Elemis Fresh Skin- Skin Clear Face Wash & Spot Treatment

Oily skin going wild in the heat? Acne acting up ? A new duo from one of my fav skincare lines, Elemis,  may be the ticket.

Their new Skin Clear Purifying Face Wash and Treatment Gel make a great team to fight oil and acne , which is welcome right now.  I haven't been getting a lot of breakouts but there have been some and well oil, that I have , in wells.

I use clarifying type cleaners pretty much year round but will switch to even stronger ones in warm temps. And while this is called Fresh Skin  for "younger skin with a bright future" , ahem Elemis, there are many of us with less younger skin who like a good  oily skin cleanser. Or at least this blogger does.

The Skin Clear Purfying Face Wash is a clear gel with an herbal citrusy scent that gets skin very clean but isn't overdrying. It has white willow bark, peptides , cucumber, juniper and bergamot.

Skin Clear Treatment Gel has 2% salicylic acid along with cucumber and tea tree. It's a clear gel spot treat that works  well. It isn't super drying  or harsh and on my small spot I tried it on, it took 2 days to see it go.

Elemis Skin Clear Purifying Face Wash is $20

Elemis Skin Clear Treatment Gel is $ 24

Shop at www.timetospa.com

Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect

 If you want firming and  top skincare but not heavy hydration this is where a product like Elemis Pro Intense Lift Effect comes in. This lotion  dries fast on skin and  you can feel a little tightening immediately . It can be used on it's own or under another moisturizer both AM & PM.

It does have some hydrating  ingredients with glycerin and sunflower seed oil in there but mainly it's a firming serum/lotion and there's nothing wrong with that. It has a good feel on skin and in my short time using it seems to  work well and  Elemis in general makes top notch products.

The Pro Intense  formula uses stem cell extracts from Edelweiss ( how many you immediately thought of  Julie Andrews when you read that?  ) and Tiger Grass . Two other star ingredients are Lupin and Papilactyl D which is trademarked.

Elemis is known for not using mineral oils, parabens, silicones, artifical colors and more . 

$ 130 at www.timetospa.com and select Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com

Elemis Discount at Time to Spa

Elemis is a fabulous brand and a firm favorite here at BA HQ.   The British brand is known for luxury skincare and  I've talked about many of their  products before.  In homor of the London Olympics, you can get a rare discount across the board on all Elemis products at Time to Spa .

 My top picks ? The Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt ( you can read my older post here) and the Treat Yout Feet Foot Cream , which is the first foot cream I've used that makes a big difference almost immediately.

 Head over to http://www.timetospa.com/bestofbritish and use code BRITISH 25 at checkout  to get 25 % off  July 26th thru July 31st.

Get Your Diamond Jubilee On

That I am an avid Anglophile is no secret. It's not just the royal family thing, it's everything. I truly love it there and love almost all things British.

Naturally with the Diamond Jubilee  there there is a plethora of the UK themed items. Give  me an item with the Union Jack on it and I'll want it. It's been hard not to go on a buying spree because even if the item is kind of silly( Corgi necklace?) I want it.

In the Jubilee spirit here's a round up of some rather fun items celebrating that Sceptred Isle. Some are silly, some are neat and one is extravagant. No matter, because browsing is awfully good fun too.   They are from UK and US  sites but the UK  ones  ship here.

Judith Leiber bags are always amazing. I've admired them since the '80s. If only I'd bought one them when the price was in the low hundreds  as I recall. So while this Big Ben  bag is not in my budget it is something to admire.

Corgi Necklace- You thought I was kidding didn't you? There are many styles out there, cause Corgis like all dogs, are cute . Anna Lou of London gives us one with a crown ( matching ponytail holder available too ) .  20 £

Elemis - Elemis is a top british skincare brand that makes some amazing products including the aptly named Spa@Home line.  Their Frangipani Monoi Body Oil smells better than it has a right too, instantly taking you to a valley of flowers in Hawaii . There is also Lime and Ginger Body Wash for a zesty pick me up, and the matching  Lime and Ginger Salt Glow which has become a cult favorite.  Try also the Elemis Spa@Home Treat Your Feet Foot Cream with jojoba oil and shea butter for utter foot bliss. It's non greasy but makes feet softer within one use. Prices range from $ 30 - 50.

You can  find Elemis at http://www.timetospa.com/  .

Boden Beachcomber Bag - Hit our shores and fly a different flag with this soft Union Jack  printed tote from Boden . $ 78

Nail Rock- These nail wraps come in many designs but I have wanted these metallic Union Jacks for so long.  Princess Eugenie was seen rocking a similar look at the Epsom Derby yesterday. Available at Topshop and Asos .
Also at select Wal Mart stores.

Visit Britain Mugs- Visit Britain is the tourism arm of the country and they have a cute array of gift items, many with free worldwide shipping. The Queen mug is 8£ , there is a  Bone China Tankard for 19.95£  as well as Olympic merchandise.

