Posts Tagged ‘Skincare’

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A Detox Excursion at We Care Spa

Thursday, September 30th, 2010
By Jenna

Every once in a while you will experience something that will change your life. Not because it just happens, but because it’s meant to happen. That’s what We Care Spa is dedicated to: helping you change your life by teaching you and helping you eliminate toxins and chemicals through a 6-step solution of detoxing. (Don’t let that word shy you away.) What they are doing is educating you on how to listen to your body and understand what kind of stress you put it through, making you feel and look better in everyday life. It’s no wonder why celebrities flock here to take advantage of We Care Spa’s detoxing methods.  I was lucky enough to take part in the juice fasting and activities at We Care Spa in Palm Springs for just one day—and I got a very mind opening and relaxing experience. Why? Because in a world of fast food, you need to give your body a break to detox and revitalize mind, body and spirit.

What it is

We Care Spa is a 60-acre spiritual retreat located about 10 minutes from Palm Springs Airport. Their program has been carefully refined—and in action helping guests—for over 25 years. They stress that additives, preservatives, and toxic chemicals found in every breath, beauty product, bite and drink you take will start to affect your body, preventing it from functioning properly.  They treat the symptoms of digestive toxicity such as bloating, constipation, painful swelling of joints, tiredness, low energy, depression, lack of clarity, skin breakouts and rashes. They incorporate the notion of juice fasting in the desert to achieve total mental and physical clarity. We Care Spa is surrounded by gorgeous desert scenery and equipped with ancient Indian practices, medicine wheels, Jacuzzis, saunas, a labyrinth and relaxing tools. They also have full-service spa treatments, which I can assure you are more than anyone could ask for.

The 6-step program to help you feel and look better:

  1. 1. Stop eating solid foods and embark on a juice fast.
  2. 2. Use the energy you’ve freed up from digesting foods to release toxins by powering up the 5 organs of elimination.
  3. 3. Use colon hydrotherapy to flush out the toxic waste– you know what I’m talking about.
  4. 4. Add therapeutic treatments to support the body – massages and spa treatments.
  5. 5. Mix in educational classes that are designed to build your character and detox your thinking.
  6. 6. Experience the work of healers to detox your psyche and spirit.

What the experience is like

If you’re like me, when someone says detox, you want to run far away because last weekend you weren’t very nice to your liver. After taking a class from the founder/guru herself Susana Belen about detox and revitalizing yourself, I was put at ease. Ok, maybe it isn’t that bad. Maybe taking one day a week to cleanse isn’t so hard to do. Next was my favorite part, a thai massage, which was just what the doctor ordered, followed by a tour of the property. The treatment rooms and resort as a whole is very rustic mixed with ancient native America mixed with naturalist qualities. Every amenity has a specific function to help you. Unexpectedly, the desert really is the perfect oasis and environment. Last we enjoyed a good old-fashioned cooking lesson from Susana. Not traditional cooking! This involved education about what cooking tools are classified as safe to use and everything you can make with a high powered magic blender. This wonder machine literally made milk from almonds and sunflower seeds. With this, you’re making all of your own meals, dressings and anything else all with an easy button and natural substitutes. After fasting all day and exploring different detox methods, a little solid food and delicious salad was the perfect way to end the day.

The real lesson to take away from We Care Spa is that we were meant to live with nature and eat what nature provides you. Things that we think of as convenient like fast and pre-packaged food, not to mention our fast-paced lifestyles, will eventually break our bodies down and harm us. It’s not a matter of “will it happen?” but a matter of when. Cancer didn’t just come out of nowhere. We created it, but thankfully there are places like We Care Spa that will help us tune up our bodies. Changing your life style is right around the corner. If the benefits outweigh the bad, then why not?

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Backstage Secrets: Behind the Scenes with Koh Gen Do

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

Your best accessory is your makeup; it also happens to be the best accessory for your other accessories. We discovered this fact at accessories designer Monique Péan’s collection presentation September 14 during NY Fashion Week, where celeb makeup artist Daniel Martin let us in on his secret for achieving the luminous sun-kissed glow he created as a perfect backdrop for the show’s jewelry pieces. His secret weapon also happens to be one of Japan’s best kept secrets: Koh Gen Do Cosmetics, an integrated skin care and makeup line that uses plant extracts and other natural ingredients derived from Japanese and Chinese herbs so you glow with radiant beauty.

