Category Archives: Skin Care

Review: The Woodhouse Day Spa

I was recently invited to experience the The Woodhouse Day Spa in downtown Summit, NJ. It couldn’t have come at a better time. I was stressed, had knots in my shoulders and had lost my inner calm and my outer glow — turns out this little window of “me time” was the cure-all I needed.

I was greeted by Chuck Marr, the warm and welcoming General Manager, who offered me a choice of teas from my favorite brand (Harney & Sons) and directed me to the changing room where I slipped into the coziest robe I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing and a comfy pair of Sensi Spa Sandals. In the Quiet Room down the hall my tea was waiting and I was given a heated, herbal neck wrap. Being a new guest, I filled out a brief form of my personal preferences and health information.

After a sip or two of tea I realized I was already relaxed. The plush robe, subtle aromatherapy, low-key spa music and the Quiet Room (dimly lit and furnished in pale hues, luxurious chairs, chaises and couches, plus healthy snacks for the taking) had done the trick…and I hadn’t even had my treatment yet. Clearly, they knew what they were doing!

My therapist, Luba, greeted me and led me to a private room where she worked her magic during my Advanced Anti-Aging Facial with a Microdermabrasion Facial Enhancement which included cleansing, extractions, toning, strategic massage, glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, skincare plus a shoulder, head and foot massage. Not only was I left glowing but I felt pampered, taken care of and nurtured…like I’d been at a destination spa for a week rather than a day spa for less than two hours.

After my treatment I was introduced to Veeran and Madhuri Reddy, co-owners of the spa. They excel at attention to detail and live and breathe the Woodhouse philosophy of  “give your guests one step beyond what they need.” Mission accomplished!

You can even bring a little bit of your experience home…the Naturopathica products (known for being extremely gentle and super effective) used throughout the treatments are available for purchase as are the robes, tea, aromatherapy and more. This is more than a day spa, it’s a sanctuary…and I plan on becoming a regular!!!

The spa is open for business so feel free to book now and enjoy your treatments before the official Grand Opening on Saturday, February 8, 2014. For more information, to book an appointment or inquire about special packages: The Woodhouse Day Spa, 420 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 (908) 608-1120. Click here for their spa menu.

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Top 10 Beauty Products for 2013

If it’s good enough for David Letterman, Amazon and Billboard it’s good enough for The Beauty Wall! Here, my Top Ten Favorite Beauty Products that I wrote about this past year…
Tarte Glamazon Lipstick…because it stays put for hours.

Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer…because flawless looking skin is always in style.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage…because nothing covers as well while still looking natural.

Cane + Austin Miracle Pad…because why look older when you don’t have to.

Lamas Botanicals Pumpkin Spice Polish…because it cleans, sloughs and polishes and it smells amazing.

Lather Vanilla Bean & Shea Soap…because it smells sooooo good.

Korres Shower Gel…because this is way better than the next best thing.

Arrojo Defrizz Serum…because frizzy hair should be someone else’s problem.

Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray…because on some days less is more.

21 Drops…because it helps cure whatever ails you and the packaging is so damn cute.

Blow & Go!

You know that feeling after you leave the salon. Your hair has body, bounce and shine and you know you look great. But no matter how hard you try to replicate that look yourself,  you can’t quite master it. Enter Blow In Blow Out.

Tara Galatt, CEO and Owner of the soon-to-debut Blow In Blow Out in Summit, NJ knew this was something she had to do after experiencing a blow dry bar while on a trip to Los Angeles. She set about finding the perfect location in a walking town where women like to take care of themselves and would appreciate this affordable luxury.

Blow In Blow Out aims to be the best at one thing. The perfect blowout. With a menu including aromatherapy scalp treatments, shampoo and conditioning serums and six signature styling options (all for only $35!) plus braids, ponies and updos, Blow In Blow Out is poised to take the town by storm. I for one, can’t wait!

Blow In Blow Out, 330 Springfield Ave., Summit, NJ, 07901, (908) 273-4947 www.blowin-blowout.com

5 Lucky Readers Will Win This Cellulite Blaster!!!

 

The good thing about cellulite is that it doesn’t cause any health problems. The flip side is that it’s so damn unattractive. You can help smooth things out a little by following a proper diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies, getting plenty of exercise and massaging the areas where you do have cellulite but if you’re prone to it, it’s a tricky thing to get rid of.

