Top Spa Trends for 2011

ASIAN INFLUENCES - HERE AND THERE
SpaFinder states that, "Asia has had a profound impact on the spa industry: Yoga, Thai massage, Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture are staples on many spa menus, and the “Zen” nature of Asian design can be seen in spas worldwide. But historically, it’s been a tale of the mass exportation of Asian spa influences. Now a powerful new story is unfolding: The explosive growth of hotel/spa development within Asia (a market of 4.1 billion people), especially within the two fastest-growing world economies, China and India. These markets and others are developing at a breakneck pace, unleashing extraordinary new class mobility and massive opportunities for hotel/spa development. Stay tuned as the new “Spa Road” runs from China to India and beyond, and hotel/spa developers look to please both tourists seeking authentic ambiance and indigenous treatments and local spa-goers looking for Western-style spa-going."

Top Spa Trends for 2011

BABY BOOMERS STILL RULE
According to SpaFinder, baby boomers continue to be the "fastest-growing demographic in the world . . . in the US alone, 39 million consumers account for nearly $2 trillion in annual spending." With those numbers in mind, spas are catering to the needs of the boomers by offering exercise physiologists, chiropractors, orthopedic professionals and naturopaths to pay attention to keeping fit and dealing with issues of joint pain and rejuvenation.

Who said the boomers are an aging generation? Quite the contrary. The boomers will spend whatever they need to stay young spiritually, mentally, and physically . . . and the spas know it.

2010 GIFT SETS - Rêpechage

Rêpechage has just announced a bountiful product giveaway. From now until Jan. 11, 2011, one lucky winner will receive a basket filled with over $500 worth of Rêpechage products. The Rêpechage product line is based upon "select nutrient-rich seaweed plants harvested from the coasts of Brittany in France.

For more information on how to enter, visit the Rêpechage Facebook page at www.facebook.com/repechageskincare. Remember, you have to be in it, to win it. Good luck!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wishing everyone peace, love and joy for today and the rest of your tomorrows.

With love and gratitude for a wonderful year!
Editorial Staff,
Beauty Editor Post
beautyeditorpost@gmail.com

2010 GIFT SETS - BARE ESCENTUALS BEYOND GORGEOUS

Bare Escentuals offers a makeup collection full of extraordinary beauty. The collection includes . . . Original Mineral Veil, Satin Ruffle Eyecolor, Frills Eyecolor, Pink Ribbon Blush, 100% Natural Lipgloss, Big & Bright Eyeliner, Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara, Eye Shaping Blush, Flawless Application Face Brush, and a keepsake box for storing all of your new treasures. "Gorgeous, with all its playful touches."
A $145 value for $54.

2010 GIFT SETS - ELEMIS

Elemis Replenish Moisture Duo is a perfect gift to give during the holidays. Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream uses desert plant extracts to protect the skin against climate change while adjusting to the skin's ever changing needs for moisture and protection.

Elemis Maximum Replenish Night Cream uses prickly pear, lotus flower, and other interesting ingredients to support the skin's renewal process during the night. With each purchase of the Maximum Moisture Day Cream each customer will receive a free Maximum Replenish Night Cream - a $65 value! If you would like to save an additional 20% for online purchases over $49, use the promotional code MISTLETOE1 and enjoy the savings.

2010 GIFT SETS - EMINENCE HOLIDAY TREATS AND TRIP FOR TWO

Eminence is celebrating this Christmas Season by offering their Spa Goodie Bags and Beyond Organic Gift Boxes. The 2010 Spa Goodie Bag includes a 4oz Cranberry Pomegranate Sugar Scrub, 2oz Naseberry Cranberry Body Wash, 2oz Naseberry Body Lotion and a loofah. The Beyond Organic Gift Box contains a full size Bearberry Eye Cream and all nine products in the Biodynamic collection. Each purchase of either of these Gift Sets is accompanied by a chance to win a trip for two to the Golden Door at Naples Grande Beach Resort in Florida . . . "sophisticated, soulful relaxation."