“The texture, tone and luminosity of the skin must perfectly compliment and frame the jewelry,” Daniel said. “But the makeup look also depicts the designer’s muse and helps bring her to life.” Monique’s inspiration this time happened to be from her recent trip to French Polynesia. Here’s how Daniel used this to create a fresh and modern look:

To sculpt the face and create dimension, Daniel used Koh Gen Do’s Fresh Face Caramel Bronze to highlight areas the sun might not normally affect. The powder soothes and smoothes your skin with a long-lasting, and natural shade. He added a subtle shading in sand to the eyes to add depth but not sheen in order to balance the models’ hairstyles. Finally, to top off the look, Daniel chose a nude lip and applied Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Juicy Beige Lip Gloss to the center for a full and healthily moisturized pout. To try out these expert tips and tricks yourself, pick up some Koh Gen Do products on their site or at Barneys!

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An Apple a Day Keeps the Dermatologist Away

Friday, September 17th, 2010

by Shannon Farrell

September brings the beginning of fall and the start of the apple picking season. Apple picking is a great activity to spend some quality time with friends and family, allowing you to relax a little on your day off. However, not all of us have time for this leisure activity and are forced to enjoy apples in other ways. Here are two suggestions for quick ways to bring apples to your everyday lifestyle this season.

Afternoon Bliss Smoothie Recipe

You can always buy apples at the grocery store. But spice it up a little by chopping your apple up and throwing it in a blender! Smoothies are a great snack choice with its health benefits and quick preparation time. This one serving Afternoon Bliss Smoothie recipe, obviously not only for the afternoon, is super quick and tastes sooooo good.

Ingredients

1 organic apple

3 large strawberries

1 handful of grapes – either red or green will do

½ medium cup of organic apple juice

Directions

Peel and chop the apple into four pieces before placing in the blender. Then add the grapes, strawberries and apple juice. Blend for 40 seconds and then enjoy. It’s even fresher than the cider at the orchard!

Juicy Beauty Green Apple Collection

While enjoying your Afternoon Bliss Smoothie Recipe try some of these beauty products from the Juicy Beauty Green Apple Collection. The products are actually made from apples as well as other supplementary fruits, making them all eco-friendly organic beauty products.

Hydration Mask for Neck and Face

This hydration mask is actually made out of organic apples, grapes, and lemon juices as well as age-defying peptides to give your complexion a glowing look. This mask is perfect for dry skin in need of a nourishing and soothing treatment. Apply the mask at most three times a week. Set the hydration mask on your face and neck for up to ten minutes and then rinse.

$35.00

SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer

This day sunscreen is also made from a fruit acid complex of apples, lemons, and white grapes. After continued use it helps to smooth and firm the skin, giving it a brightened appearance. The sunscreen can be used over a moisturizer or can be used on its own. Apply as often as needed.

$29.00

Cleansing Gel

Cleanse your face both morning and evening with Beauty Green Apple’s Cleaning Gel. Easily apply onto damp skin with a circular motion. The gel cleans off dirt, oil, and makeup and leaves the skin clean and soft. The gel also works to fight aging. And did I mention its natural and pure smell?

$26.00

NYX Cosmetics Fruit Basket Lip Gloss Set

To top off your apple craze, try the NYX Cosmetics Fruit Basket Lip Gloss Set that includes the flavors of apple, pear, peach, and orange. The lip glosses come in really cute containers shaped like their fruit flavor. Aside from their sweet taste and captivating scent, the glosses also help to moisturize and protect the lips.

$9.00

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FemmeScience at the Front of Preventive Care

Monday, September 6th, 2010

by Shannon Farrell

Today skincare has taken a new direction. In fact, it should go by the name preventive care, not skincare. FemmeScience is following suit by creating a skincare line that works to prevent aging before it happens. The best time to start anti-aging and use advanced skin care products is as soon as possible, creating younger and better looking skin for a longer amount of time. Take a look at FemmeScience’s newest products that provide the young and chic women of today that classic glow that will last for years to come.

