ABBEY RESORT & AVANI SPA ~ A MUST EXPERIENCE

I recently visited this popular resort destination, which is located in the picturesque Lake Geneva, WI area; it’s so-named because of the area’s largest fresh-water glacially formed lake, Geneva Lake. This area has been dubbed as the Hamptons of the Midwest (or the Cape Cod of the Midwest), because of the concentration from a bygone era of the “who’s-who” among Midwestern corporate titans who clamored to the area via train as a refuge during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; these “well heeled” folks built mansions on the hilly glacial area as a getaway destination; many of the mansion remain to this day.  The resort opened in 1965.  In 1989, I first visited the resort primarily for a spa-centric visit.  The resort’s spa originally opened in 1989 as the Fontana Spa.  After a major expansion and transformation in 2008, the spa was renamed the Avani Spa, which in Sanskrit translates to “of the earth”.

At the time of the spa’s opening, it was also the Midwest’s first full-service European-style spa.  At 35,000SF and with seventeen treatment rooms, it was considered the Midwest’s largest full-service spa; it contained separate changing and waiting areas for men and women; each area was equipped with its own enormous whirlpool, steam, and sauna.  There were connecting hallways from each area to the spa’s enormous atrium pool, which was solely dedicated for spa guests, another first.  In 1989, these were new concepts and approaches.

During this visit, I primarily came to review the Avani Spa.  The treatment I experienced was a Phytomer Custom Facial.  Phytomer is a highly respected skincare line from France; the spa has used this line since 1989.  My esthetician, Linda, worked her magic on my face.  The exceptional treatment included multiple facial cleansings and toning, a thorough steaming to open the pores, a purifying mask to clean out the pores, a head, neck, and shoulder massage, and an application of eye cream and moisturizer.  My finicky skin was definitely treated well by the brand, the products, and the skincare professional, and went from drab to fab!  While a single experience with a product line isn’t a good indicator of how the products will remain effective, my skin did appear healthier, brighter and refreshed.  A lot can be said about a highly skilled esthetician applying their skill along with the right mix of products, to give noticeably favorable results in just one treatment.  The Phytomer products Linda used throughout the treatment included their Gentle Cleansing Milk, Vegetal Exfoliant, Rose Visage Toning Lotion, Soothing Cocoon Mask, Intense Youth Eye Cream, and Velvety Soothing Cream.  For more information on Phytomer, visit http://www.phytomer.fr/en/

Next to a therapeutic massage, a restorative facial, such as what I experienced, is my second favorite spa treatment.  Over the years, and all of the times I’ve experienced treatments at the spa, they’ve been wonderful.  Avani Spa offers numerous treatment therapies, plus wonderful amenities like whirlpool, steam room, sauna, pool, and fitness classes.  My overnight stay at the resort was restful, and all of the staff was outstanding.  The best part of the overnight experience was definitely the facial.  Avani Spa is one of the better spas in the Wisconsin area, and one I regularly recommend to folks looking for a lovely place to decompress and get restored.  For more information on Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, visit http://www.theabbeyresort.com/spa

~ Not To Be Missed ~

The beautiful Abbey Resort & Avani Spa is also offering its popular “Unwind Weekends-Spa Series”.  Guests can decompress and get revitalized the weekends of October 30^th to November 1^st, November 20^th to 22^nd, and December 11th to 13^th.  The special package includes accommodations, one 50-minute Avani massage or facial, one spa breakfast, $25 spa credit on additional series treatment or spa retail items, access to fitness classes, and daily spa access.  Contact the resort for special pricing.  http://www.theabbeyresort.com/special-pkg/seasonal-specials.aspx

~ In Closing ~

The best gift you can give to yourself is the gift of taking time to unwind, recoup, recharge, relax, and restore.  A few days in a different environment, where others take care of you, or tend to your needs, is good for whatever ails you.  And no, it’s neither selfish or hedonistic to spend some time on yourself…think of it as an investment in self…you’ve certainly earned it…and, you definitely deserve 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.)

