I’ve decided to really look ‘within’ …….my stash that is. I’m going to be attempting a new series on my blog with the above title. Hopefully, I’ll be able to post once a week with favorites from a particular brand. That’s certainly the idea anyway. I thought I would kick things off with L’Oréal Paris since I have tried a wide range of their products and skin care.
skin care Tag Archives
Caryl Baker Oxygen facial breathes life into my skin!
If I had won the lottery like that psychic said I would, then I would certainly have taken a chunk of my winnings and devoted to finding the fountain of youth.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be a millionaire to treat your skin well! Caryl Baker has introduced their oxygen facial and it is beyond worth it!
What Caryl Baker says about the treatment:
Indulge in a luxurious 60-minute treatment that combines the use of deeply hydrating collagen and cell boosting pure oxygen. Fine lines and wrinkles are noticeable diminished. Leaves your skin looking and feeling soft and rejuvenated.
My treatment was performed by the lovely Kiki and started off with a consultation. Afterwards, I got a mini microdermabrasion then the oxygen facial commenced. My skin was thoroughly cleansed, masqued and then the oxygen was applied via airbrush. I also was treated to a hydrating collagen mask which really helped lock moisture into my skin. Afterwards, my skin felt clean and refreshed. It looked like I had woken up from a restful slumber (which I really COULD use by the way-oh if only).
If you are anywhere near a Caryl Baker Visage, give them a call and book this treatment. It’s appropriate for all skin types and will make your skin feel AMAZING!
Stay tuned for a post with some of the items I purchased after my facial including a super duper eye cream that I swear by!
Jetting off to Saint-Tropez? Care for your skin too-Dermalogica style!
Oh wouldn’t we all just love to take a respite to a warm place right now? Even though we can’t all click our heels 3 times and magically be transported to a land of palm trees and sunshine, if you ARE planning a vacation, you CAN avoid making some of these common skin care mistakes (courtesy of the lovely Charmaine Cooper of Dermalogica).
1.Rushing out too quickly for “Fun in the Sun”
-Right after a flight, skin is more dehydrated…making it more vulnerable.
-Immediate sun exposure for unprotected skin is the WORST kind of start to any vacation.
Solution: Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water! Always wear your sun protection!
2.Too much Sun exposure!
Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from the skins surface, which is why sunburned skin requires more moisture than unexposed areas.
Solution: Where possible, limit the time spent in direct sun exposure. Be sun smart! Don’t be a vampire but protect yourself from UV rays by seeking shade, wearing UV protective clothing.
3.Sun damage – not a light thing!
Skin damage should be treated seriously. Did you know that with immediate attention, the skin health can be recovered and renewed?
Solution: Using a powerful serum like AGEsmart Multivitamin Power Serum, to reverse Cellular damage is a phenomenal way to keep the skin looking and feeling its best. Use a small amount nightly, underneath your moisturizer.
4. So, you got sun kissed! Kiss your skin with hydration!
Vacationers covet the “sun kissed” look but usually end up with a “skin dehydrated” look! No matter what your age, the Sun is the number one way to dehydrate the skin.
Solution: Dermalogica AGEsmart Antioxidant Hydramist is a favourite way to restore the lost moisture, essential to your skin. Mist the skin anytime of the day and night with cooling hydration, and a shield of antioxidants.
5. Play hard but play fair! Be good to your skin.
Start and finish your vacation right!
Solution: Wear SPF at all times – SPF 20, SPF 25, SPF 30, or even SPF 50! We recommend, re-applying, often. We recommend, re-applying, often. Try Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster SPF 50. It can be applied on its own or mixed into your favorite moisturizer.
6. Look great but also be great in your shades!
Sun glasses are always a cool accessory for your vacation. Glasses sometimes are not enough to protect those peepers.
Solution: Don’t forget to care for your eyes with an appropriate eye moisturizer that contains SPF. UV rays can be attracted to the skin around the eyes, especially with dark glass frames. Be wise and good to the eyes! Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15 is a great option.
So there you have it folks! Return from your time away looking refreshed both inside AND out!
Enjoy your vacation!
Where’s that pause button again? Finding ‘center’…..
ho·me·o·sta·sis (hm–stss)
n.The ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes.
Homeostasis- I don’t delve into science much on my blog-I only have a mild interest and lack the ‘expertise’ and knowledge. *Please note for all you rocket scientists reading this blog (or biologists, or chemists, or any kind of –ist that you are), I am using the definition rather loosely and including a broad spectrum of ‘processes.’ * There. Just needed to note that.
image from womenonthefence.com
BB cream obsessed! My collection, your thoughts?
Do you like BB creams as much as I do?
Check out these yummy winter skin treats!
Hot off the presses!
Best face forward-Quartz Crystal Spa at the Trump International Hotel, Toronto
I’ve been ‘around the block’ as far as facials/body treatments are concerned. I have run the gamut of facial treatments, microdermabrasion, peels, hydrating treatments. Surprisingly, I had not experienced an oxygen facial.
I knew that the Trump had a spa, but the Quartz Crystal Spa didn’t truly catch my eye until after reading a tweet on twitter regarding a custom chocolate basket and gift certificate combination. While I am still waiting on s0meone (*ahem* other half because I KNOW you read this blog) to gift me that basket (my birthday is in January after all), I decided to go with an oxygen facial-more specifically the Age Defying Oxygen facial.
From the Quartz Crystal Spa:
INDULGE YOUR SENSES. Towering high above the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, Quartz Crysta Spa™ provides a serene escape on the 31st and 32nd floors of the hotel. The 15,000 square foot oasis channels vintage Hollywood glamour with contemporary city views intended to transport each guest into a luxurious haven of calm, balance, revitalization, purification and healing.
