Darphin aromatics...

One of the best elements, in our estimation, of great skin care is the feeling of luxury and pampering each day.  If you only splash out on one high end product make it an effective yet splendid one.  Our pick is one of the 9 products in the Aromatic Care range by Darphin, 8 of which are organic and carry the coveted EcoCert stamp of approval!

These formulas are pure blends of key essential oils and not only help to balance your skin but smell divine and can be a rejuvenating part of your daily beauty ritual.  After thoroughly cleansing at night, rub a few drops of the oil into your palms and then cup your palms over your nose, taking a few deep breaths.  Then, gently pat the oils onto your face and neck.  Follow with your appropriate moisturizer and eye cream.

The overall ritual and experience of the application is lovely and to have even those few deep breaths each night can help to hit the reset button before your head hits the pillow.  Choose from Tangerine, Jasmine, Chamomile, Rose, Orange Blossom, Myrhh, Niaouli, 8-Flower Nectar (not organic) or the Renewing Balm (a solid form in a pot).  The oils are priced between $70 and $150, which can certainly be a stretch for one element of your regime, however, a little goes a long way (truly).  The Darphin experts advise you might benefit from a few different blends depending on your skin care concerns, but to choose the one your nose is most attracted to.


Order online or use their Spa & Salon Locator to discover in person the best products for your skin.

day off beauty rituals...

Got a snow day or a lazy Sunday on your hands? Marinate in your favorite conditioner, body creams and oils, face masks and moisturizers:

HAIR
* give your tresses extra attention with a deep conditioning mask left in for hours...bonus points for wrapping your hair in a warm towel to give it a boost....double bonus points if you start with an in home glossing treatment prior to the mask.


BODY
* before soaking in a warm (not hot) tub of aromatic salts slather your heels, elbows, knees and any other craggy area with a super moisturizing balm or salve. Rub the product in a bit more during your bath.


* scrub your skin with a loofah and shower gel or body scrub to ensure your follow up moisturizing treatments penetrate deeply. Use deep, circular strokes all over the body for a mini massage effect.


* post bath/shower apply a pure oil such as sesame or jojoba to your skin, paying attention to dry cuticles on fingers and toes. Then follow up with a cream, especially for chronically dry areas.


FACE
* use an appropriate mask for your particular skin issue: moisturizing cream mask for dry or aging skin, clay based mask for clogged pores, papaya or pumpkin mask for dull skin...bonus points for applying a collagen eye mask to any of the above for extra anti aging benefits.


* post mask apply an eye cream and a nickel sized amount of a chemical free face oil, such as argan oil. You'll be a bit shiny but what do you care if you're just chilling at home? Follow up with a thin layer of your face cream to keep the hydration going.


We don't often have time to take these extra steps (especially all at once) so really savor the experience by sipping herbal tea, playing relaxing music, burning your favorite candle...you get the idea...


posted on the move!

a brand to fall in love with...

Every now and then we come across a beauty product so kick ass it redefines the standard...all other body moisturizers now pale in comparison to Juara Candlenut Body Creme.


The scent is divine and the formula perfectly moisturizes dry skin...but it's the texture that is so amazing!  It is light, with a whipped creme feel and absorbs so quickly!

After this discovery we took to the web to learn more only to find this is quickly becoming a cult favorite among beauty junkies.  Plus, the Juara website offers a wealth of knowledge about the brand, the founders and philosophy, as well as a comprehensive blog centered on skincare and health (we've already added it to our blog roll).  All Juara products are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, are 100% vegetarian and are never tested on animals.  After using the body creme we will now dive headfirst into the rest of Juara's offerings.

This is a must buy for parched skin during the dry winter season!

annoint yourself with oils...

Teenage girls shudder at the mere mention of applying an oil to the face but as a woman advances in age beauty oils become much more valuable.  How lucky NWS feels to have discovered Rodin Olio Lusso face oil, body oil, lip balm and luxury hair oil!




The oils are a blend of the most gorgeous essential oils known to impart a glowing, soft and soothed complexion.  Olio Lusso beautifully moisturizes and scents the skin naturally.  Apply the face oil morning and night.  The body oil should be applied to damp skin just out of the bath or shower.  The lip balm is great for the vanity as well as handbags for all day applications.  The hair oil is best used on wet or damp hair - apply from the mid shaft down to the ends, avoiding the roots.

The oils range in price from $60 - $140 but a little goes a long way!  The lip balm is competitively priced at $28.

NWS is in love...

home spa...

Turn your bathroom into a zen like home spa:

* When visiting a nice spa or high end hotel one of the best perks is the plush robe.  Relax at home a la Rachel Zoe and splash out on cushy robe for yourself (two if you're part of a couple) and hang on a decorative hook on the wall or back of the door.  The same goes for slippers...forget the ratty bunny slippers you think are cute.  Look for shearling scuffs or slipper slides you can easily get in and out of.  For warmer months open toe slides are great for keeping your feet cushioned but not sweltering.

* Bath linens can get pricey if you go for the really great stuff.  If you can only splurge on one thing do yourself a favor and find the BEST bath mat you can.  A thick, soft and absorbent mat feels so great on the tootsies when stepping out of the bath or shower.


* Look for banana leaf trash cans and mother of pearl or stone bath accessories to hold hand soap and toothbrushes instead of plastic or stainless steel which can read cold.  Natural fiber baskets on shelves can hold extra towels or even rolls of toilet paper.

* Room fragrance is key to providing atmosphere.  Some spas go for warm, vanilla based scents for a cozy feel while others go for a clean and fresh scent.  If using candles choose soy based candles as they burn cleaner and are non toxic and non hazardous.  Paraffin wax candles contribute to indoor air pollution, contain a derivative of petroleum and thus help to support our dependence on oil.  If you don't want to deal with an open flame opt for something like the Method Aroma Pill plug in which uses essential oils to gently scent your room - plus the design is clean and modern.

* Spas are required to keep their supplies clean and sterile for their clients so take a cue from that industry and invest in pretty lidded jars to house cotton swabs, cotton pads or balls and other implements such as cuticle nippers, clippers, makeup brushes, etc.  A large jar filled with small natural sponges is not only a beautiful and spa like decoration but a functional place to store the spa staple.



* Select natural and/or organic beauty products for your zen spa like bath bombs from Lush, body wash and creams from Burt's Bee's or Origins and hair care from Jason.  Yes To Carrots (and Cucumbers, Tomatoes) offers facial masks that address most skin issues and are packed with good for you ingredients.



* If you have the ability to install a dimmer for your bathroom light go for it...dim, mood lighting goes a long way to creating a relaxing bath environment while still providing bright light for applying makeup when you need it.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

* For a truly zen feel stick to natural fibers and textures.

* Stick to a soothing palette.  Many spas go for bright white but that can be hard to maintain when it comes to linens and walls.  A light beige or sky blue mixed with white or cream elements takes some of the pressure of maintenance off.


* Calming stock images of nature are pretty standard in spas but if that reads boring to you choose black and white images of your favorite things such as flowers, vacation spots or artistic family shots.  The clean black and white palette keeps everything calm and uniform while allowing you to customize your vista.