INDULGENT SPRING FINDS ~ PART TWO

As the wicked winter of 2015 appears to finally be a long-gone memory, balmier temperatures, new spring growth, and life in the outdoors have now become a part of our daily lifecycle, forever etched into our imaginative psyches.  Spring, and even summer, also reminds our senses about softer textures, lush colors, and natural fragrances that define these seasons.  The following represents recent product finds that elevate the hopes and promises of both spring and summer.  Each is a delightful treat that will lift your spirits, while transporting you to a place that is warm, fresh, and renewed…just like spring, and yes, even summer.

~ Skincare ~

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Uplift Firming Neck & Décolleté Treatment ~ I admit I’m getting up there in years, and with it, a host of telltale signs of aging, especially in these two fragile areas, which naturally have thinner skin and which are more prone to age more quickly, especially if the areas are neglected.  Despite my using a serum or moisturizer on these areas, the dreaded “crepey” affect has taken hold, making me want to wear turtlenecks or wrapped Pashminas all year long as cover-ups.  But, hands down, this is the first product I’ve ever tried that truly diminishes the appearance of the craggy wrinkling that goes on in “crepey land” and has actually softened the appearance.  Visible improvement was noticeable within the first week of using the product.  Available online at the brand website, as well as HSN and Kohl’s.  http://christiebrinkleyauthenticskincare.com

Equitance Skincare ~ Brightening Foaming Cleanser, Brightening Toning Lotion, Brightening Serum+Spot Corrector, and Hydrating Brightening Cream ~ I enjoyed using these products, which were non-irritating and ideal for my sensitive skin.  Although I used the products for nearly four weeks, I didn’t notice any brightening of my skin, although the appearance was evened out, versus patches of slight discoloration from aging.  Serum and Cream were absorbed quickly without leaving any greasy residue, and hydration levels remained throughout the day.  The Cleanser was very dense, even when a pea-sized amount was used and mixed with water; foaming was minimal, but once it got going, it left skin very clean and non-drying.  I enjoyed the gentleness of the Toning Lotion, as well as its fresh aroma.  Serum and Cream consistencies make these products ideal all year long; they’re dense enough for colder drier months, and light enough for warmer months.  http://www.equitance-us.com

~ Maquillage ~

Milani Cosmetics Moisture Matte Lipstick (Matte Diva), Rose Powdered Blush (Tea Rose), Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss (Milan and Sardinia) ~ All of these colors exude the brilliance of the new season.  Colors are natural looking and enhance most skin tones.  These spring-fresh colors brightened my dull, winter-pallor skin tone.  Color application was easy to blend, and remained true throughout the day without fading or creasing.  I loved using the Blush as a highlighter under my brow, or applied delicately on the lid.  Both Lip Gloss colors added just the right amount of hydration and shine; these two colors are perfect for a slightly sun-kissed face, but when applied over the Lipstick, these natural colors added a nice depth and freshness to the face; wearing the Gloss over the Lipstick also created a personalized color.  Available online at brand website and Sephora.  http://milanicosmetics.com

 

Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray ~ This is an exceptional Primer that dries quickly and sets a smooth canvas to the face, perfect for applying any type of makeup. The patented formula is ideal for sensitive skin, or skin with enlarged pores; the Primer smoothes and evens-out the texture, making skin appear flawless; makeup goes on easy and stays put without any degradation until it’s removed.  In the past, I’ve reviewed a number of products from Skindinavia, and found each one consistently delivered the represented results.  http://www.skindinavia.com

~ In Closing ~

My recent articles, “Products That Welcome Spring”, “Spring Lifestyle Transitioning Tips”, and “More Spring Finds Part One” are about welcoming the change in seasons.  Spring is all about the “renewal in purpose of self (TH)”…and just like the new growth and hope and promise of spring, we must also adapt to the changes the new season demands.  What worked for us during winter won’t bridge well to spring, or even summer.   Embrace the new season of spring…it’s part of the lifecycle!

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, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo credit from hdw.eweb4.com; additional photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

INDULGENT SPRING FINDS ~ PART ONE

As the wicked winter of 2015 appears to finally be a long-gone memory, balmier temperatures, new spring growth, and life in the outdoors have now become a part of our daily lifecycle, forever etched into our imaginative psyches.  Spring, and even summer, also reminds our senses about softer textures, lush colors, and natural fragrances that define these seasons.  The following represents recent product finds that elevate the hopes and promises of both spring and summer.  Each is a delightful treat that will lift your spirits, while transporting you to a place that is warm, fresh, and renewed…just like spring, and yes, even summer.