Elemis Exotic Island Flower Body Balm

Need to escape to the tropics but can't exactly  do that right now ? Well how about some exotic frangipani monoi to get you smelling like the tropics?

Somehow, despite my love for many things Elemis, especially the other Frangipani Monoi products, Moisture Melt and Bath and Shower Cream, I had no idea there was a matching body balm. Mon Dieu.

 Called Exotic Island Flower Body Balm ,  it has the same delicious scent as the rest of the line. A scent that is  tropical, full of white flowers , a little coconut, a little gardenia and whisks you away like Calgon, only better. It really is hard to beat the fragrance in this.

The balm itself is not too thick even though it's called  balm. It's a thinner formula the dries fast and as I've  said, smells amazing . The scent lingers for a little while but not too long.

Ingredients include  "pure extracts of hydrating Marigold and soothing St. John’s Wort "  with an oat milk base as well as  hand-picked Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Osmanthus .

$46.00 at http://www.timetospa.com/ and http://www.nordstrom.com/

Elemis Exotic Spa Secrets Set

Packaged like a beautiful box of chocolates ,but it's not. It's Elemis  Exotic Spa Secrets gift sets. I 've raved before about the Monoi scented products- the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt  is DIVINE and the matching body wash pretty great too. This set also includes a milk bath which I haven't tried, but given the general awesome-ness of Elemis, I'm going to assume it's good. 

This is one of those easy gifts., Buy  and give. No need to even wrap, and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be  thrilled with it.  I've recommended the  body oil to many people and no one hasn't loved it.  All items in the set are full size.

 The set is $ 95.00 and available at http://www.timetospa.com/, and Nordstrom.

Elemis Spa Treatments at Bliss Spas

Bliss and Elemis have formed an exciting new partnership. You can now get 2 of the much lauded Elemis spa treatments at Bliss Spa locations. Previously the full treatments from Elemis were only available at their London locale. I've spent some time browsing that spa online and have it earmarked as a place to go whenever I get back to London., It looks pretty amazing and the Lime and Ginger Salt Glow is the one I though looked best. Now , London or not, you can have some Elemis and Bliss.

Bliss will also offer a selection of Elemis products at 15 of their locations. ( Get the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Oil it's amazing).

More details :

"In August 2010, Elemis, the global spa and skincare brand and CEW Best British Beauty Brand winner, will join forces with skincare and spa brand Bliss, by offering two of its renowned body and facial treatments at Bliss Spas nationwide.

Bliss lovers can now look forward to experiencing Elemis’ clinically tested facial, the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, which stimulates the natural exfoliation of the top layer of skin to unveil the beautiful and radiant skin that was hiding underneath.

Guests seeking a full body glow can indulge in the Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow at Bliss. This sumptuous treatment invigorates and revitalizes the body with a light body brushing, followed by warm oils dripped luxuriously all over the body and an exfoliating application of Elemis’ sublime Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow scrub. An application of Elemis’ Exotic Island Flower Balm, a scented lotion with fragrances of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Osmanthus and Vanilla, is applied as a finishing touch .

All locations :

Bliss 49, New York
Bliss 57, New York
Bliss Atlanta-Downtown
Bliss Atlanta-Midtown
Bliss Boston
Bliss Chicago
Bliss Dallas
Bliss Ft. Lauderdale
Bliss Hoboken
Bliss Hollywood
Bliss Hong Kong
Bliss LA
Bliss London
Bliss Scottsdale
Bliss SF
Bliss Soho, New York
Bliss South Beach
Bliss Washington DC


More info at http://www.elemis.com/ and http://www.timetospa.com/

Earth Day

It's Earth Day and you will no doubt be inudated with messages and ideas and products to help the earth today. It's no different here. I've chosen a few eco-friendly options that have Earth Day promotions, but are often Earth Day everyday as well. It's important to remember it's the little things sometines and all little things count. Buying a product that is even a little bit more earth friendly is good. Unplugging the cell phone charger. It all adds up. Personally, not only do I try to recycle as much as I can, but I am extra judicious about paper. Even scrap pieces go into the recycling bin . I am also all about saving the seals, polar bears and wolves. I don't do it all, but I try do what I can and that's a start.

Elemis- There is very little Elemis doesn't do right. Their Monoi line is a favorite here. This Earth month the Exotic Lime & Ginger Travel Duo is a featured product. Both products are paraben, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLES) free. Elemis does not test on animals and 100% of net proceeds ($10) from every purchase made in April 2010 goes to CARE'S Climate Change Innovation Fund to support their on-the-ground programming, research, innovation and advocacy around climate change.
$20 Elemis Travel Duo

Pure and Natural- A line I've passed in the Target aisle more than once and finally sniffed and tried . I love a good grapefruit scent and their Renewing Pomegranate and Grapefruit smells spot on. Tart and citrus. It comes in both a shower gel and hand soap. The line uses ingredients derived from nature( 94% natural origin), is biodegradable, paraben free , and not tested on animals . The new, nicer packaging is recyclable and they are making an annual donation of $ 100,000.00 to one of my very favorite charities The World Wildlife Fund .

