tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395287185758240232024-03-21T12:31:10.073-05:00Aiken Skin CareThe official blog of www.aikenskincare.usAiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-9179920054308813962010-11-11T12:46:00.003-06:002010-11-11T12:55:11.651-06:00Site Changes on the WayWe're redesigning our site to better suit the needs of our consumers. We're splitting it into two - Aiken Hair and Aiken Skin Care. While it'll be the same company, and the same shipping location, the splitting of the site will hopefully provide some convenience for our customers looking for hair-specific products as opposed to skin-specific products.<br /><br />The Skin care side of things will get a much-needed face lift, making things smoother and nicer looking while updating product write ups and making things easier to access. Feel free to email us, or comment us, and let us know what you'd like to see happen to our website to change it for the better. We're always looking for ways to improve it for you.Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-56662186155496606162010-11-09T22:56:00.012-06:002011-04-14T21:45:13.230-05:00New Products on the Site - Cell Youth ActifWe've been super excited about these products, and wanted to share them with you. <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>First off, we have a conditioner (finally!) for the Revita Shampoos! </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537789951477938498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUNrtX2qU8rVMXabNRYS5kCaRLvgsGipHd0zRRMS9gXaiVBmoKJ_NU1D0BfKhyphenhyphenTQ3sBHD1_gOrGk3tjOcXGoz7OWDE471bP1lo8F-wSwmwJajufxwL2d21Rfjb9Sl8DwXdV125H-CILj4/s320/RevitaCOR.jpg" /> <br /><div>We also have a lovely product from DS Labs to grow your eyelashes. </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537789821919933666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3Q5Lc2S5itBJep5Z3n7dbDgcRqH5UEO1aA-tZqu091-iWA48Bof3dE5lXv_otr-HpxUX3DZUyrZbaoyOE93Mu55G7ZyNNtWxAylLTzbdz9OAcVQtDWgLp9uw_QOxZDtjGcwUvgfoYysF/s320/RevitaEPS.jpg" />But the real star of the show is our newest product: Cell Youth Actif. <br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 126px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537789447010265154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWX2v8kcQc3LEMiK1FNZAz_Mxe6VCRc55oAs4Uh0PrSMGKVb3sDTBfjKYucLdgC8yiPEn5nJFNMwMsxyZ38_qrNuH13ITNAvvF5yrNx85xs6BGnVrOqpSWGQvSBs4WlRCknlWj2u-S59p/s320/Cell+Youth+Actif.jpg" /> <br /><div>We just got our hands on some of this stuff, and it's already on back-order from the manufacturer days after its release! There is SO much information on this product we couldn't possibly fit it all in one simple page, so we wanted to take the time to put all the information you could ever want on it here. </div><br /><div>First: It's for Mature, aging skin. Skin lacking firmness, sun-damaged skin, dull, tired, stressed and devitalized skin, dehydrated and flaking skin, sensitive red, rosacea-prone and basically any skin that is in need of repair. </div><br /><div>We wrote on the main description a list of actions, and I wanted to go into more detail with those. </div><br /><div>The product works in 14 ways, described in a convenient list: </div><br /><div>1. Lines and wrinkles are minimized</div><br /><div>2. Firmness is repaired</div><br /><div>3. Contours are refined </div><br /><div>4. Clarity revealed </div><br /><div>5. Tone is evened</div><br /><div>6. Hydration intensifies </div><br /><div>7. Smoothness refined </div><br /><div>8. Radiance awakened </div><br /><div>9. Redness calmed </div><br /><div>10. Puffiness eliminated </div><br /><div>11. Sun damaged diminished </div><br /><div>12. Fragile skin strengthened </div><br /><div>13. Vitality recharged </div><br /><div>14. Repair enhanced In a nutshell, it's a multi-tasking punch to your skin routine. It creates a wonderful base-line we-got-you-covered technique to your routine, and is well complimented with any of your existing powerplexes and skin care ingredients. It slides right into your skin-care regime easily. </div><br /><div>We also wrote about the "5 key processes" known by reparative and regenerative biologists to have the most impact on cellular aging. These are the processes we were talking about, and how the Actif works on them: </div><br /><div>1. Problem: Activation-resistant stem cells. As you age, skin cells die, those proteins that made your skin look so youthful decline as moisture-holding lipids decrease. Waiting to receive the molecular message to take the place of dying cells are reservoirs of adult stem cells hidden in microscopic niches within your skin. Recently, scientists discovered messengers in a North Atlantic alga reactivate dormant stem cells found in mature skin. The Actif containing these messengers wakes up the stem cells and stimulates them into doing their job properly. </div><br /><div>2. Loss of cellular water. Vital for life-giving hydration, aquaporins are newly discovered cell membrane proteins that channel water into your cells. These proteins, declining with age, are necessary for hydration. Without them, you can put as much moisture as you want on your skin, but not all of it will actually be delivered to the cells. Molecules found in the Brazilian tree Piptadenia colubrina increases the presense of aquaporins up to 11 times! </div><br /><div>3. Damaged DNA. Your cellular blueprint and source code for youthful proteins increases dramatically after the age of 30. Purified enzymes from the Mediterranean Arabidopsis plant repair the most common form of DNA damage within hours of exposure to these corrective enzymes. Skin begins to act younger as a result. </div><br /><div>4. Too little anti-aging cellular enzymes. Cellular enzymes called sirtuins are thought to protect against DNA damage and cell death, boost cellular antioxidant defenses and increase the lifespan of cells. The whole purpose of enzymes is to be catalists for protein productions. Your skin creates free radicals on its own, making antioxidants necessary to fight those naturally occuring free radicals. Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant and sirtuin-booster famously found in red wine, is even more potent in Japanese Knotweed. Within weeks, skin sensitivity is reduced, elasticity improves, and deeper signs of aging begin to disappear. </div><br /><div>5. Downturn of energy within the cells. Age also slows down the amount of energy one has, and this is no different with the skin. Your cells at the age of 60 have 50% less fuel to operate on than at 30. Ergothioneine, the cell's principle energizing antioxidant, restores power to the cells and quenches age-producing radicals and supports cellular activities such as detoxification and production of proteins. Repair, damage, and tone evens out and diminishes. </div><br /><div>In summary, ingredients from around the world are collected and put into this product. Cell Youth Actif has had over a decade of research put into it, and multiple patents are pending on the serum. </div><br /><div>The performance ingredients list is below: </div><br /><div>Hydrolyzed Algin: Creates revitalizing environment to awaken skin's dormant stem cells. Activates youthful firmness and smoother, healthier-looking skin. </div><br /><div>Piptadenia colubrina Peel Extract: Molecules from this Brazilian tree increase the presence of aquaporins, resulting in hydrated cells and more youthful looking and acting skin. </div><br /><div>Arabidopsis Extract: Contains enzymes that repair the most common form of DNA damage. </div><br /><div>Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract: A rich source of Resveratrol which acts as an antioxidant as well as a sirtuin booster. </div><br /><div>Ergothioneine: The cell's main energizing antioxidant, restores power to cells while fighting free radicals so the cell has the energy it needs to naturally detoxify and produce the proteins it needs to operate and repair itself properly. </div><br /><div>This water-based creme-gel has a pH oh 5.4, no fragrances, and works on the cellular and molecular level to correct problems with the skin at the source. This product is awesome, and not enough could be said on it to be honest. </div><br /><div>Finally, I wrote about helping with Lymphatic drainage. Here is an awesome technique to help with drainage movements with pressure points: </div><br /><div><b><span style="font-size:78%;color:#3d3c3b;"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#3d3c3b;"><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">Step One</span></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"> - The Forehead: </span></b><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Using the fingers and the palms of your hand simultaneously, apply undulating movements from the middle </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">o</span><span style="font-size:85%;">f the forehead to the hairline. Repeat 3 times.</p></span></span></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Step </strong><strong>Two -</strong> </span><b><span style="font-size:85%;">The Eyes</span>: </span></b><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Move to the eyes, place your fingers in a cupping motion over the eyelids, apply a gentle undulating movement across the eyes to the temples. Repeat 3 times.</span></p></span></span><b><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">S</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">tep Three - The Eyes: </span></b><span style="color:#ffffff;">Using the pad of your</span> thumb gently rock and pump under the eyes working from the inner to the outer corners. Repeat 3 times.</p></span></span></span><b><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Step Fou</span><span style="font-size:85%;">r - The Cheeks: </b>Using the fingers and the palms of your hand simultaneously, apply undulating movements from the side of the nose, across the cheeks to the ears. Repeat 3 times.</p></span></span></span><b><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Step Five - The Chin </span><span style="font-size:85%;">and Jaw Line: </b>Using the fingers and the palms of your hand simultaneously, apply undulating movements across the chin and jaw line area. Repeat 3 times.</p></span></span></span><b><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Step Six -</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> The Jaw Line: </b>Using the fingers, apply undulating movements under the jawlline. Repeat 3 times.</p></span></span></span><b><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Step S</span><span style="font-size:85%;">even - The Neck: </b>Using the fingers, apply pumping movements downward on the neck toward the terminus.</p></span></span></span><b><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Step Eig</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ht - The Neck and Shoulders: </b>With stroking movements, alternate stroking on the neck, followed by the same movements onto the shoulders.