After discussing the best ways to keep facial skin healthy and glowing during the winter months with several local experts, many themes arose: exfoliation, moisturizing, hydration, and sunscreen. These steps are all important because the winter weather tends to be drier, which has an impact on the skin. Somewhat surprisingly, the topic of sunscreen came up because, quite simply, the sun still shines in the winter and can still do damage to the skin.

Exfoliation
“In winter, the most important thing to do for the skin is to exfoliate,” emphasizes Linda Sickles, senior esthetician at The Spa at Cornerstone Fitness & Spa in Warrington. “If the skin is exfoliated [all other cosmetic products], work better.” Achieved through either chemical or mechanical means, exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis.

Chemical exfoliants include peels or other active agents that remove skin cells by way of a chemical reaction. “I prefer a natural enzyme exfoliant to a surface scrub, which can sometimes scratch your skin and cause shine,” says Kristyn Rudnet, owner of the Shimmer and Spice boutique in Philadelphia. “I recommend Naturopathica’s Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel, because pumpkin is a powerful antioxidant due to its high beta carotene content.”

Mechanical exfoliants, commonly referred to as scrubs, have a course ingredient that acts to physically remove dead skin cells. When used properly—with a light touch instead of a hard rubbing action—scrubs do not damage the skin. One option is Kiehl’s Milk, Honey and Almond Scrub.

Moisturization
Once the skin is clean and exfoliated, the next vital step is to moisturize. This step is necessary because there are external as well as internal causes of skin dryness in the winter. External causes include heaters, which dry out the air, and wind.
Internal factors include the skin’s ability to rejuvenate in the colder months. As esthetician Dianna D’Andrea at Stars Di Prinzi Salon in Warrington explains, “Your skin’s natural oils don’t replenish themselves as much in the winter as they do in the summer, which causes the skin to be drier.” Her advice: “Use products with glycolic acid, because it penetrates the skin deeper and actually gets down into the dermis,” which is the layer underneath the epidermis.

In general, switching to a creamier moisturizer in the winter is one way to beat dryness. But, as Linda explains, “Creamier is not necessarily better because everyone’s skin type is different.” She suggests an appointment with an esthetician to create a personalized skin care regimen. “Skin care products are so advanced now that most do not have a heavy [or creamy] feel.” One example is Dermalogica’s Active Moisturizer.

Hydration
But applying moisturizer to the skin’s surface is only half of the hydration process. We should also hydrate our bodies to allow for that healthy glow. And, during the holiday season, we can easily get dehydrated—blame it on the eggnog, mulled wine, and candy cane martinis.

“Water, water, water,” says Dianna, “drink more water in the winter.” One way to accomplish this is to have one glass of water in between every cocktail because alcohol is a diuretic that causes the body to excrete more water. “If people enjoy a cocktail—and who doesn’t?—they should try to drink more water during the holiday season,” adds Linda.

Another trick is to use a humidifier to put more moisture in the air, especially while you sleep. And, take cooler showers because hot water dries out the skin more than cooler water. Furthermore, Linda simply tells people to “lower the temperature on the thermostat.” 

Sunscreen
“Sunscreen—all estheticians will agree on that one,” affirms Dianna.

“Sunscreen should be used every day, even in winter,” Linda explains.

Sunscreen may be the most neglected of the cold weather skin care elements because we often perceive the colder weather to mean that the sun is not as potent. However, the sun is actually closer to the earth in the Northern Hemisphere in winter, and it produces harmful rays in the winter just as it does in the summer. Additionally, snow reflects approximately 80 percent of the ultraviolent light, which increases exposure.

Linda suggests applying sunscreen last in the morning skin care regimen, just after moisturizing, or mixing sunscreen into the moisturizer. Many moisturizers have sunscreen built in—at the very least, chose one of these moisturizers in the winter months.

Final Tips
Skin is the largest organ in the body, and the areas where the skin is most susceptible to damage are the hands and the face. In winter, the skin can get dried out by things like indoor heating, wind, and holiday cocktail consumption. But a few simple tips—exfoliate, moisturize, hydrate, and embrace sunscreen—can protect the skin and keep your face glowing all season long.  

