There aren’t many luxuries I long for at my age. As a millennial living in New York City, there are only a few things I really, really want. Mostly, I’d like a steady income, lower rent, an endless supply of Trader Joe’s Turbinado & Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds and Spindrift Seltzer…
I digress.
When it comes to trying spa and luxury skin care treatments, however, I have many big dreams that have yet to be fulfilled. I have super sensitive skin, as you may have heard me talk about in my previous posts here on Makeup and Beauty Blog, so I am VERY hesitant to get any sort of commercial facial, but one thing I would love to do is have a sensory deprivation session. Unfortunately, they’re rather pricey, especially in this city.
Until the day comes when I can afford fancy spa visits and other amenities, I make due with things I can do at home.
These are some of my recent favorite products, the new CND SPA collection, available at Select Ulta stores. I’ve tried the Bright Citron Lotion, and the Masque, as well as the Gardenia Woods Scrub, and the Soak.
I’d never used any CND products before trying these. I don’t believe there are any of their salons in NYC yet (correct me if I’m wrong!), but these, which are part of a new line, have been satisfying in every respect.
You may have read about my addiction to lotion and how my lotion kingdom has overtaken my nightstand. Well, these new products have mostly stayed in my bathroom, but they’ve already worked their way into my regular bath-time routine.
My favorite two products from the line are the Bright Citron Masque and Lotion.
The citrus scent is strong but not overwhelming, and it reminds me of so many lime-flavored alcoholic drinks, haha!
I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not…but let me just say that if this were served in a glass with some mint and rum, I wouldn’t say no! 🙂 I’m craving a warm porch and a tall glass.
As for the lotion, it’s wonderfully moisturizing and leaves just the faintest glow on my skin.
The masque doesn’t smell as strong as its counterpart, but it’s nice and SO relaxing. I really like to use it on my hands.
Sitting in my bathroom with my hands together, letting the mask work (it’s a little cool, a little tingly), is my way of getting in a little extra pampering before bed.
Washing off the mask is also fun, because as you add water to it, it builds into a smooth, milky cream that you can continue working into your skin.
I don’t quite enjoy the Gardenia Woods scented products as much as the Bright Citron ones (and there’s also a Cucumber group with some heel products), but I do like them. Infused with chamomile and sandalwood, they definitely lull me to sleep.
The scrub has very small exfoliating particles that feel pretty good, but I don’t think they get the job done on the exfoliating front. I generally prefer scrubs with larger particles (like this one from Shea Moisture) when I exfoliate in the shower.
The soak, though, is an excellent precursor/followup to a pedicure or a hard day of hoofing it around New York City. A little sprinkle leaves my feet feeling SUPER soft and princess-like (princesses on the brain because I just finished A Clash of Kings!)
These products have been great additions to my “at-home spa” collection as it continues to grow and have led to some memorably relaxing moments in my rather stressful life. Being able to pamper myself every now and then, even at home, is something I always look forward to.
The CND Spa Collection is available now at select Ulta stores and wherever CND products are sold. Check stores for availability and pricing.
Have you ever tried CND products before? (I know they make some pretty polishes!)
Nope, first time I hear about the brand. There’s nothing like a bit of at-home pampering though! But I have to admit I’ve never given myself a hand mask 🙂
If you can try their cuticle oil. It’s called CND Solar Oil and it’s the best!
I had never given myself a hand mask either! Trying to get a photo of it was very complicated, haha.
About 10 years ago I completed a basic hair/beauty diploma, and in our training we used CND spa products for manis & pedis. They were amazing! The fragrances were gorgeous & long lasting, and the masques really lovely too.
I learn something new about you every day, Janet! That’s so cool that you did a beauty/hair course. I’d love to take one someday just to learn more. How are things in your neck of Australia, by the way? I hope that you’re doing well!
Hi Karen, I’m doing really well thanks! Not much happening here, same old lol. In April my hubs & I went on a holiday to Canberra, somewhere neither of us had been. It’s not the most thrilling city, but I’m glad we went, & I enjoyed the break from the daily grind a lot!
How are you & your smiley little girl doing? I love seeing the updates you post of her. 🙂
Hi Janet,
I just googled Canberra and it looks like a beautiful place to visit. What did you do when you were there? Museums, kayaking and eating? That’s what I would’ve done, LOL! How long were you there?
Connor and I are doing well! She’s generally a very happy, easy baby. She has her days when all she seems to want to do is fuss and scream (we call those her “high needs” days), but for the most part she’s smiley and good natured. I’m going to take some more pics of her this afternoon so I’ll have those to share soon.
I’ve never tried kayaking, it would be fun though! We went to the National Library which I loved (huge book nerd) where I got this bag! https://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/products/library-card-tote-bag-blue
We also went to the war memorial, ate lots, and caught up with an old friend of my husband who lives in Canberra. We had about 4 days there. We also stopped in Bright for about 4 days, it’s a beautiful little town near the ski fields.
Kayaking is pretty easy and a lot of fun. It’s a nice way to be on the water without having to do too much work (unlike surfing or stand up paddle boarding). I read that they have kayaking in Canberra. Maybe for your next trip there!
And oh, that bag is super cute. It reminds me of going to the library back when I was a kid. 🙂 Have you read any good books lately, by the way?
Happy Friday!
I don’t think I have heard about them so far, but at home pampering is all I can get these days, with two little ones running around.
I don’t know how you do it, girl! I can barely get through the day with just one little one, LOL! Props to you.
My mother used to say: “The second one is just more laundry.” She had four. I don’t agree completely, but from zero to one is definitely more difficult that from one to two.
I can’t imagine having four kids. One feels like a handful enough, LOL! Are you the oldest/youngest of your siblings?
I am the oldest, I have three younger sisters. It was fun, but I couldn’t imagine having four myself. I thought about having three, but I don’t think it is going to happen. You have one brother?
Lotion Kingdom made me laugh! I have my own lotion kingdom on my desk at work. I am going to have to give the masque a try.
LOL, that made me laugh too! I keep my lotion kingdom in the bathroom. Although now it’s more like a lotion nation, haha!
I live to amuse with my puns and bad humor 😉 I keep some lotion in the bathroom and the majority in the bedroom. My skin always seems most dry at night before bed, so I grab for it just before I go to sleep.
Bright Citron sounds like I need it!
It smells SO GOOD. If you like citrus scents, definitely give it a try.
That packaging is so cute!