Between high prices, offices having to do more with fewer and the general stress of modern living, the only logical push-back is a renewed focus on wellness. For a few months, London’s Financial Times has been beating the drum that the cognoscenti — including the ultra-rich and aristocrats of all stripes — are turning their fine lands into wellness retreats. Country estates are quickly being converted from wedding and selfie destinations to scenes of serenity.
But most of us have to stay home or go home eventually. That shouldn’t stop us from wanting to reset. Keep it simple and relaxing with Fragrance.com. I was happy to be hosted to experience it!
First things first: a great night’s sleep. We all know we need it, but we don’t do it. Could be stress, too many things to do, work demands that burn you at both ends. Makes no difference: you need to start treating yourself to a proper and beautifying night’s worth of rest.
You might not realize it, but your A/C, fan or heating may be disrupting your sleep health with its dehydration. First, get yourself a room humidifier with aromatherapy bin. They’re online or in any drugstore. Some of them are very inexpensive. Then, each night, put in several drops of Now brand Peaceful Sleep Oil Blend. Delicious scents help you deep breathe, which will relax you for sleep. Humidity will help plump your skin and hair. This blend has a bright, citrus-y scent: Orange Oil, Tangerine Oil, Lavender Oil, Chamomile Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Sandalwood Oil Aroma: Floral Citrus. So, wait — are you thinking this is more of a morning, breakfast juice scent? Well, here’s the trick. It’s a happy scent that takes away your cares before hitting the pillow.
If you’re at home, trying to relax, set ambiance. Before any treatments, spritz a little fragrance on yourself. This is just for you, so you don’t need mysterious spices or flower bombs. Something clean, natural and soothing. Miller Harris Tea Tonique is modern, yet familiar. Imagine a big, tall glass of unsweetened strong black tea with a little lemon twist. This is how they describe it: “Notes of Bergamot, Petitgrain and Lemon rule the top of this composition. The middle is a delightful mix of notes from Nutmeg, Peach Blossom and Tea. The base notes of this unisexual fragrance lies Birch, Musk and Mate to create a woody aroma that lingers on.” It comes in several sizes for any budget.
I’ve been in the hospital hooked to an IV where I was able to see what I would look like with lip injections. That deterred me forever more! Just silly and disproportionate. On the other hand, due to aging and dehydration, you can have a rapid shrinking of lip tissue that’s not cute! I had that recently and it makes you wonder where the time went. Understandably, many folks are wary of the chemical irritants built into so many lip plumpers. Whether it’s peppermint, cinnamon or capsaicin (hot peppers), you definitely don’t feel like applying those if you have dry or irritated lips.
Yet, what to do? I have a collection of lip balms in many flavors — probably more than 5 dozen. They are good for a quick fix, a softening base before lip makeup. But they don’t affect structural change. Applying Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Lip Serum Stick – Plump & Smooth is noticeably different. It’s in a very soft, narrow stick, leaving a very glossy finish without stinging. It doesn’t feel different from other lip balms, but what an instant difference there is! The corners of your mouth look fleshier and the surface plumps out, isn’t merely re-hydrated.
Grande Cosmetics is a high-end brand you will see in top medispas and other treatment destinations. But here is an example of why it’s so much better to use it at your home sweet home. I have an aesthetic salon down the hill from me, walking distance. They sell the brand. But they’re snobby! When I asked about appointments, they suggested I go out of state to Virginia! Who needs that? Nobody. Grandelips Hydrating Lip Plumper # Pale Rose requires you to prime the pump before you start, but don’t pump too much — a couple of drops will for sure do ya! Though it looks bubblegum pink in the container, it’s very sheer. It turns out like your lips, but a touch lighter and pinker. It’s very soft and silky. Make it your easy little finishing touch if you have to leave your cocoon and run an errand. It has the tiniest little tingle to it, giving you a very natural, elegant plump.
Do you have to do a quick Zoom meeting in the middle of your spa? It’s okay. You don’t have to get all done up, but a touch of Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm # 06 Woppin’ Watermelon will say that you really didn’t just roll out of bed — even if you did! There are other brand with lip crayons, but I can definitely assure you why this is superior. Other brands are firm wax, making you have to dig into your lips over and over to get any product and color. The product is self-sharpening and give a semi-opaque finish. The light watermelon color adds a touch of brightness to your face without having to try too hard.
I’ve probably mentioned the fluffy white bathrobe I’ve had for decades from a hotel pool that no longer exists. A long time ago, I got the drugstore green mint clay mask on the cuffs and no bleach, sun, soak, stain remover was ever able to make it come out. Talk about not relaxing! Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask is affordable, comes in single packets, and hasn’t anything to stain your life. It incorporates a soothing ampoule and is chock full of calming moisture. You put it on for about 20 minutes and rub in the remaining lotion. Easy luxury! It’s instant gratification.
I have a vintage cookbook by Robin Leach, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. I got it when I was much younger and I suppose I was going by food philosopher Brillat-Saverin’s “Tell me what you eat and I’ll tell you what you are.” One of those profiled was John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair care. Paul Mitchell Super Strong Conditioner doesn’t have that classic Hawaiian awapuhi fragrance, but is very modern in its efficacy. So many conditioners that help with detangling and softening are like a sledgehammer to your tresses. You have to spend so much time styling to put back any life. Not the case here! I had zeeeero trouble detangling my damaged cotton candy floss and a quick upside down blow dry was enough to be cute and presentable.
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 