lux - u - ry (luhg-zhuh-ree) noun [from Latin, luxus
and its derivative luxuria, excess, indulgence “Luxury” signifies far more than the mere enjoyment of expensive things
--it implies an excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures…”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Fashion icon Coco Chanel often mused about
the meaning of luxury…some of her musings dictated that “Luxury must be comfortable,
otherwise it is not luxury”… and that “Luxury is a necessity where necessity
ends.” For me, however, luxury is something
that elevates my senses with extraordinary feelings that totally depart from the
norm. Luxury also transports me to a
different space and momentarily, I’m removed from my day-to-day routine. That departure refocuses my energies and
thought process, and I’m able to reclaim myself by the sensory-driven
diversion.
For skincare, body care and related products,
luxury is also how the product feels to the touch, and includes its aroma; how
it transforms my skin’s texture after using it; how it improves the overall level
of hydration and maintains that level throughout the day; and, how it enhances
how I feel after using it. All of these
attributes are sensory-driven and part of that experience. My recent article, “SPA AT HOME”, also
highlighted the sensory-driven aspect as a viable component to an experience.
Following are some of those products I had
the pleasure of trying, which qualify as luxurious based on my definition. During the course of using them, however,
what was lacking were the hands of a highly skilled and experienced massage
therapist, esthetician or cosmetologist as part of a spa treatment utilizing these
various products as part of the treatment; but, I digress. Enjoy my takes on these products, and don’t
forget to take some time for yourself, whether that’s at home or at a spa.
~ FACE
& BODY ~
Darphin Paris ~ Vitalskin
Anti-Fatigue Dynamizing Serum and Vitalskin Replumping Energic Emulsion*
I loved each product’s texture and
how it felt to the touch…rich, silky and luxurious. Application was smooth and without any drag;
products absorbed quickly and left a firmer and more hydrated texture. Skin looked healthier, toned and more
vibrant; my hydration levels were maintained throughout the day. The texture of myskin was also evened out and
no dry patches were felt; the hydration properties seemed to have sensors to
know where to be distributed and adjusted to compensate for an uneven
skintone.
The aromas were fresh and
uplifting.
Some of the key ingredients
included Mitostime algae extract, Vitamins C and E, Noni fruit extract and
walnut extract, which are rich in Omega fatty acids; Noni is also prized in
Southeast Asia because of its beneficial properties for skin health.
I loved the high performance of both
products, especially when used together for maximum synergy, which also intensified
the product’s efficacy.
http://www.darphin.com
Sothys Paris ~ Hydra-Nourishing
Body Lotion and Lemon and Petitgrain Nourishing Body Elixir*
Both of these products were an
exceptional treat post-shower. My skin
quickly absorbed the Lotion, without
leaving any tacky residue and dissipating dryness; texture of the skin was firm
and refined. After an application of the
Lotion, I’d spray the Elixir after a thorough application of
the Lotion to intensify the hydration
effects. While both products had a
lovely aroma, the Elixir’s was
phenomenal. Key ingredients for the Lotion included corn germ oil, sweet
almond protein, algae extract, shea butter and Vitamin E. Key ingredients for the Elixir included sunflower seed oil, soybean oil and Vitamin E. When products were used together, maximum
synergy was achieved and product efficacy was attained.
~ TRESSES
~
Phyto Paris ~ Volumizing Shampoo Fine Hair,
Express Conditioner and Volumizing Spray
I wasn’t blessed with a head of
thick luscious hair, but after using both the Shampoo and Conditioner,
my hair 
felt richer and fuller; the consistency of product was rich and dense,
without weighing the hair down. Not onlywas their more volume after using these products, but my hair also had a
remarkable strength and vibrancy to it, including a healthy luster.
My hair definitely was healthier and
revitalized, something not appreciated until after using high quality products
like these, compared to what I had previously been using.
Key ingredients in the
Shampoo included Chitin extract from crustacean shells, red algae
extract, yarrow, Guarana and tormentil root.
Key ingredients in the
Conditioner
included Gleditsia extract from the Honeylocust plant, red algae extract and
elderflower extract. The
Spray held
the style, without weighing down the hair or leaving a tacky residue.
Key ingredients for the
Spray included beetroot alcohol, nasturtium extract and wheat
protein extract.
