DECLEOR - Experience De L'age Triple Action Gel Cream Mask

Need to re-energize your skin in a hurry? This mask may be exactly what you are looking for. Decleor formulated this 10 minute energizing mask to give your skin a healthy glow with an intensive anti-age treatment at the same time. The “triple action” addresses firmness, radiance and wrinkle refinement. Perfect!

The creamy gel-like texture offers great plant extracts, like Iris and Maca root, to help the skin deal with hormonal changes while triggering collagen synthesis and cell regeneration. The sweet almond oil has such great affinity with the skin and offers emolliency and many essential fatty acids to reinforce skin hydration and activity, as does the hazel seed extract. If there is a special occasion coming up that you want to look great for try using this mask a few days in a row and your skin will look incredible.

Note: Do not let this mask dry on your skin. It will be counterproductive and cause you to lose moisture because it contains titanium dioxide (used for consistency), which has profound absorption properties.

THALGO Absolute Rehydrating Serum

Thalgo's quick penetrating serum is a fresh gel that awakens dull tired skin with a burst of moisture and vitality. It is applied and followed by your moisturizing cream twice a day for best results.

This serum will offer a cumulative effect over a few weeks of application, however, you will feel and see an improvement even after a few days, just in time to bring in the New Year. It grants the deep hydrating properties of a few different types of algae to help rebalance the moisture levels in the skin by enhancing the natural mechanisms to prevent moisture loss and improve cellular cohesion. Remember, the more moisture you can keep in your skin the more you protect the collagen fibers, and consequently, the less free radical damage your skin will suffer, . . . not to mention a more even skin tone and fewer lines.

There are other plant extracts included in this treasure. Prunus persica, peach fruit extract, offers anti-oxidant properties due to the high vitamin C content and potassium to reinforce hydration. Imperata Cylindrica, a member of the grass family, also makes potassium available to boost moisture absorption and trigger collagen synthesis.

This product is simple to add to your routine and such an easy way to give your skin a boost and finish off 2008 glowing. Look for it in the 2008 Thalgo Gift Set. Your skin will thank you.

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask

What a great time of year! All of the gatherings with friends and family, the extra goodies to make and try, the shopping to do . . . a true joy of the holiday season. Along with the celebrations, we tend to sleep less and rack up a mountain of stress trying to accomplish all of the extra things on the season's to-do lists. There is no question that stress leaves its nasty little signature on the skin. Look in the mirror and you may notice a little less lustre, more dehydration and perhaps a few more lines. Sigh. A stress-busting facial at your favorite spa would be great, but there is simply not a moment to spare.

This little gem from Elemis, the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask, is your quick fix wonder. It is a creamy mask that will quickly relieve the crepiness of dehydration, smooth out fine lines and give a lifting effect to your face. It contains Padina Pavonica, a brown algae that promotes calcium availability to the skin cells that diminish with dehydration and age. The skin utilizes calcium to reinforce the natural barriers to hold moisture (prevent moisture loss) and boost healthy cellular function and communication. The Noni fruit extract offers anti-oxidant properties nurturing regeneration and rejuvenation. The Argan Oil will improve circulation and re-establish that healthy, radiant glow.

The Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask will do wonders for your skin in a matter of a few minutes. If you really want to look great by New Years, try applying this lovely mask daily for ten to fifteen minutes. Look for it in one of the limited edition Gift Sets being offered this holiday season.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wishing everyone peace, love and joy for today . . . and the rest of your tomorrows.

With love and gratitude for a wonderful year!
Editorial Staff,
Beauty Editor Post
beautyeditorpost@gmail.com

2008 GIFT SETS - JURLIQUE BODY CARE COLLECTION

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . . JURLIQUE Rose Body Care Collection is an integral part of this biodynamic, organic skin care line. Beautiful.

