SPRING PRODUCT FINDS

(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

~ One can easily create an at-home spa day using these products, which restore, revitalize, and rehydrate parched and thirsty skin; skin texture was improved and levels of hydration were maintained throughout the day. 

~ 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

http://www.qvc.com/Westmore-Red-Carpet-Lashes-Mascara-Duo.product.A279115.html

~ 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.)