Glacial Facial

A few days ago, when I blogged about my Aquis Microfiber Headband, I mentioned that I was trying a new facial mask. Well, the time has come to tell you about that new product.


The Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque, by Alaska Glacial Mud Co, contains the most mineral-rich and pure glacial clay in the world - harvested from the remote waters of the Copper River Delta in Alaska. It detoxifies, exfoliates, and softens skin while more than 60 nourishing major and trace elements promote healthy skin cell renewal. The mud is further enriched with a special combination of botanical extracts from the Pacific Northwest, chosen for their moisturizing, softening, and anti-aging properties.

So I used the lavender-peppermint variety of the masque (also available in vanilla-lavender and unscented) for the first time this past weekend. I applied the product with the mud masque application brush; which, I must say is such a great idea…it helps you apply a thin layer so that you don’t waste any of the masque, and there’s no messy fingers! Anyway, I brushed the mud all over, and once my entire face was covered, I started to feel it working. A first, I was a little afraid of the tingle – but it dissipated almost immediately. After letting it dry, I washed the masque off with a washcloth and warm water – revealing touchably soft skin. Seriously, I couldn’t keep my hands off of my face! And unlike most masks, it doesn’t leave your face tight and dry.

After a not so great experience with DDF’s Sulfur Therapeutic Mask (it didn’t do anything for my skin, the stinky smell lingered long after the product was washed off, and it made my eyes sting for two days), I am thrilled to have found a face mask that delivers on its promises.

Bottom line: the Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque offers both tradition and innovation for the spa-loving and eco-conscious goddess who wants to self-indulge at home.

Glacial Facial

A few days ago, when I blogged about my Aquis Microfiber Headband, I mentioned that I was trying a new facial mask. Well, the time has come to tell you about that new product.


The Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque, by Alaska Glacial Mud Co, contains the most mineral-rich and pure glacial clay in the world - harvested from the remote waters of the Copper River Delta in Alaska. It detoxifies, exfoliates, and softens skin while more than 60 nourishing major and trace elements promote healthy skin cell renewal. The mud is further enriched with a special combination of botanical extracts from the Pacific Northwest, chosen for their moisturizing, softening, and anti-aging properties.

So I used the lavender-peppermint variety of the masque (also available in vanilla-lavender and unscented) for the first time this past weekend. I applied the product with the mud masque application brush; which, I must say is such a great idea…it helps you apply a thin layer so that you don’t waste any of the masque, and there’s no messy fingers! Anyway, I brushed the mud all over, and once my entire face was covered, I started to feel it working. A first, I was a little afraid of the tingle – but it dissipated almost immediately. After letting it dry, I washed the masque off with a washcloth and warm water – revealing touchably soft skin. Seriously, I couldn’t keep my hands off of my face! And unlike most masks, it doesn’t leave your face tight and dry.

After a not so great experience with DDF’s Sulfur Therapeutic Mask (it didn’t do anything for my skin, the stinky smell lingered long after the product was washed off, and it made my eyes sting for two days), I am thrilled to have found a face mask that delivers on its promises.

Bottom line: the Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque offers both tradition and innovation for the spa-loving and eco-conscious goddess who wants to self-indulge at home.

Do It Yourself

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to put a strain on your pocketbook. The next time you’re longing for the spa or the salon, head to your kitchen instead. You don’t have to be a top chef to master the following DIY beauty recipes. All you need is a few minutes and some everyday ingredients. And, voila…a more beautiful you!*


Eliut Rivera's Cucumber & Olive Oil Shine-Boosting Hair Treat
Heat, sun, and sweat can do a number on your hair. This rich mask, from the celeb stylist who counts Penélope Cruz among his fans, helps return your mane to its former soft and shiny self.

1 cucumber
1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil (depending on length of hair)

Puree cucumber and olive oil in blender or food processor. Comb mixture evenly through hair, concentrating on ends. Let set for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, shampoo twice, and condition as usual.


Naturopathica's Skin-Softening Avocado Mask
This quick-fix moisturizer from the famed East Hampton spa thwarts dry skin fast.

