With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to start nailing down gift ideas and placing orders for those found online. If mom, sis, or another special person in your life could use some luxury pampering (men, are you listening?), not to mention an anti-aging boost for the new year, think about skipping the spa certificate this time around – instead, present her with a “new generation anti-aging skin care treatment” — Doctor D. Schwab Alphasomes ™ Rejuvenate and Correct. I think she’ll love you for it!

Alphasomes is a next-generation intensive cream that smoothes, firms, and tones (sounds familiar, I know – but keep reading, it gets better). What really sets it apart from anything else I’ve ever seen is that it begins taking action virtually immediately. Within days, most users notice marked improvement in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Personally, I just started using it in hopes of diminishing the crow’s feet I was blessed with at a very young age (too young!). It’s not a stretch to say that every day since using Alphasomes, they become increasingly less visible. Hey, I’ll take that! 

So how does Alphasomes work? The Doctor D. Schwab brand put together a formula of pure organic oils and other natural ingredients, then spiked it with peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and several unique components (among them, the powerful Euk 134 complex). The combination of these ingredients actually has a relaxing effect on the neuron cellular junction – recognize that language? Yes, Alphasomes has been regarded as a topical Botox ® alternative! One company testimonial states, “It has given me the results of at least two Botox sessions.” As you probably know, that’s no meager claim!

You can order a gift of Doctor D. Schwab Alphasomes online, or at one of the dozens of high-end spas and physician offices that carry it nationwide. In Rancho Cucamonga, CA (hometown of Beauty Chat), Professional Skin Care’s Marlena Colella has used the product for herself, as well as her clients. She tells me, “I saw the results on myself within two weeks. In the first two or three days, I especially saw it on the fine lines around my eyes. My sister was really happy with it as well.” My guess is, yours will be too! Check out the luxury packaging; almost as pretty as jewelry under the tree, right?

P.S. Be sure to check back for a new gift giveaway (stocking stuffer idea?) that you will totally love!

~ Brook

Photo Credit: A Beauty Chat/ PlasticSurgery.com exclusive shot! Product courtesy of Jaime Alyn Public Relations.

…Stephanie Gruelle of Steph’s Beauty Buzz! You may remember the recent interview I had with one of our fave cosmetic experts regarding fashion, makeup products, and a few new rules on what to keep in a mini-clutch!

As for the amazing gift exclusive that Denice (our foot rejuvenation connoisseur) arranged, the Beauty Chat crew chose Steph’s answer due to the great insight and tips she provided. (By the way, check out Steph’s collection of cosmetics…WOW.)

In response to this question:

“How do you keep your feet stylin’ and comfy at the same time?

Steph said:

“I admit, so many of the shoes I love are less than kind to feet. But rather than give up fashionable shoes, I’ve learned to pamper my feet in gratitude for the abuse I put them through. Regular pedicures are a must, and I always make sure to include a callus treatment to repair any damage I may have done. The pedicures are also a must for keeping those pesky ingrown toenails at bay. I also make sure to use an extra rich lotion on my footsies nightly.

Right now I’m loving “Breathe At Night – Intense Hydration Body Cream,” available at Bath and Body Works. Last but not least, I always use Band-Aid’s Blister Block to keep my feet from blistering, especially when wearing a great pointy toe shoe. I think in the end its a fair trade off: my feet look great, and with a little extra work they can still feel great too.”

Our Top 3 runner-ups were:

Terri D.: “I get by with a little help from my friends. Good shoes, good scrubbers and good doctors, my friends don’t let me down. Now with Yogatoes, I’ll need less friends around!”

Beth: “Since I am on my feet all day, I have to wear comfortable shoes. In the classroom, I wear my chic comfy Avon slippers with sequins. I save my ‘big girl’ shoes for when I have to leave the room and look professional. I’m a big fan of Clark mules. I have both black and brown suede.”

Gabi: “This is a perfect question for me as my first contest entry. I am a dancer and didn’t really start dancing until I was older. I never had the usual ballet as a girl. I am going to start ballet soon. I dance NIA, Modern, belly and African. Keeping my feet beautiful has sort of become an obsession for me. I’m a bit prone to obsessions anyway. I absolutely have to have my toes perfect. I have a pedi once a week and sometimes still touch them up.

