Photo credit: Flickr Creative commons: ppacificvancouver

The trend toward embracing things that are “green”; eco-friendly, and organic is extremely popular and growing every day. This is wonderful news as the more people who jump on board the effort to respect and care for our planet, the better we’ll all be in the long run. What was once viewed as a sort of a “fringe” or neo-hippy movement has become ever more mainstream, which is especially evident when we consider all of the beauty salons that are proclaiming their green, earth conscious status. But, what does that really mean? Let’s take a deeper look at the why’s and what-for’s of environmentally-conscious beauty.

A good place to start is with a few definitions. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) describes “natural ingredients” this way – “… extracted directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced synthetically.” Therefore, natural ingredients are:

Not produced synthetically
Grown, harvested, and processed in an ecological manner.
Free from petrochemicals
Extracted or processed using only natural ingredients as solvents
Not exposed to irradiation
Not genetically engineered and contain no GMOs.

Eco-Friendly is a term that means “not harmful to the environment.”

There are many excellent reasons to seek out all-natural products. For example, the chemicals found in most standard hair care products can be harmful to your health and also to the health of the planet. Their ingredients have been found to cause mild to severe skin irritations, allergies, autoimmune disorders and cancer. They also contribute to the toxification of our planet when they find their way into landfills, and from there go on to pollute the air and water.

These reasons are why environmentally friendly spas and salons are becoming so popular all over the world. New salons are being constructed using recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, and making use of solar/wind powered energy sources

Consumers are becoming more educated and aware of the dangers related to synthetic chemicals, and the beauty industry has responded in kind. Popular brands such as Opi nail polish are offering formulas which are free from DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde. Salons are replacing traditional treatments for coloring, straightening and perming with natural and eco-friendly processes, and all-natural shampoos and conditioners as well as all manner of styling products line the shelves for retail sale.

Exclusive salon brands can be expensive, but there are more mainstream companies who have also begun to embrace the eco-friendly movement. The popular brand, Garnier has a line of hair care products which are offered for purchase in places like Target and Walmart, and Sephora, a popular cosmetics retailer, currently offers around 1,400 different products that feature natural, organic ingredients. Keeping in mind that packaging is a large piece of the puzzle, more and more companies are providing products in containers that are made from post consumer materials.

It is inspiring to see all of the ways people are becoming more aware, and taking positive action to bring about changes that will improve humanity for now, and for future generations.

This is a guest post from April Richards, who contributes for Weddingcakes.org.uk

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

Spa Destinations

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: F. Montino

Want to get away from it all and face the New Year with renewed energy and focus? Looking for the ultimate spa retreat for a post-holiday pound reduction? Are you tired of the hamster wheel of life and the never-ending cycle of holiday parties?

Magnificently Mexican

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: ShellVacationsHospitality

The best way to face the New Year may be nestling on the pristine beaches of Puerto Vallarta. The Casa Velas Hotel Boutique is an adults-only spa and retreat, offering personalised spa treatments in Zen tranquillity. Separate women and men’s treatment areas. Vitamin treatments, massage, chakra balancing and even electromagnetic mud massage using diamond dust to remove all forms of electromagnetic pollution from your body. The focus is on rejuvenation, and refreshing holistic treatments and personal service. Visitors return every year for a break and a chance to unwind.

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Moosealope

Holistic Hong Kong

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Skyseeker

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental combines modern elegance and exotic Eastern healing techniques. The spa caters to people who are on the go, and want the chance to relax, unwind and indulge in the sensual secrets of the east with an emphasis on using heat, water and the most up to date techniques and methods of treatment. Try Ashtanga Yoga or the deeply relaxing relaxation lounge for a truly remarkable experience. “Cool, calm and chic……. It is where the tired, travelled-out, over-shopped and overworked go for respite. Beautifully understated design”. Vanity Fair on Travel, April 2010

Brazilian Beauty

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Karla Vidal

In Brazil, the emphasis is on feeling and looking great all the time. Everyone knows Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, but one of the best spas in Brazil is the Salinas Beach and Spa Resort, in Bahia. This is the perfect destination if you want to focus on beauty treatments, sunshine and some sexy samba in Salvador. People rave about the treatments, the personal attention and the attention to everything beautiful.

