In Search Of: Soft and Glowing Summer Legs

There are two things that summer legs should be...well, according to lil ole me: smooth and glowing. Yet, in my yearly search for the perfect leg routine, I find that there are as many tricks to getting there as there are pitfalls! I'll typically experiment and finally get on the right path...but usually by September when it's time to cover back up! :S

This year, I've begun my search a little late, but none the less in earnest. My first step was to go for smooth.

I decided to let go of my Venus Embrace, which wasn't working at all for me, and go back to men's razors--this time I went for Schick's Hydro 3. A great little razor and much more economical than the fancier five bladed razors or even the Venus Embrace line.

To help me get smooth legs I've also adopted dry brushing prior to taking a shower, a good scrubby body wash in the shower, and a good moisturizer for after the shower. The added bonus to exfoliating prior to shaving is that it makes it easier for your razor to get a closer shave! Less shaving as a result. I like it!

Although I'm a huge fan of The Body Shop's body butters for my legs--I've been obsessed with pink grapefruit and satsuma for years!--there are a variety of lighter formulas that can replenish the skin after scrubbing and shaving, the sun and any other harsh elements--like air conditioning, sports, or mosquito bites!

I've also rediscovered sunless tanning moisturizers. These days, products don't smell as artificial and offensive as they used to. Though it pays off to exfoliate well prior to each application to help discourage flakey skin and odd stripes and streaks.

I've also gone back to getting regular pedicures and manicures. Having a more consistent regimen has helped me enjoy the warmer weather and show off my legs more often--though, far from perfect, I'm thankful they're both there to hold me up!

So this summer, there's a lot one can do to show off one's legs. From scrubs, to brushes, to shaving and other hair removal, to sunless tanning moisturizers and other treats. It's like your very own version of a spa treatment in the comfort of your own bathroom. Plus, it's fun to rediscover old favorites and try new products. Summer is all about YOLO and good times. I'm ready!

A Return to Favorites: Body Shop Body Butters

Satsuma Body Butter

Some years ago I became acquainted with the wonder that is The Body Shop's Satsuma scented products and their body butter products, in particular. The satsuma body butter not only smells heavenly, but it is one of the most highly and longest moisturizing body products I've ever tried.

If you're familiar with how wonderful Bath and Body Works candles are, these products by The Body Shop are in the same vein, but for your body and with mostly natural ingredients. To be perfectly honest, I prefer Body Shop body products over B&BW because their scents are very natural smelling, linger longer, and are just amazing.

No matter how dry and flaky my appendiges get in winter due to harsh, dry and cold weather or in summer due to sunburn, this product is amazing for my skin. And no burning.

Pink Grapefuit Body Butter

I treated myself once to a satsuma set at the Body Shop. I was shocked at the priciness back then, but was hooked. I did take a leave of absence due to the cost, but took advantage on clearances on the Body Shop website (shower buff, body butter, shower gel) and if any good deals were to be had when I was passing one of their shops. Their travel or sample kits feature small containers perfect to take on trips, and, like I keep saying, the smell absolutely heavenly. The graceful hue is mood lightening as well!

Flash forward to today when I went to Ulta at lunch time for black eyeliner. As it's bound to happen, I was looking at everything else and realized they had a buy one at $19 get one half off for Body Shop butters. Can't pass that great of a deal up, ya know? So I treated myself to pink Grapefruit and Satsuma body butters. My all time favorite scents. Oh yeah! Unbelievable mood lifter. I keep the grapefruit at work, and the satsuma on my bedside table.

I have some severe sunburn on my forearms from last weekend and I've been trying to keep the skin moisturized against all odds. Nothing seems to soak in enough. I tried the pink grapefruit body butter just now and it's almost as good as normal now. The itching and tight skin is definitely feeling a lot better now.

These naturally scented products can create an amazing sense of well being and are great treats for a spa night in or weekend spa treatment at home. Then just put some cool moistened cotton pads over your eyes, lie down, and inhale deeply. Amazing aromatherapy.

I'm very happy they carry Body Shop products at Ulta, since Body Shop stores are so hard to find. I can now treat myself as often as I'd like!

Bath Time Favorites

Last year I began a hot baths practice to help with the chills and winter mood. With experimentation  I've found a variety of bath bombs, salts, and essential oils which I can add to make the experience that much more enjoyable.

