Saturday, November 28, 2020

Who Wants Younger Looking Skin?


So many of us love getting facials and in case you have been living under a rock, you might have missed the facial treatment that is quite frankly above all other facials!


I was so excited to finally try a HydraFacial and the good people from Center City Dermatology (with 2 locations in PA, one in Philly and one in Downingtown) invited me to do just that! 



What is a Hydra-Facial you ask? It is marketed as;

 *“3 steps, 30 minutes, the best skin of your life”


The magic is really in the machine that delivers all of the benefits to your skin. Of course having a highly-skilled aesthetician (such as I did with Colleen from the Downingtown office) is important also! The three steps involved to greater skin are;


  • Cleanse & Peel
  • Extract & Hydrate
  • Fuse & Protect



The HydraFacial machine uses what’s called Vortex-Fusion technology setting it apart from other hydradermabrasion procedures. This technology allows the machine to painlessly rid our skin of basically all of the gook that gets built up and then delivers much needed hydration. The HydraFacial is also customizable as your aesthetician can work with you to decide which serums to use depending on your specific skincare needs. 


For my experience Colleen started by dermaplaning my skin so we’d be starting with a nice smoothed out skin surface. By dermaplaning first, your skin is more prepared to receive the treatment (not-to-mention makeup looks so much better after getting rid of all that peach fuzz!). 


So after dermaplaning my skin was cleansed and then gently exfoliated. The machine worked to remove any dirt from my pores using a gentle suction. I was very excited for this as my pores always feel and look clogged. 




 


I then received a booster serum from Alastin skincare which delivered hyaluronic acid and antioxidants which felt soooo nice as my skin drenched it all in. Colleen also gave me a lite lactic PCA peel (which works using lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids to penetrate pores, killing bacteria, and removing excess cell debris....uh yes please!)





Because you can have some extras added to your HydraFacial I also had a little red light therapy at the end. It uses safe concentrated natural wavelengths which is absorbed by our skin to kind of power up our cells from within, which can help boost new collagen production (and on my 50 year old skin this is so necessary!). I have to say that the red light felt so very nice and relaxing I could have stayed under it for hours!





The best and most immediate benefit from getting a HydraFacial is the GLOW! See the pic below where I only have my eye makeup on. Yeah that’s my skin glowing as I walked out! And the pic after shows my skin still glowing hours later! This would be perfect to have done before a special occasion because the smoothness and glow do last for awhile!






The cost? It is a bit pricey and it will range depending on your location (figure anywhere between $150 and $350 also depending on if you get any extras). So maybe this would be a great idea to ask for as a Holiday gift? Or, maybe to give as a gift to someone you care about that could use a little skin pick-me-up!


If you’re fortunate enough to get a HydraFacial on a regular basis, every 2 months or so, your skin will be so thankful! But, even if it’s a one time experience your skin will highly benefit from it and you could then continue with some great skincare at home! 


If you are in the Philly area and would like to experience a HydraFacial for yourself I highly suggest calling Center City Dermatology where Dr. Hess and his wonderful staff will be sure to take good care of you! Otherwise check out your local spa or dermatology office and schedule today because you know our skin isn’t getting any younger right? 

And I am after all, #againstaging ;)




Stay beautiful,


Tori Lee



*source HydraFacial.com


Saturday, November 21, 2020

Holiday Hair Gift Guide!

The holiday's are here, and yes things are a bit different this season but we can still have great hair, right? I love good products and I love to share them with all of you! I have put together a Hair Gift Guide of some of my most favorite hair goodies that will bring your hair (or someone who is on your shopping list) to the next level (yes even if we're all stuck at home!). We will at least come through this pandemic with super-awesome hair!!

Let me start with my favorite blow dry serum, Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum! First of all, the formula aids in speeding up your blow dry time. Yes to that! It works wonderfully to smooth out your hair by using lightweight silicones that condition and seal hair strands! I also really love the smell, and the scent even lingers awhile after blow drying. I can easily tell when I've used this or not used this product and let me say the difference is astounding!


Shop Super Skinny Serum Here


Next fav hair product is from Wen Hair Care and it is their Replenishing Treatment Mist (particularly the fall scents!) They come in Fresh Apple, Ginger Pumpkin, Plum Pear, Tuscan Pear, and Vanilla Pumpkin!! What does it do? Pretty much everything. It adds hydration, it refreshes your hair on in-between shampoo days, and you can spray it on and give your hair a quick touch up blow dry. I even spritz this on my face whenever I need a little hydration -and- it works as a makeup setting spray! Oh and it also detangles quite well (I have even used it on my Goldendoodles tail before brushing it!).


