NEW to American Spas!
Vibrational Essences can delight spa-goer's emotions and invite positive change.

The LightBeings Vibrational Essence collection consists of 47 focused essences (also known as "energies") that help users to overcome life's hurdles and achieve their full potential through Vibrational influence.

Applying the essences synchronizes the aura with the Vibrational energy in the essence. This opens the user to change, emotional walls come down and resistance is released so spiritual healing and growth can begin.

Anyone seeking personal improvement and growth will be amazed at what unfolds - seekers find their answers from within. When LightBeings are incorporated with hands on services like massages, Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, body treatments, facials, reiki, hot stone massages (even manicures & pedicures), they can create a beautiful journey of loving restoration for the mind, body and soul.

LightBeings can also be sold retail in Day Spas and Wellness Centers. Simply anointing ourselves every morning with LightBeings Essences is both enjoyable and meditative. Users can begin each day centering their intentions with essences that will inspire them.

"Adding 2 or 3 different LightBeings Essences to my facial treatments creates a unique high for my clients - there is nothing else on the market like it, clients become very attached to feeling so good." - M.Horan, Licensed Esthetician, Syosset, NY

There are 47 differed themes of Vibrational Essences in these 4 categories:

Ascended Masters (Numbers 1-21)
To develop your abilities to your highest potential

Archangels (Numbers 22-30)
For insight, ease, joy and miracles

EarthAngels (Numbers 31-37)
For integrating us with Mother Nature

Special Essence Series (Numbers 38 - 47)
Special blends and theme-focussed energies

Select the the theme you need right now. Use only up to 3 LightBeings Essences at a time for at least 30 days.

LightBeings are imported from Germany and are available at PureSpaDirect.com for Spa Professionals - click here:
http://www.purespadirect.com/LightBeings-Essences-Vibrational-Essences-Oils-s/696.htm

Labels: Angels, Archangels, Blissful treatments, Heavenly treatments, Law of Attraction

Have you ever smelled a product so yummy you could eat it? Well this one takes the cake! This scrumptious hand & foot mask smells decadent. If you love sweet and buttery baked apples, meet your match.
Warning: Hunger pains may start to evolve. Don't do this on an empty stomach.

After doing the standard pedicure procedures (i.e. Soak, scrub, massage - with apple scented foot cream), it's time bask the client in sweet candy apple heaven! Start by mixing the Soho Oatmeal powder with the liquid Apple solution. After applying generously to feet & hands, it will harden right before your very eyes. Clients will begin to feel cool and more refreshed as the mask sets -- they won't want you to take it off. Peel off and proceed to shape & polish toe nails... candy apple red perhaps?

Pick some up for Fall pedicures:

SO not your ordinary self tanner. As an Esthetician I am naturally self tanner-phobic. The thought of putting pore clogging and unbeneficial products on my skin, literally makes my hair stand on end. Oh, Did I mention the nightmares of the oomp-a-loompa look?

That was until I tried Vita Tanz. This fearless self tanner "had me at hello". Not only did my skin have a healthy glow and my pores were squeaky clean, my skin felt so soft and hydrated. As Vita Tanz washed off my skin, I didn't even have that dreaded blotchiness of remaining product still lingering. Vita Tanz even comes with a buff applicator to protect your fingers. Fabulous! In conclusion anyone looking for that Bermuda tan in a bottle, your product has arrived.

P.S. Don't forget the sunscreen though. : P

http://www.purespadirect.com/VITA-TANZ-Home-and-Travel-Sunless-Tanner-p/psd-00007.htm

I can't be sure, but I think most men are like me -- they hate to shave. The thought of dragging the blade across my face just brings up dread. It takes time, it hurts. Yep, I hate it. I've tried all sorts of products for sensitive skin, with aloe, with topical pain ingredients. No luck. Hate them. Hate, hate, hate. Did I say hate? Redness, blotches, and patches of unshaven hair on your face and neck.

The choices: 1) continue with the hate relationship, 2) forget it and look like Grizzly Adams, or 3) find something better. My razor already has 4 blades and an extra single blade for tricky areas. The handle vibrates like a billion times a minute from the battery inside. So I think I've maxed out on the hardware.

