MORE SPA AND BEAUTY PRODUCT FINDS

Here’s my latest on spa and beauty product finds.  Enjoy!

~ Products and Experiences ~

Crabtree & Evelyn ~ I’ve been hooked on this line since the late-1980s.  I experienced their La Source Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy, La Source Warming Foot Smoother, and C & E Nail Lacquer in Vernis.  The Hand Therapy quenched my dry and thirsty hands, cuticles, and nails with restorative and intensive moisture.  Key ingredients include macadamia oil, shea butter, algae extract, palm oil, and vitamin E.  The Foot Smoother left my dry and calloused feet renewed and silky smooth; rubbing the product onto the feet stimulated circulation and created a warming quality, which was soothing.  Key ingredients include bran oil, pumice, silica, volcanic ash, algae extract, shea butter, and almond oil.  The Nail Lacquer was the perfect finishing touch to both hands and feet; Vernis is a beautiful fuchsia color that complements all skin tones. http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics ~ I’ve been hooked on this iconic line since the late-1990s.  Jane

Iredale Mineral Cosmetics is celebrating its twentieth anniversary as the leading mineral line that continues being embraced by medical and spa professionals globally.  I experienced their Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen in Translucent, and the new Re-Fill Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush.  All of the products in this line are good for the skin and meant to protect and revitalize.  The Dry Sunscreen felt more like a silky fine finishing powder, rather than a heavy-feeling sunscreen product; the sponge applicator dispensed just the right amount of loose Translucent color without being messy; the color was natural and ideal for all skin tones.   The new Re-Fill Me was the perfect take-with for loose powders; the silky brush delivered the right amount of powder and made blending effortless. https://janeiredale.com

Kneader Massage Made Easy ~ Whether you’re a licensed massage therapist, or just someone who enjoys doing self-massage at-home to give relief to kinks, stiff muscles, and joints, the Kneader is an ideal professionally-designed accessory to incorporate into the massage ritual.  An ergonomically designed implement that fits over the four fingers for an easy grip; the top portion of the Kneader conforms to the shape of the palm, while the bottom portion targets surface areas being massaged; the overall weight of the implement is light, but distributes a balanced amount of pressure on the surface area being massaged without causing any discomfort. http://www.kneadsmust.com

Phytomer ~ I’ve been hooked on this line since the late-1990s, although it’s been around since 1972. The product line is based on properties of mineral-rich seawater.  I experienced their Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk, and Rosée Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion.  Both of these products synergistically complement the cleansing and toning process, and are gentle and effective enough for all skin types.  Both products were non-drying and non-irritating, and left no residue on the skin.  Key ingredients in the Cleansing Milk include hazel oil, algae extract, and castor oil.  Key ingredients in the Toning Cleansing Lotion include rose water, castor oil, sea salt, and furze botanical extract. http://www.phytomer.fr/en/

Silk Therapeutics PureProC ~ It’s always enjoyable experiencing new products based on a few

ingredients that deliver results.  I experienced the Silk Smoothing Gel, Silk Hydrating Serum, and Fine Line Lifting Film.  Ingredients in the Gel: water, silk protein, vitamin C, and lemongrass oil.  Ingredients in the Serum: water, silk protein, sodium hyaluronate, and lemongrass oil.  Ingredients in the Film: silk protein, and vitamin C.  Why these ingredients work:  Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which protects the skin from sun damage, while aiding the skin’s natural ability to repair itself.  Silk protein is a stabilizer for vitamin C and reinforces its effectiveness.  Sodium hyaluronate is the “salt” from hyaluronic acid and acts as a humectant, which aids in hydration.  Lemongrass oil is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and a fungicide that also constricts skin and minimizes pores.  All of these ingredients are ideal for targeting the signs of aging and minimizing them.  I found that when I used either the Gel or Serum, my skin was sufficiently hydrated and left it feeling silky and smooth; pores were minimized and skin tone more even.  The Film was especially effective on my forehead’s fine lines and wrinkles; after the application, skin appeared smoother and more even, and fine lines and wrinkles were softened.  I enjoyed using all of the products, and especially the aroma of lemongrass, which is one of my favorite essential oils. http://pureproc.com

~ In Closing ~

Be sure to visit each website for a complete description of each of these items, as well as a complete listing of products.  Be sure to follow each brand on social media to be the first to hear about new product launches and collections, special deals, giveaways, trends, and tips.  Also, visit traditional brick and mortar stores, mass retail, specialty, discount, etc. and give the products a test drive; hopefully you’ll also be able to get samples, or take advantage of a special offer like gift with purchase, or purchase with purchase.