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FACE

(Image from www.thefabuloustimes.com)

No matter the time of year, having the right skincare is gentle and effective; having the right mix of makeup in colors that celebrate the season, is also a must.  As a reminder, whenever the seasons change, it’s important to modify your skincare regimen with products that are formulated for the new season and which effectively treat and maintain your skin’s condition.  It’s also important to change the color palette of your makeup, so your finished look is appropriate to the new season.  Following are some recent products I tested that are ideally suited for the colder and drier seasons of fall and winter.  Enjoy! 

~ Skincare ~

[ comfort zone ] Everyday Cleansing Milk ~ The Cleansing Milk is a rich and luxurious formulation that was a gentle and effective cleanser that was non-irritating to my delicate skin; it was easy to remove and left skin silky and hydrated; it was non-greasy and left no tacky or greasy residue.  This was an ideal daily cleanser and also an effective makeup remover.  Key ingredients included shea butter, sweet almond oil, Betaglucan (fights free radicals), Squalene (an antioxidant), vitamin E, and white flowers.  I loved how my skin felt after regular use, and also noticed that the skin’s overall appearance looked healthier.  http://www.comfortzone.it/en

 

Wilma Schumann European Skincare Oil-Free Nourishing Serum, Moisture Intensiv Restorative Cream, Collagen Hydra-Gel Masque, and Dark Spot Correctiv Serum ~ The Oil-Free Nourishing Serum was non-irritating and felt cool going on the skin; my skin felt hydrated initially, but after six to eight hours, my skin felt like it needed to be rehydrated.  Key ingredients included salmon caviar amino acids, glycerin, Panthenol, and DNA sodium salt.  The Restorative Cream was a real winner; I loved the rich, silky, and dense consistency; product absorbed quickly, without leaving any tacky or greasy residue; hydration levels were maintained throughout the day; its aroma was subtle and pleasant.  Key ingredients included plant extracts, Oligopeptides and pentapeptides, sesame seed oil, sweet almond oil, rosemary leaf oil, mango seed butter, shea butter, and Vitamins A and E.  Another winner was the Collagen Hydra-Gel Masque; this pre-cut form was easy to apply to a cleansed face, although I found the eye slits too narrow.  The Masque felt cool on my face and drenched it with restorative collagen; any residue that remained on my face I massaged into the skin; it was quickly absorbed without leaving any tacky or greasy residue; it was also non-irritating.  I especially loved the subtle rose fragrance.  Key ingredients included collagen, Allantoin, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and rose fruit oil.  The Dark Spot Serum requires long-term use before any noticeable fading of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots, or freckles have totally faded; my skin did appear brighter in areas on the face where I had hyperpigmentation; the skin tone also appeared more even; I have age spots on the tops of my hands and it was almost futile using this product, since I frequently wash my hands; the product wasn’t water resistant or waterproof.  The product was non-irritating and quickly absorbed without leaving any tacky or greasy residue.  Key ingredients included kiwi fruit extract, licorice root extract, tamarind seed gum, Sea Buckthorn fruit extract, and common Purslane extract.  http://www.wilmaschumann.com

~ Maquillage ~

La Bella Donna linea minerale Compressed Mineral Blush (Reneé), Compressed Mineral Eyeshadow (Sultry Olive), Eyeshadow Compact Colour (Papa Giovanni), and Love Lips Collection Duo Lip Crayons (Devotion) ~ Nothing matches nature’s perfection whenever fall arrives and turns the leaves spectacular colors.  These turning colors are brilliant and include varying hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, and loden.  When I consider makeup colors, I think of nature…if a color is not reminiscent of nature, or isn’t natural-looking, I avoid it because it’s either too garish, or will appear artificial.  So, when I looked at these beautiful colors from La Bella Donna, I was thrilled…here were beautiful and authentic colors of nature that definitely celebrated the beauty and authenticity of the season.  These colors were easy to apply, without smudging, flaking, or fading; they also neutralized flaws with colors that were natural-looking and easily covered-up any uneven skintone; these beautiful colors can also be used wet or dry, are waterproof, non-comedogenic, and provide a natural barrier from both UVA and UVB rays.  The Mineral Blush was a beautiful burnished red that’s reminiscent of turning Maple leaves; the consistency was silky and ultra light, and easy to apply; added a lovely brightness to the face; can also be used as a subtle eyelid color to brighten the eyes.  The Mineral Eyeshadow was a beautiful smoky loden green that was also easy to apply; it didn’t flake or crease on the eyelid; color lasted throughout the day.   The Eyeshadow Compact for me was the star; it offered four natural-looking colors that could be worn alone, or combined to create a customized look.  Colors included a rich deep loden green, a subtle gold, a mushroom taupe, and a burnished bronze, which could also be used on the cheeks for a dramatic effect.  The Duo Lip Crayon was another winner with a lip liner on one end, and a lip color filler on the other; the liner is a deeper tone; either color can easily be worn alone, but when used as both a liner and the filler, the lips become a dramatic statement; the color is a deep mauve that brightens the lips and entire face.    http://www.labelladonna.com

