Beauty411

June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque: Beat the Heat!

June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is to your skin what a mojito is to your psyche...calming, soothing and darn good hydration on a hot summer day!  This gel masque smells so tropical when you open it; but don't be fooled. The June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is full of ingredients that are on a mission.  It's a beauty treatment packed with fresh botanicals, age-fighting antioxidants and moisture binding ingredients that nourish the skin and leaving it feel silky smooth and revitalized.  More good news:  it's paraben and preservative free and can be used by all skin types.  Sensitive and irritated skins, that means you, too!

The June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is a gel texture; you can apply to your face (and under eye area to reduce puffiness) with fingertips or a soft brush.  Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse off.  This masque has quickly become one of my favorites; it's got that wonderful pineapple smell, you can feel it working, and when you rinse it off, your skin looks fresh and radiant. 

If you've never tried the June Jacobs line before, you're in for a treat with this product. The June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is available online at June Jacobs, Skinstore and Beauty Exclusive.  For additional retailers, check the June Jacobs website. 

Bioelements Vitalization Body Creme

Bioelements Vitalization is a body creme that goes beyond your basic after-shower creme, both in terms of technology, ingredients and benefits.  Technology in a body creme?  Seriously.  Most body cremes don't include peptides and antioxidants usually reserved for anti-aging treatments used on your face.  Bioelements Vitalization is a light, perfect-for-summer body creme that restores radiance, firms and smooths away rough skin.  All that, plus the fresh fragrance of pure botanical oils.  I replaced my usual winter body creme with the Vitalization and what I've noticed is that even hours after applying it, my skin still feels hydrated and supple.

Bioelements products can be found in Bioelements spas nationwide or online at SpaLook.com or DermStore.com.

Elemis Spa and Skincare

Elemis is a UK prestige spa and skincare line that is known for creating indulgent, results-driven treatments.  From anti-aging products to skincare and body treatments, the line has been well thought-out, using nourishing and botanical ingredients to provide performance and pampering.

My favorite Elemis product is the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt.  It's one of the most interesting products I've ever used.  It starts as a balm;  what I do is take the bottle in the shower with me, run it under the hot water for a few seconds so that it "melts" the balm.  I then massage the Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt, which has turned into an oil, into my skin to moisturize and condition dry spots like elbows, ankles and knees.  Like a spa treatment in your home!  I love the fragrance of tropical plumeria flowers--it makes me think of island vacations; a moment of calm before my hectic day starts.

Another favorite product is the new Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream.  I'm sad to report that my hands are always a mess.  Stress, dry cuticles, weak nails....really take a toll on my hands.  I'm always on the lookout for a rich hand and nail treatment that works.  Not just your average hand cream, this non-greasy, satiny cream targets skin crepiness, sun damage, redness, discoloration, weakened nails and dryness. I've been using the Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream for several weeks now, in the morning and before bedtime and have really seen a significant improvement in my hands and nails (I even got up the courage to wear polish!).  

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit an Elemis Spa, here's the next best thing.  Throughout the month of June, Elemis will offer two for one SpaPod treatments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  This special offer would entitle you to TWO 30-minute Power Booster Facials for the price of one--ONLY $55. 

In case you’re not familiar, the Elemis SpaPod offers 30 minute Power Booster Facials to rejuvenate the body and skin without having to undress or even take off your eye makeup. The therapies are performed on an Intelligent Massage Chair that measures the length of the spine, takes your body weight, warms the body and delivers a customized massage program using a variety of techniques on the calves, legs, buttocks, back and neck – basically the ultimate quick indulgence.  This SpaPod promotion is available at Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom Chicago at the Michigan Avenue, Woodfield and Oakbrook locations. 

All Elemis products are available at select Nordstrom stores, www.nordstrom.com and www.timetospa.com.  

Johnson's Melt Away Stress Giveaway!

The package of Johnson's Melt Away Stress products couldn't have come at a better time.  I spent the day, like hundreds of other weary travelers, at O'Hare Airport on Friday, enduring delays and cancelled flights.  When I finally got home and saw the Melt Away Stress products, I grabbed them and ran for my shower!

The first product I tried was the Melt Away Stress 24 Hour Moisturizing Wash.  Containing Aromasoothe fragrance with lavendar and chamomile, I immersed myself in the creamy lather.  I followed up with the Dreamy Night Cream, applying and "breathing deeply" the soft, lavendar fragrance.  Both the Dreamy Night Cream and the Body Lotion are very moisturizing.  The line also includes a Massaging Moisturizer, which is a massage oil.  The entire line has been shown to reduce overall body tension, soothe and reduce muscle tightness and tiredness.  I honestly felt calmer and less stressed out when I went to bed. 

The research shows the benefits of Johnson's Melt Away Stress wash and lotion have been clinically studied and shown to reduce tension by 50% and increase quality of sleep by 30%.  In addition, in a consumer test, women who used the 24 Hour Moisturizing Wash in the shower said they felt as relaxed as if they had taken a warm bath.  Based on my own experience, I can definitely agree with that.  You can find the Johnson's Melt Away Stress line at mass, food and drug retailers nationwide and online at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com.

