Beautifully Delicious

Product of the Week: Epicuren Ultra Rose Treat

2012-02-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

This "ultra" rich moisturizer is made with essential Bulgarian rose oils, and is specially formulated for use around the eyes and on extra-dry or dehydrated skin. Along with moisturizing this Protein and Enzyme rich emulsion stimulates cell renewal, calms and soothes.

Epicuren products are available for sale at the Spa at PGA National.

Beauty Tip of the Week: Chocolate & honey make a super antioxidant mask

2012-02-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

Mix a teaspoon of pure organic cocoa powder with a tablespoon of honey. Apply to the entire face and leave on for 15 minutes once a week for a super antioxidant mask! You'll enjoy the glow that comes after...do it in the morning before makeup for a flawless finish!

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

It's Valentines Day and there has to be more benefits to just eating the chocolates and strawberries and smelling the roses...?
Chocolate is actually considered a power food because of it's high content of antioxidants which aid in cell renewal and anti aging, the darker the better! Strawberries are high in antioxidants as well but also contain Salicylic acid which brightens the skin and helps prevent breakouts! Rose oil and rose water is good for all skin types especially for dry sensitive skin. It has a calming affect on the nervous system, as well as a soothing affect on red dilated capillaries.
Ok so how about chocolate covered roses? Turkish Delight Candies makes a chocolate covered rosewater infused candy that will keep you guessing if you're smelling or tasting the roses! Try this as an option this Valentines Day....

Too busy to take care of your skin?

2012-02-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple time saving tips:

1) Put your cleanser and exfoliant in the shower and use those when you bathe.

2) Use products that will serve double duty such as the Phytomer Youth Contour cream. It is great for puffiness and dark circles around the eyes area and treating lines around both eyes and lips!

Product of the Week: Phytomer Youth Contour cream

2012-02-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

The new Phytomer Youth Contour cream for eyes and lips!

Directions for use: Apply Phytomer Youth Contour Reviving Wrinkle Correction Cream Eye and Lip Care morning and/or evening to the area around the eyes and lips, patting gently until absorbed.

The full Phytomer line of products is available for sale at The Spa at PGA National.

DIY Strawberry Scrub

2012-01-31T07:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a great strawberry scrub for you to create at home...
Homemade Strawberry Scrub

Ingredients:
1 strawberry
1/2 tsp of cornmeal

Smash your strawberry with a fork till all the lumps are flat. Then mix with cornmeal till well blended. Apply to face in a circular motion concentrating on problem areas. You may apply a honey mask over it and leave on for 15 minutes or just rinse and continue with your normal skincare regime.

Benefits:
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. The Citric acid in strawberries help to break down the glue like substance that keeps dead skin cells together and the cornmeal serves as a safe manual exfoliant that gently lifts the loosened dead skin cells. Together they make the perfect exfoliant!
　
Check out this video on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erZptu63h8c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

If you feel like being pampered instead, go ahead and book an appointment in the month of February for a specialty Chocolate Strawberry Facial at http://www.thespaatpganational.com/

Product of the Week: Epicuren's Alpha Lipoic Omega Serum

2012-01-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

Epicuren's Alpha Lipoic Omega Serum, our nick name for this serum is facial in a bottle!! A true favorite!!

Available for sale at the Spa at PGA National.

Product of the Week from Lead Esthetician, Zuly Morales: ZO Skincare Ommerse Overnight Recovery Cream

2012-01-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is definitely not your ordinary nighttime moisturizer. Calms and nourishes the skin. While you sleep, retinol works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, ceramides nourish and calming agents protect against inflammation.

Available at the Spa at PGA National. Call today to see an Esthetician like Zuly for all your skincare needs.

Tip of the Week from Zuly Morales, Lead Esthetician

2012-01-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

Day or Night?

During the day use products that are intended to protect. During the night use products that repair and recover. The only real time your body and skin has to repair and regenerate itself is while you are sleeping.

Your New Years Resolution!

2012-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

I've been getting asked a lot lately about how products should be used when it comes to skincare and what the usage sequence should be? Lots of New Year resolutions involve taking better care of yourself and that includes better skin care. So around this time of year I get asked lots of questions like "what should I use?", " How should I use it?" and "why should I use it?"
Cleansers are always first if you wear makeup use a milky cleanser to remove your make up first, then follow it with a sudsy cleanser if you enjoy that squeaky clean feeling, if not...use the milky cleanser a second time. Clarisonic is suggested for the second cleanse!!