</span></span></span></p><br /><p><b><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Step Nin</span><span style="font-size:85%;">e - Decollete: </b>Apply effleurage movements to the decollete, finish with a pumping movement toward the armpit.</span></span></span></p></div></div></div>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-34306292317034907722010-07-20T08:34:00.003-05:002010-07-20T08:50:05.061-05:00Mineral Make-UpThese days you see TV ads about mineral Make-Up claiming to be natural. Well they are I.A.W. the FDA standards. In reality they still are produced with chemicals with only a trace of real minerals. The fact is real Mineral Make-Up cost a lot of money to produce and as the cost of minerals increase so does the cost of production. True Mineral Make-Up may not look the same color with each batch. This is do to minerals used come from different parts of the world. Just like dirt is different colors from one part of the country to the other. Even with slight color <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">variance</span>, true Mineral Make-Up looks the same when applied. Pure Mineral Make-Up is also healthier for your skin. At Aiken Skin Care we only carry pure Mineral Make-up. Some ask, Why are we so cheap in cost? Its simple, we are not out to get rich quick and then disappear, like those mall carts you see one day and gone the next. We want everyone to be able to afford the same products the Pros use. So visit us at <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/">www.aikenskincare.us</a>, follow us on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> and Twitter. Use the 15% coupons to save even more money. We want life long clients. You can even buy for your shop with no minimum purchase required and still make up to a 35% profit.Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-1376212264185302692010-06-27T12:45:00.003-05:002010-06-27T13:01:11.206-05:00Retinol the skin friendly complex.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjsYm4amqsiSrV2EygrdImKd2xEjYf_jmC35Tqrd1cvMHSnSZhcALxCuYQvpnMWK2-8FzPcxkEJr8ZHbrnMM7bIwwdqRczFd9242lELueiipYFOnuekDQpItnVErhBNnBCdn0VERrrKzB/s1600/High+Performance+Retinol+Resurfacing+Complex.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487512807764628834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjsYm4amqsiSrV2EygrdImKd2xEjYf_jmC35Tqrd1cvMHSnSZhcALxCuYQvpnMWK2-8FzPcxkEJr8ZHbrnMM7bIwwdqRczFd9242lELueiipYFOnuekDQpItnVErhBNnBCdn0VERrrKzB/s320/High+Performance+Retinol+Resurfacing+Complex.gif" /></a><br /><div>Skin care tip for maturing skin is Retinol, to combat dry skin and wrinkles. you have this in our Retinol Resurfacing Complex. Retinol inspires lipid production. Most find this lightweight lotion gentle enough o be used around the eyes to smooth the effects of crow's feet and around the mouth to smooth laugh and whistle lines, to make lips softer, smoother and slightly plumper. Age spots, sun spots, and discoloration from inflammation seem to fade to restore skin's youthful texture.</div><div></div><div>Unlike lasers, peels and injections, the results from Retinol Resurfacing Complex continue to build over time. Helping skin regain visible smoothness and carity with continued use. Dermatologist tested on sensitive skin. Ophthalmologist approved fo ruse around eyes. Does not contain fragrance, colorants or AHA's. Read more at <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/">http://www.aikenskincare.us/</a>.</div>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-46753472617593932452010-06-27T12:36:00.002-05:002010-06-27T12:39:14.178-05:00Blog DiscountWe would like to extend our discount for visiting our blog site. The discount code is "myblog". Simply go to our site <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/">www.aikenskincare.us</a>, sign or create an account. At check out put in the code in the promo box. You can also visit us on Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the links on our site. Thank you and hope everyone has a beautiful skin summer.Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-77859462153681461582010-06-13T07:40:00.002-05:002010-06-13T07:46:45.799-05:00Father's DayIn honor of all our Fathers we have selected our line of Men's Care for a 15% savings. From June 13, 2010 to June 20, 2010. Fathers work hard outside in the elements. Leaving their skin dry, rough, sun damaged and early aging. Treat Dad to something he really needs this Father's Day. Just visit us at <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/">www.aikenskincare.us</a> and select the specials tab on left side. Happy Father's Day.Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-26178031661077522892010-01-23T12:38:00.002-06:002010-01-23T13:09:13.931-06:00New Year - New YouNo doubt everyone is shaping back up into work-mode after the holidays, making resolutions, starting new jobs, making new plans... Aiken Skin Care is no different.<br /><br /><br /><br />Amazon and google checkouts are making ordering our lovely products easier all the time, and this year we saw more orders for the holidays than we were ever prepared for. The new year is keeping us busy too. I'd like to go into some detail on a couple of our products.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_29&products_id=416&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Stress Recovery Complex</a><br /><br />Stress is only second to sunlight in terms of aging. The hormones triggered by it undermines the skin, and at its core lowers your immune system and increases inflammation (which is now recognized as the root of all aging processes) along with other nasty side effects. It basically aggravates everything in your skin, similar to the way it aggravates your emotions.