You can tip the odds in your favor with BioElixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Creme, $49.50 at BioElixia.com. Thanks to a groundbreaking delivery system proven to increase the absorption of key ingredients by up to 5 times it’s scientifically proven to reduce that “orange peel” appearance by an average of 57%. Use it twice a day for 4 weeks and you’ll notice visibly smoother, firmer skin.

Win It!!!  To enter, just leave a comment here or on my facebook page and 5 lucky winners will be randomly selected. Get an extra entry by forwarding to a friend, just comment that you’ve done so. Deadline is end of day Monday, October 7, 2013.

 

(photography courtesy of BioElixia)

 

 

 

How to Dramatically Improve Your Complexion

Product Review: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $65 at agelessderma.com

Since I only report on the products I truly believe in I’m happy to inform you I have another great one to share with you.

Ageless Derma’s Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream combines seven powerful and clinically proven anti-aging ingredients for one of the most effective anti-aging creams available without a prescription. Containing plant stem cells as well as special ingredients that mimic the effects of botox and fillers without any injections it greatly diminishes lines and wrinkles (including crows feet!) and improves skin-tone and elasticity for a firmer, smoother, brighter, younger looking complexion.

Powerhouse ingredients:

  1. Argireline reduces the depth of wrinkles in the face, especially in the forehead and around the eyes, by reducing muscle contraction.
  2. Coenzyme 10 is an antioxidant that helps the skin to retain moisture and prevents damage to collagen and elastin production.
  3. Matrixyl 3000 improves skin tone and elasticity.
  4. PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica uses the stem cells of a rare Swiss apple famed for its longevity – the Uttwiler Spätlauber – to improve the longevity of human skin cells, protect the skin from UV damage, and assist genes that repair DNA.
  5. Sodium Hyaluronate draws moisture to the skin and maintains the integrity of the barrier function.
  6. Syn®-Coll mimics the body’s mechanisms to produce collagen.
  7. Vialox Powder significantly lessens muscle contraction as an injection-free altnerative to Botox.

To purchase: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $65 at agelessderma.com

 

 

 

Pucker Up!

Product Review: ChapStick mixstix, $2.99 at Walgreens or www.drugstore.com

If you’ve been reading me for a while you know from an earlier post how surprised I was to fall in love with ChapStick! FYI, I was actually feeling a bit anxious that my limited edition balm in Cake Batter (such an amazing flavor!) was almost gone and then ChapStick’s new mixstixs arrived…whew!

ChapStick has taken it a step further with two-sided lip balms (ie. two different yummy flavors!) that can be worn alone or combined for a third flavor. Choose from Lemon Berry Sorbet, Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Green Apple Caramel, each containing 11 moisturizing ingredients for soft, smooth, deliciously kissable lips for 8 hours.

Though I do apply it throughout the day, my favorite time to use it is bedtime. Hmmmm, not  surprisingly, my husband loves it too!

 

 

Exceptional Epsom Salt

When I was a child, we had a huge box of epsom salt under the bathroom sink. My mom said it was good for me and would pour some in the tub before my weekly (!) bath. Then I grew up, went off to college and didn’t think about Epsom Salt until now actually. Turns out my mom was right, it is good for you.

Magnesium, a naturally occurring mineral is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves. Epsom Salt, also known as Magnesium Sulfate, is easily absorbed through the skin when dissolved in water and can help you boost your magnesium levels. Here, some other uses:

  1. Soothe sore muscles by adding 2 cups of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water. Soak for about 20 minutes.
  2. Polish skin by adding a tbs. of Epsom Salt to your usual face or body cleanser.
  3. Relieve a headache. Evidence suggests that soaking in a soothing epsom salt bath helps.
  4. To soften, deodorize and refresh tired feet add 1/2 cup Epsom Salt to a basin of warm water.
  5. Get textured, beachy-hair with a homemade sea-salt spray. Mix 1 cup hot water, 2 tbsp. Epsom Salt and a small squirt of hair conditioner in a spray bottle. Spritz hair and let air-dry.
  6. Draw out a splinter by soaking the affected area in an Epsom Salt bath.
  7. Easily clean tile and grout with a mixture of equal parts Epsom Salt and liquid dish detergent.
  8. Relieve itchy skin and bug bites by dissolving a tablespoon of Epsom Salt in 1/2 cup of warm water. Allow to cool before applying to skin with a compress.
  9. Boost plant growth, by adding a tablespoon of Epsom Salts to the soil below them weekly.

for product information or locations, visit www.drteals.com.