Your question also touches on another obsession of mine and that is my shoe collection. I have over 50 pair of shoes and probably only 3 pair of flats. Since my toes are such an obsession I wear open toes whenever possible.This time of year that is more difficult however so this is my boot season. 15 pair of those in addition to my shoes. I also take yoga once a week by the way.”

Thanks you for entering Denice’s fabulous gift giveaway (she worked hard to bring you such refreshing products!) We gotta say that it was such a pleasure reading the responses to this question, and although the contest has ended, please feel free to respond with your own thoughts!

~ Elana

Product Images: www.spongeables.com and a PlasticSurgery.com photo of Denice wearing YogaToes from our very own Kevin!

Ever heard of Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer and YogaToes? 

If you have, you know how fabulous they both are! If you haven’t, then now is the perfect time to enter a contest to win this duo gift package… for FREE!!

All you have to do is answer this question:

“How do you keep your feet stylin’ and comfy at the same time?”

THAT’S IT!!!!! We (the Beauty Chat team) will pick our favorite answer. Contest runs through November 30th, and you must enter through our homepage. (Just look to the right for the picture of the black Carlos Santana heels!)

Good luck friends! 

~ Denice

As I was looking through my latest edition of US Weekly, I noticed an advertisement for “YogaToes ®”  At first glance these appear WEIRD!! They are oddly-shaped jelly toe separators that are meant to give your feet (and toes) a workout!  Well, my curiosity got the best of me and I had to try them.

According to YogaPros.com, YogaToes ® Toes Stretchers work while you relax. They stretch, strengthen, and align foot muscles. This increases circulation, can straighten bent toes, and even realign the bones. YogaToes seem  truly revolutionary. They relieve foot pain while improving strength, flexibility and appearance. Plus, they are said to tackle problems at their source, keeping your feet healthy, naturally.

So I ordered my YogaToes and waited for them to arrive.  I made sure that I had been wearing my peep toe heels and pointed toe shoes leading up to the arrival of my YogaToes. I was preparing my feet for their much needed workout!  Not that it was hard to prepare my feet; I am always looking for “the next best thing” to pamper my feet with.

I received the YogaToes on a Tuesday and was ecstatic to try them when I got home. I read the directions and put them on.  OUCH! It hurt at first, but as soon as they were on, and I relaxed on the couch, they felt much better.  I left them on for about 10 minutes; they began to become a bit uncomfortable.  The directions stated that it may take time to work up to having them on…I would say so!

I tried them for the next few days and they became more comfortable with each wear. I do not have MAJOR foot problems, so I did not notice any real problem fixes just that my feet were, I guess you could say…happier!

One thing that the packaging stated was to try the YogaToes hot or cold. I have yet to do that, but Beauty Chat’s Leeann did, and she preferred hers warm and toasty.

Needless to say, YogaToes will make a great holiday gift for the winter season! Amidst your shopping, however, I’d suggest ordering your own fabulous pair.

~ Denice

Photo Credit: My feet! (photographed by one of PlasticSurgery.com’s awesome designers – Kevin.)

My feet can be a nightmare if I don’t get regular pedicures, and I have missed my last two!  They need some attention!!! So I decided to try the Spongeable 15+ Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer. I have to say that when I opened the package and the funny-looking star sponge stared back at me, I had to think: Will this really work? 

It fit in the palm of my hand, and smelled delightful! Infused with Citron Eucalyptus Aromatherapy (packed with olive oil for skin hydration, glycerin for gentle cleansing, shea butter for moisture and Vitamins A & E for healing antioxidants; to prevent premature aging and skin damage). It was a little slimy to the touch at first, but as soon as it got wet, it lathered up very nicely.

So here’s how I used it on my feet: I sat on the shower step and began to scrub my feet with the sponge.  It kind of tickled at first, but then it was nothing but pure pedi pleasure!  I buffed my foot with the scrubbing side and then rinsed.  Then I massaged my foot with the smooth gel-infused side.  It tingled and felt wonderful.  My only question while enjoying this fabulous product is: How do I store it?  For now, it is in my travel soap container.