<br /><br />Stress Recovery Complex was made to help combat these effects on the skin. Targetting tension lines, redness, discomfort, and "stress breakouts", 97% of our consumers have reported softer, silkier skin within the first use, 80% report decreases in the signs of stress on the skin and would recommend this product.<br /><br />It contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, or parabens so it's safe for sensitive skin. What makes it work: Cortinhib (<em>Helichrysum italicum</em> extract) inhibits cortisol's visible effects on the skin. Calmosensine is a patented natural peptide mimic that relaxes visible tension lines and wrinkles especially on the eyes and forehead. Add some Renovage (Teprenone) to support cell vitality, improve hydration, firmness, and elasticity and it's a potion created with a very specific purpose.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Warning:</span> Science-oriented stuff! To describe a bit how your cells work: cells are always looking for homeostasis, which is a middle ground, most comfortable position in its environment. If there is not enough of something (moisture for example), the cells release the water inside of them to compensate. If there is too much, the cell expands to try and compensate by intaking a bit more than comfortable. Stress (to keep with the example, a desert environment) can cause the cells to constantly work too hard, resulting in more dying or working less efficiently. When the cells have everything they need (like moisturizing your skin everyday and replenishing the nutrients they need) the work load is smoother and lighter and the cells settle down to represent this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_33&products_id=181&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Firming Peptide Eye Cream</a><br /><br />This eye cream is simply amazing. Firming algae peptides and sea water, plant extracts, and again fragrance, color, and paraben free combine to make skin soft, smooth, moisturized and firm. It starts with making the skin comfortable and fresh, and within days dryness-induced fine lines are minimized. One can expect aging contours to diminish with continued use.<br /><br />The active ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 - Collagen-stimulating peptide complex supports skin's tissue renewal process. Dermachlorella - Peptide-rich microalgae from the shores of Brittany stimulates wrinkle-fighting collagen and firming elastin, and help protect the skin from destruction. Grapeleaf, Black Currant, Passionflower are all firming plant complexes that protect the skin and work to maintain elasticity and flexibility. Finishing it off with Pheohydrane (micheral-rich algae peptides and sea water) helps to hydrate skin (up to a week from a single application!!).Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-64559123036538017192009-07-08T14:46:00.004-05:002009-07-08T15:20:20.063-05:00Touch of Twilight - New Product LineWhew! It's been a while since we updated, things have been real busy here trying to get write-ups and new products on the shelves and ready to ship. We've gained a lot of new products, we're working on better pictures of our merchandise, we're using better, waterproof labels AND our personal line-up is paraben-free now. With so much going on, I thought I'd take a moment to introduce our Touch of Twilight (TT) products.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Touch of Twilight is a new line of top-shelf worthy, effective products designed to intermingle with each other for a custom, professional treatment for your skin. The line is up on our website now, but here's some features we are so excited about having available.<br /><br /></div><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356181009322130658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPh9R9BdGMRrCscz-UuI1duhnYLjaTfrOftTj6OC2vkkr4Zg5p82I3-oOgrisCYbn1BZAdcwWCrmQSMHiAFSpwj_N6OPxscv3Rk0KhuS1xxwrGRJmPUKF65uL7f0MMyXtk8H_6hoGek33/s320/Anti-Blemish+Drying+Lotion.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>First up is a spot treatment: <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_110&products_id=442&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Anti-Blemish Drying Lotion</a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>A cute, simple bottle with a powerful mixture. Stubborn blemishes and sudden crop-ups don't stand a chance with this stuff. Simply dab a q-tip into the solution and dab on the blemish. Excellent as a night treatment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Couple this with a cool <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_110&products_id=427&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Ultimate Neutralizing Toner</a> for a professional facial treatment without the expense of the spa. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's an awesome line-up! A day at the spa for ONE treatment would cost you well over $100. A small investment in this line-up gets you the same professional products that spa uses and your money works for you over and over again, giving your skin the luxury it deserves for hundreds less. I refer to it as my "Instant Spa." </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>First, I wash any make-up or dirt from the day off with the <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_109&products_id=437&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Make-Up Cleansing Milk</a> and follow behind it with this fantastic <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_109&products_id=443&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Red Clay Masque</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356184298261277394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XZ57WSK0BgzP0XVnkhGjYM0ckQBAlmXXsbCV4gZ2_uHbwNJzUCWXgdzTBMbBjP4Zi14U0gBXjAJMLmO6d-hphqS9njbHyq1aioJZFm0B4oKWwbiofLiREI8OYQk56Gq_1QYskDMehi2H/s320/Natural+Spa+Body+Scrub.jpg" /><br /></div><div></div><div>This [pictured] <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_109&products_id=432&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Natural Spa Body Scrub</a> has a Wash that accents it well. The ingredients in this are so refreshing, and makes all the difference in your skin. Proper exfoliation is sometimes the difference between glowing and dull skin. </div><div> </div><div>Finish it off with this <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_109&products_id=454&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Active Facial Serum</a> for 50% more retinol without burning, irritating side effects and a cool moisturizer and within minutes you get the exact same treatment as a posh spa for a price anyone can afford. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>There's treatments for oily, dry, and combination skin as well as the gentle eye and lip areas and anti-aging solutions. We've been working hard (and test driving a bit..) to get these products ready for sale, and we're really impressed with their performance!</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>There's so much more to write about, we'll get to updating about more of the new things that have been cropping up in Aiken Skin Care, but be sure to check out our TT products and touch your skin with a bit of twilight! </div>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-36636978068781224172009-03-30T18:47:00.003-05:002009-03-30T20:03:39.005-05:00Matching up your skin type.I don't believe that one skin system can work perfectly for all skin types. Skin is very fickle, and picky, and varies greatly person to person. The needs are different and dymanic, and as the (arguably) most important organ of your body, it's only natural to take care of it and keep it looking it's best. Even if you know you need cleansing, moisturizing, and replenishment, where to start is sometimes a daunting task. We'll help make it as easy as referring to this post.<br /><br />Aiken's line of skin care has a wide variety of products, interchangable as well, making the customization of your beauty routine a personal thing. The downside to choices, though, is sometimes there's an uncertainty of which product does the job you want it to do. We put together a chart and recommendation list to refer to.<br /><br />Feel free to comment, e-mail, or call to ask what recommendations we can make for your skin type and condition. We get requests in for recommendations all the time, but this list is our handiest tool and we're going to publish it here for your viewing and referring pleasure.<br /><br />Keep in mind <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/">www.aikenskincare.us</a> is the place to get all of the below mentioned products.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Basic Skin Types</strong></div><div align="center"><em>Here is the basic list of skin types and the regimes attached to them. We recommend and encourage Solar Defender SPF 28 sunscreen as a finishing touch to any beauty routine.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Acne Prone:</span> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Skin showing white heads, black heads, sensitivity and irritation triggered by acne</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#33ff33;">Solution:</span> Pore-Clearing cleanser, Pore-Purifying toner, Rescue gel blended with Instant calm Ultra complex, Shine-free solution (day moisturizer), Oil-free Hydrating fluid (night moisturizer), AHA/Vitamin C Eye Cremegel. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Exfoliant and Masque:</span> Gentle Enzyme Peeling Creme, and Zinc and Sulphur Masque. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Oily:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;"><em>Shiny, oil-prone skin, or mild oil-triggered acne</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#33ff33;">Solution:</span> Pore-Clearing cleanser, Oil Neutralizing Astringent, Shine-Free Solution blended with Rescue Gel, Oil-free Hydrating Fluid (day&night moisturizer), AHA/Vitamin C Eye Cremegel. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Exfoliant and Masque:</span> Foaming Facial Refiner, and Zinc and Sulphur Masque. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Combination:</span> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Shiny, oily skin (especially in T-zone) and dry skin elsewhere</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#33ff33;">Solution:</span> Pure & Simple Cleansing Lotion, Activating Liposome Complex, Moisture Replenishing Creme (day&night moisturizer), AHA/Vitamin C Eye Cremegel. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Exfoliant and Masque:</span> The Ultimate Scrub, and Vitaplus Masque. We also recommend Soothing Mist. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Normal:</span> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Skin that is not badly inbalanced, but needs to be maintained and nourished</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#33ff33;">Solution:</span> Pathenol Cleanser, Activating Liposome Complex, Oil-Free Hydrating Fluid (day moisturizer), Hydrating Vitamin Creme (night moisturizer), AHA/Vitamin C Eye Cremegel. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Exfoliant and Masque:</span> Foaming Facial Refiner, Vitaplus Masque </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Slightly Dry:</span> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Skin prone to feeling dry, tight, with occasional flaking</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#33ff33;">Solution:</span> Pathenol Cleanser, Visibly Moist toner, Moisture Boost Hydragel blended with Nutriment Blue Oil, Moisture Perfecting Creme (day moisture), Continuous Moisture Creme (night solution), AHA/Vitamin C Eye Cremegel.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Exfoliant and Masque:</span> The Ultimate Scrub, and Moisture Infusion Creme Masque. Avocado Q10 Hand & Body Lotion is also recommended. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Extremely Dry:</span> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Skin that flakes, shows irritation, over-produces oil to try and compensate for lack of moisture</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#33ff33;">Solution:</span> Moisture Protecting Cleansing Lotion, Visibly Moist toner, Moisture Boost Hydragel mixed with Nutriment Blue Oil, Continuous Moisture Creme (day&Night moisturizer), AHA/Vitamin C Eye Cremegel.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Exfoliant and Masque:</span> The Ultimate Scrub, Moisture Infusion Creme Masque. Avocado Q10 Hand & Body Lotion is also recommended. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Keep in mind these product lines are suggestions based on the average skin type. The only way to tell what works best for you is trying and finding what is best. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">We'll keep updating, talking about sensitive skin suggestions, special line ups designed for men, make-up, and more, as well as other solutions for skin problems. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I'm still working on creating a post that explains Powerplexes and their variety of uses and how using these small, powerful doses compliments your skin. </div><div align="left">We're also working on posts dedicated to further detailing and showcasing different products so more information is out there to use. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Also, keep an eye out for freebie postings for the site. </div><div align="left"> </div>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-33531377637890305262009-03-18T16:55:00.002-05:002009-03-18T17:01:42.647-05:00Our first Blogbie!We've been thinking about how this blog can better serve ya'll, and what better way to begin than with a freebie? Our way of saying thank you for coming to the blog, checking us out, and being loyal customers. Between now and April 3rd just put this coupon code in the check out for 10% off your entire order! Coupon code: <span style="color:#33cc00;">myblog</span><br /><br />Keep checking back, we're working on compiling different powerplex combination recipes to show you how to maximize your skin routine with just a few simple pumps.Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-29991042381885680402009-03-05T11:40:00.004-06:002009-03-05T11:48:45.078-06:00Soy Showcase<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhITeewHwryRN_9hUtbS8PavgJZ3r-go7S7Ns3Q1fgQDf_0-CXC5T5T1nzoEgo0BFFAQpFOGUXRETVtw7hz9OWNcEk0ETBOyJ6ICH-2FTtfg_01ZFlh5wjJJqvcS4pfUmYtE45UUIWUwHy/s1600-h/Soy+Product+Line.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309760204287346914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhITeewHwryRN_9hUtbS8PavgJZ3r-go7S7Ns3Q1fgQDf_0-CXC5T5T1nzoEgo0BFFAQpFOGUXRETVtw7hz9OWNcEk0ETBOyJ6ICH-2FTtfg_01ZFlh5wjJJqvcS4pfUmYtE45UUIWUwHy/s320/Soy+Product+Line.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>While I was doing my amateur photo taking to finally post some pictures of our awesome simple soy line I thought I'd post this lovely picture. Soy Candles, Sensitive Hand Soap, Linen Mist, Shampoo, and Conditioner, I don't think a day goes by where I don't use something from this line. The scents are fantastic, and soy shampoos and conditioners give your hair a break from all those harsh chemicals. </div><div> </div><div>These products are available at aikenskincare.us but now we have lovely pictures to accompany all the products!</div>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-14514563179480808752009-03-03T11:51:00.011-06:002009-03-03T12:35:34.123-06:00Why Soy Candles are the New Black<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaImrP534ZGD37SvYKgbmsRgVrf7DAr9Wju2THfHIrywOWlodN77QPgL8RtuBYldUGf6Vw7pyP1JqKJKC0frkMMNvPHaG1WB2elfAFw7J75ZkD0brQOUBYkfMPbLnOGJF5UFU7ThyBf8L/s1600-h/Pure+Soy+Candles.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309026639933722178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaImrP534ZGD37SvYKgbmsRgVrf7DAr9Wju2THfHIrywOWlodN77QPgL8RtuBYldUGf6Vw7pyP1JqKJKC0frkMMNvPHaG1WB2elfAFw7J75ZkD0brQOUBYkfMPbLnOGJF5UFU7ThyBf8L/s320/Pure+Soy+Candles.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />When you're shopping candles, price and quality never seemed to go hand in hand until soy hit the scene. It's the biggest rage for everything and there's good reason: it's not expensive, it holds fragrance and distributes it evenly, has a low-smoke burn and I'd be here all day listing the benefits. I promised a pic-by-pic reflection on our candles, so despite the busy schedule lately here you are!