PRODUCTS THAT WELCOME SUMMER

As I write this, the temperatures are beginning to warm and the evenings are tempered with lingering sunshine.  Thoughts automatically focus on all-things summer…vacations, weekend getaways, picnics, barbecues, and special occasion parties.  Memorial Day is also fast approaching, and to most, that signals the start of summer, even though the official date isn’t until June 21^st.

A few of my recent articles included my spring must-have products that transitioned nicely from winter to spring, as well as my expert lifestyle transitioning tips for spring and summer.  Here are a few additional tips for transitioning into summer, along with some new summer product finds and seasonal must-haves.  Enjoy!

~ Summer Transitioning Lifestyle Tips ~

(Image from www.altmedicine101.com) 

Fast words with lasting meaning…

STAY HYDRATED ~ Water is best, plain or infused with fruits or veggies is next best.

BE SUN-SMART, SUN-SAFE ~ Avoid the sun as much as possible, and use products that protect.

LIGHTEN UP ~ Food choices, color palette, fragrance, and skin, body, and hair care products.

~ Skincare ~

Aubrey Organics Skincare Revitalizing Therapy Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer, Gel Mask, Night Crème and Serum ~ Since 1967, Aubrey Organics began providing natural care products.  In 1994, it received its first certification as a certified organic processor.  When people are looking to change their personal skincare products to those that are brand-trusted, certified organic, natural and pure, they turn to Aubrey Organics for their skincare solutions.  The Revitalizing Therapy is one of several formulations that targets specific skincare needs.  Those with dry, mature or those with visible signs of aging looking to restore levels of hydration safely and without any irritation, will find this product mix ideal.  The key ingredient to this formulation is golden Rosa Mosqueta® oil, made from cold-pressed organic rose hip seeds; other key ingredients for these products also included beet root extract (humectant), carnosine, milk thistle and vitamin E (diminishment of wrinkles), alaria esculenta extracts (seaweed rich in fatty acids), organic lavender and aloe vera (soothing and moisture restorative), and alpha Lipoic acid (an antioxidant).  Overall, these products were extremely gentle and non-irritating; they maintained moisture levels throughout the day while making my skin appear revitalized; small lines and wrinkle were diminished.  The aromas of the products were very pleasant, with most having a hint of almond; favorite product was the Toner with its predominant lavender aroma, which is one of my favorite essential oils. http://www.aubrey-organics.com

 ~ Body Care ~

Jamu Organic Spa Rituals Thai Detoxifying Lemongrass Oil ~ I’ve always been partial to this restorative and uplifting aroma, and have found the purity of quality ingredients used in the Jamu Organic Spa Rituals to be outstanding.  While this product has many uses, including for self-massage, as a post-shower moisturizing, or as a hair treatment, or as part of a professional spa therapeutic treatment, I especially love indulging in this product as part of a morning shower ritual that includes a dry brushing to get circulation going and also to slough off any dry skin cells, followed by a shower, and while the skin is slightly damp, lavishing on this extraordinary product that delivers intense hydration that remains throughout the day.  The product was gentle and non-irritating, quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any residue.  The organic ingredients include sunflower seed oil, cold-pressed virgin unrefined coconut oil, jojoba oil, rosemary extract, and lemongrass oil.  Simple ingredients that deliver stunning results!  http://jamuspa.com

Rituals Cosmetics Wu Wei Calming Cream Bath and Sakura Spring Foaming Shower Oil ~ I thoroughly enjoyed both of these cleansing treatment products that also delivered hydration.  The Wu Wei Calming Cream Bath’s subtle aromas of white Lotus flower and Green Tea leaf extract made bath time, or in my case shower time, an enjoyable and indulgent experience.  An ideal alternate companion product is the Sakura Spring Foaming Shower Oil; ingredients include a delicate and sweet Cherry flower extract, organic rice milk extract, and soya and castor seed oils; the oils infuse rich hydration to the skin.

