Lemongrass, one of my favorites, originates from India and is widely used as an herb in Asian and Caribbean cooking. Lemongrass brings its tempting aroma and skin- caring properties to the spa and spa products.
Lemongrass is also used as a medicinal herb. Rich in citral, the active ingredient in lemon peel, lemongrass is said to aid in digestion, as well as relieve spasms, muscle cramps, rheumatism and headaches.
Candles, soaps and fragrances capitalize on its fresh scent. And as a natural ingredient that normalizes overactive oil glands and features a heavenly aroma, lemongrass is used as a component in spa services and products.
In the kitchen, although normally used in small amounts, the entire stalk of the grass can be sliced very fine and added to soups. Its bulb can be bruised and minced in a variety of recipes. I love going to Thai restaurants and having soup with lemongrass in it.
A treat for both the palette and skin, lemongrass offers an escape from the everyday. Its clean, crisp flavor and scent complement culinary delights, comforting beverages and soothing spa products. Give yourself a lift with a spa product that contains the heavenly scent of lemongrass.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
If I were a flower.........
This is fun, just let your imagination flow. If you were a flower, what type of flower would you be and why? Having trouble picking one, write more than just one.....
I'll go first............
If I were a flower, I would be a red rose because they are soft and pretty and smell amazing. I had red roses in my wedding bouquet,and remember the day when Michael sent me dozens and dozens of roses before he moved in. That is why I made some bath products with the fresh scent of red roses.
Okay, now your turn...........
I'll go first............
If I were a flower, I would be a red rose because they are soft and pretty and smell amazing. I had red roses in my wedding bouquet,and remember the day when Michael sent me dozens and dozens of roses before he moved in. That is why I made some bath products with the fresh scent of red roses.
Okay, now your turn...........
Saturday, February 14, 2009
How to Relieve Tired and Puffy Eyes
An inexpensive way to reduce puffy and fatigued eyes: Tea Bags
For people who suffer every morning from puffy eyes or have to cover the bags under their eyes, apart from purchasing expensive cosmetic creams to reduce the symptoms perhaps it is wise to try out one of the oldest natural remedies: a couple of tea bags. If you consider it, it is at least worth the try, as your eyes are, apart from the windows or your soul, also the focal point of your face. Thus, you should take good care of them and devote the necessary time to reveal their own special beauty. Having tired, baggy eyes can add years to your age, while sparkling ones can brighten your face and give you a more youthful appearance. Remember that it is vital to care for the delicate area around them and tea or tea bags can help you reveal the best set of eyes.
Just like when you are feeling tired you reach your kitchen's cabinet to grab some of your favorite tea brand and relax, the same should your reaction be in case you wake up in the morning and witness the symptom of puffy eyes in your bathroom's mirror. Chances are that if your body is tired your eyes will show it. Swollen, red or puffy eyes are indicators of fatigue and it is important to be aware of the fact that the black tea bags you place into your favorite mug can also offer your eyes immediate relief.
The restorative effect of black tea is so apparent that it will surprise you how quickly this simple process can reduce your problem and its occurrence. From the night before, you should boil water and put two tea bags in it like you would if you were going to make tea. After brewing for 5 minutes, take the tea bags out and ring out the liquid. Next, place both tea bags into your kitchen's freezer. You need to have them cool, but not frozen. Keep them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and then take them out, lay down, relax and put the tea bags over the puffy ears over your eyes. Leave them there for approximately another 10-15 minutes, turning them over half way through. Afterwards, remove the tea bags and dispose of them. Then rinse your face with cool water to remove any tea stains. Make sure you rinse off any residue carefully with a cold damp tissue or face cloth.
In addition, warm tea bags might be more relaxing on a cold winter day, and it has been found to reduce under eye puffiness just as well as the cold tea bags. If you do drink tea often you can begin saving the two wet tea bags from your tea pot while they are still warm, but not hot! Then you should again select a comfortable spot in your home, be it the bed, the couch or the floor. Place a towel where your head will be resting to prevent leaking and staining. Lie down, place one black tea bag over each eye after closing your eyes first and relax for just five minutes. Deep breathing will increase your oxygen intake while you rest and promote increased energy levels.
