StormSister Spatique®

Healing Powers

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:17:00 +0000

by Lisa Bruckenstein of American Spa Magazine.

Help solve your common skincare concerns with the medicinal properties of tea tree oil.

A common thread in the history of many healing plants is that they are often discovered by ancient tribes of people who used them to treat and prevent illness for thousands of years. So, too, begins the story of tea tree oil, an essential oil drawn from a shrub native to Australian coastal areas. In the 1770s, Captain James Cook observed aboriginal tribes on the northeast coast of New South Wales brewing a healing tea with the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia plant. He coined the term “tea tree” after trying some himself and serving the concoction to his crew in hopes of preventing scurvy. The use of the pale yellow oil distilled from the leaves of the tea tree did not become common, however, until the 1920s, when a researcher named Arthur Penfold published papers on the oil’s antimicrobial activity. Penfold praised the oil’s medicinal properties, and in the years following, tea tree oil was used by Australian physicians to clean wounds and prevent infections. It was even given to Australian soldiers and sailors during World War II to treat infected wounds.

With the advent of antibiotics, though, the use of tea tree oil was largely discontinued. That is until the 1970s when there was a renewed interest in all things natural, especially plant-based remedies. In the last few decades, the scientific community has begun researching tea tree’s benefits and has published several articles that support the oil’s antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Of course, there are antiseptics and disinfectants with greater antimicrobial activity than tea tree oil, but few are as natural.

It is the oil’s natural origins combined with its healing properties that make it such a perfect fit in spa services. Because of its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can help destroy bacteria that are often the cause of breakouts and blemishes. “Tea tree oil is a great, naturally derived alternative to help with acne concerns in an effective yet non-aggressive way,” says Jamie Yee, director of education for Kate Somerville. In a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990, tea tree oil was found to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide at treating acne. While it may take longer for the anti-acne benefits to kick in, tea tree oil is also gentler and causes less itching, scaling, peeling, and irritation than benzoyl peroxide.

This milder action is perfect for treating adult acne. Because adult acne is often caused by stress instead of an abundance of oil, drying ingredients found in teen-focused products can be too dehydrating. “In adults, breakouts can be very painful,” says Sarah Woodget-Athey, spa director at Facehaven Spa (Orlando, FL). “With the power of tea tree oil, we are able to reduce the inflammation and heal blemishes,” she says, which treats adult acne sufferers with tea tree oil-containing products. Often, tea tree oil is applied during the mask portion of a facial or in spot treatment products, as it is during the Professional Correcting Treatment ($140, 75 minutes) at L’Institut Sothys in New York City. At Lavish Salon and Day Spa (Riverside, CA), though, the benefits of tea tree oil are steamed into the skin using tea tree-infused towels during the Clear Skin Facial ($150, 60 minutes). Spa director Samantha Muruguia says the spa’s clients appreciate the acne-fighting abilities of tea tree oil, but says it’s the scent of the products used in the treatment that is most appealing. “Tea tree has a scent that soothes and relaxes the senses while benefitting the skin in so many ways,” says Muruguia.

That pleasing aroma—clean, fresh, and herbal—may partially explain why the ingredient is so popular in products used in men’s skincare services. The far-from-floral scent is appealing to men, while tea tree’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents are perfect for treating skin pre- and post-shaving. According to dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D., tea tree oil can help ease the irritation and redness associated with razor bumps and prevent infections associated with ingrown hairs.

And it’s not just men who can benefit from tea tree oil in hair removal services. At Skin Deep Spatique (St. Petersburg, FL), the Brazilian Waxing Service ($40, 40 minutes; $60, 60 minutes) includes a cleanse with a pre-wax spray that includes tea tree oil as well as a post-wax application of a quenching tea tree spritz. “Tea tree fights bacteria, calms and soothes skin, and has a mild desensitizing action to reduce discomfort,” says owner Michelle Sheehan Foster, R.N.

While the antibacterial and antiseptic agents in tea tree oil make it perfect for use in facials, it’s the antifungal properties that are a benefit in hand and foot services. Studies have shown that tea tree oil administered topically is an effective treatment for nail disease. Additionally, the refreshing aroma and the oil’s deodorizing characteristics also mean it functions well for the feet. At Island House Spa at Longboat Key Club & Resort (Sarasota, FL), the Reflexology Foot Massage ($30, 25 minutes) incorporates tea tree oil because of its antifungal qualities, which aid in the health of skin and nails. “Those who request this treatment are often very athletic and participate in sports such as tennis, golf, running, and bicycling, all of which can be very hard on the feet,” says Kristi Bonsack, director of wellness. The antifungal properties of tea tree oil can also help treat dandruff, making the oil a great addition in scalp services and head massages aimed at treating flaky scalps.