Set includes:
Rose Care Lotion (10 fl.oz)
Rose Shower Gel (10 fl. oz)
Rose Hand Cream (.5 oz)

Approx. $55.00

2008 GIFT SETS - JURLIQUE BODY CARE COLLECTION

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . . Julique's products are formulated using pure and natural plant based ingredients created from organically grown herbs.

Set includes:
Lavender Body Care Lotion (10 fl.oz)
Lavender Shower Gel (10 fl.oz)
Lavender Hand Cream (.5 oz)

Approx. $55.00

2008 GIFT SETS FOR MEN - PHYTOMER

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Men . . .
PHYTOMER's Homme Restoration Coffret Cift Set the perfect way to spoil your favorite man - decisively fresh with a pleasant marine fragrance.

Set includes:
Facial Protect Smoothing Eye Care (1 oz)
Facial Protect Active Care for Wrinkles and Fine Lines (1.7 oz)
Lift Performance Firming Contouring Concentrate (1.7 oz)

Approx. $100.00

2008 GIFT SETS FOR MEN - PETER THOMAS ROTH

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Men . . . Peter Thomas Roth's Ideal Shave Kit includes eight different products packaged in a deluxe charcoal flannel shaving bag perfect for travel.

Kit includes:
Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel (2 fl.oz)
Botanical Buffing Beads (2 fl. oz)
21st Century Shave Cream (7 oz)
Conditioning Multi-Tasking After Shave Tonic (8 fl.oz)
Ultra-Lite Multi-Tasking After Shave Balm (3.4 fl. oz)
Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel (.25 oz.)
Matte Lip Balm (.25 oz)
Cucumber Gel Masque (.5 oz)

Approx. $55.00

2008 GIFT SETS FOR MEN - DECLEOR

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Men . . .
Decleor Active Nature Gift Set for Men utilizes the power of plants to enhance the very best in nature for a unique skin care experience.

Set includes:
Shaving Foam (6.8 fl.oz)
Anti-Wrinkle Cream (.5 fl.oz)
Men's Aromessence (.003 fl.oz)
Cleansing and Exfoliating Get (.85 fl.oz)
Alguarmones (2.5 fl.oz)

Approx. $55.00

2008 GIFT SETS FOR MEN - BABOR

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Men . . .
Babor for Men Travel Set
Kit includes :
Refreshing Facial Wash (1 fl.oz)
Calming After Shave Cream (.5 fl.oz)
Anti Jetlag Cream (1 fl.oz)
Vitalizing Hair and Body Shampoo (1.7 fl.oz)

Approx. $45.00

2008 GIFT SETS - ELEMIS

The best way to try a complete line of products is to purchase gift sets, boxes and kits, particularly if you are on a budget.
ELEMIS Divine Beauty Gift Set is a perfect introduction to an award-winning Pro-Collagen anti-aging skin care.

Set includes:
• Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask (.5oz)
• Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream (.7 oz)
• Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (1 oz)
• Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream (.5 oz)
• Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules (14)

Approx. $95 ($180 value)

2008 GIFT SETS - THALGO

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . .
THALGO Waterfall Island Hydrating Gift Set includes four (4) products formulated for dehydrated skin in desperate need of moisture and relaxation.
Set includes:
• Collagen Cream (1.7 fl.oz)
• Relaxing Cream (1 fl. oz)
• Moisture Quenching Mask (.5 fl. oz.)
• Absolute Hydrating Serum (.5 fl. oz.)

