TRANSITIONING INTO FALL

My anticipated “FALL CORNUCOPIA ~ PRODUCT POTPOURRI” will be published soon. Until then, consider the following seasonal transition musings.

~ MY TAKE ~

As I write this, the weather is finally cooler and the humidity is low, both are a welcome relief. A few days ago, the heat and humidity in my area reared its uncomfortable head. This last gasp of summer’s worst lasted for four days and will hopefully not return at all. Even as a child, I always preferred the chill and bite of fall and winter to the summer’s fun in the sun, heat and humidity. I love the seasons of fall and winter. Thoughts of these seasons are beginning to preoccupy me as I daydream about crunching burnished leaves and the sight of snowflakes and being able to see my breath as I exhale.

Already, squirrels are searching for nuts to store for the colder month’s long haul, while blossoms of summer’s flora are diminishing. Deciduous trees have begun to tease me with their twinges of color, while falling leaves are gently covering the ground. Early mornings are beginning to be cooler, making for my meditative walks more enjoyable and meaningful.

~ MY TIPS ~

When a season transitions into the next, such as summer to fall, virtually every aspect of our daily lives also changes, and we need to be mindful of the need to change and adapt. Consider the following for transition tips for fall:

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

2. 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, jojoba, Argan, etc.).

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.

4. Think darker and richer with your color palette, whether that’s in your makeup colors, or the colors of your wardrobe pieces. Pale and light may have been great for the summer months to deflect the harsh rays of summer sun. Now, an earthy color palette of burnished and vibrantly intense colors of fall, are more suitable. 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.

5. 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. The colder months of fall and winter call for heartier foods like hot cereals, stews, soups, casseroles and the like are ideal for those colder months. These foods are nutritious, but also warming. Consider more dried fruits and nuts and make your own granola. 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 warming months.

6. Seasonal constants include maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes sufficient amounts of water for hydration, sleep to rest and recuperate, physical exercise for strength and agility, and proper nutrition to stave off illness.

7. Continue using an SPF product to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

8. Consider gathering up dried twigs, branches, leaves, etc. and creating an arrangement for a seasonal tablescape, or put them in a large basket and display by your entry.

9. 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.

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

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

12. Lastly, 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.

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 addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker. She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa, and serves as a Group Manager on the LinkedIn Spa Buzz Group. You can email her at terry_h60559@yahoo.com.

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(Photo credit: By Momiji; Wikipedia Autumn Leaf Color)

LUXURY SKINCARE

…..Darphin, Guinot, Natura Bissé, Rodin, Shiffa Dubai, Sothys…..

I’m blessed with wonderful DNA. When others find out my real age, they’re amazed at how great my skin looks, compared to that age. While I try to avoid the no-nos of behavior that contribute to accelerating the aging process, I also try to achieve a daily life that includes proper and balanced nutrition, reduced stress, a healthy lifestyle, no smoking, plenty of h₂o, getting sufficient rest and physical activity, avoiding the sun, and maintaining a proper skincare regimen.

Admittedly, I fall off the wagon from time to time, but also strive not to make the digression a routine. Still, I’m aging extremely gracefully, and taking a few steps to ensure this continues, which includes using products that aren’t harsh or loaded with chemicals and synthetic fillers, and developing a regimen suited for my needs and sticking to it regularly.

Following are some stellar performing products I want to share with you. Keep in mind that the results were based on my experience and not necessarily indicative of how they’ll work on you. I have a very basic approach to skincare product preferences, including

· product gentleness to my skin, without causing any irritations or reactions, immediately or delayed;

· noticeable improvement in appearance of texture, diminished pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, and for at least a three to four week period based on consistent daily product use;

· hydration levels maintained throughout the day, and for at least a three to four week period based on consistent daily product use;

· a pleasant natural product aroma without any noticeable aromas of chemicals or synthetics;

· a silken luxurious texture of the product that never separates, is well emulsified;

· a texture that is luxurious and silky, and not tacky or greasy;

· a product that is quickly absorbed without leaving any residue;

· a product that isn’t hyped in delivering results, but in fact delivers results because it is an excellent product;

· besides these product preferences for creams and lotions, they’re also applicable for cleansers, toners, masks, serums and exfoliators;

· a printed expiration date on product container or packaging;

· easy to read and understand proper usage instructions; and,

· easy to read list of ingredients.