Toners are typically used second, they're meant to balance your PH after cleansing so your skin is prepared to accept your serums and creams. Tone after exfoliating and masks. Toners are meant to be left on so it is a a waste to tone before steps you need to rinse.

Instead exfoliation should be your second step and probably one of the most important steps! Getting rid of dry layers is key for your serums and creams to work properly. Exfoliate as often as your skin can tolerate and make sure it's the proper exfoliant! I recommend a fine grain scrub for everyday use that you can keep in the shower for convenience.

Your final step, finishing, should be applied in order of thinnest to thickest : toner (waterey), serum (usually thin in consistency), eye cream and moisturizer (usually creamy and thicker in consistency).

Sunblock always important and should always be applied last and right before makeup.

Product of the Week from Zuly Morales Lead Esthetician: Phytomer Youth Performance Wrinkle Radiance Serum

2012-01-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

The product of the week from Zuly Morales Lead Esthetician is Phytomer's Youth Performance Wrinkle Radiance Serum. Part of the Youth Revelation Facial experience this product offers visible results of the skin appearing more youthful and radiant from the first use. Be sure to make your appointment for the Youth Revelation today for a $30 savings during the month of January at the Spa at PGA National.

It's a New Year! Out with the old and in with the new!!

2012-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

It's a perfect time to go through your products, makeup, and medications! Throw out anything that has expired, changed color, or smells funny! Don't keep products for too long thinking you'll some day use them...the truth is that by the time you use them they could do more harm than good!

What are lash extensions and why Novalash?

2012-01-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

Lash extensions are an easy way to get beautiful long thick lashes instantly. They are semi-permanent which means they only come off when your lash sheds and the extension then goes with it!

At The Spa at PGA National we only do Novalash lash extensions! Novalash is the only one that has the award winning Platinum Bond adhesive, this adhesive is specialy designed to hold and stay flexible so your lashes never feel heavy or stiff. One of the most important things to know about Platinum Bond is that it's made in the USA and it doesn't contain all the harmful chemicals other adhesive have.

It's not only about having beautiful sexy lashes, it's also important to maintain your own lashes strong and healthy and to go the extra mile...Novalash has developed the Lash Doctor for those with lash extensions this is the way to go! The Lash doctor is just like using Latisse but without the hormones and side effects. The Lash Doctor is perfect for extension user's, you'll never have to worry about your extensions getting loose because it's formulated to keep extension holding strong!

Novalash or nothing!

Tip of the Week from Zuly Morales, Lead Esthetician

2011-12-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

Get your eyelashes extended for New Years Eve!

If you're thinking about getting your eyelashes extended for longer, thicker, luscious and natural looking appearance this New Years Eve make sure your lashes are clean and mascara-free. This saves your technician valuable lash applying time and it will ensure your lashes last longer.

Eye lash extensions or eye lash extension fills are offered as part of the over 100 services and treatments on the menu at the Spa and Salon at PGA National.

Product of the Week by Lead Esthetician Zuly Morales: Talika Eyelash Lipocils

2011-12-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

It's all about lashes this week! Lipocils by Talika, a plant extract based gel, is proven to help naturally grow and thicken your lashes in just 28 days !

Lipocils is a piece of cake to use. Use twice a day (morning and evening) during the first 28 days, then once a day. Make sure your lashes are thoroughly cleansed before applying.
Talika Lipocils is available for sale at the Spa at PGA National.

Tip of the Week from Zuly Morales, Lead Esthetician: Soothe Yourself with Chamomile Tea and Peppermint

2011-12-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Looking for a quick way to soothe and calm? Mix fresh chamomile tea with a little peppermint essential oil, pour into small spray bottle (keep in refrigerator) and mist yourself through out the day. This will help sooth irritated skin and calm the nervous system.

If you have Phytomer Oligomer Freeze Dried Sea Water put a little scoop into your spray bottle to make it remineralizing as well.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK FROM ZULY MORALES, LEAD ESTHETICIAN:DOUCEUR MARINE VELVETY SOOTHING CREAM

2011-12-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

An absolute dream for sensitive skin, this luxurious, melt-away cream is rich in marine ingredients which act to reduce redness and calm the sensations of burning or stinging. It strengthens the skin's natural defenses against environmental aggression like climate, pollution, and stress.

