The Pros’ Guide to Pampering – Real Simple Magazine
From the Editors of Real Simple Magazine
Perhaps no month begs for the spa experience more than February. Before you grab your coat, here’s what top beauty experts do at home to look and feel better.
* Hair moisturizing mask: To get her hair looking soft and shiny, Ji Baek, owner of the Rescue Beauty Lounges in New York City, wets her head and applies a handful of hair mask cream that’s rich in shea butter, avocado and organic essential oils. Next, Baek wraps her hair in a plastic bag for 20 minutes (heat helps masks penetrate deeply into the hair shafts), then rinses.
* Pore-purifying facial: Los Angeles makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian loves to give her face a deep cleansing. Chang-Babaian takes a warm shower then uses an electric facial steamer (available at beauty-supply stores) to begin unclogging pores (putting your face over a pot of steaming water for five minutes will also work). She applies a purifying mask with marine clay to dislodge oil and debris.
* Tall drink for really dry skin: When her skin is feeling tight and moisture-sapped, Ashunta Sheriff, a New York City makeup artist, rubs a freshly cut lemon half over her complexion (the fruit’s natural acids remove flakes and smooth skin), then steams her skin over a pot of warm water. Next, Sheriff slathers her face and neck with extra-virgin organic coconut oil.
* Beneficial brush-up: Persephenie Lea, the Los Angeles-based creator of Persephenie Studio, a line of body-care goods and custom perfumes, dry-brushes her skin before her morning shower. “It helps increase circulation, sloughs away dead cells and makes my skin look healthier,” says Lea. Starting at the soles of her feet and working up, she uses a soft-bristled body brush and long, smooth strokes, taking care to avoid sensitive areas and broken skin.
* Hand and foot healer: When manicurist Elisa Ferri finds her feet feeling rough, she uses a coarse emery board to smooth them, then massages with a thick salve containing petrolatum and lanolin to hydrate skin. She slips on a pair of cotton socks and pads around the house while the product goes to work. When Ferri’s hands and cuticles are dry, she applies olive oil.
* Head-to-toe works: Teddi Cranford, a hairstylist for Bumble and Bumble in New York City, exfoliates with a scrub for the face and another for the body. Cranford then draws a bath and adds Epsom salts and a long pour of olive oil. While Cranford soaks, she combs a treatment through her hair.
* Sleep-inducing soak: Makeup artist Helen Macaulay slips into a steaming bath after a long day on her feet. She adds several drops of relaxing essential oils (available at health-food stores), like jasmine, rose and neroli. “After bathing, I slather my skin in sweet-almond oil,” she says.
Copyright 2010 Time Inc. REAL SIMPLE is a registered trademark of Time Inc. Used by permission.
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Press Release: bluebasins bath & body is a Sponsor of DJ’s for Haiti Event
TORONTO, Ontario, 19 February, 2010 bluebasins bath & body, an online provider of all natural skin care products, is proud to announce today that it is one of the gift raffle sponsors for the Black Women and Women of African Descent (BWWAD) DJ’s for Haiti Event.
This event will be taking place today, Friday February 19, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St., Toronto, Ontario Canada, one block south of Spadina & College.
“The devastation which occurred in Haiti is heartbreaking,” says Makeda Paul, owner of <a href=” alt=”" />bluebasins bath & body, “so when BWWAD enquired whether we would be interested in becoming a sponsor of their DJ’s for Haiti event, we were very happy to oblige.” bluebasins bath & body’s sponsorship entails a gift basket filled with a variety of their natural skin care products which were created by hand, with all-natural ingredients.
“From our experience, we find that a high percentage of the funds raised by mainstream International Development efforts tend to be spent in admin costs in the countries of origin,” as quoted from BWWAD’s blog to which bluebasins agrees. “The money raised from the DJ’s for Haiti event will go directly to support Haitian women’s organizations including ENFOFANM, meaning it will go directly where it is most needed,” adds Paul.
“We are happy to participate in this endeavour to help with Haiti’s recovery,” Paul says, “and we are looking forward to the fundraiser.”