The products were very gentle to my sometimes-finicky skin and didn’t cause any irritation. The formulations were primarily plant-based with other natural ingredients that were the catalysts for delivering performance dynamics. Some products had neutral aromas, while others were aromatherapeutic. While aroma isn’t indicative of a product’s efficacy, a pleasant aroma never hurts the use of the product. Products included a serum, restorative oils, and creams.

For each product, I followed the instructions to maximize its efficacy, while making certain I didn’t overdose on the amount of product used on my face, a sure fire way to waste product and run out of it more quickly than needed. Most products are available online or at spas that offer treatments using the products and also sell them in their retail boutique. If you have a Facebook account, be sure to search out these companies and “like” them to get all of the latest posted to your wall. The product websites often provide descriptive “how-to” instructional videos or application renderings; YouTube is another resource for step-by-step directions for some of the lines. When in doubt, however, don’t hesitate to contact the product customer service representative for input or clarity on any concerns you might have, or consult your licensed esthetician. Estheticians are extremely knowledgeable on product use and sustained efficacies.

I hope you enjoy my reviews and will consider these products for your own unique and specific skincare issues and regimen. Each product’s formulation has individual functions that protect, renew, regenerate, strengthen, diminish, and hydrate the skin.

Darphin ~ Prédermine Firming Wrinkle Repair Serum (and) Jasmine Aromatic Care

Over the years, I’ve used various Darphin products, but never had an opportunity to experience a Darphin facial. At last year’s ISPA Conference, I finally had the pleasure of experiencing one of their anti-aging facials. I was very impressed with the fact that all of their facials utilize the protocols established in 1958 by the company’s founder, Pierre Darphin. The products and techniques used throughout the treatment exceeded my expectations. I was very impressed with how the products performed on my skin and how much better the overall condition appeared. Prédermine is used in the morning, followed by a moisturizer. Jasmine Aromatic Care is used at nighttime, followed by a moisturizer. (Prédermine $175.00, 1 oz) (Jasmine Aromatic Care $110.00, .5 oz)

Key ingredients ~ Prédermine key ingredients include dill extract, water clover, iris extract (meyanthes trifoliata), red algae (hypnea) and brown algae (padina pavonica). Jasmine Aromatic Care key ingredients include organic Jasmine essential wax, organic rosewood and orange essential oils, organic raspberry pip and muscat oils, and organic avocado extracts.

Results ~ Both products performed exceptionally well, exceeding my levels of expectation. Although each product recommends an application of moisturizer after each use, I didn’t always follow that recommendation and found that the respective treatment products performed wonderfully without an added moisturizer; I opted for this on very hot and humid days; the Prédermine veiled my skin with sufficient hydration throughout the day; the Jasmine Aromatic Care because of its formulation was sufficiently dense and provided a veil of hydration for my nighttime regimen. However, when I did add a moisturizer, the results were intensified and my skin’s hydration level superior.

Aromatherapeutic properties ~ The predominant aroma of Prédermine was a beautiful subtle green floral (dill extract, water clover and iris extract). The predominant aroma of Jasmine Aromatic Care was jasmine.

Guinot ~ Hydra Tendre Soft Wash-Off Cleansing Cream (and) Age Nutritive Dry Skin Dry Skin

I enjoyed using these products and found them to be rich and luxurious in texture. Because of the density of the formulation, very little product was required. Both products would be ideal for the colder months when indoor humidity levels are low and outside temperatures can be “raw”. (Age Nutritive $142.00, 1.6 oz) (Hydra Tendre $38.00, 5.4 oz)

Key ingredients ~ Hydra Tendre key ingredients included extracts of coconut and macadamia oil. Age Nutritive key ingredients included their proprietary Cellular Life Complex (fifty-six different active ingredients) and Omega 3 and 6 (Nutrinergie).