After I was all done paying attention to my neglected feet, I gave them the ultimate test…The husband.  I had him rub my feet, which can be a chore if they look ragged. But after I took matters into my own hands and used the Spongeable 15+ Pedi Scrub Foot Buffer, he greatly obliged!  He was just as happy I was. 

The Spongelle Bodywash Infused Buffer (also shaped like a star), another heavenly cleansing product manufactured by Spongeables, also comes highly recommended. Elana, our Beauty Chat editor, swears by the Lilly of the Valley Green Tea Infusion scent. It is said to: exfoliate, purify, rejuvenate, and hydrate. She says it can also be used on the feet (nice!), which she does as part of her daily shower ritual. 

Got a favorite skincare product that dares to compare to the Spongeable 15+ Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer or the Spongelle Bodywash Infused Buffer? Tell us all about it!

~ Denice

Product Images: www.spongeables.com and www.spongelle.com

I received my first facial at Facelogic Spa in Upland a few months ago. As most of you now know — I love getting pampered. So for 50 minutes each month, and only 49 bucks out of my pocket, I get peeled, massaged, squeezed (meaning my blackheads go buh-bye!), and the most relaxing buzz from my therapist, Sarah.

Needless to say, when franchise owner Candice Richmond told me that Facelogic is giving free facials and makeup lessons for local breast cancer patients and survivors on October 8th at the Upland location, I knew that Beauty Chat loyalists deserved to know about this!

Facelogic spas will also donate $5 per membership sold during this month to the Facelogic Healing Heart Foundation. And get this – Facelogic’s corporate office will match each of the donations. I love it.

Plus, Facelogic spa therapists will apply pink facial masks on customers purchasing the service, in which proceeds will go toward the Healing Heart Foundation. Additionally, pink wax treatments and pink products will be available for the month of October, supporting Facelogic’s Think Pink initiative.

The drive behind the Healing Heart Foundation: It was largely inspired by Facelogic founder and CEO Sherryl Ford – who faced one of the biggest battles of her life. She defeated breast cancer, after being diagnosed in mind-2005 – only six months into realizing the force of her entrepreneurial goals. Yet that same year, the “affordable luxury spa” was born, and Ford is able to see her dreams through.

The money raised from the Facelogic Healing Heart Foundation will go toward a nationwide collaboration between the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association Foundation (CTFA), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA). This uniting force is called: Look Good…Feel Better ®.

Spread the word!

~ Elana

Photo Credit and Product Purchase: www.pinkribbonshop.com

I’m all about soy protein, whether I prefer it in my veggie patty or as an added supplement in my power drink after a good workout. But I was completely unaware of how nicely it would affect my skin when used in the form of an anti wrinkle eye cream. When I commit to regularly applying the Avia Eternal Eye Complex to the darkened (sleepless) area under my eyes at night, my overall complexion in the morning appears to refreshed and smooth.

Why does Avia Eternal Eye Complex make me look recharged? This is largely due to the soy ingredient, which boosts the moisture in my skin, improving collagen levels, and leaving a fresh glow. This “light weight soufflé emollient” also contains an apple fruit extract to help protect my skin from free radical damage while it firms and moisturizes. According to Santa Barbara’s Avia Spa owner Suzanne Gore, “If the eyes are the windows to the soul, why not look as young as you feel.” I hear ya!

The Avia Eternal Eye Complex can also be applied to the throat, décolletage, and around the mouth – perfect for all skin types. These days, I am becoming more aware of how important it is to prevent lines and wrinkles at a younger age with anti aging cream before the unwanted lines and creases arrive.

Although it is intended for use morning and night, I prefer to dab it under my eyes just in the evening before bed. I like the idea of going to sleep with only my eye cream on, versus having to wake up and deal with applying makeup on top of it.

It fits nicely into my cleaning regimen too, following my Clean & Clear foaming facial cleanser to take off my makeup and get rid of the dirt, and my lovely Facelogic microdermabrasion exfoliant to smooth away impurities and blackheads.

