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.

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(Introductory photo by Joseph D. Herman, all other photos as represented by the specific brand.)