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVlr7E6kfyg-B-p1CEkxkrFvlNTww9IQq7JGIBpWl4hQmeZ9l1GZDkBIBJXGm8Wq18AYdernL9ez7RxnChOkpCiyCBL5OIoX2Vx-uhC04TTBTynQOcsaElXrawHRaKeI_lSAD5xVSUhxb/s1600-h/Comparisons.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309026528526461714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVlr7E6kfyg-B-p1CEkxkrFvlNTww9IQq7JGIBpWl4hQmeZ9l1GZDkBIBJXGm8Wq18AYdernL9ez7RxnChOkpCiyCBL5OIoX2Vx-uhC04TTBTynQOcsaElXrawHRaKeI_lSAD5xVSUhxb/s320/Comparisons.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now here we have a large, one wick candle on clearance for $1.00 at Wal-mart, a $2.00 clearance mainstay's three-wick candle, and our beautiful soy candle. Immediately, I draw attention to the large fat labels on both of the jars! Stickers that are hard to peel off, cover, or hide. A simple label and a small flavor on the soy candle says 2 things: clear elegance so you can display the jar or put it in a more decorative container, and you can re-use this jar easily! </div><div></div><div>The size of the other two candles outweighs the soy by a good bit, so how did they all do? Three days of burning these candles as much as I could reveal the results. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSAPkU6hDMUn2NrVJgTvyFVu726tJORlQUBBwhkj7KhqjE47xTZjITeE9_KVPH_9hXrW1PwgO2f0GEfa4g3INJx4yYZkmAf-9hzvQyB8h4Gh1H6UW4DpwNQ9CtJLKWdsIThgjligD_lv6/s1600-h/Mistake+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309026357383612482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSAPkU6hDMUn2NrVJgTvyFVu726tJORlQUBBwhkj7KhqjE47xTZjITeE9_KVPH_9hXrW1PwgO2f0GEfa4g3INJx4yYZkmAf-9hzvQyB8h4Gh1H6UW4DpwNQ9CtJLKWdsIThgjligD_lv6/s320/Mistake+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The first common mistake with candles is that they don't burn evenly. I couldn't keep the green 3-wick jar's wicks lit!! One or two wicks would sputter out, leaving uneven burning. The two smaller jars were accent candles that came with a large 5-candle-for-10-dollar set but as you can see even though they were both burn at the same times, one is running down faster than the next! The unreliability of these candles is pretty obvious.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRcQAtDgdmXHVvUFrXWag8WGKRRTvb0eXIt9VMQpprB-2y1VfXEizcwRGKBAm6-5aEiCefQFw2EsoddyBG66k25VY5F4S2a0tjx5f9mHhfUmrf5gtspBc8Vlq0eWEyCtRCEYrbtDfQtX-/s1600-h/Mistake+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309026215858728626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRcQAtDgdmXHVvUFrXWag8WGKRRTvb0eXIt9VMQpprB-2y1VfXEizcwRGKBAm6-5aEiCefQFw2EsoddyBG66k25VY5F4S2a0tjx5f9mHhfUmrf5gtspBc8Vlq0eWEyCtRCEYrbtDfQtX-/s320/Mistake+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> And our chutney? The cranberries smelled less like cranberry and more like chut. The smell was strong, but it was too strong! The 3-wick candles could be smelled within a smaller space, but in the living room I was sad to see that I could hardly tell I had lit anything. More importantly, look at the fact that HALF of the jar is missing! 3 days later, that dollar did not stretch very far at all! </div><div></div><div>It even seems that I wouldn't mind a dollar a week for candle fragrance, but unfortunately the smell was not fresh and enjoyable... but funky and overwhelming.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDR3xGfmU6zfZWSvZzBbAIB0LFD10GDzElyyS__xFfIFLXFKMbmP15k95KgRLQ0LQlq__O78TNZz9SCo4-0y_lSSne-6mYQUqKRXRmsmE9DsudTji0TZ6PEEu8r-Xso6LMhdlj3wrQMiy/s1600-h/Mistake+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309026084361933170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDR3xGfmU6zfZWSvZzBbAIB0LFD10GDzElyyS__xFfIFLXFKMbmP15k95KgRLQ0LQlq__O78TNZz9SCo4-0y_lSSne-6mYQUqKRXRmsmE9DsudTji0TZ6PEEu8r-Xso6LMhdlj3wrQMiy/s320/Mistake+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Another thing I want to call attention to is this ghastly thing I called a candle. Leather scented, I was so excited! Fragrance rocks built right into it, so I could be guaranteed a wonderful comfortable scent. Expensive, but it did offer the quality of scent I was looking for. So why am I upset? I paid for a whole candle, but the candle only burned half of itself! It cored itself down right in the center, leaving a lot of work for myself to do if I want to burn the other half sometime. And I didn't pay nearly 10 dollars to buy a do-it-myself project!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoptx_5CFEpeinNK9np4C5_nSsheycBud-M1C7mYOhdQRxEm3xsVUH2JPoLA1MOmKg3xmIFDW_O09Ve8oL-26kf5RCnfOb4wg0McOI45CXUPvSU99B7gaBZ8AJJQki9J20rWsTAOx0lrW/s1600-h/Soy+burning.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309025946072377138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoptx_5CFEpeinNK9np4C5_nSsheycBud-M1C7mYOhdQRxEm3xsVUH2JPoLA1MOmKg3xmIFDW_O09Ve8oL-26kf5RCnfOb4wg0McOI45CXUPvSU99B7gaBZ8AJJQki9J20rWsTAOx0lrW/s320/Soy+burning.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And our wonderful soy candle! An even burn, a lovely jar and you can see hardly any residue is left behind clinging onto the sides of the jar! A quick clean, and this jar is certainly available for whatever you need a jar for. The lovely smell was softly distributed throughout the entire living room on it's own, and with 5 dogs that's really saying something.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVEqPPTIkqXfiSCjLaANjOf_-aEK9xsEOgANOPJGXaoWeaQpuVbb6I5XFp5bXaa2Kv-JW6sjG2mSf9hg-oSB2HhKefxbenYP6FLC1H7fbQlKW5eMNVRFzCER5PYvMUee1POTt9Fewmbpg/s1600-h/Smoke+Neutralizing.