non-greasy and quickly absorbed; and of course, the product’s aroma
was also outstanding. All of these
products were wonderful; they all work synergistically to heal, treat, restore
and revitalize; my skin felt so much better after using each one. I’m looking forward to the next round of
innovative and exceptional treatment products from Moroccanoil. http://www.moroccanoil.com
Miracle Skin Transformer ~ SPF20 Treat &
Conceal Eye & Face is the
perfect go-to for that quick-fix concealer; whether it’s dark under eye
circles, blemishes or hyperpigmentation, this light-weight cream comes in
different shades to complement all skin tones; formulation hydrates, protects
and enhances; key ingredients include marine collagen, white rose and chamomile
extracts, and color correcting minerals. http://www.miracleskintransformer.com
SereniTea Liquid Organic Green Tea ~ Decaffeinated
Raspberry Presweetened is one of the many
flavors of this certified Organic Green
Tea conveniently in a premeasured and already brewed concentration; handy take-with
packet. Green tea is known for its healthy
properties that include high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids and
anti-oxidant. The pure brewed Organic Green Tea is flavored with
natural fruit extracts, but sweetened with sucralose, which I found to be too
sweet, while leaving an after-taste; the Raspberry
fruit extract in the flavor I tried was enjoyable; free of pesticides, wild
crafted, certified organic, zero carbs and zero calories. Varieties include sweetened or unsweetened,
plain or fruit extract infused, regular or decaffeinated. http://www.liquidsereniteas.com
Silly Lips Lip Balms ~ Bangin Bekah
Sugared Strawberry, Tasty Tracy Peach Coconut and Kinky Katie
Vanilla Mint come in adorable tins with images of naughty-esque pin-ups
artist Alberto Vargas made famous in the forties and fifties. These cute tins with their equally cute names
bely the fact that the contents of each Lip
Balm are brimming with all-things-great for those summer-parched lips; key
ingredients include shea butter, castor seed oil and beeswax with a delicious
hint of flavors that tempt lip smacking; lips are drenched with replenishing
hydration and add just the right amount of subtle color.http://sillylips.com
~ ONE
LAST REVIEW TIDBIT ~
Trademark Tavern (Lombard, IL) ~ While this
location may not be in your geographic area, be sure to check out similar
restaurants that go beyond offering standard bar-fare eats. Trademark Tavern recently opened in my area,
and I was impressed with its overall design and layout; huge, airy, but
intimate ~ a definite sport’s enthusiasts place to hang but large enough to
seek intimate seating for private moments.
The main reason I checked out the place was to look over their menu and
see how easy and adaptive it could be to satisfy those with dietary
restrictions. There wasn’t any problem
in ordering healthy food-fare off of the menu or making a request of the server
to have a selection grilled versus sautéed in a no-no, like butter; I loved the
White Bean Hummus with grilled Pita, the Margarita and Vegetable flatbreads,
grilled lamb lollipops with a delicious chimichurri sauce and a seasonal fresh
berry tart. A fun aspect of the
restaurant included four booths; each booth had two draft beer dispensers featuring
eight different varieties. All menu items are sourced locally as much as
possible (fish flown in fresh daily), with an emphasis on fresh and
natural. I've learned that one can’t
presume anything based on its name. Trademark
Tavern is no different, and was a great learning experience for me in this
regard. http://www.trademarktavern.com
~ WORTH MENTIONING ~
ITEM ~ For the outdoor enthusiast, Avon’s Bug Guard
Plus formulas guard against pesky insects that are carriers of disease and
illness; each formula is also rated with an SPF30 to further guard against the
sun’s harmful rays. http://www.avon.com
ITEM ~ JAMU Organic Spa Rituals is a premiere line
of products that accentuate the exotic traditions of wellness; each product
line is exquisite and brings the experience home. http://www.jamuspa.com
ITEM ~ For outstanding mineral makeup skincare that
enhances and protects the skin all year long, but especially during the harsh
summer, industry icon Jane Iredale continues offering leading-edge products that
are sun-safe and effectively rated by the Skin Cancer Foundation. http://www.janeiredale.com
ITEM ~ Not your mother’s company, today’s Merle
Norman offers the latest technology in sun safe makeup and treatment products
with their Dual Spectrum SPF30 lotion that’s safe for face and body; protects
against the harmful UVA and UVB rays; hydrates and conditions the skin. http:www.merlenorman.com
ITEM ~ Another tried and true company respected for generations
includes the Jergens Skincare; check out their Natural Glow & Protect Daily
Moisturizer with SPF20; subtle and complimentary shades to choose from;
treatment makeup that will keep your skin hydrated and sun protected. http://www.jergens.com
ITEM ~ Lots of press chatter about the synergistic
Polish & Plump Peel by HydroPeptide; the two-step peel will shed dullness
while refining lines and wrinkles; a take on micro-dermabrasion, but simpler
and in the privacy of your own home. http:www.hydropeptide.com
That’s it for this edition. Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.
By Terry Herman
Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the 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. She also serves on EXPERIENCE
| PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international
experts in various fields of wellness and spa.
She also serves as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The
Spa Buzz. You can email her at
terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.
ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
(Photo credit, Joseph D. Herman, photographer.)