Enter the Johnson's Melt Away Stress giveaway and receive a giftbag with each of the Melt Away Stress products, by sharing your favorite stress busting tip. 

Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions Body Wash

Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions body wash captures the essence and spirit of Brazil in this new line that also includes Moroccan and Japanese Exotic Oil Infusions.  This body wash blends the rich consistency of Passion Flower Cream and the silkiness of Acai Fruit Oil resulting in soft, silky skin.  The acai berry, found in the palm trees of the Amazon, has gotten serious buzz about it's antioxidant properties. 

When I first tried Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions body wash in the shower, I really was amazed at how nice the fragrance is.  It leaves the skin moisturized, hydrated and leaves a luscious sheen.  This is a body wash that I would repurchase without hesitation.  Everyone knows that Brazilian women are noted for their beauty and sensuality; bring a little of that home with Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions body wash. Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions body wash is available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide. 

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.

Bath & Body Works Enchanted Orchid: The Scent of Spring

Bath & Body Works has welcomed Spring with a gorgeous new fragrance:  Enchanted Orchid.  This is a lush, tropical fragrance that any woman would love.  Part of the B & BW Signature Collection, Enchanted Orchid has top notes of pink grapefruit, wet greens, waterlily and crisp apple; middle notes of Calypso Orchid, fresh gardenias, delicate iris and violet petals.  Base notes are vanilla orchid, heliotrope, creamy amber and skin musk.

A basket of several Enchanted Orchid products would make for a special Mother's Day gift.  I would choose the Satin Body Veil, Creamy Body Wash and Eau de Toilette, which would make a nice layering set.  I've tried the shower gel, the lotion and body spritz and that trio also would be a perfect gift suggestion.  On the website, there's a Buy 3 Get 1 Free promo going on, so pick something out for yourself, too!  This really is a lovely fragrance and perfect for spring and summer.  Additional product information can be found on the Bath & Body Works website or in-store.

The "Scoop" on Open Sundaes

Open Sundaes is a Canadian Bath & Body line that gives new meaning to the words "girly girl".  These handmade products are not only fun, but are done with incredible attention to detail.  All the fun and eye candy of tempting treats without the calories. 

Here's the scoop:  The Bon Bon Bath Melts come four to a container.  With flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Raspberry, Cherry Almond Shortcake and Bubble Gum, they look exactly like a colorful box of candy.  Drop one into your bath water for a heavenly treat.  If you didn't know better, you'd swear the Blue Hawaiian Cupcake Bubble Bath was the real deal!  Shaped like a cupcake with frosting on the top, it's a real treat.  An interesting product is the Chocolate Shake Hair Powder.  You shake it into your hair, work through and it's like a dry shampoo with a chocolatey fragrance.  And one of my favorite products is the Lip Toppings, which is a delicious tasting, sheer lip gloss with a hint of shimmer.  Not goopy or sticky, this really feels--and tastes--good on your lips.

If you need a gift for a 'tween, shower favors, a Mother's Day or Girlfriend gift, or just want to treat yourself, check out Open Sundaes.  All the fun without any of the calories!  For more information on Open Sundaes products, visit the online store.

Space.NK Apothecary Bath & Body Collection

Space.NK Apothecary is a trendy beauty store that has migrated from Britain to the U.S. and is already a huge hit with beauty product junkies.  The reason?  A fabulous selection of highly sought after product lines and knowledgeable staff; an unbeatable combination.  In addition to the niche lines, Space.NK has it's own line of fragrances, as well as bath and body products, which are--like the store--fabulous.

There are a total of nine fragrances, which were designed to evoke forgotten memories and emotions.  Here's a sampling of my favorites:

• Enrapture:  Enrapture is completely romantic.  A blend of tuberose, ylang-ylang, blackcurrant bud and orange blossom, it's sensual and perfect for a romantic summer evening.  I tried this fragrance in a hand lotion, which is rich and moisturizing.

Soulful:  Woody and floral; a blend of cedar, sandalwood, rose and lily of the valley.  Not overpowering; think gentle, tranquil, relaxing fragrance.

Laughter:  Uplifting and fresh, Laughter is a blend of lime, rosemary and juniper with a bite of ginger.  A walk in the fresh air or on the beach, Laughter is a light fragrance.

Expression:  If Enrapture is romantic, Expression is sexy.  A blend of vetiver with jasmine, bergamot and a hint of nutmeg.  This is a more personal fragrance; uniquely yours.

Each of the fragrances is available in select formulations, such as perfume, body balm, hand lotions or washes and so on.  The quality in each product is apparent; the body balm and hand lotion is rich; the bath oil, so fragrant and moisturizing.  You can purchase at a Space.NK store or the entire collection is available on the Space.NK website.

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!