Posts Tagged ‘natural skincare’

3 Best Organic or Natural Skin Care Products for Spring

Spring, is a fantastic time to examine your skin care routine. As the weather begins to change, your skins needs change with it. Instead of needing the intense moisture you typically need in winter. Look for products that offer hydration and revitalizing nutrients. Being inside during the grey wintry months can leave skin under nourished and dull. By choosing a nutrient rich moisturizer, you help to restore the natural beauty of your skin.

To celebrate Earth Day, this week I swapped out the majority of my cosmetics for natural ones. I have a tendency to accumulate samples and travel sizes, so I had quite a few available. As the end of the week is approaching, there are definitely a few that will be finding a permanent home in my Spring Skin Care routine!

Eminence Thermal Spring Whip Moisturizer

Spring in Vancouver tends to jump between incredibly cold and windy to bright sunny days with little warning. I still like a Thicker moisturizer, one that is going to help repair wind damage, and keep me feeling dewy soft. The scent is fresh and light, peppermint but not overwhelming.  One thing that makes this cream perfect for spring is that it offers both hydration and healing. It works with Sage, and anti-inflammatory  and Horsetail, full of healing, tissue strengthening, flavinoids, to leave skin smooth, clear and ready for what ever the weather.

Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser

During a recent interview with Cosmo, Emma Stone mentioned her love for Burt’s Bees, especially their cleansers. A relitively new line to Spa Boutique, I’ve been using Burt’s Bees since I was in High School. In fact, the shimmers and tinted balms were the only lip colour my mom would let me buy. (Lipstick was banned pretty much until prom!). Recently, they’ve started carrying a variety of natural skincare products, most of which are at least 90% natural, if not 100%.

The reason why I’m singling out this cleanser, other than Emma’s recommendation, is the natural exfoliation that helps clear away   the winter skin. This allows your fresh spring glow to shine through! Plus, it removes most makeup (except waterproof mascara).

GM Collin Bio Organique Energizing Mask: Masque Energisant

My midweek treat is to do a deeply hydrating masque. I find the weekend gets so packed, that I barely have time to get laundry done let alone fit in a little me time. Instead, I set aside an hour either Wednesday or Thursday while my husband gets dinner ready and sneak off to spa-land.

GM Collin, makes a fantastic soothing, hydrating masque that really focuses on restoring a healthy glow to tired and dull skin.  Winter always leaves me feeling drained and this masque helps brighten my skin. This week, I really enjoyed switching my regular masque (Laboratoire Dr Renaud Hydrascience Multi-hydrating Mask – Masque Multi-hydratant Hydrascience) for this one. It left even my skin glowing! I’m not sure if I’m ready to completely switch over, but it’s a fantastic treat when you really need that boost of nutrition.

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!

Green Living in the Blue – Phytomer Marine Cosmetics

When it comes to skincare, there seems to be two kinds of products, “Natural” or “Scientific”. Now, I love my naturals, I really do- but there’s always a part of me wondering, where’s the research? Enter Phytomer. Using ingredients derived from seawater, ocean plants, and algae, this scientific company is surprisingly vegan.

One of the leaders in Marine Cosmetic Research, they have a state of the art laboratory in France along with a team of over 20 researchers. Ever since the early 70s, this company has worked to promote skin care through the ocean. Sea water contains a surprising number of trace elements and minerals that the body needs but doesn’t produce. Phytomer has developed around their flagship ingredient, “Oligomer”. A specially developed sodium reduced seawater concentrate, it contains a number of active ingredients to mineralize, strengthen the epidermis, relieve stress, improve product penetrations, and relax. Found in most of their products, it is the hottest thing to come out of the ocean since Ryan Gosling went swimming.

Another key ingredient in Phytomer products is green algae derivatives. One of the fascinating things about algae is that its life-cycle mimics that of human skin. The researchers at Phytomer have figured out how to use the active ingredients from algae, called Chlorella, to promote collagen synthesis and restructure damaged tissue.

Great for the mom to be, most of Phytomer are considered safe for pregnancy (though, as always, make sure you double check with your doctor and esthetician before choosing a product). As they are marine extracts, you won’t find the harsh chemicals, all of their products are certified organic. However, you should stay away from the stronger treatments, opt for a lighter masque and gentle exfoliant.

Along with their at home treatments, they have a full line of spa treatments as well. This professional level line is typically only sold in salons. We are delighted to extend our Anniversary sale on this line until the end of March. Receive 17% off with coupon code: PHYT17

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!

7 YEAR ITCH! SPA BOUTIQUE GIVE-AWAY – CITRUS VANILLA BATH

We’re Celebrating Our 7 Year Anniversary All Month Long!

This week, we’re giving away a different Trio of Signature Favourites Everyday!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE: REVIEW ANY PRODUCT ON SPABOUTIQUE.CA THEN LIKE, SHARE OR RETWEET THIS POST!

Today we’re giving away a “Citrus Vanilla Bath Gift Set” with 3 of our most popular Full-Sized Citrus Vanilla Scented Signature Line Products! Bring the Spa Home with this antioxidant rich blend of just perfectly sweet citrus and vanilla. The Lemon, Blood Orange, and Vanilla Essential Oils work to tone and brighten the skin.

A WINNER WILL BE RANDOMLY SELECTED TOMORROW MORNING AND NOTIFIED.

