Pages Menu
TwitterRssFacebook
Categories Menu

Posted by on Jan 11, 2010 in Uncategorized | 8 comments

Review: Swissclinical Comfort Mask

Winter is well set in, and for most of us, our skin is feeling it.  While I use my Clarisonic to combat the little flakiness that shows on the surface, skin still needs a good dose of hydration now and then.  Those at Swissclinical Skin Solutions know this, and when they offered a test of their Moisturizing Mask from the Comfort line, I was more than happy to give it a try.

swissclinical_closeup Product comes with a spatula that I normally use

This product comes cleanly packaged in white/grey/red and frosted glass.  Very appealing.

The first thing I noticed about the mask mixture was the great ingredient list.  Free from parabens, colorants, mineral oils and fragrances, the mask focuses on using the said properties of:

  • Tamarind (improving elasticity and wrinkle reduction)
  • Sodium Hyaluronate (a must in hydration products)
  • Swiss Glacial Water
  • Mallow and Glycerin (to maximize softness and hydration retention)

The second thing I noticed is the consistency.  This isn’t a mask that dries on your face.  The texture is a little like a cornstarch paste or Vaseline, without any of the grease.  Zip.  It works best on moist skin, applied and left for 15-20 minutes.  At the end of the time it can be massaged in or remainder toweled off.  I really love that it could be kept on the skin to continue working/protecting if needed.  It does leave a bit of a residue with this method.  However, when (wet) towel dried off my skin feels baby bottom soft – seriously!  I love it.

I have a slight sensitivity to Phenoxyethanol, the organic preservative that is the go to for almost every cosmetic since parabens have been kicked to the curb. This means I can feel a tingly action most times when it is on.  No alarms.

There are four lines from Swissclinicals:

  • Correction – correct imperfections
  • Prevention- age prevention
  • Comfort-hydrate and tighten
  • Protection-protect against uv rays

I also found a second use for this as a hand mask as a weekly treatment.  At $85 a jar, you don’t want to go full body use, but a little does go a very long way and would be great for the in-between trips to the esthetician/spa.

Because this was from the comfort line, it was extremely gentle.  This mask works on the underlying layers of the skin, so you will still need your spf in moisturizer.  If you want to pamper yourself at home, try this Comfort Mask.

swissclinical_Comfort Swissclinical is also introducing a face cleansing system to their skincare lines.

Swissclinical donates a portion of their profits to the
Aquaverde Association to replant the Amazonian rain forest and also
financially supports and volunteers for the Swissclinical Foundation for the
World's Children which helps children in need around the world.

Swissclinical is available online at swissclinicalusa.com and at various
specialty retailers and spas nationwide.
Share
Read More

Posted by on Jan 10, 2010 in Uncategorized | 14 comments

Tease Me, Minx Me: New Collection

minx_teasemecollectionMinx has released a new series for 2010.  The Tease Me collection is a multi-reflective surface that changes colors with the wave of your hand.  Each color combo is listed.  For example Green & Gold (packer fans) may look green with your hand down, but yellow when raised.  Better than a mood ring!

Minx is the latest in mani/pedi art.  A design is selected and applied directly to the nails using a heat process.  No polish or top coats are used, so the client can walk right out the door  faster because there is no additional dry time.

Check here to find a Minxicurist near you.

Share
Read More

Posted by on Jan 9, 2010 in Uncategorized | 16 comments

In With The New: Tazo Tea Whole Leaf, Skinny Lattes, Kick off Starbucks Campaign

On Tuesday, January 12, Starbucks officially kicks off their “In With The Good” campaign, focusing on a “healthy and tasty journey” for consumers in 2010.

A strong focus is the relaunch of Tazo Teas with the Full Leaf line.  Full Leaf promises better quality whole leaves, spices and botanicals in silken sachets for steeping.  The changeover from loose to whole began sometime last October, but will be nationwide as of next week.

The Tazo® Full Leaf Tea Lineup now includes:

  • Black Teas: Awake, Earl Grey, Chai (previously only a Chai Latte version)
  • Green Teas: Zen, China Green Tips, Orange Blossom (new)
  • Herbal Infusions: Calm, Refresh, Passion® , Vanilla Rooibos (new)

I was given preview samples of the Orange Blossom, Vanilla Rooibos and Chai.

