Friday, August 10, 2012

professional home spa

Today I had the most perfect facial with the most perfect esthetician at the most perfect spa.  I only wish I could afford to go more often.  There is nothing like having someone attend to your skin in a sumptuous environment but I hope to channel some of the spa vibe here at home.  And  you can too, just keep in mind the two most important essences of a spa:  deep relaxation and supreme pampering.  Much of this is created through the association of scent.  It has been proven that psychologically there is nothing like scent to evoke memories and emotions, so here are a few professional spa brands that not only do a expert job on your skin but even more importantly will make you feel deeply relaxed and supremely pampered.

The first spa I worked at used Aveda products and so their essential-oil-infused goodies always recall the spa experience for me.  While all their stuff evokes a herbally, healthy feel, it is their Stress-Fix line that is the most relaxing.  Stress-Fix is aromatherapy designed to calm and relax.  It features herbs of lavender, lavadin, and the dream-inducing clary-sage.  Whatever else they put in there they are not saying, but it makes me feel like laying down on a bed of moss and taking a nap deep in the enchanted forest.  There are three ways to conjure up this magic elixir:  soaking salts, body lotion, and roll-on concentrate.  I keep the roll-on in my make up bag and apply liberally whenever a tense situation arises.



To simulate a European spa at home Phytomer is the way to go.  This French company is particularly popular in spas along the eastern seaboard of the US, but spa-goers on the left coast may not have heard of it.  That is a huge over-sight.  One of the leaders in marine-based skincare Phytomer combines the finest of science, nature, and esthetics.  Its sea algae derived ingredients are one of the best things you can do for your skin.  However for our at-home spa experience we are also concerned with the fragrance and feel of the products and Phytomer will not disappoint. Their products all smell incredibly fresh and clean, yet soothing and comforting.  And, well, pretty.
You can navigate their website to find the right products for your skin type but don't over-look the body care line - Europeans are very into the care of the body.  Their Oligomer Pure is a bath treatment of dried sea water that is extremely therapeutic - just like being at one of their spas.



If you want organic Eminence is the way to go.  And not only is it organic but it is all hand-made in Hungary.  Everything they make looks, smells, and feels delectable and divine - without a doubt you will feel like you are at a spa.  They have a carrot masque, an apricot masque, an eight greens masque, and even a garlic &; tomato masque that you would just love.  It all sounds so natural, but don't be fooled, this is a professional grade skincare line and their products are potent so choose wisely and choose according to your skin-type only.  For example their Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel comes in 5% and 20%, so if you are in the least tiniest bit sensitive, stick with the 5% concentration please.  If you want to test the waters with something safe, try their Sour Cherry Whip Moisturizer - it's very popular.


So now that we've gone over what feels like a spa, smells like a spa, and acts like a spa, you can start to build your spa "back bar" at home.  Hopefully it'll keep you going until you can plunk down your hard earned cash to have someone do the pampering for you.


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