The gift basket holds items such as their:
- Rose, Calendula, Lavender Facial Steam
- Queen of Shea Butter Soap
- Hair Honey
- Seaweed, Chamomile, Green Tea & Herb Polishing Facial Scrub
- Toga Towel and
- Soap Pocket
About bluebasins bath & body
bluebasins bath & body’s natural skin care line offers a wide array of products, created by hand and with all-natural ingredients. Products include soaps, facial masks, body scrubs, bath melts, body butters and more. bluebasins helps consumers look after their skin to make it as healthy and naturally radiant as possible. They show consumers an alternatively natural way to take care of their skin.
Contact
Email: pr@bluebasins.com
Web: www.bluebasins.com
Twitter: bluebasins
An Apple a Day to Keep the Wrinkles Away?
Can Apple Extracts Give You Younger, Smoother Skin?
by Dr. Jessica Wu
Did you know that apples are good for more than eating? It turns out that an apple a day may help keep the wrinkles away. According to Swiss researchers, an extract from a rare apple found in a remote part of Switzerland has been shown to have potential anti-aging benefits. This variety of apple, called Uttwiler Spatlauber, was cultivated in the 18th century, long before the appearance of crispers and modern farming techniques. It was a popular fruit back then because it could be stored for a long period of time 
without spoiling. Some of these apple trees are still being grown in Switzerland, and researchers believe that the fruit’s longevity and resistance to spoiling result from the apple tree’s unusually long-living stem cells.
Recently, scientists have shown that an extract containing plant stem cells from the leaves of this apple tree could stimulate the production of human stem cells. In another study, subjects who applied a cream containing the apple extract saw an 8 percent reduction in their crow’s-feet after two weeks, and a 15 percent reduction after four weeks. While these initial studies are promising, I’m waiting to see more research before recommending skin creams containing this ingredient.
Apples also contain a compound called malic acid, which is related to glycolic acid. Malic and glycolic acids are alpha hydroxy acids, which help “unglue” dead skin cells and loosen clogged pores. This is why alpha hydroxy acids are popular in acne treatments. Malic acid tends to be less irritating than glycolic acid, so it may be a better option if you have sensitive skin. Malic acid has been popular in Asia for years; you can find it in M2 Skin Refinish serum, which contains both malic and mandelic acid, another alpha hydroxy acid that’s derived from bitter almonds (m2skincare.com).
Happy New Year!!
We are excited to reconnect with current clients as well as form relationships with new ones. We look forward to sharing bluebasins’ 2010 happenings with you. Keep up-to-date with us through our mailing list, twitter and facebook.
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Natural Skin Care Oils – What Natural Oils Are Best For Your Skin
Most of the companies in the cosmetics industry are not providing you with the natural skin care oils that you need in order to treat your skin effectively. These oils are all derivatives drawn from plants, and they contain a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that are necessary for the health of your skin. All natural essential oils are the best for your skin and without these compounds a product does not have much to offer. 
What most companies try to pass off as natural compounds are derivatives of a petroleum byproduct. In my mind anything that is unintentionally created by a man-made process is not really “natural”, and I am sure that others would agree with this. That is not important however, because the point is that these compounds offer nothing to your skin.
These pseudo natural skin care oils are known as mineral oil, and paraffin wax, and they are incapable of effectively penetrating your skin due to how dense they are. The substance that they are derived from is so incredibly dense that it regularly forces the repair of the industrial machinery on which it forms. A substance like this can only be broken down to a certain degree.
Mineral oil and paraffin wax are the result of a distillation process that skims the thinner oils out, but they are not as readily available to the skin as plant based oils are. These substances will remain near the surface of your skin, where the will form a dirt trapping film. They will interfere with your skin’s natural exfoliation process, clog your pores, and eventually cause your skin to become drier than it was before.
Plant derived natural skin care oils are very soothing to the skin, and they moisturize very effectively. These oils are able to penetrate deep down into the skin, because they contain properties that are very close to those of our own natural oil. The antioxidant properties that these components posses will even reduce your wrinkles due to their ability to repair the damage to skin molecules caused by free radicals.
