Pro Tips

Check out some great tips to get the most out of your skin care products from our formulator and professional esthetician, Mary Dellene.

Activated Masks

Activated masks are products that come in dry form with concentrated ingredients that are activated when a liquid is added. The beauty of this type of product is that the product is self-preserved in a dry form and doesn't need preservatives, binders or other fillers to keep it shelf-stable. When the mask powder is mixed with a liquid, such as water, the herbal components are released. By mixing the mask up fresh for each use the key ingredients are at their most potent and most beneficial.

TO USE:

To activate the botanical concentrates mix 1 teaspoon mask powder with 1 tsp warm water. Apply to clean skin and allow to remain 5-10 minutes. Remove with water. Avoid allowing the mask to dry.

PRO TIPS

To boost the botanical power of your treatments, mix your mask powder with an herbal tea, using herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and rose petals.
To keep the mask from drying out on the skin, mist with water, mineral water, floral water or a Phyto-Nutrient Toner.
Always mix your mask just before use. Avoid storing leftover mask once it has been activated with water.
To preserve the integrity of the botanical concentrates in the mask treatment, store the jar in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Always use a clean, dry spoon to remove the powder for use. Never add water or liquid to the jar.

Serums

Serums can be considered the powerhouse of your skin care routine. There are many types and categories of serums, but ideally they should have higher concentrations of active ingredients that have a focused purpose. Estheticians rely on serums to take the facial treatment results to the next level. In the same way, they are an important component of the home care routine, especially for corrective skin care. When the goal is to correct imbalances such as acne, rosacea, dehydration and even the signs of the loss of elasticity, serums can be extremely helpful.

TO USE

Apply 3-4 drops of serum to cleansed skin. May be followed by a moisturizer if desired.

PRO TIP

For additional hydration, boost your serum by misting the face with mineral water, floral water or a Phyto-Nutrient Toner and then apply the serum.
Oil serums are wonderful night treatments. They can be sued alone or with a night cream. Because of the lipids in the oil base they don't always layer well with sunblock and make-up. If you wish to use your oil serum during the day apply the serum and allow several minutes for it to absorb and settle into the skin. Then apply a lightweight moisture cream and follow with your other day products.

Phyto-Nutrient Toners

Toners serve several purposes in a skin care regimen. The cleansing phase is ideally a two part step. Part A is the use of the cleanser, and Part B is to follow up with the toner.

The toner helps complete the cleanse phase by removing any traces of cleanser, or anything the cleanser may have missed. It should also help balance to PH level after cleansing.

Ideally a good toner will have additional benefits as well as corrective properties on its own merit. Knowing your skin type and your skin care goals will guide you to the right toner.

TO USE

Apply to a cotton pad and wipe the skin thoroughly after cleansing.

PRO TIP

Phyto-Nutrient Toners make a great aftershave.
Sometimes a toner can be used as a substitute for a facial cleanser in the morning.
Toners can be used along with a serum to amplify the hydration level and activity of the serum.

Pressed Serum

Serums are high-performance cosmetics packed with potent actives. They can come as a gel, an emulsion, an oil base or even in a semi-solid form as in our pressed serum. A pressed serum is a blend of luxury oils, herbal extracts, exotic fruit seed butters, precious essential oils and flower waxes.

Pressed serums are special in that they can be used as a focused serum and as a moisturizer. They make excellent night treatments to deliver active ingredients and to help maintain healthy moisture levels.

TO USE

Apply a small amount to cleansed skin and lightly massage into the skin. The product will melt at skin temperature.

PRO TIPS

A pressed serum is usually a little heavier and more emollient than a lotion or cream.
When layering products allow each item to absorb before applying the next.
An excellent medium for facial massage or gua sha
Pressed Serums are excellent to help skin recover from damaging effects of over exfoliation, dehydration and sun exposure.