NEW PRODUCT DISCOVERIES TO TRY

 

It’s amazing how many different products and brands are out there for the consumer to try and buy.  For me, I learn about new products through Internet research, by a public relations firm contacting me about their client and the latest and greatest products, or getting samples at a spa or industry show.

Caveat, before making a significant investment in purchasing any of these products, ask about getting sample sizes first to test-drive and make sure your skin doesn’t react adversely to any of the ingredients, or if they aren’t doing what was expected or advertised.  If the retail or online outlet, salon or spa doesn’t offer any samples, make sure to inquire about a return policy for full-sized product purchases in the event there are adverse reactions to the product or the product’s performance wasn’t as “advertised” or represented.  If these are “if-y” or nonexistent options, I’d recommend that you pass on the purchase altogether, especially since there is a huge selection of other products to consider that may have comparable formulations.  Following are some recent new product finds I tried and wanted to share with you.

Eva-NYC ~ Get Up and Go! Hair Care Travel Kit

I came across this company’s exhibit at the recent International Home+Housewares Show in Chicago.  In the Travel Kit were the Clean It Up Shampoo, Soften Up Conditioner, Therapy Session Hair Mask and Hungry Hair Oil Treatment.  I have fine, oily hair; during the colder months, however, it becomes dry due to decreased levels of humidity.  The products I tried performed well on my hair, since it was still the temps were still on the colder and drier side.  The primary ingredients in each product included Keravis protein and Argan oil; the Keravis strengthened, while the Argan nourished.  After using the products, my hair was nourished with a healthy shine; they also tamed my static airborne strands of hair.  http://www.eva-nyc.com

Fiafini Marula Oil Skin Care ~ Delicate Cleansing Emulsion, Divine Hydration Moisturizer, Exceptional Skin Serum and Deluxe Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Over the years, the skincare industry has seen a number of ingredient trends for hydration and nourishment.  Some have included oils and butters derived from Almond, Jojoba, Olive, Coconut, Kukui, Macadamia, Argan and Marula.  Many of these oils and butters have been used for hundreds of years by women from around the world as multi-purpose substances used in cooking, for healing wounds, or for hydrating the skin and hair.  Always in search of the next best ingredient trend, companies and their product formulators have turned these ingredients into global wonders.  All Fiafini products contain Marula Oil, known for years by South African women for its hydrating properties; it’s also rich in antioxidants and Omega 9 and 6, essential fatty acids, both known to minimize the signs of aging by nourishing and treating the skin.   Fiafini products also contain natural plant extract derivatives and essential oils, which further enable the products to have natural therapeutic properties.  Some of the additional healing and restorative ingredients include agave, cactus, Evening Primrose, aloe, yucca, lavender, oat and avocado.  Each product I tried was gentle and hydrating.  The Cleansing Emulsion didn’t dry my skin and left it slightly hydrated.  The Skin Serum and Hydration Moisturizer were quickly absorbed and left no tacky or greasy residue.  The Eye Cream was non-irritating and quickly absorbed without leaving any residue.  Products are recommended for all skin types, including sensitive.  The aromas are subtle and I especially enjoyed those containing lavender essential oil.  http://www.fiafini.com

Joey Healy Eyebrow Collection ~ Brow Structure Clear Set

Joey Healy brings his expertise and passion as a licensed esthetician, makeup artist and eyebrow stylist with products that turn dull and lackluster eyebrows into the natural beauties they were meant to be.  I tried the Brow Structure Clear Set.  The product groomed my brows to their natural arched line by lifting and defining the growth without making it look stiff or artificial.  I loved the tapered brush, which gave maximum lift and definition without leaving any telltale signs of product.  http://www.joeyhealy.com

Night Care ~ Intensive Healing Foot Cream

Like anyone else, my feet take a beating just with the daily routine.  Callouses and dry cracked skin result, turning the skin into a weapon that snags hose, not too mention makes the feet look unsightly and grooming-ignored.  I saw an immediate improvement to my foot issues after one application of the Foot Cream; I applied it to my feet and then covered my feet with socks.  Rough cracked skin was smooth and super-hydrated.  Main ingredients include mineral and corn oil, lactic acid and Vitamin A and E; the lactic acid was gentle and non-irritating.  I also enjoyed the fact that its aroma wasn’t the ubiquitous minty smell, so common with other comparable products.  http://www.nightcareproducts.com

PUR Attitude ~ Fountain of Youth Serum and Insta-Results Face Lift Gel

My skin can be finicky at times; during the winter, the T-zone is normalized and the cheek areas are dry; the reverse occurs during the summer.  The Youth Serum can be used alone or under moisturizer.  After cleansing and toning my face, I applied the Youth Serum, which has a clear gel consistency.  It was quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any tacky residue; its aroma was neutral.  The only issue I had with the product was that the texture of my cheek area didn’t feel hydrated and its texture was grainy.  The Insta-Results Face Lift Gel was a bit challenging for me, since I don’t have sagging skin or visible wrinkles.  I did, however, apply the Lift Gel in the inset of my “marionette folds”; the product tightened to slightly soften the inset skin.  This product went on easily, was absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any sticky residue; its aroma was neutral.  The philosophy of the company is “Safe Beauty” and their products are formulated to avoid the inclusion of harsh chemicals, parabens, PEG’, glycols, sulfates, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes.  For an additional resource on the beauty industry, David Pollack, the name behind the brand, has written a concise insider’s book on everything and anything you always wanted to know about the industry, “Just Stop the Lies ~ Secrets the Beauty Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know”.  Lastly, I’d like to suggest a different cap for each product; the squared plastic edges are very sharp and made for difficult uncapping of each product.  http://www.purattitude.com

        

For additional information on each product, be sure to check out their websites and explore their entire product line. 

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 by womenshealthmag.com.)

N.B.  Google’s blog platform is incompatible with my Mac OS X and Firefox browser latest software versions, which is why some web links appear in different colors and why when attempting to have embedded images their sizing is consistent and/or can’t be sized.