Spa Boutique Signature Line: Citrus Vanilla Epsom Salt Bath (300 g)

Use this aromatic Epsom salt bath to soothe tired muscles. Fine sea salts and Epsom salts improves circulation and relaxes the body. The signature Citrus Vanilla blend stimulates and uplifts the senses.

 

Spa Boutique Signature Line: Citrus Vanilla Body Wash (2 sizes)

A gentle body wash that hydrates and soothes skin. Green Tea Extract works to tone and clarify the skin. Witch Hazel provides a cooling sensation and calms irritated skin. The signature Citrus Vanilla blend stimulates and uplifts the senses.

 

 Spa Boutique Signature Line: Citrus Vanilla Body Lotion (2 sizes)

Powerful antioxidants protect and nourish the skin. Sunflower and Avocado Oil enriched in phytosterols and Vitamins heal and prevent pre-mature aging. The signature Citrus Vanilla blend stimulates and uplifts the senses.

 

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!

 

7 YEAR ITCH! SPA BOUTIQUE GIVE-AWAY – ROSEMARY GIFT SET

We’re Celebrating Our 7 Year Anniversary All Month Long!

This week, we’re giving away a different Trio of Signature Favourites Everyday!

To Win:

Like & Share This Post on Facebook!

OR

Follow Us & RT This Post on Twitter!

Today we’re giving away a “Rosemary Essential Oil Gift Set” with 3 of our most popular Full-Sized Rosemary Scented Signature Line Products! Designed by our owner, our Rosemary line tones and hydrates while invigorating the senses. This antioxidant rich blend contains Rosemary Essential Oil, Bergamot Oil, and Organic Hempseed Oil. Plus, all our signature products are formulated without: DEA, MEA, TEA, Dibutyl Phthalate, Parabens, Parfums, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

A winner will be randomly selected tomorrow morning and notified.

Spa Boutique Signature Line: Rosemary Hand Cream (2 sizes)

A great smelling and deeply hydrating hand cream. Sweet Almond and Organic Hemp Seed Oil are rich in antioxidants. The signature Rosemary Essential Oil blend invigorates the senses and tones the skin.

 

Spa Boutique Signature Line: Rosemary Body & Room Spray (4oz)

Invigorate your senses with the deliciously aromatic scent of rosemary. Spritz on the body, fresh linen and throughout the home. Shake well before use.

 

Spa Boutique Signature Line: Rosemary Body Wash (2 sizes)

A gentle body wash that hydrates and soothes skin. Green Tea Extract works to tone and clarify the skin. Witch Hazel provides a cooling sensation and calms irritated skin. The signature Rosemary Essential Oil blend invigorates the senses and tones the skin.

 

***Please note: Do not use rosemary oil during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy and/or high blood pressure.

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!

 

BEHIND BEAUTY: Eating For Better Skin – Spinach & Blueberry Salad

 

It’s often said that beauty is only skin deep, but also you are what you eat! Once you start researching all the things you should be eating, it quickly becomes overwhelming. One easy way is to have several skin-saving foods in one recipe. Here is my favourite salad recipe that offers up several servings of veggies, anti-oxidants, and omega-3s! With only 4 steps, it’s deliciously simple. Pair with a large glass of ice water with just a splash of lemon! Water, more than anything else, will dramatically improve you skin.

Spinach

Often hailed as a “Super Food”, the loads of anti-oxidants and iron in this green leafy vegetable make it a skin saver. One of the first recommendations most estheticians make when discussing diet and skin, is to include more leafy greens, such as spinach. For this Salad, lightly rinse approximately 2 cups of fresh baby spinach per person, usually about 2 handfuls. Be very gentle with the leaves, as they should still be crisp after rinsing. Shake to dry or lightly spin.

Blueberries

The richest source of antioxidants out of 40 common fruits and vegetables (according to the US Department of Agriculture).  Fortunately, blueberries are now available year-round in most supermarkets, making them accessible, though still rather pricey when not in season. For Each serving, lightly rinse a half cup of blueberries, approximately a loose handful.  Add to the spinach.

Note: A fun twist, is to swap out blueberries for fresh blackberries. This recipe can also be done with frozen whole berries.

Walnuts

Packed with natural fatty acids, 1/4 a cup of walnuts contains approximately 95% of your daily Omega3-s fatty acids. These are key to having healthy, young looking skin. Omega-3s help to keep your cells strong and combat wrinkles  lines, acne, and can sometimes help with dry skin.  Talk about a heavy hitter! Plus, the B-Vitamins help to relieve stress and regulate your mood. Chop or crush 1/4 a cup of walnuts per serving. Add to the Spinach and Blueberries. Personally, I plate as I go, adding each element to the plate as it`s ready. Once the Walnuts are sprinkled on top, all you need to do is dress it!

 Safflower or Flaxseed Oil

We hear a lot about the various oils that are supposed to be good for you, such as Safflower Oil and Flax Seed Oil. Instead of your standard Olive Oil, try adding a portion of Safflower oil to your Salad Dressing. To make the perfect Balsamic Vinaigrette, Add the oil and vinegar in a 3:1 Ratio, 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar.  Olive oil has recently been shown to help you feel fuller and is a great addition if you’re also looking to decrease your portion size. Add a dash of lemon, salt or pepper to taste and shake well! Lightly Drizzle on your greens!

Let Your Salad Go Naked!

One of the primary ways unnecessary calories are packed into salads is by overdressing or using cream-based dressings. Skip the extra fat by making your own and letting the natural flavours speak for themselves!

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!