Story by April Reynolds

Recently, Bucks County WOMAN Magazine held an open call for women interested in hair makeovers, and three women—each with their own particular hair woes—were chosen. Some had fine, limp hair; others had simply paid more attention to the needs of their families than to their own appearance; and one woman wore her hair in a braid every day (unless she was dressing up, in which case, she would place a flower in the braid)!

Once-Braided Brigid

“My problem was that my hair didn’t have any style,” explains Brigid LaGuardia. “I grew it long for the sake of having it long and because belly dancers are supposed to have long hair, right?” The result was long, stringy hair that, she says, “defeated” her on a daily basis. “No matter where I was going, I wore the same braided ponytail every single day,” she admits.

Brigid was assigned to Zanya Salon and Spa in Lambertville for her hair makeover, where owner Zanya Gissler and colorist Jason Schmeltzly closely considered Brigid’s facial shape and skin tone. “When we met Brigid, the first thing we realized was that her hair color wasn’t bringing out her best features, which are her creamy skin tone and her beautiful blue eyes,” recalls Zanya. “Jason recommended that we bring more warmth to her skin tone, so we opted for an auburn hair color that would also enhance her eye color.” Brigid’s hair went from a boring brown to a light, coppery brown with shimmering highlights.

“Brigid has a heart-shaped face,” says Zanya, “and the best length for someone with a heart-shaped face is chin length.” Because Brigid’s hair is fine, Zanya layered it to create a fuller look but left it long enough for Brigid to attach her belly dancing headpieces. “I’m about twelve inches lighter now, and I don’t miss any of it,” exclaims Brigid. “And the salon gave me great care tips, like using a dry shampoo in between washings instead of washing my hair every day. It refreshes your hair and adds extra volume.”

Now-Joyous Julie

“The last major change I made to my hair was probably ten years ago,” admits Julie Honer, “and I have had the same hairstylist for seventeen years.” In a style rut, Julie agreed to the makeover. For her, being chosen gave her the push and incentive she needed to make the change.

Julie’s update took place at Essentials Salon and Spa in Doylestown, with Chelsea Cosner, an eleven-year veteran at the salon. Like many women, Julie didn’t want to lose her length. “At first, I told Chelsea that I wanted to be able to put my hair in a ponytail, but then I just told her to do whatever she thought was best. She decided to cut it into a short bob but left it long enough so that I could tuck it behind my ears.”

According to the salon’s owner, Jackie McKay, “Julie’s hair was too long for her hair type. We cut her shoulder-length hair to her chin and added short layers,” Jackie says. “And to keep the shape soft around her face, Chelsea added a face-framing fringe.” Highlights were used to give the hair dimension, which, as Jackie explains, “makes the hair look fuller and more alive.” Julie’s look was primed with Aveda’s Volumizing Finishing Tonic and a proper blowout with a round brush. “When the before and after pictures were taken, I was told I look like a different person,” says Julie. “It’s so cute, and it has given my life a lift and a different rhythm.”

Domestic Deanna

Placing the needs of her family first, Deanna Gleeson’s hair care had been left by the wayside. “I let myself go over the summer because my kids didn’t attend camp, so I didn’t have much alone time,” she admits. “As with many women, my priorities were set on everyone else and not on myself.” As a result, Deanna’s hair had grown out and had become limp and lifeless.

At the Stars Salon in Warrington, Deanna was treated with a customized cut and makeup application. Stylist and Educational Director Stephanie Beaulieu recounts the event. “I gave her hair layers to give the style some edge and texturized the hair using a razor, which gives the hair volume because it cuts the ends of the hair wispy like a feather instead of blunt.” Stephanie finished the look with a blowout and Redken’s Vinyl Glam shine spray to make it shiny but not heavy and to bring out the color, whether natural or treated.

