Spa Economy

Spa Experience at Home

DIY Spa treatments light therapy, dermaplaning, chemical peels, hair masque, hair removal, massagers, acupressure, spa gadgets, and products. We tried a collection of hair, skin, and body pampering products and gadgets at home and report our experience.

Skincare: Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Facial Scrub

December 8, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Are you at that age that you are fighting aging AND acne? I think it should just be called “The Unfair Age.”

But Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Facial Scrub fights both at the same time and leaves skin bright and radiant.

Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Facial Scrub

WHAT IT DOES

Do you like the results of professional microdermabrasion, but hate the pulling on your delicate skin? Do you worry that the grit is clogging your pores, not cleansing them?

HOW IT DOES IT

Professional Microdermabrasion is pretty rough on the skin. The suction on most of the machines used in doctor’s offices seriously pulls at the skin. If you have this treatment on any regular basis, this can result in premature sagging of the skin. What’s the point of getting an expensive treatment if it is going to make you look older in the long run?

This isn’t a problem with Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Facial Scrub. It gently loosens dirt and blackheads the pores and sweeps them away, without any tugging or roughness. The gentle exfoliation makes it ideal for promoting collagen production as well, so facial skin looks brighter, less wrinkled, and more youthful, scars are diminished, and stretch marks get a boost towards healing.

Thanks to several ingredients in the organic formulation, skin is also deeply hydrated. That’s quite a lot from one scrub!

Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Facial Scrub

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS

Aloe Vera is familiar to many as a plant that can soothe minor burns, scrapes, and heal the skin can also serve to nourish the skin. It contains Vitamins A, C, B, and E as well as minerals and enzymes. This food for skin can heal and hydrate, accelerate skin cell growth, provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This is important in any scrub that is powerful enough to remove dead skin cells, as the skin underneath is exposed and can easily become irritated. Aloe heals naturally and quickly.

And this is not just any Aloe Vera, but a Hospital Grade Organic Aloe Vera. I didn’t know what that meant: it is the quality of Aloe Vera that heals skin well enough that it is suitable for use in Hospital level Burn Care Units.

Another ingredient is Manuka Honey, which has amazing healing and hydrating properties. An anti-aging powerhouse that boosts collagen production and cellular regeneration. It also has natural anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to heal skin conditions including acne.

Rapeseed Oil is an anti-oxidant that preserves moisture in the skin, making it smooth and elastic. It also cleanses pores, clean the skin and gives skin a natural glow. With anti-inflammatory properties, it heals skin and reduces redness.

Walnut Shell is a finely ground powder that is hard enough to exfoliate dead skin cells but is still gentle on the skin. It is important to note the finer mill of this walnut, as the smaller the size of the powder, the gentler it is to the skin. There are some products with larger pieces of walnut and that can tear the skin. This product contains a finer mill that does not scratch. As a natural product, Walnut Shell Powder does not irritate the skin the way plastic beads or some oil based beads can cause an allergic reaction.

Orange Oil is an anti-oxidant that reduces inflammation. It also can kill bacteria and improves the complexion by increase the production of collagen resulting in the reduction of dark spots and wrinkles. The bacteria fighting and inflammation reduction properties also make it suitable for gently reducing acne without excess drying to the skin.

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Finding a natural active ingredient exfoliation product that gently but effectively treats both acne-prone skin and the signs of aging without causing irritation is an impressive feat.

Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Facial Scrub reduces enlarged pores, blackheads, and dry skin. Unlike many scrubs, it reduces the signs of aging including dark spots.

I especially like the combination of healing and hydrating ingredients in this scrub that exfoliate away dead skin without irritating fresh skin underneath. I also like the anti-bacterial properties in the hydrating ingredients as they protect newly exposed skin and freshly cleaned pores from potential infections and breakouts. Some scrubs can actually cause acne breakouts because they remove too much skin, subjecting the skin to infection, and they contain acne-inducing ingredients. But Era Organics has a nice balance of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients that heal, hydrate and protect freshly exfoliated skin, all while pre-emptively treating skin for acne.

TIP: Use it as an anti-aging mask by applying it to dry skin and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

GIVEAWAY

The good folks at Era Organics are giving a Style Chicks reader a free jar of this awesome scrub! To enter, send us an email at [email protected] and tell us something you think you will like about this scrub. You can find out more information about the product from their website and social media, which is listed below. For extra entries, share something from the Era Organics website (http://www.eraorganics.com/exfoliating-facial-scrub/) on social media using their social media share buttons and let us know in your email! This contest will run through Friday, December 16th, 2016.