Finally I found the Grooming Lounge line of products. First I'll say that the phrase "line of products" kinda scares me... I like simple. I spoke to a Grooming Lounge expert and figured out what I needed was just 2 items from the line. 2 I can deal with:

Grooming Lounge Beard Shave Oil
Grooming Lounge Beard Destroyer

Both were "manly" enough names for me, so I was ready to try them. All I can say is wow. Even the little ritual for using them somehow adds to the experience. Shower, then re-wet your face with warm water. Shake 3-4 drops of Shave Oil in to your hand, rub all over your face. Squeeze out like a quarter-sized amount Beard Destroyer Shave Cream in your hand, massage it in to your stubble. Put a few drops of water on fingers and rub into cream/beard to activate.

Wow. How wow? Here is what the combo does:
The Oil:
It Lifts Whiskers (with Meadowfoam Oil)
It Lubricates (with Peppermint Oil)
It Soothes (with Avocado Oil)
The Cream:
It Cushions the Razor (with Sandalwood Oil)
It Enhances Razor Glide (with Rosemary Oil)
It Fights Ingrowns (with Eucalyptus)

Grooming Lounge products are THE IDEAL retail item you can offer men. Pure Spa Direct's got em! Click here and see:
http://www.purespadirect.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=954

Labels: men, shaving, soothing

Welcome to the new Pure Spa Direct Blog! Our goal is to add valuable information for our vistiors. Enjoy! --Rebeca

By: Rebeca Cardenas
with Contributing Editorial from Vicki Mayhew and www.sunless.com

According to an October 2006 Mintel Report, sales of sunless tanners have experienced growth of 429% from 2001 to 2006.

With this kind of growth, it is no wonder that every year more and more Day Spas, Dermatology Clinics and beauty related businesses are adding sunless tanning products and services to their menus. It seems that sun bathing beach bodies are throwing in their towels for a faux glow and the spa industry is taking notice.

Every year women are spending more on professional procedures to reverse the signs of aging. Lasers, injectables, peels and resurfacing treatments are the anti-aging arsenal of services available. With all the money consumers are investing in reversing sun and age damage, it seems only natural that sunless tanning would be an ideal option for obtaining a "wrinkle free" tan.

The value of adding sunless tanning to your business is obvious and you probably want to know where to go from here. If you have been to any beauty related tradeshows you have likely seen that there are dozens of companies all touting they have got the best sunless system for your business. It can be quite confusing, and they all sound great, but what is the right choice? Companies selling systems at trade shows can range from $300 - $24,000+. We can help you sort through some of the different systems available.

Custom Airbrush Tanning Equipment

Pros and Cons of different Equipment Options - these are generalizations - and some variation can be expected within different brands and product lines. This is a general guide to help you chose what fits your business best.

Airbrush and Compressor (no air tank): (Professional Type)

Advantages:

• Little overspray/mess in the air with proper PSI (air pressure) adjustments
• Good for mobile situations
• Good for lower ventilation areas, though ventilation should still be provided
• Good for small spray areas
• Silent systems available, which may be better suited in a Spa or Dr’s Office
• Slower sessions can contribute to a pampering effect
• Small compressors are very mobile
• Good for detail work, like filling in tan lines
• Small footprint, for easy storage
• May look less industrial in a spa setting
• Easiest to use for self spraying
• Slower spray can make it easier for beginners

Considerations:

• Typical session will take 25 to 35 min
• Smaller compressors, though mobile, can be quite noisy and vibrate
• Some small compressors can become very hot to the touch
• Brushes require frequent through cleanings
• Don’t get an underpowered unit, or you will be disappointed
• Not all airbrushes work well with all solutions
• Cheap hobby brushes usually spray poorly and unevenly
• Because of the more tedious application, can also be more difficult for beginners
• Brush must be held level during use, with minimal tipping to the side

More Info:
Airbrush and compressor systems were the original application medium for Airbrush Tanning. They have been used successfully for a few years, with a large following. I n recent years techs have started trading in their airbrushes for the speedier Spray guns, LVLPs (Low Volume Low Pressure) and HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) systems. The airbrushes have the advantage of small size, low cost entry level systems, and less mess with proper adjustments and technique. Many people start with an airbrush, and advance to a speeder "gun" system as their resources permit. Typically those who have learned to use a "Tanning Grade" Gun system, with proper adjustments and technique, don't go back to an airbrush.