Face Cleanser

This natural face cleanser works to hydrate the skin as women fight dry skin every day. Dry skin is accompanied by tightness, itchiness and flakiness. This face cleanser eliminates all of these problems, providing the face with hydration that is in no way oily. The cleanser does not have a strict application; put it on as many times a day as you wish. To apply, moisten your face with warm water before setting the creamy like substance onto your face in a circular motion as it starts to foam. Keep the cleanser on for at most two minutes before rinsing. After using a few days, I found my skin much healthier – more vibrant and with less acne.

Body Cream

Every woman, even young women, should be applying body cream every day to ensure moisture levels and suppleness. Providing the skin with vitamins A, C, and E, this cream is made out of ingredients including shea butter and green tea, making it a very natural product. For best results, apply the body cream to your entire body both in the morning and evening. I found the cream to absorb quickly and create an even tone and natural glow.

Age Control

Prevent wrinkles, dullness, and age spots with FemmeScience’s age control face, neck, and chest lotion. Apply every morning and evening to provide the skin with moisture, firmness, and revitalized tone and texture. The product is so quick and easy to apply and I saw results right away. My cheeks were firmer and even smoother. Made out of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Green Tea, Turmeric, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E, this lotion is also a natural product.

Night Cream

The night cream was my favorite product, as I saw results the very next morning. As a night cream, it should be applied right before bed in order for the cream to hydrate, nourish and produce cell turnover. Immediately when waking I found my facial skin was much smoother and vibrant. This night cream also provides the skin with vitamins A, C, and E and restores moisture balance without clogging pores.

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Glowing Getaway

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

You know those people who just seem to shine from the inside out? Whether it’s your beautiful bestie, marvelous mom, stunning sister, or serendipitously, perhaps just a stranger you recently met, nominate your most radiant role model in AVEENO’s Positively Radiant Role Model Contest. Simply upload a photo of the glowing gal and share why she inspires you, and perhaps you can give her that “thank you” she so rightly deserves. In true AVEENO nature, the winner will be able to discover the full potential of her own natural beauty through a 5-day spa getaway for two at The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Maui. Ten finalists will be selected this fall, with the final winner chosen by AVEENO fans. So hurry up and head on over to AVEENO’s Facebook page before September 30 to enter!

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Spray Tan Transformation at SunStyle LA

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

SunStyle LA

Before today I was a spray tanning virgin so when Blush was invited to an event at Sun Style LA salon in West Hollywood, I decided to give it a try.

I’ll admit that I was a little nervous about this whole spray tanning thing as I was afraid of looking like an Oompa-Loompa. I also didn’t want to look like a completely different person and when you are as fair as I am, it’s a distinct possibility. Luckily while I was waiting my nerves were soothed with mimosas and a manicure, compliments of Recess.

Then it was time for the spray. I’ll admit that I was closely monitoring those that went before me and watched fellow fair-skinned ladies turn into bronzed beauties. My personal tanner, Alex, was amazing to work with and really catered to me by giving me clear direction and was also so excited that it was my first time.  At first I had qualms about going completely bare and having someone getting so up close and personal but after a few minutes I relaxed as we laughed and chatted.

The spray that they use at SunStyle is called Infinity Sun and is a multi-treatment system that is all natural and chemical free. Translation: you know how you can smell when your friends tan or put on sunless tanner? Infinity Sun has no scent (and trust me, I keep sniffing myself) thanks to the absence of all those nasty chemicals. Even better, it also normalizes the Ph balance of the skin and nourishes it with essential vitamins and nutrients. Infinity Sun also has acelebrity following as founder Veronique Munro sprays Jessica Alba, Mandy Moore and the ladies from the “Girls Next Door.”

My Before and After

Though I’m still getting used to seeing myself this tan, it certainly ups your confidence level as I find myself struttingrather than walking just to show off my tan legs. Another benefit? The tan does have slimming effects and hides imperfections so you can be bikini ready in no time. Just don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen because although you look tan, you still will burn!

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I Get Inclusive

Monday, April 19th, 2010

The Murad Inclusive Health Clinic

I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with Dr. Howard Murad, the famed doctor behind the Murad skincare line, and his team of brilliant technicians. Did I go in to get my face dealt with? Sorta, but there’s more to a visit to the Murad Inclusive Health Medical Spa. Dr. Murad has a program that’s called “Inclusive health” where he or one of his Inclusive Health Practitioners sits down with you to discuss your emotional health, your cellular health and also your skincare concerns. Dr. Murad believes, and I highly agree, that external beauty stems from internal health. So if your cells aren’t well-hydrated, your skin will reflect that. Or if you’re stressed or unhappy at work, that will also take a toll on external beauty.

