Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wellness Wednesday: At-Home Spa


Last week I said one of my favorite Wednesday rituals is turning my bathroom into a spa. Well, here are all the tools to do so! I love it because it’s a great way to regroup and recharge mid-week in the convenience of your own home and without spending a pretty penny to feel relaxed. Just a disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist or esthetician, so what works for me may not work for everyone. But, if you’d like a little midweek pampering, here’s what I do:

Exfoliate skin head to toe

Step into a nice warm shower (bonus points if an aroma candle is burning nearby), and slough off that dead skin.

My Pick: Milis Buff Body Exfoliator – this body scrub is great if you’re going to apply any cellulite or body treatments afterwards. It leaves skin feeling tingly… ooo la la

My 2nd Favorite: La Liscious Sugar Souffle Scrub in Sugar Kiss the smell of this body scrub is amazing. Plus, it leaves skin feeling like silk.

Drugstore Deal: Alba Hawaiian Body Scrub – a cheaper version of the sugar scrub that is all natural

Detox Body Cream:

After stepping out of the hot shower with your newly polished skin, slough some skin “helpers” on

My pick: Milis Maintain Anti-Cellulite Lotion – like the exfoliator, you can feel it tingle when you use it, and you can see results when you use it consistently!

2nd Pick: Bliss Fat Girl Slim – I love all of Bliss’s skincare products. They smell amazing and actually work

Drugstore Deal: Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel Cream – I’ve used it and seen results, but over a long period of time. And you get the tingly sensation!

Body Lotion:

Let the skin helpers absorb and then layer on some lotion over your entire body for a smooth and delicious smelling finish

My Pick: Bliss Vanilla Body Cream – It’s like pouring milk over your body. Super absorbent and smells A-mazing.

Drugstore deal: Olay Ultra Moisture lotion – Best drugstore moisturizer in my opinion. I use it for everyday use.

Face Wash

Now that your body is nourished and pampered, let’s move to our precious faces and get off all that dirt and makeup

My Pick: Image Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser – The Image skincare line has done wonders for my skin. Nothing leaves my skin feeling as refreshed and squeaky clean!

2nd Favorite: Philosophy purity cleanser – Philosophy knows skincare! If your skin isn’t as problematic as mine, this cleanser is as good as they come.

Drugstore Deal: Neutrogena deep cleanser Great cleanser at a great price!

Face Scrub

Now that your skin is squeaky clean, let’s polish it smooth!

My Pick: Sanitas Lemon Cream Scrub: Mmm, the smell of this scrub is amazing like freshly squeezed lemons. Plus, it’s super-fine so it doesn’t feel rough on my skin.

2nd Favorite: Clinique 7-day Cream Scrub – Great for all skin types

Drugstore Deal: St. Ives Apricot Cream Scrub – The smell is amazing and it really sloughs off the dead skin

Face Mask

Okay, your skin is feeling clean and polished. Now let’s take it to the next level and use a masque to take away all problems (wouldn’t that be nice?)

For Acne: Image Medicated Acne Masque – Sensitive skin, beware. If you’re dealing with a flare-up, NOTHING is better than this acne mask (and trust me, I’ve tried them all). It’ll make your skin tingle, and blemishes will be gone in 2-3 days. But, make sure to use a heavy-duty moisturizer after!

For Moisture: Origins Plantidote Mega Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask – If you suffer from dry, sensitive skin this is the best bet for you. Your skin will feel BLISSFUL afterwards.

For Detox: Dead Sea Essentials Chamomile Mud Mask – Removes purities and toxins and makes your skin feel calm and smooth after

Drugstore Deal: Alba Hawaiian Facial Mask w/ Papaya- Smells great and is all-natural

Toner

Rinse that Masque off and apply some toner just to be sure you got all those impurities out!

My Pick: Image Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

2nd Favorite: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

Drugstore Deal: Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

Moisturizer / Cream

Now let’s slap some moisture back onto that skin

Oily skin: Philosophy On a Clear Day Moisturizer – Great for oily skin. Gives essential nutrients, but doesn’t leave skin feeling slick.

Normal Skin: Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream – Best of both worlds and makes skin feel super soft

Night treatments:

One last step. Just like we gave our body some skin-helpers, these do the same.

My Pick: Sanitas Vita-Rich Serum – Quenches my skin and I can always tell when I’ve used it because the next day my skin looks and feels amazing

2nd Favorite: Peter Thomas Retinol Fusion PM - Packs a powerful punch of vitamins to prevent aging (it’s going to happen) and makes skin feel nourished.

Drugstore Deal: Olay Regenerist Serum – I have never used it, but it’s tough to argue with it being Allure’s consistent top beauty pick.

Shopping Guide









http://drugstore.com (for all the drugstore picks)

Enjoy! Hope you have a blissful Wednesday

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