Approx. $100.00

2008 GIFT SETS - THALGO

THALGO Arctic Island Oxygenating Gift Set restores and regenerates skin for a soft and supple, glowing and radiant complexion.
Set includes:
• Oxygen Cream (1.7 fl.oz)
• Oxygen Serum (.5 fl.oz)
• Oxygen Mask (.5 fl.oz)
• Freshness Exfoliator (1 fl.oz)

Approx. $85.00

2008 GIFT SETS - THALGO

THALGO Island of Eternity Anti-Aging Gift Set is formulated to smooth and invigorate skin for a visibly soft, fresh, glowing and radiant complexion.
Set includes:
• Wrinkle Control Smoothing Care (1.7 fl.oz)
• Smoothing Concentrate (.5 fl.oz)
• Wrinkle Control Fundamental Mask (2 sachets)
• Revitalizing Eye Contour Cream (.5 fl.oz)

Approx. $ 85.00

2008 GIFT SETS - DERMALOGICA

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . . DERMALOGICA Holiday Skin Rescue Gift Set is described as a "lifeboat for the skin containing a powerful regimen of products to get the skin back on track."

Set includes:
• Skin Hydrating Masque (.75 oz)
• Daily Microfoliant (.45 oz)
• Multi-Active Toner (1.7 fl.oz)
• Skin Hydrating Booster (.25 fl.oz)
• Total Eye Care SPF 15 (.1 fl.oz)

Approx. $35*
*Prices vary on this set.

2008 GIFT SETS - B. KAMINS

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . .
B. KAMINS Essentials for Healthy Skin helps restore vital moisture to the skin to provide a more radiant complexion.

Set includes:
• Vegetable Skin Cleanser (2 oz)
• Nutrient Replacement Cream (.5 oz)
• Day Cream SPF 15 (.5 oz)
• Lip Balm SPF 20 (.53 oz)

Approx. $60.00
Noteworthy Mention: All proceeds will be donated to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

2008 GIFT SETS - EMINENCE ORGANICS

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . .

EMINENCE ORGANICS Rose Collection Tube includes five (5) travel size products plus a full size serum;
• Sweet Red Rose Cleanser
• Rosehip & Maize Exfoliating Treatment
• Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer
• Rosehip Whip Moisturizer
• Sweet Red Rose Treatment
• Couperose C-Serum

Approx. $60.00

2008 GIFT SETS - PEVONIA

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . .

PEVONIA's Tranformation Luxury Gift Set beautifully packaged in a luxurious and distinguished festive green box.

Includes three (3) high profile Pevonia products;
Pevonia Vitaminic Concentate (.5 oz)
Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (5 oz)
Pevonia Marin-Collage Cream (.7oz)

Approx. $75.00

2008 GIFT SETS - SKINMEDICA

SKINMEDICA's TNS Recovery Complex Gift Set generates rapid filling and smoothing action to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a LipPlump system to add fullness and volume.

Gift Set includes:
• TNS Line Refine (.12 oz)
• TNS LipPlump System
• Holiday Bag
• Keepsake Box

Approx. $95.00

2008 GIFT SETS - DECLEOR

Last Minute Gift Ideas . . .

DECLEOR's Timeless Nature Anti-Aging Gift Set is formulated to restore the skin's vitality and radiance.

Set includes:
• Experience de L'Age Rich Cream (1.7 fl.oz)
• Aromessence Iris (.17 fl.oz)
• Gel Prolangene (.5 fl.oz)
• Experience de L'Age Mask(.5 fl.oz)

Approx. $80.00

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - ENTER TO WIN

NapaStyle's Great Culinary Adventure to Napa Valley with Chef Michael Chiarello
Enter by December 31st
Grand Prize: One trip for two (2) to Napa Valley. Trip package includes roundtrip airfare for two to San Francisco, three days and two nights accommodations at the Villagio Inn and Spa, a rental car for three days, 50 minute Wellness Massage for the winner and guest, guided limousine tour of private wineries, dinner for two at Bottega, wine tasting with Michael Chiarello at Bottega, dinner for two at Bouchon Restaurant in Napa Valley. and a guided tour at the NapaStyle Flagship Store.
Approximate Retail Value: $4,500

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - ENTER TO WIN

Fairmont Hotels: What's Your Spa Style?
Enter by December 29th
Grand Prize: One trip for two (2) to winner's choice of one of the following Willow Stream and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts locations: Beijing, China; Cairo, Egypt; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Scottsdale, Arizona; or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Trip package includes roundtrip, coach-class air transportation for two (2), six (6) nights accommodations, three (3) spa treatments per person; and daily access to spa amenities, and $3,500 USD worth of American Express® Travelers Cheques. Approximate Retail Value $12,000.