Tempting Thailand

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: Michael Malz

Thailand has a worldwide reputation for spa resorts. For a traditional experience that takes you away from the tourist beaches of Phuket and into the world of true wellness and diet detox, the Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary is the very best in individual detox programmes and diet advice. A Buddhist monk cave for true contemplation or an energetic fitness plan. The focus of this Thai spa is on the individual and setting up a wellness programme that will last your whole life. With specialised treatments for adrenal burnout and lectures from visiting wellness gurus, this spa is rated by visitors as one of the best in the world.

Snake Spa

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: AntoniO BovinO

Rejuvenation and not a small portion of courage are needed to handle the Snake Spa in Israel. Lie in silence while non-venomous snakes softly smooth away the stresses and strains of modern life.

Intensely Indian

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: SouthAsiaGolf

Spas in India combine western traditional spa treatments with the chance to really discover your inner sanctuary. Whether it’s a traditional Ashram or a modern holistic wellness treatment, you’ll find the Ananda Spa resort close to Haridwar and Rishikesh, which is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Offering pampering and silent meditation, including Ayurvedic massage and consultations. This is a destination that places you into solitude and makes sure that you get away from everything you know, allowing you to embrace your inner beauty to emerge completely rejuvenated.

“Thank you for a week of healing and bliss ! Even in the monsoon, a most magical place in this world!”

Ssssh! I’m at a Spa Retreat

Photo Credit Flickr Creative Commons: zzclef

The Banjaran Hotsprings retreat in Ipoh has a strict no-talking policy. You can check you BlackBerry at the door and forget about Wi-Fi access. If you want to get away, you need to go within to reveal the secrets of silence.

Getting away to a spa is not just about dieting and detox programs. Modern spas take a holistic approach to healing, sanctuary and letting you make healthy, and long-lasting changes to your lifestyle.

This guide was carefully put together on behalf of Hotel Club; where you can find and book relaxing hotels in Hong Kong.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

Around my thirtieth birthday, I became very ill. My energy and wellbeing took a very sharp downward turn. It was as if my immune system simply gave up, raised its hands and surrendered to any and all sickness that came my way. The months to follow were unrelenting with illness after illness. As a result I became very depressed and started to spend less time outside engaging with the world. It was like a cloud had descended over my soul and my body. About eight months later, after discovering a rather dramatic swelling in my neck, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an auto-immune disease. My immune system had begun attacking my thyroid rather than any viruses or infections. Somehow, despite discovering I had an incurable disease, I was incredibly relieved with this diagnosis. I was immediately given a prescription for tablets, which I will be taking for the rest of my life. Over the past few months my energy levels have been slowly returning to normal, and it has started a strange and wonderful time of recovery and reconnection with the world around me. I’ve begun to step back out into the world.

As a result of my 8 months of constant illness, I have discovered that connecting with your body is very important. Had I been more aware of my physical being I may have noticed the swelling in my neck sooner.  However, throughout all of this, and especially as part of my recover I have discovered the key to happiness comes through a greater awareness of my physical body and my spiritual self.

No matter how healthy you are today, these are some practices that can be incredibly helpful for staying connected to your body and spirit…