Prevents the outbreak of skin reactions, and calms any associated redness or stinging. Contains Coralline which calms, soothes and acts as a decongestant.

The Spa at PGA National carries the full line of Phytomer products and features Phytomer spa treatments.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: OLIGOMER® PURE LYOPHILIZED SEAWATER BATH

2011-12-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

Gain all the benefits of a dip in the ocean in your own home with Phytomer's Oligomer Pure Seawater Bath. An ideal opportunity to relax, re-balance and re-energize.

Main marine ingredients: OLIGOMER®: Delivers an optimum dose of trace elements and minerals, fortifies the epidermis and prevents cellular fatigue.

Available for sale at the Spa at PGA National.

Tip of the Week: Energize with Phytomer Oligomer Freeze Dried Seawater

2011-12-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

A good way to remineralize and energize your body is using a pinch of the PHYTOMER OLIGOMER® PURE freeze-dried seawater in your drink. It's one of the only substances on the planet that contains almost all the trace elements and minerals our bodies need.

PHYTOMER OLIGOMER® PURE freeze-dried seawater is available for sale at the Spa at PGA National.

Stay tuned to learn more about this amazing resource in this week's edition of Beautifully Delicious Spa Blog.

Sometimes the perfect gift is something made...

2011-12-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

•8oz Jar (such as a mason jar)
•Bowl
•Spatula
•Ribbon
•Small card
•Candy Cane
•1 cup salt, Kosher, Epsom or Sea Salt
•Almond oil or another high quality carrier oil.
•1-2 fresh sprigs of Rosemary
•6 drops Spearmint extract found at local grocery store.

Put your salt in the bowl and pour the oil until the salt is the consistency of wet sand. Pull leaves of Rosemary branch and coarsley chop. Then mix your spearmint and fresh Rosemary into the salt till the rosemary is a bit wilted or softened. Pour into your mason jar, close lid, tie ribbon, candy cane and attach card with scrub recipe on it.

Come out to the Spa at PGA National on December 9th at 12:30pm and we can make them together!
We are also having a kids event on Christmas Eve, December 24th from 1pm to 2pm. The kids and I are going to make gifts for mom! So, be sure to plan on bringing your kids that day!

This Friday December 9th at the Spa at PGA National at 12:30pm, I will be demonstrating how to make a Rosemary Spearmint Salt Scrub Spa gift at home. This scrub is really nice in the shower for all over your body or keep next to your sink and use it while washing your hands. The salt will keep your skin smooth, the oil will keep your skin soft, spearmint will invigorate you. As an added bonus Rosemary strengthens capillaries and is loaded with antioxidants to help keep skin young! Use 2-3 times a week!

Things you will need:

Tip of the Week: Fight signs of aging with rosemary

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

The benefits of Rosemary are endless for skin and fighting aging but pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should not use it.

Learn more in this week's coming edition of Beautifully Delicious Spa Blog.

Tip of the Week: Pick me up Peppermint!

2011-12-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

Do you have tired achy feet from all that shopping this holiday season?

Mix a little Peppermint extract, found at your local supermarket with your favorite, unscented body lotion such as Epicuren After Bath Cream. Be sure to massage your feet and legs with it. Peppermint stimulates circulation, relieves sore achy muscles and relaxes the nervous system, just to name a few of the many benefits.

Or head over to the Spa at PGA National to experience our seasonal Peppermint Patty Pedicure available for a limited time only.

Product of the Week: Epicuren Discovery's Aromatherapy Body cream

2011-11-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

Epicuren Discovery's Aromatherapy Body cream is water soluble and adds an effective ease of stroke, allowing for better skin acceptance. The combination of exceptional aroma oil blends, with a superior quality massage oil and world famous Epicuren Skin Treat lotion with protein, enzymes, antioxidants and emollients gives the skin a vital penetration treatment. At the same time it receives the tissue stimulation from the experienced hands of a licensed massage therapist. A unique blend of Epicuren skin treat emulsion and aromatherapy oil, this blend of massage oil in a creamy lotion consistency is the ultimate luxurious massage oil/lotion.

Use in place of massage oil. Skin must be thoroughly bathed prior to the massage. 50/50 Massage Cream, when purchased unscented, can be completely customized by blending it with your favorite essential oil(s).

