Category Archives: WELLNESS

Arcona’s Red Carpet Radiance Treatment and me!

February 21, 2013

With awards season officially here (and nearly over) in tinsel town every salon from the 900__ to the 9021_ is bustling with treatment choices.  One of Hollywood's hottest happens to be ARCONA'S Red-Carpet Radiance Treatment. Celebs such as Zoe Saldana, Emmy Rossum, Anna Kendrick, Rachel Zoe and Mandy Moore head to this chill west side haven.

The Red Carpet Radiance Treatment includes: Oxygen spray & LED
Price: $175 (so worth the splurge for a big event or occasion)
Treatment Time: 80 minutes

After a particularly stressful week ARCONA's relaxing vibe nearly wiped away all of my stress. My aesthetician was Melissa. Spunky, sharp and so skilled Melissa left my skin glowing. As a self proclaimed beauty junkie I've been around the block. I know that the odds of leaving a treatment looking better than when coming in are slim to none. Last weekend I left looking better than I did when I arrivew with full makeup. I swear!  C'mon I wouldn't lie to all of you! Melissa integrated massage, exfoliation, gentle cleansing and hydration into this powerful treatment. Apparently massaging our skin provides an antidote to gravity as well as work to contour our skin.

I have posted a pic below of me with NO MAKEUP!! Gasp!

A little about ARCONA:

ARCONA is natural luxury skin care and facial studio were born in Los Angeles in 1989, established by a remarkable woman named Arcona. The key to ARCONA's effectiveness is its
active ingredients that are cold-processed at very low temperatures, in small batches, to keep them active and effective. ARCONA uses only the finest quality, all natural ingredients that penetrate deep into the cellular layers of the skin to effect real change, resulting in glowing, healthy skin at any age.

 

ARCONA Studio: 425 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Tel
310.458.3800

xoxo

Lacee

Top Skin Care Picks from European spa and skin care expert Kerstin Florian.

January 23, 2013

340405

Kerstin Florian came out with 4 luxurious NEW items and sets for the holidays and we fell in love.

  • Caviar Pure Luxury Kit ($110) – Nutrient-rich caviar products to intensely moisturize and protect, including Creme Cleanser, Rose Mist, Age Defense Day Creme, and Night Creme.
  • Turkish Body Scrub with Eucalyptus ($100) - Invigorating bath and shower scrub infused with salt crystals and thermal minerals to deeply cleanse and stimulate the body.
  • Chamomile Body Kit ($75) – Ultra-calming chamomile Body Scrub, Bath/Shower Gel, and Body Lotion designed for serious relaxation.
  • Correcting Pure Transformation Kit ($135) – A transformation for your daily skin care routine, with a Complete Daily Cleanser, Multi-Vitamin Day Creme SPF 30, and Brightening Eye Creme.
                www.kerstinflorianusa.com

 

GROOMED LA's pick!

Correcting Pure Transformation Kit – $135

The Correcting Pure Transformation Kit features three products for the face to transform, pamper, and facilitate incredible changes as part of a daily routine.

• Complete Daily Cleanser is a gentile 3-in-1 formula that provides a multipurpose solution to cleanse, tone and remove makeup all in one step.

Key ingredients, chamomile, aloe and vitamin E, work together to soothe and protect, leaving the skin balanced, soft and hydrated.

• Multi-Vitamin Day Crème SPF 30 is a moisturizing treatment perfect for daily use, which provides lightweight hydration as it nourishes and protects the skin.

• Brightening Eye Crème uses light-reflecting botanicals and innovative lightening ingredients in the form of a rich moisturizing agent to create a warm, luminous winter glow to the under eye area.

 

BUY IT HERE!!

Brightening Eye Crème

This brightening eye treatment, infused with vitamins and peptides, provides immediate and long-term hydration. Designed to diminish dark circles, reduce puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles.