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; the Advisory Board was 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.  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 credit, revitaliseyourhealth.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

KAT BURKI RAW BEAUTY

I recently reviewed Kat Burki Raw Beauty Products.  Each product was gentle and effective, while promoting healthier skin; the natural and raw ingredients in each of the products nourished my skin, infusing it with antioxidants, peptides, essential oils, and vitamins.  Whether it was my face or body, my skin was left with a healthy glow and firmer texture; I also noticed improved levels of hydration, and diminished fine lines.  I actually received unsolicited compliments on the healthy and youthful appearance of my skin.  In reviewing the natural and organic ingredients used in each product’s formulation, it was easy to appreciate why my skin felt and looked fresh, revitalized, and healthy.  I also reviewed a few of her elegant fragrances.

 

~ About the Creator ~

“Kat Burki creates beautiful experiences through skincare and beauty products as well as a sophisticated line of fine fragrances. The carefully crafted formulations are faceted by Kat’s rich sensory experiences as a designer and her early Healthcare training. From design, Kat’s keen eye for detail blossomed into captivating fragrance creations and an innovative ability to bring life to a beauty line, while her professional expertise translated into integrating high quality, unadulterated combinations with lasting therapeutic results. Cold Pressed Oils, a KB 5 Herb Blend, and unique Raw ingredients, fused in trend-setting harmony, results in a luxurious and highly innovative skincare offering. Embracing a larger mission driven by Kat’s own passion for Balance and Beauty, the Kat Burki Brand gives You a Lifestyle of Naturally Balanced Beauty.”

~ Why Raw Ingredients ~

While I’ve tried to keep current with all of the technological advances in skincare, I’ve also been curious about the benefits of raw ingredients as it related to ingredient integrity and product efficacy.  Since I was testing products that were based on Raw Beauty as a brand, I asked its developer Kat Burki for her insight on ingredient integrity and product efficacy; following is what she shared ~

“Harvesting ingredients at their peak time allow for greater vitamin and antioxidant concentration, thus producing superior results.  It’s the same concept of buying fresh ripe fruits and vegetables – the darker the color, the more full of healthful vitamins.  Temperatures are just as important as well.  We all know that if you overcook, or can a vegetable, you deplete them of all nutritional value.  It’s the state and quality of the ingredient that make greater effective results.  Oils that are unprocessed and cold pressed are more rapidly absorbed by the body, since the molecular size and quality is similar to your own skin temperature.  Additionally, we pay particular attention to ingredient combinations.  Ingredients are selected not only for their curative and protective properties, but also to help boost/enhance the other ingredients.  For example, Raw Reishi mushroom has proven anti-aging results, but also works in tandem with algae collagen to help promote its absorption into human skin.”

~ Products and Experiences ~

Ocean Mineral Face Wash ~ This was an extremely gentle foaming gel that thoroughly cleansed the skin without drying or irritating it; my skin was left hydrated; the fresh aroma makes cleansing time enjoyable.  Key ingredients include Proprietary Organic Herb Blend, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lavender Water, Ocean Mineral Complex, Natural Fragrance, Clary Sage Essential Oil, Olive Oil, Organic Rose Hip Oil, Borage Oil, Orange Peel Tincture, Oregano Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Grapefruit Seed, Calendula, Burdock Root, Red Clover, Organic Rosemary, and Vitamin E.

Hibiscus Antioxidant Face Mask ~ A beautiful soufflé-like Mask that gently deep cleans and exfoliates; product was non-drying and non-irritating, and left my skin hydrated; this was also a great lip Mask; I especially enjoyed the natural infusion of Hibiscus, Cranberry and Blueberry particles, which accelerated the natural exfoliation process;I sometimes used this as a cleanser.  Key ingredients include Proprietary Organic Herb Blend, Organic Aloe Barbadensis, Kaolin Clay, Glycolic Acid, Palm Oil, Vitamin C, Coconut Oil, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Natural Fragrance, Cranberry Fibers, Hibiscus Petals, Blueberry, Organic Cranberry, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Green Tea, and Bayberry, Organic Licorice, Organic Cayenne, Raspberry Seed Oil, Seabuckthorn Oil, Red Wine Polyphenols, Organic Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Coenzyme Q10, Hyaluronic Acid, Periwinkle, Apricot Kernel Oil, Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Apple, Lemon, Sugar Cane, Peptides, Lemongrass, Vitamin C Palmitate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Phospholipids, Retinol, and Vitamin A.

Beauty Elixir ~ This spray serum was refreshing to use and had the delicious aroma of cucumber.  It was also exceptionally hydrating.  I enjoyed using it throughout the day; try chilling it before using to really ramp up its refreshing properties; great for hot flashes, too.  Key ingredients include Structured Electrolyzed Water, Colloidal Silver, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lavender Distillate, Natural Fragrance, Enzymes, Organic Camu Camu Berry, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Raspberry Seed Oil), Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Oil of Tamanu, Carrot Oil, and Noni. 

Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream ~ The whipped silky consistency of this product was calming; it quickly absorbed without leaving any tacky residue, while maintaining hydration levels; over time, my skin tone became clearer, more even and luminous; sporadic dry patches disappeared, including pore minimization, and fine lines were diminished.  Key ingredients include Proprietary Organic Herb Blend, Organic Aloe Barbadensis, Palm Oil, Vitamin C, Safflower Oil, Natural Fragrance, Colloidal Silver, Wildcrafted Reishi, Ocean Mineral Concentrate, Shea Butter, Organic Jojoba Oil, Vitamin B5, and Organic Green Tea.