Even if you don’t win, everyone can get 25% off with coupon STYLEC25.

Find it at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018H32LHQ and learn more about this great product at https:// www.facebook.com/eraorganics, https:// www.pinterest.com/eraorganics, and their website, http://www.eraorganics.com/exfoliating-facial-scrub/

Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Facial Scrub

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

November 16, 2016 · Leave a Comment

We tried Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT, from the folks who brought us our highly rated Morganna’s Bellatox.

If you’re not yet familiar with Morganna’s Alchemy, I might mention it is the phyto-dermo-cosmetic line produced by chemist Maya Hyppolite-Williams M.A.

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

INSTANTLIFT contains no silicone – the usual method of temporary wrinkle reduction – but instead is a green-chemistry approach utilizing eco-certified organic extracts to achieve tightening effects. In this particular product Sorghum, Chickory Root and Tara Extracts are the major agents of change. Sorghum is a cereal-like plant from Africa. Its extract has the consistency of melted sugar which enables it to go on the skin invisibly. Tara and Chickory Root have the same property and, additionally, add moisture to the skin. These active ingredients are used in high concentrations and are said to act synergistically.

For quite some time I’ve been attracted to products claiming to provide instant temporary lift and have tried several. My experience with each and every one previously used was that a white film developed upon drying. Evidently, this was expected by the manufacturers since some products even suggested ways to deal with the white film, such as blotting with a damp cloth or tissue. I did follow that suggestion but could not lose the white film until I washed the product off entirely. Since I did not care for the stiff feel of those products on my face I did proceed to do just that, so never learned how long the temporary tightening effect might actually last. One of those products made my face quite itchy, as well.

Well, the proof is in the pudding or, in this case, the serum. Although there was no specific instruction to apply to a cleansed face, that’s what I did. Or, more specifically, to half my cleansed face to be better able to observe any change. I spread the serum to the more saggy and wrinkled right side of my face, the side I sleep on where gravity has taken a bit more of a toll. A pea-size drop easily covered (half) forehead to jowl. For those who need address only the eye area a small drop would be sufficient. There was a very light, pleasant floral fragrance that completely dissipated almost immediately. Since I tend to be very allergic, I typically avoid fragrance but the scent associated with INSTANTLIFT didn’t bother me at all. However, if you can’t or don’t care to use a product with even a briefly detectable, light fragrance, this may be a consideration for you.

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

There was no residue at all, not on my face or fingers and no dreaded white film which had proved a bane to my previous forays into quick, temporary skin youthifying. My skin felt comfortable and, upon checking after 10 minutes or so, I did notice a definite wrinkle reduction and lift. Even if this had been the full extent of the improvement I would have been quite satisfied. However, the manufacturer calls the result an almost instant lift in that the maximum initial results occur about one hour out from application and there was, indeed, some additional improvement by the end of an hour.

The lift was noticeable enough to trigger somewhat of a dilemma. While I lost no time applying the serum to the other side of my forehead and crow’s feet (as well as my entire turkey gobble), since I had achieved jowl symmetry by applying only to the droopier jawline, I pondered if I should just leave the naturally tighter left side untreated. Well, curiosity got the best of me, and I did apply the serum to the left side and waited. A lift was achieved and, with the scrutiny one would probably only give their own face, my “good side” now was a little tighter than the other side of the face that had been first treated. So, I applied a second treatment to only the right jowl, and that brought me symmetrical again. In the future, I will either repeat treatment on the less-tight jaw line for maximum effect or just treat the droopier side alone if pressed for time.

Morganna’s Alchemy INSTANTLIFT

An additional plus stated for the INSTANTLIFT product verses silicone-paste based temporary wrinkle tightener is the ability to easily apply makeup after using which is, apparently, not the case with the silicone-containing products. And I can understand why that would be so since the silicone-based products tend to ball. I, personally, don’t use foundation but do apply under eye and spot cover and those products went on beautifully after INSTANTLIFT.

So, I would report being not only satisfied but delighted with my INSTANTLIFT trial. It did what it claimed it would and the effects lasted all day. Upon clinical testing a 43% mean decrease of wrinkling occurred with the best subject achieving an 81% decrease so, based on that information, the average user can reasonably expect a very satisfactory result. My experience with the eye area was especially striking, rolling back time a decade or more. I can’t begin to tell you how that made me feel!