Code: 340405
15 mL / 0.5 FL OZ U.S.
Price: $70.00

 
Quantity:

Quantity currently in basket: None

 
BENEFITS:

  • Advanced moisturizing formula targets the three top aging concerns of the delicate eye area; designed to instantly hydrate and smooth fine lines, brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness
  • Advanced peptide (2% Haloxyl) complex helps prevent and diminish the appearance of dark circles by 19% after 56 days of use
  • Improves elasticity to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Advanced peptides (3% Matrixyl 3000) improves wrinkle depth up to 45% after 56 days of use
  • Paraben-free, oil-free and fragrance-free

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Haloxyl 2% (Glycerin, Steareth-20, Chrysin, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide) Prevents and diminishes the appearance of dark circles, significantly reduces red and blue discoloration in the skin, increases skin density to better support the microvascular network around the eyes and alleviates inflammation that can lead to vessel fragility. 

Matrixyl 3000 3% (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyle Oligopeptide) Advanced peptides act synergistically to restore and maintain skin's youthful appearance by providing 45% less deep wrinkles after two months. Promotes reduction in wrinkle depth and improves overall smoothness of the skin. Supports development of connective tissue and improves skin elasticity. 

Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root) Rapidly absorbed Vitamin A complex with proteins to increase skin substantively and minimize irritation. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes even skin tone. 

Vitamin C+ Complex (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) A high potency Vitamin C complex that helps to boost collagen production and enhance skin's structural support. This Vitamin C+ complex is 50 times more active than standard Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Helps to provide antioxidant protection against free radicals and improve skin firmness. Helps brighten skin by reducing the formation of melanin and preventing appearance of age spots. 

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Provides antioxidant surface protection against free radicals and improves skin elasticity and smoothness. 

Willowherb Absorbs free radicals that cause oxidative cell damage. Soothes and calms irritated skin. 

Algae Extracts (Hydrolized Algin, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract) Calming and soothing to sensitive skin.

The Top 5 Essential Daily Supplements to get your year started on the right track!

December 22, 2012

Balance Chiropractic and Wellness Practitioners, explains how 5 essential daily supplements can make a positive contribution to your overall health. This small, yet significant addition to daily life is something that anyone can commit to—and stick to—for the New Year. 

The Top 5 Essential Daily Supplements:

1) Probiotics- The truth about the Immune System is that over 80% of it is actually housed inside of our Digestive System, from the stomach all the way through the intestines, also known as the gut. Probiotics are the “good bacteria” to balance out the common abundance of bad bacteria in the gut. It can be good to look for a deal to try these out to begin with to see which one works best for you; some digging around and we found this PlanetOrganics Peptiva free trial offer as one example. This means you only need to pay for one Probiotic you know works for you.

Boosting the immune system isn’t the only benefit to Probiotics however. In addition to improving our Immunity, Probiotics are great for digestive symptoms (bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhea, etc.) and skin conditions (acne, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, dry skin).

2) Digestive Enzymes – When we cook/heat our food, we lose valuable enzymes that help the body break down our food and absorb the nutrients. Digestive Enzymes replace those lost enzymes, and assist the gut in functioning. Digestive Enzymes also help with symptoms such as: bloating, difficult digestion, heartburn, and constipation.

3) Fish Oil – Omega 3 oils (the “good” fats) provide great support to the brain, heart, and lower inflammation (think: arthritis and poor memory). The average American has too little Omega 3s and too many Omega 6s (which is the “bad” fat) due to poor food choices.

4) An Alkalizing Tablet, like “Alka Green” – The body’s pH basically describes what the chemical environment of our insides is like. It can be either acidic or alkaline, and this is determined by many factors (most notably the food we eat/drink and stress level). Americans are 70% acidic, but we need our body’s pH to be 70% alkaline to be healthy. How do we become more alkaline? Vegetables are alkaline, and most other foods (dairy, sugar, carbs, anything processed) are acidic. Alkalizing tablets bridge the gap. Why is alkalinity so important? Research as early as the 1930?s has shown conclusively that cancer CANNOT survive in an alkaline environment.

5) Goji Berries (dried and organic) – Chinese Medicine has been using foods as medicine for 5,000 years with success. What we put in our body can either work for us or against us. To make a long story short, many Americans have trouble with our Kidney Energetic Pathway in Chinese Medicine terms. This pathway has to do with our energy levels, low back pain, bags under the eyes, low immune system, and more. Snacking on a small amount of Goji Berry daily will strengthen and nourish our Kidney Pathway.