Spray Guns, AKA "Body Guns" with Compatible Air Compressor:

Advantages:

• Faster applications, 10 to 15 minutes per application, Sprays about 10 PSI at tip
• Silent compressor options available (not portable)
• Faster cleanup then an airbrush
• Minimal clogging
• Can be paired with some brands of smaller compressors for mobility
• Can be paired with large silent compressor
• Larger width spray pattern than an airbrush
• Works well for large areas of body spraying
• Technique and adjustments can minimize overspray

Considerations:

• Will only work with a limited number of compressors
• Smaller tank compressors, will need to "refill" with air more often with a spray gun, a larger tank eliminates this problem.
• Proper gun adjustments are important. Adjusting the flow regulator on the gun can generally improve transfer efficiency.

More Info:
A spray gun, like the models by Iwata and Paasche are the bridge between an airbrush and an HVLP gun. They spray more volume of product then an airbrush, but less then an HVLP. They do not blow air as you go, like an HVLP or LVLP gun will do. These are smaller than most HVLP guns. Think of them as an airbrush with the ability to spray much more product at once.

Side Note:

• Some companies sell Spray guns, that they also call LVLP or HVLP systems. There is much controversy on whether these are truly an LVLP or HVLP gun.
• Technically a spray gun has a tip PSI of 10 or greater.
• HVLP and LVLP must have a tip PSI of less then 10.
• Most HVLP guns have a tip PSI of 4 to 7 - though Apollo has an HVLP model with 1 PSI at the tip.
• LVLP guns have a tip PSI of 1 PSI.

Because of the larger air volume requirements - HVLP and LVLP systems are paired with a small turbine, or a very large compressor (no pressure loss from waiting on tank to fill, as one may get with a smaller tanked compressor).

For ultra precision, some techs prefer to use a spray gun for the body and an airbrush for details smaller areas (feet, hands and). Both can certainly be used for all body areas with very good results.

HVLP: High Volume Low Pressure Spray gun

Advantages:

• Quick Drying
• Fast application - 3 to 5 minutes, most units 4 to 7 PSI at tip, Apollo version is 1 PSI at tip.
• Versions with a lower tip PSI create a finer mist atomization for better transfer efficiency on to skin. Good for high volume spray facilities
• Air drying while you work

Considerations:

• Hardware store versions created to spray thicker products, and with heavier motors -can create to fast a solution flow, more mess and more product waste
• Spray guns are heavier, and can be awkward for self spraying or those with hand fatigue or wrist and hand injuries issues (Carpel tunnel, Repetitive stress injuries)
• Bulky spray gun can be difficult for self sprayers, or use in tight shower stalls
• Product sprays very fast, can be difficult for a beginner at first, adjustments on equipment, and proper technique will help
• Must be paired with a noisy turbine

More Info:
An HVLP is a larger bore device then a standard spray gun or an LVLP, with a large air hose, and large inner passages. This creates a large amount of air volume, and a very fast spray application. Because of the air volume requirements, a Turbine is the standard air delivery device. To be classified as an HVLP, the tip PSI must be around 4 to 7 PSI. Apollo Spray Systems have an HVLP brush line for spray tanning with the larger HVLP size, but the lower tip pressure of 1 PSI.

Compressors with Air Tank: (paired with airbrush, spray gun)

Advantages:

• Low cost
• Small footprint models available
• Small very portable units available
• Readily available

Considerations:

• Powerful models are generally heavy, less mobile
• Tank models will need to refill often with a spray gun, unless a larger tank is used - short spray bursts will work best at lessening rapid air depletion.

More Info:
For spray guns - a small compressor will need to run continually to provide consistent airflow for an airbrush or spray gun. Smalls compressors will not provide enough airflow for a spray gun to effectively spray solution, and can also cause fast system burnout.

A compressor with storage tank, often has and "Auto On-Off" feature. This allows the compressor to shut off when tank is full of air then cycling on again only to refill the tank as needed.

