Posts Tagged ‘Decleor’

5 Easy Ways to Go Organic and Natural in your Beauty Routine

When organic products were difficult to come by, I used to hoard them. Hidden in a corner of the bathroom. Only for “Special Occasions”.  They cost more. Plus, that artisanal soap shop’s clear across town… So, I hoarded them. The rest of my routine was filled with generic products that didn’t necessarily contain the best ingredients. Somehow I figured that, since I’d just use it up, I might as well buy the cheapest I could find.

But, I think I had it backwards.

It’s like when you’re on a diet. You really really want that piece of chocolate cake, so you order the salad and skip the wine. I was treating the organic products like the chocolate cake, when really, they’re the salad! They’re nourishing and contain far fewer chemicals than my generics. Now? the chocolate cake is that expensive eye serum that works miracles and doesn’t have an organic option. It’s the products that I can’t swap out. Instead, I try to use my non-organics sparingly and only when an organic product won’t give me the same effect.

Here are the 5 places I’ve made the switch:

Organic Hand Soap

If there is one product that everyone in your home is using, it’s the hand soap. One of the most frequently used “beauty” products in the home, it was the first item I swapped out for an organic version. We’ve just started using the Pangea Organics Hand Soap. A soft foam that leaves your hands feeling clean, I feel better knowing that I’m not scrubbing harsh chemicals into my hands 6 or 7 times a day.

Better Body Butter

Climbing out of a warm bath during a cold winter, there is nothing better than lathering on that thick, creamy body butter. Head to toe, I really rely on body butter to keep my skin sooth and hydrated. Swapping out my generic for organic has been the most noticeable switch. I find when the product is more effective, I actually use less and it lasts longer!

Shower Gel, Body Wash & Bar Soap

Scrubbing from head to toe, you’re actively exposing your skin to everything in your soap, shower gel or body wash. Confession time, before we were married, my husband bought those 3 for a $1 packs of soap that left the bathroom reeking of overly perfumed “Mountain Springs”.  When the “fancy” soap started appearing, he was skeptical. After 2 minutes in the shower with the organic soap before he was completely converted! You feel cleaner, refreshed and chemical free.

Mineral Makeup

I love novelty eyeshadow. Every now and then, you just really need to rock a glittery neon cat eye. To create a bit of a barrier between my less than reputable novelty makeup and my ever precious skin, I always start with mineral makeup. A tinted sunscreen like Jane Iredale Dream Tint matched with the Jane Iredale powder leaves you feeling protected.

Natural Nail Care

When it comes to chemicals, hard lacquer that gives you a pop of colour? Worst offender. Of course, there are several companies, such as Zoya and Spa Ritual, that are producing natural polishes with fewer chemicals… Still, it can be soooo tempting to pick up those $1 bottles (especially if you’ve FINALLY found glitter to match your neon green eyeshadow!) If you surrender to the dime store monster, make sure to choose a high quality base coat to form a layer of protection. Also, don’t skimp on the remover! This was a hard learned lesson. A cheap polish/remover combo turned my fingers blue for 3 days. Keep in mind, some generic nail polish removers can damage your nails and dry out your cuticles (depending the chemicals).  And the smell! It’s really not worth the headache.

Final Thoughts

If you always find empty tubs of body butter- then you’re actually USING your body butter. By swapping out your high use products for quality organic products, you’re really going to feel the benefits.  Especially now when there’s so much choice!  There are Dozens of brands dedicated to natural beauty products. Most of your favourites probably produce a natural line or two! Take a look at your routine and you’ll quickly see how easily they’ll fit in.

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

Making It Off – Adventures in Makeup Remover

Up until I was 22, I slept in my makeup. Coming home late (or sometimes wearing it to bed on purpose) left my sheets, pillow, and duvet in a rainbow of smudges.

Then, along came Halloween. A bad reaction to dime-store eyeliner practically glued my eyes shut. Those Rocky Horror party plans? Turned into a run to the Emergency Room. After a 20 minute lecture from a not-so sympathetic doctor, (echoed by my boyfriend in the car) I accepted the truth: I need to take proper care of my eyes. Gone were the days of dime-store liner, $2 shadow and glitter mascara. Instead, I find myself triple checking labels for artificial colourants or perfumes.

The biggest thing that will set my eyes off, even using great make up, is leaving it on too long. Those “All-Day” or “24 Hour Last” products are great- but by the time I get home, I’ve already been in them for 12 hours and my eyes start to feel tired. Instead of waiting until right before bed, I do a quick makeup removal when I’m washing up to start supper. With my sensitive eyes, I really love Eminence Herbal Eye Makeup Remover (5.07oz). Soothing, gentle AND takes of regular mascara! Not suitable for water-proof mascara or other waterproof products.