The 1 oz bottle runs for $40, and is just one of the 23 products in the Avia Skin Care line. I would recommend the Avia Eternal Eye Complex, especially to my mother who has always spent her early morning laying back with cucumbers on her eyes, I would also advise making good use out of the product and your money by using it on a consistent basis!

~ Elana

Photo and Product Credit: Dennery Marks PR

I am the project manager of a successful plastic surgery Internet marketing company. Needless to say, I am surrounded by a chaotic and fast-paced environment nearly every day. So when given a birthday gift certificate to Simply Spoiled Spa in Rancho Cucamonga of Southern California, I couldn’t help but feel ecstatic about such a wonderful idea. The best part of all is that the day spa is literally a few doors down from our bustling office.

                     (The enchanting “cloud” chairs in the waiting room!) 

The world stopped when I first walked in Simply Spoiled Spa, about 15 minutes early from my appointment. With only a few people here and there, I could tell that they don’t overbook, allowing the guest to feel individualized attention. I definitely did! The lights were dim, and the aroma was wonderful. The smell of massage oil and lotion was in the air.  I loved it!  I was greeted by the receptionist who asked if I would like a bottle of water and asked me to take a seat.  I sat on this huge comfy leather couch – it was like a cloud (aahh, so relaxing).

I chose foot reflexology because I have had traditional massages before. Considering my favorite body part is my feet, I thought what better than a treatment that focuses on the feet only! 

After my therapist greeted me in the waiting room, we entered the spa treatment room. It was small, comfortable, and tranquil.  There was a faint music playing, and the entire place had dim lights. There was a massage table in the center and it was surrounded by small table top fountains, candles, and a CD player that was playing nature sounds. Yes, it was very relaxing. 

                   (The spa treatment room – a place to de-stress and relax)

I was asked to sit on the table and put my feet in the warm, bubbling water for a 10-minute soak (with a massager at the bottom).

After the Simply Spoiled Spa therapist left me to soak my feet for 10 minutes, she carefully removed them, one by one, dried them and asked if I now wanted to lie down (I had been in a seated position).  Of course I want to lie down!  I may even fall asleep, I told her. Then it was pure heaven!  She started by rubbing my right foot very delicately, and began pushing on certain pressure points on the bottom of my foot.  She explained that the pressure points are linked to specific areas and organs of the body.  She spent about 15 minutes on each foot. The massage therapist asked me a few times if the pressure was too much, to which I replied, “No, it’s perfect.” 

After she was done, and had massaged in the last bit of lotion, she wiped down each foot with a hot towel. I assume this was so I would not slip when I put my sandals back on.  When she was all done, she explained to me her “findings.” I was surprised on how much she could tell from my feet!  I will not go into it, as it was a little more personal than I care to mention, but she was right on! I had not filled out any paperwork or explained to her any issues I was having. She knew this all from using reflexology on my FEET! 

When I walked out of the Simply Spoiled Spa treatment room, I was offered another bottle of water and was told that I needed to drink LOTS of fluid the rest of the day to help flush the newly-released toxins out of my system.

I would have to say that this experience was fabulous.  The spa is very convenient, as it is in the building right next door to my office, and well priced (only $45 for 30 minutes). I will definitely be recommending them to friends, family and coworkers. I, too, will be returning! From the moment I booked my appointment over the phone to laying on the massage table with a friendly therapist, my experience at Simply Spoiled Spa was exactly what I needed to regroup.

I even received 2 coupons worth $15 to give to friends or coworkers! (You’re welcome, Elana)

~ Denice

Photo Credits above: http://spoiledspa.com/

As much as I love my back-of-body massages at Corona, California’s Glen Ivy Hot Springs, I couldn’t see myself ever really spending more than $50 for a facial – be that an unrealistic or downright foolish thought. Furthermore, I had always figured that my skin was pretty healthy and clear from noticeable blemishes, so the idea of a facial always sounded like an extra luxury, rather than a necessity.  