One of the best natural skin care oils for reducing wrinkles is avocado oil, because it has actually been found to promote the growth of new collagen. It is compounds such as this that your skin needs, and not some compound that comes from crude oil.
About the Author:
Sharon McCarthy is a health enthusiast and a dedicated researcher of natural skin care products. Visit her website now http://healthy-skin-care.info and discover proven cutting edge skin care products that protect your skin and slow down the aging process.
Women put 515 chemicals on their faces
By James Mould
Some women are putting more than 500 different chemicals on their face when they apply their makeup, according to a new report which suggested that people could be placing themselves at risk.
Bionsen published the study, which claimed that typical women use 13 different products in their skin care regime and there are more than 20 different ingredients in them, some of those being chemical-based.
Charlotte Smith of Bionsen told the Sun: “The new ‘wonder treatments’ contain more chemicals to be able to achieve better results, which means that women are more at risk.”
Lipstick contains an average of 33 ingredients, with body lotions being made up of 32 and mascara 29, which could interest fans of natural skin care.
The Daily Telegraph recently reported on the rise and benefits of mineral makeup, which it said can feel nicer on and soothe the complexions of people who suffer from sensitive skin.
The Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
Did you know that olive leaf extract and the leaves themselves have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes for thousands of years? It is one of the few medicines referred to in the Bible. It has been mentioned in medical texts from the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and other ancient cultures. But, why do we need it, today? We know that used alot in Turkey is well.
Alot of olive trees on the Bodrum Milas Highways and locals has a olive oil factories. Its very popular in Milas and surronding areas. Olive is the main business for farmers in Milas, Bodrum, Gemlik and many other places in Turkey. Pharmaceutical researchers and scientists from all branches of study have always looked at the medicinal activity of plants.
If the work was being done for a pharmaceutical company, an attempt would be made to change the naturally occurring molecular structure of the active components, in order to patent and synthesize them. Since we have a multitude of drugs available, many people wonder about the point of taking herbal remedies.
They aren’t covered by their health insurance policies. They are mostly recommended by alternative, not mainstream practitioners. So, what are they really good for?
Well, one example is in the area of antibiotics. The overuse of prescription antibiotics has led to the formation of stronger, more resistant bacteria. Oddly enough, these bacteria respond to natural antibacterial agents.
When it comes to skincare products, those containing olive leaf extract have natural antibacterial activity, which is beneficial for healing acne blemishes and reducing the risk of further breakouts. The oils, derived from the pits are beneficial, as well.
Many women say that their continued youthful appearances are due to the regular use of olive oil as a moisturizer.
Modern researchers have been able to isolate the active compounds and make them even more effective for reducing wrinkles, improving the skin’s moisture content and fading scars. So, it is possible to improve on what nature has done, without causing problems. When it comes to a supplement that you take orally, the best choice is an all natural olive leaf extract.
It can be used to speed recovery from colds and other infections. It may be beneficial for acne and skin diseases, in which inflammation is involved. Skincare products, on the other hand, must be properly formulated, or the oils will not penetrate.
They can cause greasiness, clog the pores and, in general, don’t feel nice. So, from a naturalist’s standpoint, it may seem that using well-designed skincare products is a “no-no”. But, as long as the manufacturer does not use artificial preservatives, added fragrances or artificial colors, you’re safe. We need olive leaf extract, today, because it works better than the plastic compounds created by petrochemical companies.
If taken orally, it supports immune system health. If applied topically, in the right form, it nourishes the skin’s cells and layers. Petrochemicals are not nourishing and they may contribute to our risk of cancer. Everyone’s risk increases with age, but there is reason to believe that exposure to petrochemicals, throughout a person’s life, greatly increases their risk.
So, avoid petrochemicals, including artificial preservatives and fragrance ingredients. Take some olive leaf extract or a multi-nutritional supplement that contains it and look for skincare products that contain the active compounds found in the oils.
You’ll feel better and look better, too.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/anti-aging-articles/the-benefits-of-olive-leaf-extract-1556407.html
Trick or Treat….Treat!
