I am not a girly, girl for sure.  I have my moments where I dress up and put on some extra make-up, wear some heels and go out on the town.  For the most part though, my daily make-up routine consists of some blush and mascara.  If I am going out to dinner, I may add some lip gloss and a touch of eyeliner and call it good.  Honestly, I don’t know how to wear makeup and frankly I don’t care too much for it!  It takes time and a steady hand to put it on, and it takes a lot more time to get it off.

Oddly though, I love the spa.  At first, I could take it or leave it, but after my facial at Jinsei Spa I crave it often!!!! Jinsei is literally right down the hill and within walking distance. In September, I finally used my facial gift certificate from my super loving Carlos and kids.  They were so awesome and gave me this treat for my birthday in June.  I was holding off until the kids went back to school so I could spend a lot of extra time enjoying the amenities without having to rush to pick them up or drop them off.   I arrived about 30 minutes before my appointment and was escorted to the locker room.  I changed into a super, comfy robe and headed to the steam room.  That was heaven and definitely a mind and skin cleanse. After about 15 min, I drank some delicious cucumber and lemon water in the Relaxation Room while waiting for my facial person to arrive.  The music was calm and the lights were dim.  I was truly relaxed. Summer arrived and we strolled to the facial room.  Boy, when she opened the room, the aroma was delightful. Again, I was in heaven and wondered, “Why don’t I do this more often?…then I answered myself “Cause it costs a lot of $$”

I hopped up on the super, comfy massage table and assumed my position. Summer began by shinning a bright ass light on my face to do her pore examination.  She then asked, “What types of products do you use?”  I started to laugh inside and began my quick internal monolog “Products?! I don’t use products” …..I then told Summer I use Ivory Soap and body lotion.  She took the news really well and schooled me on those products and of course recommended the Arcona line.  Internal monolog…..”yeah, yeah, I am sure this costs a butt load of money.  I am fine with my 99% pure Ivory Soap and Oatmeal lotion”.

But as she started her facial routine, I noticed she was taking some time on my cheeks and schnozzzz.  She told me she was going to do some extractions to unglogg my pores.  Not that I have zits or anything, but I have noticed the pores on my nose were rather large.  As she was squeezing the heck out of my nose and as tears were streaming down my face, she explained what was going on.  Basically, the soap has dried my skin and the lotion has clogged my pores.  She recommended the “Arcona Basic Five for Normal Skin”.  She explained all of the ingredients, but unfortunately there are too many for me to remember so I copied this directly from the website…..

We believe everyone’s skin can and should look beautiful at any age regardless of their history. We believe lasting beauty comes from within and understand that whatever you put on your skin, goes into your body. Therefore, we use only the finest quality, all natural ingredients in products that penetrate deep into the cellular layers of the skin to effect real change, resulting in glowing, healthy skin at any age. We at ARCONA are dedicated to offering the highest quality, most effective skin care for both home and professional use. Enzymatic-based ingredients in ARCONA products include high concentrations of antioxidants, plant lipids and extracts, sea vegetables, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. Our ingredients are processed and products manufactured according to state-of-the-art, chirally correct technology. ARCONA products do not contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, or any other caustic, toxic ingredients. There is no scientific evidence that such additives support more than a brief, cosmetic change in the skin, and there is proof that these substances clog the pores and block the restoration of healthy, balanced skin.

After she completed the facial, I got myself dressed and met her in the lobby.  During that time, I debated about the Arcona line…..”should I or shouldn’t I?, yes or no?…is it worth $80?..is my skin worth $80? Yes it is!”  So I decided to go for it!   Well now after using this product for 4 months, I am hooked!  I love the aroma, the routine and the results.  My skin does look clearer and my pores less clogged!  I am happy to recommend this product because there are no parabens, dyes, or perfumes. I am trying to embrace a more natural lifestyle with my household and food products.  I have also embraced the fact that I am somewhat of a girly, girly when it comes to my facial cleansers.  I am willing to spend the time on the routine to make my skin smoother and my pores less clogged.