If you’re a regular waterproof mascara wearer, I would go with something a little more directed, such as Decleor Aroma Cleanse Eye Make-Up Remover (150ml). Great for people with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers, it takes off waterproof mascara really nicely. As it is an oil/water based cleanser, you do have to shake it before using.

When it comes to the rest of your makeup, it really depends on your skin type and what you’re looking for in a cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, our estheticians recommend GM Collin Sensiderm Cleansing Milk: Lait Nettoyant (200ml). It has a neutral pH which leaves your skin feeling supple, clean, and soothed. The active ingredients work to eliminate skin impurities and prevent dryness.

For me, there’s still a fair bit of that lazy 22 year old and I love products that do as many things as possible, such as the 3-in-1  Laboratoire Dr Renaud HydraPure Make-Up Removing, Cleansing and Toning Water.

The one product I really wish my lazy 22 year old self had known? Bodyography Mineral Makeup FACE IT Cleansing and Soothing Wipes (50 count). Super easy to use, you just wipe it all off and toss. It even does that notorious waterproof mascara! Superfast, your skin is left cleansed, softened and protected. A must for the lazy makeup junkie. They leave no excuse for waking up with raccoon eyes.

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Fall Skin Care Tips: How to get Soft, Supple, Hydrated skin

Ok, so it’s not officially winter until December 21st, but it sure feels like it in some parts of the country!  I think we are all feeling a bit of cold weather dehydration in our skin in the form of flakes and dullness.  And, have you noticed your makeup just doesn’t go on very nice anymore?  Makeup only looks good if you have a clean, fresh canvas to begin with.  The good news is that it is actually quite easy to get your skin back to normal – even better than normal!

Tip #1 – Exfoliate to smooth the skin’s surface and remove dry, dead skin cells

Physical exfoliators (scrubs) are good for polishing the surface of the skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Enzyme exfoliators (peels, alpha/beta hydroxy acid, etc.) are good for gently dissolving the glue that holds your dead skin cells together.  They are usually more gentle, but penetrate deeper than scrubs.  Enzyme exfoliators containing beta hydroxy acid also dissolve hardened oils (blackheads, clogged pores) resulting in a clearer, less congested, smoother complexion.

*Get the best of both worlds by alternating a physical and an enzyme exfoliator or go 2 in 1 and choose a scrub that contains enzymes or acid!

  

 

Tip #2 – Use a hydrating serum

Think of your serum like your doctor’s prescription.  Whenever you have a skin issue, choose a serum for that issue and use it until your skin improves.  Since serums have the highest concentration of active ingredients and they have a light consistency, they penetrate deep and work quickly to alleviate your skin.

*If your skin is combination, oily, or acneic, choose a serum made for dehydrated skin, not dry skin.  Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid will not clog your skin or cause breakout.

Tip #3 – Mask as often as your skin needs

Choose the right hydrating mask for your skin type and use it as often as necessary.  If you need to mask everyday for a whole week, go right ahead.  As long as you are using the correct mask, your skin will drink up the hydration and thank you for it!

*If your skin is combination, oily, or acneic, be sure to choose a gel-based hydration mask and avoid heavy cream masks.

Tip #4 – Use a hydration spray regularly on top of your mineral makeup

It’s perfectly fine, actually it’s recommended, to spray a hydrating mist to set your mineral makeup.  Don’t be afraid to get it wet – your skin will look more dewy & supple and your makeup will stay put longer.

*Use a hydration spray with added antioxidants to protect your skin from free radical damage.  Keep a bottle in your handbag and re-spritz yourself throughout the day.

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

How to remove eye makeup, the easy way.

How to remove eye makeup traditionally:

First, find a cotton pad.

Awwwww I don’t have any left! Now what? Toilet paper? Oh great.

Then, pour it onto cotton pad.

Ooops, I poured out way too much (and I paid $40 for it – great again).

Next, gently press on eye area and wait for product to dissolve eye makeup. 

Yeah, like I have time to just stand here and wait…

Now, gently rub downward to remove makeup.

Like 10 trillion times and I still have black all over my eye?  Not to mention, I really don’t like rubbing my eyelashes so much – I don’t want them to fall out!

Now, do the other side.

How am I supposed to do the other side when I can’t see out of this eye that has makeup remover and black makeup all over it??????