Results ~ Both products were rich and dense. The Cleanser was easy to remove. The cream worked best on its own day or night, but without combining it with other serums or oils; slight irritation resulted due to the rich density of the cream. While the Cleanser left my skin soft, the Moisturizer left my skin wonderfully hydrated; fine lines and wrinkles were diminished, and the overall texture improved.

Aromatherapeutic properties ~ Neutral aroma, both products, with no discernable or singular predominant aroma in either one.

Natura Bissé ~ Diamond Extreme

I fell in love with this dense and luxurious cream for its aroma, its texture and how it made my skin look and feel. Not only did it perform extremely well with hydration levels, this was another product that noticeably brightened and improved the overall qualities of my skin, including firmness, softening of fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing pore size and evening out the skin tone. ($335.00, 1.7 oz)

Key ingredients ~ Extracts of sweet pea, edelweiss and artemia salina, amaranth oil, wild mango and shea butter.

Results ~ Exceptional hydration, noticeable skin brightening, evenness of tone, diminished fine lines, wrinkles and pore size; improved texture and firming. Worked exceptionally well day or night, on its own, and with other serums and oils.

Aromatherapeutic properties ~ Subtle fresh floral blend of the sweet pea and edelweiss; at times, the aroma reminded me of lavender, but no lavender was in the product or listed on the package ingredients.

RODIN ~ olio lusso Face Oil

I was impressed with how well this oil hydrated and left my skin feeling supple; I only used this product at nighttime due to its consistency, and used it sparingly. The formulation is dense with a number of aromatic essential oils. Because of the consistency, I feel the product is ideally suited for colder, drier months. ($140.00, 1 oz)

Key ingredients ~ Jasmine, evening primrose, argan, orange, sweet almond, apricot kernel, jojoba, sunflower seed, rosehip, and calendula.

Results ~ Improved hydration levels, while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. I used this as a standalone product for my nighttime regime, and didn’t mix it with other creams, serums or oils; it would’ve been too rich and probably wouldn’t have absorbed well.

Aromatherapeutic properties ~ The aroma of jasmine was predominant and over-powered any other aroma that might have been present in this formulation.

Shiffa Dubai ~ Tamanu Moisturising Cream

When I opened the jar, inhaled the extravagant aroma and touched the luxurious cream, I knew I had found something truly extraordinary. Once on my face, this cream exceeded all of my expectations. I was thrilled with all of its properties, but especially how well it hydrated and improved my skin’s overall appearance and texture. My skin looked refreshed and renewed. ($115.00, 1.67 oz)

Key ingredients ~ Pure tamanu oil, rosehip, frankincense, rosemary, jasmine, avocado oil, jojoba, and calendula.

Results ~ Exceptional hydration, softened fine lines and wrinkles, brightened skin; skin felt firmer and overall texture noticeably improved. Worked exceptionally well on its own, day or night, and with other serums and oils.

Aromatherapeutic properties ~ Scrumptious and intense melding of all ingredients, with a slight predominance of frankincense. I loved the overall aroma of this product.

Sothys ~ Secrets de Sothys Global Anti-Age De-stressing Care (and) Secrets de Sothys Eye Contour Serum

At last year’s ISPA Conference, I experienced a Sothys massage and facial in the Relaxation Area. This was my first-ever experience with any of the Sothys products. The facial component utilized these two products. While both treatment components were enjoyable, I especially enjoyed the facial and how the products seemed to boost its appearance. (Anti-Age De-stressing Care $133.00, 1.69 oz) (Eye Contour Serum $62.00, .5 oz)

Key ingredients ~ Global Anti-Age De-Stressing Care key ingredients included extracts of apple, bitter orange and iris, avocado oil and shea butter. Eye Contour Serum key ingredients included extracts of prickly pear, iris and bitter orange, and plum oil.

Results ~ The moisturizer hydrated exceptionally well, whether I used it alone, or in combination with serums or oils from other product lines. Both products diminished fine lines and wrinkles and refined overall texture. The eye serum softened

Aromatherapeutic properties ~ The face cream had a pleasantly subtle aroma, while the eye serum didn’t have any, which is as it should be.