All products had a
subtle, yet lovely aroma and were enjoyable to use.
http://www.phyto-usa.com
~
FINISHING TOUCHES ~
Caron Paris ~ La Poudre Peau Fine and Bellodgia
Eau De Parfum
This iconic luxury brand has been
revered and coveted by women worldwide since its inception in
1903. It launched its initial luxury powder in that
year to pair with its first fragrance (Tabac
Blond). It wouldn’t be until 1935
that Caron Paris began to subtly add
the luxurious scent of distilled Bulgarian Rose to its exquisite powders. La
Poudre Peau Fine is an extravagant way to finish the face with delicate loose
powder; the Poudre also includes the
signature Caron Puff; its silken
touch glides across the skin, leaving a hint of transparent finish; throughout
the day, I didn’t have to bother with any touch-up; there wasn’t any shine in
the “T” zone, which is often problematic when wearing makeup. Key ingredients included Vitamins A and E,
powdered silk, distilled Bulgarian Rose, camellia oil, antioxidants and
kaolin. I chose the Transparent “color”, which provided a natural and light coverage. This
luxurious and delicate powder is ideal for all skin types, including those with
skin sensitivities. The Poudre comes in a beautiful signature
gold metallic case with the Caron
classic dot pattern on its lid. Topping off this finishing touch
was a spritz of one my treasured fragrances, Bellodgia. Caron introduced this luxury fragrance in
1927.
I first fell in love with this
gorgeous fragrance in the late sixties when I started college; a small sample
bottle (yes, a bottle!) was tucked in a welcome box distributed at registration;
I felt so elegant and grown-up every time I wore it, or just breathed in its
intoxicating aroma upon opening the bottle.
The extraordinary top notes include carnation and rose; middle notes, jasmine,
violet and muguet; and, base notes, musk, clove, vanilla and sandalwood.
The dry-down is subtle and gradual, although the
top and middle notes delicately remain.
One
spritz easily transported me back to my youth by surrounding me with the exquisite
aromatic mélange of floral blossoms.
http://www.parfumscaron.com
29 Cosmetics ~ Grape Seed Age-Protecting Preserves First Crush Lip Scrub, Preserves Wine Blot Lip Treatment
SPF20 and Preserves Hint of Honey Lip Treatment
Founded by Lydia Mondavi (yes,
that Mondavi, vino royalty!), all of the products in this luxurious line are formulated
with anti-aging ingredients that treat and nurture the skin. These three products complement each other
and to maximize their efficacy. Step one is using the First Crush Lip Scrub to delicately and
effectively exfoliate and remove dead cells from the lips; imparts an
incredibly smoothed and hydrated surface with its multi-hydrating oil complex.
Key ingredients included apricot seed powder,
sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, Vitamin E and shea
butter.
Step two is using the
Wine
Blot Lip Treatment SPF 20 after thoroughly exfoliating.
What’s great about the
Wine Blot Lip Treatment
is that it’s also a sunscreen and can stand alone as a lip balm.
It also drenches the delicate tissue with
exceptional hydration.
Key ingredients
include castor seed oil and grape seed oil.
Step three is using the
Hint of Honey Lip Treatment and pairs
beautifully on top of the
Wine Blot Lip
Treatment and also drenches the delicate tissue with exceptional hydration.
While it can easily be worn alone for a delicate
hint of shimmery color,
Hint of Honey Lip
Treatment maximizes the hydration properties of the
Wine Blot Lip Treatment when applied over it.
Key ingredients included castor seed oil and
grape seed oil.
http://www.29cosmetics.com
While definitions of what constitutes luxury might differ from mine, including the experience and product preferences,
what matters most is how one feels about their particular experience and the
results they may gain from using their preferred products to improve both their skin
and their state of being.
I encourage you to visit each product’s website
and become familiar with the product lines, and if you’re active on Facebook
and/or Twitter, don’t forget to also “like” or “follow” these lines. Product availability may be limited to
specialty retail boutiques, select salons and spas, or online.
Lastly, try to set some time aside each day,
or at least each week, to focus to reclaim the "you" that may have
become lost in the frenzy of your crazy-busy life. Doing so isn’t hedonistic, but an investment
in yourself and optimal restoration and renewal. No one deserves this special time more than
you.
That’s it for this edition. Until the next one, remember to take care of
yourself and those you love.
(N.B. * denotes my initial experience with these
exceptional products at the 2012 International Spa Association Conference
(ISPA). ISPA is the world’s pre-eminent
and largest global organization for spa professionals. Attendees at the Conference had opportunities
to experience various full-service spa treatments in the Relaxation Room, where
exhibitors featured top tier products in representative spa treatments. Licensed spa professionals administered all
treatments.)
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
(Introductory photo credit and header from
www3.fitnyc.edu, The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute
of Technology); all other photo credits as represented from the
specific brand.)
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.
