(Image from www.6iee.com) |
Springtime is all about change and renewal. Following are some of my latest spring
product finds I tested, that would be perfect additions to your routine. Each one of these products delivers results,
while reviving, restoring, and nourishing your skin as you transition from
winter into spring; they’re also gentle and effective. With regular use, your skin will become the
season’s best accessory…enjoy!
~ At-Home Spa Experience ~
(Image from www.wholeliving.com) |
Your at-home spa experience should begin with a dry brushing
of your body, which helps to prep your skin for exfoliation; next, take a warm
shower and thoroughly exfoliate; towel dry, leaving the skin slightly damp;
then, apply a moisturizer, such as a dry oil; lastly, don’t forget to pamper
your hands by applying a rich hand cream to hands, paying extra attention to
the cuticles. After your routine, wrap
yourself in a comfy robe, make a soothing cup of tea or tisane, and relax! The following Decléor products are perfect for your at-home spa experience.
Decléor 1000 Grain Body Exfoliator, Aroma Nutrition Satin Softening Dry
Oil, and Hand Cream 1000 Grain Body Exfoliator
was a gentle, yet highly effective all-natural exfoliator that was
non-irritating, and left the skin with an improved and consistent silky
texture; skin was revitalized and noticeably softer. Key ingredients include Grapefruit Essential Oil, Argan Shells, Orange Peel, Sugar Grains, Grape,
Pineapple, and Passion Fruit Acids.
The fresh and subtle aroma of Grapefruit
was also calming to the senses. Aroma
Nutrition Satin Softening Dry Oil is intensely hydrating Dry Oil that can be used on body, face,
and hair. I used it as a body oil to
drench my parched, flaky skin. I was
amazed at how my skin was transformed; it was incredibly smooth, silky, and
luminous; the handy spray released just the right amount of the precious oil;
it was quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any greasy or tacky residue; hydration
levels remained throughout the day; another benefit of this luxuriant oil was
that my skin felt like it had been wrapped in a comforting blanket that soothed
my dry and irritated skin. Key
ingredients include Sweet Almond Oil,
Coconut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Orange Peel Oil, Carrot
Root Extract, Avocado Oil, Gardenia Flower, Camellia Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena
Oil, and Frankincense Oil. The
subtle aromas of this exceptional oil were fresh and calming. The Hand Cream was the perfect
moisturizer for hands that were showing signs of aging. Not only did this Hand Cream hydrate exceptionally well, but also with regular use,
it has an accumulative affect of toning and brightening the skin. Key ingredients include White
Meadowfoam Oil, Shea Butter, Allantoin, Magnolia Essential Oil, and Coconut
Plant Oil.
The subtle aroma of Magnolia
was great for the senses! http://www.decleorusa.com
~ For Face, Body, and Hands ~
Better Skin Mirakle Cream ~ This was an ideal moisturizer for
my finicky and reactive skin, which had dry patches, and an uneven texture. Mirakle Cream has a rich
and dense texture, which was quickly absorbed, without leaving any greasy or
tacky residue; the product has a neutral aroma. With continued use, I noticed
that my skin’s texture became more even, the dry patches dissipated, the
occasional redness disappeared, and the fine lines and wrinkles became
minimized; hydration levels were maintained throughout the day. Overall, my skin looked healthier and brighter.
Key ingredients include Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Sea Buckthorn, Cocoa
Butter, Aloe, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Algae. Mirakle
Cream is free of gluten, paraben, surfactants, and fragrance. Be sure to check the website to see all of
the many benefits of Mirakle Cream. http://thebetterskinco.com
Egyptian Magic ~ This was the perfect nighttime balm to drench
my skin before going to sleep. Because
of its rich concentrated formula, a very small amount, warmed up in the palms
and then applied to the face and neck, was all I needed for thorough coverage
of the face and neck; any excess I applied to my cuticles. While sleeping, my skin soaked up the balm,
and the following morning, my skin was beautifully hydrated. Fine lines and wrinkles were diminished and
my overall texture was silky smooth.
While I did find the initial aroma of the product peculiar, it quickly
dissipated. Key ingredients include Olive Oil, Beeswax, Honey, Bee Pollen,
Propolis, and Royal Jelly. Egyptian Magic is free of parabens,
additives, GMOs, and added preservatives.