1. Stretch: When I became ill, I began to shrink into myself – this showed up physically. My shoulders were hunched. I would keep my head down and my arms crossed. As my energy has begun to return, slowly, I have found that even just a few basic stretches helps me immensely on a daily basis. Stretching feels good and it aids in flexibility and overall wellbeing. Even if you’re very healthy and never get ill, stretching is highly recommended as a daily practice.
2. Wander: This is something I used to do often but couldn’t when my energy levels dropped so severely. Go for a walk by yourself, not for exercise. Don’t time it or organise it. Just… wander. Meander and keep your eyes wide open. Let yourself notice details about your surroundings: the pavement, the plants by the side of the road, the trees, houses, buildings. Listen to the sound of wind or rain… if at night, look up and stare at the stars. Take it all in, every beautiful detail. This can be truly enlivening.
3. Journal: When I was at my healthiest, I would take time every day to write every day, just for myself. Journaling with a pen and paper/notebook was a great way to connect with my thoughts free from media distractions or my own personal filters. Sometimes it is only when I journal that I find out what I really feel and think. Journaling can be highly cathartic and healing.  It can be a fantastic processing and relaxation tool.
4. Unplug: Turn off the laptop and the TV, even the radio. Allow yourself to be present. In the moment. Take deep breathes in and out… pause between each bite of your meal. Take time to enjoy the day. I find this generally helps me to clear my head and find peace more easily than anything else.
5. Visit the Spa:  Let someone else take care of you for once!  A spa treatment is one of the best ways to do just this. Face and body treatments help you to truly relax and let go. Also, spending time to treat yourself and indulge your body and senses is highly centering and can be incredibly healing as well. Whether it’s a trip to the spa for one treatment, or a special pamper day experience with your friend, mum, or sibling, spa treatments a great way to reconnecting with yourself as a woman, and a physical being.

All of these practices are great on occasion; they are even better when practiced routinely. The first few in particular are highly beneficial on a day to day basis. Unplugging from music, media, sounds, and technology should be done at least for an hour a day along with journaling and stretching. I’ve been grateful for the walk home from work, which has now become unplugged. It’s not the same as a wander just for the sake of it, but simply taking the time to notice trees and details and to be music and phone free for even just 15 minutes of walking a day is incredibly centering.

Regardless of health or wellbeing, whether you are lacking or in abundance, these practices are great ways to reconnect with your body and your soul and a perfect rest from the onslaught of life, busyness and work. If you have other suggestions for ways to reconnect, please share them! Or if you put some of these into practice and have a story about how they helped you, I’d love to hear your story.

K Newey is a copywriter and script writer who contributes to various blogs and creative projects. She hopes you will enjoy reconnecting with your body and soul as much as she has, and maybe even take part in one of many fabulous London spa days.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

Dry brushing is an exfoliation technique that not only brings new life to your skin but can also improve total health and wellness. You may be familiar with some exfoliation methods already, such as using a loofah in the shower to help remove dead skin cells. Dry brushing is simply a way to perform the same process without the need to take a shower or bath.

All you need is a specially designed dry brush that provides a gentle abrasive action on the surface layer of skin to encourage new, younger skin cells to flourish.

At first you may be a little apprehensive about dry brushing as the prickly wooded scrubbers are more abrasive than shower loofahs. However, you will soon learn to apply the correct pressure to give a gentle and refreshing exfoliation.

Health benefits of dry brushing

Dry skin brushing has several health benefits which extend beyond having healthy and vibrant looking skin. It can help to improve circulation which helps the body to naturally detoxify. It also increases the rate at which waste and toxins are eliminated through the surface of the skin. Finally, dry brushing can improve lymphatic flow and drainage.

The skin is so much more than just a waterproof protective covering for your body. The pores of the skin are designed to allow wastes and toxins escape. However, as dead skin cells, bacteria and other pollutants build up on the skin it waste can become trapped in the skin. The pores literally clog up and our skin starts to look tired and old on the surface. Underneath more serious health problems start manifesting.

When waste builds up in the lymphatic system your immune system can become badly affected and you are more likely to suffer from viruses and illness. It is for this reason that many people now perform a daily dry brush to help cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

In addition to benefiting the immune system dry brushing can also aid with the reduction of cellulite, reduce skin puffiness and also tackle water retention. Some people have reported improvements in digestive health after dry scrubbing with less constipation and more regular bowel movements.

