SPRING FINDS ~ PART TWO

In my “Spring Finds – Part One, Spring Seasonal Treats” (April 11, 2014), I featured a number of products ideally suited for transitioning into the new spring season and beyond.  Each product not only treated the skin and brought it from winter-drab to spring-awakened, but each one also delighted the senses.  In today’s article, I continue presenting products that not only transition from winter into spring, but also offer a bit of luxury for winter-weary skin. 

~ Spring Seasonal Luxuries ~

Amarté ~ Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam and Hydrolift Cream ~ Overall, both of these products performed well.  The Cleansing Foam cleansed thoroughly without leaving my skin feeling dry or stripped; however, I followed the directions and the product never did “foam”; although, it did liquefy for ease of application; and, while its ingredients didn’t appear to have anything marine-based, the predominant aroma was fishy, as opposed to many of its fragrant plant extracts; the listed fragrance was “spa cucumber”, but it didn’t have that crisp, fresh aroma.  Key ingredients include lavender extract, chamomile extract, rosemary leaf extract, vitamin E, cucumber extract, iris root, and green tea extract.  The Hydrolift Cream had a nice dense consistency; product went on gently, was non-irritating and absorbed quickly without leaving any tacky residue; hydration levels were well maintained throughout the day.  Its aroma was fresh and subtle.  Key ingredients include retinol, argan oil, caviar extract, rosemary extract, orange extract, pearl power, vitamin E, and glycerin.  http://www.amarteskincare.com/

Carita Paris ~ Satin Skin Scrub ~ This gentle and aromatic body scrub effectively exfoliates while improving the overall texture of the skin, leaving it feeling silky, exceptionally hydrated, and noticeably refined.  Key ingredients include jojoba oil, ground sunflower seeds, soy protein and wheat protein.  This beautiful scrub also has a proprietary fragrance, adding elements of aromatherapy to the product, making it a multi-dimensional sensory experience.  http://www.caritadirect.com/

Decleor Paris ~ Hydra Floral 24-Hour Moisture Activator Light Cream ~ While reviewing a destination spa in Quebec in 2012, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Decleor’s founder, Madame Solange Dessimoulie.  She was staying at the same spa, along with a number of Canadian estheticians that were at the spa for a multi-day continuing education workshop that she would be conducting.  Madame Dessimoulie graciously invited me to sit in on two of the sessions.  For forty years, Decleor has remained innovators in formulating skincare and body care products formulated with natural plant extracts and pure essential oils, and no synthetic fillers or artificial ingredients, mineral oil, or parabens.  I tried the Hydra Floral 24-Hour Moisture Activator Light Cream and actually found myself looking forward to applying it each day after my morning skincare regimen.  I the beautiful way it hydrated my skin, which made my skin appear healthy and revitalized.  The product was quickly absorbed without leaving any tackiness and hydration levels were maintained throughout the day; its aromatherapeutic properties were another huge plus.  Key ingredients include Wild Pansy extract, Samphire extract, Neroli essential oil, Moringa Oleifera protein, and Sunflower extract.  http://www.decleorusa.com/

Orlane Paris ~ Poudre Libre Transparente ~ I loved wearing this powder; it was the perfect finishing touch for that polished look, in addition to a few sweeps of blush.  There’s a handy shaker insert that releases just the right amount of powder onto your brush, or the luxe pouf that’s included.  The micro-fine consistency makes the powder luxurious and subtle, while providing maximum coverage.  http://www.orlane.com/poudre-libre-transparent-pressed-powder.html

Touché Beauty ~ Marine Collagen, Caviar, Oxygen, Lightening, Rejuvenating, Lifting and Soothing Serums, and Day Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ~ These are the most remarkable and efficacious Serums I’ve ever tried.  Each one left my skin’s texture noticeably improved; improved firmness and luminosity were also noticed after only one application of each Serum; each was exceptionally gentle and non-irritating, and quickly absorbed without leaving any tacky residue; the consistencies were silky and luxurious, and very concentrated, so a small amount was all that was needed to apply on face, neck and décolleté; hydration levels were well maintained throughout the day, even when used alone.  The Lifting and Soothing Serum was also ideal for the fragile eye area (orbital bone).  The Day Moisturizer was the perfect ending to the Serum application step; this very concentrated Moisturizer went on easily and was quick absorbing, without leaving any tacky residue; hydration levels were well maintained the entire day.  These cosmeceutical formulations combine the best in natural skincare and with advanced technology and were developed by iconic Wilma and Barbara Schumann.  http://www.advancedspatech.com/

~ Lastly ~

With each new season, new possibilities and opportunities to discover and grow arise.  Embrace them while discovering these Spring Seasonal Luxuries.  And yes, you are 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, music, stress, and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital 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 also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  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 by Joseph D. Herman, all other photos as represented by the specific brand.)

SPRING FINDS ~ PART ONE

 

In my “Spring Lifestyle Transitioning Tips” (March 21, 2014), I present a comprehensive overview of tips on transitioning into the new spring season.  I also offer suggestions on how to adapt to seasonal changes and applied to lifestyle, products, and regimens.  In today’s article, I’m featuring products that are ideal for the new spring season; these products treat the skin and the senses for your seasonal awakening.

