Category Archives: WELLNESS

Winter Skin Crush: PIONNIÈRE XMF WHITE Skin Translucency Cream

December 14, 2015

Luxury and science.

PHYTOMER, the pioneer in marine cosmetics, introduces PIONNIÈRE XMF WHITE Skin
Translucency Cream
, an advanced anti-aging cream combining two biotechnological marine sugars to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, erase dark spots and restore the complexion’s youthful translucency.

Phytomer exclusive ingredient XMF (Extra Marine Filler) EPS (ExoPolySaccharide), a 100% sustainable ingredient, deposits a natural, invisible film on the skin’s surface, smoothing wrinkles in 15 minutes.*

Beneath the skin’s surface, it stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid for extended redensifying and smoothing results. EPS Whitech, Phytomer’s recent development, not only inhibits the sythesis of melanin induced by UV, but also offers the skin 71% more protection from synthesis of pollution-induced melanin*, preventing the emergence of dark spots and hyperpigmentation across the entire spectrum of lifestyle-related factors.

PIONNIÈRE XMF WHITE Skin Translucency Cream has a comfortable “second skin” texture and is enriched with plant oils for instant skin softness.

It has a fresh scent with notes of jasmine, citrus and rose.

Radiant white in color and enhanced with soft-focus powders and golden pearls, it immediately blurs wrinkles and illuminates the skin and leaves a velvety, matte finish.

Available in select spas November 2015 and at http://www.lespausa.com

Suggested retail: $247.00

Kneipp, my childhood favorite stocking stuffer is still winning

December 13, 2015


When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the tiny glass jar gift sets of Kneipp that were sold at my local drug store. My mom knew this, so every year a gift pack miraculously appeared in my Christmas stocking. I would savor it for as long as possible, as this was my “fancy grown up gift”. I don’t know what it was that made me so in love with them at 9 years old – the cute glass bottles, the stunning bright colors, the smells…? But here I am many (MANY) years later, and I am not only still in love with them but I get to stick them in my kid’s stockings.

If you’re a true 80’s kid like me then you grew up on these all-natural body care and bathing products with no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, no paraffin, silicone or mineral oils, and no animal testing.
 

The Spruce and Pine and Juniper essences in Kneipp are still a classic. It’s just the real deal of relaxation. There is not a single person who would not relish a gift pack of some combo of their marvelous products.

A single cap full turns your bathtub into a holiday (or in my case, a year round) oasis.

This season try these in a stocking and Santa will have done good! They are all time classics and literally impossible not to fall in love with. But don’t stop here – these are just the warm up ideas. You will win with any and all elixirs.
Warmth & Energy Herbal Bath with Spruce & Pine

Spruce and Pine Warmth & Energy Bath: Travel Size
Shake off fatigue and winter chills while simultaneously scenting your home with the invigorating essential oils of spruce and pine in this warming herbal bath. As the ultimate scents that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit, pine helps to strengthen the body’s defenses against the cold of winter and ease muscle pain while spruce improves circulation and elevates energy levels. The overall effect is a sense of warmth and energy, leaving you ready to take on the season.
Retail Price: $20 (3.38 fl.oz) or $5.50 (.67 fl. oz)
 

Muscle Soothing Juniper Mineral Bath Salts

Juniper Muscle Soothing Bath Salt
Whether you spent the day taking advantage of the fun outdoor activities winter has to offer or decking the halls to prepare for the holiday season, this concentrated bath treatment is soothing for tired and sore muscles. The unique blend of pure and natural thermal brine salts, juniper and rosemary oil creates a detoxifying combination to help rid the body of toxins, stimulate circulation and relieve tension. Stress that is inevitability brought on by the hustle and bustle of the holidays is instantly soothed, leaving you relaxed and at ease.
Retail Price: $20 (17.63 fl. oz)

All Kneipp products are available at fine spas and apothecaries nationwide as well as at www.kneippus.com

"Bath Time Rx" Set of Baths

About Kneipp
Kneipp is a naturopathic brand founded in 1891 by Sebastian Kneipp, a German naturopath and priest, based on nature and scientifically founded teachings. Manufactured in Germany, Kneipp is one of the leading providers of effective body care and bathing products, offering consumers uniquely effective, innovative and natural concepts for health and well-being. Kneipp is an all-natural brand with no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, no paraffin, silicone or mineral oils, and no animal testing.
 

Life Coach 101 – Start with Chad Cryder – Your Gay BFF

November 2, 2015

I first heard about  Chad Cryder, “empowering the feminine energy” (and more!) when a girlfriend held a dating workshop led by him, entitled something to the effect of Dating Workshop for Women led by your Gay BFF.  Loved the title. Missed the workshop. I hear it was amazing. I decided I had to meet Chad. I will admit to having an impression in my mind of a super flaming queen giving me blow job tips. Well, I was (thankfully) totally surprised when we had our first Skype session. Chad is grounded and far from any stereo-type. Chad is very manly, man, despite having honed a deep connection to the feminine psyche. But most importantly, he is a professional at what he does….

