Unlocking the Secrets of Holistic Skin Care
Did you even know that holistic facials existed? Okay, good, so I’m not the only one. Let me tell you – they are life-changing and unlike any other facial you’ve had. It’s a Brit guarantee! I recently had the pleasure of this amazing skin experience at Reishi, a wellness spa in Wicker Park, Chicago. Now, let’s talk all about what you can expect when you get yours.
At the core of Reishi is the concept of wabi-sabi – the acceptance of transience and imperfection. How much do we love that? Reishi is a wellness spa that incorporates effective, nature-based skincare, internal herbal remedies, holistic massage, and acupuncture. Before your appointment, you’ll fill out a lengthy questionnaire covering everything from your diet to your skincare routine and lifestyle. I had never been required to do this for any facial before, but that’s because most facials are the same no matter who you are – exfoliate, steam, mask, moisturize, you know the drill. At Reishi, your facial is a completely customized experience, and they address your skin concerns from the inside out.
You start your facial by sitting down with a cup of calming tea and discussing some of the things you filled out on your paperwork. When has this ever happened in the history of facials? I just loved the aesthetics of Reishi – totally rustic and earthy, with lots of natural light. The perfect vibe for the experience. I had my facial with Evelina, who I’ve basically dubbed the ‘skin witch doctor’ – and not just because she has red hair. She agreed, by the way. She is a wealth of knowledge, obsessed with all things holistic, and has the most lovely Polish accent.
For someone who loves learning and all things holistic, I was crazy over all the tips I got from her. She explained every single thing she was doing and why. I took videos of our whole session, which you can find on my Instagram page under the highlight called ‘Reishi.’ You will be so intrigued! One of my favorite tips was not to use SPF higher than 30, because the chemicals they use to increase it are much more harmful to your skin. Therefore, use a lower SPF and reapply often. Also, make sure it’s zinc oxide and not titanium. I also loved the idea of a probiotic mist for the face. It makes so much sense that we have a microbiome in our guts and also on our skin, and we need to feed it good bacteria, especially if it’s disrupted, as with acne.
The first thing she did was assess my skin under the light. She mentioned I have a compromised skin barrier around my nose, likely from years of tanning and harsh acne products. Then, she explained all about the importance of the skin barrier and how that relates to the immune system, inflammation, and aging. She advised that I should NOT be using harsh exfoliants like glycolics or retinol until that can be healed. She also mentioned that Retinol A is way too harsh for the skin and that you need to gradually work up to that over the course of a few years with lower Vitamin A products. Have you ever had anyone discuss your skin barrier layer? Me neither. I was most impressed with the products used – I hadn’t heard of any of them, except for Marie Veronique.
Evelina told me that she believes very few skincare products can be described as truly holistic. They use the French company Yonka, as well as Environ. They also mix some of their own things, like the herbal mist she sprayed on my face using French herbs. She said they are more potent because they harvest them according to the moon cycles. She did so many things to my skin, including an activated oxygen mask. I swear it’s like I designed this place! Evelina gave me some recommendations for skincare, and then wrote me a huge email further explaining all the stuff we talked about and the products she suggested. I especially love the Marie Veronique Treatment Oil – it has EPA and a bunch of lovely ingredients to decongest and restore the skin barrier. This line was created with acne in mind, and it has definitely cleared up my skin in the most non-harsh way ever. Have you ever had anyone email you after your facial with recommendations and advice? Didn’t think so.
Overall, I give Reishi 5 million stars. My skin felt amazing and looked so bright and plump afterwards. I loved everything about my experience. I have since started using Evelina’s recommended products, and my skin is looking better every day. For a very thorough assessment of your skin and a plan for how to combat inflammation, aging, acne, or any other concern, definitely set yourself up with a facial at Reishi. They are tucked away in the back of Trim in Wicker Park at 1629 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647. Services are by appointment only, and you can check out all their pricing on the Reishi website.
Elevating Your Bathroom Oasis
In the pursuit of lavish living, there’s no space more deserving of attention than your bathroom. If you’re searching for luxury bathroom design ideas, look no further. At ABC Home, we believe in crafting opulent sanctuaries that rival the most exclusive spas. Step into a world of luxury with our bespoke bathroom design ideas, meticulously tailored to elevate your at-home relaxation experience to extraordinary heights.
From our initial meeting to the finishing touches, ABC Home is here to be your partner every step of the way. Here are some luxury bathroom design ideas inspired by our expertise and decades of custom home-building experience.