A simple bath could very well just entail epson salts and a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest. There are also essential oils that one can blend to one's own needs/likes. There are also a variety of milks, gels, salts, and other solubles to help make bath time special. There's something for every budget and taste, really.

Here are some favorites that help make my bath time that much more special:

from my Things I Love Pinterest board

• Lush bath bombs (cinders, butterball, and twilight are my faves)
• Hugo Naturals fizzy bath bombs (grapefruit/orange and rose/sandalwood are my faves)
• Thymes frasier fir votive candle
• Bath and Body Works three-wick candles (hot chocolate, leaves, fresh bamboo, and fresh balsam are my faves)
• Ikea glimma unscented tealights and glass votive holders (galej and glimma) 
• White bamboo terrycloth bath robe
• bamboo bath mat
• Aura Cacia essential oils (bergamot, lavender, geranium, grapefruit, frankincense are faves)

To keep things soothing, I turn off the lights, light as many candles as I think are appropriate, and tune my laptop to my ambient music station on Pandora.

I sometimes bring a book, or my Kindle to read. I sometimes use a face product to help my skin detox or a hair masque to help re-hydrate my tresses. I've also tried drinking a soothing tea or warm lemon water afterwards as I read in bed and get settled in for a good night of sleep.

There are as many ways to get ready to sleep as there are people. These little practices have been a good, new way to help me be kinder to my old bones.

Learn: Dealing with Congested Skin

Especially as the weather warms up, many congested, oily, and/or acne-prone skins begin to dread the upcoming heat waves and cloying humidity, as they signal undoubted trouble spots, oil slicks, and other facial hazards are ahead.

But never fear! There's a number of options at your fingertips to handle these hazards and nip them in the bud.

I recently went for my second facial at Massage Envy Naperville South, and my esthetician noticed I was heavily congested. She suggested some acne treatments, but also, noted a need for chemical exfoliants to help break down the top layer of dried skin that was preventing the skin underneath from shining through (and taking a breath or two!).

As a result of the treatment, which included some serums with anti-aging exfoliants and vitamin C, my skin was a little red and has been feeling a little scaly or flakey. Just a natural effect of the deep exfoliation effects of the products used.

I am very eager to get rid of the top layer, it's really blocking the healthier skin underneath, and causing lots of congested areas that look thick and unattractive. Moisturizer and other serums have a much better chance to penetrate through the skin once this top layer is removed.

She recommended I continue with my t-zone pore refining gel for the day, but also use a new product that combines glycolic and AHAs to fight aging and thickening skin. It's called night reform treatment. Basically, we're doing a slow-mo peel via a night product--making this treatment/approach much more gentle than an immediate results technique which may further shock the skin into overreacting.

This two-pronged attack, plus periodical facials with special vit C and glycolic serums, will help with some of the age/sun damage spots on my face, the congestion, breakouts, and post-breakout dark spots--like it wasn't enough to be congested! Right?

I immediately follow application of the t-zone gel or the night reform treatment with plenty of oil-free moisturizer with SPF, that's massaged well into the skin until it penetrates and the skin is oxygenated due to the massaging motion.

Since AHAs can leave some skins a little red and sensitive while the treatment does its magic, it's not a bad idea to use intermittently an oil-free moisturizing masque, such as PeterThomasRoth's Cucumber Gel Masque--a trusted product for post-peel skin that needs some TLC. You can apply it and then rinse it off later, or just apply it at night and sleep with it on top of your moisturizer for an added protective layer to keep moisture in the skin.

I'm hoping I can see results soon. Meanwhile, I'm still using my Clarisonic MIA in order to help remove some of the top layer flakiness via mechanical, but gentle, exfoliation.

Facials Update

I recently went to my local Massage Envy to get a facial. I went to Massage Envy because they use Murad products, which have a good reputation for acne management, while being gentle. Murad products are not exorbitantly expensive either!

After using a too-emollient hair product on a recent  vacation, I've been left with comedone breakouts around the hairline and cheeks/ears. It's quite irritating to have to deal with these after such a long time of being without. Ugh!

