Indulge with Lava Shells®

Our busy, stressful lives often result in tight muscles and tension headaches that leave us dreaming of having a massage. However, fitting an appointment into our schedule, not to mention the costs associated with regular treatments, sometimes deter us from actually getting one. Wouldn't it be great if you could just come home after a long day and enjoy the restorative properties that a hot stone massage brings?

Our newest discovery, Lava Shells, make it possible to do just that. There are a couple of things that make this kit so great: first, we like that the shells come from the South Pacific and are "re-claimed" after Islanders have harvested the Tiger Striped Clams for food. Secondly, the shells are filled using the Lava Gel®, a self-heating oil that does not require any electricity or equipment to heat. The gentle heat that is released lasts for up to an hour and is ideal for soothing general aches and pains, menstrual cramps and tired muscles.

Go ahead, indulge yourself just a little. It's therapeutic!

We found the Lava Shells at Mi Casa The Fort Salon and Spa for $58.

Posted under Makeup & Beauty • Health & Wellness • Daily Stimuli •

Get Creamed Body

We see a lot of different body creams and exfoliants here at Stimuli Magazine. The myriad of choices often confounds us, so we can only imagine how lost some of our readers might feel when trying to choose body products - especially if you are looking for something that is chemical free, but still actually works well. Let us help you out.

We recently discovered a company in Port Moody, BC called, Get Creamed Body. Their line of all natural products include whipped body butters, body scrubs/exfoliants, lip balms and shampoos. We tested out several of the products and have found some new favourites.

The Premium Whipped Body Cream is one of our favourites. Quite thick and creamy, it quickly absorbs into the skin and doesn't feel greasy. One of our testers commented that it worked really well on her dry hands and cuticles. The Moisturizing & Detoxifying Spa Body Scrub contains Dead Sea Salt and is very coarse so make sure you rub gently. Our editor loved how soft and radiant her skin felt.

While both testers loved the smell and the all natural aspect of the Super Premium Lip Balm and the Naked Decadence Shampoo and Conditioner, neither of them decided to add this to their list of "must have" products. It is worth noting that if you are in the market for a lip balm that doesn't look like you are wearing anything or for the outdoorsy guy in your life, this one might be worth a try.

You can purchase Get Creamed Body products in several boutiques around Metro Vancouver including Privilege on the border of Surrey and Langley, Granville Island Soap Gallery and Ocean Breeze Spa in Vancouver as well as Bollywood Brow Bar in Surrey. You can also purchase online at www.getcreamedbody.com.

Posted under Makeup & Beauty • Daily Stimuli •

Saying Goodbye to Unwanted Hair - Permanently

Have you ever dreamed about getting rid of unwanted body hair but are hesitant to try a laser hair removal treatment? Maybe you're apprehensive that it will hurt or the treatment cost is a little too steep for your pocketbook. Our Editor, Maryanne, had all the same thoughts but decided to face the music, or in this case the laser wand, and embark on her first laser hair removal treatment. She has bravely offered to share what she learns through the process.

Here is her first installment:

I've been considering laser hair removal for some time now but it's just one of those things that I couldn't commit to until recently. I didn't want to trust my first laser treatment experience to an internet deal of the day, I wanted a salon that had a well-established reputation and had earned the trust of their clientele. After doing my research I chose to have my laser hair removal treatments at Mi Casa Spa & Salon in Fort Langley.

Sandra, one of the spa's owners, met with me for my initial consultation, something that they do with every laser hair client. We reviewed the process and what to expect. I learned quite a bit about laser hair removal in general, here are a few interesting facts:

• Laser treatments work best on skin that is not tanned.
• The laser light is attracted to dark colours and pigments, therefore, people with darker hair have a higher success rate.
• Don't wear dark underwear - the light is attracted to it.
• You will need anywhere from four to eight treatments to completely remove the hair.
• Laser works by light travelling down the hair shaft to the follicle and essentially cauterizing the follicle, thus preventing future hair growth.

