Chic Galleria » Beatriz Alegria

Confessions of a Spaholic: Pañpuri Organic Spa

Beatriz Alegria — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:14:33 +0000

I have to confess that I am an authentic Spanish Spaholic. And it is great, for as I am a beauty journalist I get to test every single spa available. Nevertheless, this fairytale situation has a terrible downside: I have grown to be quite a connoisseur in everything spa-related. And that means that I can be quite challenging, for now I only enjoy the best treatments available. And even if my boyfriend sometimes benefits from the before mentioned invitations, he no longer can take me to regular, overbooked and overpriced spas. Sweetheart, I have great news for you (and for you, my readers, too!): I have discovered an authentic temple of Asian luxury in the midst of Madrid, which also has some select branches worldwide.

Pañpuri can only be described as a temple of relaxation, in which time stops on your behalf. Its very name, deriving from the words “Pañña” (wisdom) and “Puri” (palace), guarantees an unforgettable experience, for it represents a place where perfect equilibrium can be found along with a supreme harmony between our body, our mind and our entourage. I was very surprised to find out that Pañpuri is the first organic spa in Europe, for I had known their haircare products for a long time and I didn´t know that they actually had physical places where you could book an appointment. Lucky me that Madrid has been chosen to be one of those few selected places!

From Thailand to India and Indonesia, Pañpuri has a great insight in every Asian beauty secret, and it is known for offering the best beauty products available and the most luxurious therapy chart. Their treatments are based in the combination of ancestral techniques to relax body, mind and spirit, and the regenerating power of Mother Nature with the outermost quality standards. All of the rituals proposed are based on the best traditions of every Asian country, and their chart includes the traditional thai massage, the hindu massage Shirodhara, the Bali massage, the Chinese massage Tui Na and the massage Hilot from the Philippines.

Whenever you enter a Pañpuri Organic Spa, everything you feel and touch is intended to be pure and gentle, with a turbulence of extravagance which aims to engender a feeling of an overall well-being as you literally surrender to their expertly trained therapists. Their desire is to help their clients achieve an enlivened feeling of total renewal and rejuvenation, and I am the living proof that they speak the truth. Celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Geri Halliwell or Zidane also speak wonders of this wellbeing temple. Am I becoming very exquisite or not?

Their signature massage being Mali Moonlight Massage, I can assure you it is the ultimate trend in pampering. This ritual combines Traditional Thai Massage, Aromatherapy, Reiki, and Acupressure techniques, to ensure absolute relaxation. Your body surrenders to the rhythmic waves of a full body massage, employing long kneading strokes and acupressure techniques, then drifts away to the exquisite scent of our rare, and pure organic infused Jasmine oil with aromatherapy massage techniques. Allow the healing hands of our therapist to float above you, absorbing your negative energy and reopening your energy pathways.

Sounds too good to be true? Then you should know that Pañpuri has the category of a Six-Star Spa Grand Luxe with more than reasonable prices (starting at 45 euros).

That might be the explanation why I no longer enjoy the regular overpriced and overcrowded spas that seem to have invaded the city. Whenever I think of the luxurious suites in which the treatments take place, the kindness and the professionalism of their therapists, and the high quality of the products they use, I realize that Pañpuri is one of the best spas I have ever visited (worldwide). And I am lucky enough that it has a delegation in Madrid!

Sweetheart, you´d better take note for Christmas is coming…

You can find a delegation of Pañpuri in Madrid , C/ Lagasca 90, 28006 Madrid, Spain.

Beatriz Alegría is a Spanish (and Spain-based) freelance journalist specialized in writing Economy and Beauty features. Her work has been published in several Spanish magazines and newspapers (Cosmopolitan, Ragazza, Tiempo, Cinco Días…) and you can follow her beauty and lifestyle adventures in her online magazine, Style de Vivre, and her blog, Mi Reino Por Un Gloss. In addition to that, Beatriz loves creating handmade products, and currently runs a vintage jewelry project called The French Boudoir, specializing in unique handmade and bridal jewelry made with found objects, vintage its and bits, mixed-media products and new materials.

Katima´A: falling in love with argan oil

Beatriz Alegria — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:13:57 +0000

I have to confess that I have always been a huge fan of everything related with beauty secrets from all around the globe. I love making my own cosmetics, and a while ago I discovered the benefits of argan oil, also known as “liquid gold” in some African countries.

