Category: Health & Beauty

In early 2019, Calm, one of Apple’s top app picks, raised $88 million dollars giving it a total valuation of $ 1 billion. CNBC reported that the app has “well over one million paying subscribers.”

“There’s a societal shift of people taking care of their minds and being more interested in sleep and self-care,” said Michael Acton Smith, a Calm founder and co-CEO. Busy Hollywood certainly agrees, with Ashton Kutcher-run Sound Ventures, which is one of Calm’s top financiers.

Calm, launched in 2012, is a meditation app geared at helping people relax, making them “healthier and happier,” according to Ashton Kutcher. The price is accessible and Calm subscribers’ reports state the quality and selection is top-notch.

Calm offers a selection of guided meditations from three to 25 minutes long. There are a variety of natural sounds and scenes, and mindfulness programs such as forgiveness, commuting, walking meditations and gratitude, as well as session history, breathing exercises, and sleep stories.

“The Ashton Kutcher-Backed Calm App Just Meditated Its Way to $1 Billion.”

While having a luxurious spa day may not be your biggest concern at the moment it’s an acceptable response to seek this comforting ritual. If you can’t go out for a spa day, go in for one. In fact there are real stress relieving benefits associated with putting aside the time for a twenty-minute bath with relaxing candles—and let’s be honest, this is something we all need.

Here are a few thought starters:

Dry Brushing:

Everyone’s skin is a little less glowy than usual, most likely, due to spending more time indoors, lack of extra sunshine and stress. Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist, sells a great dry brush (https://shop.joannavargas.com/collections/shop-all/products/ritual-brush). Of course you can also pick one up on Amazon. Vargas is an advocate of the routine, which returns our skin to a nice glow.  Dry brushing increases blood flow and stimulates collagen, which ultimately strengthens our skin. It also a great way to increases skin elasticity— lift and tone — without a crazy work out. The process of dry brushing is also soothing mentally and physically.

Milk Bath

Once your skin is ready to fully absorb extra nutrients turn on the bath water and get ready to soak in a sultry milk bath.  The lactic acid in milk helps soften skin and is ultra-relaxing. It’s especially helpful for those with eczema or psoriasis and it’s an easy spa option to create. Simply add a few cups of whole milk or milk powder to your bathwater. Next, mix in some essential oils and then float some rose petals on top. Also do not forget to light a soothing candle before stepping in.

Steaming Facial

When you get out of the bath it’s time to take extra care of your face. A steaming facial cleans the pores, which also helps promote a more dewy facial appearance. And, we are all still using Zoom conference– so facial appearance is important. To steam your face fill a bowl with boiled water.  Leave it to cool slightly so that it is not hot enough to burn your skin then add a few drops of essential oils. Tea tree oil is great for acne-prone skin, lavender for oily skin or rose oil for dry skin.  Then lean over the bowl with a towel covering your head (to trap the steam) and allow your face to absorb the moisture. You can finish off this treatment by putting on a mud mask. AHAVA Mud Masks – straight from the Dead Sea – are also on Amazon.  If you want a more affordable and easy option, apply plane generic yogurt (maybe add some honey). Yogurt can help clear blemishes and reduce fine lines.

Once you have cleaned your face don’t forget the lips. Lips are often overlooked and deserve extra attention. You can try the Fresh Sugar Lip on the go kit from Sephora or any other option you can find (there are loads to choose from on Amazon).

Soothing Eye Treatment

Our eyes are often the first thing people see, especially now. You can buy an eye treatment or try a homemade remedy to soothe and refresh tired eyes. Chamomile tea bags and cucumber are both good traditional remedies to cool and soothe the eye area. A lesser-known fact is that you can also use cool potato slices. Cover your eyes with any of them for about ten minutes to see the positive effects. Also, if you cut up some cucumbers for your eyes, you can pop them in a glass of cold water to add to that spa vibe.

Hand massage

Washing hands so often they become dry and sensitive. Apply lavender and honey-scented Burt’s Bees Hand Cream right before bed (or any other Shea butter cream).  Shea butter is wonderful for soothing and repairing hands overnight.  Don’t forget when applying the cream to really massage it into your hands for both the relaxing effect of a massage and to have the cream absorb effectively.

Those are just a few easy options to achieve an at home spa day. As a final add on and find some soothing music so that no outside noise distracts you and soak it all away.