Shop Replenishing Mist Here


Let's talk style, hairstyle that is! I love to easily add beachy waves to my hair using an incredible styling tool called The Beach Waver! Once you get the hang of it (which is simple to do) you will love it and use it all the time (this would make a great gift for your teen!). With the press of a button the Beachwaver winds the hair around the barrel for you and then releases it just as easy! Watch my Instagram video demo (link is below) of how easy it really is!

My Beachwaver Video Demo

Shop the Beachwaver Here


Next I want to share my love of the hair care company Kerotin! They offer so many products to help with many hair issues! I want to first talk about Kerotin's Nourishing Oil which is a product I use daily. It has many uses so let me share them......I use it when my hair is wet and I want to let it air dry. I will also apply it throughout the day if my hair is looking dull or dry as it adds a healthy shine that I love! Got split ends? Yup it works amazingly well for those. I even use this on my hands, cuticles, and pat it into my face as well because it contains all good-for-you ingredients! It has a combination of 9 nutrient-rich oils (including argan, avocado, and pumpkin seed to name a few). Did I mention it also helps to stimulate hair growth when you massage it into your scalp and keep it on overnight? 




I also use Kerotin's Purple Shampoo and Conditioner as well as their Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner. The purple line is for blonde, grey and silver hair as it works to rid these shades of brassiness and dull yellow-ish tones. It has ingredients like; mango butter, avocado oil, sage & grape extract!!






The Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner has natural ingredients and helps hair that is overworked and damaged. I love this set as it doesn't strip your hair or remove moisture from it. It is color safe and free of parabens and sodium chloride and has soy protein, coconut oil, and keratin protein. If you have abused your hair as I have done throughout my life then this set is for you!

Kerotin has hair products for everyone on your list (including hair growth serums, eyelash serums, and hair growth vitamins) and did you know they have their very own Holiday Gift Guide where products are broken down into age categories making it super easy to shop? 

.....AND you can use my discount code "Tori15" at checkout (works with sale prices also!)

**You can access Kerotin's Holiday Gift Guide here;  Kerotin's Holiday Gift Guide



Well that about sums up my Holiday Hair Gift Guide showcasing some of my favorite goodies! I hope you get to check some of them out and that it helps make your shopping a bit less stressful!


Happy Shopping,

Tori Lee


*as an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases

Are you following me on social? 

IG @torileesbeautymix

Twitter @beautybytorilee

TikTok @torileesbeautymix

Thursday, November 12, 2020

5 Steps for a PERFECT Spa-Day-at-Home!

 

 

 

So here we all are approaching the end of 2020 and wishing, waiting, and hoping everything can go ‘back to normal'. Our daily lives have inevitably been interrupted, changed, altered, and/or feeling completely different since the pandemic began, right? Even our beauty routines can be somewhat lacking or non-existent as many of us haven’t been able to, or are feeling leery to visit our favorite spas and salons. Not-to-mention so many of us have been stuck at home with work and kids in virtual school leaving little time or need to be pampered.


BUT, now more than ever we need to take care of ourselves and if we can do so in the comfort of our own homes, then why not? I have compiled a 5 step outline and schedule to follow of how you can quite easily create a PERFECT spa-day-at-home!

 

Lets break it down - here are your 5 Steps;

 

  1. Pick your day and time frame where you can at least devote the minimum of one hour to preferably 3-4 hours of self-pampering.
  2. If you have children who will be home, arrange to have a spouse, relative, or good friend watch the kiddies for you on your special day (this would be a great birthday or holiday gift to ask for).
  3. Create a schedule of your spa day just like a spa would do for you (see sample schedule below).
  4. Make a list of whatever goodies you might need (don’t worry I have made a list of suggestions in the spa-day prep below).
  5. Think about where in your home you can create your spa-day sanctuary (bathroom is ideal but not your only option). 

 

Spa-Day Pre-Prep


✵One week to 2 weeks before your chosen spa day, take your list of items you created (my suggested list is below) and begin to purchase or gather items together (as you may already have some of the items).

 



*Amazon is an ideal site to purchase all of your goodies, but even your local pharmacy will have most items needed!



✵A couple of days before, take all of your products and make sure you read all of the product labels for directions, and check for any ingredients you might be allergic to (hopefully you were able to check this before purchasing). 

          

 

Your SPA DAY Sample Schedule;


   -9am     The Big Day!

Put your spa robe and spa slippers on (or any comfy clothes), turn on your *spa music, light your spa candle(s) and begin to prepare your space whether it be your bathroom, bedroom, office, spare bedroom, heck even a closet will work! Take out all your goodies and lay them out in order of which you will use them.

 

*Spa Music suggestions; you can search and find some on YouTube, satellite radio has spa channels, download the Calm App, or find some spa/relaxation tunes using your iTunes or Spotify.