The shower gel is $ 6.29 and hand soap $ 4.49. ( 3 other scent combos available).

Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin- We all love Juicy Tubes, right? Now there are new versions to try . I have Rose Pretty and it's very subtle flush of light rose tint. It also happens to be the 10th birthday of Juicy Tubes , and to celebrate Lancome brings us Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin. A limited-edition collection with honey as its main ingredient. The formula, flavors and pigments are 100% natural origin and preservative-free.

Lancome is also partnering with Lancôme spokesmodel and environmentalist Elettra Wiedemann’s charity, http://www.justonefrickinday.com/. By logging on its website, you can calculate and donate just one day of your daily pay, or any amount you choose , to make a difference. The charity’s latest project will raise funds to help install Solar Electric Panels that will provide sustainable power to a hospital in one of world’s poorest countries, Burundi.

Lancôme will also make a donation to http://justonefrickinday.com/ to kick off this special Earth Day offering.

Kiehl's Acai Damage- Protecting Mist - Kiehl's has partnered with Jeff Koons, Pharrell Williams, Malia Jones and Julianne Moore and has had each of them create a Limited Edition label for Kiehl’s Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist – itself part of a skincare collection that is not only Eco Cert certified organic, but is also the first skincare range ever to ever receive gold standard Cradle to Cradle certification – meaning that it is made with the least amount of waste from start to finish.

Photographer David LaChapelle took photos of each celeb. incl this one of a fabulous looking Julianne Moore ( but then she always looks fab doesn't she ?).

100% of net proceeds (amounting to $200,000) will be raised worldwide to benefit Rainforest Alliance with this collection. $ 26.00. http://www.kiehls.com/

Thymes: Enjoy for one day only( April 22) a free Clean Slate Experience Kit with any $100 purchase. Also take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more until Wednesday, May 5th, 2010.

The Clean Slate Experience Kit is valued at $61 and combines Thymes’ best selling Face Polish with customer favorite Body Scrub. This duo includes everything you need to scrub away yesterday and renew your skin’s resources.

Made with essential oils, natural ingredients, Thymes is botanically based Bath & Body products that are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Online orders only: http://www.thymes.com/

Elemis Rose & Lavender Recovery Set

One of my favorite brands, Elemis, has launched a new, limited-edition skincare set for the month of January only to detoxify and moisturize tired and dry skin .

Called Elemis Rose & Lavender Recovery Regime , the set comes in a metallic purple make-up bag.

The regime features a collection of day and night skin boosters to restore and revive the complexion for pure skin bliss. This anti-aging regime is all stressed skin needs for a complete recovery.

Set includes:

· Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules (60 capsules, full size)

· Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator (50ml, full size)

· Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (15ml, convenient travel size)

· Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream (15ml, convenient travel size)

· Beautiful, metallic Purple Make-up Bag.

Price: $100 (a $230 value), available at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and http://www.timetospa.com/

Timetospa & CARE Partner for Clean Water

Water is a basic need and so many don't have it., which it frightening, really. Did you know over 10 million people around the world essentially live without it ?

So during the months of November and December timetospa will donate $1 for every order placed online (http://www.timetospa.com/) or by phone (1-888-880-5814) to CARE’s Water Resource Program.

$1 may not be a huge donation, but in these times every dollar does count and it's better than no donation. Timetospa is the home web portal to buy Elemis products. There are so many great products from Elemis, so I have highlighted just one here- the Body Secrets Collection featuring some of the most wonderful smelling Monoi body items. This is one gift set she (or you) is bound to love.

Elemis Spa Body Secrets Collection -
An indulgent collection of luxurious spa at home bodycare to help you relax, de-stress and unwind. The perfect gift for that stressed out and busy women in your life. The Spa Body Collection makes gift giving easy, with the box decorated with a bow you can just buy and gift – no need to wrap.
• Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt, 100ml
• Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath & Shower Cream, 200ml (new)
• Skin Nourishing Milk Bath, 400ml
• Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow, 150g
• Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream, 20ml

Price: $95 ($76 in savings), available at Bergdorf Goodman, select Nordstrom and on http://www.timetospa.com/

Elemis Essential Beauty Secrets Kit for BCA Month

Elemis makse some great skincare. It doesn't come inexpensively , so when a set comes along at a good value , it's worth looking at. The Essential Beauty Secrets kit is the companies BCA month contribution. Elemis will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this new ‘Essential Beauty Secrets’ kit to Breast Cancer Care, an organization that provides information and support, and campaigns for improved standards of care.

Presented in a fuchsia pink cosmetic bag, the collection contains four award-winning Elemis products, including the Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust ‘boob tube’ as well as Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (1 oz.), Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream (1 oz.), Papaya Enzyme Peel (0.5 oz.).

I have used the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and it's very nice.

This kit also contains a 5 Step Breast Check guide to make sure you regularly monitor yourself for any abnormal changes.

Price: $95 ($222.00 value, savings of $127.00), available now at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and http://www.timetospa.com/