Many herbalists claim tea tree oil possesses detoxifying properties. Some proponents even claim it can boost the immune system, as well as a sluggish lymph system. While there is currently little scientific evidence to support these claims, many spas put tea tree oil to the test themselves each day in their detoxifying treatments. For example, Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa (Los Angeles) uses tea tree oil during the soaking step of the Four Step Body Indulgence ($130, 55 minutes). “For many years, we have done a detox soak where we add sea salt, rosemary, and tea tree oil extracts to the water,” says founder Ole Henriksen.

Tea tree essential oil can be used on almost all skin types. It’s even one of the few essential oils that can be applied topically at its full, undiluted strength. Yet a small number of people—especially those with extremely sensitive skin—may experience some irritation. Tea tree oil is considered toxic if ingested, so it must never be taken internally. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid tea tree oil, as there have been no studies confirming its safety. To boost your awareness of the power of tea tree oil, try services for the feet or those aimed at detoxifying at local gyms.

Pure Neroli Essence

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Certified Organic Pure Neroli Essence.

Available just in time for the Valentine¹s Day holiday. Pure Neroli from the small white fragrant blossoms of the bitter orange tree. Neroli supports the body when under stress and its sweet citrus note and functional properties help to calm and soothe. This highly potent pure Neroli delivers targeted relief in a glass acupressure bottle. Perfect to purify, deodorize and refresh. Neroli blends well with most other citrus oils along with jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang and many others.

Garbage In, Garbage Out Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:05:00 +0000

Some great skincare tips via Always New You.

More often than not, what’s taking place on the outside of our bodies is a direct effect of what’s happening on the inside of our bodies. This is especially true for skin care and adult acne. So, making sure we are consuming the right foods, supplements, and keep our bodies are properly hydrated is a great first step when addressing acne help.

Learn what ingredients will help reduce skin breakouts and irritation and what ingredients may be contributing to your adult acne.

The Schneider Stop Acne Now Plan

1. Limit your consumption of refined carbohydrates and simple sugars like cake, cookies, white bread and candy etc

2. Wash your face twice a day with a 2% salicylic Acid cleanser.

3. Take Olive leaf Extract Capsules daily.

4. Ingest fish oil caps daily.

5. Place 100% Tea Tree oil once daily at bedtime on all pimples. Avoid placement near or around the eyes.

Gregg Schneider, DDS, Dr Gregg Schneider, Nutritional Dentist, Dr Gregg Schneider, Nutritional Dentist

5 Tips to Reduce Acne Using Proper Nutrition:

1. Eat a diet low in fat, low in sugar, and low in processed carbohydrates

2. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, veggies (i.e. high water content food)

3. Eat cleansing food and detox regularly

4. Eat fermented or cultured foods that contain good bacteria – yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha

5. Take supplements: zinc, vitamin C, antioxidants

ling wong, Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coach, Thoughts For Foods Holistic Health

No-Cost Tips to Help Reduce Adult Acne

1. Wipe off your cell phone once a day with a wet-wipe.

2. Change your pillowcase DAILY.

3. Cleanse and moisturize skin morning AND evening.

4. Be aware of how often you are touching your face during the day and eliminate the habit.

5. Start reading the labels of everything you eat and eliminate “high fructose corn syrup/corn sugars” from your diet. You will be alarmed at how often you will see this ingredient. Don’t fret. Do it slowly, one item at a time. Though maybe not the same brand, those same products are available without those ingredients. You just have to look.

Becky Sturm, CEO/Founder, StormSister Spatique and 3waybeauty

It is important to consult your nutritional physician when making changes to or beginning a new supplement regimen.

Daily Dose of Anti Aging

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:53:00 +0000

via Always New You

We can play an active roll in our anti aging process by taking good care of our skin on a daily basis. Often times it is easy to skip a morning or evening of skin care, especially when we drag our already-half-asleep selves to bed after a long day. But, taking the extra five minutes to check anti aging treatment off your to-do list will be worth it in the end.

Learn a few skin care tips you can do every day to keep your skin looking clear and beautiful.

Your Daily Dose of Anti Aging

We hear this all the time, but drink more water. Properly hydrated skin will minimize fine lines. These four steps; Cleanse, moisturize, eye treatment, lip balm application – need to be done morning and evening. WITHOUT FAIL.

Unclean skin is a breeding ground for bacteria and that works against the anti-aging process. Moisturizer, eye cream and lip balm, applied morning and evening, help to seal in moisture and help aid healing.

Becky Sturm, CEO/Founder, StormSister Spatique

Omega-3, The Beauty Nutrient

Your outward appearance is primarily governed by your internal health. New research in skincare not only supports the view of ‘beauty from within’ it has demonstrated with remarkable results the ability of orally consumed omega-3 EPA and DHA (from fish oil) to rejuvenate and repair skin tissue, reducing the signs of aging. It appears that EPA and DHA alter skin physiology by up-regulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, improving skin barrier function, and protecting against the damage caused by UV rays. Ask your health care professional about including Omega-3 supplements into your daily vitamin regimen to reap the concentrated benefits.

Marc St-Onge, CEO and Director of Research, Ascenta

The Name Says It All

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:03:00 +0000

NONTOXIQUE.

When it turned out the nail and beauty products she used every day as a nail tech were making her sick, Sheila Fredriksen sought out healthy, holistic, and effective products to use instead. When she found nothing that fit the bill, she hired a chemist and together they created the NONTOXIQUE line of hand and foot care products.

“Our formulas are 100% authentically natural,” she says. “Each product is made from pure plant and fruit parts right out of nature — not adulterated, nutritionally stripped, synthetic, or left biologically inactive. Following the holistic paradigm, all ingredients work synergistically together to support or enhance the healing and regenerative ability of each ingredient.”

>Hand Cleanser moisturizes the eponychium, nourishes nails, regenerates aging skin, soothes sensitive skin, and washes away germs and grime. It contains essential oils of elemi, myrrh, sweet orange, and mandarin, as well as rosemary, coconut, and olive.

>Herbal Scrub increases cell hydration, moisturizes skin, promotes optimal nutrient absorption, revitalizes damaged skin, and sloughs dead, dry skin. It uses almond oil, shea butter, and various essential oils to exfoliate and smooth.

>Age Reversal Serum increases moisture, improves skin radiance, and neutralizes free radicals. Ingredients include buriti and jojoba oils, licorice, kiwi seed, arbutin, and Moroccan blue chamomile. Sea buckthorn and rosehips seed oils aid in cellular rejuvenation.

>Restore Day Crème improves skin elasticity, increase collagen synthesis, locks in hydration, and soothes sensitive skin. Mowrah and mango butters prevent skin drying and minimize fine lines. It also includes turmeric, gotu kola, alfalfa, sage, ginseng, comfrey, and avocado oil.

>Cuticle & Nail Balm maintains nail and tissue suppleness and flexibility. It nourishes, softens, and waterproofs using myrrh, beeswax, avocado, kiwi seed, coconut, and vitamin E.

courtesy of Nails Magazine.
For more information, go to http://www.nontoxique.com/.

Love Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:09:00 +0000

I love waking up to find them in my email box.

Hi Becky – I’m not interested in buying anything at the moment but have meant to write to you since last summer when I ordered a favored nail polish color that I’d been unable to find anywhere locally. I placed the order with you and received it in the blink of an eye! I really appreciated the terrific service and have your site bookmarked and the material you included with my order tucked away for future reference. Hope business is going well and thanks again.

Melissa N. (Louisiana)

Today is going to be a great day!

Think Outside The Can

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

I'm on a new mission with my shhh. grooming bars.
I want men (and women) to "think outside the can".

Shaving products don't have to come from a can, or bottle or tube. They can come from a 100% natural, plant-based bar. One with recyclable packaging that is also perfect for travel and your gym bag.

Please, don't think "soap". You may have used a soap bar as a shaving product, but you have never used a "soap" like this one. Trust me, I've spent my entire career in the beauty biz and I know how drying soap can be.
Give it a whirl.

Read the ingredient deck on your can of foam.
Example: Water (Aqua), Palmitic Acid, Triethanolamine, Stearic Acid, Isopentane, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Monoglycerides, Sorbitol, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera Gel), Fragrance, PVP, Isobutane, PEG 90M, FD&C Blue 1 (CI 42090)
What are all of those? If you really want to know, email me and I'll tell you.

Now, here is the ingredient deck for shhh.: Saponified (with sodium hydroxide) oils of olive, castor seed, coconut, palm, sweet almond, cocoa butter, kukui nut and jojoba.

Which would you rather put on your skin?

via Ryan K. from Chicago, IL: "best shaving cream I've ever used".

Poking Fun at the Beauty Biz

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Enjoy!
Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

SL Pre-SaLe

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

STYLEDLIFE is gearing up for their Pre-SaLe.

3waybeauty will be featured during this Pre-Sale for 30% off!

So, if you have never tried our beauty brand or already love it and want to stock up, mark your calendar.

The wait is over: private Pre-SaLe starts Sunday, January 22nd.

Loyal SL guests...you know the pre-SaLe drill. If you are a new STYLEDLIFE aficionado, welcome to one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Their Pre-SaLe is legendary. Everything* is discounted by 30%-70% (*Vintage is excluded, but everything else is discounted!), with more items at 50% and 70% off than any previous SaLe. Even Music is on sale...an incredibly rare opportinity. It's our way of thanking you, for all the business you've given us over the years.