You'll be amazed at how much wider open your eyes will feel and how quickly soreness will be reduced. This simple, old-fashioned home remedy is a true gift. There is always the option of buying special eyes tea bags from your local pharmacy or on Eclipsespa.com but any black tea bag works just as well and is certainly more economical.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Natural Skin Care for Winter
The cold and blustery winter months are upon us and for many that means problems with their skin. Whether you suffer from dry skin all the time, or your skin becomes chapped from being outdoors in the wind or from forced indoor heating,or any other number of skin issues, I'm sure you wished there was a cure for what ails you.
Did you know there are actually many ways that you can care for your skin, naturally without having to purchase anything from your local drug or department store? That's right, you have the ability to do your own skin care regimen at home for pennies, because most likely you already have everything that you need right in your own home.
Some ways that you can care for your winter skin naturally include:
Exfoliating: Especially if you have dry skin, exfoliating that old, dead skin can help allow moisture which you need to get into your pores once you have ridden them of those dead, flaky skin cells. To exfoliate you will need a physical agent like ground walnuts or apricot hulls, or an enzyme, which basically eats dead skin cells. There are even foods that are rich in enzymes which you can use to create your own at home mask to use in the process of exfoliation. These foods include pineapple and papaya. Milk also has fatty acids that mildly exfoliate. This is why the traditional milk bath has been so popular.
To create an easy inexpensive natural exfoliant, mix sea salt with olive oil. Smoothe in while standing in the tub and rub your skin gently,then rinse in the shower. You can do the same with sugar - not so great to eat, but awesome for your skin! Add a drop of your favorite essential oil to make it a spa treatment and relax you.
Eating: Yes, something that you already do on a regular basis if done correctly can change your skin. For example to help dry skin, include foods in your diet that are rich in fatty acids. Some of these foods include salmon, olive and coconut oils, avocado, and nuts. Incorporate these into your daily diet to see what a difference they can make. What may look like dry skin may even be eczema or a rash caused by food allergies, so be alert to that possibility too.
Make Your Own Treatments: You can also make your own at home masks and treatments to treat other skin issues. Some common combinations are oatmeal, honey and water to create a mask, or avocado and honey. Smear these on your skin, allow to dry and then rinse them off.
A simple honey treatment to moisturize your skin and make it glow? Pat two drops of honey on your face after cleansing, while still damp. Your skin won't be sticky with such a small amount.
Skin care is important to the health of your skin as well as your appearance. It's best to care for your skin as naturally as possible, so why not try these options for caring for your dry winter skin.
EclipseSpa's organic bath and body products will also make taking care of your skin easier without some of the mess. Try our wildcrafted shea sugar scrubs to exfoliate, soften and smooth your skin. Our lavender scrub is on sale right now for $9.99 ($20.00 off) Easy to use in the tub or shower.
Try either our loofah or sisal sponge for dry exfoliating. Take the dry sponge and gently rub around the dry areas of your skin such as knees, elbows, legs ect. Aftwards, apply the sugar scrub (homemade or ours) to your skin. rub gently, rinse. You will be delighted with the results.
Did you know there are actually many ways that you can care for your skin, naturally without having to purchase anything from your local drug or department store? That's right, you have the ability to do your own skin care regimen at home for pennies, because most likely you already have everything that you need right in your own home.
Some ways that you can care for your winter skin naturally include:
Exfoliating: Especially if you have dry skin, exfoliating that old, dead skin can help allow moisture which you need to get into your pores once you have ridden them of those dead, flaky skin cells. To exfoliate you will need a physical agent like ground walnuts or apricot hulls, or an enzyme, which basically eats dead skin cells. There are even foods that are rich in enzymes which you can use to create your own at home mask to use in the process of exfoliation. These foods include pineapple and papaya. Milk also has fatty acids that mildly exfoliate. This is why the traditional milk bath has been so popular.
To create an easy inexpensive natural exfoliant, mix sea salt with olive oil. Smoothe in while standing in the tub and rub your skin gently,then rinse in the shower. You can do the same with sugar - not so great to eat, but awesome for your skin! Add a drop of your favorite essential oil to make it a spa treatment and relax you.