You should take care when dry scrubbing. Use a brush designed for the task, do not just grab the first abrasive object that you can find. When brushing perform gentle motions over the skin avoiding all sensitive areas. You should always work your way towards your heart, never sweep away. Bowel movements can be improved with a sweep from the armpit down the side of the body to the lower stomach area.

Safe brushing tips

Women should never brush over their breasts as the skin here is too delicate for dry brushing. Also never brush skin that is sore or broken as this will hinder the healing process. If you suffer from varicose veins then you also need to avoid these areas too.

Daily dry brushing is best

Rather than performing a vigorous weekly scrub that can leave your skin sore and damaged you should instead perform a gentle daily brush to help the skin to adapt rather than breakdown. Joan E. Sanders, PhD warns that irreversible injury and necrosis can occur if the skin experiences too much abrasion (discussed in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development Vol. 32 No. 3 1995). However, with a gentle load the skin builds up greater tolerance through adaptation.

A daily dry brush can really help to perk you up in the morning too. Some people prefer dry brushing to get the blood flowing over morning exercise. You skin will look rejuvenated and young again and your health will be improved.

Kay McLaren writes about health & beauty  for quality sites such as this one and beFlattered.com, an online beauty store focused on offering great products and advice for women over the age of 40.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

For some people the definition of a grand luxurious holiday is to spend a week in a luxury resort and their in-house spa. Make no mistake; the world’s best spas are destinations unto themselves that cater to guests’ every need. If you can afford it, it’s not a bad way to spend a holiday. We’ve taken a look at some of the world’s most luxurious spas and listed our top five below. Enjoy!

5. Soneva Gili & Six Senses Spa – The Maldives

Even without luxury spas the Maldives is one of the most inviting destinations in the Indian Ocean region. But one of the finest attractions are the private island resorts boasting luxury spas whose only purpose is to overwhelm you in complete relaxation and sensual pleasure. The Soneva Gili & Six Senses Spa does just that with treatment rooms built right on the lagoon. Their signature treatment is called the Soul of Six Senses which combines a simultaneous body massage with a facial.

4. Terme di Saturnia Spa Resort – Saturnia, Italy

When we think of luxury spas, the Caribbean or Indian Ocean regions are the first that come to mind. But we’ve chosen the Terme di Saturnia Spa Resort for our list because it is one of the few places guests can experience a traditional spa similar to what ancient Rome would have enjoyed. The Terme di Saturnia includes a traditional Roman bath complete with travertine stone, ancient massage therapies known for their anti-aging benefits, and many other treatments designed specifically to restore balance to both body and mind. They specialise in natural skincare products that will make you look and feel fantastic.

3. Hayman Island Resort – Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Australia is another country not normally associated with luxury spa holidays. But the Great Barrier Reef provides both stunning natural surroundings and the Hayman Island Resort. The spa at the Hayman Island Resort offers relaxation lounges, “wet” treatment rooms, and exquisite well-being treatments from therapists trained at the world-famous Champs Elysee Guerlain Institute. Between the location, the spa services, and the exquisite accommodations, this is definitely a spa destination that should be on your list.

2. Four Seasons Resort – Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Four Seasons hotel chain has always been known for luxury and pampering, and their Thai resort in Chiang Mai is no exception. Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s favourite tourist destinations, only made better by a spa experience at the Four Seasons. Here you’ll enjoy unusual oriental relaxation treatments, rain showers, aromatherapy, and open-air facilities that provide a sensual experience like none other.

1. Beau Rivage Palace – Lausanne, Switzerland

The Beau Rivage name is synonymous with luxury spas regardless of which resort location you’re referring to. In Lausanne, Switzerland the Beau Rivage Palace offers you a spa experience set in the midst of the Swiss Alps and all their beauty. You’ll enjoy the world-renowned Cinq Mondes spa complete with Japanese baths, Balinese massage therapies, and even a Turkish hammam.

Written by Elizabeth James, who writes for Maisondanu, a natural skincare company.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

I am almost as addicted to hand cream as I am to lip balm. I also am always searching for the best hand cream. The article below, syndicated from Total Beauty includes a couple of my old standbys in Kiehl’s, Eucerine, and Aveeno hand creams and then also includes a number of top hand creams that I have not tried.