~ Skincare ~

Goldfaden Fleuressence Native Botanical Cell Oil ~ This light botanical oil is perfect for winter-stressed skin that needs to be soothed and comforted.  Quickly absorbed without leaving any greasy or tacky residue, I found it ideal to apply at nighttime before retiring; the next day, my skin felt nourished, hydrated and fine lines were diminished; my skin’s texture was smooth.  Key ingredients include Vitamins A, C and E, Kalahari oil, Morongo oil, and Baobab oil, which all have potent anti-aging properties; other botanical oils in this formulation include Apricot, Rosehip, Jojoba, Grape Seed, and Marula.  http://www.goldfadenmd.com

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming and Tightening Serum, and Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream ~ One of the spa industry’s leading brands and revered for its natural and organic botanical formulations that deliver results.  These new additions to their anti-aging line were perfect for my sensitive and several winter-ravaged skin.  The Firming and Tightening Serum has a light and silky texture; once applied, it was quickly absorbed and immediately delivered noticeable results.  Not only did my skin feel hydrated, but it also felt firm to the touch, and overall texture was improved.  Key ingredients include a proprietary Active-Firm Complex (a blend of botanicals like Oat Kernel extract, Beech Tree Bud extract and Tapioca starch), Safflower Seed Oil, and Rapeseed Oil.  The Firm and Lift Cream delivered incredible visible and tactile results including improved levels of hydration (which were maintained throughout the day), diminished fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin tone and texture; my skin also appeared more luminous.  Key ingredients include Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil.  An additional benefit of both products was their calming and relaxing aromatherapeutic properties.  http://www.jurlique.com

~ Haircare ~

Arganesse Hair Treatment ~ Winter not only dries the skin, due to a lack of humidity, it also dries the hair.  Restoring moisture to the hair is key. This product delivers moisture to thirsty hair with an oil-based formulation that includes key ingredients like Argan Oil and Vitamin E.  For dry and brittle hair, consider giving yourself a heated oil treatment; carefully warm the oil and apply to dry hair; wrap the head to seal in the heat and leave I place for about twenty minutes; wash thoroughly with a restorative shampoo, such as Dr. Schedu Keratin Collagen Dead Sea Salt Shampoo.  https://arganesse.com

Dr. Schedu Berlin Keratin Collagen Dead Sea Salt Shampoo ~ This shampoo beautifully transforms any type of hair, and improves its overall condition.  Formulated with Dead Sea Salts (rich in minerals), Keratin, Collagen, and silicone-free cleansers, hair is left more manageable, smoother, healthier in appearance, and stronger to the touch.  Although my hair is in fairly good condition, I was impressed that this product actually improved the condition.  https://www.dr-schedu.com/en/

~ Sensory Care ~

Kat Burki Endless Summer Eau De Parfum ~ With a nod to balmy breezes, breathtaking naturescapes, and carefree sunny getaways, this beautiful fragrance is perfect for spring and even summer; it’s a light enough fragrance that’s also ideal transitioning into fall.  It’s fresh, crisp, and uplifting scent that reinvigorates the winter-weary, enlivening them with a newness that welcomes the new season.  The bouquet is reminiscent of the season’s magnificent blossoms and fresh growth, and includes Bergamot, Grapefruit, Citrus, Green Leaves (top notes), Sweet Lavender, Rose, Lily, Eucalyptus, Cyclamen, Jasmine (middle notes), and Amber, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Cedar Leaf, Camphor (bottom notes); a subtle dry-down continues the beautiful characteristics of this new addition to the Kat Burki Collection of outstanding products.  http://www.katburki.com

L’Occitane en Provence ~ Lavender Foaming Bath, Lavender Shower Gel, Lavender Pillow Mist, and Lavender Sachet ~ The healing and calming aroma of lavender essential oil not only is one of my favorite aromas, it also epitomizes what spring fragrance should be…fresh, clean, green, and uplifting.  Each one of these outstanding products warms the spirit while imparting its aromatherapeutic natural fragrance.  Both the Foaming Bath and Shower Gel leave skin hydrated and silky to the touch.  The Pillow Mist gentle calms one into a gentle sleep with just a spritz; the Sachet delicately diffuses its aroma; I periodically hold the Sachet in my hand and gently squeeze the lavender buds, when then release their aroma.  Using each of these extraordinary products also delivers the added benefits of calming and soothing aromatherapeutic properties.  http://usa.loccitane.com

~ In Closing ~

My recent articles, “Products That Welcome Spring” and “Spring Lifestyle Transitioning Tips” are about welcoming the change in seasons.  Spring is all about the “renewal in purpose of self (TH)”…and just like the new growth and hope and promise of spring, we must also adapt to the changes the new season demands.  What worked for us during winter won’t bridge well to spring, or even summer.  Embrace the new season of spring…it’s part of the lifecycle!

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, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo credit, www.wallpapersihnq.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)