1/2 avocado
1 egg
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional; adds extra moisture)

Blend all ingredients together. Apply to face. Leave on five to ten minutes and rinse well.


Raechel Cunningham's Mojito Scrub for Rough Hands
This cocktail-inspired scrub, from aesthetician Raechel Cunningham of New York Laser & Aesthetics, leaves hands smooth enough to raise a glass confidently in public.

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small lime
3 to 5 mint leaves

Chop mint leaves and squeeze 1/2 lime into bowl. Combine remaining ingredients. Massage into palm of hand, working the product around. Also makes a great cuticle treatment.


Sweet Lily's Grapefruit Vodka Pedicure
This grapefruit-vodka foot treatment from the Tribeca-based natural nail spa sounds good enough to drink, but we suggest you whip up a second batch for your drinking pleasure.

1 gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 shot glass of vodka

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat grapefruit juice on stove or in microwave until warm (not hot). Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with foot lotion and polish.

*Before you start: do a patch test to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.

Recipes courtesy of Style.com.

Do It Yourself

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to put a strain on your pocketbook. The next time you’re longing for the spa or the salon, head to your kitchen instead. You don’t have to be a top chef to master the following DIY beauty recipes. All you need is a few minutes and some everyday ingredients. And, voila…a more beautiful you!*


Eliut Rivera's Cucumber & Olive Oil Shine-Boosting Hair Treat
Heat, sun, and sweat can do a number on your hair. This rich mask, from the celeb stylist who counts Penélope Cruz among his fans, helps return your mane to its former soft and shiny self.

1 cucumber
1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil (depending on length of hair)

Puree cucumber and olive oil in blender or food processor. Comb mixture evenly through hair, concentrating on ends. Let set for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, shampoo twice, and condition as usual.


Naturopathica's Skin-Softening Avocado Mask
This quick-fix moisturizer from the famed East Hampton spa thwarts dry skin fast.

1/2 avocado
1 egg
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional; adds extra moisture)

Blend all ingredients together. Apply to face. Leave on five to ten minutes and rinse well.


Raechel Cunningham's Mojito Scrub for Rough Hands
This cocktail-inspired scrub, from aesthetician Raechel Cunningham of New York Laser & Aesthetics, leaves hands smooth enough to raise a glass confidently in public.

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small lime
3 to 5 mint leaves

Chop mint leaves and squeeze 1/2 lime into bowl. Combine remaining ingredients. Massage into palm of hand, working the product around. Also makes a great cuticle treatment.


Sweet Lily's Grapefruit Vodka Pedicure
This grapefruit-vodka foot treatment from the Tribeca-based natural nail spa sounds good enough to drink, but we suggest you whip up a second batch for your drinking pleasure.

1 gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 shot glass of vodka

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat grapefruit juice on stove or in microwave until warm (not hot). Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with foot lotion and polish.

*Before you start: do a patch test to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.

Recipes courtesy of Style.com.

Good Gourd

October is right around the corner. And when I think of the tenth month of the year, pumpkins always come to mind. Although the fruit (you thought it was a vegetable, didn’t ya?) is most commonly used in pies and bread, pumpkin’s health benefits make it a beneficial beauty product ingredient.

Pumpkin contains more than 100 nutrients, which may be used to help reverse signs of aging. Pumpkin enzymes have the highest source of beta carotene and vitamins to combat oxidation and free radical damage.

Fall is officially here…and to celebrate the change of season, here are my top picks of the pumpkin patch. Trust me - these products will leave you glowing and grinning like a jack-o-lantern.


Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
A detoxifying peel for the face and neck. Utilizing pumpkin enzymes to easily and gently dissolve dead surface skin cells, this deep exfoliator stimulates cellular turnover, to reveal radiant skin that is supple and naturally hydrated. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and Vitamin A help protect, nourish, and repair skin. Plus it has a delicious, irresistible pumpkin scent.


Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion
Naturally exfoliate and brighten the complexion with this non-drying, rebalancing preparation. American pumpkin enzymes, pink grapefruit, lime and yeast extract combine to strengthen the skin and reduce moisture loss. Skin is revitalized, softened and smoothed. Gentle enough to use around the eye area, this is suitable for all skin types.