How-to guide for the STYLEDLIFE Pre-SaLe

SL Preferred Guests (that's you) are allowed to shop the Pre-SaLe from Jan. 22nd-Feb. 1st. This means you receive the SaLe prices before the public gets a crack at their discounts.
Tell them you received this "special newsletter", select and buy your purchases. This will get you the SaLe prices.
Pick up your goodies after 12 noon on February 1st, the day before the PUBLIC SaLe starts.
Revel in your amazing discounts.
The only exclusions are Vintage...simple. Even Music is discounted for this SaLe.

What takes the STYLEDLIFE® Pre-SaLe to another level?

Guests waiting before the doors open at 11am on Sunday, Jan. 22nd will be treated to fun & excitement!

First guest in line gets a $50 gift card! You can enter drawings, win prizes, play games of chance, watch fashion "edutaiment" and eat some breakfast carbs to keep your strength up.

Our amazing brands include:

Missoni
Pucci
Alexis Bittar

Marc by Marc Jacobs
MZ Wallace
Tateossian
orYANY
Y3
ROMYGOLD
Versace

Dunhill
House of Harlow 1960
Philippe Audibert
Virgins, Saints & Angels
MS by Martine Sitbon
3waybeauty (that's us!)
Lauren Merkin
J.Fold

All items return to their original price after the SaLe ends on March 4th.

Get in there!

Youth Elixir

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:04:00 +0000

Vie Collection has just launched a new serum: Youth Elixir 3.2 System.

As you may know, this is the skincare line I am most loyal to. Though I have to sample and test many skincare brands, this is always my "must have" range. It is instant gratification in regard to result-focused skincare for anti-aging.

Don't get me wrong, the other skincare brands I carry are all great for the skin. Vie just packs the biggest punch. This is luxury skincare for those who are serious about their skin.

Use this new serum as a booster to your current moisturizer.

YOUTH ELIXIR 3.2 SYSTEM

A concentrate of technology capable of doubling the visible rejuvenating effectiveness of your usual skin care. Its high-tech formula contains 3 advanced ingredients selected to act on 3 major factors of skin aging:

1 | Intrinsic skin aging: stimulate weakened skin cells.

2 | Oxidative skin aging: combat free radicals by balancing the ratio of oxidants and the antioxidant system.

3 | The glycation phenomenon: combat the adherence of sugars to collagen fibers, which causes tissue damage, and restore suppleness and resilience to the collagen fibers.

Here are the IMPRESSIVE RESULTS for the new Youth Elixir 3.2 System:

SKIN IS FIRMED*

Increased elastin sythesis: +223%

Increased collagen sythesis: +439%

IMMEDIATELY IMPROVED COMPLEXION**

Skin is velvety: 95%

Complexion is more even: 79%

EXTENDED YOUTHFULNESS**

Rejuvenating effect is intensified: 82%

Skin is smoothed: 86%

Smooth complexion and less wrinkles: 83%

* In vitro test on the aqueous solution containing the ingredients of Youth Elixir.

** Clinical study: self-evaluation by 23 volunteers, 2 applications a day of Youth Elixir + usual anti-aging care vs. anti-aging care alone, for 28 days.

To celebrate the launch of this amazing new serum, please enjoy this or any Vie Collection skincare for 20% off - now through January, 23rd. Vie sales are few and far between so don't miss out!

Enter NEWVIE upon checkout to receive discount.

Because we anticipate selling out of our inventory quickly, there may be a delay in receiving your order until our next delivery arrives in about a week. Thank you for your patience.

Whisker Whirl

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Our 3waybeauty brand is proud to be donating to this wonderful event.

Saturday, February 25, 2012, the Animal Humane Society (AHS) is holding their annual Whisker Whirl event.

This fundraising gala is a party for people and their pups, with an evening of dinner, live music, silent and live auctions, and a Fund-A-Need auction to raise money for animals in need.

With five Twin Cities locations, AHS cares for nearly 35,000 companion animals each year. Supported only by donations and fees, they are a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul, and Woodbury. Besides adoption, they also offer services in humane investigations, boarding, training, and education.

Whisker Whirl promises to be a spectacular event and I hope you will support this important fundraiser.

BOMB PR

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:25:00 +0000

shhh...3waybeauty Presents

THE BEST OF MIDWEST BURLESK 2012
5th Anniversary Festival

Ready to raise your winter temperature and set your Valentine’s week a-sizzlin’? 3waybeauty is thrilled to sponsor the 5th Anniversary Best of Midwest Burlesk Festival in Minneapolis, Feb 9-11 - 2012

Showcasing burlesque and variety artists from across the U.S.! After four consecutive years of sold-out shows, the festival this year will be bigger and better than ever with five fabulous performances at The Ritz Theater.

