Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Elle Magazine's Top Destination Spas . . . Cont'd

4.FOUR SEASONS GOLDEN TRIANGLE, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND
Once in a lifetime destination for active adults and teens. No snoozing here. Luxurious tented camps set in the seclusion of a Thai jungle overlooking the Ruak River in Burma, the mountains of Laos, or the jungle and Golden Triangle. Experience exotic bamboo jungles, river boat excursions, local hill tribes. What more can we say? Adventure with a capital "A".

5. VERANA, YELAPA, MEXICO
Built on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a panoramic view of the mountains, deep in the Mexican jungle, Valle del Sierra Madre Occidental. Remote, secluded, exotic, romantic. Explore deserted islands, take all day hikes, fish at dawn, pamper yourself with spa treatments created to heighten relaxation and an unmistakable appreciation for tranquility.

6. RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Located on the western edge of Maui, this 17,500 square foot, award winning hotel boasts white sand beaches, premier golf courses, state of the art fitness center, luxurious comfort, exclusivity, personalized service, culinary treats, beachfront dining, and ridiculously lavish spa treatments based on native Hawaiian healing and Island based plant therapy.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Elle Magazine's Top Destination Spas

1. PARROT CAY, TURKS AND CAICOS
Caribbean Chic. Award winning, holistic spa hosted on a private island in the northern Caribbean where the ody, mind and spirit are thoughtfully nurtured. Current spa specials . . . 4 nights for the pice of 3, 7 nights for the price of 5, and 25% discount on Parrot Cay packages. Until Sept. 2010

2. CAUDALIE VINOTHERAPY SPA, THE PLAZA, NEW YORK
Located at the infamous Plaza Hotel in New York, in the heart of Manhattan just a few steps from Central Park. Celebrating its 100 Anniversary. Look for great body care and anti-aging specials.

3. AUBERGE DU SOLEIL, NAPA VALLEY
"A handful of maisons scattered across a 33-acre hillside olive grove in Napa Valley. On its 20th anniversary, Auberge du Soleil presents a new chapter . . . a mediterranean inspired retreat offering new amenities, a new chef and a renewed sense of wellness offerings.

Cont'd . . .

Friday, March 26, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - LUXURY MAKEOVER GETAWAY SWEEPSTAKES

PGA National’s Ultimate Luxury Makeover Getaway Sweepstakes
Enter by March 31st
Grand Prize: One (1) winner will receive a personal photo shoot to capture your "before" and "after" looks, Lash Extensions by Novalash®, creation of your ultimate look, cosmetics necessary to complete your new look at home, Juvederm® or any of our medically supervised and certified skin care options, one luxury specialty salon services, one of the latest in pampering body treatments each day, five (5) days and four (4) nights in a luxury suite at PGA National in Palm Beach, Florida, welcome wine & cheese selection, contemporary and casual dining options included. Approximate Retail Value $4,975.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Condé Nast Traveller Magazine - Readers' Spa Awards for 2010

Earlier this month, Condé Nast Traveller Magazine announced their trusted Readers' Spa Awards for 2010. Here is a list of the top three spas in the United States, as well as the top spa in Canada. Kudos!
For the U.S. . . .
1. Spa Solage, Solage Calistoga, Napa Valley, California - 95.18 - (highest marks for cuisine)
2. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA , The Peninsula New York - 94.47 - (highest marks for body treatments)
3. The Spa, Rancho Encantado Eco Resort and Spa, New Mexico - 89.99 - (highest marks for clean living, environmental friendliness).

For Canada . . .
1. Escape Spa, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta - 92.53 - (the only spa in Canada that made the top ten awards for The Americas & Caribbean division). Impressive.

Monday, March 22, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - WELLNESS AND SPA TRENDS 2010

WELLNESS & SPA TRENDS SURVEY
Ends March 26th
Grand Prize: One (1) winner will receive roundtrip plane tickets for two to France via Air France to travel to Nantes, Loire Atlantique. The stay is provided by Royal Thalasso Barriere and includes 5 nights and 6 days in a king size bedroom accommodation, traditional or dietetic half-board, 4 spa treatments per person, per day, access to the resort’s tennis (1 hour per day) and golf facilities (1 green fee per day, per person), bikes provided, as well as cocktail to the slot machine Lucien Barrière casino's bar. Approximate Retail Value: $4999. Spa Spectacular. Ooh-la-la!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Eye and Lip Cream Double Duty Duo?

