Wednesday, September 28, 2016

FALL/WINTER TRANSITIONING TIPS ~ YOUR BEST BET

(Image from www.hdfreewallpaper.net)
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 takes 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, like summer, generally doesn’t work in the next one, like fall/winter; 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 wwqw.lambshope.com)
#1  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.  

#2  Lighter weight lotions should give way to creams and butters. 

#3  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, and oils provide extraordinary hydration.

#4  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.). 

#5  Continue using an SPF product to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

#6  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.  Consider giving yourself a regular hot oil treatment to bathe hair with restorative hydration.

#7  Change your color palette, whether that’s in your makeup colors, or the colors of your wardrobe pieces.  Think warmer, deeper, richer colors and hues.

#8  Pale and lighter 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 for this time of year.  Remember that warmer equals lighter, and colder equals darker.

#9  A perennial fashion trend is 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.

#10  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.youtube.com)
#1  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. 

#2  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. 

#3  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.

#4  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.colaistelbride.com)
#1  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 by your entryway.

#2  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. 

#3  Take walks to shake the “blues” away and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you; there is beauty in the changing of all-things nature.

#4  Don’t forget to open your windows every so often just to let some fresh air inside.

~ LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST ~

(Image from www.regex.info)
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 each of the Five Pillars Task Force groups for the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC).  She has been a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz, and is currently an Administrator for two Facebook Groups, Wild Food Society and Spa College.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.  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, email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

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

Thursday, September 15, 2016

SUMMER'S END ~ FALL'S BEGINNING


(Image from www.boxmagazine.be)
I’m never sad when summer is winding down.  I’ve always preferred the cooler, even colder temps of fall/winter to those of summer…even as a young girl.  That being said, it’s already back to school for the kids, and most brick and mortar stores have already put out their seasonal merchandise for Halloween, Thanksgiving…and yes, even Hanukkah, and Christmas.  While I’m not quite ready for that type of transitioning, I’ll admit that the most recent products I’ve tested work well for the last days of summer, and will transition nicely into fall/winter.  Enjoy!

~ Face ~
 
Good Karma 4-in-One Face Cream is an ideal skincare cream to add to your daily regimen, and works beautifully as a face cream, serum, eye cream, and neck cream. It was gentle and non-irritating, and quickly absorbed without leaving any greasy or tacky residue; the rich, silky texture made this easy to apply, without having to tug at delicate face tissue; some other products I’ve tested have had too dense of a texture for ease of application.  Through consistent use, my fine lines and wrinkles were diminished, pores were minimized, and the texture and skintone felt firmer; my skin also looked healthier and more luminous.  The airless pump jar conveniently dispenses a single application of product, so there’s no waste, or cross-contamination from fingers touching the contents.  Key ingredients include Shea Butter, Sea Fennel Extract, Squalane, Sesame Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Grape Seed Oil, Mango Seed Oil, Aloe Leaf Extract, Green Tea Extract, Chamomilla Flower Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Witch Hazel, Vitamin B5, Date Seed Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Blue Algae Extract, CoQ10, and Jojoba Seed Oil.  A portion of all sales supports Beauty Feeds the Beasts, a program that provides meals for rescued animals in shelters.  For more information, visit http://www.goodkarmaskincare.com/product/four-in-one-face-cream/

~ Body ~
 
Claus Porto ~ Claus Porto began as a Portuguese soap and perfume company in 1887, and has remained one of the world’s most respected and prestigious companies if its type; over the years, the company expanded its product line to include fragrance, diffusers, candles, hand cream, and men’s products.  The soaps, especially, are known for their rich and natural scents; the hard-milling artisan-crafted manufacturing process also allows for the soaps to retain their form and quality without degrading and tuning to “mush”; another hallmark of this luxury brand are its intricately designed lithographic wrappers.  Each of the soap’s scents utilizes superior quality pure essential oils from the rich flora of Portugal.  I had the pleasure of experiencing one of their mini-traveler soap gift sets.  The set I received contained eight, fifty-gram bars.  Each one had a distinctive beautiful wrapper depicting the fragrance nuance for each individual bar.  Included in this gift set were soaps scented with Pomegranate, Vetiver, Almond Milk, Tulip, Tuberose, Lemongrass, Lettuce, and Wild Moss.  These are perfect to leave on display in a decorative dish or basket, or tucked in a lingerie drawer, or tucked in a basket of goodies for an overnight guest, or as a take with while traveling.  I honestly couldn’t say which one I enjoyed the most, since each one evoked a different sensory experience; they were all beautiful.  For more information, visit https://clausporto.com/us/shop/collections/deco/