Turbines: (paired HVLP Gun/Mist Applicator)

Advantages:

• Lighter weight then many similar powered compressors, more power less weight
• Lots of power, for larger bored HVLP spray guns

Considerations:

• Loud unless paired with a quiet box housing, or Rheostat device
• Sound muffling boxes can be bulky, look for wheeled versions, which are easy to maneuver
• Can produce a lot overspray. An overspray booth is recommended.
• Will not work with an airbrush without modifications

General Considerations:

If noise is a concern...

• Look for a silent compressor with an airbrush or spray gun.
• Or a Turbine with an HVLP quiet box
• You can also place a Turbine in a closet or behind a partition with an extra long hose reaching into spray area

Overspray...

• Though no air application method is completely mess free a properly adjusted airbrush will have the least overspray
• A spray gun and HVLP can also provide lower overspray options, but equipment and technique must be correct.
• HVLP guns with the lower tip PSI have the best transfer efficiency onto the skin’s surface. This can also create less overspray.
• If gun is to far from body, or solution volume spray is off, you will have more mess and waste - Review the instructions for your product
• Hardware store varieties will produce more mess
• Good and properly set up ventilation options should be addressed

Why buy "Professional" grade instead of that cheap unit at Harbor Freight, Home Depot, or Wal-Mart?

Obviously the first consideration is - "How often will you be using your equipment?" If you are simply servicing a few people a week - a $2,000 HVLP system is probably a lot more equipment then you need, or will ever utilize. For low client volume, an inexpensive small compressor and airbrush is probably your best choice.

If you have a high volume of clients, a small compressor and airbrush system could hold you back. You may burn it the equipment out fast, and then have excess down-time while you wait for warranty repairs. This may mean lost customers, who may now go find your competition to maintain the great tan you gave them.

So take some time to assess your situation and your goals both long and short term. Ask yourself how much effort your business plans on advertising and marketing your new service.

A poor quality unit, with a good warranty is still a poor buy - if you have to send it in for repairs or replacement every two months. A cheap system with no after sales support can be a real nightmare if you have any difficulties.

Rather, look at the products involved, the quality, the services offered, the after sales support, the training or resources available. And find out what other pros, who are in the business, like or hate and why?

Other Factors Contributing to your Sunless Tanning Success:

The Technician
Your technician should be well practiced in his/her technique and well educated in the Do's and Don'ts of Airbrush tanning. Technicians are responsible for properly educating your clientele on how to effectively prepare and care for their sunless spray tan so that they remain happy, loyal clients. You can use the best tanning solution in the world, but if your technician is not well practiced and educated, your spray tanning business could be in jeopardy.

The Client
What a client does before or after a spray tan can be critical to its final results. Not properly preparing for their sunless service or improperly maintaining their sunless tan after their appointment can cause poor results. Offer your clients retail products that were specifically developed to keep their sunless tan looking beautiful and bright. Daily moisturization and occasional gentle exfoliation are essential to keeping an airbrushed tan looking flawless.

The Formula
Pure Sunless® uses only the finest grade of DHA & Erythrulose in our premier formulations. In combination with our exceptional array of effective anti-oxidants, extracts and moisturizers, Pure Sunless® can outperform solutions that state the same active percentages in their products simply because our formulations, ingredients and quality far exceed industry standards.

Water - an ever present amenity in spas, so why not make it special?

One of the things I look forward to when spa-going is the quiet time I have while waiting for my treatment. Great spas have a wide assortment of loose and bagged teas, infused waters and juices. It is so fun to try all these varieties before and after treatments and it really helps commence "me time" mode.

From time to time I still stumble accross spas offering little to no beverage assortment for guests. Maybe they will have a pitcher of water (with a lemon wedge thrown in for good measure) and a generic chamomile tea blend. That is almost as bad as being handed a small Dixie cup filled with lukewarm tap water after a great massage! Sometimes it is the small details that leave the lasting impressions.

So why don’t more spas offer their clients something special to drink? Water is an important accent on the spa experience and it can easily be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. What a great way to remind the guest that every detail of their experience is attended to.

Pure Spa Direct has some ideas on how to enhance your beverage selection to your spa guests. It hardly takes any time to prepare such delightful treats. So here are some simple ways to liven up your drink offerings to clients this Spring & Summer.