I couldn't be happier with the results from my facial at Massage Envy, I've only been once before because I usually just get a massage once a month to help with my neck and back chiropractic treatments. Brittany was just lovely and she took a comprehensive history based on my file and my current concerns.

One of the things I mentioned and that you should think about when discussing your skin is whether it has areas that react differently (drier cheeks and oilier t-zone) and whether these differences persist or change through the seasons.

Another thing is to mention whether your skin is sensitive or reacts to particular treatments or products. How do you react to scrubs? Steam? Extractions? Chemical peeling agents? Aromatherapy oils/essences?

Finally, listen to what the esthetician recommends she do, because she knows what she's talking about! If you don't want to pay for a higher-price service, you can always decline and ask for a lower cost alternative. Selling up is not uncommon so be aware you may be offered something that might be pricier than what you asked for originally. Always ask if what is being suggested carries with it a higher price tag.

So this is what I told Brittany:

• combination skin with drier cheeks and oily t-zone
• breakouts around the hairline and cheeks area
• reacts to scrubs and aromatherapy essences especially around the eyes (watering; fine white, watery pimples)
• Explained what products I'm currently using and why

I left Massage Envy with properly managed and moisturized skin, and a great little cheat sheet of products that Brittany recommended for me:

• sensitive, slightly dry skin that needs hydration, congested pores/breakouts
• energizing pomegranate cleanser
• moisture silk eye gel
• t-zone pore refining gel
• energizing pomegranate moisture SPF 15 and hydro dynamic ultimate moisture for the PM
• acne spot treatment (which I bought)
• sensitive skin soothing serum as needed

I really like the t-zone oil control mattifier, which I got at my last facial visit in early October. It's been a holy grail product to help keep skin unclogged and matte during even the longest days.

I think the next product I'll try is the t-zone pore refining gel, which I believe helps prevent congestion on those oilier areas such as the t-zone, chin, etc.

Moisturizer and Oily Skin

As a person of fairly problematic oily/combination skin, I've become uber sensitive to products, the skincare/makeup routine buildup, and the long-term or short-term changes they can effect on my skin.

It's been a couple of months now that I've been using Kiehl's Ultra Moisturizer, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that my skin doesn't like it. It's too rich. I've had increased breakouts and roughening of skin, even with periodic exfoliation and occasional masques. I thought it was the cleanser, but had my doubts. I'm pretty sure it's the moisturizer now, since I've stopped using it and my skin's improving.

I recently visited my local Aveda salon (Asha Salon and Spa) for a facial, and grabbed another bottle of their exfoliant toner (Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant), which helps keep oily skin and pores clean and fresh--I've not found this to be drying at all. The esthetician also recommended an acne lotion (Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion) that uses natural ingredients and essences to help manage oily, acne-prone skin. Thus far the combination of these products, added to my daily regime, has restored my skin to a balanced and healthy appearance. Which actually kinda blew me away.

Of course, a summer full of sunscreen, hot weather, cold weather, humidity, dry air, and all sorts of other environmental aggressors are also partly to blame for the bad turnout on my skin of late.

I'm glad I somehow managed to restore my confidence in my skin routine and improved the overall look and health via a facial and a review of my skincare product choices.

Allergic Reactions

I oftentimes suffer from allergic reactions after an eyebrow wax at a different salon. I try out different salons, which opens up lots of possibilities and I learn about new services, products, and techniques...but the allergic reaction kind of spoils the post-experience glow.

I haven't been able to narrow down what exactly causes this rash of watery, white pimples all around my eyebrow area. I believe it's a combination of too-hot wax and talcum powder. I began avoiding talcum powder and corn starch in makeup and face products since the mid 2000s when I realized it caused allergy-related pimples and redness/irritation.

There is something to be said for finding a good esthetician and sticking with her/him. For one, you'd be sure what reaction your skin would or would not have after a treatment. Consistency is key.

Have you ever experienced an allergic reaction after a facial or other spa treatment? Did you complain?

Dermalogica

I went to a new spa for a facial today, which used Dermalogica. The esthetician at Golden Serenity Salon and Spa (check out my review on Yelp), let me know they have an excellent line of products targeted for breakouts and oily skin.

