Tag: Spa

ZO Skin Health and Gabriel Horn

As long as I have lived in Tulsa (over six years now!), I have been seeing Gabe for all my skin care needs. Several years ago, he struck out on his own in the most adorable building in mid-town and it is always a treat to visit after a long day at work.

As I have approached my late-thirties, Gabe has worked with me to adjust skin care and heal my main skin beefs. We used many peels to fade sun damage from my twenties quite successfully. But now that I have a more client-facing role at work, I can’t use peels due to the downtime required.These days I rely on his microderm and amazing products from ZO Skin Health. In addition to highly recommending Gabe to local readers (he does fabulous eyebrows), I also want everyone to know what a great brand ZO is. Here are some of my favorites from the line up:

Gentle Cleanser: this cleanser removes makeup but is still gentle and leaves skin refreshed, but not dry. I also love that it is slightly foaming.
Exfoliating Polish: this is probably my favorite products of the line up. It exfoliates using magnesium crystals and provides a healthy glow while removing dead skin cells.
Complexion Renewal Pad: these pads are perfect for on-the-go or summer travels. They exfoliate while calming skin – ideal for jet-lagged skin.
Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50: this is one of my favorite sun screens. It adjusts to your skin tone while reducing redness. And the protection is physical sunscreen, gentler on sensitive skin.

Contact Gabe for products!

H2O Plus Spa Sea Amber Collection

I feel like I am sounding like a broken record. But this time of year allows for my ultimate indulgence in my favorite, spicy scents like amber. Not only am I wearing a version as a fragrance, but I am also stocking my shower with these cozy scents.

H2O Plus has been a favorite for a while. Their marine-inspired collections are subtly scented and hydrate my dry skin. The Spa Sea Amber Collection is no different. Vanilla and citrus mix well to be both soothing and warm. The formulas actually contain Sea Amber found along the Baltic seashores, upping the nourishing factor.

I’ve been testing out the body care trio: Body Wash, Skin Smoother and Body Lotion. The wash cleanses without tightening skin. And my redness-prone skin is left calm. The Skin Smoother is amazingly hydrating with sweet almond and macadamia oils. And the sea salts exfoliate dry, autumn skin leaving a radiance. Last, the lotion contains H2O Plus’ Hydrating Marine Blend and Cocoa butter that adds moisture but doesn’t leave skin greasy.

My skin has a very subtle scent – it isn’t cloying or overly sweet. To boost the effect, use all three products used together.

Available at Ulta and H2OPlus.com

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Do Peels Scare You?

By now, most of you know that Gabriel Horn is my trusted source of medical spa services. In fact, he’s known as the Tulsa Skin Guru. And it goes without saying that I trust him implicitly. We have been working together for almost a year now, with much success, in the battle against my hyper-pigmentation and sun damage. Our approach has been moderate strength chemical peels (you can read more about them here). While these peels are both my and Gabe’s choice to reverse sun damage, their aggressive nature isn’t always right given the person or time. So, what do you do if aggressive peels scare you or are inconvenient?

I had a couple things going on in my life last time I visited Gabe (side note: Gabe is also a wealth of advice, wisdom and laughter during my visits). Between a hot date, a Mardi Gras ball and a television appearance, I knew that the regular chemical peel just wasn’t going to work for me. I suddenly found myself in the shoes of some of you readers who have told me peels scare them. The pain, side effects, dry skin and redness just sometimes don’t fit into our lives.

Gabe curated a different treatment that was productive but left my skin radiant, even and supple the following day. He started with a heavy microdermabrasion. Then a 30% Glycolic peel was applied for a short period of time. Thanks to a couple lazy evenings, I had two breakouts on my chin. Gabe spot treated these with salicylic acid. I experienced no tingling or pain. That being said, we must emphasize that these steps require a medical aesthetician. These are not run-of-the-mill spa services. I left the office with a little bit of redness which dissipated throughout the evening.

These types of treatments can lead to dramatic and satisfying results. The difference is that peels like these are like baby steps as opposed to rapid results with more aggressive approaches. But for many people, they just can’t afford the downtime. While the required frequency of more gentle peels might cost slightly more, the lack of side effects might be worth it. Additionally, a more moderate approach might be ideal for summer months. Skin under aggressive treatment can be at greater risk from the damaging sun.

The real takeaway from my last visit is that peels come in a huge spectrum. When we hear “chemical peel” we think of the frightening Sex In The City episode with Samantha’s peeling, red face. But there is a huge range of options and customization available. With proper analysis, a medical aesthetician can design a proper and balanced approach. Even microdermabrasion, a zero downtime treatment, can boost collagen, reverse sun damage and improve skin texture.

The plan for me for now is to ramp up my use of hydroquinone and Retin-A to prep my skin once again for the slightly more aggressive treatment. We are in the home stretch here with maybe only two or three more peels necessary. But I know the time will come again when I just can’t afford the downtime. And it is a comfort to know that there are steps I can take that mitigate the side effects and still make progress against that darn sun damage!

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H2O Plus Spa Sea Lotus Collection

In an effort to save some pennies, I’ve been skipping on massages and pedicures in favorite of at-home treatments. I actually like the solitude and relaxation when I turn my own bathroom into a mini-spa. At the top of my list is a treatment that sloughs off dull, summer debris and infuses skin with nourishment and marine botanicals. Just use all three of the H2O Plus Revitalizing Sea Lotus products together for a luxe effect right in your home.

