So, Ergo Essencia: One of the yummiest candle lines available (if you can afford it) is the Er'Go line. They're soy, they smell gorgeous and are great to mix and match and use for your own home spa treatments.
TROPICAL INDULGENCES: Lush floral GINGERLEI and fruity COCONUT PINEAPPLE fragrant candles from Er'Go are a nice compliment to an anti-oxidant, enzyme-rich facial treatment: Mix a small can of crushed pineapple with fresh, plain yogurt. Slather the tropical smoothie on the face and allow to treat for ten minutes. Splash off with tepid water for instant refreshment (umbrella drink is optional). Or, light up Er'Go MACADAMIA and create a natural body scrub by grinding fresh macadamia nuts in a coffee grinder, and mixing with oatmeal and warm water. Get in the tub and slough the body, as you breathe in the fresh, clean nutty scent. Er’go's all-natural soy candles banish winter chill with over 100 sumptuous scents. $18 to $25 retail. To see other Er'go fragrances, visit www.ergocandle.com.
EXTREME MAKEOVER: By mid-winter, every home needs an instant makeover to lift depressed spirits. Fruits and Passions Influence Decorative Fragrance Ensemble releases a steady infusion of fragrance into the air, while adding elegant decorator touches to every room in the house. The exotic, Zen ensemble is highlighted by its organic bamboo scent sticks, recycled wood lid, and cubic glass shape, while the bamboo-hibiscus fragrance oil transports one to a tropical jungle, the air redolent with the fresh, dewy fragrance of the abundant flora. This home fragrance is not a candle, nor incense, so it will safely create a welcoming oasis 24 hours a day. The collection also includes home fragrance sprays, scented candles, and incense. $12 to $45 retail. See it all at www.fruits-passion.com.
SPA RETREAT TREATS: Essencia’s co-founder, aromatherapist, and product creator Juliana Lipe has created two easy pampering recipes that can be mixed with simple ingredients from your grocery store shelves. Retreat from winter’s harshness with this refinishing face masque and moisturizing tropical bath.
Formulated by Juliana Lipe, co-founder of Essencia:
Strawberry Nut Citrus Masque
4-5 fresh, ripe strawberries
1 T fresh lemon juice
2 T cashews, ground to a butter consistency
1/4 c plain yogurt
1 T honey
2 drops Lemon Essential Oil (optional, available from Essenciaonline.com)
Puree strawberries with a fork and sprinkle with lemon juice. Grind the cashews in a coffee grinder. Blend all together with yogurt, honey and Lemon Essential Oil. Smooth onto dampened face, neck and chest, and relax for 10 minutes! Splash face with cool water to remove, and gently pat skin dry.
Strawberries and lemon juice are both high in Vitamin C and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), which slough off the dead skin cells to expose the new living cells and stimulate cell regeneration. The lactic acid in yogurt also contributes natural AHAs, and the fats and oils from the cashews add softness and moisture, while Vitamin C increases circulation in the skin and fights free radicals.
This recipe makes enough for two face applications and can be kept in the refrigerator for several days. Or, use once as an all over body masque, then shower off, with cool or lukewarm water.
Coconut Milk Bath
1 cup cream of coconut milk
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup whole oats, finely ground
1/4 cup honey
2 oz. glycerin (optional, available in pharmacy section of grocery store)
5-6 drops of Lavender or Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (optional, available from Essenciaonline.com)
Gently warm milk, cream and honey over low heat. Grind oats in coffee grinder or blender, and stir oats and glycerin into warmed milk mixture. Add COCONUT BATH into a warm tub, just before slipping into a rich, luxurious, softening soak.
The rich fat content in the milk and whipping cream is extremely moisturizing. Honey is a humectant that attracts moisture, and keeps it trapped in the skin, while Oatmeal soothes dry, tender skin. The glycerin makes the formula a bit silkier, while the optional essential oils add their relaxing properties.
If you prefer a ready-to-use treatment, try Essencia’'s COCOA BUTTER BATH MILK, a lush jar of skin-softening milk powders that incorporates Cocoa Butter and grated soap fragranced with Lavender, Geranium and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils for a silky sweet, soothing bath. 1.7 oz. jar, $9.50; 4.6 oz jar, $22 retail. See more about Essencia at www.essenciaonline.com.