Bath & Body Works Pure Simplicity Pumpkin Purifying Mask
It's like putting holiday dessert right on your body! But this purifying mask does more than just smell great—it exfoliates and moisturizes, leaving your skin smooth as silk. Oprah touted this product as one of her 'favorite things' back in 2003. (Bath & Body Works recently discontinued their Pure Simplicity line, but you can still find this magnificent mask on eBay).


Burt's Bees Miracle Salve
Save yourself from dry hair and skin, miraculously. Moisturize and nourish hair, hands, and body with this super-enriched, emollient formula. Pumpkin seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids, combines with olive oil and wheat germ extract to hydrate and protect dry hair and skin. Meanwhile, protein-rich bee pollen nourishes and rejuvenates, while emollient beeswax holds in moisture.


Yes To Carrots C is for Hair Care - Hair and Scalp Mud Mask
Experience gorgeous hair like never before with C is for Hair Care. C is for Hair Care moisturizes, softens, detangles, shines, and volumizes...and contains extracts of carrot, pumpkin, orange & honey, rich with Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Vitamin E and other enzymes that keep your locks in tip-top condition.


Bella Lucce Pumpkin Glow Body Scrub
The enzymes in pumpkin pulp combine with pumpkin seed oil to dissolve dull, dead cells, revealing the healthy radiant skin underneath. Pure cane sugar is enveloped in this creamy blend of nourishing oils and butters, spiked with warm, aromatic essential oils for a soothing treat. As with all Bella Luccè scrubs, their Pumpkin Glow emulsifies into a creamy lotion when applied, then rinses clean for delectably soft skin without oily residue. Bella Lucce also carries a Warming Pumpkin Masque.

PS (Pumpkin Secret) – In the late 90’s, the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago conducted a study that concluded one third of American men are turned on by the smell pumpkin pie. Intrigued? Click here to learn more.

Good Gourd

October is right around the corner. And when I think of the tenth month of the year, pumpkins always come to mind. Although the fruit (you thought it was a vegetable, didn’t ya?) is most commonly used in pies and bread, pumpkin’s health benefits make it a beneficial beauty product ingredient.

Pumpkin contains more than 100 nutrients, which may be used to help reverse signs of aging. Pumpkin enzymes have the highest source of beta carotene and vitamins to combat oxidation and free radical damage.

Fall is officially here…and to celebrate the change of season, here are my top picks of the pumpkin patch. Trust me - these products will leave you glowing and grinning like a jack-o-lantern.


Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
A detoxifying peel for the face and neck. Utilizing pumpkin enzymes to easily and gently dissolve dead surface skin cells, this deep exfoliator stimulates cellular turnover, to reveal radiant skin that is supple and naturally hydrated. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and Vitamin A help protect, nourish, and repair skin. Plus it has a delicious, irresistible pumpkin scent.


Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion
Naturally exfoliate and brighten the complexion with this non-drying, rebalancing preparation. American pumpkin enzymes, pink grapefruit, lime and yeast extract combine to strengthen the skin and reduce moisture loss. Skin is revitalized, softened and smoothed. Gentle enough to use around the eye area, this is suitable for all skin types.


Bath & Body Works Pure Simplicity Pumpkin Purifying Mask
It's like putting holiday dessert right on your body! But this purifying mask does more than just smell great—it exfoliates and moisturizes, leaving your skin smooth as silk. Oprah touted this product as one of her 'favorite things' back in 2003. (Bath & Body Works recently discontinued their Pure Simplicity line, but you can still find this magnificent mask on eBay).


Burt's Bees Miracle Salve
Save yourself from dry hair and skin, miraculously. Moisturize and nourish hair, hands, and body with this super-enriched, emollient formula. Pumpkin seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids, combines with olive oil and wheat germ extract to hydrate and protect dry hair and skin. Meanwhile, protein-rich bee pollen nourishes and rejuvenates, while emollient beeswax holds in moisture.


Yes To Carrots C is for Hair Care - Hair and Scalp Mud Mask
Experience gorgeous hair like never before with C is for Hair Care. C is for Hair Care moisturizes, softens, detangles, shines, and volumizes...and contains extracts of carrot, pumpkin, orange & honey, rich with Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Vitamin E and other enzymes that keep your locks in tip-top condition.