Uplifting Citrus Water:

• 1/2 grapefruit, pink or white, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves

Add all of the ingredients to a clear pitcher and fill with ice water. Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Relaxing Herbal Tonic:

• 4 sprigs (2 in. long ea.) fresh mint, slightly crushed
• 2 sprigs (2 in. long ea.) fresh rosemary, slightly crushed
• 6 cups chilled spring water
• 12 thin slices cucumber
• 4 thin slices lemon

In a 2- to 2 1/2-quart pitcher, combine water, cucumber, lemon, mint, and rosemary. Serve, or cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. Add ice cubes just before serving. Makes about 1 1/2 quarts; about 4 servings.

Summer Citrus Delight:

• 1 Gallon spring water
• 1/2 lime, sliced
• 1/2 orange, sliced
• 1/2 lemon, sliced

Calming Cucumber Water:

• 1 Gallon spring water
• 2-3 slices fresh lemon
• 2-3 slices cucumbers

Fresh Mint & Lime Cooler

• Place crushed mint leaves in a pitcher.
• Fill the pitcher with water and add 1/2 cup of lime juice.
• Stir well and garnish with whole slices of lime and a mint stem.

Ginger Soda

• Combine crystallized or candied ginger with club soda and garnish with lemon slices.
• Also note: For a stronger taste, let the water sit in your refrigerator for an hour prior to serving.

Try This:
1.5 quart (50oz) with side filter for tea bags, limes, lemons, cucumbers, oranges, etc. to infuse into cold water. Even use this heat-safe pitcher to brew iced tea - fill the jar with loose herbs, tea, or tea bags, pour a cup of hot water over the tea leaves, then fill the pitcher with cold water and leave to brew overnight in the fridge. Pop-up lid keeps ice cubes from splashing out when pouring. Won't stain or absorb odors. Scratch and crack resistant polycarbonate is dishwasher safe.

If you have a spa water recipe that you would like us to share with our readers please email it to: bkia@purespadirect.com

• Abhyanga:
  An Ayurvedic process. A deeply penetrating herbal oil massage that relaxes body and mind, breaks up impurities, and stimulates circulation of blood and lymph. Aids in detoxifying tissues and increase bodily awareness.
  
• Acai:
  Brazilian fruit, rich in nutrients and antioxidants used to prevent premature aging and promote cardiovascular health.
  
• Acid Mantle:
  The natural acidity of the skin and hair that helps prevent bacterial growth.
  
• Acne Vulgaris:
  Grade 3 acne, inflamed lesions and congestion
  
• Actenic Keratosis:
  Precancerous growths that develop from reoccurring sun damage.
  
• Acupressure:
  A type of bodywork that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body with the fingers, knuckles, and palms to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote optimum health. This modality was derived in China some 5,000 years ago. Acupressure is part of the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine that also includes acupuncture.
  
• Acupressure:
  Finger massage that releases tension and improves the flow of energy (chi) throughout the body by applying pressure to the "energy points" or meridians in the body.
  
• Acupressure:
  Traditional Oriental pressure-point massage used to increase the body's flow of energy.
  
• Acupuncture:
  An ancient healing therapy that places tiny needles just below the skin's surface at certain meridians in order to help remove energy blockages and restore health.
  
• Acupuncture:
  A part of traditional Chinese medicine, this modality employs the body's own energy to help heal itself. Working with the same points as in acupressure ' an acupuncturist will use tiny, fine needles to increase the flow of energy in the body to relieve pain, reduce stress and promote optimum health.
  
• Acupuncture:
  An ancient oriental healing technique discovered and developed more than three thousand years ago, acupuncture is based on Taoist philosophy. The aim is to balance the energy meridians to permit the body to "heal itself. A relatively painless technique, it is administered by inserting fine needles at key points of the body that relate to different organs in order to relieve muscular, neurological and arthritic problems, cure disease and relieve pain.
  
• Acupuncture:
  Traditional Oriental healing methods based on Taoist philosophy; needles are inserted into specific points on the body for healing purposes.
  
• Adjuvant Therapy:
  A treatment given in conjunction with the desired primary treatment in order to enhance the overall effectiveness of the primary treatment.
  