Aromatic essential oils include:

Papaya Pineapple: Exfoliates, stimulates and invigorates. Papaya and pineapple enzymes naturally smooths and softens the skin.

Orange Blossom: Orange Blossom and Neroli are rich in bioflavenoids, bioavailable vitamin C, and antioxidants. Orange Blossom helps fight free radicals and provides superior hydration.

Wake-Up Rosemary: Tones, stimulates circulation and promotes mental alertness with the true essence of rosemary.

Unscented: Great for persons with sensititvity and it's also great as a carrier oil, to use with essential oils and extracts such as peppermint extract.

Tips from an expert on Wedding Day make up

2011-11-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

Wendy, the bride asks: "Should my makeup be my everyday look or should I do bolder colors on my wedding day?"
Alejandro Falcon, Celebrity MakeUp Artist

For this question I consulted my good friend nationally known makeup artist, Alejandro Falcon, who has worked with celebrities like Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan and Christy Turlington just to name a few! Alejandro's answer to Wendy's question was:

"Well it has to be bolder and a little more intense than everyday for pictures sake. Also more definition on the eye shape and lashes should be full or add on fakes. Water Proof eyeliner and mascara should be a must. A little bronzer before blush is great and a lipstick that looks deeper than flesh tone is awesome. If she's showing decollate then a body lotion or slight bronzer can look good to make it look healthy."

Other things brides need to keep in mind when starting to plan their wedding day:

•If you are unhappy with your skin and want to begin a new regimen with the goal of changing your skin you should start that 6 months prior to your wedding day, to allow proper change to take place. By starting early you will also know how your skin will react to treatment and getting a facial close to your wedding day won't be as scary and will actually give your makeup a nice canvas.

• All waxing should be done no later than a week before the wedding day!

• Don't try something new close to your wedding day like a new hair color, hair cut, permanent makeup etc... Leave all that for your new life after the wedding...

In my opinion your wedding day should be an enhancement of who you already are!Congratulations Wendy!!!

Tip of the week: Use Salicylic Acid Products to Avoid Breakouts

2011-11-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

Tip of the week from Lead Esthetician, Zuly Morales: Diminish the swelling and help the appearance of breakouts by using salicylic acid products like Zo Skin Health Offects TE-PADS Acne Pore Treatment and then depend on your makeup to do the rest!

There are lots of special occasions coming up this time of the year but one of the most special occasions is your wedding day!! This week I want to dedicate my blog to a very dear friend that got married this weekend. One of Wendy's (the bride) questions to me was how to control and blemish breakouts when it happens so close to your wedding day? Well, the truth is that it will be difficult to eliminate breakouts if it's just days before your wedding, but you can diminish the swelling and help the appearance of a breakout by using salicylic acid, one of my favorite products for emergency breakout help are the ZO Skincare T-pads and then depend on your makeup to do the rest!

Find out more later this week by visiting Beautifully Delicous .Be sure to "Like" the Spa at PGA National's facebook page to always be in the know of the latest news, tips, and events.

Product of the week: ZO Skin Health OFFECTS ™ Te-Pads by Zein Obagi

2011-11-21T08:18:00.001-08:00

This week Zuly Morales recommends ZO Skin Health OFFECTS ™ Te-Pads by Zein Obagi as the product of the week.

Te-Pads by Zein Obagi will help you look younger and healthier by controlling oiliness and breakouts alon with removing dead skin cells. Offects® TE-Pads are hydrated in 2% Salicylic Acid – the highest over-the-counter concentration – which gently exfoliates pore-clogging dead skin cells and unclogs congested pores. Botanical extracts calm inflammation and soothe irritation. Use twice a day for both prevention and treatment of acne, clogging, and blemishes.

Key ingredients and benefits are:

2%Salicylic Acid

exfoliates pore-clogging cells
reduces oiliness
prevents breakouts

Botanical Extracts

calm and soothe skin

Instructions for Use:

Use ZO Skin Health OFFECTS ™ Te-Pads in the morning and at night before bed for those with oily, acne prone skin or clogged pores. You may experience a slight tingling but this is considered normal.

The full line of Obagi products are available for purchase and are used at the Spa at PGA National.

Product of the Week: Epicuren Gelle Cleanser

2011-11-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

The product of the week from Lead Esthetician, Zuly Morales: Epicuren Gelle Cleanser.