Best of Midwest Burlesk Festival (BOMB) is a hot assortment of live music, novelty acts, aerialists, comedy, boylesque, drag, and, of course – the very finest burlesque! In total, the festival will host more than 80 local and national artists, turning the city into The Land of 10,000 Legs!

This year’s festival stars Perle Noire (New Orleans), “The Feminine Phenomenon.” This southern firecracker has been described as the reincarnation of Josephine Baker; her dynamic style awarded her the title New Orleans Burlesque Festival’s Queen of Burlesque 2009, as well as one the World’s Top 20 Burlesque Performers by 21st Century Burlesque.

BOMB 2012 also features the world-famous all-male burlesque group, The Stage Door Johnnies! (Chicago) Recently inducted into the Burlesque Hall of Fame, they hold the title of "World's Best Burlesque Group 2011.” The Johnnies were awarded "Artists of the Year 2010" by the Burlesque Innovation Guild, and named in the Top 20 performers in the world.

The anniversary weekend includes the return of Lola Van Ella, “The Derriere Beyond Compare,” and Sammich the Tramp, “The Punk Rock Hobo.” The colossal talent and charm of the St. Louis icons is nothing short of magic.
www.beggarscarnivale.com

Even more wonderland awaits with special solo performances from our hometown and nationally renowned Lili’s Burlesque Revue, along with traditional New Orleans jazz by the Southside Aces!

The festival's mission is to present top caliber talent, bring the burlesque community together, and create a unique theatrical experience for Twin Cities’ audiences. Festival-goers will experience a blizzard of classic glamour, acrobatics, aerial, feather fans, hula hooping, ballet, neo-burlesque, tassel twirling, boylesque, and many other vintage-inspired novelties. Like snowflakes, no two shows will be the same!

The BEST of MIDWEST BURLESK Festival – 5th Anniversary Weekend!
At the Historic RITZ THEATER

FIVE UNIQUE SHOWS-
Thursday, February 9th @ 8 p.m.
Friday, February 10th @ 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 @ 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.

Tickets: $30-$35

About 3waybeauty.
shhh...wanna try a three-way?
3waybeauty designs multi-use beauty and grooming products for both men and women. Their flagship product, shhh. is a natural plant based skin and hair care product developed on the belief that the healthiest solutions for our skin and hair are those that are pure. shhh. is a shampoo, shower and shaving bar for men and women free of synthetics, preservatives, artificial fragrances and coloring. And it doesn’t stop there; all packaging is 100% compostable and recyclable. shhh. was created by Becky Sturm, St. Paul native and owner of StormSister Spatique®, who has been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years and worked with a variety of products and potions. She was able to see the good, bad and ugly side of beauty and care products and with the help of other small businesses, developed the all natural, multiple purpose beauty bar bound to change the industry.

Travel Skincare

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

INtelligent Nutrients CERTIFIED ORGANIC ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE is now available in EXPERIENCE SIZES

FOUR OF THE TOP TEN SELLERS EXPAND TO INCLUDE NEW TRAVEL SIZES

• ANTI-AGING CLEANSER: 1 fl oz. / 30 ml
• ANTI-AGING MIST: 0.67 fl oz / 20 ml
• ANTI-AGING SERUM: 0.67 fl oz / 20 ml
• ANTI-AGING MOISTURE: 1 fl oz. / 30 ml

Your skin shows what your body knows. All day, everyday, it battles free radicals. The result is inflammation, and the by-products are blemishes, bags, lines and eventually wrinkles. Conventional products conspire to help you ignore this fact, for now. Synthetics huff and puff, temporarily inflating skin to disguise lines. Skin looks smoother for the moment.

Declare immunity for skin by changing how you care for it so skin can reclaim its birthright to defend and regenerate itself:

• The power of IN's Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex combined with Intelligent Nutrients Plant Stem Cell Science™ Antioxidant Blend of edelweiss, pennywort and coneflower deliver potent antioxidants that halt unnecessary aging by creating more powerful, inflammation-free cells.

• Free of synthetic aromatics and fragrances.
• The complete regimen feeds, protects and restores while it revitalizes skin cells, rejuvenates aging skin, and restores elasticity and brightness.

