FALL PERFECTION ~ NEW PRODUCT DISCOVERIES

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Fall is one of my favorite seasons.  I love everything about it…the changing colors, the crisper and cooler temperatures, comfort food, and of course, new skincare, new body care, and new beauty products.  Following are some new product discoveries I’ve come across that would be perfect for your seasonally adjusted skincare, body care, and makeup routines.  Enjoy!

~ Skincare ~

BelleCôte Paris, Wrinkle Erasing Serum and Triple Firming Neck Cream ~ I thoroughly enjoyed using these products from BelleCôte Paris.  The first thing I noticed was the silky, luxuriant consistency of each product; the second thing noticed was the beautiful aromas, making for a very pleasant experience.  Both products were quickly absorbed, without leaving any residue; hydration levels were maintained throughout the day; often, I only used the Serum without the addition of a moisturizer.  I noticed immediate results using both products; skin texture was noticeably improved and healthier in appearance; fine lines and wrinkles were diminished, and texture appeared more firm, and overall appearance was brighter.  Key ingredients in the Wrinkle Erasing Serum included green algae extract, monoi, jojoba, apricot kernel and perilla oils, marine peptide, and Omega-3 fatty acids.  Key ingredients in the Triple Firming Neck Cream included active marine collagen, sea algae, ginseng extract, rose hips and jojoba oils, seawater, and marine elastin.  For more information on this beautiful line, visit http://www.bellecoteparis.com

SustainableYouth Anti-Aging Skincare, Anytime Lift Eye Treatment ~ This new Eye Treatment offered consistent hydration, but diminished fine lines and wrinkles were only slightly diminished; since I don’t have sagging skin, so I wasn’t able to determine the efficacy of its firming capabilities.  Product was a serum-like consistency, so only a very small amount was needed; product was quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any greasy or tacky residue.  Key ingredients included aloe leaf extract, wheat and oat protein, cucumber and fig fruit extract, green tea extract, and jojoba, bergamot, rosewood, ylang ylang, lavender, and peppermint oils; many of these ingredients are certified organic; for a more detailed listing For more information on the entire line, visit http://sustainableyouth.com

~ Body Care ~

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Terranova Petal Soft Lotion, Tuberose ~ For me, Tuberose, is one of those fragrances that is sensory indulgent and heady, while evocative of a field of these delicate white blooms.  My skin was left intensely hydrated, without feeling greasy or tacky; the Lotion was quickly absorbed, and is ideal for hydrating hands and body.  The beautiful aroma of Tuberose is subtle and left a delicate veil of fragrance on the skin.  Key ingredients include coconut oil, vitamins A and E, mango seed butter, hibiscus, peony, tuberose, and organic aloe leaf juice.  During the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month, and in support of The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), five-percent of proceeds will be donated to NBCF; a special limited gift set, “Pamper with a Purpose” will be available, which features this exquisite collection of Tuberose indulgent care products. http://www.terranovabody.com/Tuberose-Body-Lotion-p/bl-368-08-c.htm

(Image from www.pinesol.com)

OliveSpa Bath & Body Oil, Lavender ~ This exceptional oil, with key ingredients of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Lavender essential oils, not only hydrates beautifully, but it’s also aromatherapeutic.  It’s perfect for hydrating the skin when applied après shower or bath, but it’s equally effective when applied directly from the bottle to dry skin.  Lavender has long been prized for its calming and soothing properties, and this product definitely delivers.  https://www.queencreekolivemill.com/shop/olivespa-home-body.html

~ Maquillage ~

Jane Iredale Fall Collection 2015, PlayOn Lip Color Crayons and PurePressed Eye Shadow Single ~ I have always looked forward to the new seasonal palette of colors from this exceptional brand, and have never been disappointed.  From the Fall Collection, I tried two different PlayOn Lip Color Crayons; Yummy was a rose-mauve neutral tone, and Naughty was a vibrant and luscious berry tone.  Both products are vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty free.  For the lips, I tried two perfect accent colors that are infused with moisture-drenching ingredients like castor seed oil, lanolin oil, and vitamin E; the creamy formulas are easy to apply and have staying power.  For the eyes, it’s all about accentuating the positive and making the peepers prominent without looking made-up.  I tried two brand new colors, Mermaid and Forest. Both colors are in the green-family; Mermaid is a subtle color that can function as a highlighter or stand on its own; Forest is a richer green that also can stand alone, but when paired with Mermaid, the look is glam.  Each color has a hint of glimmer, which adds brightness to the eyes; colors are long-wearing, crease-free, and can be used wet or dry; wet intensifies the richness of the pigments and ideal for a more glam look, while using the shadows dry will add a subtle, more natural look.  http://www.janeiredale.com

~ In Closing ~

Celebrate fall and embrace all of its wonders.  Fall is like spring, in that it often enters on tip-toe, without much fanfare or hoopla…that is, until nature unleashes her marvelous rich autumnal burnished color palette of red, brown, orange, and yellow to tree and shrub…the beauty is fleeting and isn’t around for a long time…it’s a seasonal flurry that etches itself in the psyche...so, enjoy it, while celebrating 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 on her authored work.  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.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  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”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)

FALL TRANSITIONING TIPS ~ YOUR BEST BET

(Image from www.dreamatico.com)

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.  In past years, I’ve compiled my seasonal transitioning tips based on my expertise that will take the reader from winter to spring/summer, or from summer to fall/winter. 

Whenever a season transitions into the next, such as summer to fall/winter, 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, products need to be changed, etc. 

The following transitional tips from summer into fall/winter 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 ~

(Image from www.andersongardens.org) 

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 ~

(Image from www.foodscienceofvermont.com)

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 ~

(Image from www.kent.ac.uk)

Consider gathering up dried twigs, branches, leaves, etc. and try your hand at creating an arrangement for a seasonal tablescape, or place your gatherings in a large basket and display them by your entry.  Either of these is a grounding aspect of nature.

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.

~ LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST ~

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.; review each list and streamline, or adjust accordingly for your next seasonal transitioning.

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.  Embrace the changes and challenges with optimism and joy.

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 on her authored work.  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.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  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”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as indicated.)