The products she recommended were:

•  the clearing mattifier
• oil control lotion
• oil free matte block 20spf
• pure light spf 30 moisturizer
• sheer tint moisture spf 15

She gave me a sample of the dermal clay cleanser and clearing skin wash , which I'm looking forward to trying out. My skin feels great after the treatment she provided me, which was a mix of a peel and microdermabrasion. I had some flaky skin and hormonal/stress breakouts that needed clearing up.

Today's Beauty Budget: Shrinking?

Any sort of discretionary beauty expenses are almost looked down upon these days, when other bills and credit card balances are skyrocketing.

It's no surprise then, that practical working women everywhere are trying to balance looking put together while not bouncing checks. Enter, the lower maintenance beauty routine.

It's probably as good a time as any to explore lower-cost alternatives to higher-end products. The lower sticker prices make one feel a little better about keeping up their looks and saving a few bucks as well.

Then there's other routines such as blow-outs, hair color, expensive spa treatments...there's typically a number of ways one can approach cost-cutting with these expenses. For hair color, sometimes asking your stylist for suggestions for a lower-maintenance look can provide an excellent number of possibilities: switching from high-contrast highlights to something more blended that can grow out more before a touch up, longer layered hair versus a bob or crop that needs more maintenance, etc. In regards to blow-outs, one can learn about one's natural hair pattern and work with it versus having to blow out and iron it out, or maybe decide this is the one thing splurging on is worth it. When it comes to expensive spa treatments, such as peels and resurfacing, there are many over the counter options that can help lengthen the in-between periods between treatments. Many websites now offer free shipping, which further reduces the cost of what would have been a spa treatment regime on a tight, periodical schedule.

It's a good idea to review one's routines and try to pare down a little on occasion--obviously respecting those parts of one's routine that have proven results--in an attempt at not only reducing costs, but becoming a little more aware of the impact of the products and the results on one's health and skin/hair.

Personally, I've reviewed good strong standbys and am only purchasing these when I run out, versus stocking up as I might have done occasionally. I always am on the lookout for potential new replacements, but with a keen eye for proven results. I'm also reducing my hair care routine, by switching from highlights to all one tone of hair again, and the Ouidad hair cut which not only works with my hair texture to reduce styling time, but that also requires very few cuts during a year (2-3).

How are you paring down or cleaning up your beauty act in these economic times?

Facial Cleansing Update

I recently purchased a Clarisonic Mia facial cleansing tool. It's a sonic rotating brush cleansing tool that helps to gently dislodge impurities and exfoliate the skin while washing either at the sink or in the shower.

I purchased my Mia at Sephora.com because I had a ton of points I wanted to use up for free goodies. Otherwise, the Clarisonic website also has some freebies with purchases, which change throughout the year.

The first time I heard of this tool was at the Nordstrom Spa about three years ago, when I went for one of my facial peels. The esthetician recommended it highly, even for the sensitive skin of rosacea and acne sufferers. The tool she used for the cleansing portion of my treatment was actually the full-version, 2-speed Clarisonic Classic.

This company boasts the same sonic technology as that in high-end electric/battery toothbrushes and water pick products, targeting and dislodging plaque and bacteria under the gum line. These are very popular products for those with a higher level of discretionary income. So I was always reticent to purchase one of the toothbrushes or facial brushes. However, I identified the Mia product line as a lower-cost product that could give me the results I wanted without the capital investment. This is actually marketed as the portable, travel version since it's smaller.

I couldn't wait to try it as soon as I ordered it, much less when I saw the Sephora box waiting for me outside the front door. It works just fine as my main facial brush. I use a non-foaming, sensitive skin cleanser from MD Skincare--which was recommended to me by the esthetician, and which is quite pricey at $38 a pop!

My skin felt toned and clean, much like it used to be before I entered puberty! I used it again this morning and am noticing a difference in the texture of my skin. I will explore closely whether it helps with cell turnover/exfoliation since I'm suffering from some winter scaleys and a little redness around the nose/cheek area due to my outdoor winter dog walks. The tool is very gentle, I was impressed.

I may have to revisit my moisturizer choice, however, since I noticed the Boots sensitive skin moisturizer (which by the way it no longer on the Target website) stinging a little lately. The Clinique different moisturizing gel seems to be working fine, however, even in the eye area when I'm in a hurry and can't bother to softly and slowly apply an eye cream.

