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Spa Review: Massage at the JA Ocean View Hotel Calm Spa

October 22, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, Reviews / 16 Comments

My family and I spent the first two nights of our stay in the Emirate of Dubai at the four-star JA Ocean View Hotel located on The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). During our stay my husband sneakily set up a 1-hour aromatherapy massage session at the hotel’s in-house spa, the Calm Spa.

The JA Ocean View Hotel Calm Spa is located on the third level of the 25-floor hotel. After being greeted and checked-in at the front desk, the gym is the first visible area once inside the spa. There were no visible signs showcasing the location of the changing room, fortunately I was guided there directly by the front desk clerk. Without her, I would have been lost.

Once inside, I was shown my assigned locker, and was provided instructions on what to do in order to prepare for my aromatherapy massage. I undressed, and put on their white robe and terry slippers, and was led into a one of the most relaxing waiting rooms where I could lie down and rest or read any of the available magazines they provided. Once my masseuse was ready for me, she whisked me away into the treatment room.

Calming mood lighting, and a fluffy treatment bed all set to the rhythmic waves of relaxing melodies made for the perfect spa setting. I knew I was in for a much-needed hour of pure relaxation.

My massage therapist spent the most time massaging my upper back, where the majority of my knots reside. For some reason, that’s where I tend to carry my stress. As she rubbed, gently I could feel the knots melting away, and my stress right along with it. At the end of the session, I was sad it was over. I wanted to lie there at least for another hour.

Overall, I enjoyed my aromatherapy massage session at the JA Ocean View Hotel Calm Spa. The next time you’re visiting Dubai, be sure to check out the Calm Spa.

The JA Ocean View Hotel Calm Spa partner with Elemis; therefore, Elemis products are used in the spa, and are provided in guest rooms. All spa treatments include complimentary use of the wet facilities and relaxation area. Outside guests are also able to book spa and salon treatments at the Calm Spa.

A detailed review of the JA Ocean View Hotel can be found over on Beauty and the Bump.

JA Ocean View Hotel

Calm Spa

The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Dubai,

Tel: (+971) 4 814 5599 | calmspa.ovh@jaresorts.com

I Found Turkish Love at Khaltat Blends of Love

October 16, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 22 Comments

Two weeks ago, I returned from spending one week in two of the Emirates of the United Arab Emirates: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You can read a bit about my trip over on Beauty and the Bump. As fragrance lover, one thing I noticed about the people in both places is that they love their fragrances. There were one or two specific scents that stood out, and my husband and I found them at the UAE-local perfume house, Khaltat Blends of Love.

Khaltat Blends of Love is a mid-range (65 ml | AED475/$129.32 US ) niche fragrance brand founded by Mohammed Hilal who took the most beautiful feeling inherent in people—Love—as the source of inspiration for this collection of 11 scents. Each fragrance is named after the sometimes-complicated four-letter word, and translated it into 11 different languages, which is emblazoned on the bottle in gold letters. All fragrances are enclosed in a beautiful clear glass tetrahedral bottle labeled with a saying about Love.

Everywhere we went, the mall, walking the Corniche, out to dinner – we smelled this beautiful woodsy fragrance. The scent was intoxicating, and each time we smelled it, we wanted it more and more. Eventually, we came upon a Blends of Love boutique, and sampled and sniffed each fragrance. We finally found the scents we were lusting over throughout our vacation: Aşk – Turkish Love, and Hob 1 – Arabian Love. Both fragrances, it turns out, are the most popular fragrances sold by the brand.

Although I loved both fragrances, Turkish Love (Aşk), with its rose, sandalwood, and agarwood notes, is more my taste. It’s definitely a warm fall/winter scent.

Hob 1 is described as the “… scent of the UAE vision… the beauty of our optimistic, forward-thinking culture!” This floral musky fragrance was purchased for my husband. The amber and musk notes, sprinkled with a hint of Emirati Vision, make for a crisp winter fragrance.

Both fragrances are long lasting. One thing I hate when wearing a fragrances is when the scent dissipates after only a few hours of wear. With the Khaltat Blends of Love ‘Aşk’ and ‘Hob 1’, each scent can be smelled even after 8-hours of wear. Impressive. We were told that if sprayed on your clothes, the fragrances could be smelled for up to three days. Unfortunately, we do not wear our clothes three days in a row, but that was still nice to hear.

Khaltat Blends of Love are available exclusively in the United Arab Emirates. However, they are working on adding an online purchasing capability to their website to accommodate international orders. I’m hoping this happens sooner than later because there are still some fragrances I want from their collection. In addition to the Eau de Parfum collection there are concentrated oils with the same compositions.

Other Khaltat Blends of Love fragrances I wanted to pick up during our trip are:

Liebe – German Love! (Bergamot, Neroli, and Amber)
Agápē – Greek Love – (Rose, Patchouli, Agarwood)
Aloha – Hawaiian Love (coco, jasmine, Tonka beans)

Check out Khaltat Blends of Love http://www.khaltat.com/

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SK-II Skincare Trifecta – A Review

October 13, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, Reviews, Skincare / 17 Comments

PR SAMPLE | AFFILIATE LINKS

Although this isn’t my first go-round with the amazing brand that is SK-II, this is, however, my first time introducing Makeup by Kim Porter readers to the brand and a few of their products.