One hand cream not on the list that I love is Votre Vu Duette, which is a great lip balm and hand cream packaged together. You can read my review of that here:   Votre Vu Duette.

To see the best hand creams as rated by Total Beauty readers, click on through the links below.

Best Hand Creams Ever

Ditch dry hands and icky cuticles with these winning creams

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article We spend hundreds on youth-enhancing face lotions — but when’s the last time your hands got some love? Yeah, that’s what we thought. It’s time to change that. Start by picking up one of these products. See hand creams

Sally Hansen Flawless Hands Skin Brightening Crème, $8.69

“This is a delectable combination of buttery moisture and soothing vitamins that keep your hands feeling quenched and smooth.”

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $25

“I rubbed extra cream onto my cuticles, and it helped instantly improve the appearance of dryness around my nails.”

Trillium Organics Organic Shea Butter, $9.99

“… it seemed to keep my hands moist longer after regular use.”

Want to see more top-rated hand creams? Click here!

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

Need gift ideas? Techie type gifts always go over well at the holidays. For some great choices in unique gadget and gifts, I really like Hammacher Schlemmer and Verseo.com. Both stores stock some unique items, so you can find the  perfect gift for the person who has everything!

Here are a few suggestions:

Wellness Infrared Sauna: When I saw this, I thought it was just the neatest thing, and pretty darn unique. I also was surprised that it didn’t cost more (It is under $200, sometimes as low as $179). This home sauna folds up for easy storage and uses infrared heat to get you sweating for pore cleansing and detox, assuming you buy into the claim that saunas detox (not sure that I do, but I still love saunas!).   It certainly is an interesting idea. Who would have thought of a portable sauna!

The Dermatologist’s Sonic Misting Facial. Using special technology previously exclusive to dermatologists, this sonic misting facial system uses sonic vibrations coupled with a soothing mist to attack wrinkles and fine lines.  the brush emits 11,000  vibrations per minute to exfoliate, while the oxygenated mist cleans the pores. There is a choice between warm or cool mist and gentle or deep exfoliation.

The Violight Million Germ Eliminating Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer. How often have you been disgusted by those plastic travel toothbrush holders? The brush stays damp and it all just seems like a germ haven. Here is the cure!  This Violight compact toothbrush sanitizer uses tested germicidal UV technology like the kind used to sanitize hospital instruments in order to eliminate up to 99% of germs on your toothbrush, including streptococcus and listeria. The device sanitizes a toothbrush in under seven minutes, and  is easily packed and portable. the bulb is rated for 2,000 hours of use. Pretty darn cool!

The Temple And Eye Massager. Perfect for relieving tension! This massager works on pressure points around your temples, forehead, and eyes to relieve sinus pressure and headaches. Great for people who do computer work or read for longs periods. The massager combines vibration massage, air-bag massage, and heat compression to stimulate blood flow, relieve fatigue, and soothe sore facial and eye muscles. In includes a remote control to  quickly control intensity and type of vibration massage. You can also select a preferred temperature  and focus the air-bag massage on either the temples or eye sockets. the device includes a five, 10, or 15 minute timer for constant massage and it has an integrated speaker that plays soothing nature sounds to assist with relaxation.

The Verseo eGlide: This home electrolysis roller painlessly zaps hair follicles for easy and effective permanent home hair removal and it does it at the very affordable price of $89.  Unlike lasers, which cannot be used on facial hair and are not safe for dark skin, the eGlide can be used on the face and is safe for all skin tones. You can read more on our EGlide review page and in our home laser hair removal guide.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

This is a must have! Hailing from South Korea, Etude House is one of my favorite, but fairly hard to get cosmetic brands. Well, they now have a line of mini Hello Kitty items and, being a fan of Sanrio and all things cute, I must have them! I am definitely getting a balm, gloss, and a mascara. I might also get the Walnut hand cream.