Using her own line of products, makeup artist Lauren Chaiko personalized the color palette for Deanna’s makeup. “I chose warmer colors for her eyes, cheeks, and lips because of the pink undertones and freckles on Deanna’s skin, and based on her hair color.” Overall, the look was natural to accommodate Deanna’s life; however, some artistic liberties were taken. “I really enjoyed getting the individual false eyelashes put on,” says Deanna, “because that is something I never do for myself, so I felt really glamorous.”

As for her hair, Deanna says that the update has given her increased confidence. “Since my makeover, I feel great about my hair, and I take the time to style it in the morning–which isn’t long. Stephanie showed me how to blow dry my hair with different round brushes and gave me a lesson on using the cold button on the blow dryer to lock in the style and shine.” The final result? “I’m projecting a more put-together look, and I’m not just walking around with my hair in a ponytail,” says Deanna.

So, why all this fuss about hair? We at BCW wanted to give participants a chance to update their looks in some of the area’s leading salons. Overwhelmingly, all three women reported loving their new hairstyles and receiving many compliments, which, in turn, boosted their self-confidence.

Much like fashion, finding the right hairstyle is mostly a matter of knowing what works for each individual. This is best done by taking hair’s type and texture into consideration.  And this is where the professionals—like the generous and talented stylists, colorists, and salon owners mentioned in this article—really shine.

Story by April Reynolds

Feet and pedicures have a far-reaching history. The oldest pedicure may have been performed in Ancient Egypt, according to tomb paintings. The Greeks were also fond of feet; the strongest tendon in the foot was named after Achilles, a character from the Illiad. And, Asian cultures have long considered feet a symbol of beauty and health, practicing reflexology for nearly 5,000 years. So, what is this foot fetish that existed long before Cleopatra had her first footbath?

The Health-Related Effects of a Pedicure

There are twenty-six bones in the feet, which account for one-fourth of all bones in the body. It seems imperative, then, that we keep a quarter of our being in good working order. Women are approximately four times more likely than men to experience foot problems, which begs the question: How bad are high heels anyway?

According to an article by The Washington Post, it depends on the size of the heel. One-inch heels increase pressure on the forefoot by 22%, two-inch heels by 57% and three-inch heels by as much as 76%. Continuously wearing high heels can shorten the tendons and calf muscle, and too small or pointy shoes can cause hammertoes, corns, and calluses.

As a long-time lover of extremely high heels, I sought relief from a summer of wedges and strappy stilettos, and help came in the form of a Thai foot massage at the Terme di Aroma Day Spa in Old City, Philadelphia. Because this exotic-sounding treatment was new to me, I drank some liquid courage in the form of a nonalcoholic sangria and chatted with owner Jim Leemon, who explained to me that he and his wife, Gail, approach massage as a means to preventing illness. Since both Jim and Gail have a background in medicine, I knew my feet were in good hands.

My massage therapist, Tajsha, explained that Thai foot massage is much like acupressure, and then she proceeded to work a small wooden stick into pressure points on my feet. This stimulated energy flow from my feet up my legs and into my back. I imagined glitter flowing through my veins. Tajsha stretched, tapped, and rubbed my feet, and I left feeling like I’d been on an all-day relaxation course in the Orient.

Similarly, reflexology stimulates points on the feet to promote overall health. According to Craig Landau, a twenty-year veteran reflexologist practicing at Body Tech Fitness in Lambertville, NJ, “reflexology is a type of acupressure that stimulates the nerve endings on the feet, which connect to organs and various parts of the body.” For example, the balls of the feet correspond to the lungs, and a small area just behind the second and third toes is linked to the eyes. “This [practice] allows the organs to function normally,” he explains, “and creates a sense of balance throughout your body.”

“I most often treat insomnia and sciatica,” continues Craig, and he credits reflexology for his successful treatment of a man with insomnia, complicated by restless leg syndrome; the man slept through the night for the first time in ages after just two sessions. When asked why he became a reflexologist, Craig recounted his story as a former photographer for the FBI and how he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage resulting in seizures and headaches. “Frustrated with Western medicine, I met a reflexologist,” he recounts, “and after the first session, my headaches disappeared.” Seizure-free for twenty-three years, Craig is now both a reflexology practitioner and recipient.