Bella Lucce Pumpkin Glow Body Scrub
The enzymes in pumpkin pulp combine with pumpkin seed oil to dissolve dull, dead cells, revealing the healthy radiant skin underneath. Pure cane sugar is enveloped in this creamy blend of nourishing oils and butters, spiked with warm, aromatic essential oils for a soothing treat. As with all Bella Luccè scrubs, their Pumpkin Glow emulsifies into a creamy lotion when applied, then rinses clean for delectably soft skin without oily residue. Bella Lucce also carries a Warming Pumpkin Masque.

PS (Pumpkin Secret) – In the late 90’s, the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago conducted a study that concluded one third of American men are turned on by the smell pumpkin pie. Intrigued? Click here to learn more.

Laying It On Thick

A few weeks ago, I was in C.O. Bigelow - zipping through the aisles like a Whirling Dervish. A helpful salesgirl, seeing I was overwhelmed by the plethora of products, approached me and asked if I needed help finding anything in particular. Usually I coyly answer, "Just looking" - hoping that the salesperson backs up and leaves me to my own devices (eg- testing 20+ shades of lipgloss on the back of my hand).

But this time, I actually needed some assistance. I explained that I turn into an oil slick during the summer and I'm sick of looking shiny all of the time. So she patiently guided me around the store, suggesting cleansers, toners, and other oil-obsorbing products. I purchased a few, and when she rang me up, she threw a good amount of samples in my bag as well. Now that's what I call customer service (shout out to my local C.O. Bigelow store in the King of Prussia Mall)!

When I returned home, I ripped open my bag to see what beauty booty this girl had bestowed upon me. I was excited to see that she had included DDF's Daily Matte SPF 15, which I had heard such wonderful things about. Sephora describes the product as, "Ideal daily care for oil and combination skin, this lightweight, shine reducing fluid is oil-free and boasts a powerful SPF 15." Well, when Sephora says it's powerful - they ain't just whistlin' dixie.

I applied the Daily Matte immediately after washing my face, and I had planned to follow with a lightweight foundation. As I started smoothing the product onto my face, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off my how thick it felt. I then became more annoyed that it kind of sat on top of my skin, rather than melting into it - the way I thought it would. In fact, to be perfectly honest, it was like slathering sunblock onto my face. Now I realize that the product contains sunscreen, but so do plenty of other facial mositurizers and treatments...and they don't leave me with a Coppertone complexion.

My skin hated this product so much that I couldn't bear it on my face for more than 5 minutes. I had to wash it off and start all over. Don't you just hate when that happens?

Hence, I'm going to have to give Daily Matte SPF 15 two (manicured and Essie-polished) thumbs down. But don't think I'm hating on DDF products...I absolutely love their Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, which helps to clear blemishes, clogged pores, acne, and seborrhea.

Laying It On Thick

A few weeks ago, I was in C.O. Bigelow - zipping through the aisles like a Whirling Dervish. A helpful salesgirl, seeing I was overwhelmed by the plethora of products, approached me and asked if I needed help finding anything in particular. Usually I coyly answer, "Just looking" - hoping that the salesperson backs up and leaves me to my own devices (eg- testing 20+ shades of lipgloss on the back of my hand).

But this time, I actually needed some assistance. I explained that I turn into an oil slick during the summer and I'm sick of looking shiny all of the time. So she patiently guided me around the store, suggesting cleansers, toners, and other oil-obsorbing products. I purchased a few, and when she rang me up, she threw a good amount of samples in my bag as well. Now that's what I call customer service (shout out to my local C.O. Bigelow store in the King of Prussia Mall)!

When I returned home, I ripped open my bag to see what beauty booty this girl had bestowed upon me. I was excited to see that she had included DDF's Daily Matte SPF 15, which I had heard such wonderful things about. Sephora describes the product as, "Ideal daily care for oil and combination skin, this lightweight, shine reducing fluid is oil-free and boasts a powerful SPF 15." Well, when Sephora says it's powerful - they ain't just whistlin' dixie.