For complete skin health and optimum results follow their 5-step regimen incorporating the Plant Stem Cell Renewal Complex in the morning and before bed:

• Step 1: Certified Organic Anti-Aging Cleanser:
Provides gentle cleansing to remove environmental buildup, impurities and makeup. Formulated with Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex, Argon, Acai and essential oils, this non-foam cleanser also feeds the skin with advanced antioxidants, plant sterols, fatty acids and essential oils to protect delicate skin cell membranes, inhibit aging and inflammation to help maintain skin’s moisture, stability and radiance. Perfect for all skin types, this cleanser leaves skin nourished, and well prepared for facial regime.

• Step 2: Plant Stem Cell Science Renewal Complex

• Step 3: Certified Organic Anti-Aging Mist:
Lightweight, multifunctional spray that feeds, refreshes, and revitalizes skin cells to help renew its appearance. A water-based formula, infused with Intellimune® Seed Meal Complex, the spray delivers nourishment inside skin cells, while the seed and essential oils from the Anti-Aging Serum feed and protect the outer cell membranes.

• Step 4: Certified Organic Anti-Aging Serum:
Formulated to feed and protect the skin with the most potent form of antioxidants to reduce inflammation. This highly beneficial serum is composed of Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex, Acai, argan and essential oils that infuses the skin with antioxidants, plant sterols, vitamins and fatty acids to increase moisture, radiance, elasticity, enhancing skin tone and texture. Gentle enough to use on delicate eye area.

• Step 5: Certified Organic Anti-Aging Moisture:
Lightweight formula that helps to seal and protect the skin barrier. A restorative combination of intensely emollient oils, Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex, apricot, acai and safflower along with a blend of essential oils improves skin hydration and elasticity.

PACKAGING

• Glass bottles allows for recycling.
• Single material pump, remove and recycled in mixed recycling.

The Vie Collection Ritual

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Effective cleansers and make-up removers, the Rituel de Vie products also offer ideal skin preparation to optimize the application of skincare products. They offer a wonderful, relaxing therapy by preparing the skin to help it combat the damaging effects of stress that weaken cells and diminish their receptiveness to ingredients.

The research on stress, carried out by the Vie Collection laboratory, revealed the exceptional properties of Helichrysol. This seaside plant, exposed to many harsh environmental conditions (UV rays, wind, salinity, etc.), has created its own defense system by producing relaxing, aromatic molecules. Enriched with an extract of these molecules capable of reducing levels of the hormone responsible for skin stress by up to 76%, the Rituel de Vie range provides an ideal beauty ritual. Skin is perfectly replenished and relaxed, and regains its serenity, balance, and vitality.

THE ORIGIN OF LIFE

The history of Vie Collection is the history of life, its beginnings, and its evolution. How was life able to develop deep in the sea over 3.5 billion years ago and give rise to marine and then earth-growing plants? Fascinated by the mysterious alchemy at the origin of life, the Vie Collection researchers worked for over ten years on its creation and means of adaptation: year after year, they isolated essential elements from the marine, earth, and mineral environments and assembled them to create the best ingredients.

THE ESSENCE OF LIFE IS CAPTURED IN A UNIQUE COMPLEX Protected by four patents and foundation for all Vie products, Concentré de Vie infuses skin with new vitality. Extremely rich in trace elements, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, it provides energy, hydration, and protection against cellular aging.

The internal dynamic of the cells is a complex phenomenon. With time, it is reflected on the skin’s surface, visibly changing the appearance of the face and figure: superficial wrinkles, deep wrinkles, sagging of the face contour, dark spots, loss of firmness, localized areas of fat… Their laboratory continues its research, precisely studying the changes of the skin throughout life and the symptoms of skin aging.

Experts in skin microtectonics, their researchers have designed ultra-effective, corrective ingredients, crystallized in exceptional textures, to counteract these problems. Vie Collection offers a new beauty regime that complements each woman personally. Customized products and treatments, targeted for each beauty concern, take into account the specific morphological features of each area of the face and body.

AT THE HEIGHT OF COSMETOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Vie Collection benefits from a research & development laboratory on the cutting edge of science. It is composed of a team with diverse and complementary specializations (development of ingredients, skin biology, formulation, texture prospective, etc.).

The key ingredients and major scientific breakthroughs are patented and integrated in cutting edge products. Their laboratory also uses the most advanced extraction methods, derived from the pharmaceutical field to collect only the purest molecules.

Technical mastery and technological expertise go hand in hand for the incomparable ability to defy the signs of time.

AIM FOR PERFECTION

Therefore their products are subjected to a series of effectiveness tests. These tests are carried out on wide panels of volunteers and require statistically significant rates.

They carry out numerous clinical tests. In vitro or ex vivo, these tests use sophisticated measuring devices: balistometer, chromameter, corneometer, 3D reconstruction and imagery. We cross-check a single product with several tests in order to obtain precise, multi-parameter* results.

Each product is also subjected to the judgment of consumer panels to evaluate the real perception of quality and performance of our products.