Wynn Las Vegas Hotel Getaway to Luxury Sweepstakes
Enter by December 31st
Grand Prize: One trip for two (2) to the Wynn Las Vegas hotel. The prize includes three consecutive nights lodging for two in a Salon Suite at the Wynn Las Vegas, a $400 dinner credit redeemable toward a dinner for two at the SW Steakhouse at the Wynn, a $400 credit redeemable toward Wynn Spa services or shopping, two tickets for the Le Rêve show at the Wynn Las Vegas during the stay, and Limousine transportation to and from McCarran Airport in Las Vegas. Note: No transportation to or from Las Vegas is included within the Grand Prize and is the sole responsibility of the Grand Prize winner and winner’s guest. Approximate Retail Value $3,148.

Spa Week Gift Card Specials

Our Editors have received more emails about saving money than any other topic this year. The downturn in the economy has taken a painful bite out of everyone's wallet in one way or another. Spa lovers want to know if there are any real deals out there. Previous posts outline several money saving tips, but there are other great resources.

SpaWeek.org was launched in 2003 by founder and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Cheryl Reid, in a sincere effort to make sure a trip to the spa is an affordable luxury for everyone. The Spa Week Gift Card is an example of a great deal offering a 20% savings. Until December 22nd a $100 Spa Week Gift Card costs only $80.00. Bookmark their site because they have a variety of spa treats throughout the year.

Spa Week also offers a plethora of savings in spas across the US on their steals and deals page, a healthy selection of product giveaways, . . . and a beautiful 2.22 carat diamond eternity band. So, what are you waiting for? Go have a look for yourself. Enjoy!

Top Five Trends in Spas - Stress Busters & Brain Power Boosters

Spas are developing new stress reduction programs to promote an unimpaired state of relaxation. Meditation, guided visual imagery and sleep therapy are showing up on spa menus across the nation. Mind, body and soul programs offer immediate nourishment. Brain power boosters are becoming popular treatments that cater to a vast aging population, as well as those suffering from stress related cognitive impairment.

Stress is responsible for the majority of illnesses and heart attacks. It also increases irritability, destroys concentration, threatens cognitive abilities, disrupts coping skills and ruins emotional wellness. The amount of mental activity generated throughout the day is staggering, all of which, is accentuated with imagery and colored by emotions. Balance is key to maintaining your cool. It requires healthy thoughts, rebooting thinking power and running interference on all of the negatives we are hit with every day.

Don't allow yourself to become unhinged. Relaxation is the key to unwinding frazzled nerves. Healthy brain power kick starts healthy emotions. Healthy emotions are good for the heart. A happy heart creates a sense of fulfillment that spills over onto others. The 'power of one' can change the world, . . . one person at a time.

Top Five Trends in Spas - Alternative Therapy

Spas are taking their cues from a stressed out society by digging deep to offer alternative and spiritually based therapies. These ancient, 'blast from the past' practices have proven track records in stress reduction and in rekindling a positive energy shift.

This sacred comeback includes carefully chosen music and enticing aromas to set the stage for treatments such as, acupuncture, polarity massage, chakra balancing massages, reiki, healing touch, crystal healing, shiatsu, breathing rooms, energy healing, hot stone therapy, etc. Total health and wellness is the focus of this new and very hot trend with relaxation and rejuvenation as the ultimate goal.

