time to detox

Just as the weather starts to change (finally!) and we enter the frenzied schedule of pre-holiday planning, I usually feel the need to refresh, recharge and, well, detox. EmerginC's Scientific Organics line is the perfect antidote. Thanks to an ingredient called Kombucha, a fermented tea known for its medicinal uses, the products are designed to hydrate, balance, minimize fine lines, protect from the sun, balance irregular skin tones, soothe skin ailments and provide antioxidants. The Kombucha Cleanser ($34) feels clean and moisturizing on my skin. The Phytocell Cream ($85) is super-hydrating and leaves my skin with a subtle glow. But the Phytocell Detox Mask ($50) is my favorite. The clay-based formula removes impurities, nourishes, tones and improves the texture of the skin. And it feels great. Lightweight and quick-drying, the mask is easy to apply (just smooth on with fingertips) and simple to remove (let dry for 10-15 minutes and rinse). My face felt smooth and radiant after two uses (one to three times a week is recommended). Learn more about Scientific Organics products at www.emerginc.com.

expert advice: Skyy Hadley, As "U" Wish Nail Spa

Last week was my birthday and I actually made some time for myself to get a massage, workout and go out with friends--things I don't get to do too often with two small kids. But as a birthday gift to myself, I promised to make more time for ME! I plan to start by following these simple pampering tips from Skyy Hadley, the owner of As “U” Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Meals for the Heels Mask: Take one cup of regular oatmeal and 1/2 cup of regular milk and heat up over the stove, stir until cooked. Add sugar to thicken the mixture, and then let it cool off a bit. When the mix is thickened, apply to your feet. Leave the mask on for about 5 - 10 minutes. The oatmeal soothes dry, itchy or irritated skin, while the milk acts as an exfoliant to help get rid of dry and dead skin cells. Finish off with pure shea butter as a moisturizer and you’re all set.

Light Cucumber Shell Mask: Just combine 2 cucumbers, 2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice, to exfoliate, and 2 tablespoons of deeply moisturizing Olive Oil in a blender until pureed. Heat up the mixture and split it between two Ziploc bags. Place each foot in a bag and rub the mixture all over feet. Leave on for 5-10 minutes then rinse with warm water. You’ll have super soft feet that are just dying to be rubbed.

pure genius

I gave up my highlights years ago in favor of a more natural hue--my own! It wasn't until this past year that I started using single process color. So I was eager to try Pureology's new SuperSmoothcollection from Pureology Serious Colour Care, the first 100% Vegan formula andZeroSulfate^® shampoos for colour-treated hair. The products' heat protective ThermalAntiFadeComplex create a protective barrier against heat styling damage and maximize color retention. The packaging won me over immediately: the SuperSmooth Shampoo and SuperSmoothHairCondition come in lightweight bottles with long, bumpy necks so you don't have to worry about slippage. (The SuperSmooth SmoothingElixir comes in a mini-version). And the SuperSmoothRelaxingHairMasque, designed to nourish and smooth, comes in a round tub and is packaged with a mini wide-tooth comb so you can evenly distribute the product throughout your hair (it's a little small but so cute and does the trick!). They're all scented with a hint of geranium, which smells so pretty! My favorite product was probably the hair mask--it was rich and luxurious and you only have to leave it on for two to five minutes, as opposed to 10 or 15 as with other masks. After styling, I realized I forgot to use the SmoothingElixir oin my damp hair--and there were some visible frizzies!--but I smoothed some onto my my just-blow-dried locks and my hair looked smooth and neat. Get more info or find out where to buy at www.pureology.com. Or, if you're on the East or West Coast, stop by one of the company's two flagship salons: Rare by Ruth Roche/Pureology Salon in New York, NY, and Byu-ti Hair Therapy salon in Santa Monica, CA.