Spa at Home

A couple of my friends have headed back to their hair salons. With less-than-gorgeous results from my DIY efforts to color my roots, I donned my best face mask and followed suit, indulging in a much-needed haircut and a really good root touchup.

But one place I will not visit for a long, long time, is a spa. Any spa. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that the makers of spa products are making available to consumers the kind of tools and products that offer spa-strength results. One example is Conture’s Kinetic Toning Device. The advertising material says that Jessica Alba loves the product, also that she gushed to British Vogue about this “pretty major,” “life-changing” facial toning device.

I didn’t think the lovely Jessica needed much help in the beauty department, but I went ahead and watched her use it on YouTube–along with her entire beauty regimen. And sure enough, there she was, “lifting” one side of her face for all to see.

The Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System utilizes Isometric Compression combined with low frequency vibrations to gently stimulate and tone skin for a more youthful-looking appearance. The technology is similar to those used in med-spas and skin centers. Used daily, the Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System has been clinically shown to enhance the appearance and absorption of skin.

As I prefer foaming cleansers to any other type, I was interested in the version put out by Elevé Cosmetics, the African Red Tea (Rooibos Extract) cleanser enriched with zinc, Vitamin D, calcium and potassium. The nourishing, light foaming cleansing treatment purifies and gently resurfaces the skin, leaving it glowing and soft with less visible pores.

 This superoxide slows the aging process by increasing the production of healthy skin cells. It also reduces skin irritation and keeps skin free of common conditions like acne, redness and eczema.

Before the pandemic, I was visiting my acupuncturist about once a week. Since that’s not an option right now, I’ve turned to acupressure by using ear seeds. Ear acupressure has been around for centuries. Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, auricular acupuncture focuses on points on the ear to treat a wide variety of conditions, including mood disorders, obesity, stress, pain and addiction. Over time, practitioners brought the practice to other parts of the world.

Ear seeds help promote an overall sense of calm and balance, which we all need during the current stresses.  They support health alignments such as anxiety, depression, libido, hormone balance, gut issues, fertility, immunity, pain, memory, focus and more. They are easy to use, safe and “natural.” (Children and the elderly may have to use less pressure, and those who are pregnant should consult their doctor first.)

Ear Seed Kits range in price from $18 to $55, and the sees come in a variety of colors: 24K gold, invisible sterling silver, clear crystal, and rainbow crystal.

Reasons our Ear Seed Kit is the gift that keeps giving:

Part of my upgraded skincare routine includes super masks like City Beauty’s Line-Smoothing HydroMask, a bio-cellulose sheet mask designed to support the skin’s elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by infusing the skin with a “plumping” serum made with free-radical fighting antioxidants, collagen-supporting peptides, and skin-nourishing actives. Key ingredients include; Peptide Blend, Hyaluronic Acid, and Iceplant Extract.

This formula is pretty powerful because after one use, it reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and gives the skin a smoother, plumper appearance.

My long-neglected hair needed a spa-level treatment, too. For that, Coco & Eve offers the Pamper Pals Kit, which includes a Super Nourishing Hair Masque (212ml): Take your hair to paradise with the award-winning Like A Virgin Hair Masque! Transforms hair in 10 mins. Nourishes with coconut & fig. Also included is the

• 1 x Two-Tiered Tangle Tamer: Unique two-tiered technology detangles locks with minimal breakage
• 1 x Deluxe Microfiber Hair Wrap: Deluxe microfiber ultra-absorbent hair towel wrap to dry hair faster, with less frizz, friction and flyway’s!
• 1 x Limited Edition Drawstring Cosmetics Bag: Soft cotton, multi-purpose bag – perfect for the on-the-go girl!

I’ve always favored baths over showers, so during these very stressful times, I’ve added STAYCATION by feelist, a detoxifying salt soak infused with 125mg of Broad-Spectrum CBD. This mineral-rich blend of Himalayan, Epsom, and sea salts soothes and relaxes the body while the lavender and vanilla oils relax the mind. It’s a treatment for muscles that might be stiff or sore after a workout and it leaves the skin beautifully moisturized.

While all this kicked-up self-care is going on, I’m washing and sanitizing my hands dozens of times a day. So naturally, I’m always on the lookout for kinder, gentler hand sanitizers. Elyptol is a keeper. A germ-killer that’s kind to hands and the environment, it’s a “natural” product made with eucalyptus oil and organic moisturizers.

Elyptol’s plant-derived formula is manufactured using grains and sugarcane to produce ethanol, which is then combined with natural eucalyptus oil. Unlike other sanitizers, Elyptol contains no synthetic chemicals, fragrances or petrochemicals.

Other conventional products can harm the environment because some substances bioaccumulate and do not break down like our natural gel and spray ingredients. Elyptol does not.

Every home spa needs a “cuddle” element, something warm and cozy that makes you feel like you’re lounging in a spa relaxation room. For me, that would be my favorite down quilt dressed in a Eucalyptus Lyocell duvet by Sijo. It feels like silk, but is better–because it is naturally cooling and very “breathable.” As the fabric is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, I’m on my way to comfortable, healthy relaxation. (As I am a “warm” sleeper, the cooling effect makes a big difference in my comfort.

All of Sijo’s tencel lyocell duvet covers and eucalyptus bedding products are created sustainably and Oeko-Tex certified, meaning there are no harmful chemicals used and that all components meet strict guidelines.

And finally, to create that true spa atmosphere, a fragrant vegan soy-based candle by ZUM, a company that makes the most natural, clean green home and beauty products. The candles have a big variety of amazing scents. I favor lavender, but other choices include: