AT-HOME SPA FINDS

 

Creating an at-home spa experience needn’t be an expensive investment.  There are many products and implements available online and at traditional brick and mortar retail and drug stores that offer products with price points that appeal to many economic levels. 

Over the years, I’ve written and presented extensively about the importance of taking time for oneself and offered suggestions on how to achieve this, including how to create an at-home spa environment conducive to relaxation, restoration and well-being.  Part of an at-home spa experience is making sure to schedule some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just to go outside for a contemplative walk, or to take a warm shower or soak in the tub at the end of your day.  Engaging the senses is also an integral part of the spa experience, whether it’s enjoyed at a spa facility or in an at-home spa setting. 

~ TENDING TO THE PARTS ~

DIY Facial ~ In his latest book, “Cooking Your Way to Gorgeous”, celebrity esthetician Scott Vincent Borba presents a compendium of healthy recipes that are nutrient dense, flavorful and ideal for healthy skin.  He also offers a number of DIY facial recipes based on food related ingredients.  Here’s one example: “Stimulating Cinnamon Facial (p. 85) ~ Prepare a paste of two parts cinnamon powder and one part honey; leave it on your skin for as long as you can.  Rinse off with warm water.  Awakens and revitalizes skin.”  http://www.scottvincentborba.com

Earth Therapeutics Japanese Dry Brush ~ Nothing stimulates circulation while exfoliating than giving yourself a “dry brushing”.  This implement is made of sisal and coconut fibers.  Always begin this process at the feet, using circular motions and working upwards, towards the heart.  Once you’ve completed the “dry brushing”, take a nice warm shower or bath.  Earth Therapeutics offers a variety of at-home spa implements.  http://www.earththerapeutics.net

Essence of Beauty Shea Indulgence Kit ~ This handy travel kit contains all that you need for an indulgent shower or bath.  The kit includes Cream Shower Cleanser, Radiant Butter Scrub and Enriched Body Lotion.  Both the Cleanser and Scrub were gentle and did a nice job of priming the skin for the Lotion.  Each product drenched the skin with the hydrating goodness of shea butter and left it feeling smooth and silky, without being greasy.  http://www.essenceofbeauty.com

Pevonia Botanica Restore Neck and Bust Concentrate and Bust Cream ~ Both of these products work synergistically to firm, tone and restore the often neglected delicate neck, bust and décolleté/chest.  Key ingredients include Kigelia Africana (anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which also tightens and firms the skin), Elastin, and Vitamin E, which when combined, all help to minimize any visible signs of aging.  I noticed the skin in these areas to have diminished fines lines, while the texture was smooth and firmer; the pores also seemed less grainy.  These two products are a must for these often-neglected areas of regular skincare regimens.  http://www.pevonia.com

Spa Sonic Skin Care System ~ This all-in-one system takes care of cleansing and refining from head to toe.  The waterproof battery operated system comes complete with a facial brush (2), facial buffer sponge, body brush and pumice stone.  The brush heads were very gentle and effectively; the facial buffer sponge made applying serums and creams easier with a better disbursement of product; the pumice stone kept calloused areas soft and polished.  I also used the body brush as a dry brusher, which helped exfoliate my skin and prep it for showering.  http://myspasonic.com/

Taut Gold Standard Collagen Mask ~ I’m a skeptic when it comes to a product’s promise to show results after using it the first time.  But, when I’m wrong, I’m wrong.  This product delivers on its promises of skin brightening, firming and hydration.  The Collagen Masks are individually packaged and include a pre-cut cloth form that fit perfectly onto my face; each Collagen Mask is pre-treated with active ingredients that include glycerin, soluble collagen, hydrolyzed collagen and Vitamin E; the formula restores hydration levels, diminishes fine lines and brightens the skin.  After a ten-minute treatment, I was amazed at the luminosity of my skin and how much smoother the texture appeared; also noticeable were the diminished lines and improved hydration level; the product was also gentle and non-irritating.  Any remaining residue from the form was applied to the face, neck, chest, hands and forearms.  These Collagen Masks are from the same creators of the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask.  http://www.renewalliance.com

~ TO SOOTHE AND SAVOR ~

Davidson’s Organic Lavender Earl Grey Tea ~ Nothing is more soothing and calming than a nice hot cup of tea to culminate a restorative and calming at-home spa regimen.  I’m partial to this brand and variety.  I love inhaling this variety’s soothing aromas, while slowly sipping and savoring the brew.  Take some time to savor your favorite tea after a hectic day and preferably without any distractions or annoyances.  http://www.davidsonstea.com/

~ THE FINALE ~

Your at-home spa experience isn’t an indulgence; it’s a time for recharging and reclaiming yourself.  Create an at-home spa environment that is conducive to relaxation and calm.  Remember, this time is an investment in your well-being.  You’ve earned it and you’re definitely worth it!

