WINTER DOLDRUM PERKS ~ PART TWO

(“One of the earliest images showing a frozen Niagara Falls, in sepia tones, is thought to be from 1911 or 1912, though skeptics have questioned its authenticity because its photographer is unknown.”)  
  
With much of the nation in winter’s continuing and unrelenting grip, skin continues being assaulted with frigid temps, fierce winds, and dry air.  Spring may be less than two month’s away, but a much-needed break from these climatological attacks is in order.  I’ve rounded up a number of products that tackle issues related to skincare and body care during this difficult time.  Hopefully you’ll find some new products to consider looking into, or even trying. 

For the Face

The delicate and fragile tissue on the face, under the eyes and neck are especially vulnerable to the often-nasty attacks of winter’s frigid winds and chilling temps.  Since the tissue is more easily dried out, it needs extra TLC to combat the attacks and keep the tissue always on the ready, no matter what the time of day.  The following products offer added protection and relief during these challenging times.  And, don’t forget to use your sunscreen or products that include one in their formulation.  The sun’s harmful rays don’t take a vacation, just because it’s winter.

Adventuress Fearlessly Refreshing Facial Wipes ~ Gently removes all traces of makeup; can also be used as a general facial cleanser that’s also refreshing.  Key ingredients include witch hazel, aloe leaf, chamomile extract, licorice root extract, and rosemary leaf extract.  http://www.goadventuress.com/

 

Colleen Rothschild Beauty Discovery Collection ~ These products were anti-aging hits with me.  Formulated by skincare guru, Colleen Rothschild, the key to their high performance is her patented delivery system Level E3, which intensifies and extends the efficacy of ingredients without degrading in performance.  The Discovery Collection includes a handy travel bag and travel sizes of Radiant Cleansing Balm, Clarifying Detox Mask, Dual Enzyme Polish, Extreme Recovery Cream, Sheer Renewal Cream, Face Oil No.9, and a 100% Cotton Muslin Cleansing Cloth.  Key ingredients throughout the product range include black seed oil, moringa oil, marula oil, Omega 3, 6 and 9, glycolic acid, vitamin C, comfrey extract, AHA complex, hyaluronic acid, and multi-fruit complex.  The ingredient profiles combine the best of science and nature without irritating finicky skin, like mine.  While I enjoyed using each product, my favorites were the Cleansing Balm, Recovery Cream, Renewal Cream, and Face Oil. http://www.colleenrothschild.com/

Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Balm Skin Soothing Creamy Oil ~ An ideal product for winter-weary and dry skin that’s in need of healing and moisturizing.  It soothed and calmed dry patches on my face, and also worked wonders on my overly dry hands and cuticles.  This very dense formula only requires a small amount warmed between the palms of the hands and then applied to areas that some extra attention.  There are some thirty individual healing and moisturizing oils.  Key ingredients include manuka honey, Japanese licorice root, evening primrose oil, shea butter, jojoba, organic palm, monoi and moringa butters, Blue Mountain sage oil, toil, coconut oil, and olive oil.  http://www.miracleskintransformer.com/

 

Skin Authority Skin Cleansing System ~ The skincare market offers many home cleansing systems to choose from; each has differing performance standards, design aspects, and price points.  Some units at the lower price range are more superficial than substantial in their performance.  What I loved about this Skin Cleansing System was that its performance exceeded the price point (currently only $59!) comparative to other units where some are triple in cost.  The System’s features were amazing and the performance efficacy, outstanding.  The battery operated System has two variable speeds, plus an oscillating feature; three changeable cleansing heads, including a brush, exfoliator and one that targets difficult to reach places like the nose, which can also be used to apply foundation; the unit is also ergonomically designed, easy to hold, and also ambidextrous.  I loved the deep cleansing of the rotating brush head, but when it was set on the oscillating feature, the gently brushing better penetrated the pores.  Using all three brush heads definitely left my skin scrupulously cleansed and primed for ease of application of my preferred skincare products.  Its appearance was healthier with an improved texture.  http://www.skinauthority.com/

For the Body

Drying skin, whether it’s on the body, hands, feet, and especially cracked heels, needs more TLC during this challenging time; exfoliation and moisturization are your best defenses against winter’s assaults.  The following is great for your winter-weather arsenal.

 

L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Soft Cream, Vanilla Bouquet ~ This super moisturizing Soft Cream is ideal for all those winter-parched areas on the entire body.  The scent profile is fresh and light, reminiscent of spring.  Product is quickly absorbed and non greasy, without leaving any tacky residue.  My skin was super-hydrated and soothed.  Key ingredients include shea butter, sunflower seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, vanilla flower extract, and vitamin E.  http://www.loccitane.com/

For the Lips

The fragile and delicate tissue of the lips is especially vulnerable to the harsh assaults of winter.  If this area is kept properly hydrated, painful cracking and flaking will occur.  Following are two must-have products that deliver super hydration, while also adding a hint of color, which automatically brightens the face.

 

Miracle Skin Transformer Lip Rewind Advanced Peptide Lip Treatment ~ This hint of pink color, Love, intensified my natural lip color, while drenching the winter-ravaged dry skin with super-charged moisturizers; there was a subtle tingling from the volumizer oils.  The twist barrel delivers just the right amount of treatment.  Key ingredients include menthol and peppermint oil, coconut oil, pomegranate and shea butters, and vitamin E.  http://www.miracleskintransformer.com/

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Lip & Tuck ~ This splash of subtle red adds a real pop of color to winter-pale lips and brightens the face.  Delicate dry tissue is drenched with intense moisturizers.  Key ingredients include copper, macadamia seed oil, and vitamin E.  http://www.osmotics.com

For the Digits

Winter may bring about the blahs, but that’s no excuse for not having a spiffy manicure or pedicure, where digits go glam to brighten up winter’s pallor.  The current trend for color palettes is to showcase the color of the year from Pantone, Radiant Orchid.  This is a beautiful hue in the purple family palette that can be taken from subtle to intense, especially when the color is infused in makeup. 

  

Mineral Fusion Rock Cress, Amethyst, and Meteor Shower ~ The color range definitely mutes the dreary side of winter with a pop of spring color and can go from subtle to wow in a mani or pedi with flare and finesse.  These vegan-friendly products celebrate the varying hues of purple in colors that add a pop of color to winter-pale nails on hands and feet.  They’re also free of formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl phthalate free and ideally suited for those with allergies to these additives, or are eco-conscious.  http://www.mineralfusion.com/

~ In Closing ~

Using products formulated to one’s skin type is important, but just as important is finding products with formulations that are best suited for the individual seasons.  The more intense and harsher the season, such as winter, the more “fortified” and “heartier” the formulas need to be to protect, hydrate and reinforce the delicate tissue from frigid temps and super dry humidity levels.  Be good to your skin and it will serve you well for years to come.

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.

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(Introductory photo credit, www.dailymail.co.uk; other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)