While I enjoyed reviewing and using all of these products for a number of weeks, and found them to perform well, my particular favorites included the Darphin, Natura Bissé and Shiffa Dubai. Over the years, I’ve tried many products and navigate between brands every few months. I also adjust my skincare regimen between the seasons to conform to the climatological variances. I mix products from different lines, although I try to use all products from one line. Sometimes mixing things up results in skin irritations, so I stop my own brand of “mixology”. It’s nice to have an esthetician to regularly consult with and from time to time get a professional facial, versus the at-home version, which is never quite the same. I also tend not to prefer cosmeceuticals, because some of the ingredients tend to irritate my skin, which can be finnicky. Over time, I’ve learned to adjust to the “tantrums” my skin can throw. In those times, I pare back considerably anything that is a potential irritant, such as exfoliating, or deep cleansing masks. For me, gentle is best and less is more.

I hope you’ll look into all of these wonderful products, check out their websites, or seek them out at your favorite salon or spa, and book a facial to experience them firsthand before considering buying any of them. Whenever possible, try to get samples to try at home to make sure you’re pleased with the results. Remember, too, that it takes nearly four weeks for cells to turnover and regenerate, so don’t expect “miracles” right way when you’re trying a different product out for the first time. And, don’t fall for the “hype”, especially with the so-called “anti-aging” products. Products can help stave off some of the normal effects of aging, and can slightly improve some of the effects that have already taken effect; however, no products can topically reverse signs of aging without some potent formulations in combination with medical science (injectables, plastic surgery, etc.).

About ISPA ~ The International Spa Association is the world’s largest professional organization committed to exemplary standards and professional growth of the spa industry. It was the industry’s first professional organization, and in my estimation, remains the industry’s best. Each year, their annual conference draws thousands of attendees and exhibitors worldwide. Last year’s event was in Washington, DC (Gaylord National); this year’s event will be in Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay). For more information on this year’s upcoming event, go to http://www.ispaconference.com/2011-conference/.

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 addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker. She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa. She also serves as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz. You can email her at terry_h60559@yahoo.com.

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(Photo credits as represented from the specific brand.)

AT-HOME SPA-ING

…with Phytomer, Moroccanoil, Kerstin Florian and Shiffa Dubai…

Recent spa experiences at Avani Spa (Lake Geneva, WI), Kohler Waters Spa Chicago (Burr Ridge, IL) and The Spa at Trump Chicago (Chicago, IL) were not only enjoyable, but the treatments received were therapeutic and restorative. Each treatment experience involved a variety of high quality treatment products that were also available for purchase either at the spa’s retail boutique, or online. Products adapted well to an at-home regimen. Every time I used the different products at home, I was reminded of my treatment experience at each respective spa, making for its at-home use all the more enjoyable.

While the initial treatment product’s efficacy in the spa treatment setting is momentary and not necessary a gauge for long-term suitability, having used the products over a period of time in an at-home controlled environment allowed for me to gauge the product’s efficacy and better determine how the products would improve or maintain the texture of the skin and its firmness over time, and whether or not there was any noticeable improvement to the overall quality of the skin. Other products, such as those used on the body or even hair, had the same criteria applied when determining their overall efficacy and noticeable improvements. For each of the following at-home product reviews, I tried to consistently use each product over a period of four weeks to gauge their levels of effectiveness.

Caveats ~

Before making a purchase of any product at the spa, always consider the at-home suitability before making the purchase. If you enjoyed the results post-treatment, in all likelihood, you’ll enjoy using the products at home. And, as with any product, should contraindications occur, or the performance isn’t at the level of expectation, don’t hesitate contacting the spa. Lastly, be sure to thoroughly understand how to use the products correctly in order to maximize their efficacy and adaptability to an at-home regimen. Consulting your spa professional on these matters, which includes asking questions and seeking their advice, is highly recommended. This approach may not be “science”, but the time spent looking into such matters will yield better results and no disappointments. Based on my experiences, however, this approach works every time.

Quick Reference ~

To read about the spa and treatment specifics, following are the original review article dates. Go to the “article archive” section, locate the date and then click on the link and read each article.

