Monday, November 24, 2014

Thanksgiving Beauty

Did you know that you can use your Thanksgiving leftovers in your daily beauty routine with some amazing benefits!

Cranberries:  These have Omega 3, 6, and 9 – and vitamin E. These offer anti-inflammatory benefits. The oil can protect skin and also helps treat acne, eczema and psoriasis. Also, you can mix fresh cranberries with brown sugar to create a fall body scrub that makes skin glow and leaves it smooth.

Butternut Squash:  This holiday staple also can help improve how your skin looks. Cook some of this orange vegetable to make a facial you can use with honey for better exfoliation. Some other facial recipes – add an egg yolk to hold your facial mask together. This draws oil from the skin. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and E that can help with skin elasticity and clarity.

Sweet Potatoes: These can make fantastic face masks. The potatoes’ potency can increase collagen production and make them a solid ingredient for at-home beauty treatments. Boil sweet potato for approximately 20 minutes. Then mash it with a fork. Mix in some plain yogurt. This mixture should leave your face smooth and glowing.

Greens:  Before you decide against preparing green bean casserole for Turkey Day, remember the beauty benefits these vegetables have. Also, broccoli and carrots each have Vitamin C, which can help prevent wrinkles. Beets are another rich source of vitamins that clear skin, and of antioxidants. If you like kale, it too can act as an anti-inflammatory to ward off redness, not to mention flaky and dry skin.

Pumpkin:  Halloween may be over, but pumpkins provide fine facial material. It also can be used for perfume. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K. They also contain fatty acids and zinc. Oils found in pumpkin seeds are used in eye creams because it helps decrease dark circles under the eyes by improving circulation and helping the skin retain water. Enzymes from pumpkin pulp can be great for removing flaky skin, as well as for treating acne.


So be thankful this Thanksgiving for your family and friends, and that not only can you feed them, but help make a more beautiful you in the process!

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Holiday Open House 2014


We would like to thank everyone who attended our Holiday Open House this year. It's always so exciting to kick off the Holiday season with you and enjoy a night full of laughter and cheer! We are blessed to know each of you and to have you as our friends. May your winter be warm and cozy! 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

BATTLE OF THE BALMS

Health research has found that 1 out of every 14 skin care products contains petrolatum, one of many potentially harmful makeup ingredients. 
Harmful Makeup Ingredients: Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics
Did you know the average woman uses about 15 to 20 cosmetic products a day? Unfortunately, most makeup includes bad and even harmful chemicals. Studies show that the skin absorbs more than 60 percent of the toxic chemicals in cosmetics, averaging up to five pounds of unneeded chemical absorption every year. Children absorb 40-50% more than adults, meaning they are at a much higher risk for medical conditions when they grow up. So is it bad to wear makeup?
Oxybenzone, a chemical compound that is supposed to absorb UV rays but may actually become carcinogenic on the skin, which may even lead to the eventual development of skin cancer.
So if we shouldn't use lip balm that contains artificial flavors or petrolatum, what is the best chapstick? Basically, the best chapstick and lip moisturizer is made from all natural or even organic ingredients that are actually safe to eat.

  • Menthol, camphor, and phenol: All three of these ingredients give your lips a deceptive soothing, cooling sensation — but they also dry them out, creating a vicious cycle where you apply your lip balm to get relief . . . from your lip balm.
  • Silicone oil: This additive is put in balms, glosses, and lipsticks to make them last longer and keep pigment from rubbing off your lips. It also, however, locks out moisture.
  • Fragrance: Some fragrance groups, especially when combined with ingredients like alcohol, can suck the moisture right off your lips.
  • Salicylic acid: This is a great acne-fighting ingredient, and it definitely exfoliates well, but in lip glosses and balms it can dry your lips and make them peel — not a pretty combo.


Why not try Aveda Renewing Lip Treatment!!

  •    Plumps naturally over time-without irritation*
  • Smooths appearance of fine lines by 26%*
  • Increases moisture by 26%**
  • With refreshing organic spearmint and vanilla flavor
  • New packaging reduces waste by 33%

*Based upon two weeks of continuous use
**Average change based upon 8 weeks of use


Monday, November 10, 2014

Essential Oils

Did you know that essential oils can be used for health, overall well-being, and cleaning!! I've listed just a few here but there are many.  Stop in at Pure Essence and learn more about these oils. Like how they are added to spa services like facials and massages!! 715-524-2726



Bergamot — Bergamot oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the nearly ripe fruit. The aroma of bergamot oil is fresh, lively, fruity and sweet. It is an excellent deodorizer. It contains a constituent called bergaptene that increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Bergamot BF means "bergaptene free." Most of the sensitizing bergaptene constituent has been distilled out of this product but traces may still remain. Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, inspiring, confidence-building.