Happy Halloween everyone! bluebasins bath and body wants you to have a treat this halloween! Come on into bluebasins.com and purchase whatever you want to treat yourself with then enter promo code treat09 and receive 30% off at checkout!
Take a long bath with on of our bath melts:
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Our Sensual essential oil synergy blend enhances your sensuality. If you have a hot date, take a bath with this, and your night will be even better. Your skin will be smooth all night. Great moisturizer! |
Treat your feet:
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Have beautiful feet with our creamy foot butter. This thick butter leaves your feet soft and supple all day long. Great for those with dry cracked heals. Best used after a shower or anytime in the day to keep dry heal syndrome away. Use as part of our Perfect Pedicure Routine. |
Massage your face….whatever you want to treat yourself for this halloween.
bluebasins bath and body
Taking care of what you wear everyday!
What skin care manufacturers don’t tell you
Here’s a great article by Dr. Lorne Brandes from Toronto’s CTV news station writing on the hidden ingredients manufacturers won’t tell you about. Results found that a lot of the rejuvenating creams have contained significant amounts (up to 0.61%) of estriol or estrone, two potent forms of estrogen!
Skin care products and cancer: What manufacturers don’t tell you
by Dr. Lorne Brandes
On a recent visit to a department store cosmetics counter, I was amazed at the number and variety of “rejuvenating” skin creams and lotions for sale — and not just for women!
“How much did all that cost?” I asked warily as the smiling clerk handed the Visa card back to my wife.
“If they help my skin look younger, it’s worth it,” was all she would say.
It now appears that her faith in the products she bought may have been misplaced: a new report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) warns that an ingredient in some skin creams may have serious long-term health consequences for women with, or at risk for, breast and uterine cancer. The offending substance? Estrogen!
The story began with an alert by an oncologist. He observed that… Read on.
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Here at bluebasins bath and body our skin care product ingredients are all natural. We only use what mother nature has provided for us to create our products. Check out our ingredient list.
Shea Butter, A Natural Skin Care Ingredient…
The skin care industry has changed more in the past ten years than it has in the past 20. With the ever-increasing popularity of natural skin care products, Shea Butter as an ingredient is fast becoming known as a great skin moisturizer.
Predominantly known for skin care in the natural product and ingredient communities, Shea butter is hailed for its protecting and emollient properties as well as its softening and conditioning capabilities for the skin.
Extracted from the Shea nut of the Shea tree in Africa where it has been used for generations, this butter has a yellow colour and has a rich, creamy nut aroma. bluebasins bath & body is a new online all natural skin care product company which uses 100 % Shea Butter in a variety of their products which can be found at http://www.bluebasins.com.
Shea Butter is used in a large majority of natural skin care products such as Shea butter body butters, soaps, lotions/creams, lip balms and shaving creams. Rich in cinnamon acid, it also protects the skin from UV rays and therefore can be included in skin care products for the sun. It can also be used as a massage butter and as a treatment for minor skin wounds and irritations.
Other benefits of Shea butter include the fading of scars, ecezma, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretch marks, wrinkles and psoriasis as it absorbs rapidly into the skin without feeling greasy. Because Shea butter contains vitamins A, E and F, it is great for year round use however using it in the winter is a great aid for dry skin.
Natural skin care products are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for consumers. Whether you are looking for information on natural body care products or want to purchase natural bath and body products, bluebasins bath & body is a logical first step.
About bluebasins.com
At bluebasins bath & body, we create natural, bath and body products. Our products are made using the
best herbs, flowers, extracts, essential oils, exotic nut oils and butters. Special attention is paid to the details whereby all of our products are created from scratch and hand made in small quantities, therefore maintaining a high standard. Pride is taken in knowing all of the ingredients in our products.
Summary:
Shea Butter is fast becoming known as a great natural skin moisturizer. It is hailed for its protection of the skin. bluebasins bath & body is a new online all natural skin care product company which uses 100 % Shea butter in a variety of their products found at bluebasins bath & body.