The Epicuren Gelle Cleanser has been chosen as the product of the week.This excellent antibacterial cleanser for the face is two products in one! It can also serve as a sudsing bath or shower gel.

This foaming liquid thoroughly cleanses oily skin, making it the perfect solution for oily or problem skin. After use, it leaves skin feeling clean, fresh and residue free. As a shower gel or for use in the bath it offers a rich lather, and invigorating aromatherapy to please the senses.

The Spa at PGA National carries the full line of Epicuren products which are used in treatments and available for sale.

Tip of the week from Lead Esthetician, Zuly Morales: Use a Washcloth to Cleanse Skin

2011-11-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

If you don't have a Clarisonic Skin Care System, use a washcloth to cleanse your skin. Using it at the end of your day is a great way to make sure your skin is clean. It is important to cleanse skin daily to remove impurities, bacteria, makeup and to ensure your night creams, and serums are working their best.

Make the Most of your Clarisonic Cleansing SkinCare System with Tips from Zuly

2011-11-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

The Clarisonic is a great tool to keep your skin clean and cells stimulated. Don't be fooled by other facial brushes that claim to do the same. The Clarisonic is the best, others try to imiate the product but in the end Clarisonic is the one with the best technology and attention to detail.

Here are a few tips on how to use it:

Avoid using cleansers with granules, those granules get stuck in the bristles and could create bacteria. The Clarisonic can be used with milky, creamy or sudsy cleansers.

The Clarisonic is completely submersible so, go ahead use it in the shower, I find this to be a very convenient feature.

Don't press too hard while using your Clarisonic, it's not going to work any better if you press hard. The Clarisonic is designed not to damage skin. The brush oscillates which means it goes back and forth instead of going all the way around and if you press too hard the brush stops moving to prevent damage to your skin.

The Clarisonic runs for 2 minutes at a time and beeps every 20 seconds letting you know when it's time for you to move section.

Clarisonic has different brush heads to choose from for delicate to oily congested skin types.

Give your brush head a soak once a week in some water with a little bleach, to keep it clean. The bristles aren't porous so they don't hold bacteria. I find keeping my Clarisonic clean to be rather easy.

Men! Use the Clarisonic daily and you'll start to notice a smoother shave and less ingrown hairs.

Try the Clarisonic Skin Care System on your next visit to the Spa at PGA National!

Tip of the week from Lead Esthetician, Zuly Morales: Use Clarisonic Skin Care Systems to Remove Makeup Residue

2011-11-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

Halloween is over and now it's time put away the ghost, goblins and wash off all that makeup!

When using lots of cosmetic products it is really important to remove the impurities from your face to avoid clogged pores. Use a creamy or milky cleanser to remove heavy makeup and then follow it with a second cleansing. For best results use the Clarisonic Skin Care System in your second cleansing, your skin will never feel cleaner!

The Clarisonic Skin Care System is available for sale at the Spa at PGA National. Or enjoy a facial with one of our expert Estheticians like Zuly Morales and experience it first hand during your treatment.

Product of the Week:Clarisonic Skin Care System

2011-11-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Zuly Morales, Lead Esthetician at PGA National Resort and Spa recommends Clarisonic Skin Care System
as the Product of the Week.

Clarisonic removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing, leaving skin feeling and looking smoother than ever. Gentle enough to use twice a day, it reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes while minimizing the appearance of visible pores. Remember a product like this will help remove impurities which actually prevent expensive creams and impurities from working their best.

Clarisonic is available for sale at the Spa at PGA National retail boutique. Next time you enjoy a facial there you will notice all the Estheticians incorporate the Professional Clarisonic Skin Care System as part of the spa experience.

Keep your tan all year long...

2011-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

I will pick a sunless tan over a traditional bake in the sun any day!

Baking in the sun is becoming less and less popular with all the premature aging and skin damage that we've been seeing. We're also coming into the cooler months and laying out is just not going to be as much fun, so what do we do if we want to keep that warm color? Here are a couple alternatives:

•Spray Tan- go to your spa or salon and get a professional spray tan. This is probably the best way to go for the most even all over color. Your technician is able to spray you without missing a spot or creating streaks. Spas and salons also offer exfoliation before your spray tan for a more even, longer lasting look.