After taking a series of tests, you get an MIHI (Murad Inclusive Health Index) – mine was 76, which I was told was the highest of the day! Hurrah! I’m healthy and happy! (I asked if I get my photo on the wall – the doctor laughed, so I guess not.) I also learned that drinking water is not the best way to rehydrate cells – the molecules in drinking water are too big to penetrate cells. What you need to do is get water from food – mostly fruits and vegetables.

After the consultation, patients have the option of starting a 10-week plan to address their concerns, be it weight loss, cellulite reduction, acne relief or aging skin restoration. My specialist, Julietta, had an amazing, warm energy about her. She was very supportive and professional (so if you’re in the L.A.-area, I recommend booking an appointment with her!).  She gave me some supplements to take daily to help my cells build up their walls and rehydrate. (more…)

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Look Radiant Instantly

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

by Annet King

Need to look radiant for something this weekend? No worries. King gives us a few easy steps for glowing, gorgeous skin.

1-Exfoliate for glow. There are many options, including cleansers for mature skin which contain gentle exfoliants. In all cases, “gentle” is the key word. Choose a product which loosens cell debris so that treatment products will penetrate easily. Aggressive exfoliation causes inflammation, so be sure to not overdo it. Try Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant!

2-Use a Mask to deliver nutrients deep into newly exfoliated skin. Choose one which addresses your current skin condition and provides vitamin enriched hydration. Be sure to discuss the options with your skin therapist. Try Dermalogica AGE Smart MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque!

3- Spray skin with a vitamin-rich, free radical-fighting spritzer to get the most benefit out of active ingredients in moisturizers and treatment products, and to penetrate key botanicals to the skin. Try Dermalogica AGE Smart Antioxidant HydraMist!

More of Annet’s Skin Healthy Tips:

- Good nutrition is always key. Start by eliminating sodas, including diet carbonated beverages. A daily pop habit can make skin a bit sluggish.

- Skip fabric softener on laundry day. We find that when used in the dryer with bed linens, these waxy products may aggravate adult acne.

- Wash your face four times a day. That’s right, four – twice each morning, twice before bed. This double-cleanse method ensures dirt is thoroughly removed and skin is clean.

Annet King is the Director of Global Education at the International Dermal Institute

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CYTOMIMIC: Our Skin’s New BFF

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

I know this isn’t very glamorous, but at the recent American Academy of Dermatology meeting, a bunch of MDs got together to disclose their latest and greatest ingredients for beauty products and the one I heard about and was blown away by is CYTOMIMIC.

This new technology is clinically proven to significantly reduce the hallmark signs of aging and in some cases can do so, in as little as 30 minutes! It will let you feel like you’re traveled back in time as it reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and the appearance of crow’s feet. It also has the power of making you look fully rested by transforming your eyes as it diminishes the appearance of bags, reduces the look of dark circles and lifts the appearance of the eyes. And while it’s performing its miracle work, it improves radiance and brightness and skin softness and smoothness at the same time!

But here’s the best part, you don’t have to be an MD to get your hands on this stuff because it is now incorporated to three new product lines from Neutrogena, AVEENO and RoC. And trust us, pretty soon you’ll have people asking you your anti-aging secrets!

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Flush Those Pores!

Friday, March 12th, 2010

I have a new beauty obsession – well, it’s a combination of obsessions actually. Clarisonic, the pore-scrubbing sonic-pulse brush that I every other day, has joined with Elemis, the luxurious and effective skincare line. The limited-edition kit includes the Clarisonic Plus Skin Cleansing for Face & Body three-speed brush and travel sizes of the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.

So first of all, you put the Tri-Enzyme wash on your face. This cleanser stimulates the skin’s cell renewal cycle to smooth and refine skin. Using the brush, cleanse the face – pores will be noticeably smaller – woohoo! Follow that with the Pro-Collagen cream, which is a cult-favorite anti-aging cream. It plumps the skin and adds wonderful hydration. Seriously, this combo is divine for the skin.

It’s available at Nordstrom stores nation-wide for $225.

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