Eating: Yes, something that you already do on a regular basis if done correctly can change your skin. For example to help dry skin, include foods in your diet that are rich in fatty acids. Some of these foods include salmon, olive and coconut oils, avocado, and nuts. Incorporate these into your daily diet to see what a difference they can make. What may look like dry skin may even be eczema or a rash caused by food allergies, so be alert to that possibility too.
Make Your Own Treatments: You can also make your own at home masks and treatments to treat other skin issues. Some common combinations are oatmeal, honey and water to create a mask, or avocado and honey. Smear these on your skin, allow to dry and then rinse them off.
A simple honey treatment to moisturize your skin and make it glow? Pat two drops of honey on your face after cleansing, while still damp. Your skin won't be sticky with such a small amount.
Skin care is important to the health of your skin as well as your appearance. It's best to care for your skin as naturally as possible, so why not try these options for caring for your dry winter skin.
EclipseSpa's organic bath and body products will also make taking care of your skin easier without some of the mess. Try our wildcrafted shea sugar scrubs to exfoliate, soften and smooth your skin. Our lavender scrub is on sale right now for $9.99 ($20.00 off) Easy to use in the tub or shower.
Try either our loofah or sisal sponge for dry exfoliating. Take the dry sponge and gently rub around the dry areas of your skin such as knees, elbows, legs ect. Aftwards, apply the sugar scrub (homemade or ours) to your skin. rub gently, rinse. You will be delighted with the results.
Friday, February 6, 2009
EclipseSpa Launches Affiliate Program
We are excited to announce the launch of EclipseSpa's affiliate program!
An affiliate program pays you commission when you market our products.
When your friends, customers, acquaintances, etc. makes a purchase using your affiliate link you are paid a 40% commission on the completed sale.
Your affiliate link is www.eclipsespa.com/YourName. Some of the ways you can use your affiliate link are:
A. Comment on blogs and leave your name and affiliate URL
B. You are able to build a category text link such as "mens grooming products" and market the link in your emails, on blogs, newsletters and your own website.
C. You can place a banner which we have created for our affiliates in your emails, newsletters, blog or website.
We have more information on our website on the affiliate Frequently Asked Questions page in addition to a sign-up page.
It doesn't cost anything to become an affiliate. We reward you for marketing/selling our organic bath and body products.
Be part of an exciting trend of Spa at Home Tonight products.
Thank you,
Anne Keefe
An affiliate program pays you commission when you market our products.
When your friends, customers, acquaintances, etc. makes a purchase using your affiliate link you are paid a 40% commission on the completed sale.
Your affiliate link is www.eclipsespa.com/YourName. Some of the ways you can use your affiliate link are:
A. Comment on blogs and leave your name and affiliate URL
B. You are able to build a category text link such as "mens grooming products" and market the link in your emails, on blogs, newsletters and your own website.
C. You can place a banner which we have created for our affiliates in your emails, newsletters, blog or website.
We have more information on our website on the affiliate Frequently Asked Questions page in addition to a sign-up page.
It doesn't cost anything to become an affiliate. We reward you for marketing/selling our organic bath and body products.
Be part of an exciting trend of Spa at Home Tonight products.
Thank you,
Anne Keefe
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Chemical Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products
Many women today use a wide range of skincare products. These products might include cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and shampoos and they might be used several times a day throughout most of their adult life. Women have come to rely on these products and spending on them has reached unbelievable levels. But do most women ever take the time to read the ingredients listings on these beauty products? Do they know what they are using and if they might be putting potentially dangerous ingredients on their bodies? Most women probably do not. It may never occurs to them that ingredients considered unsafe might even be used in the products offered to consumers.
Unfortunately, there are many skincare products on the market that have questionable and dangerous ingredients. Some of these ingredients include synthetic fragrances, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS, Phthalates, and Parabens.
But what are they and why should they be avoided?
Parabens are preservatives put into beauty products to extend their shelf life. They have no benefit to us…only the manufacturing company. They do in fact have adverse effects for us though, including estrogenic qualities. They have produced abnormal hormonal effects following application on laboratory animals, particularly males, that resulted in decreased testosterone levels and other varied abnormalities. They have also been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.
Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds that are basically used as plasticizer(substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). It is hard to imagine that we need plasticizers in our skincare products but you can find them in cosmetics, soaps, and various lotions. High Phthalates doses have shown hormonal activity in animal studies and have resulted in damage to the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, and the developing testes.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS for short is an ingredient that gives a product like a shampoo or facial cleanser its foaming ability. Most people equate cleaning ability with the amount of suds or bubbles created, so companies use SLS to give us the impression that it is an effective cleanser. SLS is a known skin irritant and when companies test new healing ointments or crèmes, SLS is the irritant they first rub on the skin to irritate it so they can then see how well their new product works to heal the inflammation. SLS can infiltrate the eyes, brain, heart, and liver with potentially harmful effects according to the journal of the American College of Toxicology. SLS can cause rashes, eczema and other skin irritations. Even more shocking is the fact that some products containing this ingredient are labeled as “natural” or organic because SLS is a detergent derived from coconut oil.
Synthetic perfumes or fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals. Some, such as methylene chloride are carcinogenic and others might cause headaches, dizziness, coughing, vomiting and skin irritation.
These ingredients hardly sound beneficial or even appropriate for our skin care needs. So what can you do to avoid these dangerous ingredients? First, read the ingredients labels carefully and search for them online to do some research into negative effects. Find out exactly what they are and what they do before you put them on your skin. Second, find reputable companies that offer organic and 100% natural products. This may be a tall order since there is no regulation for organic bath and body products in most countries. Ask around and you will be able to isolate ethical companies using safe ingredients.
Third, try making some of your own skincare products. When you make your own you know exactly what is in them and you can feel comfortable that they are safe.
EclipseSpa products do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or harsh synthetic perfumes in their products
Unfortunately, there are many skincare products on the market that have questionable and dangerous ingredients. Some of these ingredients include synthetic fragrances, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS, Phthalates, and Parabens.
But what are they and why should they be avoided?
Parabens are preservatives put into beauty products to extend their shelf life. They have no benefit to us…only the manufacturing company. They do in fact have adverse effects for us though, including estrogenic qualities. They have produced abnormal hormonal effects following application on laboratory animals, particularly males, that resulted in decreased testosterone levels and other varied abnormalities. They have also been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.
Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds that are basically used as plasticizer(substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). It is hard to imagine that we need plasticizers in our skincare products but you can find them in cosmetics, soaps, and various lotions. High Phthalates doses have shown hormonal activity in animal studies and have resulted in damage to the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, and the developing testes.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS for short is an ingredient that gives a product like a shampoo or facial cleanser its foaming ability. Most people equate cleaning ability with the amount of suds or bubbles created, so companies use SLS to give us the impression that it is an effective cleanser. SLS is a known skin irritant and when companies test new healing ointments or crèmes, SLS is the irritant they first rub on the skin to irritate it so they can then see how well their new product works to heal the inflammation. SLS can infiltrate the eyes, brain, heart, and liver with potentially harmful effects according to the journal of the American College of Toxicology. SLS can cause rashes, eczema and other skin irritations. Even more shocking is the fact that some products containing this ingredient are labeled as “natural” or organic because SLS is a detergent derived from coconut oil.
Synthetic perfumes or fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals. Some, such as methylene chloride are carcinogenic and others might cause headaches, dizziness, coughing, vomiting and skin irritation.
These ingredients hardly sound beneficial or even appropriate for our skin care needs. So what can you do to avoid these dangerous ingredients? First, read the ingredients labels carefully and search for them online to do some research into negative effects. Find out exactly what they are and what they do before you put them on your skin. Second, find reputable companies that offer organic and 100% natural products. This may be a tall order since there is no regulation for organic bath and body products in most countries. Ask around and you will be able to isolate ethical companies using safe ingredients.
Third, try making some of your own skincare products. When you make your own you know exactly what is in them and you can feel comfortable that they are safe.
EclipseSpa products do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or harsh synthetic perfumes in their products
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