•Sunless-Tanning Products or Bronzers- there are lots of different products that you can use all year long to keep your skins warm color. Whether you choose a bronzer or self tanner knowing how to apply it is key. Make sure your skin is clean, exfoliated and dry. Apply a little petroleum jelly or oil to your nails and cuticles to prevent them from staining. When applying self tanner to your face apply a little eye cream under your eyes, the skin under your eyes should always be a little lighter than the rest of your face to prevent the dark circle look. If you prefer your face to be lighter than the rest of your body, mix equal parts tanner and moisturizer for a lighter application, and remember your ears!

An important note: self-tanners and bronzers are not sunblocks! When out in the sun you should use sunblock over your self tanner. Also keep in mind when you use bronzer apply your sunblock first then your bronzer makeup.

Tip of the week: Stay tan year round

2011-10-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Staying tan during cooler months has never been easier with all the tanning products that are out in the market these days. I highly recommend using tanning creams instead of the tanning bed. To get a nice even tan without streaks, apply your self tanner on clean, exfoliated, dry skin, and wash your hands immediately after application. Get a beautiful, natural looking glow without putting your skin at risk to the sun’s harmful rays or tanning beds.

Product of the Week: Phytomer's Sun Radiance Self-Tanning Cream

2011-10-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

I personally love the Phytomer Sun Radiance Self Tanning Cream, because it dries well and never stains any of my clothes.

This product allows you to get an even and realistic-looking bronzed tone. With its sweet floral scent, unlike other self tanning creams that smell unpleasant, it goes on evenly so you never have to worry about streaks.

Get Kissably Soft Lips in Time for the Holiday Season

2011-10-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Did you know that our lips are 100 times more sensitive than the tips of our fingers, making it one the most sensitive parts of our bodies?

When your lips get dry and flaky no amount of Chap Stick, Vaseline or regular lip balm will get rid of it! Those products will only temporarily soften the problem, but never truly solve it. What those lips really need is to remove all the dead layers of skin that are causing your lips to look scaly.

The skin on our lips is not very tough so knowing how to exfoliate your lips properly is important. It's ok to use your regular facial exfoliant but be gentle, a facial exfoliant can sometimes be too coarse and you could end up irritating your lips and making them sensitive.

Here are a few tips to soften your lips:

1) Use a layer of honey and leave it on your lips for about 10 minutes before using your exfoliant, the alpha hydroxy acid in the honey will help to loosen and dissolve the dead layers making it easier to exfoliate. Keeping yourself from licking your lips might be the hardest part but try to resist!

2) Mix your facial exfoliant with good quality oil such as Olive, Almond, Walnut or even Cocoa Butter which will soften and make your exfoliant slip better. This will create a protective barrier for your lips.

3) Another alternative to a facial exfoliant is a mixture of sugar, honey and oil or investing in a lip product created specifically for lips. My favorite is Phytomer's Lip Plumping Duo; it's a 2 step kit. First use the exfoliant that has both granules and Alpha Hydroxy Acids to remove and dissolve dead cells. Next, rinse your lips, and then use the lip balm to plump and keep those lips kissably soft!

Did you know that an apple a day not only keeps the doctor away but slows down aging and reduces eye puffiness?

2011-10-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Apples have numerous positive affects on the body but they are especially good for puffy eyes because they contain an ingredient called Tannin. Tannin is the reason apples turn brown. Tannin (Tannic Acid) has a natural toning effect that reduces inflammation.

It may also help with dark circles under the eyes. Dark circles are caused by translucent skin under the eyes. The blood beneath this skin gives the appearance of darkness. Since the apples actually strengthen this thin skin, this will make the dark circles diminish.

But, if your dark circles are caused by an overproduction of Melanin you are going to need something that will actually lighten the skin under your eyes. Lemon juice is great for this but be careful not to get it in your eyes!

Apples contain the highest amount of Pectin of all fruits with under-ripened apples containing the highest levels of Pectin. It’s now believed that Pectin promotes epidermal growth, slowing down the changes that happen in skin when aging occurs.

Simple instructions: Place thin slices of apple on eye lids and under eyes for 15 minutes daily and you will be reducing the puffiness and slowing down the signs of aging around your eyes.

To Steam or Not to Steam? That is the Question

2011-09-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

I get asked so many times should I steam my face at home?
My answer is "No, it would be like you trying to remove the tartar from your teeth at home".