SK-II products have a secret ingredient, Pitera™ – a clear liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. This secret ingredient was discovered after SK-II scientists visit to a sake brewery that revealed the brewers, although their faces showed signs of aging their hands, on the other hand, did not. These scientists, in turn, spent over a decade identifying the ingredient to include in some of SK-II’s most popular skincare products to date.

For the last three plus months I’ve using the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (1.0 Fl. oz.) and Essential Power Cream (0.51 Fl. oz.). I’ve even taken them with my to the UAE. Although I’ve previously used the Facial Treatment Mask, I haven’t yet used this application; however, I can attest to its super skin hydrating greatness. Trust me, this cult beauty classic is worth all of the hype – and pennies.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. It is just as luxurious as it sounds, and works wonders for the skin. Just a little bit of this liquid gold gently pressed into the face post cleansing and toning works wonders at softening and smoothening the skin, and enhancing the skin’s radiance. The Essence can be used both during the day and night; however, I prefer to use it in the evenings. After I apply the quick -drying Facial Treatment Essence, I then apply a serum, and then moisturize my skin using the SK-II Essential Power Cream.

The SK-II Essential Power Cream is a lightweight, fast -absorbing moisturizer with anti-aging properties. I like its smooth texture, and how supple my skin feels post application. Some moisturizers can make my skin feel oily, but the SK-II Essential Power Cream adds the moisture without the greasy feel. It was a joy to use during my most recent [13-hour] flight to combat dehydrated skin. Plus, a little goes a long way; I only use a pea-sized amount (or less) both day and night. After using it for over three months, I’m only halfway through the 0.51 oz jar. The only downside is that the Essential Power Cream doesn’t contain SPF, so I had to apply a sunscreen over it or mix it in.

Overall, I’m happy with the products I’ve tried from SK-II. My skin definitely looks and feels better. Although they come with a hefty price tag, I believe that skincare is one of the things one you shouldn’t skimp. Plus, the Facial Treatment Essence and Essential Power Cream will both last you a while; therefore, you’re definitely getting your monies worth. If you’re in the market for a daily gentle exfoliant, and miracle-working moisturizer, and your pockets can afford it, check them out.

Have you tried SK-II Skincare Products? Are they worth the splurge, or not?

Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Tangerine Dream Review

August 24, 2015 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 26 Comments

PR SAMPLE | AFFILIATE LINKS

Lately, I’ve been showing off this bright orange cleansing device on my social media accounts. During that time you’ve probably wondered what is that thing, and why am I using it. It’s the latest sonic cleansing device from Michael Todd, Soniclear Elite Tangerine Dream Cleansing System.

What is the Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Cleansing System?

I’ve used sonic cleansing systems previously, but the Soniclear Elite is different. The brush heads are made with built-in antimicrobial protection to aid in the reduction of bacteria growth in the bristles between uses. It also has six total speeds distributed evenly across the two brush heads: a gentle one for the face, and one with a lot more power for the body.

Clinically proven to reduce 99.9% of bacteria after 24 hours compared to untreated control
Waterproof with six (6) speed settings & 2 brush heads for customizable experience
Automatic timer standardizes cleansing experience for consistent results
Sonic powered sweeping motion stays within safe range of natural elasticity
Clinically validated to be up to six (6) times more effective than cleansing with hands alone
Replace antimicrobial brushes every 6 months versus the competitor’s every 3 months

Features C-Boost Collagen Technology

Clinically validated to improve the appearance of fine lines by 84% in 8 weeks
Clinically validated to improve skin firmness by 70% in 8 weeks
Clinically validated to improve skin texture by 91% in 8 weeks

You’re probably wondering how well did the Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Tangerine Dream perform?

I’ve used both the facial and body brush heads, and of the two, the facial brush head is a personal favorite. At first, the Soniclear Elite brush head for the face was too abrasive for my not so sensitive skin; it hurt to use. Therefore, I requested a different brush head that worked much better!

With the new brush head, my skin didn’t hurt or feel raw post use. It was actually smoother, clearer, and a lot brighter, and of course, cleaner, thus allowing my other skincare products like serums and overnight masks to absorb much better. My favorite time to use the Soniclear Elite is after I remove my makeup in the evenings. The Soniclear Elite combined with my favorite cleanser does a good job of making sure any makeup residue my makeup remover didn’t catch is gone. Also, since this device has antimicrobial brush heads, I didn’t experience any breakouts post usage, which I would experience when using my other sonic cleansing device.

Now, let’s get the body brush for the Soniclear Elite. It worked well to help exfoliate and soften the skin on areas like my elbows, knees, and heels of the feet. I’ve tried using it on my entire body, but felt like it just took a lot of time, especially in the mornings; therefore, I suggest saving it for use in the evenings.

I loved that since owning the Soniclear Elite Tangerine Dream I haven’t had to charge it since the first charge. I mean, I don’t use it daily, but it is still impressive that after a few months, it is still holding charge. I use the nifty little charging cradle to hold

Overall, I am happy with the results achieved from using the Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Tangerine Dream. If you don’t suffer from sensitive skin, and you’re looking for a skin-cleansing device with anti-microbial brush heads, multifunctional characteristics that help keep your skin on your face and body clearer, smoother, and cleaner, I suggest looking into the Soniclear Elite.

The Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Tangerine Dream is available for $159 on http://www.michaeltoddusa.com.

What do you think about the Soniclear Elite Tangerine Dream Cleansing System?