Top Five Trends in Spas - Fully Clothed Mini Massages

There are two very good reasons that fully clothed massages are a rising trend.
• We live in a fast paced world where stress fills the tanks of those living an 'on-the-go' lifestyle. Express spas, airport spas, massage bars, and in-chair massage hubs are popping up everywhere. These 15 to 20 minute mini massages are an oil-free, 'better than nothing' approach at targeting the knots in our shoulders, neck, back and hands without the hassle of undressing, which can sometimes be, . . . well, a pain in the neck.
• A recent report disclosed that 70% of spa visitors have never had a massage. Almost 3/4 of all spa visitors have not taken the plunge, so to speak, and dropped their clothing for the sake of stress. The reason? The personal discomfort of having to undress creates an anxiety and an awkwardness that quickly cancels out the desire to take part. These 15 minute wonders increase circulation, rejuvenate tired limbs, and relieve stress. At the average rate of $1.00 to $2.00 per minute, these minis won't break the bank.

Top Five Trends in Spas - It's All About The Green . . . Environment and Finances

It is all about the green. Organic products, water conservation, active recycling programs, low energy lighting, etc. Yes, we are delighted to report the green movement is one of the top trends in the spa industry, but that is not the kind of green we are talking about in Trend #2.

We are actually addressing the other green, . . . money. It is no surprise that many consumers are cutting back on spending. In perfect harmony, spas are getting creative to find ways to honor customers looking for refuge in a very stressful economy. This is an opportunity for spa-goers to shop around for some stress-busting deals.

Here are a few tips to help. Booking midweek is generally cheaper than weekend treatments at many destination/resort spas, and if it is not, ask for it. Don't be shy, everyone understands this is a time where cutting costs is the diligent thing to do. Many spas are offering menu samplers, family discounts, girlfriend getaway deals, etc., but don't be surprised if you don't find them listed on the spa menu. Again, take a deep breath and ask for their under-the-table specials. Look into booking smaller treatments with bite-size price tags, such as mini massages, manicures, hand massage, pedicures, neck and shoulder massages. Take care of yourself during this very stressful time. Your good health is counting on you.

Top Five Trends in Spas - Homestay Vacations & Fertility Treatments

Spas are reporting an increase in couples booking spa getaways together. Instead of taking a trip abroad, which has become financially prohibitive in this type of economy, couples are booking their vacations at resorts that cater to spa lovers. Side-by-side massages, facials, manicures and pedicures are popular treatments for anniversaries, birthdays and Valentines Day celebrations.

There is another reason why this couple trend is growing. Holisitic fertility treatments. Acupuncture, fertility yoga, fertility reflexology, three hour daily massages, heat treatments and other ancient fertility treatments are just some of the spa services offered to couples having difficulty conceiving a child. This trend is certain to continue since one in six couples struggle with infertility. Learning to relax with one another in an environment where both individuals are being cared for seems to be a winning formula. Couples book spa treatments together to become part of a philosophy that rests upon a very sturdy fact that relaxation is the answer to health, healing, happiness, . . . and conception.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - ENTER TO WIN

The Starter Wife Mollywood Getaway Sweepstakes
Enter by December 18th, 2008
Grand Prize: "Winner and three (3) friends will step into Mollly's shoes and follow her fun-filled daily planner taking them to the hottest locations, from A-list boutiques, to the most exclusive spas and hippest dining locations."

Grand Prize includes round-trip airfare to Los Angeles, CA; three (3) nights hotel accommodations at Beverly Hills Hotel, ground transportation to and from airport and hotel, daily chauffeured transportation in a hybrid SUV, $2,000 Chase Freedom pre-paid cards (per person), and luxurious Signature Bliss Spa Treatments.

Winner and guests will also receive:
• Breakfast for four (4) days at the hotel;
• Lunch for three (3) days;
• Dinner and beverages for three (3) nights;
• Trips to Rodeo Drive/Robertson for shopping;
• Tickets to Los Angeles County Museum of Art;
• Tickets to a show at the Music Center;
• Four (4) Starter Wife Weekend Deluxe Getaway Totes

The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the Trip is $33,886.