• Avani Spa ~ April 12, 2011
• Kohler Waters Spa Chicago ~ May 16, 2011
• The Spa At Trump Chicago ~ July 5, 2011

AVANI SPA

Phytomer Custom Facial ~ Phytomer Product Range

• Vegetal Exfoliant
• Youth Reviver Age-Defense Mask
• Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk
• Rosée Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion
• Expert Youth Wrinkle Correction Cream

Why the products work ~

All of these products were gentle, non-irritating, and delivered results. The key to the products includes formulations rich in marine by-products that are nutrient-rich; seaweed, like laminaria digitata, a very dense and potent marine by-product that re-mineralizes, nourishes, hydrates, and restores is a stellar ingredient in this product line. The immediate thing I noticed after using the products was that my skin looked healthier and refreshed. These products drenched my skin with moisture, without leaving any tacky residue; the cream was quickly absorbed and hydration levels remained throughout the day. I loved the gentleness of the Gentle Cleansing Milk and the aroma of the Rosée Toner. A real winner was the Vegetal Exfoliant, an enzymatic peel (papain from papaya) that exfoliated without assaulting or damaging the delicate facial tissue (often the case with harsher exfoliants). The Age-Defense Mask corrects fine lines and wrinkles; it removes easily and leaves no residue; skin is noticeably brighter. The Wrinkle Correction Cream is one of my new faves. I loved its texture and aroma; it definitely improved the look and feel of my skin.

Aqua Embrace Hair Treatment ~ Moroccanoil Product Range

• Oil-No-More Professional Scalp Treatment
• Intense Hydrating Mask, Argan Oil Enriched
• Light Oil Treatment For Fine and Light-Colored Hair
• Hydrating Styling Cream For All Hair Types

Why the products work ~

Using products rich in Argan Oil on my fine and oily-prone hair seemed counterintuitive. Argan oil, the power ingredient behind this line, has been cherished for centuries for its healing, nourishing, repairing and revitalizing properties. Because of my fine and oily-prone hair, I tend to totally avoid conditioners and hair masks like they were some form of communicable disease. What I end up with is semi-fried and dried feeling and looking hair. Never mind that I think that’s how my type of hair should feel and look after it’s been shampooed. Then, add to this the abuse from styling and blow-drying products, and you have the perfect storm. That is, until I was introduced to Moroccanoil products, at the Avani Spa.

Moroccanoil is THE product that has taken salons by storm, so much so that it’s difficult to keep product stocked for the fanatical devotees. The power ingredient is Argan Oil, which has been used for centuries by women in the Middle East either as a skin-softening agent, hair treatment, or even in food preparations. Although I have fine and oily hair, the marvel of these products was that instead of being weighted down with an oil, my hair was actually volumized, made thicker and healthier to the touch, and of course, it added a luster that I thought I had lost forever as part of the aging process.

The Scalp Treatment is a professional-only formulated product. The Hydrating Mask left my hair wonderfully smooth and silky once the hair was completely dried. And whether the Light Oil was used on either damp (or dry hair to tame the “wild-ones”), it added a beautiful luster and brought my lifeless hair back to life. The Styling Cream heightened the vibrancy of my revitalized hair. I didn’t use all of the products at one time, since that would be “over-kill”. I used the Mask one to times a month, the Scalp Treatment monthly, the Light Oil one to times a week (or on the ends as needed), and the Styling Cream, occasionally (since I’m not one to regularly style my tresses, especially since I have short hair). Not only did these products perform exceptionally well, their aroma was also fabulous. Any Light Oil residue was rubbed into my dry cuticles, all over my hands and onto my elbows; the residue added a good dose of hydration to those areas. I’d love for Moroccanoil to formulate a body lotion. I think it would be another stellar product for their line and one that dull, dry and lifeless skin would greatly welcome!