Chamomile- The oil of chamomile is also known as blue chamomile. The color of the oil is deep blue, turning green then brown with age and exposure to light. The odor is sweet, tobacco-like and fruity, apple-like. It adds a warm, long-lasting, rich undertone in perfumes. Chamomile is a mild, soothing oil and is popular in massage blends and other herbal preparations. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, relaxing, soothing. 


Cinnamon Bark - Also known as Ceylon cinnamon, this is the true cinnamon of world commerce. Its aroma is similar to cassia, or Chinese cinnamon. The aroma of Ceylon cinnamon is preferred to cassia for perfume where it gives a warm, floral-enhancing effect. Cinnamon oil blends well with oriental-woody notes and is often combined with frankincense. It is a skin irritant and should be handled with care. Aromatherapy benefits: comforting, warming

Clary Sage - Clary sage oil has a spicy, hay-like, bittersweet aroma. It combines well with coriander, cardamom, citrus oils, sandalwood, cedarwood, geranium and lavandin. The aroma of clary sage is long-lasting and the oil is valued as a fixative for other scents. Aromatherapy benefits: centering, euphoric, visualizing.
 
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus has long been used in topical preparations such as liniments and salves. Cineole is the major constituent. Aromatherapy benefits: purifying, invigorating.

Geranium (Bourbon) - This oil is one of the most important perfumery oils and is an important ingredient in all types of fragrances. It has a powerful, leafy-rose aroma with fruity, mint undertones. Bourbon oil, from the island of Reunion, is considered the finest grade, and has the best staying power. It is used in skin care products for both its fragrance and its toning, cleansing properties. Aromatherapy benefits: soothing, mood-lifting, balancing.

    Lavender - Lavender oil is used in baths, room sprays, toilet waters, perfumes, colognes, massage oils, sachets, salves, skin lotions and oils. It has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma which combines well with many oils including citrus, clove, patchouli, rosemary, clary sage and pine. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, soothing, normalizing, calming, relaxing, healing.

   Tangerine - Tangerine oil is pressed from the peel of ripe fruit. It is an orange-colored oil with the vibrant fragrance of fresh tangerines. The oil is used in colognes and occasionally in perfumes. Aromatherapy benefits: cheering, uplifting.

Tea Tree - The leaf of the tea, or ti, tree had a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of Australia before tea tree was "discovered" by the crew of the famous English explorer James Cook. The aroma of the oil is warm, spicy, medicinal and volatile. It is occasionally used to scent spicy colognes and aftershaves. It blends well with lavandin, rosemary and nutmeg oils. Aromatherapy benefits: cleansing, purifying, uplifting.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Benefits of Massage

:Manage Anxiety and Depression

Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol which can lift spirits and lower blood pressure. It can also boost serotonin and dopamine which are directly related to depression.

:Ease Pain

According to a 2011 study, massage helped ease pain tremendously compared to those who didn’t receive one.

:Improve Sleep


According to Health Magazine, massage affects our delta waves ( the ones that promote deep sleep).

:Boost Immunity

In a 2010 study, researchers found massage increased a persons disease-fighting white blood cells.The stress reducing benefits of massage can keep you healthy.

:PMS

Massage can ease bloating  and mood swings.

:Raise Alertness

In a study in 1996, adults who were given a 15 minute chair massage were more alert and answered faster and more accurately  on math questions they were given.

:Headaches

According to WebMd, massage can limit a persons number of migraines and can curb how severe they are.

:Beauty

Massage increases blood flow which plumps up slack skin, helps with lymphatic drainage and adds vitality to skin and lack-luster hair.

:Ease Cancer Treatment

Massage can relieve fatigue, fear, anxiety, depression, and nausea in cancer patients.

Have any of the above ailments? Pure Essence can help! We offer many levels of massage and have 2 excellent, highly trained therapists on staff. 
Call and make an appointment with Barb or Debbie today!! 715-524-2726

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Halloween 2014

Trick or Treat!  Welcome to our Speakeasy....the Glamour Squad is on duty today!  Happy Halloween from all of us at Pure Essence.