Fortunately, I also discovered that YesStyle, one of my all time favorite online stores for Asian brands, has them!  Below are shopping links for the Hello Kitty Etude House items. But while you are there, look around Yes Style in general. They have some great stuff that is usually quite affordable. I particularly like them for handbags. You can get unique styles and not worry that everyone and their dog will be carrying the same bag around.

Disclosure: This post uses affiliate links. for more, please see the disclosure page.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

I love do it yourself beauty. At some point I plan to launch a line a lip balms and scrubs over on Girl Gloss, but that is a bit in the future. I also had quite a bit of fun with the Bramble and Berry Mineral Makeup Kit (link is to previous review). Making your own mineral makeup and eye shadow is really not that hard and is rather fun!

The article below is syndicated from Total Beauty and has some fun beauty recipes if you want to try your hand at making your own beauty items. Most of these are skin care related. The watermelon toner looks rather intriguing to me—it has vodka in it! Although that also temps me to leave the other ingredients out and just drink the watermelon juice with vodka…..hee hee….

There also is a nice basic lip gloss recipe, along with other interesting items. See below and click on through to Total Beauty for more.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech

Style&Spa Chicago has launched an all natural skin care line in the Chicago area, available at its spa locations and at Chicago area Walgreens.

Below is the company information about the lines:

• Serenity Spa Products– These superior body treatments duplicate the experience of a professional spa therapy at home. The Serenity Spa Line gently exfoliates firms and replenishes beautiful skin with a more radiant texture.  The four step line includes a firming body lotion, peppermint foot therapy, hydrating body crème concentrate and an exfoliating enzyme scrub.
• Serenity Vitamin Skin Care Products – Our Serenity Skincare Line provides you with five easy steps to cleanse, hydrate and enrich skin to glow beautiful. Vitamin-rich formulas protect skin from environmental damage that triggers premature aging. Skin appears smooth, fresh, and healthy-looking.  The five step skincare line includes a Vital Gel/Crème Cleanser, Vital Toner, Vital Moisture SPF15, Vital Nutrifying Crème and a Vital Eye Crème.
• Serenity Holistic Line – Designed to fight the effects of environmental exposure, this line is created with apothecary formulas for clients who prefer a pared-down, no-nonsense regiment. The Serenity Holistic Line is bursting with nature’s best fruits, vegetable and botanical extracts. The products are naturally scented and wonderfully pampering and created to nourish skin as they reenergize the senses. The line includes three steps to youthful skin including 3-In-1 Body Oil, Hydrating Milk and a Peel-Off Mask.

I tried out a travel kit with Hydraessence products that anyone with dry skin would love. The kit contained the following:

• Hydrating Cleansing Balm: A really nice cream cleanser that removes makeup, but leaves the skin feeling fresh and very moisturized. This was my favorite item in the kit! The texture is thicker than a cleansing milk, but not quite as thick as a true cream.
• Essence of Hydration: An intensely hydrating serum.
• Hydrating Crème Concentrate for Eyes: A good basic eye concentrate.
• Hydrating Protection SPF 30: A nice SPF 30 hydrating lotion that really delivers with the moisture. l
• Hydrating Crème Concentrate: This was my other favorite in the package. If you have very dry skin and need a good intense cream, take a look at this one. It has a rich, luxurious feel, provides deep moisture, yet absorbs well, without leaving anything greasy behind. Nice stuff!

If you are in the Chicago area and want to see the products up close, Style & Spa is hosting a Launch Party on October 3 at the East Bank Club in Chicago. The event will include hors d’ oeuvres, a serenity smoothies bar, mini-spa treatments and pampering gift bags. Entertainment will include Shari Addison of TV BET’s Sunday Best and music by renowned violinist, Stephanie Quinn. To be included on the guest list and attend at no cost, reservations must be made by September 25, 2009. For more information visit the Style & Spa Events Page.

Copyright Beauty and Fashion Tech