One other thing to pass along, though I haven’t used the product long enough speak from experience, is the manufacturer indicates cumulative long-term results from the Tara Root in INSTANTLIFT. I will be continuing to use this product and will let you know when my personal jury comes back on this point!

First Update:
When I prepared for bed the temporary improvement didn’t end when INSTANTLIFT was washed off and even this morning some noticeable benefit remained.

Find it at http://morgannasalchemy.com/product/morgannas-instant-lift/

Skincare: PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

October 29, 2016 · Leave a Comment

ABOUT FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSHES
The facial cleansing brushes are popular because they make skin so smooth to the touch. But the benefits of a facial cleansing brush are not just softer skin: a facial cleansing brush provides a deeper clean to reduce bacteria and oil on the skin, as well as exfoliating dead skin cells, all of which result in less acne. Freshly exfoliated skin appears younger and radiant and exfoliation allows better absorption of products such as moisturizers, retinol, and Vitamin C serums. It is important, however, to exfoliate skin gently and hygienically so that any topical skin serum or product application does not cause undue irritation. This requirement makes a brush with anti-bacterial brush heads, such as the PleasingCare Facial Cleansing Brush, a real asset in skincare.

PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

ABOUT THE PLEASINGCARE FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH
The brush comes in a silvery muted glitter patterned hard box that is very suitable for gift giving. Inside the lid is packaged the sturdy zippered carrying case for the brush for storage and to take your brush while you travel. The rest of the items are placed within a compartmentalized secure base suitable for long-term storage. The box contains:

1) The PleasingCare facial brush, mine is pink
2) The brush charger
3) Three brush heads (with caps)
4) An all-cotton stretchy colorful headband to keep hair out of the way to better reach the forehead, temple and cheekbone area
5) Instruction Guide & One Year Warranty
6) A card to redeem for one year of free brush replacement heads

PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

ABOUT THE BRUSHHEADS:
The brush set comes with three interchangeable heads, for use depending on your current skin care need. The bristles of the three brush heads are made of a bacteria resistant, soft material. These bristles are thinner in diameter than a human hair. None of the brush head bristles feel scratchy on the skin, but the white head (with the black ring) is the softest of the three. The ring in each brush rapidly oscillates at 300 vibrations per second. The inner circle of each brush head provides the deepest cleaning, the outer bristles vibrate but do not move, so they are the more gentle cleansing part of the tool.

1) White head: normal and sensitive skin brush
2) Green head: Acne removal brush
3) Blue head: deep cleansing pore brush, also useful for removing oily or mineral makeup debris.

PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

I also use my brush on my throat, collarbone, decolletage and at times my shoulders. When used on the hands before a manicure, it quickly cleans up dry and flaking cuticles. The deep cleansing brush is particularly useful on the back of upper arms for tackling keratosis pilaris, those little white bumps that look similar to acne but do not respond to acne treatments. This brush provides bacteria-free exfoliation that it very useful just before the application of AHA and Salicylic Acid products to reduce or eliminate the bumps.

Both the white brush head and the blue brush head make for easy removal of oily, cream or powder makeup residue, even heavy makeup. The brush is not for use around the delicate undereye area.

PleasingCare Luxe Cashmere Brush Heads
There is also a separate 2-pack available of Luxe Cashmere brush heads which are compatible with all PleasingCare Cleansing Systems. These are as plush and luxurious as it sounds, with bristles twice as long as the other brush heads, and they softly bend for an extremely gentle cleansing, softer and more hygienic than washing by hand. I like the Luxe Cashmere brush head for skin that is very delicate due to sunburn, peeling, eczema, rosacea, or chemical peels. Ideal for ever-so-gently exfoliating wrinkles and enlarged pores, the Cashmere brush heads increase blood circulation in the skin. The Cashmere head also creates a nice fluffy foam and feels wonderful when used. Suitable for twice a day use even on very sensitive skin.

PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush Luxe Brush Head

ABOUT THE BRUSH

Some special features about this facial brush include:

GENTLE BUT EFFECTIVE EXFOLIATION:
The PleasingCare Cleansing System oscillating brush does not rotate, so it is not over-zealously “buffing” the skin like some brushes.

PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

WATERPROOF:
The brush design is with sonic air compressor technology that makes it waterproof. It can be used in the shower, which I love because it is so convenient to use this way, and I also use it on my throat, chest, shoulders and the back of my arms. While waterproof, do not extendedly submerge the brush in water.