 

 

Sentara: Plump Effect Serum Bio Relaxing Serum

December 10, 2012

Sentara

Plump Effect Serum Bio Relaxing Serum


Woo-015_1z

I first learned about (and subsequently became a believer in)  Hyaluronic Acid  a few years back when my aesthetician gave me samples of Skinceuticals Phloretin CF.  Hyalogic.com descibes Hyaluronic Acid as "hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a carbohydrate, more specifically a mucopolysaccharide occurring naturally throughout the human body. It can be several thousands of sugars (carbohydrates) long." 

I had no prior knowledge of the chemical structure, I just know it works.  And works well.  After a few months of using this my skin was smoother, cleared and actually seemed to glow (YES).   At $159 it was a high monthly expense. I categorized it under other "essentials" such as food, water and shelter and called it a day.  Funny how that works. 

Sentara has rejuvenated my love for Hyaluronic Acid and at nearly half the price.  If you have the extra money in your beauty bank try this product – its simple yet highly effective.  After 5 days of use I see my skin looking clearer, tone even, and yes even that glowy radiance effect is peeking out.  

Additional equally relevant ingredients:
Inca Inchi: hydrates and rejuvenates.
Acai: Antioxidant and vitamin concentrate.
Natural Silica: boosts the effectiveness of the cream's phyto active ingredients.
Thalassine: Bio-relaxing marine extract which helps to relax facial muscles and smooth out facial lines and wrinkles.
Aloe Vera: Moisturizes, repairs and protects the skin against ageing. 
**Angels sing  Hyaluronic Acid: hydrates & stimulates the natural protective properties of your skin's collagen. 

The Official site is below (however it is in french and I don't know if the serum can be bought here):http://www.sentaraskincare.com/ 

An uber hip apothecary in Brooklyn with an LA sells it: 

https://www.woodleyandbunny.com/content/sentara-plumping-effect-serum - retailing for $92 

xx Lacee

Miracle Skin Transformer – Heal Everything Balm

October 31, 2012

Good stuff.   Rich, hydrating, effective.  This isn't your normal sissy moisturizer or "balm"

Miracle Skin Transformer Heal Everything Balm

HEB

With the Santa Ana winds in high gear and wreaking havoc on my skin this week, I feel less like a bronzy Cali babe and more like an irritable East Coast gal.  The patch of skin under my nose is on the border of raw, I am equipped with Carmex and Kleenex at all times.  Bleh. 

Last night as exhausted as I was before bed I applied a teaspoon amount and felt relief. Moisture. As I was looking through my product bins this morning it dawned on me how many moisturizers I have, many of them falsely professing to be a miracle product.  After cleansing your face apply a small amount and presto your previously parched skin will perk right up.  Bonus: I didn't feel greasy, oily or bogged down by this product.  Nice, easy finish.

Miracle Skin Transformer Heal Everything Balm also:

– helps skin recover from sun-induced irritation, cold climates and wind burn.
– helps protect, soothe and moisturize dry skin.
– helps reduce redness and irritation after waxing or shaving.
– helps reduce stinging, irritation and redness due to chaffing, stinging and bug bites. 
– helps the skin maintain its own natural defenses against environment assaults. 
– helps reduce skin redness caused by weather burns, abrasions, and minor irritations.

Proven effective ingredients

  • Tamanu Oil: eco-certified ingredient found in the French Polynesian Islands, with anti-inflammatory properties
  • Blue Mountain Sage Oil: aids dry, irritated skin
  • Organic Palm, Monoi and Moringa butters: help soothe dry skin after exposure to sun, and harsh elements.
  • Japanese Licorice root extract – natural hydro cortisone alternative, reduces irritation and soothes skin.
  • Manuka homey – can fight infection and speed the healing process.

link to buy : 
http://www.miracleskintransformer.com/
http://shop.miracleskintransformer.com/products/Miracle-Skin-Transformer-Heal-Everything-Balm.html

Cost: 26.00 / 25 ml

 

xo Lacee