So when I came to test some of Katima´A products, I was delighted to find out a wide range of products based in three principles: the use of argan oil in all of its formulas, a strong ethic and ecological code and a company that puts the stress on quality rather than advertising. And I have fallen in love with them.

It is well known that argan oil is a beauty secret -along with the extensive use of karite extracts- for many oriental women. But what many people don´t know is that it actually holds the secret for extending the life of cells, thus being a more-than-effective treatment to retard wrinkles.

The ill effects of smoking, exposure to the sun and bad skincare and dietary habits can appear on the face as early as a person’s mid 20s. Although you can’t reverse all the ravages of time, there’s a lot that can be done to protect your skin from future damage, and argan oil has a lot to say about it. Being the essence of Berber women’s beauty, argan oil is gifted with outstanding beauty properties. It can treat such conditions as eczema, psoriasis, acne, , dry skin, calluses, dandruff, hair loss and inability to grow long hair.

So now you understand how happy I was to test some of Katima´As bestsellers! Its range absolutely covers all your needs (from hair treatments to body and face rituals), and I have found that a little goes a long way. Their formulas are so precise that there is no need to rub face cream twice or three times – I have a very dry skin and some products make me feel I need more hydration! And even though the range is a bit on the pricey side, I have found that customers absolutely get what they pay for – a high quality product, that is made with 100% pure and Ecocert-certified argan oil.

So which products did I love most?

Day care cream: contained in a small tadjine, its texture leaves skin absolutely comfortable without any nasty residues. It provides an in-depth hydration enriched with a sunscreen complex, so it helps to protect skin from solar damage and the daily stress. And, on top of that, it is a great make-up base that smells deliciously!

Satin body oil: what I find most attractive is its delicate, light and rich in Argan oil formula that leaves skin feeling soft and not greasy at all. The Satin Body Oil softens the skin, and as it is rapidly absorbed it lets you get dresssed immediately after using it.

Hair cure: conceived to be used before washing your hair, it is an absolute delight for dry hair. And now that Autumn comes, it is an ally to avoid mistreating it due to the new weather conditions. Imagine soft, shiny and radiant hair: that´s what hair cure is all about. Composed of Argan oil and Alpha Bisabolol, it treats and nourishes your hair in one simple step. And it is way nicer than using pure oil on your locks!

To read all about Katima´A´s range of products, its compromises and where to find the products, please visit their web site.

Three Basic Rules To Protect Your Skin Against Seasonal Changes

Beatriz Alegria — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:10:26 +0000

Winter can be tough – particularly on the skin as there seems to be no escape from dryness that occurs from both harsh outdoor weather conditions and indoor heating. So, what’s the best way to protect your skin this autumn and winter?

Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Lexli skincare, has it as clear as crystal: stick to the basics! “Maintaining a specific system that incorporates a few main ideas is your best defense against the skin ailments that plague you during the colder months” .

So, what are Dr. Abdullah´s advices for keeping skin fresh, plumped, healthy and feeling at its best during the peak of autumn and winter?

Rule Number One: You Shall Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Repeat this mantra daily. It may be obvious, but during the winter, skipping just a day of moisturizing is a mistake. “Sometimes, we’re too tired or busy that we are simply too lazy to moisturize. During the summer, when your body produces its own moisture due to excess sweat, this is not as much of an issue as it is during the winter months. Missing a day of moisturizing during the winter months can result in dry skin so severe that it can result in flaking, or worse, eczema, if your skin is particularly sensitive,” Dr. Abdullah warns.

To do so,

· Find a moisturizer that is aloe or oil-based. 99% of all moisturizers are water-based, which does less to lock in moisture and keep skin feeling fresh and smooth. My personal advice? DO test Clarins facial oils, Katima´a and Lexli aloe-based products range. You´ll be delighted!

· Develop a routine to moisturize after bathing and before bed.

· The day and night moisturizers are the key to success: they contain humectants, which are molecules that hold more than their own weight of water.

Rule Number Two: Keep Water In, But Not On Your Body

Resist the urge to indulge in long, hot showers during the winter. We know it’s tempting, but you’re not doing your skin any favors, says Dr. Abdullah. “While most people think that water is hydrating, it actually dries out your skin. Some of us consider bathing as a way to relax and unwind, and even warm up during the winter, but it’s important to realize that it actually robs skin of moisture.” Although the benefits of drinking water for your skin are up in the air, there is no doubt that water promotes overall health, so drink up!

And if you feel that your skin is unbearably itchy, don´t hesitate and try the old home remedy for chicken pox, an oatmeal bath. This relieves dryness, but don’t forget to go heavy on the moisturizer after bathing. Do use aloe-vera based products.