NOW MY EYE IS BURNING AND STINGING GRRRRRRR WHY CAN’T IT BE EASIER????!!

If this scenario has ever happened to you, which I’m sure it has, you are going to love my 2 favorite eye makeup removers.  Here’s why:

1. No cotton pads (unless you want to use them)

2. No harsh rubbing

3. No product and makeup all up in your eyes

4. No burning/stinging/red eye

All time favorites:

1. DECLEOR AROMA CLEANSE SOOTHING MICELLAR WATER (200ML)

A very soft micellar water, it’s fragrance free, AND delicately and thoroughly cleans sensitive skins.  Not only does it remove make-up, this 2-in-1 formulation cleanses and tones at the sane time!  Now, they do recommend that you use a cotton pad and smooth gently over your face and neck. Don’t rinse! Instead, follow with your favorite moisturizer (like Vivescence Hydra Total!)

2. EMINENCE HERBAL EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

Sensitive eyes? No problem!  This make-up remover soothes, protects, removes puffiness and nourishes. Ph-Balanced, it’s designed to be as soothing as possible. Plus, it even has anti-aging elements. This is a heavy-hitting product and the perfect compliment to your daily routine!

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

 

 

How to Control Oily Skin with Essential Oils

I’ve worked with a few essential oil lines: Moor Spa, Darphin and now Decleor. One thing that is difficult to convince people of is the idea that oily skin types can benefit from essential oil use on the skin.

Oily  skin types tend to really like a drying feeling. Lathering, foaming cleansers. Granular, rough scrubs that they use frequently. Little to no moisturizer, usually ones that really don’t do much. And the spot treatments, which in desperation are sometimes used over the whole face.

Having done many a facial, I’ve heard it all when it comes to how people try and control their oil production. Often these aggressive tactics don’t ever really make any headway in changing the skin, but people get attached to a routine. Let’s try something a bit gentler shall we?

According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference (which, by the way is fantastic. They back up all their info with published studies that support their claims. Very hard to find with most aromatherapy information.) essential oils are beneficial to oily skin due to their ability to dissolve sebum, kill bacteria and preserve the acid mantle.

What is the acid mantle you ask?

Esthetics 101! Skin produces both oil and sweat. This very delicate mixture ideally brings the pH of the skin to 4.5-5.5, which is slightly acidic. This helps to protect the skin from bacteria and viruses while keeping skin at ideal hydration levels. When it’s thrown off balance (too much or too little oil production, harsh alkaline soaps that raise the pH etc.) skin starts to suffer from blemishes, can become dry and flaky and can start over producing oil to compensate. When ingredients are pH balanced, they help the skin to re-balance and and preform at its best.

Certain essential oils are know to have the ideal pH, and are anti-bacterial. Exactly what oily skin needs. They can also be drying, so it’s not advised to always apply them neat (or straight) onto the skin. You don’t want to cause irritation or dryness.

They are also very concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

If you’re wanting to use essential oils at oils to re-balance the skin, make sure to research the oil completely and learn the contraindications and proper usage.

Here are some pointers to start out!

1)Use approximately 50 drops of essential oil mixture to 100ml of carrier oil.

2)Best carrier oils for oily skin? Jojoba or grapeseed. The general consensus is that both of these absorb easily into the skin without clogging it. So you get hydration without a greasy feel, as well as anti-oxidant benefits.

3)A little goes a long way! I cannot stress this enough. Use only 1-3 drops of your mixture for the whole face. Spread it out and let it absorb in.

4)Look for lines that have herbal distillates and toners with essential oils in them as well. You get astringent qualities, low pH, hydration and purifying aspects.

People with oily skin are usually very familiar and comfortable with using tea tree oil on their skin. But you can expand! It’s not the only effective oil.

Others include but are not limited to: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Geranium, Vetivert, Patchouli, Orange, Lemon, Clove and Chamomile.

Used individually or in blends they can achieve different results. Use the best quality you can find. Scented by-products that are packaged the same way will not give you results. You need therapeutic grade essential oils. Golden Moor has a nice, but small collection available.

If mixing your own seems intimidating, take heart. There are ready made products available to you. Decleor carries a beautiful line of Aromessence Oils designed for each skin type. These little bottles last forever being that you only ever use two drops at a time.

So if your looking for a more natural way to control oily skin, give essential oils a chance. It may feel counter-intuitive to be putting oils onto an oily skin, but you use so little and the benefits are so huge. The same with balms. Once they absorb in, the oils then go to work at re-balancing. Which is ultimately what oily skin needs.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog!  Feel free to post your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!