Must Have Beauty Essentials for a Summer Glow

There’s nothing like the summer sun to help you shed your winter skin and come gloriously out of hibernation. Here are a few essential go-to products for the warmer months ahead.

Speaking of shedding that winter skin, try Ahava Deadsea exfoliant. The product originated from the Dead Sea in Israel so you know it also has some old-world magic to it. Scoop a nickel-size amount onto your fingers then massage into every inch of your body. You’ll use a lot of product on your first round so apply amply on your arms, legs and torso for a smooth and silky finish.

Next on the list is TAN LUXE – a self-tanning serum you can use with your favorite moisturizer. Use a few drops all over (there is a Tan Luxe for the face and one for the body). Pro tip: if you apply it at night, you’ll wake up to a golden hue. No time for the beach? You’ll look like you just returned from Mexico, thanks to this tailor-made tanning product.

When you do venture out into the sun, apply protection. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 is non-clog poring and feels like it’s not really there. Plus, it doesn’t melt off even in the warmest weather. On that note, did you know your eyes are susceptible to sunburns too? ZEISS Vision care is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision optics and offers full-UV protection in a clear lens to protect your eyes and surrounding skin.

When it’s hot outside, you want lightweight sheer products for your face. Although it’s not new you will be hard pressed to find a make-up artist that does not swear by Mac Studio Face and Body Foundation. For the foundation you can certainly layer it for a heavier look but it has a beautiful consistency that evenly allows your skin to radiate.  If you have any areas of concern you might try a little Milk Makeup Flex Concealer. Dab it under your eyes with just your finger. Remember less is more.

Do not forget your lips – they often need a lot of love and they give it also. The days are longer and the sun is stronger, which means your lips can get dry and flaky, and we all know that doesn’t bode well for lipstick. A well-kept secret the Australians — who live in the hottest climate — have been keeping from us for years is Lucas Papaw Ointment (now available on Amazon.) Put it on a few times your first day and you will immediately notice visible results. Now with lips primed and ready to go you can opt for that gorgeous must have perfect red lipstick such as ILIA “Femme Fatale” or Lancome “Sheer” to take you from day to night.

The last piece of makeup for summer fun is Pat McGrath Mascara. The brush is wonderful and the mascara will give your lashes a pop.

Enjoy summer, but remember the sun can damage too, so always apply adequate sun block before you step outside or start your beauty routine.

Autumn Spa Retreat in Lisbon

Welcome the autumn season with a new adventure, and set sail on a charming escape through Lisbon with all arrows pointing to the Corinthia. A luxurious hotel with a kaleidoscope of amenities, guests can take refuge inside this intoxicating retreat layered with unobstructed views of Portugal’s blissful skyline and eclectic gastronomic outposts paying homage to Europe’s new world of haute cuisine in bed with a parade of enchanting aperitifs.

And although this caravan of wanderlust features sweeping city views while taking its bow to one of the most prodigious capitals east of New York, what makes the Corinthia Europe’s top destination for hotel goers worldwide is its elite spa, boasting a flight of one-of-a-kind treatments. Most recently, adjusting their repertoire of signature spa services to include the Luxurious Hammam, the spa at the Corinthia is the ultimate answer to unwinding in grandeur.

Helming traditional healing and purifying benefits, this landmark treatment immerses guests in the power of the ancient Hammam. Exclusively designed by an in-house team of spa therapists, this dreamy experience begins with a gentle scrub and foam bath using a selection of handcrafted soaps – such as the exquisite Claus Porto – infused with fine fragrances and ingredients from Portugal’s flora. A transformative fifty minute spa ceremony, the Luxurious Hammam treatment continues with a relaxing ‘four hands’ massage set upon a hot stone bed performed by two therapists working simultaneously together. A jewelry box ritual, guests will leave with an extra feeling of rejuvenation due to the treatment’s smooth blend of the traditional Hammam experience in synthesis with a thoughtful touch from Portugal.

Taking guests on a world class holistic journey unlike any other, the spa at the Corinthia is a next level elaborate haven allowing for an idyllic way to end an afternoon of sightseeing. A getaway suited for perfection.

Avocados are without a doubt the greatest fruit on the planet and contain more protein and fiber than any other fruit. Fruit you say? Yes, believe it or not the avocado is considered a berry. And, July 31 is National Avocado Day – a day we can all be grateful to David Fairchild, US Department of Agriculture botanist, who introduced the fruit to the USA at the start of the 20th century.