Rule Number Three: Make Sunscreen Your Best Friend

During the winter, most of us put the sunscreen away and mourn the loss of summertime. But don’t be so hasty to discount this product; just because you’re not actively seeking the sun doesn’t mean that it will not affect your skin. “Many people have the idea that because they’re not sunbathing, sunscreen is not necessary. This line of thinking is damaging because the sun can be just as strong in the winter, and the glare from the snow can also pose problems,” says Dr. Abdullah.

So what should you do?

· Reach for a broad-spectrum sunscreen for exposed areas during the wintertime. Lexli offers a UVA and UVB aloe-based day moisturizer containing SPF-15 for normal to dry skin. Because it is aloe-based, it heals while it works. A dream come true!

· Keep in mind, snow reflects up to 80% of the light that hits it. Make sure that your sunscreen covers both the UVA and UVB rays, and don´t forget to pay extra attention to keeping your lips and undereyes protected.

· Dr. Abdullah recommends: Lexli Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer and Aloe-Based Sunscreen Spray.

For more information about Lexli skincare products and tips from Dr. Abdullah, visit www.Lexli.com

Photo credit © Martin Novak | Dreamstime.com

Back to work? Pamper yourself with Les Fleurs d´Été, by CHANEL!

Beatriz Alegria — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:16:21 +0000

Are you already back from your well-deserved holidays? Are you definitely suffering from acute Mid-August Crises In The City? Don´t you worry, it happens to all of us! So, in order to cheer you up, why not head and try to take grasp of some of Chanel´s Beauty summer collection!

Having myself spent my holidays in Paris, I swear that those nail polishes alone helped me to see differently the tons of emails that were awaiting for me… C´est la vie en corale!

A beautiful palette of flower-garden-inspired shades brings a fresh vibrancy to all types of skin with the limited-edition CHANEL Summer 2011 Collection, called Les Fleurs d´Été (literally, Summer Flowers by Chanel). Composed of different stunning products, I myself have fallen in love with the moisturizing bronzers (for which we all beauty bloggers have been swearing for months). Just a couple of finishing touches with them and voilà! A summery and healthy look achieved in two times three strokes.

The collection looks like this:

SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL MOISTURIZING BRONZING POWDER- Bronze Rosé for fair complexions and Bronze Corail for deeper or tanned complexions offer the perfect complement to sun kissed skin and enhance a natural glow. $50.00 What’s nice about these is that you can mix the separate stripes together or use separately to illuminate your brow bone or your décolleté, as French women say!

LES 4 OMBRES QUADRA EYESHADOW in LILIUM- Shades include Deep Green, Light Green, Grey and Beige. $57.00 The bright green looks GORGEOUS on brown eyes, don´t miss it!

LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES – Lip shines, as if kissed by the morning dew, in summery shades of coral and rosy pink. My favorite references are Aurore, Pink Peony and Pensee $28.50. Adorned with sparkles, they are just perfect for an-innocent-and-just-too-cute look.

LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR- Radiant shades of yellow (Mimosa) and pink (Morning Rose) are tempered with the most subtle petal pink (Beige Petale). Mimosa is already the must-have nail shade of the summer. I cannot live without it! $25.00

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF- Long Lasting eyeliner in Rose Platine (silvery rose) $29.00. It looks as if it was composed of different shades in different light–it can look taupe or silver or even lavender. This eyeliner is a must–it’s meant for a subtle effortless summer look, for it cheers up your looks without being evident.

ROUGE COCO HYDRATING CRÈME LIPCOLOUR $30.00. I only swear by Chanel´s Rouge Coco lipsticks. They are just too good to be true! And this range of colors us pretty amazing, and will cheer you up instantly before going to your office. My favorite shade? Liberté!

New Beauty-at-Home Devices: Miracle of Fake Results?

Beatriz Alegria — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:50:38 +0000

I have to admit that I am terribly drawn to the wide range of devices that promise professional beauty results at home. And who wouldn’t? For a fraction of the prize that you normally pay for those services, you can own your own machine and save money by doing the treatments yourself.

I, myself, have tested some laser hair removal devices at home. My skin being delicate and with some beauty spots, I have finally decided to go to a professional for medical advice. But unfortunately not many people do so, and sometimes misinterpret the instructions or overuse the devices, which leads to all but beautiful results.