Orange Blossom Full Leaf

orangeblossom_starbuckstazoOrange Blossom Full Leaf is said to be inspired by a spa.   It is a beautiful Green tea, with what appears to be chamomile and a few Goji berries.  [Note: In Asia, Goji berries are often just put in a glass and steeped in hot water.  They impart a smooth but sweet taste.  You can eat the berries afterwards.  Alas, there were only two imprisoned in this sachet. ]  It was nice and had a good herbal iced flavor.  Take care not to steep this one too long.  This is definitely one to have in a glass to enjoy the colors.

Chai Full Leaf

chai_fullleaf_starbuckstazoI have been a fan of authentic Chai since it became available in my local health food store in the 90’s.  Chai (which translates into “Tea”) has roots everywhere, but my favorite stems from Nepal.  Heavy with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and the like, a good Chai has a boldness and a bite.  Combine that with a rich Soy or Almond milk – Chai is traditionally made with milk, not water – and it is heaven in a cup.

Starbucks originally offered the Tazo Chai in Chai Latte form only.  Unfortunately, I found the Chai Full Leaf a little too timid.  Part of the fun of Chai is the look of the different bits of sticks and spices, but these were pretty crushed.  The taste was too mild, and probably brought down several notches for mainstream.  If standard Chai is overpowering for you, then this may be a very good match.

Vanilla Rooibos

vanilla_rooibos_starbuckst copyRooibos (Roy-Boss) is another tea I have long loved. In the 80’s I spent time in South Africa, where the needles from the Rooibos bush are the National Drink.  It is not a true leaf tea.  The pieces are redwood, splinter-like in appearance, like pine needles.  Rooibos was originally only grown near Cape Town, and because of the limited supply the government would not allow exportation (I know, I tried!).  By 1999 though, deals had been struck to protect the supply and now Rooibos is a favorite for many worldwide.  Rooibos has a smooth taste that is hard to describe.  It is good hot and cold, and coats the mouth with what is only coming to mind as a nuttiness.  Rooibos is higher in antioxidents than Green Tea and studies have shown it aids in improving brain function.  I love it straight up.

Starbucks Rooibos Full Leaf is mixed with Vanilla.  Because of the nature of the tea, this one will end up looking like sweepings.  It is very easy to crush the needles.  I always find Vanilla with tea a little bitter as I don’t often add sweetener,and it is milder than I am used to, but otherwise it is hard to go wrong with Rooibos.

The new lineup will definitely please Starbucks on-the-go tea drinkers!

Lattes

If lattes are your thing, there are new versions of lattes also debuting:

  • Skinny Cinnamon Dolce and Vanilla Coffee
  • Skinny Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latte

Starbucks will be pairing these with artisan cookies and snacks.

COFFEE

  • The Casi Ciello, a fine dining brew, is returning
  • Mexico Ciappas whole beans are making a debut.  The beans are grown on the slopes of the Sierra Madre.  If you love Mexican Hot Chocolate, this is the coffee version.  Described as “crisp, nutty with a hint of cocoa”, the smell just from the bag will rock your world.  I am jonesing for a cup right now, but after having three 24oz teas last night I need to hold off on that taste test 🙂

mexico_chiapas_starbuckstazoCheck out Starbucks on January 12th to enjoy the new lineup!

Share
Read More

Posted by on Jan 6, 2010 in Uncategorized | 10 comments

‘Do or DON’T: Kate Gosselin

Kate Gosselin’s reverse mullet made the decision for a Halloween costume an easy one this year.

She’s turned a new leaf with the divorce though, and is sporting a new ‘do.  Or is it another Don’t?

BEFORE

kate-gosselin-reversemullet

AFTER

gosselin_hairI’d tell Kate to fire her stylist, but it appears she’s always had a love affair with iffy hairstyles.  Behold, Kate in a regular mullet (which explains why she was so comfortable with the reverse):

kategosselin_mullet

And an era appropriate look that was more flattering for her:

kategosselin_seniorOh Kate, we hope this is the decade it all comes together!

Share
Read More