KOHLER WATERS SPA CHICAGO

Kohler Waters Seasonal Wrap ~ Kerstin Florian Product Range

• Rehydrating Neroli Cleansing Milk
• Rejuvenating Thermal Tonic
• Rejuvenating Anti-Stress Oil

Why the products works ~

These products are exceptional for a facial regime, but were administered during the facial massage portion of the body wrap treatment. All of the products were gentle and non-irritating. The Cleansing Milk formulation included green tea, algae, aloe vera, apricot kernel oil, orange flower water and grapefruit seed extract. The overall texture was light and non-drying; it rinsed clean, left no residue, and had a neutral aroma. The Thermal Tonic formulation included witch hazel extract, chamomile and rose oil. It was refreshing and removed any traces of the Cleansing Milk. Its aroma was neutral. The Anti-Stress Oil formulation included essential oils of geranium, Melissa and lavender. The product was quickly absorbed, left no residue or tackiness and maintained levels of hydration. The combination of such healing and aromatic essential oils made this product my favorite.

THE SPA AT TRUMP CHICAGO

Signature Balancing Diamonds Massage ~ Shiffa Dubai Products

• Signature Gemstone Diamond Body Oil

Why the product works ~

This extraordinary oil penetrated deeply into the skin, adding a renewed level of hydration, while also improving the overall texture of the skin. The oil quickly absorbed without leaving any residue or tackiness. This custom blended formulation is rich in oils that nourish, heal and revitalize.

This luxe formulation includes almond, sunflower, macadamia, apricot, sesame, jojoba, evening primrose, orange, damask rose and neroli oils. In addition to providing superior hydration that lasted for hours, the evening primrose, damask rose and neroli oils made for an exceptionally aromatherapeutic product that was delightful to my olfactory sense. The formulation also included minute particles of diamonds, which infused gemstone energy within the oil to aid in balancing, calming and restoring. This exquisite oil was gentle enough for the face, and I loved spreading the residue on cuticles and hands. This custom gemstone signature oil is available at any of the Trump Spas that offer this signature treatment, while the Shiffa Dubai website offers other types of oil blends for online purchase. There is also a complementary Balancing Gemstone Candle, infused with the same aromatherapeutic properties of the exquisite oil.

For your consideration ~

Next time you enjoy a treatment at a spa that you truly enjoyed, be sure to check out the spa’s retail boutique before you leave, and see if some of the products used in the treatment are also available for purchase. And be sure to ask a staff member for assistance; they’ll gladly assist you with your purchase and even share with you recommendations on ways to properly use the product at home to maximize its efficacy. Most spas are more than happy to also help develop an at-home regiment for you. If the products aren’t available at the spa, check out the respective product website and consider purchasing the product online. Lastly, while most products are available for consumer use, some may not be available due to the formulation being limited for use only by your trained spa professional.

Either way, taking a bit of the spa home with you ensures that you’ll be reminded of that spa experience and how much you enjoyed everything about it, including the products used, each time you incorporate the product(s) in an at-home regiment. Using the products at home is one way to reactivate the sensory-driven experience, which is what spa-ing is all about.

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 addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker. She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa, and is Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz. You can email her at terry_h60559@yahoo.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as represented from the specific brand.)

THE SPA AT TRUMP CHICAGO

~ CONTINUED EXCEPTIONALISM ~

In the heart of the Windy City, just a strong wind’s howl from the tony Mag Mile, stands the majestic eponymous Trump International Hotel & Tower embracing the city and its iconic river. It’s grand real estate fit for the mogul king of real estate, Mr. Donald Trump.

Trump has always resolved himself to move forward with passionate diligence while pursuing success, despite financial and economic setbacks, the type that would otherwise devastate a less-hardy soul, but certainly not Mr. Trump. While bumps occurred to him in the past, a major one was looming in the road, which caught everyone off guard, except, perhaps, Mr. Trump.

It was the fall of 2007 and while the sky didn’t fall, the bottom of the economy certainly fell. In the midst of construction and too far into the Chicago project for it to be abandoned, instead of Mr. Trump pulling out his hair, he moved forward with the project, and continued to build his eponymous and spectacularly grand hotel with residences. The worm wasn’t going turn on Mr. Trump’s watch.

Part of the “grandness” of the multi-location Trump International Hotel & Tower story includes business travelers and the jet set that parks it regularly in premium landscaped destinations. The enviable portfolio includes Trump New York, Trump Las Vegas, Trump SoHo New York, Trump Chicago, Trump Waikiki, Trump Toronto, and soon to open, Trump Panama. And, while the hotel and residences are all well and good, the word “spa” has always been an integral part of the Trump success. If it’s a Spa at a Trump, then it’s been elevated to be synonymous with all-things Trump-executed; it's grand, glorious, purposeful, restorative, luxurious, and trendy. And, for the guest’s “whatever”, regardless of time and place, or how they define it, this, too, is all part of the execution.