In addition being a gateway for the treatment of medical issues, the feet can also be a site of detoxification for the body. According to Sharon Cross, Owner of Inner Spa in Newtown, “the soles of the feet have over 2,000 pores, and our footbath emits millions of ions that enter the body through the feet and neutralize tissue acid waste.” Deemed a medical device in Europe, the Aqua Detox Ion Foot Bath used at Inner Spa “cleanses the body of heavy metals absorbed from everyday items like cooking utensils, paint fumes, and fertilizers,” according to Sharon. “The purpose is to prevent disease,” she says, “because the body is [an] electrical roadmap, and the actual current created in the water balances the body’s energy meridians.”

The Beauty of a Pedicure

Pedicures are meant to not only prevent toenail disease and remove dead skin but also to tidy up the toes. The word pedicure comes from the Latin words pedis, meaning “of the ankle” and cura, or “care.” There have been, however, many advances made in the pedicure scene since this word came into being, including CND Shellac Hybrid Nail Color. “Shallac is pretty much guaranteed to last for a good four weeks with a pedicure,” says Ginny LaMaina, Owner/Manager of Hair Apropos Salon in Chalfont. “And customers are clamoring for the stuff,” says Ginny, “which is a polish that acts like a gel.”

Keeping things healthy, Hair Apropos also offers organic pedicures. “We use organic products and sake, rice, ginger, and lemon grass as a foot soak,” Ginny explains. In addition to a beauty benefit, organic pedicures “avoid chemicals that hurt our bodies and the environment.”

In Doylestown, Serenity Day Spa and Wellness Center offers the Fiji Islands Pedicure, a fifty-five-minute trip to paradise. The feet are bathed in a coconut milk whirlpool bath, scrubbed with sugar, and rubbed with a coconut cream. And, as Owner Jennifer Wiegand explains, “everything is direct from Fiji, where entire villages are kept employed by creating these organic and sustainable products.”

Our feet are our foundation. As such, maintenance should be done in the form of good health and beauty practices. Wear shoes that fit, and seek foot services that stimulate circulation and promote cleansing. Exfoliate and moisturize the skin, taking care to address any toenail issues like fungus or ingrown nails. As Socrates said, “when our feet hurt, we hurt all over.” And, as such, we should all remember that this—and every—sandal season, the pedicure is our pal.

Story by April Reynolds

At the nail salon the other night, a friend asked me what would be the fastest way to lose five pounds. My response? Get a spray tan. With a confused look, she asked why a tan would help her look slimmer. I explained to her quite simply that dark colors recede and make the eye perceive things as smaller. Plus, that pasty, post-winter skin color just reflects too much light, like the sun hitting an outdoor ice skating rink at high noon.

Another reason to get a spray tan is to “glow” for a special occasion—a wedding, birthday, or, in my case, an upcoming tropical vacation. A spray tan is more lasting than a bronzer, and it blends with the skin tone and creates a nice base color. For me, it will save a day of burning and embarrassment as I hit the beach for the first time since 2009.

But beware: spray tans do not prevent sunburns. “Don’t go nuts on the beach, because you can get burned underneath,” warns Craig Damico, owner of Tropic Tanning in Doylestown, New Hope, and Philadelphia. “Spray tanning doesn’t protect from sun. It’s more cosmetic,” Craig explains.

There are several types of sunless tanning options available, but which is the best—self-applied tanner, a booth spray tan or handheld airbrush tanning? “Self-applied tanners, like Neutrogena, can result in streaking. People often apply too much because they don’t see immediate results, and that layering can look like a mask,” answers Craig. “Handheld airbrush tanning results in very few errors because we’re applying it for you; but some people still prefer booth tanning, which tends to be less expensive.”

The most well-known booth tanner is the Mystic Tan, which came out roughly a decade ago. Although relatively effective, it can result in streaking if a person moves and the mist doesn’t hit every spot or if the solution doesn’t dry completely. A customer needs to be cautious until the solution does dry completely. In fact, I got pulled over by a police officer several years ago for not wearing a seatbelt. In my defense, I was wearing a seatbelt; it was just tucked under my arm so it wouldn’t rub off any of the Mystic solution on my arm and neck. (I explained the situation and was let go with just a slap on my newly bronzed wrist.)

