Beauty411

Boscia Willow Bark To-Go Breakout Treatment

Boscia Willow Bark To-Go Breakout Treatment is a gel-in-a-pen acne product that makes zapping zits convenient and easy.  This slim spot-treatment pen helps to clear up your complexion with several key ingredients.  Willow Bark, a natural beta hydroxy acid, exfoliates skin without irritation, while soapberry peel helps to cleanse and nourish.  This is important, because one of the reasons for acne breakouts in the first place is bacteria and clogged oil glands in the skin.  A combination of antioxidants and vitamins, including Vitamin C and E, help to reduce redness, control oil, maintain a clear complexion and combat free radicals. 

The Boscia Willow Bark To-Go Breakout Treatment is perfect for tucking into a purse or beach bag and carrying with you.  Being from Boscia, it's botanically-based, nondrying, non-irritating and preservative-free. I’ve reached for this product several times when my skin has rebelled from testing new skincare products and found it to work quickly and effectively.

Boscia Willow Bark To-Go Breakout Treatment is available at Sephora, Beauty.com and on the Boscia website.

Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals

Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals is a different kind of skin care company.  Sircuit Skin blends the best of science and beauty, using 100% all natural ingredients.  What impresses me about Sircuit Skin Cosmecuticals is their goal of raising the bar on what to expect from a skin care product.  They understand that what most consumers want is an uncomplicated daily system that feels great, is easy to maintain, fun to use and works.  Sircuit provides a straightforward description of what the product will do and lists all the ingredients.  That said, Sircuit products are formulated to NEVER contain parabens, preservatives, fillers, fragrances or artificial ingredients and Sircuit is a cruelty-free company.  That is different!

I've been using the Sircuit Skin Cosmeceutical products, including Dream Weaver, which is a night time skin repair treatment; White Out, a brightening eye treatment, Brilliance, which is a serum to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone and lip balm.  Each bottle lists ingredients and how to use instructions.  I found each product to be excellent and would have no hesitation ordering additional products.  What I appreciate most about this line is their upfront, give-you-all-the-information approach.  The packaging is bright and high-tech.  Mission accomplished! 

You can find the Sircuit Skin Cosmeceutical line at DermStore or for additional availability information check the Sircuit Skin website.  You can purchase individual samples or a  sample set to get a feel for the products, which is what I would recommend. 

Zia Natural Skincare

Zia Natural Skincare formulations only utilize ingredients that provide a benefit to the skin and that are not harmful. Zia Skin Basics contains a unique blend of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients formulated to work together to deliver visible results.   More important than ever is the fact that you won't find harsh chemicals, artificial colors or artificial fragrances in the products. The line is all-natural and paraben-free.

I've been using several of the products in the Zia Skin Basics line, including the Moisturizing Cleanser.  The Moisturizing Cleanser is a gentle, soap-free cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without drying your skin; leaving it soft and supple after use.  The Moisturizing Cleanser would be best for someone with dry skin. I've also used the Bamboo Exfoliant.  It's made with rice bran, works gently (can be used daily) and leaves your skin glowing. The Everyday Moisturizer is a good, basic moisturizer; it's non-greasy and light.  The newest product that I tried is the Ultimate Eye Creme, a luxurious blend of mango butter and monoi oil.  This eye cream combines ten age-fighting ingredients, including antioxidants, grape seed, ginko and more, to fight fine lines, improve texture and firm the eye area. 

What I like about Zia Natural Skincare is it's no-nonsense approach, eco-friendly philosophy and good value.  You can find Zia Natural Skincare at health food stores nationwide and online at www.zianatural.com

 

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.

Soaptopia: 100% Junk Free!

Soaptopia is a small soap company in California with a big sense of humor and a fabulous product!  I love being able to feature artisan businesses with great product lines and Soaptopia definitely fits that description.  Add that the bath products are handmade, natural and with a dedication to being "100% Junk Free" and you have the makings of one hip, bathing experience.

Soaptopia creates over 40 different flavors and scents, so there's a soap for every body.  The soap is made with a base of olive oil, shea butter, hemp seed oil, coconut, palm and essential oils.  I tried the Orange Blossom and Blue Velvet soaps and totally love them.  They last forever and are so moisturizing that even out of the shower, your skin is left soft.  I also tried ALOTTA Bubbles, which is a sulfate-free, sugar-based bubble bath.  Great scent and lather.  And my favorite product is called the 50/50 Body Balm.  When I first looked at the jar, I went "what is this?".  Then I put it on my skin and went "this is sensational!"  The 50/50 Dr. V'Nilla, is a 50% blend of deep natural therapy creme swirled with 50% Madagascar Vanilla Essential Oil.  It's unlike anything I've ever tried, and it's incredible. Trust me on this one.

Soaptopia offers a 5 for $25 special on their soaps when you use code 5for25 checkout.  Orders are shipped in recycled boxes with natural nesting fibers and leaves, flower buds and other natural fillers.  Gift wrapping is free. Make sure to browse the website to see the entire of line of products.  Give Soaptopia a try and bathe 100% Junk Free!

Diana B. Bath & Body Collection

Diana B. Bath & Body products were started with a trip to exotic Morocco and a desire to create something new.  On that trip, the Diana B. Sugar Scrub was born and from that product, an extension into body lotions, bath gels and a new line of facial products. 

The Body line consists of three steps:  Cleanse, Exfoliate and Moisturize.