“The avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise.” –Fairchild

To understand why this day should be so celebrated, look at the avocado and its magical properties. First, the avocado is a good fat. Although high in fat, the avocado is mono-unsaturated fat, which is good for your heart – the American Heart Association concurs.

It is almost impossible to walk into any decent café that does not offer smashed avocado on toast. Not only do you get over twenty nutrients from the dish but the silky-smooth texture is delicious. Prepare it at home by adding a little chili, lime juice and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on your avocado– smash it with a fork and smear it on toast. It is that easy and tasty.

In Los Angeles (Sherman Oaks to be precise) “Sweet Butter” café has the most incredible smashed avocado toast seasoned with a secret recipe. Should the opportunity arise, it is worth going out of your way for.

Let’s not forget a favorite dish, guacamole, which originated in Mexico where archaeologists have found evidence that avocados have been growing since 800 BC. Guacamole is best served with tortilla chips (but secretly goes with everything) and almost every American has tried it. In fact, there is empirical evidence that shows the avocado reigns supreme — 53.5 million pounds of avocados— turned into guacamole—are consumed every Super Bowl Sunday.

The avocado also enjoys a starring role in a variety of body treatments; exfoliate with avocado skin, an avocado body wrap with natural yogurt, avocado moisturizing hair treatments and the popular avocado face mask. Apparently, the properties in avocado can treat sunburns, prevent chafing and even reduce wrinkles! If you want to try a mask at home it’s as simple as mixing together raw honey, yogurt and avocado.

All of this only proves one thing – the avocado is not only the greatest fruit, but also the most versatile.

Luxurious & Low Waste Sustainable Beauty Picks

“Keep young and beautiful.
It’s your duty to be beautiful.
Keep young and beautiful.
If you want to be loved.”

~ Annie Lennox

We’ve come to depend on our “bag of tricks,” an astonishingly vast collection of powders and paints all packaged in little plastic cases, in our efforts to maintain and enhance our outer beauty. Often all these products arrive from the store in a plastic sachet, inside a cardboard box, covered by yet another layer of shrink-wrap or cellophane.

Even the most ardent recyclers admit that most of this packaging ends up in landfills when we’ve used our favorite products right down to the last glittery drop. If only there were a way to cut down on the vast volumes of waste! A handful of cosmetic companies have tackled the problem by “going naked” and reducing the amount of packaging surrounding their beauty care products to just about zero. It’s not a new idea: Lush Handmade Cosmetics developed their shampoo bars back in the ’80s and have consistently sold a large percentage of their products without any packaging. Their range of foundations, concealers, and lipsticks is life-changing in their pared-down presentations.

But what if you still want a pretty little something to toss into your handbag?  The ultimate solution should decrease the amount of disposable packaging required while still providing the convenience of a compact cosmetic product. Kjaer Weiss are pioneers among a growing list of companies experimenting with refillable make-up products. Their elegant silver metal cases are designed to last a lifetime. Simply remove the empty make-up cartridge and replace with a minimally-packaged (and significantly cheaper) refill.

Alima Pure is introducing refillable compacts, with magnetic color pans that can easily be replaced with refills. MAC, Nars, and Surrat are among other well-known cosmetics brands offering refills for their compacts. On the higher end, look out for refillable foundation compacts by Clarins and YSL.

In the skincare sector, Olay has become the first worldwide brand to test refillable packaging. As of October 2019, each jar of Regenerist Whip moisturizer will sell with a recyclable refill pod to place inside the container. They’re also ditching the traditional outer cellophane wrapping, and have switched to recycled paper instead of cardboard packaging.

Along with the rest of us, fashionistas and Instagram Influencers are becoming more demanding in our quest for an eco-friendly, low waste lifestyle. The result – more of our favorite brands are changing their packaging design to include recycled materials and re-usable containers. There’s a steady return to glamorous and stylish refillable metal or glass cases (favored in the 1940s) alongside a new wave of fast-growing and biodegradable plant-based materials such as bamboo.

Recently TGI Friday’s made headlines around the globe when the United States-based chain introduced Veggie Burgers that “bleed like meat.”  True carnivores were naturally insulted and flocked to the restaurant to compare the vegan burger (made by now famous Beyond Meat) with its “real meat” (ground beef) counterpart. It was so successful, it’s become the quickest test-to-table menu offering in the brand’s history.