Tranquil Spa Retreat
Transform your bathroom into a serene haven by choosing a soothing color palette that evokes the tranquility of a secluded spa retreat. Soft hues of ivory, champagne, and pale blues create an atmosphere of calm indulgence, allowing you to escape the stresses of the outside world. Consider incorporating natural elements such as stone accents or wood finishes to enhance the organic feel of the space. Luxurious finishes such as brushed gold fixtures and crystal accents add a touch of glamour to the space, creating a sense of opulence that is unparalleled.
Sensory Shower Experience
Experience the ultimate shower experience with state-of-the-art fixtures and custom features. Indulge in a rainfall showerhead cascading from above, accompanied by body jets and aromatherapy steam options for a truly invigorating cleanse. Integrated speakers playing your favorite soothing melodies complete the sensory journey, transporting you to a state of blissful relaxation.
Luxurious Soaking Tub
Unwind in style with a freestanding soaking tub as the centerpiece of your bathroom oasis. Choose from sculptural designs crafted from sleek resin or classic clawfoot models adorned with intricate detailing. Surround yourself with flickering candlelight and indulge in a glass of champagne as you soak away the day’s cares, enveloped in pure luxury.
Layered Lighting Scheme
Illuminate your sanctuary with a carefully curated lighting scheme that accentuates the beauty of your surroundings. Incorporate soft, dimmable lights for a relaxing ambiance, complemented by statement pendant fixtures and illuminated vanity mirrors for added glamour and functionality. Create layers of light to enhance the depth and dimension of the space, allowing you to tailor the atmosphere to suit your mood.
Indulgent Comfort
Embrace indulgent comfort with radiant heated floors that envelop you in warmth, even on the chilliest of mornings. Luxuriate in the decadence of heated towel racks, where plush towels await to envelop you in softness after every shower or bath. Start and end your day with the luxurious sensation of stepping onto heated floors and wrapping yourself in a warm towel, elevating your bathing experience to new heights of comfort.
Customized Aromatherapy
Engage your senses with bespoke aromatherapy options tailored to your preferences. Install built-in diffusers or incorporate discreet storage for essential oil blends and beauty products, allowing you to customize your bathing experience and create a truly personalized oasis of relaxation. Choose from a range of calming scents such as lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood to soothe the mind and promote a sense of well-being.
Experience the unparalleled luxury of a custom-built home with ABC Home. Let us be your partner in creating the sanctuary you deserve, where every moment is an opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate. Contact us today to start building your dream home, complete with a breathtaking bathroom oasis.
Crafting Your Personalized Spa Retreat
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy. Put together a DIY Spa Gift Basket for a fun – and frugal – gift. Not only can you customize what you add to suit the interests of your friend or family member, but you can also put together a lovely gift basket that fits your budget. Whether you buy a number of commercial items or make your own Milk Bath and Hand Scrub, putting together a spa gift basket is super fun and such a welcome gift.
After a long day in the kitchen on Thursday, I treated myself to an at-home spa treatment. It’s nothing too fancy – a soak in a hot tub, a facial mud mask, moisturizer, and new paint on my toes. It feels luxurious, but it’s frugal and easy to do at home. I might have added some candles, music, and a slice of pumpkin pie. You can easily do a spa treatment at home.
Years ago, I put together Spa Gift Baskets for the girlfriends in my life for Christmas gifts when I went on a soap-making binge. I even included this at-home spa treatment pamphlet. And this was in the days before Pinterest! It’s a fun gift to give. I’ve never known a woman to turn down a chance or the encouragement to treat herself to a little R&R. All too often, busy women, especially moms, are so intent on serving those around them that they forget to take care of themselves. Giving a Spa Gift Basket is like giving permission to take care of herself.
It’s a frugal option to a commercial spa gift basket. Depending on what you fill the basket with and how you shop, you can put together a deluxe spa gift basket for a fraction of the cost to buy one pre-packaged. You can customize it however you like. A spa gift basket can vary a lot, depending on the interests of the recipient. You can include the basket, bath accessories, but after that, you can explore a world of tastes and preferences, including the snacks you include. One friend might prefer a green smoothie, while another will go wild for a mini bottle of champagne. Have fun with this!
These Spa Gift Baskets are really fun gifts to give to friends at Christmas. Consider any of the following items to fill the basket:
- This printable pamphlet is quite handy. It spells out how to create a spa experience at home, super helpful for someone who’s perhaps never gone to a spa or is out of practice with pampering herself.
Pro tip: If you are assembling several Spa Gift Baskets for friends, be sure to make one for yourself. You are worth it!