 

-9:30am

If you have a bathtub start by drawing a bath and get your bath bomb or bath salts, grab a wash cloth and have your bath towel ready. Put your hair up in a turban, bun or simply make sure it is off your face with a head band. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser and apply your mask from a jar or place your sheet mask onto your skin before entering your tub (make sure you check on how long the recommended time frame for the mask is so you’ll be able to time it for removal if it’s a sheet mask, or to wash it away with a wash cloth). You should have determined whether you want a hydrating face mask or one that exfoliates (removes dead skin cells) from your pre-planning stage. You can also apply a body scrub to your skin (legs, arms, chest) before entering the bath. Use a wet washcloth to remove the scrub before entering the tub especially if you are going to drop a bath bomb into your bath. It could get a little messy so have a few towels handy so you can wipe most of the scrub off your body before getting in the tub. This way when you drop a bath bomb in your skin will be ready to take in the moisturizing benefits.

 

If you don’t have a bath, a shower works just fine and will be easier if you decide on a body scrub as you can apply the scrub, work it in and rinse it off right in the shower. You can also use a shower steamer (shower steamers work like bath bombs but you place them in the bottom of your shower, away from the drain). Whether you use a body scrub or a steamer, or both, make sure that you take some time to relax! Put your head down, relax your shoulders and let the warm water just run down your back. Doesn't that sound nice? Do not forget to keep your spa music on!

 

-10am

Towel dry off, leaving your skin just slightly damp (wrap hair in towel or turban) and apply a nice oil or lotion and take a decent amount of time massaging it into your skin. Put your spa robe and slippers back on.

 

-10:15am

If you decided on a facial toner, now is when you put that on followed by a nice serum, eye cream, and finally your face cream of choice (making sure each has absorbed fully before applying next step). 

 

-10:30am

If you have scheduled your spa-day for more than an hour, then now would be a perfect time to grab water, tea, coffee, or wine (depending on what time you are doing your spa-day), and maybe a scone, croissant, fruit, or cheese (ah heck why not grab all of the aforementioned). Then, take a comfy seat while enjoying your snacks and relax to your spa music. If you do not have a comfy seat and are secluded in your bathroom for instance, bring in a blanket and pillow and sit on the floor of your bathroom. Try your best to clear your mind of any outside influences (crank up the tunes if you hear your kids or family in the background, remember this day is all about YOU), and think about things that make you happy!

 

-11:00am   

Ok so you now are either tipsy, fully caffeinated, or stuffed, but it is time to work on your hair. You probably washed/conditioned your hair if you showered, or if you took a bath you might have kept your hair up. If it is wet then add some blow dry protectant to your hair and comb it throughout, and then blow dry your hair with your fingertips or a round brush if you have the ability (you can also look up blow drying techniques on YouTube and try to give yourself a nice blow out). You can always just throw your hair up in a bun or pony if its wet and if you have limited time. If your hair is dry, then take it down and maybe do a nice scalp massage (you can purchase a hand held scalp massager on Amazon).

 

Don't forget to give yourself a spritz of your favorite fragrance at this point. Highly recommend something fresh and clean smelling, or maybe a nice lavender roll-on!

 

Depending on what time of the day it is at this step determines what comes next. You can either put on some jammies and hopefully continue with your self-care by maybe reading a book or curling up on the couch watching Netflix -or- you can use this time slot to do your nails and/or put on some makeup. Maybe you have asked a babysitter to come so you can enjoy a night out with your significant other or friends?? If you are already skilled at makeup application why not use this day to try something completely different like a new eyeshadow palette or foundation, etc. If you are not skilled in makeup, then so some research on YouTube for some simple makeup looks (this should be done during your one to two week prep time before your spa-day so that you’re prepared with your products). Experiment and play with different things, and most importantly have fun and don’t worry if you mess up.

 

-11:30am  

While your special day is either winding down or maybe it is continuing if you are going out, remember to NOT feel guilty about taking this time because as you know taking care of yourself is a vital part of you being a productive care-giver or member of society!

You deserve this!


 


Some closing thoughts;

 

Any part of this ‘plan’ could and should be catered to your own individual style, taste, timeframe, and budget.

 

You can find some amazing products at all price points especially on Amazon! You can even alter your spa-day to include your child, your friend -or- do a couple’s spa-day-at-home!!

 

Make sure that whatever space you choose is 'done up' a little special! Add lots of different candles, buy some fresh flowers or pick some from your garden, diffuse some essential oils, you get the idea….

 

Don’t worry at all if you do things a bit out of order or if you get interrupted or have a product fail. The important thing is you took care of YOU, and you made an excellent attempt at executing it!

 

 

Here is a link to my Amazon Influencer shop page and my Spa Day idea list which can help you with your shopping for your special day! (*as an amazon affiliate I earn from qualified purchases).

 

https://www.amazon.com/shop/torileesbeautymix?listId=2XL6PXBNBT0SV&ref=idea_share_inf




Wishing you lots of beauty and joy,


Tori Lee