~ Spring Seasonal Treats ~

Crabtree & Evelyn Skin Conditioning English Honey and Peach Blossom Collection ~ Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy, Moisturising Cream, and All Purpose Balm ~ For centuries, honey has been prized for its many health benefits; two of them include honey’s natural hydrating and anti-bacterial properties.  Peaches are rich in the anti-oxidant Vitamin C, which has anti-aging benefits to the skin.  Crabtree & Evelyn has combined the beneficial properties of both Honey and Peach in this fabulous new spring collection that is gentle to skin, including hydration, suppleness, firmness, overall texture, and diminished wrinkles.  The Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy was quickly absorbed without leaving any tackiness; skin was deeply hydrated; key ingredients include macadamia seed oil, honey, peach flower extract, shea butter, lime peel extract, coconut fruit extract, apricot fruit extract, Vitamin E, Rosa Damascena flower extract, and grapefruit extract.  The Moisturising Cream was exceptional, whether used day or night; it had a silky texture and was quickly absorbed, without any tackiness; hydration levels were well maintained throughout the day; key ingredients include shea butter, glycerin, peach flower extract, wild honey extract, and blue agave yeast extract.  The All Purpose Balm is a wonderful all-around Balm that can be used on targeted areas that are prone to being dry, chapped or parched (e.g. lips, face, cuticles, or elbows).  I primarily used it on my lips and loved how soothed and hydrated the parched skin felt after applying it; key ingredients include shea butter, wildflower extract, beeswax, and carrot oil.  All three of these products are great to take along for spot applications; the delicious aroma of honey and peach make this a yummy trio of must-haves.  http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/

Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup Magic Hour Collection ~ PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Golden Girl and In Touch Highlighter in Comfort ~ I eagerly await the new color palettes from this iconic brand; it never disappoints.  Jane Iredale products are formulated to treat skin gently without any additives or synthetic fillers and are sun-safe; colors flatter all skin tones with rich tones that can be taken from subtle to glam effortlessly, whether it’s a day look or an evening looking; the results are always natural looking and flawless.  The Magic Hour Collection offers spring’s finest colors and product ranges that also transition from season to season.  The Eye Shadow Triple in Golden Girl offers a trio of warm tones with a hint of gold in each; colors never crease or fade; there’s a muted taupe, golden, and brown, each with gold highlights; colors can be worn individually, or blended to create a custom look.  The Highlighter goes from a cream to a powder, while adding just the right amount of accent without appearing garish; the peachy-coral color with hints of glimmer brightens and flatters all skin tones; I used it under my brow and on my cheekbones.  Loved my new look; these two products took my look from winter-dull to spring-bright.  https://janeiredale.com/

 

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Limited Edition Easter Goodies ~ The all-natural line of handmade soaps and skin caring products has a wide following of all ages.  These latest seasonal treats will definitely have greatest appeal among the younger and young at heart crowd; the whimsical shapes of bath products have fragrances that are intensely sweet.  The assorted shapes of bath treats included the Golden Egg Bath Melt Bomb, Bunny Bubble Bar, Carrot Bar, Brightside Bubble Bar, and Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb.  These seasonal eco-conscious products make bath time fun and cutesy.  http://www.lushusa.com/

 

PUR attitude X8 Skin Perfecter Exfoliating Caviar ~ This product gently exfoliated and polished skin effectively, without causing any irritation; it can be used alone or mixed with a preferred cleanser; I’d alternate some applications as a standalone product, or mixed with my cleanser; while both were effective my face felt cleanest when using the product along; I noticed my pores appeared more refined and the texture of my skin, noticeably smoother and refreshed; key ingredients include ultramarines (caviar) and jojoba ester beads, which self-adjust to avoid over-exfoliation, which will lead to irritation.  The product doesn’t have any harmful chemical or additives, including dyes and fragrances, in its formulation.

http://www.purattitude.com/

 

TNT Cosmetics Robert Hensley Collection ~ Although not familiar with this mineral makeup company, I received a number of samples from their extensive offerings; what was sent to me, however, was a bit difficult matching some of them with the variety of color options available in their standard collections and their new Robert Henseley Collection, celebrity makeup artist.  Most of the sample colors were vibrant and trendy, however, using miniscule amounts added a subtle hint of color to my fair skin; these loose mineral makeup colors can be taken from subtle to glam, depending on intensity of application.  Overall, I do enjoy the benefits of mineral makeup; these include easier blending and application for intensity of hue, layering and customization; ease of transforming them from loose to liquid by adding a bit of water to use as eyeliner; formulations that are safe, gentle and non-irritating; and, better adherence of colors, eliminating creasing or fading. http://www.2tcosmetics.com/home.html

~ Lastly ~

The new spring season is a great time and excuse to explore, treat, and try different products that just might become your new favorites and mainstays for seasons to come; all of these products will transition nicely from one season to the other.  In “Part Two”, I’ll introduce you to more “Spring Finds”, so stay tuned!

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, music, stress, and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital 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 also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  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 by Joseph D. Herman; all other photos as represented by the specific brand.)