My first The Spa at Trump Chicago experience was shortly after the Spa and Hotel opened in the spring of 2008. I’ve been reviewing luxury properties with spas since the mid-1990s, so I wasn’t any stranger to luxury surroundings or even staff that did their best not to acknowledge why I was there in the first place, despite my being inconspicuous and nonchalant. I’ve done this enough times to also know when I’m getting a snow-job by staff who make me uncomfortable because they’re uncomfortable with my presence. No, setting foot into The Spa At Trump Chicago was totally different, I felt at home, relaxed, comfortable. I was treated just as special any other guest I observed being treated. We were all special; individually, we were treated as though we were the only guests there. This was definitely exemplary of an experience that was Trump-executed. I was Trump-ed.

Items of Interest ~

Spa and Fitness Center are co-located on the hotel’s fourteenth floor. The Spa is 23,000 square-feet and has eleven spacious treatment rooms. A signature amenity for every guest is the Spa Attaché that meets and greets, gives a thorough tour of the complete environs, while explaining every aspect of each individual treatment. They will also assist in making recommendations on certain treatments that will maximize the guest’s intended results from their experience. The Attaché is available throughout the guest’s entire spa experience, up until checkout. This is truly exemplary service!

Fitness Center has a separate room, with additional equipment set out on the floor, overlooking some of Chicago’s impressive architectural scape, Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Also within the enclosed area are two Studios, where classes are held each day of the week; these include Spinning, Yoga, Pilates, Kickboxing, Hula Hoop and others. During warmer months, guests can workout on exercise bicycles on the Terrace. There are currently sixteen group classes held in the Studios and Pool. Hotel guests and local area residents can purchase memberships to the Fitness Center. Also available is a Personal Trainer.

Guests also have access to a magnificent Pool. Unfortunately, there isn’t any whirlpool.

Spa Suites are also available for the discriminating hotel guest that’s fully focused and desires to immerse themselves in total sensory activated spa experience, stress-free and restorative. The fifty-three Suites are conveniently located on the fourteenth floor, opposite the Spa and Fitness Center; one of the elevator banks is even programmed only for registered guest’s to access their floor from the lobby. The Suites are spacious, between 600 and 900 square feet. The rooms offer glorious panoramic views of the city, healthy waters and snacks, exquisite bedding and fabulous bathrooms. Every aspect of the rooms elevates the guest’s well-being and sensory experience, enabling them to achieve optimum levels of relaxation and restoration. This is spa-luxe to the max!

The main entry is the Reception Area and Retail Boutique. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Relaxation Path of Experience ~ Heal, Purify, Revitalize in the generously sized gender-specific locker areas. The circuit includes the Hot Sauna (Heal), the Steam Room (Purify), and the Deluge Shower Experience (Revitalize).

In the locker room areas, guests also have bathroom access to a unique specialty product bar that includes essential oils geared towards an Intention such as Calm, Balance, Purify, or Revitalize; each oil blend is unique to the guest's desired "intention" .In addition to the custom blended oils, there’s also an aloe vera face mask, an exfoliating body scrub, and a shea body butter. The guests can blend their preferred oil with one of the other products to add an element of aromatherapy to one’s Intention, or can be used alone as a moisturizer. Many guests enjoy the ability to customize their own products before going into either the steam or sauna for an expanded spa treatment experience; the body butter adds a wonderful layer of hydration to skin that has been exposed to rigorous exercise, swimming, steam, sauna, or used after the personal shower or Deluge Shower.

There are individual Relaxation Lounges within the locker areas, and also one enormous co-ed Relaxation Area where healthy snacks, fresh fruit, flavored waters, and hot beverages are available; guests can also request chilled bottled water. The Spa also accommodates guests who wish to dine in the Spa and offers a special menu of healthy selections to choose from, including selections made with certified organic produce and other locally sourced ingredients; a nutritionist has also assisted in the development of the menu.