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 credit from www.simonedesignblog.com; all other photos as represented by 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. 

REDUX ~ FALL TRANSITIONING TIPS

 

As I write this, the weather is finally getting cooler with lower levels of humidity; both are a welcome relief.  I’m sure there will be a few last gasps of summer over the next few weeks, but for now, I’ll revel in this seasonal break from summer.

When a season transitions into the next, such as summer to fall, we need to be mindful of the need to change and adapt virtually every aspect of our daily lives; what worked during one season generally doesn’t work in the next one; routines and regimens need to be altered. 

The following transitional tips from summer into fall should help you to at least consider some of the aspects of your day-to-day regimens that might require some tweaking.

~ TIPS FOR SKIN, HAIR AND MAKEUP ~

Climatological changes, including cooler and drier temps both indoor and outdoor, consider changing your skincare regimen to ramp up product efficacy.  What worked well in the warmer and more humid months will probably be inappropriate in the cooler and drier months.  

Lighter weight lotions should give way to creams and butters. 

Colder, drier air will dehydrate the skin.  Skin still requires periodic exfoliation with some type of moisturizing soaps or cleansers.  Skin needs to be moisturized and rehydrated to replenish depleted moisture levels and also to maintain a healthy mantel of skin.  Using serums is a great way to treat and hydrate the skin.

Don’t over-exfoliate the skin; when skin is dry and aggressive exfoliation is done, it can harm the delicate tissue and irritate it.  Make sure to use serums and don’t discount the wonders of face oils (e.g. olive, almond, coconut, palm, jojoba, argan, marula, shea, cocoa, etc.). 

Continue using an SPF product to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Adjust your hair care regimen and the products used.  Since the air is dryer and less humid, it’s important to nurture your hair with the proper shampoos, conditioners and restorative masks to avoid damaging and drying out the scalp, hair follicle and hair shaft. 

Lighten up your color palette, whether that’s in your makeup colors, or the colors of your wardrobe pieces. 

Pale and light may have been great for the summer months to deflect the harsh rays of summer sun, however, an earthy color palette of burnished and vibrantly intense colors of fall, are more suitable. 

A fashion trend this year red lipstick, which adds a vibrant pop of color to the face.  Every skin tone looks good wearing red lipstick, but make sure it’s in the correct family of red to complement your skin tone ~ blue-red or orange-red, with varying hues in each family.

Lighter weight cotton, linen or gauzy material should be replaced with warmer wool, silk blends and heavier cotton and linen fabrics to keep the body heat in as an insulator from the cold.  Vibrant colors for fabrics to suit the season are always a fashion-must.

~ TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING AND LIFESTYLE ~

Summer dining generally equates to lighter food fare, like salads, seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbal iced teas, iced fruit infused waters, etc.  These were ideal for summer, because they were less taxing on the digestive system, and also kept a person cool. 

The colder months of fall and winter call for heartier foods like hot cereals, stews, soups, casseroles and the like; all are ideal for those colder months.  These foods are nutritious, but also warming.  Consider adding more dried fruits and nuts to your diet and try making your own granola. 

Consider frozen fruits and vegetables, which are quick frozen right after harvesting, preserving more of the nutrient value; they’re a nice reminder of the fresher seasonal produce during the warmer summer months.

Seasonal constants are also synonymous with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  This includes sufficient amounts of water for hydration, sufficient sleep for rest and recuperation, physical exercise for strength and agility, and proper nutrition to stave off illness. 

~ TIPS FOR WELL BEING ~

Consider gathering up dried twigs, branches, leaves, etc. and try your hand at creating an arrangement for a seasonal tablescape, or your gatherings in a large basket and display by your entry.

If the colder weather and shorter days are giving you cabin fever, be sure to keep the spring and summer indoor with live plants and flowers. 

Take walks to shake the “blues” away and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you; there is beauty in the changing of all-things nature.

Don’t forget to open your windows every so often just to let some fresh air inside.

~ TIPS FOR SEASONAL TRANSITIONING ~

Consider making lists of warm weather tasks and cold weather tasks.  These can include goals in skincare and body care regimens, meal planning, wardrobe, fitness routines, etc.  Then review each list and streamline or adjust for your next seasonal transitioning.

~ END GAME ~

Every season brings a fresh start and new beginning.  It’s up to each individual to seek what works best for them and what will enhance and enrich their daily lives.  The circle of life is also the circle of seasons. 

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 from thejoyofcards.blogspot.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.