White Apricot

Taking a long, hot bath is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Some people take their bath rituals very seriously, lighting candles or pouring a glass of wine. Others take their baths with a grain of salt — several, in fact. Direct from the healing waters of Utah’s Great Salt Lake, which is the largest salt lake in the western hemisphere, Ojaván Aromatherapy Bath Salts are little jars of heaven, lightly scented with essential oils and available in six therapeutic scents to sooth, calm, rejuvenate, balance, protect, uplift and more.

The salt from this lake is said to be over 250 million years old.  Who knew such old salt could have such an impact on healthy skin and revitalizing the mind?! You also get a surprise “party favor,” so to speak. Buried inside each jar is a crystal. The idea is that it works to “stimulate and compliment your Ojaván experience,” once your “take me away” time is over. $16-$26 at www.ojavanproducts.com. Trial sizes are also available for $2.50.

Old man winter can do a number on our skin, leaving us dry, blotchy and with a few more wrinkles than we had last year. But summer presents its own set of problems that often include unsightly blemishes and other oily manifestations. At White Apricot, we refuse to let summer get the best of our skin and that is why we have started using a line of products from Ole Henrikson that has us putting our best faces forward. We were first attracted to the natural ingredients, including algae, chamomile and eucalyptus extracts. Then, we shamefully admit that we were influenced by the glowing skin of celebrity fans, such as Renee Zellweger and Julia Stiles. But, it wasn’t until we lathered up with the Aloe Vera Deep Cleanser ($21-$30/left), banished breakouts with the Blemish Attack Purifying Mask ($32/center) and slathered on the Invigorating Night Gel ($45/right) that we were hooked. C’mon summer — we’re ready! You can view the entire collection and get tips and tricks for putting your best face forward at www.olehenriksen.com.

You can never have too much of a good thing — especially when it comes to award-winning beauty products. That is why Pangea Organics has supersized its famous Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask. This detoxifying, deep cleansing mask now comes in a 4-ounce, easy to use tube for the same price as the original! It’s more to love of this powerful blend of antioxidants and anti-aging elements that leave the skin polished, glowing and radiant. $30 at www.pangeaorganics.com.

Here is a last minute gift idea that we fell in love with for the packaging, as much as the product. Eight yummy organic guest soaps (hand selected by you) are presented in a beautiful origami gift box that can be used to display the soaps, hold precious trinkets or wrap up a new gift for someone special. Each one-of-a-kind box is so lovely, that you might just be tempted to keep it for yourself — but remember ‘tis the season for giving. Besides, at only $14, you can afford to gift yourself too! $14 at www.skinnyskinny.com.

By Bonny Osterhage

Putting your best face forward has been simplified into a four-step process that really is a beautiful thing.  Moondance Botanicals has taken four of its most popular artisan created products and conveniently packaged them together in a travel size kit called “Beautiful You.”  The kit contains an aromatic Lavender Silk cleanser, Nectar of the Goddess Rosewater Elixir, Sacred Oils Facial Serum, and an ultra-rich Apricot Rose Cream. Perfect for travel, your gym bag, or office, “Beautiful You” keeps beautiful skin at your fingertips. The all-natural products cleanse, tone and hydrate your skin luxuriously, leaving you with a dewy glow that is, in a word, beautiful! $22 at www.moondancebotanicals.com.