H2O Plus Spa Sea Lotus Skin Smoother uses sea salt as a gentle exfoliator. Sea sourced water lotus and bamboo extract work to improve the look of skin while sweet almond and macadamia nut oils nourish and moisturize. The same botanicals packed with vitamins and minerals are infused in the H2O Plus Spa Sea Lotus Body Wash. Mineral-rich brown and red algae blend with aloe and vitamin E to soothe and nourish the skin. Last but certainly not least, slather on H2O Plus Spa Sea Lotus Body Lotion, which is surprisingly light. Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 soothe and revitalize. And moisturizers including mango and cocoa butters are quickly absorbed, leaving soft and radiant skin. Skin is left with an aquatic floral scent that is revitalizing, yet subtle.

Available at Ulta.com and H2OPlus.com

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Caudalie Favorites & Bleeker Street Boutique Opening

I am a devoted Francophile. I’m also a devoted wine drinker. So it is no surprise that I adore Caudalie, a beauty company that built its brand around stabilized grape seed polyphenols (aka wine material). I’ve been dabbling in their skin care and body care products for over a decade and have several of their goodies in the current rotation. Bottom line: I am a fan. So now I have even more reason to envy my New York City friends – tomorrow marks the opening of the first ever Caudalie Boutique!

The brand will offer skincare consultations, mini treatment experiences and “Les Introuvables” (boutique-exclusive products) in their new flagship, located in SoHo at 315 Bleecker Street. The store design in inspired by Les Source de Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa in Bordeaux and Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. The wine and vinyard motif play throughout – is there anywhere more relaxing than wine country? I think not. Classic decor of white, oak wood and bordeaux make for a stunning spa setting. Much like the brand Lush, the boutique will feature a beauty bar in the shape of a barrel bath – the perfect spot to try products.

There will be two complimentary services:

The “Instant Beauty Pick-Me-Up” This 10 minute instant beauty service will offer clients that certain “je ne sais quoi” that comes with a flawless, healthy glow. The experience utilizes Caudalie’s top radiance boosting products like Mineral Tinted Moisturizers and the Divine Powder with advice from a Caudalie skincare expert. Skin will be radiant and glowing and the senses will be restored – all without booking an appointment.
The “Hand Massage” Experience a moment of relaxation with a massage to relived tired and fatigued hands. Utilizing gentle manipulation and Caudalie’s beloved Hand & Nail Cream, muscles will be relaxed, while skin is nourished and protected thanks to a moisturizing formula of grape oil, Vinolevure and Fair Trade Shea Butter.

While you are there, check out some of my favorite Caudalie products:

Divine Oil – I’ve been using this mix of four oils on my arms, legs, face, hair… you name it. Moroccan rose, Bulgarian rose, grapefruit, pink pepper, cedar, vanilla and white musk combine to make an irresistible scent – no kidding… this might be my favorite find of the season.
‘Thé des Vignes’ Eau de Toilette – Ginger and neroli make for a delicious, light scent that feels fresh and fruity. Notes of florals like orange blossom and jasmine round out a clean spray – perfect for those who don’t like a heavy fragrance.
‘Fleur de Vigne’ Shower Gel – I’ve been using this shower gel for years. It has the perfect suds, leaves the perfect scent and will always remind me of summer. The scent is white rose and pink peppercorn.
Hand & Nail Cream – A great hand cream only gets better with sweet orange and almond fragrance – but it doesn’t have an overpowering scent and leaves no greasy residue.
Crushed Cabernet Scrub – I am all for firming these days and… what’s the harm? Especially if it is 100% natural. This scrub is pretty aggressive and designed as part of the Slimming Regimen. The formula contains the six draining and cellulite-fighting organic essential oils of the Contouring Concentrate.
Firming Concentrate – After using the Cabernet Scrub, I slather on the concentrate. I use this on my arms and stomach where it promises to help improve elasticity and firmness and prevent stretch marks. Doesn’t hurt that the fragrance is awesome – a peppery, citrus flavor.
Lip Conditioner – This balm is a best seller in the Alps. While it is massively conditioning, it isn’t too thick. So it works great as a base coat for lipstick to prevent the look of flakey color.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Bliss fabulips treatment kit

A few weeks ago, I was talking about a facial for the hair. So why not a facial for the lips!? A healthy pout is not only prettier, but absolutely mandatory for lip color. There is nothing worse than an uneven, flakey bold lip. Might as well make an at home, mini spa treatment out of priming those lips to look their best.

The kit includes everything you need for the four step treatment:

Lift impurities and lip color with the foaming lip cleanser.
Polish lips and remove dead skin with the sugar lip scrub.
Use the volumizing instant lip plumper
Moisturize with the softening lip balm.

The lip “facial” has amazing results. But these are also great to use solo. I adore the foaming lip cleanser for removing lipstick or stain at the end of the evening. It gently cleans with Cocoa butter, shea butter and rice bran extract. Let it set for 20-30 seconds to activate and foam.

I keep the sugar lip scrub in the shower for daily exfoliation. It contains almond and walnut shell to exfoliate and nourishes with jojoba seed. It is packed with vitamins and, on its own, leaves my lips hydrated.

The lip plumper comes in handy before big events (it doesn’t tingle or irritate – just minty). Cork tree extract and peptides volumize and contour. Sodium hyaluronate keeps hydration in, boosting volume even more.

And the balm is so silky and soft. This is probably my favorite of all. It is perfect for right before bed. Waxes and oils condition delicately. Shea butter, jojoba and grape seed oils seal moisture in with a dose of Vitamin E.