Here is a product tour video from the Clarisonic website to further explore their offerings, branding, and accessories.

Here's to good skin care experiments! ;o)

Facials

I'm a strong believer in periodic facials to help usher skin from season to season, and to address any current particular concerns.

I recently tried a new salon for a facial, because they solely use Aveda products, and I wanted to see how different the results would be from my usual facialist, who uses Yonka products. Also, because I had tried them for other services and really liked the salon and the staff.

The entire experience was so soothing and relaxing--from a dimly lit, stone and wood decorated waiting room, to sipping a small cup of their famous comfort tea, to the post-facial small and private dressing/locker room--that I couldn't believe my luck. Of course, any such experience can come with a hefty price! However, my rationalization for purchasing any of the products the facialist recommended and that I liked, is that I have the Aveda Privilege rewards program card. Your purchases tally up to points worth coupons for discounts and free gifts.

The products did not have any negative effects either during or after use, which was wonderful--just as with the Yonka products. The facialist did a thorough walkthrough in the beginning about any concerns I had, and she revisited these as she had a chance to look at my skin and any conditions she could spot.

The best part, however, was the awesome neck and shoulder rub. That undid so many stress knots that I couldn't even begin to count, but that I certainly felt melting away. This facial ended up serving a multitude of purposes!

I did take up my facialist's recommendations for products, because I needed a scrub and a new moisturizer w SPF. The option of an exfoliating toner also popped up, and I took advantage of it. The use of an exfoliating toner makes it easier and guilt-free to skip the exfoliating masque that I love and which is sooo expensive!

All around, the location is very near my workplace so it's very convenient, their hours work with my after-work schedule, and I would definitely tap into them again for a facial and other services (like their manicures, pedicures, and hair services).

Happy New Year!

What are your New Year's Beauty Resolutions for 2009? Last year I promised that I would curb some of my indiscriminate beauty and self care product and service acquisitions, instead settling on some tried-and-true standbys. All around I believe I've accomplished my goal, with some minor tweaks still due in some areas. For 2009 I'm reinstating my birthday hot stone massage policy and hope to keep up my semi-monthly facial routine.

I was recently in Las Vegas. City of excesses and indulgence. On the second day I treated myself (body sugar scrub) and my husband (gentlemen's facial with phytomer products) to some spa services at the world renowned Canyon Ranch Spa. The spa is located at The Venetian Hotel and Palazzo Resort (and more here).

Upon arrival at the spa, the guest is ushered to the very well-appointed locker rooms to deposit their possessions in a locker and exchange them for a comfortable, over-sized bathrobe. The guest is then free to explore the huge locker room, and included areas of interest: well-appointed showers stocked with products for your use, a powerful jet pool with lounge chairs, a sauna and steam room, and a peaceful lounge to relax and enjoy a refreshment. The co-ed areas included a conservatory, ocean room, and salt grotto. There were other common rooms available, such as the white powder room (with man-made snow), but it was being worked on during my visit.

The 50-minute body conditioning scrub I chose featured a Mango Sugar glo--chosen because it's safe for sensitive skin--out of a possible four scrubs available aimed at different preferences and skin types.
The guest relaxes on a height-adjustable massage table, while the therapist applies the conditioning scrub in an invigorating massage. Followed by a 15-minute soak in a hydro-massage jet tub of enormous proportions--the hot, bubbly water lit from below the surface in a changing array of hues from ultraviolet to infrared. A little side table supplies the soaking guest with iced water and a washcloth in a bowl of ice.
Upon exiting the tub the guest goes back onto the massage table so the therapist can apply a matching mango and passion fruit lotion in a wonderfully relaxing apres-bath massage.

Guests can proceed to their respective lounges or to the conservatory after their treatments. I proceeded to lounge in the conservatory with a cup of hot tea, and then stepped into the salt grotto. I've read that people in Chicago visit salt grottoes either because they suffer from passing or chronic respiratory ailments or because they enjoy the immune system boost in the deep of winter or year round.

The Canyon Ranch spa at The Venetian/Palazzo also features a fully-appointed gym and a rock climbing wall. There is a restaurant and a cafe which not only offer healthy and delicious menu items, but are also very cost efficient in a city of excesses (particularly financial).