I applied the Daily Matte immediately after washing my face, and I had planned to follow with a lightweight foundation. As I started smoothing the product onto my face, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off my how thick it felt. I then became more annoyed that it kind of sat on top of my skin, rather than melting into it - the way I thought it would. In fact, to be perfectly honest, it was like slathering sunblock onto my face. Now I realize that the product contains sunscreen, but so do plenty of other facial mositurizers and treatments...and they don't leave me with a Coppertone complexion.

My skin hated this product so much that I couldn't bear it on my face for more than 5 minutes. I had to wash it off and start all over. Don't you just hate when that happens?

Hence, I'm going to have to give Daily Matte SPF 15 two (manicured and Essie-polished) thumbs down. But don't think I'm hating on DDF products...I absolutely love their Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, which helps to clear blemishes, clogged pores, acne, and seborrhea.

Sweet 16

Have you heard about Fresh? If you haven't...girl, let me tell you. Fresh is a brand of makeup, skin, hair, bath, body, fragrance, and home products based on the philosophy that “you shouldn’t have to choose between products that look good and products that work well.” Good thinking, right?

I love Fresh. Fresh is, no-pun intended, a breath of fresh air. In an industry of cookie cutter products and packaging, this line has developed a reputation for perfectly marrying function with fun.

Many of the beauty products I buy end up in the back of my bathroom cabinet, gathering dust. They never seem to deliver the results or fulfill the promises written on the packaging. And month after month, year after year, these discarded products are a sad reminder of how much money I’ve spent and how many times I’ve been let down. But with Fresh, that familiar scenario never plays out. I always make certain to squeeze out use every last drop of my Cleansing Balm with Lemon Oil. I always remember to pick up a new tube of the Umbrian Clay Face Treatment before the old one runs out. And long after I’ve used up my Sugar Face Polish, the jar is sitting in my bathroom because the packaging is so dang purty I can’t bear to throw it away.

This Fall, Fresh celebrates its Sweet 16 with events at all of its thirteen stores. Every Thursday, between now and October, Fresh stores will be honoring different milestone products of the past 16 years with champagne toasts, raffles, and more. The deluxe raffle is a goodie bag worth over $750!

I live in Philadelphia and thus, cannot attend any soirees. But if you live in a city that, luckily, has a Fresh store, I implore you to attend in my honor. If you heed any of the advice I impart on this blog, let it be this…clean out your cabinets and start Fresh. You’re welcome (you’ll thank me later).

Sweet 16

Have you heard about Fresh? If you haven't...girl, let me tell you. Fresh is a brand of makeup, skin, hair, bath, body, fragrance, and home products based on the philosophy that “you shouldn’t have to choose between products that look good and products that work well.” Good thinking, right?

I love Fresh. Fresh is, no-pun intended, a breath of fresh air. In an industry of cookie cutter products and packaging, this line has developed a reputation for perfectly marrying function with fun.

Many of the beauty products I buy end up in the back of my bathroom cabinet, gathering dust. They never seem to deliver the results or fulfill the promises written on the packaging. And month after month, year after year, these discarded products are a sad reminder of how much money I’ve spent and how many times I’ve been let down. But with Fresh, that familiar scenario never plays out. I always make certain to squeeze out use every last drop of my Cleansing Balm with Lemon Oil. I always remember to pick up a new tube of the Umbrian Clay Face Treatment before the old one runs out. And long after I’ve used up my Sugar Face Polish, the jar is sitting in my bathroom because the packaging is so dang purty I can’t bear to throw it away.

This Fall, Fresh celebrates its Sweet 16 with events at all of its thirteen stores. Every Thursday, between now and October, Fresh stores will be honoring different milestone products of the past 16 years with champagne toasts, raffles, and more. The deluxe raffle is a goodie bag worth over $750!

I live in Philadelphia and thus, cannot attend any soirees. But if you live in a city that, luckily, has a Fresh store, I implore you to attend in my honor. If you heed any of the advice I impart on this blog, let it be this…clean out your cabinets and start Fresh. You’re welcome (you’ll thank me later).