Is an all-in-one eye and lip cream an effective double duty duo? Not in our opinion.The skin around the eyes and lips is completely different and each require ingredients with a specific skill set. Lip products incorporate ingredients to deal with skin that is thicker than the skin of the eye area. The lips are a transitional area between the skin and the mucous membrane of the mouth, which is full of sensory neurons. They need to be hydrated and protected. Lip products will often increase the blood supply to heighten nourishment, keeping the lips plump. This means the lips will swell a little, which is not an effect wanted anywhere near the eye area. Pouty lips are great, swollen looking eyes . . . maybe not so much.

Eye creams are designed to gently hydrate to avoid triggering puffiness, or provoke a reaction in this delicate, thin area. Improving circulation is desirable, but not to increase it through too much stimulation. It is more important to find a product that will decongest the eye area and remove any puffiness. Of course, re-enforcing the dermal proteins (collagen and elastin) is important, but only when taking into consideration the specific target area.

*Note: Ingredients for eye products should be ophthamologically tested.

Monday, March 15, 2010

TATCHA BLOTTING PAPERS

It's what you won't find in Tatcha Blotting Papers that we find to be refreshing. You won't find papers made of pulp that will eventually scratch your skin. You won't find built in fragrances that have the potential to cause skin irritations and inflamations. You won't find sheets of blotting papers coated with talc or powders that will "ghost out" your complexion. And, you won't find any mineral oil, or petroleum for that matter.

We won't take your time explaining why geishas were devotees of blotting papers, or how the abaca leaf is pounded so perfectly thin that it becomes greater in strength and absorbency. We won't throw around statistics stating that 75% of Japanese High School girls keep blotting papers in their school bags proving that blotting papers are useful for all age groups. We won't explain that all the money in the world can't control the shine on your face quite like a great blotting paper, or how easy it is to periodically 'blot' instead of a complete redo. We won't harp on the fact that one good blotting paper can be your best friend when it comes to to keeping your makeup fresh throughout the day. And, we certainly won't tell you to use the blotting papers that toilet seat covers are made of!

What we will tell you is that Tatcha Blotting Papers honor a 300 year old beauty secret, proving the theory that sometimes wonderful things do come in small packages. Tatcha offers 30 sheets of small, translucent squares (3.75") of surprisingly thin blotting paper neatly packaged in a clever folded paper pouch. They are a handmade, all natural, biodegradable, beautifying treat. Lovely.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Blotting Papers - Face It . . .

Face it . . . a shine is not fine. No matter how you look at it, a shiny face is not a good thing. Dewy, yes. Shiny, no! Shiny screams oily. Shiny never looks fresh and clean. Shiny accentuates lines and facial flaws making mature faces appear older. Ugh! Makeup divas use powder to reduce the shine and the constant need for time consuming touch ups. Great, but powder doesn't do any favors for dry, mature skin. Trust us, we have pretty much tried them all. Powder has a bad habit of settling into all of the the lines and wrinkles we work hard (and pay a lot of money) to minimize.

How can the shine be lifted before applying makeup to reveal healthy, vibrant looking skin? How can oil be removed during the day and leave the makeup intact so we don't have to start all over again . . . I mean, seriously, who has the time? The answer is blotting papers. Blotting papers have been around for generations and are now finding their way back into our makeup bags. Yes, blotting papers are a smart and simple solution for a perfect finish.

As with all good things, there are a few troubling downsides to the practice of blotting. Most blotting papers do not discern between oil and moisture and set out to absorb both. Not good! Blotting papers are recommended for normal to oily skin types, but what about dry, mature skin? And, as a type of beauty double jeopardy, most blotting papers 'soak up' all the goodies loaded into our daily moisturizing creams. Who would have thought the simple act of blotting would be so complicated? We did, and so we set out to find a blotting paper that takes care of all of these very annoying problems. Which one can we recommend? Come back on Monday and we will tell you. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

SOTHYS C DOUBLE RENEWAL SYSTEM

Sothys offers a two part cosmeceutical for those who are serious about changing their skin, not only by promoting cell regeneration, but for boosting the health of the cells through a renewal process. Research on the Sothys C-Renewal line shows a significant boost in the pool of healthy cells. And that, dear friends, is a very good thing.

The Double Renewal System is made up of two products specifically focused on detoxifying, repairing and reconstructing the skin. The target specific glycolic acid promotes cell renewal, exfoliation, and brightening the complexion. Quercetine flavonoids decongest the skin, rice phytosterols repair, and water lilly soothes. The trademarked ingredient, H2CR™, is composed of two peptides and an antioxidant more powerful than vitamin E. These powerhouse ingredients trigger a great line of defense protecting the cells from damage caused by free radicals and then get on with the serious business of repair. If all of this sounds impressive, . . . that is because it is.

The Double Renewal System contains two products to be used on clean skin at night. Apply the Peeling Serum (step 1) and the Comfort Solution (step 2) on top of it. While you sleep your skin will be detoxified, repaired, and rejuvenated and a difference should be noted by morning. Of course, for best results use the products nightly for 4 weeks. Our recommendation? This simple-to-use product gets two thumbs straight up.

