Spa & Beauty Today's February 2023 Editors' Picks
[Photo by Motoki Tonn]
One of our favorite things every month is going through all of the beauty and wellness pitches we receive, then selecting the most innovative products to feature in our monthly Editors’ Picks. For the month of February, some highlights include:
A sunflower super balm with bakuchiol that works as a retinol alternative
A necklace that contains the healing power of quantum energy
Peel-off basecoat for nails
Customized probiotics that are formulated to your unique gut microflora
A trio of face masks that utilize the healing powers of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon seawater
Room spray that neutralizes odors at the molecular level
Active lashes that are sweat-proof and designed for long wear to last through any workout
The latest launches from Alastin, Bath & Body Works, Dermalogica, Elemis, FarmHouse Fresh, Homecourt, NativaSpa, Orly, ReVive, Saint Jane Beauty, and many more…
Read on to discover and shop Spa & Beauty Today’s February 2023 Editors’ Picks. Let us know if you have any favorites and if there are any products we missed that you think should make the list!
ALASTIN Skincare A-LUMINATE BRIGHTENING Serum ($168)
This serum is clinically proven to help minimize the appearance of all forms of (unwanted) discoloration, including dark spots, redness, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and brown patches. Proprietary PATH-3 Technology helps to minimize the recurrence of surface pigmentation and protect against future damage with continued use. Designed to support the results of in-office treatments such as chemical peels, lasers and skin brightening treatments. Free of hydroquinone and retinol, it features powerful antioxidants to promote optimal skin health and is non-irritating for daily use.
APTO Turmeric Oil with Rosemary ($10)
This soothing, multitasking treatment hydrates, nourishes and calms the complexion with a blend of super plant oils, turmeric and rosemary to uplift skin. The antimicrobial benefits of rosemary is a lifesaver - smoothes flaky acne-prone skin and calms inflammation, while turmeric sinks in instantly to deliver hydration, plumpness, and an all-over glow. Can be used for just about anything including hydrating hair, moisturizing cuticles, hands and feet.
Ardell Active Lash Collection ($4.89 each)
Ardell’s new Active Lash collection includes six styles of long wear and sweat-proof lashes that will last through any workout. The collection, which includes the Active Adhesive lash glue, is performance tested to stay as strong as you are and retain curl through every level of activity, no matter how hot and sweaty! Comes in three different styles:
Active Lash Physical: Round, medium length and volume, and multi-layering
Active Lash Gainz: Round, medium length light volume create a wispy effect
Active Lash Speedy: Flared, short length and light volume with light multi-layering
Kourtney x Barker Wellness Rejuvenate Bundle ($88)
Kourtney Kardashian has partnered with Barker Wellness to offer her exclusive Rejuvenate Bundle that includes magnesium bath flakes to detox and purify, body butter to keep skin balanced and radiant, and body oil to give skin new life with a non-comedogenic blend that includes organic jojoba, organic sweet almond, babassu, kukui, lavender, and vitamin E.
Bath & Body Works Aroma Collection ($5.95 to $19.95)
Their new Aroma collection features four spa-inspired blends to encourage you in enjoy more self-care this year. The collection ranges from hydrating body cream and body wash/foam bath to body lotion, oil mist, and salt body scrub. Available in four refreshing scents:
Fresh Start: Sage and cedarwood essential oils
Simply Unwind: Sandalwood and vanilla essential oils
Uplifting Boost: Neroli blossom and bergamot essential oils
Breathe Deep: Eucalyptus and lavender essential oils
Bath & Body Works Signature Single Wick Candles ($17.95 each)
Available in multiple options including four brand-new scents, Bath & Body Works’ Signature Single Wick Candles are made with natural essential oils and come in a sleek new style that elevates every space. The 8 oz candles offer between 30 and 50 hours of fragrance each!
Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare Mask Trio ($45 each)
The iconic Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare mask trio harnesses the healing powers of the Blue Lagoon Seawater and its most treasured elements (microalgae, silica and minerals). The three bioactive face masks can be used individually for their unique abilities or paired together for their complementary powers. The masks retail for $45 each and include:
Moisture Rich-Mineral Mask is a hydrating face mask that boosts skin’s moisture level and revitalizes the complexion—plus this overnight sleeping facial actively replenishes and smooths skin.
Pore-Refining Silica Mask improves complexion and minimizes the visibility of pores, leaving skin fresh and clear.
Nourishing Algae Mask boosts natural skin glow and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an ageless lift and a smooth, luminous complexion.
