FALL MUST-HAVE LUXURIES

Transitioning from summer into fall often brings about personal care challenges that are exacerbated by dryness and dehydration; both of which impact skin and hair.  In my article, “Redux:  Fall Transitioning Tips” (October 2, 2014), I provided tips, recommendations, and insight on issues related to this general topic.  I think of summer as a time of using all-things lighter, and fall as a time of using all-things more intense to complement temperature and humidity levels.  

When seasons change, especially summer to fall, skin and hair becomes dehydrated due to colder temperatures and decreased humidity levels.  Because of this, skin and hair requires restoration of lost nutrients and hydration levels; this is achieved by using products specifically formulated with ingredients that combat these affects.  The seasonal change also affects the appearance and color of skin tone; with the right color products, a loss of summer glow is easily restored with the right color palette of color products that add a vibrant and healthy fall glow. The following products beautifully address these seasonal concerns and are perfect indulgences for this “Fall Must-Have Luxuries” edition. 

~ Indulgent Skincare ~

Kat Burki Raw Beauty Power Trio Radiance Oil and Rose Hip Revitalizing Serum ~ Both of these new products are must-haves in one’s arsenal of skincare products that deliver results, restore, and in my case, offer visibly improved conditions.  The Power Trio Radiance Oil delivered exceptional hydration without leaving any tacky or greasy residue; absorption level was outstanding.  Key ingredients include Raspberry Seed Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Tamanu Oil, vitamins A, C, E.  The Rose Hip Revitalizing Serum effectively balanced my skin’s texture, improved circulation, added luminosity to my skin, and hydrated beautifully; the absorption level was also outstanding, without leaving any residue.  Key ingredients include the Kat Burki Raw Beauty proprietary KB5 Herb Blend (Gotu Kola, Arnica, Calendula, Lavender, and Chamomile), Rose Hip Seed Oil, and vitamins C and E.  Powerful ingredients that aid in skin regeneration and circulation, improving skin texture, while firming.  Both of these all-natural products provided hydration, broad-spectrum UV protection, and healing of environmentally compromised delicate tissue while diminishing signs of aging.  After my review period, my skin was noticeably improved and hydration levels were maintained throughout the entire day.  I had to noticeable inset vertical lines in the middle of my brow area that were diminished to the point that I not only could barely notice them, but I also could barely feel them.  I thoroughly enjoyed using both of these products, whether used individually, or together.  http://katburki.com

~ Indulgent Haircare ~

PHYTO Huile Suprême Rich Soothing Oil and Huile Soyeuse Rich Smoothing Oil ~ For summer hair that’s been overly dried by too much sun and chlorine, proper restoration is especially needed before the ravages of diminished humidity and cold that contribute to overly drying of the hair.  Dry hair contributes to a loss of natural luster and vibrancy; hair is difficult to manage and goes limp; the scalp becomes dry and itchy.  Dry, cold air, combined with diminished humidity is an environmental foe of healthy hair.  Both the Huile Suprême Rich Soothing Oil and Huile Soyeuse Rich Smoothing Oil are ideal products in combatting the ill effects of fall’s cold weather assaults.  Both treatment products restore, nourish, and revitalize dry or damaged hair; the products are also great styling aids, adding manageability, smoothness, and luster.  All I needed was a small amount of product to restore the vibrancy, bounce, and appearance.  Key ingredients in Huile Suprême include Macadamia Oil, Roucou Oil, and Botanical Squalane.  Key ingredients in the Huile Soyeuse include Calendula Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Mallow Extract.  Using these products also gave a healthy appearance to my summer stressed hair.  I was definitely ready for the new season of colder temps and drier humidity levels.  http://www.phyto-usa.com

~ Indulgent Macquiage ~

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics City Nights Collection ~ For twenty years, this eponymous brand has never disappointed dermatologists, plastic surgeons, spa and esthetic professionals, and the general public.  Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics has consistently offered the best and brightest in safe and healthy products for the skin.  Each turn of the season always signals another gorgeous color palette collection of products that reflect the best of the new season’s colors that go from natural to glam with ease.  This year’s offering, City Nights Collection, celebrates falls finest in rich pigmented colors that definitely add warmth and glow to a daytime or nighttime look.  The City Nights Collection includes the Celebrate Eye Shadow Trio palette in a glistening rose-gold mirrored compact; PurePressed Eye Shadow tones in the Shadow Trio include Mist (highlight/under brow), Toast (eyelid), and Port (contour); a handy sponge-tip applicator is also included; the colors are subtle with just a hint of sparkle.  Next, there’s the Jelly Jar Gel Eyeliner in Purple and Green; these easy glide on colors can go from fine line to glam smudge and add a depth of color that accentuates the eyes without looking garish.  Lastly, there are two mainstay lip colors to use alone, or together to create a customized look; there’s PureGloss Lip Gloss in Kir Royale, a beautiful shimmery rose-mauve, and PureMoist Lipstick in Katrina, a rich burnished umber; PureGloss Lip Gloss and PureMoist Lipstick also have beneficial and restorative ingredients like avocado, jojoba esters, moringa and sunflower.  For more inspiration on how-to achieve various looks using the many wonderful products in this line, go to YouTube and use the search criteria Jane Iredale for a full listing of online videos.  https://janeiredale.com/us/en.htm

~ In Closing ~

These products are must-haves for taking care of skin, hair, and color as you transition into the fall season.  An added benefit is that these products will also transition nicely from the fall into the winter season.  While these products are practical, they’re also indulgent and luxurious...there's nothing wrong with investing in luxurious products, especially when they perform double-duty!  

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.

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(Introductory photo credit from thefabuloustimes.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

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

(Photo credits in order of placement from ‪thehealthyapron.com; from vintage-spirit.blogspot.com; from ayurmantra.com; from griffith.edu.au; and, from es.slideshare.net.)