Today, airbrush tanning has almost replaced booth tanning in particular and has redefined sunless tanning in general. According to Marita Crawford, owner of the Bronze Bar in South Philadelphia, “There was no airbrush tanning on the East Coast ten to fifteen years ago, but it was available on the West Coast because of the anti-aging movement going on out there.”

But sunless tanning doesn’t just prevent sun damage, if used in place of tanning from the sun itself, it also protects from possible skin cancer. “I had several scares with skin cancer,” says Marita, “so I gave up tanning in the sun. And I was a makeup artist who was doing airbrush makeup, so I switched to doing airbrush tanning.”

So, how can that obnoxious orange color indicative of a bad spray tan be avoided? “We look at the skin’s undertone and choose a solution that will compliment that,” explains Marita. “I work with four different shades that I coordinate to a person’s skin color. Some places only have one type of solution, but that’s like using the same eye shadow on everyone.” For example, for my fair and freckled face, Marita uses a solution with a blue undertone to mimic the effects of actually tanning in the sun.

The Face and Body Spa in Yardley has made airbrush tanning a social event with “bronze parties.” “We started doing bronze parties because groups would come in, and everyone wanted to watch as their friends were getting tanned,” explains Heather Dempsey-Gade, the spa’s owner. The tanning is done in a private room, and people can either take turns going solo or tan all together, based on their level of modesty. “Everyone has a blast with the parties,” enthuses Heather, “plus, they offer a lower price point since group rates are lower than individual rates.”

So, what’s the skinny on spray tanning? Remember these suggestions for a successful and glowing experience.

(1) Exfoliate. Get rid of dead skin before getting a spray tan; the solution can better bind to the amino acids and proteins in the skin.  Shave beforehand as well since shaving sloughs off a layer of skin.

(2) Don’t moisturize several hours before the tan so that nothing will impede the binding process.

(3) Think about what you want your tan lines to look like, and wear dark-colored underwear accordingly. Although most solutions don’t stain, they can temporarily tint fabrics.

(3) Let the solution dry completely before you do anything that might cause you to sweat, and don’t shower for at least eight hours. (I always go overnight without a shower; it’s a pleasant surprise to wake up like a bronzed goddess.)

(4) Do moisturize after you shower. Moisturized skin will be less flaky, so you’ll maintain results longer. Spray tans don’t actually fade; they just flake off as skin naturally regenerates. So things that dry out the skin—like the chlorine in a pool—cause faster skin turnover.

Spray tanning is not only a healthier alternative to tanning in the sun or in a tanning bed, but it also evens out skin’s appearance. “Airbrush tanning covers up skin spots and creates a smoother look,” shares Marita.

When done properly, a spray tan can have the same effect as spending a week on the beach, because, claims Craig, “It’s hard to tell who’s had a spray tan [versus a suntan], unless it’s a bad spray tan.”

And, you can forget about burning and tan lines— according to Heather, during spray tan application, “most people don’t wear anything.”

Story by April Reynolds

“I guess what people want is to make their lips fuller, right?” That was my question to Susan Pilate of The Skin Studio in Yardley as part of my research for this article. Her reply: “Yes, that’s the idea.” We then chatted about the best ways to enhance the lips with makeup.

But first, I wanted to examine why it is that we seek a plumper pout. Personally, I think it’s because full lips are sensual. Just like bedroom eyes, there are surely bedroom lips—pouty, sexy, come-here-and-kiss-me lips. But bee-stung lips are also youthful. “As we get older, our lips tend to thin out, and we lose our natural collagen, which is what gives our lips a full appearance,” explains Kate Sommerville, celebrity skin-health expert.

So, what’s the best way to augment one’s lips—makeup tricks or a topical lip plumper, an injectible filler or, the most extreme of all, surgery? Follow me as we find out…

We’ll start with the least invasive method: makeup. Susan was set for our talk with plenty of tips, like exfoliating the lips first and keeping them moisturized to minimize lines. She then suggested using a lip liner in a shade close to the natural skin tone to line the lips “just outside the lip line;” then, fill in the lips with a lipstick or gloss.