Be sure to check the website to see all of the many benefits of Egyptian Magic. http://egyptianmagic.com
L’Occitane en Provence ~ Lavender Hand Cream and Pivoine Flora Hand
Cream (Peony) ~ These Hand Creams
have rich formulations that drenched my dry skin, especially my dry and cracked
cuticles, with long lasting moisture.
Both products were quickly absorbed, without leaving any greasy or tacky
residue; the subtle aromas were also a nice reminder of the freshness of the
new season. Key ingredients for the Lavender
Hand Cream include Glycerin, Shea
Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Seed Extract,
Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E. Key
ingredients for the Pivoine Flora Hand Cream include Glycerin, Shea Butter, Peony Extract, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil,
and Vitamin E. The one-ounce travel
size is perfect as a take-with. http://usa.loccitane.com
~ Fragrance and Maquillage ~
Aromaflage, Fragrance With Function ~ Aromaflage Wild and
Aromaflage are the first fragrances I’ve come across that are
formulated to add subtle scent, but also repel insects. With the warmer months approaching, along
with a host of annoying pesky flying insects, these are must-have accessories. The Aromaflage Wild fragrance is a natural blend of cardamom,
cedarwood, and spruce essential oils, plus Vitamin E and denatured alcohol. The fragrance naturally repels insects, and
is also free of Deet, chemicals, and parabens. Overall, I found the fragrance
to be a fresh green scent with a subtle hint of sweet. The Aromaflage
fragrance is a natural blend of citrus fruit, cedarwood and silken vanilla
essential oils, plus Vitamin E, and denatured alcohol. The fragrance naturally repels insects, and
is also free of Deet, chemicals, and parabens.
Overall, I found the fragrance to be sweet with a subtle citrus note. Either blend would be ideal for day or
evening, since neither fragrance is intense or cloying.
http://www.aromaflage.com
Smashbox Cream and Matte Lipsticks ~ The colors of spring are
always fresh, subtle, and muted, and these Cream
and Matte Lipstick colors I didn’t disappoint. Each one added a beautiful hint of color to
my lips, which brightened my entire face. Cream
colors included Panorama Pink (a mauve tone),
Nude Beach (a neutral coral tone), and Tabloid (a lilac tone). Matte colors included Pinch Me (a coral tone) and Safe Word (a
toffee tone). The Cream formulas went on easily, while I
had to add a bit of clear gloss on the lips first before adding the Matte formulas. Key ingredients in the Lipsticks included
hydrating Vitamin E, Chamomile Flower
Oil, and Castor Seed Oil. Be sure to
check the website for the full range of these beautiful lipsticks. http://www.smashbox.com
Westmore Beauty Eye Effects Red Carpet Lashes Mascara ~ I have
very puny eyelashes and about the only thing that accentuates them is black
mascara. Over the years, I’ve tried many
different brands and most I’ve been disappointed with the results; I’ve even
tried those lash lengthening serums, liners, and mascaras, and have also been
disappointed, especially since the serums and liners take a very long time to
produce results, and then the upkeep is costly. I was amazed at how well this product
worked. All I had to do was apply two
coats and the length of my lashes more than doubled and were actually curled;
the latter point is remarkable, since I have virtually no curl to my
lashes. The patented double brush curls,
equally distributes product, and lengthens and separates the hairs all at the
same time, and there’s no clumping, or flaking.
Best mascara I’ve ever used. https://www.westmorebeauty.com
~ Waxing Nostalgic ~
(Image from www.drugstore.com) |
Jergens Face Cream and Hand Lotion ~ Growing up, both my mom
and aunt regularly used these two products as part of their daily beauty
regimen. Most women relied on these two
tried and true beauty products that were also affordable. Both my mom aunt had very soft faces and
hands. I recently purchased these two
items as a reminder of those years. And,
one whiff of their aromas immediately transported me back to those days. The Face Cream container, including its
label, hasn’t changed, however, I understand the product might be phased out in
the U.S. Market. The Face Cream was also used as a
“cleanser”. And although the container
design has changed, the Hand Lotion is still available in
the original Cherry Almond
scent. It’s nice when some things don’t
change! http://www.jergens.com/default.aspx
~ In Closing ~
(Image from www.littlepocketguide.com) |
Each new season presents so many
opportunities for change and renewal.
Finding what works for you might take a bit of time, but in the end,
it’ll be well 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 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 indicated, or as represented by the
specific brand.)