• Adrenal Gland:
  An endocrine gland located on top of the kidneys.
  
• Aerobics:
  Rhythmic exercises performed to music that stimulates the aerobic capacity of the heart and lungs, burn calories, and improve endurance.
  
• Aerobics:
  Any sustained rhythmic exercise (walking, jogging, dancing) that uses the large muscle groups and increases the efficiency of the circulatory and respiratory systems.
  
• Aesclepions:
  Greek healing centers named after the philosopher and healer, Aescleopios; these centers are thought to be evidence of ancient spa and healing techniques.
  
• Aesthetic Medicine:
  Use of equipment, such as lasers, to remove scars and blemishes to leave skin looking youthful; administered by a medical professional within their scope of practice.
  
• Albino:
  A person with no pigment in eyes, hair, and skin.
  
• Algotherapy:
  A seaweed detoxification wrap.
  
• Algotherapy:
  A heated seaweed bath that is a form of thalassotherapy. The seaweed acts as an anti-inflammatory treatment and can reduce pain.
  
• Alkalarian:
  A person and/or diet that emphasizes use of alkaline food, drink, and lifestyle in order to maintain a balanced acid-alkaline body chemistry for optimal health and vitality.
  
• Alkali:
  A substance used to neutralize acids; capable of making soaps from fats.
  
• Alkaline:
  A non-acid substance, or base, with a pH greater than 7; usually contains above average amounts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, or calcium.
  
• Alopecia:
  Hair deficiency; baldness.
  
• Alternative therapies:
  Treatments based on speculative or abstract reasoning as compared to common practice.
  
• Amenity or Resort Spa:
  A spa facility located within a resort or luxury hotel.
  
• Amino Acid:
  An essential building block of proteins.
  
• Aminomethyl Propanediol:
  Substance used to adjust ph levels in cosmetics
  
• Amonium Laureth/Sulfate:
  A detergent cleansing agent usually derived from coconut, said to be mild, gentle and effective
  
• Anabolism:
  Constructive metabolism; the process of converting living matter to living substances.
  
• Anagen Phase:
  The early phase of the hair cycle wherein hair synthesis takes place.
  
• Anaphoresis:
  The process of forcing liquids into body tissues from the negative to positive pole.
  
• Androgen:
  Hormones that control the development of male characteristics; also the hormone that causes abnormal hair growth.
  
• Anerobics:
  Opposite of aerobic exercise, the body uses more oxygen than it takes in, such as in weightlifting or bodybuilding.
  
• Angioma:
  A tumor formed of lymphatics and blood vessels.
  
• Anidrosis:
  Perspiration deficiency.
  
• Anode:
  The positive portion of an electric force
  
• Antibiotic:
  Substance produced by microorganisms that destroy or inhibit other competitive organisms
  
• Antioxidant:
  Biochemicals that slow down free radicals by donating an electron.
  
• Antiseptic:
  Chemical agent that prevents the growth of bacteria
  
• Aqua (water) aerobics:
  Aerobic exercises performed in a swimming pool where the water provides support and resistance.
  
• Aqua Aerobics:
  Aerobic exercises performed in a pool of water using the support and resistance of the water to burn fat, strengthen bones, and increase cardiovascular activity. The buoyancy of the water reduces the chance of injuring joints or muscles.
  
• Aqua Massage:
  Hydrotherapy technique in which a person is submerged in a tub of water and massaged by underwater jets, or hand held jets used by a therapist.
  
• Aquaerobics/Acquacize:
  Exercise using water resistance to strengthen and tone muscles.
  
• Aqueous:
  Pertaining to water, or watery.
  
• Arbutin:
  A natural skin lightening agent consisting of glucose and hydroquinone; derived from bearberry extract.
  
• Aromatherapy:
  The use of essential oils to provide valuable therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. These benefits are usually achieved through either inhalation or application of the diluted oil into the skin.
  
• Aromatherapy:
  Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, extracted from plants, trees, and herbs, for therapeutic purposes. Application during treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps or hydro-baths assist with acute conditions, including; acne, blood circulation, detoxification, digestion, and overall stress reduction.
  
• Aromatherapy:
  The use of fragrant, natural, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers as a healing art. Aromath