Thankfully, my new skincare advisor and esthetician at Facelogic Spa  totally proved me wrong. With several locations throughout the country, Facelogic’s new location at the Colonies Crossroads center in Upland, California sparked my interest the minute I heard that there was a 2-for-1 special: two facials for only $39!

Inviting my mom to join me for a great deal and a lovely Saturday morning, I ended up saving even more than I ever anticipated. Because my mother insisted that she pay for our facials, my fabulous 50-minute skincare treatment was free!                

There were so many benefits to getting a facial with Sarah at Facelogic. Just these very details prompted me to join a year membership for only $49 a month, allowing me one free facial a month and a point-savings system that is quite a bargain:

• The calming scent of aromatherapy that fills the entire spa
• The smiling, down-to-earth skincare professionals
• The private, changing rooms
• Being told that the skin across my cheekbones looked dehydrated and I had a lot of blackheads surrounding my nose – which she actually removed!
• Sarah’s customized, step-by-step skincare education during treatment
• Her massage techniques used for my face, neck, and arms
• The soft music and dim lights in a private area
• The enzyme peel and facial mask perfectly suited for my combination skin (normal/dry/oily)

Although the 2-for-1 special has come to a close, Facelogic’s introductory spa facial is still a comfortable, and affordable, $39…and one of the most undeniably, refreshing experiences.

Say Elana from Beauty Chat sent ya!   

 (Pssssst…special promotion coupons are available on their Web site.)

~ Elana

 Image credits: www.facelogicupland.com

In planning my vacation day – taking a slight break from my love of writing editing – I knew exactly where I needed to be. Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, California was my ultimate destination (and only about 20 minutes away from Rancho Cucamonga)!

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is an amazing getaway — “Nature’s Day Spa” — with lots to do. Facials, massages, pools galore, body and skincare treatments, healthy eateries, mineral baths, and lounging nooks. Glen Ivy is an outdoor spa to swear by if you love nature, love getting pampered, and need some R&R.

But for a day of comfort and peace, I was still kinda on a tight schedule:

- 10:30 a.m.: Check-in
- 11-ish a.m.: My sis, mom, and I marked our territory just steps above the Lap Pool and next to the outdoor jacuzzi (the Saline Pool)
- 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.: Enjoyed the coolness of the Lap Pool after reading in the Saline Pool with my book, “Lipstick Jungle” by Candace Bushnell.

- 12:30 – 12:50 p.m.: Soaked up the sun while catching up on Hollywood gossip from In Touch Weekly.
- 12:50 p.m.: Walked up hill to the Massage 4 hut, checking in early for my 1:30 swedish massage, and filling out the necessary paperwork regarding my health and experience with massages.
- 1:25 – 1:30 p.m.: Met my massage therapist, and got comfy on the massage table (serene music in background and dim lighting), awaiting magical hands!
- 1:30 – 1:50 p.m.: Received a knuckle-driven, swedish massage that encompassed oils, long strokes and hot, damp towels on my back and feet. A back of body massage for 20 minutes ($55), the massage completely took out all of my knots and cramps in my back, which was a tortuous and enjoyable experience all in one. The massage therapist had a glass of cold water for me afterwards, which sort of cooled and stabilized my body.

- 2:30-ish p.m.: Tried out Café Sole (yummy!) with sis and mom, planning out our next move…the Grotto!
- 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.: Back in the jacuzzi with my book one last time before spending 10 minutes in the mineral bath.
- 4:00 – 5 p.m.: We head to the Grotto right near the Bath House (locker room), paying 25 bucks each. Standing in our bathing suits, we received an application of green moisturizer (aloe vera and sea kelp), spent about 15 minutes in the hot, Hydrating Chamber before showering off the masque. We then cooled off in the mist chamber, sipping hot peppermint/ green tea and eyeing the delicious, green apples.
- 5-ish p.m.: Headed back to the Bath House to change, and back to reality…

Although I avoided red-clay mud experience, Club Mud, this time around, and the day seemed to quickly pass us by, my Monday Glen Ivy spa day was well worth the $35 entrance fee! (Prices may vary.)

~ Elana

Image/Map credit: Provided during check-in at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Photo credit: PlasticSurgery.com