Cosmetic Acupuncture at Union Center for Healing

This past spring, I was invited to try Cosmetic Acupuncture at the Union Center for Healing in Seattle. I've never done this before and was excited to see what my results could be. While it's not a replacement for Botox or other cosmetic fillers, this is a non-invasive, holistic alternative to look more youthful in a natural way.

What makes UCFH's treatments unique is that they focus on your overall constitution, not just the face. Health factors, stress, diet, and environmental stressors inevitably show up on your complexion. For example, if you have liver issues, it will show up on your upper cheek area. With that in mind, your acupuncturist will offer lifestyle advice to improve your results. 

Ten weekly sessions are recommended but twice weekly is ideal for those with advanced aging. Electro stimulation may be included as needed. I noticed initial results after a few sessions and by the tenth one my forehead looked visibly smoother. It didn't erase all the fine lines but my face looked more toned and had a vibrant glow. My overall health and vitality has also improved, so it's a win-win.

The first 90-minute visit is $150, a 60-minute return visit is $120. A package of five is $525, ten is $1,000.

Union Center for Healing is located at 2100 East Union Street (206-329-2060). For more info: unioncenterforhealing.com/cosmetic-acupuncture. 

For editorial consideration, review treatments were provided by the brand.

Clarins Pore Perfecting Matifying Foundation & Matifying Kit

As summer season heats up, you'll need makeup products to keep the inevitable oiliness at bay. Clarins recently launched their Pore Perfecting Matifying Foundation ($38, 1 oz) and the Pore Perfecting Matifying Kit ($48) to combat the shine and perspiration.

The Pore Perfecting Matifying Foundation actually acts more like a tinted primer and a tiny bit goes a long way. I prefer this over regular foundation as who wants a heavy layer when it's hot outside? It contains acacia gum to blur enlarged pores while red clay absorbs excess oil. Organic marsh samphire is also added to keep your skin moisturized. For my light-medium complexion shade 02 Nude Beige was a perfect match. 

The Pore Perfecting Matifying Kit features a whisper light translucent powder that helps blur imperfections. What makes it extra brilliant is that it contains a compartment with blotting papers. You can also get a refill ($18) once you're done. 

Available at www.clarinsusa.com. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

True Botanicals Pre Cleanse Oil

True Botanicals now have their very own Pre Cleanse Oil (4 fl oz, $48), which is an excellent addition to the cleansing oil category. It contains a nourishing trio of organic plant oils (sesame, jojoba, and apricot kernel) to remove dirt and makeup without drying out the skin. The uplifting addition of bergamot fruit oil makes it feel extra luxurious.

Just dispense 2-3 pumps, then massage it gently onto dry skin. Once the makeup is dissolved, layer your preferred facial cleanser on top. You don't need to rinse off the oil before adding cleanser, which will save a bit of time.

I just love how soft my skin feels after using the oil; it also makes it look more plump and healthy, too. It's like a makeup remover, cleanser and moisturizer in one. I'm pretty sure this is gonna be a must-have for green beauty fans.

If you haven't yet tried this awesome skincare line, you can get $20 off your first order ($40 minimum). Use the discount code TAMITRUE20 at checkout. 

Available at truebotanicals.com. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Malie Organics Body Gloss

Just in time for summer, Malie Organics launched a new Body Gloss ($25, 4 oz) that will condition dehydrated and over-exposed skin. Unlike body lotion, this product is free of alcohol and water, meaning that you'll get a much higher concentration of botanical actives with each application.

Organic extra virgin coconut oil is whipped with organic plant butters (aloe, mango, macadamia), raw island honey and beeswax to make a nourishing body treatment. It absorbs beautifully so there's no worry of sticky or oily residue. I tried the Plumeria scent, which is absolutely glorious. It's also available in Mango Nectar, Pikake, and Koke'e. 

The creamy texture solidifies under 76 F degrees, so be sure to run the jar under warm water to soften it up. 

Available at Malie.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Beauty Pie

When Beauty Pie launched six months ago, I was definitely curious about the luxury beauty subscription service. For $10 a month, you get access to luxury makeup and skincare at factory cost. You can buy up to $100 worth of products at retail value, which are manufactured in Europe. You can also purchase them individually at retail prices if you don't do the membership.

That said, the $10/month fee doesn't include shipping and handling and you need to do a 3-month plan before you can cancel. Your monthly shopping allowance rolls over so you can save on shipping costs. 

I got to try the Futurelipstick - Satin in Knockout Punch, a flattering nude rose, and A Little Pinky, a bubblegum pink. The ultra-lightweight formula is highly pigmented, so you only need 1-2 swipes for full coverage. It does feel like a lipstick you might get from a prestige brand, without the frou frou packaging. The factory cost is $3.03, or $25 at full retail. 

Futurelipstick Satin in Knockout Punch

The Ultra Colour Wondergel Eyeliner ($2.58 with membership, $22 retail) really stays put. Wear this when you're gonna sweat, cuz it won't budge until you use a cleansing oil. 

