INDULGENT SPRING FINDS ~ PART ONE

As the wicked winter of 2015 appears to finally be a long-gone memory, balmier temperatures, new spring growth, and life in the outdoors have now become a part of our daily lifecycle, forever etched into our imaginative psyches.  Spring, and even summer, also reminds our senses about softer textures, lush colors, and natural fragrances that define these seasons.  The following represents recent product finds that elevate the hopes and promises of both spring and summer.  Each is a delightful treat that will lift your spirits, while transporting you to a place that is warm, fresh, and renewed…just like spring, and yes, even summer.

~ Skincare ~

Goldfaden Fleuressence Native Botanical Cell Oil ~ This light botanical oil is perfect for winter-stressed skin that needs to be soothed and comforted.  Quickly absorbed without leaving any greasy or tacky residue, I found it ideal to apply at nighttime before retiring; the next day, my skin felt nourished, hydrated and fine lines were diminished; my skin’s texture was smooth.  Key ingredients include Vitamins A, C and E, Kalahari oil, Morongo oil, and Baobab oil, which all have potent anti-aging properties; other botanical oils in this formulation include Apricot, Rosehip, Jojoba, Grape Seed, and Marula.  http://www.goldfadenmd.com

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming and Tightening Serum, and Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream ~ One of the spa industry’s leading brands and revered for its natural and organic botanical formulations that deliver results.  These new additions to their anti-aging line were perfect for my sensitive and several winter-ravaged skin.  The Firming and Tightening Serum has a light and silky texture; once applied, it was quickly absorbed and immediately delivered noticeable results.  Not only did my skin feel hydrated, but it also felt firm to the touch, and overall texture was improved.  Key ingredients include a proprietary Active-Firm Complex (a blend of botanicals like Oat Kernel extract, Beech Tree Bud extract and Tapioca starch), Safflower Seed Oil, and Rapeseed Oil.  The Firm and Lift Cream delivered incredible visible and tactile results including improved levels of hydration (which were maintained throughout the day), diminished fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin tone and texture; my skin also appeared more luminous.  Key ingredients include Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil.  An additional benefit of both products was their calming and relaxing aromatherapeutic properties.  http://www.jurlique.com

~ Haircare ~

Arganesse Hair Treatment ~ Winter not only dries the skin, due to a lack of humidity, it also dries the hair.  Restoring moisture to the hair is key. This product delivers moisture to thirsty hair with an oil-based formulation that includes key ingredients like Argan Oil and Vitamin E.  For dry and brittle hair, consider giving yourself a heated oil treatment; carefully warm the oil and apply to dry hair; wrap the head to seal in the heat and leave I place for about twenty minutes; wash thoroughly with a restorative shampoo, such as Dr. Schedu Keratin Collagen Dead Sea Salt Shampoo.  https://arganesse.com

Dr. Schedu Berlin Keratin Collagen Dead Sea Salt Shampoo ~ This shampoo beautifully transforms any type of hair, and improves its overall condition.  Formulated with Dead Sea Salts (rich in minerals), Keratin, Collagen, and silicone-free cleansers, hair is left more manageable, smoother, healthier in appearance, and stronger to the touch.  Although my hair is in fairly good condition, I was impressed that this product actually improved the condition.  https://www.dr-schedu.com/en/

~ Sensory Care ~

Kat Burki Endless Summer Eau De Parfum ~ With a nod to balmy breezes, breathtaking naturescapes, and carefree sunny getaways, this beautiful fragrance is perfect for spring and even summer; it’s a light enough fragrance that’s also ideal transitioning into fall.  It’s fresh, crisp, and uplifting scent that reinvigorates the winter-weary, enlivening them with a newness that welcomes the new season.  The bouquet is reminiscent of the season’s magnificent blossoms and fresh growth, and includes Bergamot, Grapefruit, Citrus, Green Leaves (top notes), Sweet Lavender, Rose, Lily, Eucalyptus, Cyclamen, Jasmine (middle notes), and Amber, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Cedar Leaf, Camphor (bottom notes); a subtle dry-down continues the beautiful characteristics of this new addition to the Kat Burki Collection of outstanding products.  http://www.katburki.com

L’Occitane en Provence ~ Lavender Foaming Bath, Lavender Shower Gel, Lavender Pillow Mist, and Lavender Sachet ~ The healing and calming aroma of lavender essential oil not only is one of my favorite aromas, it also epitomizes what spring fragrance should be…fresh, clean, green, and uplifting.  Each one of these outstanding products warms the spirit while imparting its aromatherapeutic natural fragrance.  Both the Foaming Bath and Shower Gel leave skin hydrated and silky to the touch.  The Pillow Mist gentle calms one into a gentle sleep with just a spritz; the Sachet delicately diffuses its aroma; I periodically hold the Sachet in my hand and gently squeeze the lavender buds, when then release their aroma.  Using each of these extraordinary products also delivers the added benefits of calming and soothing aromatherapeutic properties.  http://usa.loccitane.com

~ In Closing ~

My recent articles, “Products That Welcome Spring” and “Spring Lifestyle Transitioning Tips” are about welcoming the change in seasons.  Spring is all about the “renewal in purpose of self (TH)”…and just like the new growth and hope and promise of spring, we must also adapt to the changes the new season demands.  What worked for us during winter won’t bridge well to spring, or even summer.  Embrace the new season of spring…it’s part of the lifecycle!

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.  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.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Tripatini.  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”.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Introductory photo credit, www.wallpapersihnq.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)