I bounced over to his website and loved all of these questions:  Of course the answer is YES to all!

♥ Have you ever noticed that you seem to be repeating the same pattern?

♥ Have you felt that others bring out the worst in you?

♥ Do you feel manipulated but can’t stop it from happening?

♥ Does it feel like you’ve become paralyzed because nothing seems to work?

 DON’T FORGET THIS!!!
  • Learn to break the patterns that hold you back from living your best life
  • Move beyond old ways of thinking to experience a more fulfilling life
  • Learn that love is a choice to accept, embrace and honor our differences
  • Learn how the muck of life are lessons in disguise
  • Live a life that encourages your strengths
  • Find your passion in life, love, and community
  • Gain insights by using your passions, desires and needs to live an empowering life
  • Learn to break the patterns that have kept you in chaos
  • Learn how to observe your life and patterns from a position of strength
  • Unlock and release the perspectives that haunt you
  • Know how to shake off the negativity
  • Stop the confusion that slows you down by unleashing your innate superhero

So, I decided to book a few sessions with him to dig deeper into my blocks. He is fantastic. He speaks my language. His approach is the perfect balance of esoteric spiritual and pedal to the medal action.

His credentials are impressive and they are growing by the day:

“I am a relationship coach, PhD student, author, workshop presenter, speaker, and gay BFF. But more importantly, I’m a listener, teacher, and empathetic advisor who can help you navigate the world of relationships. I am an honest yet tender coach. And while I enjoy walks on the beach, a good book, and my cats, I hate rainbow farting fluff that mucks up a real conversation and an honest connection.

There are two types of relationships that focus on – relationship with self & relationship with others. In my 8+ years of experience working with individuals and couples, the biggest issue starts off as a problem with our relationships with others.”

So far we had a few sessions to get to know each other and find my hot spots so to speak. This last week, he talked about our lives being a “play” – pre-written, that we enter into upon birth and “improv” our way through. But everyone has their set role – except us. What I took from this was, we have something to learn from every relationship we are in. Every SHITTY (yes, even the shit ones) are “pre-mapped” so to speak, to give us the lessons we need to learn in this lifetime. Chad talks a lot about energy, love, meaning and purpose. So far it has not been “work” intensive (though I have a bit to bang out for our 9 am Skype tomorrow).

For now – learn more and book a session for yourself with Chad here

I can’t wait to report back, when I have knocked a few more doors down within myself!

 

Tackle Transitional Skin With Murad

September 28, 2015

Now that the days are getting shorter and the summer tans are starting to fade, it’s time to tackle the remains of sunny summers past (where did those spots come from?!). The transition can be tough on everyone. Here are my top transition picks from Dr. Murad’s post-summer skin Rx prescription.

 

 Intensive-C Radiance Peel lifts away sun damage to reveal radiant skin.

Radiance Peel
Brighten, smooth and hydrate to see a radiant glow after just one treatment. Glycolic Acid exfoliates to accelerate turnover of dark damaged cells, removing dullness and improving skin texture. Myrtle Extract supports cellular renewal to boost youthful resilience and elasticity. Vitamin C and Indian Fig protect against free radical damage while enhancing skin clarity and luminosity.  $55
Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum lightens sun and age spots to help you achieve a more even-toned complexion.

Pigment Lighten Serum

Fast-acting treatment featuring Hydroquinone fades dark spots, age spots, and freckles. Our skin-lightening serum also evens out skin tone to reveal a clearer, brighter complexion while helping prevent future pigment formation. $60

Our Hydroquinone serum is suggested for people looking to:
• Fade age spots
• Lighten dark spots
• Even skin tone

Essential-C Night Moisture works overnight to repair and protect your skin from exposure to free radicals.

Essential C

Antioxidant-enriched hydrator featuring a patented technology designed to improve skin while you sleep. Vitamins A, C and E encourage cell turnover to improve skin firmness.$65

Sip, Scrub, Stimulate, Sooth and Spray Your Way to Younger Skin with Kerstin Florian’s New Chamomile Skin Care

September 24, 2015

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Shower/Bath Gel: $36.00 13.5 FL OZ Scrub: $40.00 6 FL OZ
Lotion: $45.00 13.5 FL OZ
Spray: $32.00 4 FL
Kerstin Florian’s new Chamomile Skin Care range is heating up as the weather starts to cool down for the season. The new chamomile skin care is soothing, calming and great for sensitive or acne prone skin types, as well as those who suffer from inflammation. The four products in the collection include: a chamomile body scrub, a gentle chamomile bath gel and body lotion along with a body spray.

In addition to a warm, comforting and fragrant way to end the day, Chamomile is an active botanical and protects your skin from free radical damage.Used since ancient times and comprised of different daisy-like plants (all members of the Asteraceae family), Chamomile is great for healing wounds, anti-inflammatory and additional health benefits.  Chamomile functions as a natural skin lightener, promotes a healthy glow and restores its natural moisture content. Additionally the leaves add strong anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties making it an excellent aid to minor skin wounds by disinfection.

Available starting October at www.kerstinflorian.com