This is the special time of the year when
hope, joy, generosity and optimism converge with warm thoughts and fond
recollections of memories from years gone by.
In this spirit of the season, I’ve assembled some of my favorite things to
consider as gifts. I hope you enjoy this
year’s assortment of gifting ideas, whether they’re for a loved one or for
yourself.
~ MY FAVORITE GIFTING IDEAS ~
Clarisonic ~ Clarisonic has
been on the forefront of technologically advanced skincare products that are as
effective in the hands of a skilled spa or salon practitioner, or when used by
the consumer. Clarisonic has clearly revolutionized skincare technology with
simple and cost-effective products that continue to receive praise from both
sectors. I tried Clarisonic’s latest and greatest products, which included their PLUS Face & Body Sonic Cleansing System,
the Deep Pore Detoxifying Solution
and the PEDI Sonic Foot Transformation. The PLUS
is an expanded Classic unit with
three variable speeds of sonic cleansing, adjustable timer, plus a body mode and
brush head with an optional body extender wand.
Users can now thoroughly tend to face and body with proven effectiveness
using variable cleansing speeds and brush head options (sensitive, normal or body);
the unit comes with a recharger cradle, a two-year warranty and is also
waterproof. The Deep Pore unit is a Mia 2
with timer and two adjustable speeds; it also includes a specially designed Deep Pore brush head that removes any
pore clogging gunk gently and effectively; designed to be used with the unit is
a specially formulated Daily Cleanser
that is formulated with fruit acids and Japanese Green Tea; a corresponding Deep Pore Detoxifying Clay Mask is also
included, that’s formulated with sugar and fruit extracts, aloe vera gel, and pore
detoxifying clays (kaolin and bentonite); a charger and carrying case round out
this complete set; waterproof and warrantied for two years. Lastly, a recent newcomer to this phenomenal
line is the PEDI Sonic Foot Transformation
system. This system is like having a
perpetual nail technician at your beck and call. The impressive system includes a revved up
version of the Classic with a
specialized motor that is more suited to foot care, versus the face; the base
unit also has three variable speeds and adjustable timer; it’s also waterproof
and comes with a charger and two year warranty.
Specific to the base unit are a special texturized stainless steel
precision disk that smooths and softens dry skin on the feet (under no
circumstance is this head or any other head specific to this PEDI to be used or interchanged with
brush heads on any of the facial units).
Also included with the PEDI is
a separate wet/dry buffing brush head that is designed with varying lengths of
filaments to effectively buff and exfoliate the feet is also included; the PEDI also comes with specially
formulated products that aid the prepping and finishing of the feet (Pedi-Buff,
Pedi-Balm and Pedi-Boost). My overall
experience with using each of these systems is that my face, body and feet were
left scrupulously cleaned and revitalized; continued usage also helped to
improve the overall texture and condition of the skin due to increased
circulation. http://www.clarisonic.com/
Crabtree & Evelyn ~ This continues to be one of my favorite brands; it never
disappoints. Crabtree & Evelyn knows how to develop scents that are
authentic and evoke memories of cherished moments; I also enjoy their body care
products, which have healing and restorative formulas. Each year, I look forward to their holiday collections;
this year, I tried their beautiful Home
Fragrance Sprays in Noël and Gilded Chestnut; both were part of their
signature Home for the Holidays offerings. Noël
diffuses essences of balsam and persimmon, with hints of mulling spices; Gilded Chestnut diffuses essences of
pear and spice, with hints of crisp berry; both aromas evoke cherished holiday
memories and subtly scent without leaving any strong aromas. I also tried their new Verbena and Lavender de Provence collection’s Cologne and Shower Gel. I
adored the light and fresh authentic aromas, and found them to be uplifting and
aromatherapeutic; the Cologne
includes extracts of verbena, lavender, cedarwood, white amber and Tonka,
making for an authentic, fresh and uplifting aroma; the Shower Gel also includes extracts of verbena and lavender and
gently cleanses without drying the skin.
http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/
Manifesto of Light Gorgeous Rose Collection ~ A phenomenally intense, rich and decadent pure rose
essential Perfume Oil Serum and Body Cream that is nearly impossible to
describe without committing an injustice to them. Both products contain the precious and highly
coveted Rose Damascene Absolute and Rose Damascene Otto, and are artisan
crafted by hand; the formulas contain no water, which assures the purity of the
oils. The Serum also contains Italian cold extracted hazelnut oil, Myrrh and Geranium. The Body
Cream also contains African wild harvested shea butter, Italian cold
pressed hazelnut oil, Myrrh and Geranium.