Monday, March 8, 2010

LATISSE - Long, Lustrous Lashes

Allergan, the company that manufactures Botox, received FDA approval last year to market an eyelash growth drug, Latisse. The active ingredient, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03, was initially used to treat glaucoma. During trials, it was found to increase the amount of hair in the lash and keep the hair in a prolonged growth phrase. Long story short . . . fuller lashes for a longer period of time. Since then, thousands of women have attested to the success of this product and are sporting long, lustrous lashes.

Since Latisse is classified as a drug, it is only available through a doctor's prescription. The product is packaged in a mascara tube and applied once daily to the base of the upper lashes with a one-time use, sterile, disposable applicator. It is not to be used on the lower lashes. While using Latisse, in as little as 4 weeks and throughout a full course of 16 weeks, the lashes are expected to be longer, thicker and darker. There are a few side effects to consider, including reports of a small risk to irreversible brown spots within the iris of the eyes for those with blue or light colored eyes. There have also been reports of the darkening of the eyelid skin, which will disappear once the product is no longer used. Other common side effects are itchy eyes in approximately 4% of users, redness around the eyelids, and dry eyes.

The cost? Approximately $120 for a 30 day supply. Save your pennies . . . the eyelash enhancing properties of Latisse is not permanent. The minute you stop using the product your lashes will return to the length and condition they were before the treatment began. Are the results worth it? Apparently, yes.

Friday, March 5, 2010

SPA WEEK - SPRING EVENT BEINGS APRIL 12th - 18th

Is the economy getting you down? Are you cutting back on non-essential services in your personal life? It's unfortunate that during a time of major financial cutbacks, when stress is at an all time high, services that help reduce stress and restore health go straight out the window. Well, hold onto your heart monitors everyone, we have great news for you.

Spa Week is just around the corner. Participating spas in North America will be offering a selection of full length signature services for a deep discounted flat rate of $50. That's right, $50. Considering that most spa treatments run between $100 - $200, it's almost financially irresponsible to ignore. So go ahead, beginning on March 15th, go to SpaWeek.com and book a relaxing, stress-busting massage, or facial, and save big time. In our opinion, Spa Week is seven glorious days dedicated to guilt free, affordable luxury. And that, friends, is music to our ears.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Law of Lipstick

What has a lifetime of experience in the cosmetics industry taught us? When the economy goes down, cosmetic sales go up. Way up. When higher priced items become harder to get, sales of smaller luxuries go through the roof. This is the Law of Lipstick.

Leonard Lauder, Chairman of Estee Lauder, coined a theory called, The Leading Lipstick Indicator, which simply states the economy can be read by the rise and fall of lipstick sales. Some of the darkest moments in the history of the United States, financial and otherwise, are followed by a hefty increase in lipstick sales. That is not to say women throw discretion to the wind. Quite the contrary. Women are smart consumers. They will buy one thing while sacrificing another, . . . it is the perfect order of things. Big value will be switched up for a better value. Feel good purchases will prevail.

Make no mistake, female consumers are a force to be reckoned with. After all, women comprise just over 50% of the population, make over 80% of the purchasing decisions, own 40% of all businesses, employ more people than the Fortune 500 companies worldwide, start 70% of all new businesses for the past decade and control over half the private wealth. That, friends, is what we call the Female Factor.

Monday, March 1, 2010

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - LADIES HOME JOURNAL SPA GIVEAWAY

LADIES HOME JOURNAL SPA GIVEAWAY SWEEPSTAKES
Enter by March 5th
GRAND PRIZE: One (1) winner will receive a gift certificate for a three night spa weekend getaway for two at either Canyon Ranch Spa in Lenox, Massachusetts or Tucson, Arizona, including round-trip coach air transportation for two; three daily gourmet meals; $390 per person allowance toward spa, sports and integrative wellness services; complimentary fitness classes; use of fully equipped spa complex; guided hikes and biking excursions; daily selection of educational lectures and cooking demonstrations; personal program advisor to custom-design the stay; health and fitness assessment; Retail Value $6,400, plus a $655 prize pack of Canyon Ranch beauty products; total prize package Retail Value $7,055.

*Also included:
1st Prize: $500 gift certificate to Bliss spas and $500 in Bliss beauty products. (ARV: $1,000)
2nd Prize: A $500 gift certificate to Elizabeth Arden Red Door spas and $500 in Elizabeth Arden products. (ARV: $1,000)
3rd Prize: $1,000 gift certificate from Spa Finder. (ARV: $1,000)
4th prize: Prize pack of Aveda spa products. (ARV: $1,000)