2010 GIFT SETS - DERMALOGICA SMOOTH AND RENEW KIT

The Gentle Cream Exfoliant, a non-abrasive hydroxy acid exfoliation treatment, is accompanied with free travel sizes of the Skin Hydrating Masque (0.75 oz) and Skin Hydrating Booster (0.25 oz). InStyle Magazine quotes the Gentle Cream Exfoliant as, "a favorite for its mildly exfoliating fruit enzymes," while naming the Skin Hydrating Masque as the best in its league. Retail Value $66.00 Season Promotion Gift Set Price $36.00

Beauty Gone Wild - "The Story of Cosmetics" Continues

A continued discussion on "The Story of Cosmetics" video, the critique and the rebuttal of the critique.

Beauty Gone Wild - "The Story Of Cosmetics" Critique

There are always two sides to every story. Therefore, in the spirit of fairness and neutrality, please take the time to watch this video which critiques the "The Story of Cosmetics" posted on December 3rd. Listen, learn and remember that the truth is generally found somewhere in the middle.

Beauty Gone Wild - "The Story of Cosmetics" Video

Did you know that the words like 'herbal', 'natural' and 'organic' have no real legal definition? Consequently, anyone can manufacture and promote a line of cosmetics and call it 'natural' or 'organic'. "The Story of Cosmetics" video is sourced from the Coming Clean Campaign (Campaigning for Organic Integrity) and is worth taking the time to watch, after which, you can then make up your own mind as to what products you choose to use. Choose safe and healthy. Support honest labelling. Educate yourself on green chemistry. Learn to read labels. Stay tuned . . .

Beauty Gone Wild - Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is used in skin care to temporarily lighten pigmentations such as freckles, pregnancy mask and age spots by inhibiting the process that leads to discoloration. In the United States, the FDA estimates there are 65 companies selling more than 200 products containing hydroquinone in an array of over-the-counter products (up to 2% strength) and prescriptions (up to 4%). The most common preparation is a 3% topical solution that is generally applied twice a day on non irritated skin (eye and mouth areas must be avoided).

Hydroquinone has been shrouded in controversy since 2001 when it was banned in Europe following clinical tests showing it was the cause of leukemia in mice when used in large doses for a long period of time. Japan, Australia and Canada followed suit. The U.S. has proposed a ban, or at the very least, the FDA is pushing for stronger regulations and physician's prescriptions. Currently, there is a four month grace period while the new proposed regulations are being discussed. For now, if you live in the U.S., you have a choice as to whether to use it, or not. It is a time to do your homework and make a wise personal decision.

Cautionary Info:
Exposure to ultra violet rays will trigger repigmentation of the bleached areas. It is always recommended to avoid UV exposure and wear sun protection. It is not recommended if you have allergies to sulfites. There can be side effects, or allergic reactions, such as a rash, erythema (redness), swelling, blistering, drying of the skin, cracking or peeling of the skin, even shortness of breath. In rare cases Onchronosis can develop, which is a blue black darkening and thickening of the skin. There has also been some evidence of abnormal adrenal functioning and high mercury levels in individuals using topical hydroquinone as well as some research has shown it to be a carcinogen.

The good news? There are so many other options to lightening pigmentation that are effective without the side effects or aggression of this compound. Some may take a little longer to show results, but there is no question they are much safer.

Stay tuned . . .

Beauty Gone Wild - The EU vs The FDA

The European Union (EU) in Europe and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States are the two agencies responsible for examining and ensuring the safety of products that reach the consumer. The FDA is set up to protect consumers from products, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and dietary supplements that are deemed unsafe or ineffective. The European Union "establishes safety, health and environmental protocols" for its citizens. A CE mark on a European product indicates that a product is certified and has met the EU's safety standards.

Europe has always been the leader in the beauty industry. That said, they have stricter laws and regulations on the safety of product ingredients (and procedures) that pose a potential risk of toxicity, and as a result, have banished more beauty products than the U.S. The latest statistics show the FDA has restricted the use of approximately 10 ingredients. What does this tell us? Stay tuned while we explore the world of beauty gone wild.