http://us.rituals.com/en-us/home

Burt’s Bees Sheer Body Lotion in Violet & Mango, and Squeezable Beeswax Lip Balm ~ Since 1984, this iconic company has delivered products formulation with natural ingredients that are as gentle on the person as they are to the environment.  The Sheer Body Lotion comes in a pump spray that delivers a measured amount of this delicate and deeply hydrating Body Lotion.  The Violet & Mango fragrance was ideal for summer with its fresh and tantalizing fruity overtones.  Natural ingredients include safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E; quickly absorbed without leaving any greasy or tacky residue.  This handy Lip Balm drenches the fragile skin with moisture-rich ingredients that include protective beeswax, vitamin E, rosemary leaf extract, cocoa seed butter, castor seed oil, and peppermint oil; lips stayed hydrated and soothed for hours.  http://www.burtsbees.com

~ Oral Care ~

Hello Products Toothpaste and Breath Spray ~ Ditch that burn with Hello Products, a new line of healthier, gentler and less-invasive and reactive oral care products.  Products include naturally flavored toothpastes for adults and children, healthy and refreshing, non-alcohol based flavored mouth sprays, and toothbrushes with handles made from recycled non-toxic material.  The first time I used one of the adult toothpaste flavors (and I’ve now tried them all…Peach Mango Mint, Mojito Mint, Supermint, and Pink Grapefruit Mint), I immediately felt a major difference in my mouth between Hello Products and my former day-to-day toothpaste.  Not only wasn’t my mouth burning, but I also wasn’t frothing at the mouth like a rabid canine.  What I also noticed, regardless of which flavor I used, was that each had a subtle natural flavor to it, left a gleaming clean that made my pearly whites shine, and gave me a fresh mouth-feel with no after-taste.  For the kiddies, there are three flavors, and yes, they’re suitable for adults, but leave them for the little ones; the flavors include kid-approved Green Apple, Raspberry, and Bubble Gum; the packaging is adorable and includes winking faces throughout that add to the fun-time of wanting them to brush their teeth.  The Breath Spray immediately eliminated any unpleasant tastes or odors; flavors include Pink Grapefruit Mint, Mojito Mint, and Supermint.  There’s a lot going for Hello Products…they’re free of alcohol, dyes, artificial sweeteners, triclosan, and foaming agents; they’re not tested on animals and are Leaping Bunny Certified; their tubes are BPA-free and contain no phthalates; the ADA (American Dental Association) has also given the products their coveted Seal of Acceptance; they’re made in the USA; and, they’re definitely user-friendly!  http://www.hello-products.com

~ Maquillage ~

Smashbox Be legendary Lipstick, Posy Pink ~ It’s as if you picked a beautiful pink blossom and touched your lips with this beautiful color.  Lips are drenched with moisture-enriched ingredients like vitamin E, chamomile flower oil, wheat bran extract, olive fruit extract and shea butter; the combination of these natural moisturizers also delivers extended hydration to this delicate area.  http://www.smashbox.com

~ Fragrance ~

Love2Love Fresh Rose + Peach Fragrance EDT ~ I always make an effort to invest in at least one new fragrance each new season.  Spring and summer scents should always be fresh, light and airy, with both a subtle first impression and dry down.  This Fresh Rose + Peach Fragrance didn’t disappoint.  A subtle convergence of Peach and Rose made for a lush floral that was as fresh as a new blossom, but as lush as a bite into a ripe piece of fruit.  Top notes include peach nectar, lychee and fresh cassis; middle notes, Bulgarian Rose oil; and, base notes, musk and delicate Orrisroot.  I also loved the delicate packaging with its top flap that invites you to rub your wrist over it to experience the beautiful and delicate fragrance.  http://www.love2lovefragrances.com

~ In Closing ~

(Image from www.womenontheirway.com)

Be sure to visit each product website and familiarize yourself with the brands and all of the wonderful products they offer; be sure to also check out their social media presence and connect with them for the latest news, and to learn about product launches, contests, etc.

There’s a lot happening now that summer is fast-approaching…just make sure to slow down and savor those memorable moments.

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.flowergardenpictures.com; all other photo credits as indicated or represented by the specific brand.)