Over the years, I’ve experienced many products that used pure essential
rose oil in their formulas, but I can honestly state that with these exquisite
and precious products, I’ve never experienced so pure, so nearly perfect rose
formulas that touched my olfactory, transporting me to a dimension of calm and
restoration. Both of these products are
dense with 100% essential oils from this cherished flower and as such, only a miniscule
amount is needed to achieve sensory enjoyment; the purity of product also
nurtures the skin and is an incredible super hydrator. Unique to this exquisite collection are the signed,
numbered and expiry dated certificates of authentication for both the Gorgeous Over One Hundred Bunches of Real
Roses in a Bottle Double Blended Serum and the Gorgeous Over Thirty Bunches of Real Roses in a Jar Double Blended
Cream. Both come are packaged in black
glass containers, which are impervious to degrading light; each comes in
full-sized containers and includes a handy refillable travel container,
complete with a black suede embroidered travel pouch. Exquisite all around…from packaging, to
presentation, to product! http://www.manifestooflight.com/
Pevonia ~ Radiant skin doesn’t happen by accident. The skincare pros at Pevonia have been doing all-things skin in spas and salons for
decades. The latest buzz is their Celebrate Radiance Micro-Retinol Repair Gift
Set. Only available through a
qualified Pevonia spa or salon
location, these products are absolutely amazing and while immediate results are
noticeable, over time, their effect is cumulative. The kit includes the Micro-Retinol Essential Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol Essential Serum
and Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturizer
and comes in a sweet winter white quilted travel bag (I love the tasseled
zipper, too). Products work
synergistically together with key ingredients that include hyaluronic acid,
Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Retinol; this formula is perfect for diminishing signs
of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, while nourishing, repairing and
smoothing skin that’s left luminous and brightened.
Superstar Nail Lacquer ~ Just in time for the holidays and all of those social
events on your calendar, the Superstar
Nail Lacquer collection is perfect for that making all of your digits
festive and glam. The three spectacular
colors I played with included Michelle Is
Ready For The White House, a brash dark glimmery red; Bright Lights, Long Nights, a pearlescent wintery white; and, Purple Party, an rich iridescent purple
with night sky undertones. The nail
lacquer collection is formaldehyde-free and vegan-friendly and longwearing; I
tend to prefer just having my toes painted, since on my hands, I tend to
clumsily ruin color in seconds. http://www.superstarnaillacquer.com
VENeffect ~ With the harshness of winter setting in, what better way
to nourish and restore your fragile skin than with this dynamic new treatment
line that’s garnering a lot of hot press and praise. I tried the VENeffect Anti-Aging Intensive
Moisturizer, Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF15, Firming Phyto-Lift Serum, Anti-Aging
Eye Treatment and Anti-Aging Lip Treatment.
These products are ideal for aging skin that needs to restore depleted
levels of collagen with natural phytoestrogens; the unique formulations protect
skin from sun’s harmful rays, while delivering anti-oxidants that diminish
signs of aging; products are also hypo-allergenic. I noticed a slight visible improvement after
only one use of these products, especially under my eyes and cheek areas, which
are two dry-prone areas of my skin. http://www.veneffect.com/
Votre Nu ~ The holidays remind us of beautiful scents to use and
remember. The festively packaged Holiday Rollaway Gift Set is a perfect
way to gift someone with the experience of beautiful French organic parfums in
aromas like Les Naturelles Sacré Coeur and Les Naturelles
Festival. The rollerballs deliver
just the right amount of fragrance to all the secret places where the natural
body heat radiates the scents. Sacré Coeur is a light
floral of Nenuphar, the European White Water Lily. Festival
is a crisp and bright lemon. To tame the holiday chill that assault the lips
and hands, there’s stocking-stuffer perfectly sized restorative formulas,
there’s Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip
Balm, which drenches the lips in nourishing and soothing grape seed oil,
and the dynamic all-in-one bébé Duette Luxe Lips Moisturizing Balm and Almond Luxe Hand
Cream; the Lip Balm drenches parched
lips with coconut oil and shea butter and protects with UV filters, while the Hand Cream nourishes and heals with
sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, aloe, and UVA/UVB filters. http://www.votrevu.com/corporate/productcatalog
~ MORE STOCKING
STUFFER IDEAS I’M FOND OF ~
Amrit Organics http://www.redcherrygroup.com/
Decleor http://www.decleorusa.com/
JAMU Organic Spa Rituals http://jamuspa.com/
Jane Iredale https://janeiredale.com/
Kneipp International http://kneippus.com/
La Bella Donna http://www.labelladonna.com/
Lotus Wei http://www.lotuswei.com/
Moroccanoil http://www.moroccanoil.com/usa/countryselector
Naturopathica http://www.naturopathica.com/
OKA b. http://www.oka-b.com/
PINO Natural Spa Therapy https://www.pinospa.com/
Wei of Chocolate http://www.weiofchocolate.com/Home.html
~ ISPA
GIFTING RECOMMENDATIONS ~
“The holidays are the perfect time to introduce the spa to
friends and family,” said Lynne McNees, president of ISPA. “The number one
reason people go to the spa worldwide is to learn how to manage their stress.
