Forgive me skincare gods for I have sinned… I haven’t treated myself to an at-home moisturizing mask in quite some time, and my skin is certainly scolding me for my lack of attention. Consider this a testament and reminder to nourish and treat your face… and with that, a product suggestion! I’m a loyalist to Alchimie Forever’s Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask.
It’s definitely not your typical brightening moisture mask (don’t expect it to harden or turn a different color or anything crazy like that). It’s a creamy consistency that smells like a berry smoothie (which I love) and packed with all the right natural botanicals, antioxidants and oats to help sooth, protect and brighten dull skin.
Use once to twice weekly and apply generously to a cleansed face and neck. Leave on for about 15-20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Then, tweet me @politics_pretty and tell me how much you love it… because you will.
Between my full-time job, blogging and attending a bevy of events, it’s rare to take some time out of the day to focus on… well, me. Recently, I received an invite to experience a massage at Parma Spa, and it didn’t take me long to say yes. I know, tough life for a beauty blogger!
I was immediately greeted by the receptionist who had me fill out a small questionnaire pertaining to my massage preferences (like focus areas, concerns, etc.) before I experienced an Ayurvedic (a traditional Indian science of holistic medicine) massage treatment. The stress that amounted my work week seemed to instantly melt away as I mentally escaped during my 60-minute massage. I later learned the Ayurvedic massage is meant for rejuvenating the body’s entire system, toning muscles and relaxing the mind (as well as other essentials like relieving fatigue and enhancing the overall complexion of the skin).
I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m insanely awkward when it comes to experiencing the process of a spa treatment (like from the minute I undress to the end of my massage). I’m quite sure how to best describe my massage other than through the thought process that took place, which went something like this…
I love spa robes. Why haven’t I invested in a robe? I wonder if this will be an awkward massage… Oh, that feels good… it’s the perfect amount of pressure… Shoot, I forgot to shave my legs… will she notice?… I won’t giggle while she massages my feet, don’t laugh Kara, don’t laugh!…OK I giggled… these oils smell amazzzz… Zzzzz
And that dear readers, is exactly what I was thinking before I entered a well-deserved snooze-fest.
Following my massage, Dr. Afsheen Ather gave me a tour of their two-level space, featuring a bevy of massage and skin therapy rooms (like for facials, botox and IPL rejuvenation laser treatments). Consider it a one-stop-shop for all your skin and spa luxuries necessities.
And as a gift to my readers, Parma Spa is offering 30% off any of their services when you mention Politics of Pretty. Enjoy, and let me know what you get!
Parma Spa, 8212 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna, 703-506-8401; parmaspa.com
Editor’s Note: During my journey as a beauty blogger and publisher, I’ve realized I’m not an expert in every category when it comes to skin type. Sure, I can recommend products from articles I’ve read and people I’ve spoken to, but I truly believe that the content posted every day are products that are nothing less than tried and true. Which is why I’m thrilled to announce a new column as well as a new addition to the Politics of Pretty team! Penned by a friend and fellow beauty guru, Brittney Roberson will be contributing to the column, “Across the Aisle,” which will cover all things makeup, hair and skincare for multicultural beauties.
Winter can be a trying time—work at its busiest, entertaining family and friends can become stressful and traveling is more often than not, a nightmare. But don’t let your skin reflect that! To maintain smooth and youthful skin, moisturizers should be used year round and especially now. Here’s a list of tried and true products that will keep your “ash” at bay and work wonders during the colder months:
1. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil ($32)
Cleansing your face with oil seems to go against everything traditionally taught about skincare but it works; here’s why: your skin naturally produces oil. Depriving it by using oil-free products forces it to go into overdrive and produce excess sebum causing shininess and breakouts. A friend who works for a popular cosmetics company first introduced me to Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil. She suggested to stick to oils that are minimally refined like argan, grapeseed and carrot oils. It’s like canned vegetables versus fresh ones, the less processed, the more nutrient rich the oil.
2. C.O. Bigelow Power Berry Mask ($18)
Here’s a moisturizing mask that’s great for a mid-week boost in appearance. Acai berry works as the primary force and as it contains restorative vitamins E and C, it leaves my skin looking refreshed and renewed.
3.Ole Henriksen Black Currant Complexion Oil ($39)
On the higher end of moisturizers, this complexion oil is loaded with fatty acids—a must-have anti-aging property. During the winter, my skin can become thin in texture and uneven in color but a thorough treatment with a product like this plumps it up and provides resiliency against harsh weather.
Brittney Roberson is an up-and-coming communications expert in the District. With experience in magazine journalism, public relations and event planning,’she’s a “connoisseur of cool.”A lifelong product junkie and the lucky beneficiary of beauty closet clean outs from her internships with various publications like Capitol File, More, and Fitness magazines, Brittney covers new products, trends and tips for multicultural beauties.
Have I ever mentioned I’m a regular at the Bvlgari store at The Collection at Chevy Chase? And by regular, I mean a regular window shopper. One day my friends… one day.
Lucky for me and other Bvlgari lovers in the District we can now incorporate a little bit of luxury in to our beauty treatments. It’s the ultimate fashion beauty partnership: Nival Salon and Spa is now offering three exclusive beauty and spa treatments using exclusive Bvlgari products. Salon-goers can choose between two scents to pair with their treatment. For a healing and relaxing effect, the Bvlgari Green Tea scent embodies a lively, delicate and discreet scent. For an antioxidant and revitalizing effect, White Tea is perfect for a reassuring and enveloping scent.
If you love a good skincare treatment, you’ll want to book an appointment for the Bvlgari Facial ($140). Customized for all skin types, this deep cleaning facial steams, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates skin. Choose between the White Tea or Green Tea scents, used as an extra during a relaxing neck and shoulder massage.
If you need to unwind from a long week, book the Bvlgari Massage ($140). Choose between White and Green Tea lotions before you unwind with the ultimate massage using Swedish massage techniques (think long gliding strokes to increase circulation and melt away tension). Prepare for some sleep inducing moments.
If you’re in need of a really good hair day, book the Bvlgari Blowdry ($100). Treat your tresses to a calming scalp massage and blowdry using Bulgari shampoo before you’re hair is styled by a top-notch Nival stylist.
Nival Salon & Spa at The Collection, 5481 Wisconsin Ave.; Book your Bvlgari experience online here or call 301-951-4445
I’m pretty particular when it comes to my skincare regimen (the challenge of being a beauty blogger: trying to maintain clear skin!). I’ve sampled my fair share of products and while many come and go as often as my manicures, I’ve found a keeper in NaturaBisse’s Oxygen collection. Here’s why you need it: oxygen is an essential element when it comes to prolonging healthy skin and with this line of product, hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient to help skin look purified, hydrated and luminous. But here’s why you’ll love it: the texture of the cream makes it easy to massage into skin, leaving you face and body feeling uber hydrated and balanced, not to mention an overall even skin tone appearance before you apply all that gloss and dirt. I tried the body cream and facial cream found myself steadily incorporating it in to my daily routine and now, I can’t seem to go a day without it… just like oxygen.
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