FAST RECHARGE:
The charger is a small inductive base about the size of a half dollar. It magnetically adheres to the front handle of the brush; there is no open hardware on the brush itself. The brush recharges quickly, the first charge takes 15 hours. A feature I like is the gentle, soothing light on the charge indicator instead of annoyingly bright light. Since I frequently recharge my devices overnight, it is nice to have a light that does not produce excess glare.

PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

EASY USE:
There are two-speed settings and one on/off switch. Once charged, the brush is cordless and portable. The buttons are big and easy to operate even with wet soapy hands.

T-ZONE MODE:
There is a built-in one-minute pulsing T-Zone timer for rapid, deep cleansing the forehead, chin, and nose. I like this feature so that I can both deep clean this oily area up to six times cleaner while still gently cleansing more delicate skin with the same brush head. This is superior to other facial brush cleansers that would require a changeout of the brush head to accomplish both a deep cleansing of the T-zone and cleansing normal skin areas.

EASY BRUSHHEAD REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
To remove a brush head, place the plastic cap over the bristles and grasp the top and bottom of the brush in your index finger and thumb respectively. Press and twist the head counter-clockwise until the brush releases, like a medicine bottle cap. To apply a brush head, press it onto the base positioning it over the threads, turning clockwise and gently pop it into place until you hear a snap.

HOW TO USE THE BRUSH:
1. Select the brush head of your choice and put it on the brush device
2. Use the headband if desired
3. Dab a facial cleanser onto your damp skin
4. Wet the brush
5. Turn on the brush to the low or high setting (up or down). There is a built-in one-minute pulsing T-Zone timer for deeper cleansing the oiliest parts of your face.
6. GLIDE the brush head over your skin, keeping the head moving in slow, sweeping circular motions outwards. There is no need to press it into the skin firmly or to scrub your skin with the brush as if using a washcloth. Use light pressure only.
7. Do the forehead for 20 seconds, then ten seconds for each cheek, the nose, and the chin. You will feel a single pulsing surge when it is time to move to the next area.
8. Turn off the device
9. Rinse and dry
10. After each use, remove the brush head, wash the brush head with water and place in a well-ventilated area until dry.

TIP: The brush is safe for once a day use with the white, blue and green heads and the Luxe Cashmere heads can a particularly excellent value twice a day.

RESULTS
The PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush reduces and removes blackheads very quickly, especially on the nose and chin. There is also a reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores and fine wrinkles. The acne brush removes dry, flaky skin without irritating existing pimples. I especially love the Luxe Cashmere heads, they feel so soft and gentle that I was surprised to see how well they could exfoliate, but I have been very pleased with how smooth and flake free my skin is, and how soft and dewy my skin looks. My skin is gently exfoliated each day in one minute, leaving a fresh, clean surface to apply moisturizers and serums. The anti-bacterial brush heads are gentle on my skin but effective. The presentation style box makes it suitable as a gift. The PleasingCare offer of one additional year of free brush heads makes this set a particularly excellent value.

Find the PleasingCare Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush at PleasingCare.com and at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/PleasingCare-Cleansing-Included-Rechargeable-Cleaning/dp/B00OJFAPSY/.

You can purchase the PleasingCare LUXE Compatible Cashmere Cleanse Replacement Facial Brush Heads at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0151CK1ZA, and both are available on Prime Shipping!

Skincare: InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash

October 7, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I have never tried an InstaNatural product that I didn’t like, and InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash is no exception.

InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash has 2% Salicylic Acid and Vitamin E. This means that your acne will be pummelled, but your skin won’t get irritated.

Salicylic Acid is a potent agent in fighting acne. One of my favorite spot treatments is 1% Salicylic Acid, so I know how powerful it can be to reduce acne. Regular washing with Salicylic Acid reduces current acne, prevents new acne from forming, tightening pores, and giving your skin a beautiful glow.

A couple of weeks ago I had a hormonal breakout the day before I went to a formal non-profit event (where I ended up in hundreds of pictures, of course.) I tried all of my standard acne treatments, and nothing worked. It’s practically like the acne derived strength from the treatments. I received this cleanser a few days later, and my skin was immediately improved: first the redness went away after two washes, then the pimples shrunk, and then the inflammation under the skin rose to the surface and disappeared. This last part is what makes Salicylic Acid as amazing: it travels deep into the skin. This was deep, painful acne. I considered getting a cortisone shot from my derm, but given how deep under the skin the blemishes was, I was worried that I would end up with a divet on my skin, so I opted instead to (unsuccessfully) cover the spots with concealer for my event. If I had the cleanser a few days sooner, the inflammation under the skin would have already risen and dissipated, and my skin would have been clear!

