Pretty Healthy: Organic Makeup

Did you know that only 11 percent of the 10,500 chemicals used in mainstream cosmetics have been screened for safety? Think of how close the particles of your makeup get to your skin, eyes, nose, and mouth--it's impossible for makeup to not be ingested, inhaled, or imbedded in your bloodstream on occasion. For a list of organic makeup lines, check out this blog. Organic cosmetics are made from mineral pigments and organic plant extracts. Many of these products offer natural sun filters and long-lasting color and unlike conventional makeup, none of these products contain synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, or petro-chemicals.

Get Ready for New Jersey Spa Week!

Every fall and spring, New Jersey residents can score amazing deals on professional spa treatments throughout the state, thanks to New Jersey Spa Week! Coming Oct. 12-18, spas in New Jersey (and New York) are offering luxury spa services, some normally costing up to $200, for just $50. At @Ease Spa, our $50 Spa Week specials will include:

50-minute Shiatsu Thai Massage

50-minute Algae Wrap or 50-minute Dead Sea Mud Rub

50-minute Massage or 50-minute Facial

You can book your appointment now--spa week fills up fast, so be sure to give us a call and get ready to treat yourself!

Announcing Our Autumn Pomegranate Special

Indulge in the exotic aromas and healing properties of Mediterranean pomegranates with this enriching 2-1/2 hour package. The pomegranate's deep red color and abundant fruit seeds have been symbols of love and fertility for thousands of years, and its arrival represents the fall season.

Our package includes:

• 1 hour Pomegranate Oil Massage
• 1 hour Facial
• 1/2 hour Pomegranate Body Scrub

Enjoy and hour-long massage using pomegranate seed oil, which contains high levels of antioxidants that fight free radicals and skin aging. Because of these properties, pomegranate seed oil is used to rejuvenate and moisturize dry, cracked, mature, and irritated skin, bringing elasticity back to the skin. For our signature one-hour facial, treat your face to deep cleansing, exfoliation, and nourishment. Completing the experience is our polishing pomegranate body scrub, which blends natural extracts and pomegranate seeds and is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. You will be left feeling smooth, hydrated, and delicately scented with a sweet berry fragrance.

Available now through Oct. 31, 2009, for just $150!

Natural Remedies for Stress

Modern life is stressful enough, but when a curveball comes our way and throws our lives off balance, stress can be detrimental our health. One way we can regain control of our health during a stressful phase is to eat foods and supplements that will help our bodies deal with the overload. Here are some suggestions:

• Vitamin C helps reduce the physical and psychological effects of stress. You may surprised to know that one of the best natural sources of Vitamin C is potatoes (with the skin). Other sources include citrus fruit such as oranges, strawberries, canteloupe, and raw green cabbage.
• Calcium helps regulate the heart rate, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. When the body is working too hard to fight stress, it will lose more calcium than usual. Sources of calcium include dairy products, broccoli, tofu, and raw almonds.
• Magnesium is very calming and is good for anyone who is hot-tempered or dealing with anxiety. Some of the best sources of magnesium include green vegetables such as spinach, nuts, and seeds.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are also good for reducing stress and maintaining a healthy heart. Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, flaxseed oil, herring, mackeral, and walnuts.

Introducing the SaniManiPedi

Although we don't do manicures or pedicures at @Ease Spa, we recognize that getting your nails done is part of a normal beauty routine. It is important to choose a clean, safe, reputable nail salon as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can be an unfortunate side effect from salon tools that are not sanitized. If you are not sure whether your salon is clean enough, there is a new product on the market to help protect you, the SaniManiPedi liquid solution. All-natural, biodegradable, and never tested on animals, this botanical formula sanitizes water without using harsh chemicals. You simply tear open a single-use package into your foot bath, and sit back and relax knowing you are not prone to infection. SaniManiPedi also sells a nail tool kit so that you can bring your own tools to the salon, which is the only way to ensure that they are clean and sanitized. You may also want to read SaniManiPedi's safety tips for visiting a nail salon. If you are in need of something for the girl who has everything, SaniManiPedi would make a great gift for a woman of any age.

Epsom Salts for Beauty

You may think of epsom salts as an old-timey remedy. You can add some magnesium sulfate to a hot bath to soothe aches and pains, but epsom salts have beauty benefits, too. Here are some to try:

• Oily, flat hair? Dissolve 1/2 cup of salt into 3 cups of lukewarm water and use the solution as a pre-shampoo rinse.


• Exfoliate rough skin by rubbing a few handfuls of salt into your pre-moistened skin.


• Give your face a deep cleanse by adding 1/2-teaspoon of epsom salt with your normal face cleansing cream.

Avocado Face Mask for Dry Skin

Even in the peak of summer, dry skin is a problem for many of us. If you have dry skin on your face, you may be washing your face too often or with harsh products. You should also be careful not to wash your face with hot water, as it is too drying, and you should use a soap specially formulated for dry skin. For a quick relief of dry skin on the face and neck, mash a ripe avocado and apply to your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse. Avocadoes are rich in emollients and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.