Moroccanoil Body Buff and Body Soufflé ~ Moroccanoil revolutionized hair care with its nourishing and restorative argan oil treatment products.  Their body care products expanded the company’s market capture and elevated Moroccanoil as the über argan oil company.  Each body care product is brimming with the goodness of super-hydrating wild-crafted argan oil; this natural oil is prized for its inherent properties like antioxidants, Omega fatty acids and vitamin E.  Key ingredients in the Body Buff included orange peel (for exfoliation), orange oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, safflower oil, sesame oil and grape seed oil.  The product was gentle and non-irritating, and thoroughly sloughed off dead skin cells; it rinsed well without leaving any residue; the oils drenched my skin with hydration and left my skin silky to the touch. Key ingredients in the Body Soufflé included shea butter, macadamia oil, aloe and oat protein; the product was quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any greasy or tacky residue; my skin felt revitalized and drenched with hydration; I loved the aroma of the product as well.  These products were wonderful, and restored and revitalized my dry skin.  The overall texture of my skin was noticeably improved.  For more information, visit http://www.moroccanoil.com/us_en/

~ Maquillage ~


Jane Iredale Fashion Forward Take Flight Fall Collection 2016, Smooth Affair For Eyes Eyeshadow, Retractable Brow Pencil, and PureMoist Lipstick ~ Only Jane Iredale can create some of the most beautiful seasonal makeup colors to transition any skintone from summer to fabulous fall.  Her Fashion Forward Fall Collection 2016 celebrates the turning of the leaves and nature’s muting of summer’s riot of color with an array of color-perfect products that can go from subtle to glam, to complement all skintones beautifully.  Smooth Affair For Eyes is available in colors that include Petal, a Sheer Pink; Lemon, a Matte Sheer Yellow; Naked, a Sheer Nude; Iced Brown, a Sheer Golden Brown; Canvas; Sheer Champagne; and, Gold, a Sheer Rich Gold.  These gorgeous Eyeshadows transform from cream to powder, and have a dual function of being a primer and also as a lid color.  They’re also smudge-proof and crease-proof, and will last all-day without having to make any bothersome touch-ups.  The colors also minimize fine lines, keeping eyes looking fresh.  Key ingredients include Natural Mineral Powders, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coconut Oil.  Retractable Brow Pencil is available in natural colors that include Blonde, a Golden Brown; Brunette, a Reddish Brown; and, Dark Brunette, a Rich Chocolate Brown.  The Brow Pencil’s sleek design is easy to hold, and comes with a dual tip retractable self-sharpening color, and a precision spiral styling bristle brush.  The fine-tip Brow Pencil color is also waterproof, and glides on easily for precision application; it can also be used as eyeliner, and is easy to smudge for a customized color effect. Key ingredients include Natural Mineral Powders, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D.  PureMoist Lipstick celebrates the season with a beautiful new color, Cindy, a Classic Red that complements all skintones.  Key ingredients include Avocado Oil, Jojoba Esters, Moringa Oil Esters, Sunflower Seed Oil, Pomegranate Extract, Blackberry Fruit Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Coffee Seed Extract, Cranberry Fruit Extract, and Vitamins C and E.  Here’s a link to a great how-to video that shows you how to get the Fashion Forward looks that are trending using this beautiful new palette of gorgeous colors for Fall 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJi6zQMCfCk  For more informative video tutorials, visit https://janeiredale.com/us/en/our-video-tutorials.htm and also https://janeiredale.com/us/en/buzz/youtube-beauty-gurus.htm  For more information, visit https://janeiredale.com

~ In Closing ~

(Image from www.hdwallpapers.in)
Transitioning from one season to the next calls for closer scrutiny of your product regimens, especially when it comes to face, body, and makeup palette.  What worked for one season won’t necessarily work for the next.  To unravel some of the confusion, I’ll be posting another article that goes into greater detail on changes, transitioning, and adapting to the new fall season.  It’ll be an all-encompassing article based on my years of expertise in the industry.  So, stay tuned, as “they” say….. 

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 each of the Five Pillars Task Force groups for the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC).  She has been a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz, and is currently an Administrator for two Facebook Groups, Wild Food Society and Spa College.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.  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, email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)