The approach to the treatment experience for each guest is to focus on the Trump Inspired Personal Intentions. These are the cornerstones of the Spa's guest spa experience, and include treatment options that Purify, Balance, Revitalize, Calm, or Heal. Signature treatment experiences include the Trump Signature Gemstone Spa Treatments. These signature treatments include Balancing Diamonds Massage (Balancing), Purifying Emeralds Massage (Purify), Revitalizing Rubies Massage (Revitalize) and Calming Sapphires Massage (Calm, Heal).

For each unique massage intention, there is a corresponding superior quality essential oil formulation geared towards the energy of each unique massage intention, including actual gemstone particles that emanate their specific form of energy. The use of gemstones (minerals or crystals) has been utilized for many years by many cultures to cleanse, balance, heal, purify and revitalize. These gemstones (minerals or crystals) are also believed to correspond to one’s energy points, or Chakras. The Spa At Trump uses Shiffa Dubai custom infused oils, which also includes minute particles of the corresponding gemstone; the gemstone infuses its own type of gem energy within the formulation.

For my treatment experience, I chose the Balancing Diamonds Massage. My massage therapist was Tameka, and one of the better therapists I’ve had work on me in quite some time. The intention of the ninety-minute signature treatment was to balance my Crown Chakra; the Crown Chakra is the seventh one and located at the top of the head. Additional balancing aspects included providing clarity, inspiring and enlightening me, while massaging me into a state of restorative balance.

Although my exceptional massage therapist, Tameka asked me about my problem areas she should focus on throughout the treatment, my experience has taught me that whenever a highly skilled and experienced massage therapist is involved, they can tell where those areas are just by their skillful touch. I left her skilled touch to find all of my areas that needed massaging, restoration and balance.

Tameka methodically massaged my meridians with a strong and firm, yet painless, amount of pressure; she knew when to ramp it up and when to pull back; experience and skill will do that. Her long fluid strokes, short strokes, deep and light pressure throughout the ninety-minute treatment was gladly received. I was amazed at how pliable my limbs, toes, digits, back, front, neck and head became after this labor-intensive restorative treatment. The massage was intense and every bit of me got a thorough working over. I came into the room stiff and in various stages of discomfort. I left totally renewed and without any of these negative elements. It was one of the better massages I had received in a number of years.

Throughout the treatment, Shiffa Dubai Diamond Body Oil was used. This formulation of pure essential oils contains almond, sunflower, macadamia, sesame, evening primrose, orange, damask rose, chamomile and neroli, were not only effective with their hydration properties, but was deeply aromatherapeutic as well. Based on my experiences, superior quality oils have a pure and intense aroma, such as this product. Inferior grades are irritating in their aromatic properties because of the use of synthetics, fillers, inferior quality oils, etc.

The massage technique naturally warmed the oils as it was applied to the body; it also provided a continuous glide throughout the treatment where my therapist didn’t have to keep stopping to reapply; this is another example of skill and experience on the part of the therapist. In addition to this wonderful product, there were also tiny particles of diamonds, which also infused its own gem energy into the blend; I never felt any of the actual particles, however. In doing a bit of research, I would learn that over the centuries, diamonds have been valued as a symbol of wealth, and in the realm of healing, balance and harmony, diamonds have been revered for their properties of purity, stimulating the Crown Chakra, cleansing, reducing fear, stimulating innate creativity and imagination. In gem therapy, diamonds are also valued as a vehicle towards attaining higher spiritual enlightenment, while removing negativity and any perceived blockages for mental clarity and acuity.

Final Item ~ If you’d like to read my initial review article on this gorgeous spa facility, please refer to my September 6, 2009 article post; and if your curious about me querying Mr. Trump about the treatment trends at the Spa, please refer to my October 9, 2009 article post.

The Spa At Trump, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago offers an extraordinary spa experience. Here’s where luxury, urban chic, and exemplary service underscores each guest’s uniqueness and spa intentions. As a guest, I definitely left in better condition than when I arrived. Highly recommended.

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 addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker. She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa, and is Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz. You can email her at terry_h60559@yahoo.com.

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