Gifting loved ones with tools to aid in relaxation and stress management is one
of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.”
Here is a sampling of International SPA Association members and their
products, just in time for the holidays: Ambre
Blends in Fishers, Ind. offers Skin Tonic SET, a package including
Ambre Blends Roll-on Essence and Skin Tonic.
Ba6 Botanicals, LLC
in Hampton Bays, N.Y., offers Moringa Facial Oil, formulated with nourishing
moringa, olive and avocado oils to immerse the skin in antioxidants, vitamins
and powerful essential fatty acids. BloqUV in Miami, Fla., offers
24/7. With elongated sleeves and a functional pocket, this garment blocks 98
percent of the sun’s rays. The fabric has moisture wicking and dries quickly,
cooling you off when wet with sweat or water. Epicuren
Discovery in Laguna Hills, Calif., offers Tahitian Vanilla After
Bath Moisturizer, which replenishes and hydrates dry skin, leaving the body
feeling hydrated, soft and silky. Erbaviva in Chatsworth, Calif.,
offers Erbaviva’s Hand Cream, combining the antioxidant benefits of rosemary
extract and the skin rejuvenating, anti-aging properties of commiphora mukul
for soft, beautiful hands. Hylunia in Henderson, Nev.,
offers Hydrating Neroli Mist. Gently infusing moisture into skin, this product
offers hydration the helps skin appear younger and fresher. Makes Scents Natural Spa Line in
Lancaster, Pa., offers Organic Mocha Mint Cappuccino Body Scrub, a 100 percent
organic scrub with the tantalizing scents of rich dark chocolate, refreshing
peppermint and invigorating coffee that will indulge the senses of those on
your gift-giving list. Performance Health in Akron,
Ohio, offers Biofreeze 360° Spray. Working from any angle, this is the perfect
gift for anyone experiencing aches and pains.
Phytomer Corporation
in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream.
Formulated with detoxifying microalgae, this cream eliminates free radicals,
toxins and pollutants that disrupt the proper functioning of cells. Sothys
USA Inc. in Miami, Fla., offers Secrets de Sothys Luxury Gift
Set, a luxurious box that includes Secrets de Sothys Global Anti-Age
De-stressing Care and Serum. SpaRitual in Los Angeles, Calif.,
offers Illuminate Lacquer Duo with Fair Trade Bag. This set includes two
luminous lacquers, Intention, a red shimmer color, and Intuition, a purple
shimmer color and a custom-designed fair trade bag. Spiller
U.S. in Canton, Ga., offers Sanvita Gift Box, a specially packaged
set of Dr. Spiller’s green tea-based product line including containers of
Sanvita Cream, Sanvita Gel and Sanvita Mask.
Sprayology in
Tinton Falls, N.J., offers Party Relief, the perfect holiday accessory that
prevents and relieves hangovers naturally. Universal Companies in Abingdon,
Va., offers ESS Aromatherapy Roll-Ons. These essential oil roll-ons are
available in seven blends that are aromatherapeutic. http://www.experienceispa.com/
~
NEVERENDING GIFTING IDEAS ~
If you’re stumped for gifting
ideas, think local and consider gift certificates to restaurants, day spas,
salons, hotels, museum memberships, fitness club memberships and related. Other great gift ideas include putting
together your own themed gift baskets for the wellness-focused foodie, or the
DIY-er, etc., or IOU coupons (babysitting, dog sitting, a meal or two when
someone is ill, etc.). Be creative and consider
all of the possibilities.
~
FINALE ~
The holidays, especially
Christmas, are magical and remind us of the innocence of the child within where
anything and everything is possible as long as you believe. Keep this in mind as you celebrate the spirit
of the season. And, when gifting, remember
that it’s the thought that counts and not the gift logo or its value; don’t go
into debt being gift-generous; sometimes, the simplest of gifts are the best
and most cherished. Celebrate this
season with hope, joy, gratitude, generosity and optimism.
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 the 1990s, she
authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two
copyright registrations. Consumer and trade publications have also
interviewed her as an expert. She also
conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of
creating an at-home spa, interior design, stress and time management. Her work has been published extensively in print
and online in both consumer and trade publications. In addition to
writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management
consultant and motivational speaker. She
currently 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 served as a Group Manager
for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.
Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS. You can email her at
terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.
ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
(Introductory photo, a family Christmas past. Additional photo credits as represented by
the specific brand.)