I asked if lighter lip shades were better than darker ones for creating the full effect. To my surprise, Susan informed me, “Not necessarily.” She explained, “Brighter colors look fuller than nude colors.” Also, she agreed with something I read recently, which is that a highlighting concealer can be applied to the Cupid’s bow—the indented area just above the top lip—to bring light and to create a fuller-looking lip.

Susan also told me to “blot a little shimmer in the middle portion of the bottom lip” to reflect light and make it look larger. All sound advice.

Our conversation eventually led to talk of lip plumpers, which I recently tried for the first time and liked. Susan is a fan, too, and she told me about Jane Iredale’s natural lip plumper, called More Lip. This plumper contains spearmint and peppermint oils, in addition to ginger root extract, to stimulate circulation.

In my investigation, I found that this is precisely what lip plumpers do: they stimulate circulation to the lips with various ingredients. And they tingle, which is something that takes a little while to get used to but quickly becomes addictive.

“Most people love the tingle,” says Wendy, a seasoned makeup artist at Bean’s Beauty in Doylestown. “Some plumpers use cinnamon or licorice as a natural irritant,” she explains, “and the Bare Essentials plumper we carry, which is called Buxom Lips, is natural as well.” According to the product label, 86% of women experience an immediate increase in lip fullness. Nice stats. And it comes in several colors, which, according to Wendy, “easily take the place of lipstick.”

The lip plumper I tried was a clear gloss that stayed on well until I gave an unsuspecting victim a kiss on the cheek. WARNING: As they do with lips, lip plumpers also increase circulation and create a pink effect on other parts of the skin—even if that skin is a man’s face!

So maybe, then, the answer to fuller lips is something more permanent, like an injectible filler. According to Dr. Brian Buinewicz, Medical Director of 3000BC WellMed spas, “I mainly use Botox for lip augmentation to define the Cupid’s bow and roll out the red portion of the lips.” I asked him why he uses Botox and fillers when there are so many other products and techniques available. “I’ve tried injections with the fascia and collagen, but they don’t last.”

“Also, the fillers Restylane and Juvederm are hyaluronic acids, are safe, reversible and last nine to twelve months,” he explains. “With fillers, there is minimal risk, really no down-time and results that last.” As with any aesthetic procedure, skill is important. “It’s easy to inject Botox or fillers,” says Dr. Buinewicz, “but it is hard to do it correctly and maintain an artistic balance to achieve the desired result and avoid the ‘trout lips.’ A good aesthetic procedure should not look like anything was done but have people admiring your beauty.”

For those who decide to embrace injectible fillers, beware of some post-procedure swelling and bruising. “It’s great to use a topical vitamin K-based cream and to take arnica supplements, which will speed the healing,” says Kate Sommerville. “And you probably don’t want to have a special something to do for at least five days.” So don’t plan on having this procedure the day before your wedding.

After all my poking and prodding the experts for advice, none were quick to recommend surgery for lip enhancement. “With surgical procedures or implants, there is risk of scarring, firmness or infection,” says Dr. Buinewicz. “I try to avoid doing permanent things to areas that are constantly changing and moving.” Plus, surgery is done under local anesthetic and will leave bruising, swelling and tenderness for much longer than an injectible.

If it’s lines you’re worried about, try laser resurfacing. This procedure can tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of lines. Or, take your own lip plumper challenge. Just be careful where you kiss!

Story by April Reynolds

Perfume and fragrance has permeated human culture since the beginning of recorded time. The Chinese are credited as the first people to use plants for aromatic purposes; maybe the allure is a health benefit. Or, could it be that perfume, which changes with the times, is sought after for a particular feeling or memory it evokes? Maybe we desire a distinctive scent to set us apart from, or draw us closer to, those around us.