We have asked Dr. Sandra Lee, an Upland, California Dermatologist, to give us her own opinion on these home treatments and devices. As a female board certified dermatologist she is in a unique position to understand how alluring these products can be. Are they helpful or just hype?

Device #1: TRIA Laser Hair Removal System ($395, Triabeauty.com)

What it is: Although it looks like a gun extracted from a sci-fi fiction (like Star Wars meets Galactica), this comfy laser device takes rid of unwanted body hair by targeting the hair’s dark pigment and using heat to disable the follicle so hair doesn’t grow back. The device is designed to work only on fair to medium skin tones (there’s a skin color chart on the site) because if skin is too dark, a laser potentially could burn. And it doesn’t work on gray, blond, or red hair. The TRIA website states that the device is not to be used on neck, face or genitalia, and it strongly advises not to do so.

The claim: “The TRIA Laser Hair Removal System is the only FDA-cleared at home laser hair removal system that provides permanent, hair-free results.”

My Verdict: I tested this device just once. I had this tingly feeling and I have to admit it- I was scared I did anything wrong that could burn my skin. On top of that, my beauty spots made me prefer to go to a professional dermatologist, so I cannot give a conclusive opinion on this device. It is handy, but it is just not for me.

Dr. Lee’s Verdict: Dr. Lee has mixed feelings regarding this system. “My concern is that at physician’s offices and spas there are already an alarmingly high incidence of untoward side effects from laser hair removal- even when treatment is done by a professional. We have seen burns on the skin, which can lead to permanent scarring. If you use this device, use it wisely and don’t ignore the warnings. Dr. Lee does caution that, “I can’t imagine that this device is as strong and effective as a $100,000 laser at a physician’s office. There is a wider range of people that would respond to the professional laser. I think this device would be most useful as a supplement to professional laser hair removal, although it may be useful in getting rid of the “straggler” hairs that still remain because they may have been missed when treated professionally”.

Device #2: DDF Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System ($95, DDFskincare.com)

What it is: Included in the box are the hand-held DDF micro-polisher tool, two foam-applicator attachments, a deep cleansing brush attachment, polishing crystals and batteries. For a microdermabrasion treatment, you’re instructed to massage the crystals into the face with the micro-polisher tool with the foam applicator, then rinse and wash.

The claim: “A breakthrough device that delivers microdermabrasion results that are as effective as a professional treatment. After just one microdermabrasion treatment, see immediate improvement in pore appearance, skin tone and evenness, fine lines, skin clarity, brightness, and radiance.”

My Verdict: I am pretty happy with the results. Even though I have a relatively young skin, it tends to be dull due to the pollution, the heat (OMG, we are now suffering 40 degrees Celsius in Madrid!) and the stress. I have tried this device twice and my skin feels beautiful and comfy afterwards. But beware: don´t overuse these systems. Otherwise you could have nasty side effects and end up with a red and irritated face!

Dr. Lee’s Verdict: As Dr. Lee explains, “With this device one is supposed to massage the crystals into the face with a foam brush, then rinse. This is not the same as true microdermabrasion when you use a vacuum that sprays fine crystals on your skin and immediately vacuums them up. When this is performed by a physician or certified aesthetician, it exfoliates the dry, dead overlying skin cells with the goal of having more bright, clear radiant skin.” Dr. Lee doubts the experience is the same as professional microdermabrasion.

Device #3: Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System ($185, Clarisonic.com)

What it is: The makers of the popular Classic and Mia cleansing tools branch out with their Opal Sonic Infusion System, a tool that massages serum directly into the skin.

The claim: “The Opal is specially designed to help build skin’s resilience over time and prevent future damage around the eyes.”

My Verdict: I have not actually used this device, but I have tested others that should perform similarly. I like them because it takes away all the hassle to massage the serum directly onto my skin (I don’t know why, but that’s the part I don’t like!), and it always feels like the serum has actually penetrated better, thus boosting its activity. My skin feels plumped whenever I use these devices, and I suppose it has something to do with the serum actually going to the core of my skin.

Dr. Lee’s Verdict: “I have actually used this before, and I questioned the use of “marine botanicals” which sounds like a vague, yet exotic description for ingredients that likely do not remove wrinkles. The devise does vibrate and after treatment you still have this vibration / tingling sensation which may make you think that it is working. If I had this product at home, I would rather apply a retinol to the skin and use this device over it, hoping that the vibration may increase the penetration of a topical that I know has anti-aging properties.”

Have you all ever used a beauty-at-home device? Could you share your positive or negative experiences?