Personal Spa Attachés tailor your custom experience from the moment you arrive. A full complement of soothing and restorative body treatments and massage therapies, therapeutic skin care offerings and relaxing specialty programs allow you to decompress and renew body, mind and soul at our day spa in downtown Toronto
SPA SERVICES. The Quartz Crystal Spa™ was designed with passion, vision and a desire to elevate you into a timeless experience of calm, balance and revitalization to both men and women. Offering an unrivalled assortment of facial treatments, specialty massages and full-day relaxation retreats. The spa’s facilities also include an indoor heated, salt-water infinity lap pool, movement studio, personal fitness training and fully equipped fitness facility with Technogym equipment all within an oasis that juxtaposes classic Hollywood glamour against modern city skylines.
From the Quartz Crystal Spa regarding my treatment:
Age Defying Oxygen | 60 minutes
With organic Bio-Swiss certified extracts and the latest advanced age-fighting actives, this Oxygen facial delivers instant results. Thorough cleansing, followed by cell-renewing Alpha Hydroxy Acids, extracted from chardonnay grapes, rejuvenates and refines the skin. A decadent massage, energizing mask, and a personalized nutrient infusion with pure oxygen helps stimulate collagen production, improves elasticity, and restores the skin’s youthful glow.
My experience:
When I hear the word ‘Trump’, I expect a certain standard. However, based on my past experiences at hotel spas, I wasn’t expecting the best facial ever. Prior to my visit, I had never had extraordinary facials at any hotel-even the high end ones.
Quartz Crystal Spa is on my top ten spa list-and is currently tied for first place.
The spa is beautiful and that’s putting it mildly. Decor is not over the top or minimalist, it’s just right.
Are you ooh-ing and ahhh-ing yet? Or did you walk away to book an appointment already?
If you aren’t doing either of the above, you should be. The Quartz Crystal Spa at The Trump International Hotel is everything you’d expect and more. My treatment and experience were top notch from the moment I put my hand on the door to enter the spa. After changing into my spa robe and slippers, I was ushered into a lounge with a fireplace (and TV). I asked for water, I was offered citrus water or cucumber water. There were snacks available. Every little personal ‘touch’ you can think of is there, no stones unturned, no details overlooked.
My therapist examined my skin and gave me a thorough consultation (in addition to the paperwork that is filled out prior to treatment-standard patient history type stuff). The treatment was amazing, especially the oxygen which was applied with an airbrush like device. It felt cool and soothing. The hour flew by and before I knew it, the treatment was over (boo). I was handed a mirror and the face looking back at me looked beautiful-glowy, not greasy. It was almost like my skin “woke up.” The therapist recommended some products, of which I did purchase one, a serum:
The serum I purchased is the Serum Absolut Lighten Serum by Luzern Laboratories.
From the box:
This high-powered, yet gentle oil-free formula diminishes signs of sun spots while brightening and evening skin tone. Skin looks clearer, brighter, radiant. For all skin types, including sensitive skin.
-Reduces the appearance of sun spots, dark spots and discoloration.
-Promotes a brighter and healthier looking complexion.
-Gently exfoliates to quickly reveal younger looking skin.
Directions:
Pump into the palm of your hand and apply to cleansed skin AM and PM. Follow with another Serum Absolut if desired, and then with your moisturizer.
Let me say, I do love this serum. It does what I expect it to do, which is absorb quickly and prepare my skin for my moisturizer. I do see a brightening effect but am unsure of the diminishing of my sun spots, as I have had those since my 20’s. I have a feeling I may be undergoing a laser procedure to remove those! However, the serum is definitely worth it and I am going to go back and purchase the other serum that my therapist mentioned. Luzern Laboratories website recommends 2 serums as part of a daily skin care regimen.
Overall, I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Quartz Spa and I will be back. I’ve already perused the spa services and am trying to narrow down the choices. I may splurge and do a half day. I highly highly highly recommend this spa if you are looking for true relaxation and thorough treatments performed by experienced therapists. The decor alone is worth a look-and they have a salt water AND infinity lap pool so spa guests are invited to bring their swimsuits.
I stand corrected….there is ONE spa within a hotel that is worth its weight in gold…..
The Quartz Crystal spa is located within the Trump International Hotel in Toronto Ontario (31st floor) located at:
325 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5H 4G3
Find the Quartz Crystal spa:
on the web
on twitter
on facebook
*All pictures, descriptions used with permission from Quartz Crystal Spa*
Gift idea for the beauty in your life- Mary Kay satin hands pampering set in Vanilla Sugar!
This is one of Mary Kay’s most popular items! I was super excited to see that this set is available in vanilla sugar fragrance. The packaging is adorable as well and can be re-used!
Here’s how you use satin hands!
Step 1: Satin Hands Hand Softener- Massage a small amount of cream into clean hands and between fingers. For added hydration, dampen skin with water prior to applying.
Step 2: Satin hands Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub-Dispense 1-2 pumps of scrub, massaging into hands and between fingers. Rinse well and pat dry.
Step 3: Satin Hands Hand Cream-Massage cream into hands and between fingers. This nongreasy hand cream leaves hand soft and silky.
(Satin hands cream moisturizes for 24 hours. It even lasts through several hand washings).
This set is Limited edition and retails for $51.00 CAD. Who in your life needs some pampering?
Contact your independent beauty consultant today and grab this while it’s still around!
Find Mary Kay:
on the web
on facebook
on Twitter
ebeauty.ca dazzles with their Holiday Beauty Bag!
I don’t think it’s any sort of news flash that we ALL want to look our absolute best for the holidays!
Hydration anyone? How I stay ‘glow-y’ with Christian Dior Hydra Life Beauty Awakening Rehydrating Mask
As I get older (and yes, I’m going into my 40’s kicking AND screaming) I am hearing the same thing from my various aestheticians….
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