“We take the client on a sensory journey, using the olfactory senses, to promote wellness,” says Jackie McKay of Essentials Salon & Day Spa in Doylestown about Aveda’s Pure-FumeTM fragrance line. The line, which centers on aromatherapy, is custom-blended on-site to create a signature scent from Aveda’s Key ElementTM aromas, all of which are inspired by the basic Ayurvedic elements: earth, air, fire, water and infinity.

The first fragrances used by humankind were most likely incense, frankincense being the most widely known. Recently, what is thought to be the world’s oldest perfumery was discovered in Cyprus, dating back more than 4,000 years. Maybe the most famous fan of fragrance in ancient times was Cleopatra, whose presence was known before she entered a room because of the billowing clouds of perfume that preceded her.

Although the term aromatherapy was not used until the 20th century, the practice of using plants and oils to promote health and well being dates back thousands of years. During the plague in the 14th century, it was hypothesized that perfumers may have avoided death through their constant contact with natural aromatics. Perfume a lifesaver? I’m on board.

Says Natalie Morton of Tsi-La (pronounced Chee-La) Natural Perfumery and Organics in Langhorne, “organic and natural fragrances smell like the true materials they were created from. All of our fragrances are created with natural materials from the earth, which is why they smell so beautiful.” With scents like Misaki, a floral- and green tea-based perfume, or Fleur Sauvage, a tuberose scent inspired by the flowers of Hawaii, “you capture nature in a bottle,” proclaims Morton.

In the 20th century, perfume penetrated the American landscape. The 1920s are known as the golden age of perfume, and the most famous character of the time was Shalimar. In the ‘50s, a lady would rather be caught dead than caught in public without her Max Factor! Fast forward to the ‘80s, and the perfume scene was full of power perfumes, like Poison and Obsession, which complimented trendy power suits. Then it was Thierry Mugler’s Angel that had everyone clamoring for a bottle of the blue stuff.

“Our fragrance, I Heart Unicorns, is reminiscent of childhood but appropriate for a 40-year-old woman,” tells Jennifer Artur of A Beautiful Life in New Hope. “It’s very ‘80s and conjures up good feelings, like a girl just on the verge of growing up.” Indeed, the fragrance is inspired by bubblegum but manages to have character and depth, as well as a hint of citrus and vanilla.

In 2010 we have fragrances that represent our culture, one in which health, handcrafting and things holistic are highly esteemed. Heading the organic fragrance movement is Tsi-La, with a fragrance line made from products grown “without the use of pesticides, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation,” explains Morton. She adds that this “gives us all another way to minimize exposure to chemicals and benefit from essential oils—by relaxing, energizing and promoting joy.”

Similarly, the accompanying card from A Beautiful Life’s fragrances lists only a few key ingredients: essential oil, fragrant oil, and love. “We felt like there was nothing special about fragrances anymore, and we wanted to create something that could play with the big boys but still be ma & pa,” says Artur. The brand consists of hand-poured fragrances in hand-labeled bottles that have cool, with natural scents, like the blood orange and sandalwood of Crush’d, or the citrus and pepper of Smitten, a unisex, purse-friendly roll-on fragrance.

As in ancient times, ingredients like herbs, spices and flowers are still used to craft fragrances. According to McKay, “90 percent of Aveda’s essential oils and 89 percent of the raw herbal ingredients are certified organic, making Aveda the number one green cosmetics company in the United States.” A true believer in the time-tested benefits of aromatics, she adds, “Aroma should not be overpowering, but should compliment a person’s personality and inspire a pleasing feeling to the wearer.”

Whether it’s a feeling you’re after, a memory, or a health benefit, the right fragrance can create these like it has for so many others throughout time. It can finish an outfit and create a mood. It can take you back to a place you once loved. It can uplift your senses and produce an atmosphere of positivity and healing. Or, like it did for Cleopatra, it can announce your arrival before you enter a room and linger just long enough for people to notice when you’re gone.

Essentials Salon & Day Spa, Doylestown, 215-489-8800, www.spaessentials.net

Tsi-La Natural Perfumery and Organics, 215-750 -9996, www.tsilaorganics.com

A Beautiful Life, New Hope, 215-862-8838, www.abeautifullife.com

Story by April Reynolds