Beauty411

The ARCONA Studio

                                   

                                      

                                                            

Before the start of the Total Beauty Blogger's Summit, I made the decision to go to LA a day early so that I could experience a facial at the fabulous ARCONA Studio in Santa Monica.  I'm so glad I did, as it was an experience that I won't soon forget!

The ARCONA Studio is a beautiful space, with treatment rooms designed for comfort and efficiency.  My appointment started with a review of my skin and identification of any concerns that I had.  My main skincare concern is a few areas of sun damage.  Debbie was my esthetician for the Fruit Enzyme Peel, which she customized to my specific skin needs. The Fruit Enzyme Peel resurfaces the skin, leaving it glowing and healthy looking. The Fruit Enzyme Peel starts with cleansing and the application of an enzyme complex mask, which removes dead skin cells and helps to restore clarity and stimulate production of collagen.  Application of custom anti-oxidant serums is next, helping to restore the skin's softness and suppleness.  As each product was applied, you can't help but notice the wonderful smell.  The  treatment concluded with LED Light Therapy, which is beneficial for hyperpigmentation and skin conditions such as rosacea.  The LED Light Therapy stimulates collagen production and helps to repair skin damage.  At the conclusion of my treatments, my skin was glowing!

In discussing my treatment products, I shared with Debbie that I currently use several ARCONA products, including the ARCONA White Tea Purifying Cleanser, as well as the Triad Pads.  The Triad Pads are in a league of their own; a multi-tasking cranberry-scented pad that cleanses, tones and hydrates. I like to use the Triad Pads in the evening, when I can cleanse, tone, hydrate AND remove makeup.  In addition to all that, the Triad Pads are an excellent treatment product, as they contain vitamins, phyto-nutrients, essential fatty acids and rice milk.  Like all ARCONA products, they are cold-processed in small batches with active, natural ingredients.

The ARCONA Studio is located at 425 Broadway (across from Fred Segal) in Santa Monica.  More information on the ARCONA Studio can be found here.  Whether to learn about a new skincare regimen, purchase products or to nurture yourself with a skin service, I can highly recommend the ARCONA Studio. You can find ARCONA products online at beauty.com and sister site drugstore.com.

Spring Break: Don't forget the Sunscreen!

Aveeno Continuous Sunblock Lotion SPF55 and Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF70 are two sunscreens that I recently took with me on vacation.  If you're heading out on Spring Break, you should slip these into your beach bag, also.  Both products offer UVA (aging)/UVB (burning) broad spectrum sun protection and contain the patented Helioplex technology, which combines avobenzone and oxybenzone in a stable form.   Both are chemical sunscreens, so they should be applied to bare skin. 

The Aveeno Continuous Sunblock Lotion SPF55 contains the patented active photobarrier complex and would be an excellent daily facial sunscreen, although it can be used on the body also.  I really love the fact that the Aveeno product contains natural soy and vitamins C and E (antioxidants).  The "Continuous Protection" part of the product name shouldn't be overlooked, either. This is a feature of the line that helps to keep the sunblock ingredients working long after other sunscreen ingredients start to break down.

The Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF70 gets major points for convenience.  I love that this sunscreen can be sprayed on without any mess.  And yes, it really is cooling.  You can spray in any direction with the can and there's no need to rub the product in.  It has a light, fresh fragrance. I seriously doubt that I could go back to liquid sunscreens (for my body) after using this spray.   

Both the Aveeno Active Naturals Sunblock Lotion SPF55 and the Neutrogena Fresh Booling Body Mist Sunblock SPF70 are waterproof and nongreasy.  If you're heading out on Spring Break, don't forget to pack the sunscreen.  Both the Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion and the Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist are available online at drugstore.com, as well as at drugstores and discount stores like Target, nationwide.