By entrusting their tests to extremely rigorous independent laboratories, they guarantee objective and reliable results. Their goal? Excellence! If the results of these tests do not meet their standards, their products are not released on the market, but rather returned to the laboratory to be reformulated.

* Efficiency results measurement device

Love Is In The Air

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Give some Fun and Love!

The Award Winning betty™ products are specially formulated color dyes for the hair down there. In just a few years, there are hundreds of thousands of happy customers using betty to naturally match their hair above, cover gray or just for fun! Whether you're a blonde (be a true blonde now!), radiant auburn, rich brunette, raven black or want to try hot pink for fun, the easy to use no-drip formula gives you the perfect finishing touch.

Have some fun this Valentine's Day and do it as a couple!

StormSister Spatique's two-cents: Though the directions give a time limit during application, we recommend that you leave the color on as long as possible for a longer-lasting and more vibrant color. Especially in regard to the brighter colors.

Fairview Work Perks

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Today is a big day here at StormSister Spatique.
We are proud to announce that Fairview Health Services has added us to their list of retail partners, as part of their popular employee Work Perks program.

As a local small business owner we appreciate Fairview’s willingness to embrace us amongst their other larger national corporate offerings and look forward to a long and successful partnership.

Happy New Year, everyone!

[7] essentials

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

I have been asked for several months now, when will 3waybeauty launch the lavender fragrance blend that makes up the lavender shhh. shampoo | shower | shave bar?

Your wish is my command.

Introducing, [7] essentials.

Official press release.

Wonder-Filled 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:20:00 +0000

From NONTOXIQUE.

The Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:09:00 +0000

This past November I had the privilege of working with Kedrin Likness of Hazel & Haverly while at Maiden Minnesota. (Keep an eye out for her next year as I think she would be a perfect Maiden!)
A day before Maiden Minnesota I had receive word that the cedar boxes for the 3waybeauty shhh. shampoo | shower | shave bars, that I had commissioned from a woodworker in Washington, had been lost in transit. As some of you know, those cedar boxes have been a LONG time coming! - Washington cedar is drying once again and boxes are scheduled to arrive in January, so fingers crossed.

Anyhoo, a few days after Maiden, Kedrin contacted me and suggested a crocheted pouch for the bar. Bingo! - I was all over that.
I thought it would make the perfect carrying case for the bars, that it could be used as a bath mitt or as a groovy little pouch for a smart phone (my graphic designer, Susan Tinkham, thought the same thing).

After choosing yarn (organic cotton and organic hemp) and choosing the type of stitching I wanted, we launched them at STYLEDLIFE® recently and they sold out the following day.

Three-way uses for The Pouch:

-Bath/shower mitt
-Storage pouch for your shhh grooming bar
-Storage pouch for your smart phone

Soft organic cotton on one side. Organic hemp on the other - for exfoliation.

They're back in stock and sold exclusively at STYLEDLIFE, so go pick one up.

Isn't beauty fun?

On the 3rd Day of Christmas...

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Last week our shhh. 3waybeauty bar was on the Post- Christmas list and this week we are day 3 of STYLEDLIFE's 12 Days of Christmas. Yay!

shhh. shampoo | shower | shave is the perfect stocking stuffer for the traveler (there are no TSA regulations for a solid) or for the gym bag (no messy cans or bottles) or simply for those who truly appreciate a luxury beauty/grooming bar.
There isn't anything else like it!

Merry Christmas everyone!

It Works For Me

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:25:00 +0000

A friend of mine uses and loves Nioxin shampoo. I've always been a fan of Nioxin (though it is a brand I do not carry). If you have fine and/or thinning hair, it is be best haircare brand I have found, thus far, to help fine hair look and feel thicker and slow the loss of thinning hair.

Roni bookmarked a page out of a book called, The Best of It Works For Me 1991-1999 by the National Psoriasis Foundation, and shared it with me.

The Best of is a compilation of remedies by psoriasis sufferers.

Page 87 - Novermber/December 1998
Nioxin hair products
I have had to contend with scalp psoriasis since my early teens. I am now 37.

"About six months ago, a friend, who is also a hair stylist, recommended that I try the Nioxin line of hair products, thinking that it would improve the strength of my hair and reduce hair loss. It worked and , more importantly, I have experienced an almost total elimination of my psoriasis. The improvement is truly astounding, way beyond anything else that I've ever tried. I may still notice a very light trace on one or two days each month, but in the remainder of the month I have no buildup or trace of psoriasis anywhere on my scalp."

"This Nioxin stuff consists of a shampoo, a scalp conditioner and a clear liquid product that is applied after towel drying. The effect that it had on my scalp buildup became apparent after only about three to four days of use. Total clearing of buildup was achieved in about two to three weeks time and had remained that way since."
J.A/Wisconsin.