OroGold Rush!

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I recently met Denise Richards, accomplished actress and new face of OroGold Cosmetics. We were at the Grand Opening of NYC’s OroGold  store for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Q&A session.

I have to admit, I’m a gossip junkie so I was more than excited to meet Denise and ask away…but then I found out I wasn’t allowed to ask any personal questions. What I was allowed to ask her about was beauty. And truth be told, this collaboration might help explain why she looks like she hasn’t aged a bit. Though she credits her looks with a clean, healthy lifestyle, eating lots of fruit, vegetables, olive oil and avocados she also uses OroGold’s skincare products containing pure 24K gold and cutting-edge ingredients. She absolutely raved about the Termica Energizing Mask, $598, which she says “you can actually feel working–you put it on and it heats up your skin and goes to work.” The heating action opens the pores allowing the active Vitamins A, C, E and Algae extract to really penetrate.  Another favorite is the 24K Vitamin C Booster Serum, $198, for instant illumination and anti-aging properties.

There’s no doubt about it, in person Denise is even more stunning than she is in photos…and that’s saying something. She has a glowing complexion and that “it” factor that can’t quite be quantified. The Denise I met seems smart, hard-working, down-to earth, relatable and clearly has very good taste in beauty products. For more information or to purchase, go to www.orogoldcosmetics.com.

 

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Spritzes, Sprays & Mists, Oh My!

Need a facial fix? Want to boost your glow, re-hydrate your complexion or set your makeup? Look no further than a facial spray. They’re full of beneficial ingredients known to remedy whatever ails you.

Caudalie Beauty Elixer, $18 at sephora.com has been a favorite of mine since I first tried it almost fifteen years ago–one spritz instantly wakes up tired skin and leaves it tingling, tightened, refreshed, radiant…I can never have enough of this!

Evian Mineral Water Spray, $14 for 2 at beautybodybath.com is the ultimate multi-tasker. Spray this ultra-fine, pure mineral mist after your cleanser to further remove impurities, before you moisturize to better hydrate or after makeup as a setting spray.

Avene Thermal Spring Water, $18 at dermstore.com is the perfect facial spray for reactive skin. It contains silica and trace elements that soothe, soften and calm irritated, allergic, sensitive and even hyper-sensitive skin. Ideal for facial redness, post-procedure, dry/irritated skin and razor burn.

 

 

Better Skin…Starting Now!

New Product Review: Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, $78 for 60 pads.

If you’ve ever had a peel at an aesthetician or doctor’s office you know what an effective rejuvenating and brightening treatment it is, but the costly series of recommended sessions and flaking experienced for days afterwards might have you thinking twice about doing it again. Thanks to this breakthrough product that rivals in-office procedures you won’t have to.

Last week I attended a beauty event at Space NK, where NY-based renowned dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Craig Austin introduced his Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, a medical grade product for the masses. This pre-treated perfecting pad contains the highest level of buffered Glycolic Acid that you can buy over the counter (20%), antioxidants A, C, E in a phospholipid based liposome, Coenzyme Q10 and Witch Hazel. In layman’s terms this means deeper penetration, maximum exfoliation without irritation, tighter, glowier skin and anti-aging protection from further damage. Simply swipe it over your complexion and within days it will diminish fine lines, lighten pigmentation, decrease pore size, rebuild collagen and increase radiance. Recommended use is morning and night but I highly suggest you build up to that to avoid irritation.

I started using it once every other day and the first few times I noticed a stinging sensation (completely normal). After a few days I switched to once a day and was surprised to see my complexion was already more taut and had found its inner glow again! That was fast…next week I’ll swipe it on twice a day, morning and night.

I know you’ll love Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, available in October, 2013, but if you can’t wait until then to get started try Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pad, $60 for 60. With a similar formula and 10% Glycolic Acid it’s still very, very effective.

 

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