• Diana B. Bath Gel:  Thick, rich and wonderfully fragrant, you only need a dime-sized amount of Peach Frangipani Flower Bath Gel to work up to enough lather to cleanse and cover your body.  This hydrating bath gel formula contains Aloe Vera, seaweed extracts, Spirulina and chamomile to leave your skin soft and supple.  Can be used in the bath or shower.  Heavenly!
• Diana B. Sugar Scrub:  The signature product of the line and not to be missed.  There are a couple of features that set this sugar scrub apart from other exfoliating scrubs.  First, the amount of product you get...at 21 ounces, the jar is ginormous!  Inside, you'll find a blend of all natural, super-fine sugar and salts mixed with cane sugar syrup and antioxidants.  The scrub doesn't contain oil, yet smoothes and exfoliates your skin to glorious perfection.  And the fragrances?  The Maple Sugar Lychee Nut is fabulous, as is the Green Tea Desert Grapefruit.  If you've got sensitive skin, this scrub is for you.  In addition to being oil-free, it's wax and chemical-free.
• Diana B. Body Lotion:  Thick, hydrating, the scent of Black Fig is intoxicating and crisp; I think this could be a unisex moisturizer.  The body lotion formula contains Aloe Vera, sugar cane extract, marine oils, seaweed, Vitamins E and A, Spirulina and chamomile, so that your skin feels completely moisturized.

Overall, I loved the entire Diana B. collection.  I really feel each product gives you a pampering, indulgent experience.  You can purchase the Diana B. collection online at Orange Blossom Spa, Lucky Scent and Kiss and Makeup Ltd., as well as select spas and stores, including the Studio at Fred Segal, the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas and Henry Bendel. More information on the line can be found on the Diana B. website.

Product Body Cream: Handmade and Delivered Fresh!

Product Body is the perfect start to our focus on spa products this week at Beauty411.  When I go to a spa, I like careful attention to detail, personalized service and an innovative product lineup.  With the Product Body line, you get all that, plus ingredients selected for quality and freshness.  All of the products are handmade in small batches, to insure freshness and many are 100% natural and/or vegan.

One of the products that I tried, Product Body Cream, is an emollient, shea-butter infused cream that is perfect for spring-into-summer skincare.  It's a lighter formulation than a more "traditional" shea-butter cream and is definitely not greasy.  Product Body Cream provides excellent hydration and moisture, keeping skin supple all day and in addition to using as a body cream, could also be used as a hand cream.  It's lightly scented; I tried Praline Pecan and it smelled good enough to eat! Product Body Cream retails at $ 19.50.   

The Product Body lineup includes bath and body soaks and scrubs, moisturizers and a line for pregnant women and moms called MAMA BALM, that is paraban-free.  Product Body products are available online and in select retailers.  Any of these products would make a great gift and with Mother's Day coming up, a little Product Body pampering is just what she needs!

Rodial Glam Balm

Rodial Glam Balm is a product that doesn't fit into one category, such as "moisturizer" or " "anti-aging treatment".  Why?  This is one multi-tasking product that does so much, it is next to impossible to categorize it.  I fell in love with Glam Balm, because I found that practically whatever my need, a dab of Glam Balm did the trick.  Seriously.

Glam Balm contains some wonderfully soothing, natural and moisturizing ingredients.  Shea butter, Myrrh extract, Vitamin C and Calendula work to plump up collagen and smooth out wrinkles, calm irritation and lock moisture into skin.  In addition, all Rodial products contain antioxidant-rich pomegranate extracts.  Throw a tube of Glam Balm in your purse and you've got a treatment product for your face, lips, hands, cuticles (yes, I know that's indulgent) and neck; I also apply it to my dry heels.  If you're a frequent flyer, this is an incredible treatment for in-flight, when your skin starts to go all arid on you.  Your skin literally drinks this up. The formula itself is thick and very emollient; you only need a small amount, as it's rich.

There is an interesting mention of Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis in this month's W magazine.  Incredibly, the line has no advertising budget, yet has achieved cult status through word of mouth.  You can find Rodial Glam Balm at Skinstore, Bliss and DermaDoctor.

Here's the skinny on.....skinnyskinny!

skinnyskinny soaps are a product that you have to try to believe.  I was sent a sampler of skinnyskinny organic bar soaps and bath salts to try.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm generally a shower gel kind of person.  But I was curious about this line.  skinnyskinny soaps are hand made, using certified organic ingredients.  In addition, the hip packaging is recycled and they manufacture in a carbon-neutral manner.  Impressive.  But what is more impressive is when you step in that shower and lather up.  The chocolate soap is made with a whopping 20% (unrefined fair trade) cocoa butter and is so moisturizing; it feels incredible.  Another favorite is the lemon and blood orange with oatmeal.  Again, not only does this soap smell great, it exfoliates.  For a great selection of artisan soaps and bath products, check out the skinnyskinny line. You can order skinnyskinny soap directly from their website; for additional retailers check here.  You don't need to be on a diet to get skinnyskinny!

Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque: Pure Mud, Clean Skin!

Last night, I finally had some down time and decided to get in a little pampering by trying out the Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque from Alaska Glacial Mud Co.  Am I glad I did!  This masque contains the most mineral-rich and pure glacial clay in the world, further enriched with certified organic botanical extracts that were chosen for their anti-oxidant, anti-aging and moisturizing properties.  Are you thinking spa treatment in a jar?  Read on....

I used the brush to apply the Glacial mud masque to my face, left it on for about 20 minutes and then rinsed off with a warm wash cloth.  After washing it off, I can tell you that the effects on my skin rivaled any facial I've had at a spa.  My skin was pink, glowing and felt so incredibly soft (One day later, I'm still touching my face!).  Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque is gentle and can be used on all skin types as an exfoliator, detoxifier and skin-softener.  The product retails for $34; I would also recommend purchasing the brush for $6 as it makes application easier and your product go further.  Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque is available online at the Alaska Glacial Mud Co. website (be sure to read Lauren's inspiring story, too!), as well as at Amazon, C.O. Bigelow and at Henri Bendel.  This "mud in your eye" comes highly recommended!