Available at www.beautypie.com. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Eminence Microgreens Detox Collection

Eminence skincare fans will love the new Microgreens Detox Collection. The trio features the Detoxifying Microgreens Complex, which contains broccoli, radish, clover sprouts, and Swiss cress sprouts to fight enviromental pollution. 

The Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant ($52) gives a deep cleansing without drying your skin. Rice flour, adzuki powder and stone crop come together to brighten and gently exfoliate the face. That said, the fizzy foam cleanser might be too stimulating if you have really sensitive skin so try a small amount to test it out first. 

For those with dry skin the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil ($52) might be better. I really like using this soothing formula to remove makeup. Like the fizzofoliant it contains stone crop and microgreens to nourish and revitalize the complexion.

My favorite is the Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment ($74). Lotus extract exfoliates and protects while jojoba adds a layer of hydration. It's quite fun to massage the jojoba spheres into the skin and it's pretty light so it soaks in really well. It's a fab way to fight off the drying effects of indoor heaters and air conditioners. 

To learn more about the collection: eminenceorganics.com

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

True Botanicals Grove Nourishing Lotion

True Botanicals shows no sign of stopping. The luxurious green skincare brand recently launched a new Grove scent for their body care—something that'll delight everyone, even the guys! It's available as a Nourishing Lotion ($42, 8 fl oz) and Nourishing Wash ($34, 8 fl oz). 

 

Unisex in nature, Grove is a woody citrus fragrance that has a cozy warm spiciness that's not too sweet. The brand did a wonderful job balancing the orange and sandalwood notes. Cedarwood grounds the scent, making it very appealing for men and women. I'm constantly smelling my arms after using the body lotion—it's that delicious. 

Available at truebotanicals.com.  

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Nana Joes Granola

I always appreciate healthier snack options, so imagine my excitement when I learned about the vegan, certified gluten-free granola from Nana Joes. Based in San Francisco, founder Michelle Pusateri and her team make each small batch by hand. 

The grain-free Urban Blend ($11; 10oz) is an awesome blend of crispy coconut, chewy dried fruit, seeds and nuts. There is no refined sugar; the amount of organic maple syrup is just right, not too sweet. If you can't have oats in your diet, you need to try this.

For those who can tolerate oats, the Cluster Blend - Cashew & White Peach ($9; 14oz) is just delicious. It comes with little bites of unsweetened dried peaches, which you can mix into the granola or eat them straight from the packet. Like the Urban Blend, it has the perfect combo of spices to make it yummy without being too rich or heavy.

 Grain-free Urban Blend.

For portable convenience, there are granola bar options. I can see myself stashing several bars of the Swell Grain Free Bar ($3.50) whenever I'm traveling. It has a coconut base, almonds and cocoa nibs to give a boost of energy whenever you need it. The Big Wave Bar ($3.50) has crunchy bits of quinoa, mini chocolate chips, almond butter and cranberry. I don't normally like cranberry but these are infused with apple juice so it adds a hint of tartness. Both are available in a package of 6 or 12 bars ($20-40). 

Available at www.nanajoes.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Clarins Spring Beauty Preview

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Clarins media breakfast at the Four Seasons in San Francisco. I got a chance to catch up with my dear friend Natalie from Coquette while learning about the latest spring launches from the venerable Parisian beauty brand.

Image credit: Clarins

I got to check out the limited edition Face Contouring Palette ($42), which includes a blush, highlighter, and bronzer. Both the blush and bronzer are super pigmented and they won't fade for a long time, even without primer. The highlighter is a bit too muted for me but I like that it's not shimmery. You can read my reviews on the rest of their spring makeup here. 

 

The Hydra-Essentiel skincare line was also introduced, which I had covered back in January. We got a chance to try the refreshing Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel ($48), which is going to be a hit for summer. The soothing gel will be so comforting when temperatures hit the 90s. 

Last but not least, the new Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert ($70) seems like a great way to get in shape for summer. I've never tried anti-cellulite products before but I'll share results if I see any. 

There are a couple more new makeup items I'll be reviewing in the next month so stay tuned!

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

True Botanicals Travel Size Body & Hair Care

True Botanicals fans can now get travel size body and hair care! These sturdy, TSA-ready bottles are available as a shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion. If you love floral notes you'll enjoy their signature Fresh scent. For those new to the brand, it's a great way to check out these items if you don't want to commit to a full size product.

I've already tried the Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner ($11 each; 2 oz) so I knew I'd be pleased with the Nourishing Wash ($11; 2oz). There's not too much foam and unlike some body washes with a goopy formula, it washes off easily without having to scrub off the excessive soapiness.

The Nourishing Lotion ($14, 2 oz) is perfectly balanced. It's rich enough to condition the skin but not too heavy to sit on the surface. I love the non-greasy texture—no need to wait for it to soak in before getting dressed. The scent is so decadent it can double as a light perfume! 

Available at truebotanicals.com.  

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.