Product Review: One Step Bronze Bronzage

As a proud & pale gal, I typically shy away from anything that could result in a Lindsay Lohanish dirty face look.  But with this formula claiming to minimize pores and control oil, it's my beauty duty to give this a try.

Claim To Fame:  "...A flawless glow, improve skin tone and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles..."

*Von's Verdict*

The look:  A little dab gave me a slight increase in color- not too overboard.  I typically shy away from shimmer, but once I smoothed it in, the finish was appealing.

The feel:  Great!  It goes on like a gel drying to a smooth finish which is exactly what an oily skin type needs in Summer.

Overall:  For me, I don't notice minimized pores or a reduction in fine lines  But the color and texture are spot on for a 'No Make Up Summer Look' for me!

Just A Thought

One of the biggest challenges of being an artist, in any medium, is not taking criticism personally.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Spa Day

As a rule, spa service providers are in the business of making people feel good. But just like you, we have great days as well as some off moments. So how do you ensure you're getting the best out of your spa time?

A few tips to help you get the most out of your Spa Day:

1. Give your cell phone the silent treatment.
If you want your massage or facial to be a sacred, peaceful moment- treat it that way. Cell phones not only break your attention out of the moment but your clever ring tone also breaks your therapists' flow.

2. "Actually, Saturday afternoon doesn't work for me..."
Estheticans and Massage Therapist are just like you. We look forward to our lives beyond work. Most spas tend to be closed on Monday's making Saturday afternoon the equivalent to most people's Friday afternoon. Did I mention that Saturday is also the busiest day for spas? Schedule your appointment early in the day, early in the week if you can. Your therapist is more likely to be refreshed and focused during quieter times of the week.

3. Be early.
This is particularly important if you come during the peak spa season and time. If appointments are booked back to back and you are running late-your treatment time will be cut. Arrive in time to fill out necessary paperwork, get a beverage, change clothes etc. As a rule, arrive 15 minutes before your service is set to begin.

4. Call in Sick.
Feel a cough coming on? Have a fever blister that's not quite healed yet? Please do us the courtesy of calling in sick. Whether it's a facial, a massage, or just a waxing service, therapist share a very intimate space with clients.  In addition to the danger of spreading the latest cold, if your immune system is compromised, that massage could make you feel worse.  Massages, body treatments & even facials can release toxins.  For a healthy body, the toxin release is a great benefit.  But if your body is busy fighting a bug- a flush of toxins will really make you wish you had called in sick.

Make This! Hydrating Mask

As an expectant mother, I'm loving my glowing complexion. But sometimes my glow gives way to dryness. As an esthetician who loves the simplicity of holistic ingredients, I give you the recipe for the best hydrating mask I've discovered yet...

Yolk & Honey Mask

One egg yolk (free-range, hormone free)
One teaspoon honey (local and raw if you are really lovin' yourself)

Whip up these two little vitamin packed ingredients and apply to a clean face, neck and decollete. Keep on for 8-15 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. Pat dry and go enjoy a good nights rest. In the morning, simply splash some cool water on your face and follow with your morning moisturizer.

You will love your new honey complexion!

Tip of The Day: Exfoliate 2 Hydrate

You can't have hydration without exfoliation. Often, people will complain their moisturizers aren't doing the trick. This is because if they haven't properly exfoliated the dead skin cells off the surface, they are simply wasting their moisturizers by piling it atop dead skin. Instead, use your exfoliator of choice before moisturizing. This way you are hydrating fresh, alive skin cells that can properly absorb all those fancy products you want to see work!

Ideas From Smart Folk

"Give me the luxuries of life

and I will willingly do without

the necessities."

-Frank Loyd Wright

EAT THIS! East Texas Caprese

A few things love Texas heat. Blueberries, bull nettle and basil, just to name a few.

Basil, much like other green loves of my life such as avocados, oxidizes quickly. In other words, for maximum tongue titillation, it needs to be eaten quickly after it's been harvested.

Here is a quick recipe I use on the regular during these summer months.

Combine the following ingredients in your Easiesttocleanup food processor:

3-4 handfuls of basil (I'm a very scientific chef.)

4 Tbs of XVOO

1 handful of walnuts or pine nuts if your feelin' really fancy

2 cloves of garlic

2 dashes of cayenne pepper

3 pinches of salt

Most pesto recipes call for Parmesan cheese. Quite frankly, I'm trying to cut back on my dairy consumption as there is a lot of current talk about dairy being challenging for the body to digest/ being good for our health. I really don't miss the flavor that much in my pesto. Please ignore this entire paragraph as I'm about to tell you to break out the mozzarella. Everything in moderation. ; )

This pesto is wonderful atop a fresh, organic tomato* as pictured above with a touch of mozzarella to bring a smooth, rich texture into the dish. I could literally eat this everyday...which I'm about to start doing because this basil it taking over the backyard!

Basily Bodacious,

V

*This perfect tomato was given to me by the kind folks at the Appleby Community Farm. It's organic, it's gorgeous and it tastes as good as it looks!