~ Worth Mentioning ~

Check out these new seasonal services at award-winning American Club Resort Kohler Waters Spa (Kohler, WI) and experience the best of this new season has to offer as you make the transitional change from summer into fall and winter.  http://www.americanclubresort.com/spa/kohler-waters-spa/services/new-services

~ In Closing ~

Taking the time to take care of your skin is an important step in achieving optimum skincare health. Choose products that conform to your skin type and also the time of year, since what worked in the summer, for example, won't necessarily be as effective or work in the fall/winter.  Find products that are effective, but are also gentle for the skin's delicate tissue.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also contributes to healthy skin.  Lastly, when an artist uses colors, it uses a clean canvas; that's how you should consider your face when it comes to skincare health and applying makeup.  No amount of makeup or brilliant colors can ever be a substitute for healthy skin.  You have only one face, so take care of 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.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as represented by the specific brand, or as indicated.)

MORE FALL PRODUCT DISCOVERIES

(Image from www.huffingtonpost.com)

REDUX ~ 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, makeup routines, and personal care. Anyone of these product discoveries would go great in your workout or weekender bag.  Enjoy!

~ The Right Stuff for That New Look and Feel ~

Avon Big & False Lash, Blackest Black ~ If you want long, full, and lush lashes, this is THE product for you.  The exclusive brush design conforms to the eye’s natural form, allowing for the Mascara to get down to the root of the lash line and evenly distribute the lash-building formula.  Another plus is that it’s also waterproof, flake-proof, and smudge-proof.  https://www.avon.com

Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon, Napa Vineyard and Tinted Lip Balm, Pink Blossom ~ You’ll think this beautiful matte wine Lip Crayon color was fresh picked from a Napa Vineyard.  Key ingredients include Shea Butter, Kendi Oil, and Jojoba Oil, which are beneficial to drenching lips with restorative moisture.  Easy to apply and long-lasting.  If you want to drench your lips with maximum hydration and just leave a hint of color, then the Lip Balm is perfect for you.  Key ingredients include Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil.  Glides on effortlessly and keeps lips hydrated throughout the day.  http://www.burtsbees.com

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow, Rio De Rose Gold, Coconut Watercolor Lip Stain, Shine, Pink Escape and Getaway Red, and 100% Pure Argan Oil ~ Turn your eyes into a subtle fall kissed copper with Watercolor Eyeshadow in Rio De Rose Gold; the curved sponge-tip applicator makes application effortless.  Key ingredients include nourishing coconut water and Argan-infused natural pigments.  These ingredients nourish the delicate eye, while infusing the delicate skin with restorative hydration.  Both of the Coconut Watercolor Lip Stain & Shine colors added fall’s burnished colors to the lips.  Designed with a double-ended applicator of a Stain on one end in a deeper color of the Shine on the opposite end, which is in a complimentary color.  Pink Escape is a beautiful neutral that enhances any skintone.  Getaway Red is a subtle, understated color that’s more beauty than brash and brightens all skintones.  Key ingredients include nourishing coconut water and Argan-infused natural pigments.  The clever applicator design lets you create a matte look, or glossy look, or a combination of both for color-infused lip drama.  The Pure Argan Oil is a bit of practical luxury; use it everywhere as an intensive moisturizing treatment to face, nails, body, and hair.  http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com