If you suffer from psoriasis on your scalp, it may be worth trying. Discuss with your hairdresser which Nioxin range to use as there are several, depending on your hair and if you color it.

INjoy

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:06:00 +0000

On Thursday evening, INtelligent Nutrients had a lovely holiday soiree at their headquarters in Minneapolis.

IN is one of my favorite places to visit as the aroma of that building is to die for! I just feel healthier walking in.

We were greeted with a shot of INtellimune with organic mago juice and a complimentary Rose Geranium Air Nutrition. Delish! And to think I have only been using my INtellimune in a balsamic salad dressing.

After an organic beer, a hardboiled quail egg (or two), and some veggies with smoked sea salt (yum!) it was off to shop and watch a few hair and product demos.

THEN....a little IN goody bag to top off the night that contains a new product IN would like feedback on.... I LOVE my job.

Phytoceane Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Supply is limited!

Shop Phytoceane here.

Spend $150 in Phytoceane skincare and reeive these four travel size products.

Beauty Tip of The Day

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:42:00 +0000

via Always New You.

Olive oil makes a lovely moisturizer anytime, but if you find yourself in the middle of your evening beauty routine and realize you forgot to pick up your moisturizer that day, use a few drops of olive oil on damp skin. Then off to bed, sleepy head!

The Giving Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Sturm) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:39:00 +0000

excerpt from American Spa magazine ”—Jessica Lyons Hardcastle

L O N G B E F O R E 1 6 T H - CENTURY GERMANS decorated
evergreens and brought them into their homes to celebrate Christmas, plants and trees that remained green year-round held sacred meaning for many cultures and people, especially in December. Ancient Egyptians decorated their homes with green palm fronds at the winter solstice, marking the god Ra’s return to health.

Romans celebrated the shortest day and the longest night with a feast called Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, because their crops would soon begin to grow, and they decorated their temples and homes with evergreen boughs. he Druids hung ir, pine, and spruce to symbolize everlasting life. And like the trees that bring life and color all year long—perhaps most noticeably in the dead of winter.

Because evergreen essential oils are derived from fresh needles, twigs, and wood, the function they serve the tree is similar to the boost they provide the body, says Tom Havran, product formulator and aromatherapy specialist at Aura Cacia. “Leaves—needles in this case—transpire air in an inverse manner to us, they consume our exhaled carbon dioxide and exhale pure oxygen, which we inhale,” Havran explains. “Twigs, limbs, and wood are the arms, legs, and body of the tree, providing the supporting framework for the tree through which these vital essences low.”

Havran suggests adding 24 drops of any essential evergreen oil—Blue Cypress, Texas Cedarwood, Cypress, Cypress Organic, Balsam Fir Needle, Pine, or Pine Organic—or a combination of the oils to four ounces of water in a spray bottle and shaking and misting it into the air to provide a “cleansing, purifying, and meditative forest-like aroma that will encourage deep breathing and opening of the senses.” Havran also suggests incorporating evergreen oils in foot treatments, such as a sugar foot scrub, a mineral
foot bath, or a foot massage.

Evergreens also help recharge the body, which makes them a great ingredient to use in bath soaks and massages. “Juniper and marine pine are known to ease aching muscles because of their analgesic qualities,” says Jane Terry, national trainer for Elemis USA. “In addition, pine essential oil increases metabolism and thus boosts activity levels.”

Evergreens can also be paired with rosemary to help ease stiff joints and arthritic pain or sea fennel to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Combining evergreen with detoxifying and stimulating ingredients can also help boost circulation and cleanse and enhance skin.

And unlike some floral or fruit scents, the invigorating aroma of evergreens appeals to both women and men. It smells clean, fresh, and natural and brings the great outdoors in. “On an aesthetic level, who couldn't love the fresh, woodsy aroma of these oils, which are evocative of a trip to the mountains? ” asks Havran .

While evergreens provide benefits to many, pregnant women should avoid evergreen treatments and products, as they can enter the blood stream and may induce miscarriage. Those with bronchial asthma and difficulty breathing, whooping cough, infections, or existing unknown lesions should also steer clear of evergreen.

But for the majority, evergreen t r e a t m e n t s can provide a welcome e s c a p e, especially during the winter months, as the scent reminds some of the changing seasons and the holidays. Using an evergreen candle can help ease the stress of holiday shopping, traveling, and partying.

The aromatic—and symbolic—associations can be carried into the New Year, too, as many resolve to get healthier, take better care of themselves, and start fresh. “There is no better way to prepare for the New Year than to revive the skin and soul with evergreen,” says Morris. “