D`Telli Travel Mist Gold Fragrance ($65)
This intoxicating, rich and luxurious travel-size fragrance is a complex blend that will mix with your skin’s own unique chemistry to create a slightly different version of the scent for everyone who wears it. D`Telli Opens up with a soft breeze of juicy Italian Blood Orange, over an exotic floral Heart of Tunisian Orange Blossoms, mixed with (day blooming) Royal Moroccan Jasmine and (night blooming) Arabian Jasmine. The dry-down is an addictive lingering skin scent of sultry Waves of amber and hints of vanilla.
DamDam Snow Mushroom Pore Cleanser with Exfoliating Glove ($47)
This facial cleansing bar draws out oil from pores and balances pH level with hydrating snow mushroom, which features hyaluronic-like properties to hydrate skin and support the skin barrier. Also contains salt, which absorbs toxins and removes dirt and oil for visibly improved pore size; and an innovative and compostable plant-based glove to gently exfoliate and lather your skin—leaving it with a smooth finish.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum ($92)
This high-dose, fast-acting multi-retinoid with booster technology helps reverse the appearance of wrinkles, retexturize skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and visibly even skin tone. The lightweight, gel-like serum provides a smooth glide, hydration, and easy absorption. 3.5% Retinoid Complex helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Concentrated Squalane improves the skin’s moisture barrier for boosted skin health and recovery, and oat-derived Beta-Glucan helps to hydrate, soothe, and restore skin.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Marine Cream ($138)
To celebrate the 20th year since the launch of the award-winning Pro Collagen Marine Cream, ELEMIS gas introduced Pro Collagen Rose Marine Cream. Featuring the same iconic texture, anti-aging benefits, and the brand’s hero extract Padina Pavonica with a new soothing rose aromatic. Formulated with fully traceable Organic English Rose Hydrolat incorporating over 20 varieties of roses, carefully selected for their complexity of fragrance, and combined with Gingko Biloba and Chlorella Vulgaris, which have been sustainably grown with biotechnology. The advanced formula is clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in two weeks. It also helps to improve the look of firmness and elasticity for skin that looks smooth and rejuvenated+.
Esker Bath & Tower Spray ($50)
Indulge your senses and transport yourself to an at-home spa, pre-shower, post bath and anytime in between with this eucalyptus herbal scent that includes notes of lavender and Palo Santo. The luxury room spray can be used on towels, robes, bedding or as a room refresher.
Farmhouse Fresh Sunflower Superbalm ($54)
This intensely hydrating, waterless whipped peptide face balm replenishes dry, distressed skin with ultra-rich moisture. Nourishing golden organic sunflower seed oil restores your dewy glow while firming peptides work to visibly smooth. The added boost of FHF-grown lemon balm extract and bakuchiol (a plant-based alternative to retinol) helps to visibly plump and improve the look of fine lines for a renewed, youthful transformation.
Figaro Apothecary ($45 to $145)
This newly-launched skincare line is formulated to nourish, relieve stress, create rich experiences and a strong belief in “science in nature.” It offers superb products that maximize the synergistic effects of botanical combinations. All products are formulated with 100% natural ingredients, with no added sulphates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, PEGs, or SLSs. Collection includes a face cleanser, active renewal face treatment, eye treatment, moisturizer, and body oil.
Floré by Sun Genomics Customized Probiotics ($79 per month)
Rooted in the results of patented whole-genome DNA sequencing and gut composition analysis (based on a simple stool sample), Floré personalized probiotics are formulated to an individual's unique gut microflora to regulate digestion, increase energy, reduce bloating and more. The company was founded by biologist Sunny Jain, who took it upon himself to create a custom probiotic that worked for his son who he witnessed struggling with gut issues.
Subscriptions include a comprehensive Gut Microflora Test kit to test stool; a personalized formula crafted from the company’s inventory of 115+ clinically validated probiotic and prebiotic strains; monthly supply of probiotics cold-shipped directly to their door; and access to check gut health scores and track health goals over time on the Floré mobile app or online portal.
glowoasis Refreshing Eye Duo ($69)
This two-piece set includes an eye cream and rose quartz massager that will visibly firm, brighten and hydrate skin while providing optimal absorption. The all-in-one eye cream features a powerful blend of ingredients like triple peptide, vitamin C, niacinamide and xylitol which target fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. Eyes will look and feel more rested and fresh in appearance!
Homecourt Room Deodorant ($45 each)
The brand’s first-of-its-kind Room Deodorant has been clinically tested to reduce and neutralize odors (in the kitchen, bathroom, and beyond) while imparting lasting fine fragrance. Available in four scents (Steeped Rose, Neroli Leaf, Cipres Mint, Cece), the deodorants feature zinc ricinoleate to naturally trap and absorb odor molecules, yeast ferment to break down odor-causing bacteria, charcoal to to purify air, and lasting fine fragrance to transform your space.