KMS California Moist Repair Leave-In Conditioner and Hair Stay Anti-Humidity Seal ~ If you’re tired using conditioners, waiting for them to do their thing, and then rinsing the product off, this Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for you.  And, if you’re tired of hairsprays that don’t hold-up to heat and humidity, then Hair Stay is for you; if provides maximum control without drooping or loss of staying power to your coiffure, and there’s no sticky veil left on your hairstyle.  Both products are designed to maximize your haircare routine by eliminating time and effort, with effective time-saver products. http://www.kmscalifornia.com/

Molton Brown Replenishing Hand Cream, Coco & Sandalwood, and Pink Peppercorn ~ Deeply hydrating Hand Cream that leaves hands and cuticles drenched in long-lasting hydration for extended periods of time.  Coco & Sandalwood is a beautifully fragranced and restorative Hand Cream that’s subtly fragranced with a top note of coconut, a middle note of Jasmine, and a base note of Sandalwood.  Key ingredients include truffle extract, coconut fruit, and shea butter.  Pink Peppercorn is another beautifully fragranced and restorative Hand Cream that’s subtly fragranced with a top note of fiery pink pepper, a middle note of ginger, and a base note or exotic patchouli.  Key ingredients include white truffle extract, spicy pink pepper pods, and shea butter.  http://www.moltonbrown.com/store/index.jsp

NeoCell Biotin Bursts Brazilian Açaí Berry ~ Biotin is both a co-enzyme and Vitamin B, and also known as Vitamin H, and is found in Swiss chard, goat’s milk, almonds, and halibut.  Its benefits include supporting the health and growth of skin, nails, nerves, digestive tract, metabolism, and cells.  Each chewable Biotin Burst delivers 10,000 mcg, or 3,333% of the RDA, and is naturally flavored with the super-antioxidant Brazilian Acai Berry, which is also rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and minerals.  These flavorful Chews, 2 to 4 per day, deliver a cumulative effect in supporting metabolism of proteins for the health and vibrancy of skin and hair.  http://www.neocell.com/products-bursts-chews-biotin.php

Obagi Sun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF50 ~ This lightweight, oil-free product is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive.  Sun Shield provides both UVA and UVB sun protection.  Key ingredient includes zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Ceramides, and Vitamin B.  The formula is easy to apply, absorbs easily, and dries clear; it also won’t clog pores, has a neutral scent, and provides up to forty minutes of water-resistant protection.  http://obagi.com

Supersmile Quickee ~ If you’re maintaining a teeth-whitening regimen, nothing ruins the effort like beverage and food stains.  This product was designed for those times when you want to quickly neutralize those stains on your teeth; easy to apply from the tube and angled applicator; your tongue distributes the pleasant tasting minty-treatment.  Keep your efforts in maintaining your pearly-whites with Supersmile Quickee.  http://www.supersmile.com

~ Worth Mentioning ~

The beautiful Abbey Resort & Avani Spa is also offering its popular “Unwind Weekends-Spa Series”.  Guests can decompress and get revitalized the weekends of October 30^th to November 1^st, November 20^th to 22^nd, and December 11th to 13^th.  The special package includes accommodations, one 50-minute Avani massage or facial, one spa breakfast, $25 spa credit on additional series treatment or spa retail items, access to fitness classes, and daily spa access.  Contact the resort for special pricing.  http://www.theabbeyresort.com/special-pkg/seasonal-specials.aspx

Kohler Waters Spa Burr Ridge is offering seasonally themed restorative treatments and special events until December 31^st.  With the holidays fast approaching, you’ll want to fine-tune yourself with specials like the Frost ME! Up Pedicure, or Awaken Your Senses (an exfoliation and massage combo), or the Luxurious Caviar Facial.  For more information, call the Spa at 630-323-7674, or visit https://www.kohlerwatersspaburrridge.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.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as represented by the specific brand, or as indicated.)