Deceptively delicious, and healthier too! Veggie burgers also beat-out beef for low saturated fat—three grams compared to 10 in a regular lean patty. So, who makes the best one? Here’s a run down of some of the most savory veggie burgers around the globe that deserve a shout out.

Starting with the fast-casual restaurant Fat Burgers—yes, you heard that right. Fat Burgers serves authentic old-style burgers in locations that your grandparents hung out at, and their veggie burgers are second to none. They key is a delicious soy, BOCA patty grilled and built-to-order served on a toasted whole-wheat bun.

Another surprise location for veggie burgers is in Australia and made by Lord Of The Fries. Not only are the burgers succulent and delicious, but the fries are incredible and freshly cut with specialty sauces. Their “Beyond Meat” burger is known as the holy grail in the plant-based industry and it is said to look and taste like a real meat patty. You be the judge.

If you find yourself in San Francisco ROAM serves locally sourced ranch beef or house-made organic burgers. The burgers are tasty and they look like something out of a food magazine. The veggie burgers are organic and gluten-free. There’s no waste here—even food scraps and to-go ware are composted and converted into fertilizer, which is used to grow more food.

The last place worth a mention is Black Burger in New York.  While the trendy location appears to be the antithesis of a vegetarian place they serve a mean veggie burger upon request for 79c more than a regular burger. The one common thread of all the veggie burger joints mentioned here is that they are not strictly vegetarian restaurants. They are groovy dives, restaurants or chains that focus on delicious “feel-good food” and also happen to make delicious vegetarian burgers.

So the moral of the story is drive your Porsche or Hummer SUV and order a Veggie Burger next time. You’ll lower your carbon footprint (cows cause greenhouse gas) and trim your waistline.

If you return from your travels feeling like you really need another holiday … you’re probably doing it wrong! While some aspects of a journey can be a little daunting, the overall encounter has health and wellness benefits that can improve your life long after you get home. Whether you’re travelling for business for leisure, look out for wellness-enhancing activities with long-term effects to ensure you make the most of your experience. In essence – prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through travel.

Navigating your way around an unfamiliar destination can get your blood pumping, but this is “good stress” that ultimately makes you feel better. A healthy appetite and falling asleep easier are just two signs that your body and brain are relaxing and feeling better. Your overall mood will improve, and you’ll feel less anxious once you’ve successfully explored your new environment. Based on a True Story operates out of London and creates personal adventures involving epic narratives. Multiple sets, actors and locations are involved in making you the hero of your own story.

Because new experiences increase cognitive flexibility, travel really will make you a better person. As you meet new people and adapt to your surroundings, you’ll also find your creativity, empathy and emotional stability growing too.

Visiting different environments and dealing with small amounts of locally endemic bacteria can strengthen your immune system. Don’t be afraid to drink the same water that the locals do, and eat at well-frequented public food vendors.

Make an effort to take part in immersive or physical activities whenever possible. A hike doesn’t have to mean rocky mountain pathways – you can easily attain your daily step-count goal wandering around city streets or even exploring a shopping mall – especially if you pick up a few souvenirs along the way. With Black Tomato’s Get Lost program you will be dropped off in the middle of nowhere for a survivor-style trip that requires months of advance preparation.

Research shows that all the benefits of travel – reduced stress, higher fitness levels, enhanced brain health – all contribute to a longer life expectancy. And that means more opportunities to travel, so it’s a self-fulfilling chain reaction that will keep you feeling young.

Wellness travel is the fastest growing segment of tourism, with exclusive destinations seeing the most significant growth. High-end hotels and luxury travel brands are beginning to infuse well-being into every aspect of their offerings, from healthier local food options to high-tech rooms with air purifiers and dawn simulators. The ultimate indulgence goes hand in hand with the transformational value of a travel experience, which ultimately leads to contentment and self-realization. The further you travel from home, the more noticeable the benefits: it might be mostly in your head, but the effects are indeed genuine.

One way to make sure your travels are genuinely beneficial for you is to visit a place specifically for its health benefits. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters of a natural hot spring can relieve pain and improve your skin. Spas and yoga retreats in secluded, unspoiled locations are their own reward. Interacting with nature in the ocean or bushveld will awaken all your senses. Visit the turtle-watching reserve in the Tobago Cays for an exceptionally calming experience as you swim with the turtles.

Grab your passport, call your favorite travel agent, and take yourself on a revitalizing journey to wellness. Go now!