Professionally trained facialists use steam to soften the pores or enhance the effectiveness of beauty products so that they work even better on deep cleansing the skin. At the same time, steam or any kind of heat on a regular basis is not good for your skin. Dr. Zein Obagi would go as far as to tell you to stay away from the heat blast of the oven when baking or the heat blast that comes from you car when you first open the door on a hot day! In additon to avoiding hot showers.
It's not just the sun that may cause damage, heat causes discoloration and accelerates skin damage. Any kind of heat source may be damaging to the skin overall. So, leave the steaming to the experts who know why, when and how to use it!

More than dessert. The Pumpkin Pie Mask that tastes as good as it’ll make you look.

2011-09-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Fall has to be my favorite time of the year because I love all things pumpkin, especially my yummy Pumpkin Pie Mask and Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.

This treatment is great for oily to dry skin types and can be used on the face, neck and decolleté. The mask will create a tingly sensation and may cause your skin to be pink for a couple of hours after treatment, due to the increased circulation. I suggest this treatment be done on a lazy, rainy day at home. Avoid this treatment if you feel you’re too sensitive.

This mask is filled with ingredients that are great for the skin including:

Pumpkin (fresh or canned) - is packed with vitamin A for cell turnover (a very necessary process for rejuvenating skin) and vitamin K, which is great for dark circles. It also regulates sebaceous glands, which help in controlling oily skin. This is perfect for those of us who are oily, but would still like something that is anti-aging.

Yogurt- has Lactic Acid great for exfoliating, and smoothing skin. The rich zinc content controls breakouts and clears skin.

Honey- is super hydrating because of its natural ability to attract moisture and lock into skin cells.

Cinnamon - is antibacterial and stimulates circulation by bringing healthy oxygenated blood to the surface. Cinnamon also activates pores so whatever ingredients are applied to skin after are better absorbed.

Nutmeg - reduces swelling because it’s a natural anti-inflammatory.

You will need:

3 Tbs Canned Pumpkin (organic if possible)

1 Tbs Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Tbs Pure Honey

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Fresh Ground Nutmeg

Blend in food processor and apply to face neck and decolleté for 15 minutes. Remove with room temperature water and follow with favorite moisturizer. Your skin will feel tighter and look radiant!

Want a delicious, healthy snack to go along with your mask? Try my Pumpkin Pie Smoothie:

You will need:

A perfect treat for the upcoming holiday season!

1 15 oz can of chilled pumpkin (organic if possible)

1 can chilled evaporated milk

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup pure honey

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (if desired)

Blend and enjoy!

*Fun fact about pumpkin: Did you know that pumpkin, cucumbers and melons all come from the same family?

Are Moisturizers Bad?!

2011-09-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

Using a good moisturizer is a vital part of your skin’s regimen. If you’re not already using one, you should start thinking about incorporating it into your beauty routine. But, beware! Using a moisturizer just for the sake of using one isn't necessarily a good thing. Your skin can become lazy and dormant by not using the correct moisturizer or using it on skin that is not ready to receive.

So, what is a moisturizer? I mean, really. Moisturizer is like a lid on a jar. It's used to lock moisture into the skin and keep it from evaporating. Moisturizers also come with nutritional ingredients that protect sensitive skin, regulate oily skin or help in the fight against aging.


Always choose the right moisturizer for your skin type.

Moisturizers should be used on skin that is clean and exfoliated. Using a moisturizer over skin that has accumulated dead cells negates the reason for putting it on in the first place! That moisturizer will offer some protection and soften those dead cells, but won't be as effective as using it on skin that has already had those dead cells removed.

It's always a good idea to use a treatment or serum specific to your skin’s needs or a Vitamin C under your moisturizer during the day. Always use sunblock over your moisturizer. Some sunblocks are even effective enough that you can get away with not using any moisturizer underneath.

At night, go light and effective. This is the time that your skin will use to repair and regenerate. Don't overload your skin with heavy creams. Personally, I like using Retinol at night. Retinol activates skin, wakes it up, and gets those lazy cells producing again. Everything works better after Retinol!

A little Retinol will keep you from looking like this guy!

Lastly, moisturizers should be matched to your skin type, just like you would match the color of your foundation. Don't feel like if you miss a day of using your moisturizer that you've done something horrible to your skin. Sometimes we need to allow our body the chance to defend itself. If you've been treating your body well, your skin should have the proper tools it needs to heal, protect and nourish itself from the inside, out!