April 21, 2017
I want to live in Natura Bissé's "bubble" forever, some surprising stats from SkinStore, IGK's spray-on hair mask, a dedicated space for your BeautyBlender and the special-occasion mask you need.
When “living in a bubble” is good for your skin
Many people would say I live in a bubble down here in Boca, and I often agree. There aren’t that many places where just about every lady is perpetually toned, tanned and Tox-ed, or you’re virtually guaranteed to be parked between two $100,000+ cars (at the supermarket—not a valet). Last weekend I took this this bubble-based existence to a whole new level when I had the opportunity to try The Mindful Touch facial experience created by Natura Bissé at Neiman Marcus, and let’s just say the facial bar has reached new heights (for me, at least).
First things first, I’ve never had a full-on facial in the middle of a department store, and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. But when I was ushered up to the lingerie department, I encountered this…
In addition to my little inflated sanctuary, a dressing room was kitted out as a changing room that rivaled any you’d find in a spa. With no lockers, complete privacy and the coziest robe ever, I was in heaven.
Upon entering the bubble—which is filled with 99.5% purified air that is supposed to enhance product penetration, relaxation and basically everything—I was astonished to find a fully-equipped treatment room.
At first I thought these goggles were there so the aesthetician could get really up close and personal with my pores, but then I was thrilled to learn that they were part of the treatment. Yes, this facial begins with a virtual reality guided meditation (which actually continues minus the headset for the duration of the treatment).
After (I’m assuming) about 15 minutes—I was so relaxed I totally lost track of time—the actual facial began. There was cleansing, toning, peeling, masking and lots and lots of amazing facial massage. By the way, all Natura Bissé aestheticians are trained to exacting specifications, so you will have the same glorious experience whether you’re in New York, London, Hong Kong, etc.
For the record, this reusable rubberized mask was used twice during my facial to help enhance the effects of the masks that were used. I absolutely loved how it had ear holes to keep it in place, but alas, it is not available for purchase—yet it has been offered as part of a promotion. I must keep an eye out (as should you).
My eyes, neck, chest, arms, legs and feet were all included in the treatment, which I give a 10 out of 10. (If I could give it an 11 I would.) The Mindful Touch is currently on tour (and won’t be around forever), so click here to see when it will be available near you…
These skincare stats will definitely surprise you…
Have you ever wondered how your skincare routine compares to those of others? From the number of products we use and the cost of our lotions and potions to the role of geography and more, our friends at SkinStore surveyed 3,000 women between the ages of 16 and 75, and here’s what they found…
The average woman uses 16 products in the morning before leaving the house.
The average woman will spend roughly $300,000 on facial skincare products over her lifetime.
The average daily skincare cost is $8. New York, Connecticut and West Virginia (really?) have the highest price per day at $11, while Montana has the least expensive at $3.50.
Only 10% of women use makeup remover before cleansing.
89% of women use eye cream every morning and evening.
Most women will spend more than $50 on moisturizer.
33% of women refuse to leave the house without foundation.
California women spend the least amount of time getting ready, spending only 3 minutes max on skincare AND makeup.
Alaskan women spend the most on moisturizer, at a minimum of $47 a pop.
South Carolina women spend the most on foundation, with an average minimum of $45.
Only 15% of women use one brand for their entire skincare regimen.
So how do you (and your skincare and makeup routines) stack up?
This spray makes hair-masking a whole lot easier
Deep-conditioning masks have all but replaced regular conditioners in my shower, but along with the extra nourishment come a few annoyances… The main one is scooping out the product with my hand, which inevitably leads to water getting into the tub. Second, using a thick, heavy product may make my hair smooth as silk immediately afterwards, but it also tends to make it greasy by the next day. I’ve managed to live with these grievances for the sake of my post-platinum hair’s health, but with IGK’s Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask, I don’t have to anymore.
Packing all the power of an intensive hair treatment in a lightweight spray-on formula, you can say goodbye to drippy fingers getting water into your hair mask—and forget worrying about your hair getting weighed down. Containing senna leaf extract, cupacau butter and amla oil, this paraben-, sulfate- and phthalate-free formula is designed to work fast—meaning you can rinse it out as soon as you comb it through (rather than hanging out in the shower for five or 10 minutes). It may save you time but it doesn’t skimp on results… You still get the shiny, smooth strands you turn to your deep conditioner for, just with a lot less fuss.
Your makeup sponge deserves this must-have accessory
I wouldn’t fathom applying foundation without my trusty BeautyBlender, but I have to admit I don’t treat it as well as it treats me. My maintenance basically involves rinsing it after each use, washing it with a gentle cleanser whenever I get around to cleaning my makeup brushes and leaving it to dry on the hand towel next to my sink. Well, apparently this isn’t the ideal care method, which is why I’m going to step-up my game with Blenderelle.
This cute, compact case is ventilated so the sponge dries evenly, and you can even use it to protect your sponge (and your makeup case from leftover foundation) when you’re on the go, and the material itself is antimicrobial to minimize the growth of anything unsavory between deep-cleanings. It’s also designed to work with various brands so it’s truly a one-size-fits all storage solution no matter which style of sponge you’re currently using. Available in Pearl or Pink to match your sponge—or your bathroom décor—it’s a no-brainer that can help your favorite makeup applicator last longer!
The mask you need before a big night out
I’m convinced the babysitters of the world have it out for me. Whenever I have an occasion that requires coverage (as opposed to just a date night), my roster of four or five is inevitably unavailable—and then I start calling in sleepover favors from friends. However, there is a beauty-related aspect of this rant, because this past Saturday I managed to get a sitter so the hubs and I could go out for dinner with a few of our couple friends. I started my extended makeup prep with the Roloxin Lift Gold mask, and it’s possible my friends thought I got a little something-something done since they haven’t seen me in so long.
So here’s the scoop on this special-occasion mask, that works to improve wrinkles, pores and overall skin tightness. It comes in single-dose packets that you first activate by squeezing for 20 seconds. Then you wash your face (leaving it slightly damp) and apply the contents of the packet over your entire face and neck. (Don’t be alarmed by the gold shimmer.) As you allow the mask to dry for 7 to 10 minutes, you’ll feel its firming effect, and see that it turns into a powdery finish. Once it’s completely white, rinse thoroughly with water, using only your hands—no soap, no nothing else.
After you’ve washed all remnants of the mask away, you won’t believe the smooth, radiant skin you’re left with. Then you can continue your usual skincare and makeup routine—and get ready for an onslaught of compliments about your skin. I suppose you could technically use this mask every morning, but I find it makes getting ready for a night on the town a bit more special, and a lot more fun.