It is also amazing for getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads. I had a few whiteheads that dried out and came off within 48 hours, and some small blackheads that disappeared within 72 hours. I love products like this that work quickly; it makes it so much easier to stick with them! And I definitely will stick with this cleanser to prevent future breakouts!

Before sleeveless dress season this year, I read an article about using Salicylic Acid wash on underarms. It serves two purposes: first, because it kills bacteria, it keeps you fresh all day. Second, it brightens an abused area of skin (by waxing, shaving, etc.). I tried it with a cleanser I had that a small amount of Salicylic Acid in it at the time and was impressed, but I am thrilled to see the difference that InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash has on the area. You don’t think of underarms as an area that shows age, but once you see an improvement like you get from this cleanser, you will be amazed!

InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash has a very light sweet orange scent which is lovely but doesn’t remain on your skin after you wash the lather off. It washes off clean, which I like because some acne washes leave a residue behind that mixes with the moisturizer applied after, and you end up with a weird sticky residue. This cleanser just leaves your skin clean and bright. Instanatural also has a Salicylic Moisturizer (Instanatural Acne Moisturizer, available on Amazon). I haven’t tried it, but I am dying to after using InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash!

Find InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash here.

InstaNatural Cleansing Acne Face Wash

I received this item free for my honest and unbiased testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer it!

Home Spa: MARSEE Zero X Portable Bluetooth Speaker

October 6, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I like a long, luxurious hot shower. The only thing that makes it better is an epic playlist to go along with it. That is why I love the MARSEE Zero X Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

MARSEE Zero X Portable Bluetooth Speaker

First of all, it is waterproof, not just water-resistant. I’ve found that water-resistant speakers tend to konk out far too quickly. This speaker is so well crafted that water just isn’t getting in this little gadget. It has a hook, which I like to hook onto my shower caddy so it is handy.

The sound is amazing. I laughed when I realized that the sound is better than on my actual iPhone. The bass is rich and deep. The instruments are nuanced, and the vocal is crisp. The sound is nice and loud without losing clarity. My Mom taught me the value of investing in good speakers when I was young, and as far as shower speakers, this is the best sound I’ve found.

Here’s how I use it: I leave my iPhone in the adjacent room after pairing it with the speaker. I am always worried about my phone getting wet even if it isn’t near the water stream in the shower, but if it is in the next room, it works out great since it has a decent range. This is by far the easiest Bluetooth speaker I’ve used regarding connectivity. It automatically pairs with other Bluetooth devices. I just select the speaker in my iPhone’s Bluetooth list, and it pairs instantly.

If you aren’t using the Bluetooth mode, it comes with an audio cable as well to directly link it to your phone. As a nice added bonus, it comes with a micro-SD card slot, so you can load up your music before you go, which is great for a picnic or if you have a standard playlist and don’t want to bother with pairing. It has an 8-hour battery life (the battery is rechargeable), so it will last through several showers or a few completely luxurious baths.

MARSEE Zero X Portable Bluetooth Speaker

It also has a microphone and can be used to answer phone calls. Though personally, if I’m enjoying a shower or bath, I want to be left alone. I can understand if you have kids, however, the need to always be reachable, so this is a nice feature.

I don’t know if this happens to anyone else, but if I’m doing a timed beauty treatment in the shower, on occasion I’ll glance at the clock to be able to time my treatment, and then forget what time I started. Since I got this speaker, I don’t have that problem as I can load up a playlist with songs that are the timings of each step. For example, let’s say you are using Pravana Hair Color Extractor. Once you are in the shower, you massage in your shampoo and then you put a plastic cap over it for 2-3 minutes. Turn on your speaker, and have a song ready that is 2-3 minutes long. Pick songs that repeat that process for the entire 20-minute process. So when the song ends, you know it is time for the next cycle! That’s a whole lot easier (and enjoyable) than using a stopwatch or trying to figure out the time you started!

MARSEE Zero X Portable Bluetooth Speaker

I really enjoy this speaker. I’m picky about my sounds equipment, and speakers that I have tried that is this size tend to be tinny, but there is no trace of that in this speaker. I’m thrilled!

Buy it here. Style Chicks readers get 15% off with code USDFTGTN.

MARSEE Zero X Portable Bluetooth Speaker