Raw Sugar Scrub ~ This was another extremely gentle product that thoroughly exfoliated the skin without drying or irritating it; regular use improved the overall texture of dry-prone areas; this non-greasy Scrub also left skin wonderfully hydrated and smooth.  Key ingredients include Organic Sucrose, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Natural Fragrance, Kukui Nut Oil, and Macadamia Seed Oil.

Body Butter ~ Dense, rich butter that was quickly absorbed without leaving any tacky residue, improved levels of hydration on very dry areas, hydration maintained throughout day.  Key ingredients include Proprietary Organic Herb Blend, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Natural Fragrance, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Organic Borage Oil, Organic Flax Seed Oil, Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Organic Rose Hip Oil, Vitamin B5, Wildcrafted Arnica, Organic Lavender, Organic Calendula, Organic Chamomile, Grapeseed Oil, and Macadamia Nut Oil. 

Hand Therapy ~ This was an intense therapeutic treatment product that restored lost hydration to the hands, forearms, and especially the dry cuticle areas; hydration levels were restored; product was quickly absorbed without leaving any tacky residue; very concentrated, so very little was needed; ideal to apply before retiring for the evening; just make sure to wear protective gloves to seal in the healing properties, which intensify while sleeping.  Key ingredients include Proprietary Organic Herb Blend, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glyceryl Stearate (Plant Derived), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Safflower Seed Oil, Stearic Acid (Plant Derived), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Palm Oil, Natural Fragrance, Decyl Glucoside (plant derived), Glyceryl Caprylate (Natural Preservative), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Honeysuckle Flower Extract, and Honeysuckle Extract.

Glossy Lip Treatment ~ This was another exceptionally hydrating product that also nourished and brightened the lip area; this works well when a lip crayon or lipstick are applied under or over the product; easy closure tip eliminates waste.  Key ingredients include Organic Castor Seed Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil, Organic Beeswax, Natural Fragrance, Vitamin E, and Cinnamon Essential Oil.

~ Kat Burki Fragrances ~

A flawless complexion is a perfect accessory; fragrance is also a perfect accessory, since it illumes the persona.  Kat Burki Fragrances are elegant and add just the right amount of fresh and vibrant fragrance without being cloying.  Each of these fragrances has its own personality; individual dry down notes intensify the aromatic complexity of each fragrance, making for an impressive and distinct profile.

Tubéreuse Essential Eau de Parfum ~ This beautiful floral fragrance was sweet with a delicate powdery dry down.  Top notes capture the aromatic properties of Green, Bergamot, Peach Nectar, Fruity, Orange, and Ozonic Fresh; the middle notes capture Jasmine, Sweet Herbal, Lily, Rose, Neroli, Violet, Creamy Coconut, and Clove; and, the base notes capture Rosewood, Powdery Musks, Piney, Green Leaves, Woody, and Spicy Nuances.

Silk Noir Eau de Parfum ~ This is a very sophisticated fragrance that’s perfect for the evening or when the temperature is cooler.  Top notes capture aromatic properties of Bergamot Zest; the middle notes capture Crushed Violet Petals and Vetiver; and, base notes capture Agarwood, Woody, Sandalwood, and Guaiacwood.

Trellis Eau de Parfum ~ This is another beautiful floral that was also sweet with a delicate powdery dry drown.  Top notes capture the aromatic properties of Fresh Greens and Orange Zest; the middle notes capture Jasmine, Rose, Muguet, Violet, Sweet Herbal, and Ylang Ylang; and, the base notes capture Powdery Musks, Orris, Woody, Amber, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Patchouli.

~ The Product Mix ~

While I’ve listed some of the key ingredients for the products I tested, visit the website for a more complete listing of all ingredients within this beautiful line.  Kat Burki is found in a number of upscale retail establishments and specialty boutiques (e.g. Henri Bendel, Lord & Taylor, Clyde’s on Madison, Space.NK, Nordstrom, Clementine Beauty).  http://katburki.com

~ In Closing ~

Finding the right products that nourish while effectively improving and maintaining quality levels in skincare takes patience, time, and trial and error; further, not everyone’s skin reacts the same as another to the same products; the same is true for products used on the body.  When it comes to fragrance, preference is key and how the body reacts to some fragrances because of ingredient sensitivity.  Again, finding the right one can take time.  Keep in mind, too, that although you might fall in love with some products or fragrances, make sure that the formulas or ingredients don’t change, because their performance will directly impact their functionality on you.  Lastly, products and regimens, and this also includes fragrance, also require modifying and adapting to the seasonal changes.  While it’s a lot to remember and the process daunting at times, in the end, the results are worth the effort.  

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; the Advisory Board was 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.  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

(Photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)