MORE SUMMER HITS & BEYOND

(Pink Roses, Mondavi Vineyards, Napa Valley)

While summer continues, the continuing need to take special care of face and body that’s exposed by the season’s sweltering and drying elements, including sun and water, also continues.  Having the right mix of products to address those needs is key.  The following products deliver outstanding levels of hydration and revitalization, while soothing and calming seasonally challenged and assaulted skin.  Enjoy!

~ Skincare ~

29 By Lydia Mondavi ~ Napa Valley Reserve Blend Eye Cream, Napa Valley Secret of the Vine Serum Extract, and Napa Valley Vineyard Repairing Night Cream ~ While the name Mondavi is synonymous with many varieties of superior Mondavi Napa Valley Wines, what better way to further maximize all-things grape than to elevate the fruit to a powerful anti-aging skincare line.  Thus, 29 by Lydia Mondavi was born.  This beautiful skincare line is based on the powerful anti-aging properties of Vineotherapy.  The powerful anti-oxidant, Resveratrol is the key to the efficacy of this celebrated skincare therapy.  Each product delivered visible results of diminished fine lines and wrinkles, while improving and firming my skin’s texture; my skin also appeared healthier and revitalized.  All of these products were gentle and non-irritating; they absorbed quickly without leaving any greasy or tacky residue; hydration levels were maintained throughout the day.  I also used the Secret of the Vine Serum Extract as a daytime moisturizer.  The Reserve Blend Eye Cream key ingredients included Grapeseed Extract, Resveratrol, and Vitamins A, B, C, and E.  The Secret of the Vine Serum Extract key ingredients included Aloe Leaf Juice, Grape Seed Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Resveratrol, Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E, Rosemary Leaf Extract, and Pomegranate Extract.  The Vineyard Repairing Night Cream key ingredients included Evening Primrose Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Marine Extracts, Sunflower Seed Oil, Damascene Rose Water, Grape Seed Extract, and Rosemary Leaf Extract.  These products are a great add to one’s daily skincare regime.  29 Cosmetics definitely brings the art of Vineotherapy within the reach of everyone!  http://www.target.com/bp/29+by+lydia+mondavi  

~ Body Care ~

[ comfort zone ] Sacred Nature Bio-Certified Body Oil ~ This is a beautiful dry oil that delivers exceptional hydration, is quickly absorbed and doesn’t leave any tacky or greasy residue.  Key ingredients include certified organic Buriti oil and Jojoba oil.  Its subtle citrus aroma was pleasant.  This certified organic Body Oil is a wonderful addition to an at-home spa regimen, and does double duty with being gentle enough to use on the face; I enjoyed using it on dry cuticles and nails. 

http://www.comfortzone.it/en/products/special_lines-sacred_nature

~ Fragrance ~

Unique Fragrance ~ While the concept of customizing one’s fragrance by selecting favorite scents and then having it formulated into a personalized fragrance seems like a good idea, I was disappointed with the results received; of course, I had the option of returning the fragrance, but at a cost of shipping and handling to Berlin, Germany.  Up to six fragrance elements are selected, the bottle shape/type, then a personalized fragrance name, and lastly, any decorative accent for the bottle.  For my fragrance elements, I chose Damascene Rose, Calabrian Bergamot, Lily, White Tea, Violet Leaf, and Florentine Iris.  The first four fragrance elements are subtle, while the last two a bit more intense and pungent.  While I’m not a perfumer, I do have an acute olfactory sense to fragrance elements.  Had I been formulating the fragrance, I would’ve used the Damascene Rose and Calabrian Bergamot as the top notes, with Lily and White Tea as the heart notes, and the Violet Leaf and Florentine Iris as the base notes.  The formulator chose the Florentine Iris and Violet Leaf as the predominant fragrance elements, which totally over-powered the subtlety of the other aspects.  At no point in the dry down process was I ever able to discern the delicate properties of Damascene Rose or the Calabrian Bergamot; the other elements also diluted the delicate and exquisite aromas of the Damascene Rose and Calabrian Bergamot.  http://www.uniquefragrance.com

~ In Closing ~

(Image from www.boardwalk-style.com)

Take care of yourself during this time when summer’s sun and over-exposure can damage the fragile skin.  Keep hydrated, wear sunscreen, and wear a nice wide-brimmed sun hat.  The hat will provide added protection from harmful rays, while also making a fashion statement.  And, as a reminder…

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.

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.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  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 from www.poshfloral.com; all other photo credits as indicated and/or represented by the specific brand.)