After discussing the details, I took a deep breath and we started the first treatment. Ladies, it is not nearly as painful as waxing!  After donning our ever-so-lovely protective eyewear, Sandra applied a gel to the area and started slowly moving the wand. Now I'm not going to say that there isn't some discomfort; it feels like a quick zap, not unlike a small shock, and the area will start to get warm as the treatment progresses. I appreciated that Sandra was constantly asking if I was doing OK and assuring me that we could take a break any time I felt I needed to.

Now, post waxing I often have red, irritated skin with bumps for a day or so. That was not the case with my laser treatment. I left the salon feeling like nothing had been done. Now, two weeks post-treatment and the hair growth is already very slowed.

We've covered the pain concern, now let's talk about the financial commitment. Laser hair removal is an investment but let's do a little math. The average bikini wax treatment is $40 to $70 which, over a lifetime adds up to thousands of dollars. A brazilian bikini laser hair treatment will cost you approximately $135 per treatment, depending on your hair type, you will need five to eight treatments. Total investment; about $1,080. That's big savings if you compare the annual cost of regular waxing year over year. Keep in mind, this treatment period is over several months, so you pay as you go, not all at once.

I made it through my first treatment, the second one is booked and I'm so looking forward to living a life with a little less hair.  Watch for my second update in the middle of May.

If you're interested in laser hair removal you can contact Mi Casa Spa & Salon at 604.513.0055.

by Maryanne Lechleiter
Editor, Stimuli Magazine

Posted under Makeup & Beauty •

GLOSSYBOX is a Pandora’s Box of Goodies

Stimulistas, do you often look like a dear in the headlights when you walk into the cosmetic department? We know how you feel; so many products to choose from in at so many different price points that it can make even the biggest beauty junkie's eyes spin. Wouldn't it be great to get little samples of all those products to try before you buy?

Enter GLOSSYBOX - one of the newest subscription based beauty sampling services on the market. The concept is simple: subscribe to Glossybox and receive 5 luxe sample size products in a beautiful box each month for you to try in the comfort of your own home. After you've tried them you can visit glossybox.ca and give your feedback on the items to be rewarded with GlOSSYDots which gives you access to exclusive advantages. In addition to the products your GLOSSYBOX will include application notes, product information as well as other tips and tricks to help you out.

Upon ordering you'll be asked to fill out your BeautyProfile which allows GLOSSYBOX to match the product samples to your unique needs. With a product line-up that includes Essie, Beauty So Clean, Elizabeth Arden, Oscar de la Renta and Wella, you'll discover something new and exciting every month.

GLOSSYBOX makes a great gift and is a steal at only $15 per month including shipping and you can cancel your subscription at anytime with 14 days notice prior to the next shipment. To order visit glossybox.ca.

Posted under Makeup & Beauty • Great Gifts • Daily Stimuli •

Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths

Listen up Stimulistas. No matter how exhausted you are, you MUST remove your makeup before falling into bed. Your skin needs to breathe and you need to clean the oil and pigment from your pores to prevent acne issues. We know, we know…it's just seems like to much some nights which is why facial cleanser cloths are so amazing.

We like the Kaia Bamboo Cloths; they contain gentle ingredients to cleanse and remove dirt and makeup without stinging or burning. No rinsing required! Each cloth is made from 100% natural, biodegradable bamboo (great for the environment) and contains no alcohol, fragrance, parabens or sulfates. Each package contains 30 cloths so you'll have a month's supply and you can use both sides of the cloth - one side for eye makeup and lipstick and the other side for your facial makeup. 

As is the case with most items that are good for the environment and a more healthy option for our bodies, Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleanser Cloths are more pricey than the brands available at the drug stores. You can buy Kaia at Canadian online retailer goneshopping.ca for $20.99 per package.

Posted under Makeup & Beauty • Eco-Friendly • Daily Stimuli •