Leela Quantum H.E.A.L. Energy Capsule ($145 to $295)
The Leela Quantum Capsule can be worn like a piece of jewelry around your neck, kept with you in your pocket, or used as a quantum energy charger at home. The capsule can be filled with up to five titanium balls, all charged with neutral frequencies, which makes them ideal for transmitting quantum energy and frequencies and passing them onto other elements and materials. Whether you want to enhance the quality of your tap water, preserve your food longer, or provide yourself with positive frequencies, the capsule offers you unlimited possibilities to perform better, work smarter and live happier.
Live Deeply Life Stories ($34)
A fun way to start a meaningful conversation (that also makes for a great gift or even a holiday stocking stuffer), this card game helps you to unlock new stories and create deeper bonds with different prompt pairings per draw for endless combinations. Recommended for all generations, from 2 to 12 players. Comes in a beautiful box for gifting or travel and sustainably harvested recyclable paperboard printed with vegan inks,
L'Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox Leave-In Oil ($35)
The Metal Detox Concentrated Oil is the new addition to the L’Oréal Professionnel innovative range Metal Detox. The oil includes the same innovative and proprietary ingredient, Glicoamine. This particle is small enough to penetrate the hair and neutralize metals that may be causing oxidation of color and breakage. This is the first time Glicoamine has been injected into an oil for multi-dimension protection, resulting in a lightweight oil for all hair types. Hair is shielded from heat, color fading and metals.
nativaSPA Bright and Radiant Ritual Set ($42.50)
Infuse radiance into your skin and whole self with this duo that includes a body lotion and Gua Sha stone to activate circulation. Skin will naturally light up with a vitamin C boost from strawberry extract and superior nutrients from pure quinoa oil.
OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment ($22)
This advanced lip treatment features skin-supporting peptides and kokum butter that quickly and visibly plumps lips with hydration and smooths fine lines. It visibly counteracts volume loss and restores bounce with lip-specific peptides and nourishing butters and oils. The active formula is clinically tested to give you softer, bouncier, fuller-looking lips in just one week. Plus, you’ll love its naturally derived citrus scent and smooth texture!
ORLY One Night Stand Peel Off Basecoat ($15)
The new and improved One Night Stand Peel Off Basecoat is a damage-free basecoat that lets you switch between shades without the need for remover. Easily peel off after one or two days and move on to your next fling! For non-damaging removal, simply peel off lacquer in one sheet by lifting the basecoat from the edges of the nail.
RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Oil Triple Defense Hydrator ($195)
Powered with the brand’s signature Bio-Renewal Peptide, this deeply hydrating oil is formulated to protect skin against dehydration, free radical damage and environmental aggressors. Intensely nourishing the moisture barrier, this advanced formula helps skin feel rejuvenated and healthy. Their other new launch is Masque De Brilliance Resurfacing Multi-Acid Mask ($150), an ultra-effective triple acid peel mask that provides clinical results in minutes to dramatically improve skin’s texture and radiance without the irritation.
Robert Piguet Casbah Moisturizing Body Lotion Gift Set ($75)
The brand’s proprietary blend of essential oils from the original Casbah fragrance are masterfully blended into a luxurious lotion concoction. Filled with skin-loving vitamin E, this fast absorbing but highly moisturizing formula will leave your skin beautifully nourished with the smokey scent of Casbah. Set comes with a 6.8 Fl oz (200 ml) and a 2.5 Fl oz. (75 ml) body lotion in a stunning black box.
Saint Jane Beauty Superflower Detox Serum ($88)
Superflower Detox Serum is like a nourishing green juice for skin. Packed with millions of comprehensive micronutrients, it purifies and balances the complexion with gentle florals, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. The lightweight formula is infused with a rich bouquet of the brand’s Active Flower™️ Concentrate. Thoughtfully selected to detoxify pores and shield from environmental stressors, each drop delivers daily nutrition for the skin.
SeneGence Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Mask ($75)
This gel-to-foam oxygenating mask boosts skin’s luminosity and revitalizes tired skin in just minutes. The Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Mask deep exfoliates, purifies, and revitalizes to leave skin looking radiant. Clinically proven to provide immediate deep hydration that lasts up to 72 hours.* Formulated for all skin types to improve clarity, luminosity, and radiance.
Sireni Eye Renaissance Eye Shields & Compact ($25)
These reusable silicone, cosmetic grade Eye Shields come in a chic compact with a mirror—perfect for on the go! Whether you apply your favorite under eye brightening serum or rejuvenating eye cream, the silicone shields help lock in the ingredients, allowing them to better absorb into the skin. After 10 to 20 minutes, simply rinse and store the Eye Shields back in the compact for endless reuse.
[Photos courtesy of brands]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk