Putting on a New Face for 2006
I got a facial a couple of weeks ago.
It was fabulous. My boss gave me a gift certificate for my birthday last year and I
saved it for when I really needed it. I got the facial at a salon here in Knoxville that has
always had a fine reputation for their skincare services. In fact, years ago I attended a
seminar on skincare that was hosted by this very salon and I was so impressed by
their professionalism.
The aesthetician who performed my facial was Middle Eastern with a thick accent.
She was a slight young woman wearing a white labcoat with her hair pulled back
tightly. She was so professional and clinical. It really put me at ease. The facial took
and hour and a half and consisted of multiple cleansings, moisturizing, steaming,
extracting, mud packs and more cleansing and moisturizing. At one point while
undergoing the steaming, the aesthetician took my hands and massaged them. I
must admit I was startled because with my eyes closed I didn't know she had moved
"down there." I didn't know what I was in for, but it was lovely.
I ended up buying $140 worth of YonKa skincare products. I've been good about
using them too. Within a week of using the cleansing cream instead of my plain
soap, my skin is not nearly as dry. The moisturizer is fantastic and not greasy. I also
got a serum to soften the oil in my pores so it washes out easily. No more clogged
pores! It's been a good start for the new year.
I've found a fabulous
Soap!
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap (Almond)
This soap is great for everything! It cleans the hair,
face, and body. Being a low PH soap, it leaves your
hair with a bright sheen, and makes your body
squeaky clean. I like the almond scent because it
reminds me of Amaretto, but peppermint and lavender
are also available. Completely organic, this liquid
soap is olive oil based and also contains vitamin E
and citric acid (both good for skin and hair). What's
more, it leaves practically no soap scum in your
shower. Lovely.
Staying Fresh in the Heat of Summer...Redux. Ok, I'm wrong. At least I admit it. That deo-rock didn't work worth a damn. Maybe it's these sultry southern summers. Maybe it will work better in winter. It might have helped with perspiration but not with odor. I should have stuck with my old fave. I've used this ever since I found it in Portugal back in '01. It's Arrid Extra Dry Cream. It's made in England. You apply as much as you need. Just rub it in. It works better than anything I've ever tried. Smells like baby powder. Bring on the aluminum and better living through chemistry!
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Staying Fresh in the
Heat of Summer
I thought it was only for hippies.
Ok, so I'm trying to be more healthy. I'm going
organic when it comes to what I eat, so why not try
to make my grooming a bit more healthy? I'd
never tried one of these crystal deodorants so I
was dubious. It really works! I almost gave up
after the first day because it didn't work at all, but I
stuck with it and now it really does the job. No
harmful aluminums! Just mineral salts that kill
stinky bacteria. Find out more at www.tccd.com

The Right Hair Conditioner
Put your money back in your wallet.
Hair products for the most part needn't be expensive. I've always
cautioned clients not to get caught up in the hype of advertising.
For the most part, conditioners (and even shampoos) have
basically the same ingredients. Really, the only good reason to
buy those expensive brands is simply because you might like
the fragrance.
The trick lies in the PH factor of the conditioner. To get that
great shine and manageability everyone needs an acidic
conditioner. It's not about oil it's about acid. Hair itself is acidic
and after being shampooed with an alkaline shampoo the hair
needs to be brought back to it's acidic state. There are very few
acidic shampoos.
Read the ingredient list of conditioners and look for items like
citric acid that will indicate the presence of a low PH level. For an
added boost add a few teaspoons of lemon juice to your
conditioner. Caution: This will lighten hair. If you don't want that
effect, just use vinegar, but be sure to rinse well so there is no
lingering vinegar scent.

If you're Hooked like me...
I've been carrying around a tube of lip balm with me for years (not the same tube). I just like to have it
along. Some say it's an addiction, but that's silly. I've just gotten used to the feeling. Some women
feel the same about lipstick.
I always had a problem with the petroleum laden balms though. Not too natural you know...worry
about carcinogens and such.
I found this great new Chapstick product and I'm really hooked on it now. ChapStick All Natural
offers protection and moisturizing benefits in a new 100% natural formula. This product is not
tested on animals, and contains no artificial preservatives.
Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba, Candelilla Wax, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Natural Flavors,
Mango Seed Butter, Carnuba Wax, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Shea
Butter Extract, Tocopherol (vitamin E).

Balmy Weather
Nivea for Men Mild After Shave Balm gently soothes and conditions your skin after
shaving. The light, non-greasy balm is easily absorbed into the skin, leaving it
feeling smooth and supple.
The Balm, with its rich caring ingredients, like Calendula for inflamation, helps
protect the skin against the irritations and inflammation that can occur after shaving.
The formula, containing Sea Minerals, provides the skin with valuable moisture and
keeps it looking healthy. Enriched with Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 the skin's
natural protection system is supported and leaves the skin soft and smooth.
Light and Fresh in the Summer
Try Echt Kolnwasser Cologne on
a hot day in summer and you'll know why this cologne has been around since
1792. The cooling Neroli, light floral rose and sandalwood will cool you down
or at least make you feel refreshed.
Soothing Chamomile for inflamation
This cream will calm down those angry reds
I found this wonderful cream at my local Sally Beauty Supply one day while I was buying
haircolor for some clients of mine. The pretty design on the tube caught my eye. I've been
having a hard time this winter with dry chapped hands and I was in sore need of some
relief. Herbacin Chamomile Cream is made in Germany where herbal healing is much
more respected than it is here in the United States. I already knew that chamomile is a
great anti-inflamatory for the skin. The cream smells wonderful and when applied to the
skin redness instantly disappears. Here's a fun fact: Dab on a facial blemish and all
inflamation vanishes.
Honey Lips
This balm has a delightful scent and is safe to use
I was hooked on Burt's Bees lip balm the first time I tried it. My favorite is the honey
flavored. It smells and tastes just like honey! It's made with beeswax, shea butter,
almond oil, cocoa butter and ultra emollient lanolin to keep lips soft and chap-free. I
love it especially because it has no petroleum distillates like the dreaded Chapstick. I
was hooked on that stuff for years and who knows what free-radical damage it did?
There's no excuse these days for not using an eco friendly and healthy alternative for
lip balm.
You will be delighted by the essence of honey in this balm!
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Rediscovering the Witch Refreshing Witch Hazel I've been enjoying the natural benefits of witch hazel lately. The unique 100% natural formula for skin care combines extracts of the witch hazel plant to thoroughly cleanse and condition skin. Unlike other astringents, the gentle formulation cleans deeply to remove the last traces of dirt, soap residue and excess oil - without the use of artificial ingredients that may overdry skin. Use as the final step in your cleansing routine to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed! Simply splash directly from the bottle or apply with a cotton ball or pad.
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A Moisturizer that Works
Revitalift shows noticeable results
With Pro-Retinol A & Par-Elastyl (whatever that is). Recommended for: All skin types. Reduces
the signs of aging. This unique anti-wrinkle plus firming cream was created to care for the face
and neck. The Technology: With Pro-Retinol A, Revitalift Face & Neck visibly smoothes lines and
wrinkles. With Par-Elastyl, Revitalift Face & Neck increases skin's firmness. Benefits: Firms skin
and smoothes lines and wrinkles in just one week. Reduces noticeable signs of aging.
Formula Essentials: Dermatologically tested. Non-greasy. Contains sunscreen. Use RevitaLift
Face & Neck if: You have visible lines and wrinkles. You want to firm and smooth lines and
wrinkles on your face and neck. You want to reduce the signs of aging.

Loving the Witch Witch Hazel Cleanser It has been a hard time for me when it comes to finding the right skin product. I have suffered from dry/oily and blotchy skin for a number of years and have used a lot of various over-the-counter products. I think that Olay's face wash with Witch Hazel has really made a difference in my skin's appearance. Not only does my face feel clean and refreshed for several hours after use, it has also decreased the redness and breakouts on my face. I have noticed that my skin has a new clearness. Olay has done a fine job with this product and I would highly suggest giving it a try. Sadly, it's very hard to find so if you run across it you should buy two!.
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