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309025792221738098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVEqPPTIkqXfiSCjLaANjOf_-aEK9xsEOgANOPJGXaoWeaQpuVbb6I5XFp5bXaa2Kv-JW6sjG2mSf9hg-oSB2HhKefxbenYP6FLC1H7fbQlKW5eMNVRFzCER5PYvMUee1POTt9Fewmbpg/s320/Smoke+Neutralizing.JPG" border="0" /></a>I want to really call attention to the one we use in the office. If you're a smoker, even with the window cracked open, smoke clings to paint, fabric, and anything it can get itself attached to.. but the soy candles do a wonderful job of neutralizing the smokey air and making the area more comfortable for those of us who don't appreciate the fragrant smell of nicotine.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTphjy9WRU77bZ5RJcDFEseRHOsu6LoloBrns8jtEmCsUiXyIz7aojzEHcMnH4h_jme73IItwnyYFElC0fQvrG0Lv05Lmf1t7-d9fboELeQubYEBFc7RFlrBG554P0beVFlyiJorRGjPz/s1600-h/Yummy+Flavors.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309025658907447058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTphjy9WRU77bZ5RJcDFEseRHOsu6LoloBrns8jtEmCsUiXyIz7aojzEHcMnH4h_jme73IItwnyYFElC0fQvrG0Lv05Lmf1t7-d9fboELeQubYEBFc7RFlrBG554P0beVFlyiJorRGjPz/s320/Yummy+Flavors.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>And with fragrances as yummy as chocolate kisses, you can enjoy yourself in the tub, while working, or relaxing while knowing that your candle is delivering exactly what you paid for, and you'll be able to enjoy it longer.. The key word being enjoying! </p><p>Candles can come a dime a dozen, and it's sometimes more convenient to buy a cheap jar and toss it... but you get what you pay for, and there aren't many candles that beat <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86_71&products_id=339&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text_link&utm_campaign=blogspot">Pure, Lovely Soy Candles</a>. </p>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-33400271990311270182009-02-04T10:48:00.004-06:002009-02-04T11:26:00.718-06:00Valentine's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_QvHSwSphD_GHVE6Qr0Jxsrn88Pyp1i8OlL-MZpDCEOs6ZwFEBpP1mrEtBkBYLMZcEGIt56uahJbTerudaMvK7MqT63o2MbYwbtuIqS62_LvEjK99VitRbmkghwSl9TBtBXmqzliLuoF/s1600-h/valentines-day-14th-feb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298990665443039202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 233px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_QvHSwSphD_GHVE6Qr0Jxsrn88Pyp1i8OlL-MZpDCEOs6ZwFEBpP1mrEtBkBYLMZcEGIt56uahJbTerudaMvK7MqT63o2MbYwbtuIqS62_LvEjK99VitRbmkghwSl9TBtBXmqzliLuoF/s320/valentines-day-14th-feb.jpg" border="0" /></a> It is the last holiday during winter (although it doesn't look much like winter here in the south) and it's a wonderful one! Not to mention only about 10 days away.<br /><br />I figured while we were in the last gift-giving holiday I'd make a quick mention of our <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=73_42;&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Skin Care Kits</a>. These kits are my favorite feature of our skin care (I know. I have a lot of favorites), and I cannot praise their convenience enough.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFSUPdy6oElwMOZGTPqP1ko8xZpgLWPPKFPUK9QcQ4s8FT4G1DJt7ck4yrxs9Z5b81w9A5z_rb5ru6voW-kFh-uNj6DbSziAdtXXQeU6StpvzW2B7L31UDydoKHs0QdlYU7msf1nw26G4/s1600-h/Skin+tote+pic.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298990554434543922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFSUPdy6oElwMOZGTPqP1ko8xZpgLWPPKFPUK9QcQ4s8FT4G1DJt7ck4yrxs9Z5b81w9A5z_rb5ru6voW-kFh-uNj6DbSziAdtXXQeU6StpvzW2B7L31UDydoKHs0QdlYU7msf1nw26G4/s320/Skin+tote+pic.gif" border="0" /></a><br />The skin care starter totes are mini-systems of products put together for different skin care needs. They have cleansers, toners, high performance treatments, poxerplexes, and more to give you your skin care regimine in travel size. </div><div><br />They are also a cost-effective way of trying out the products you're looking at buying in full size. Not to mention an inexpensive gift to put into a basket of chocolates and flowers. There are <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_42&products_id=194;&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">men's systems </a>too for the special guy in your life. </div><div><br />Skin care isn't what you first think of when you're gift giving, but people are always buying cheap products that have a lot of skin-irritating fragrances and no real sustence to them. Instead of another "Strawyberry-mango-razzle-dazzle" lotion that will hide in the bathroom for a year before being tossed... think about an all-natural <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=86_71;&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Soy-based Product</a>. Softer fragrances, and soy products that last, work, and also give you the comfort of being all natural and beneficial to your skin. </div><div><br />To update on what's to come: We're working on adding pictures for all of our soy products, because we (obviously) strongly believe in pictures. I will also be updating about the power plexes as promised so that you can get a better idea of what they do and how to use them. Also, be looking for another picture-by-picture post project on the Soy Candles and why buying soy will save you money. </div>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-13415592035342427552009-01-30T17:03:00.004-06:002009-02-04T10:47:11.967-06:00The Tea RevolutionI thought while I was on a tea kick I would break down some really useful information when it comes to tea! I'll answer questions like the difference between the tea colors, steeping times, and useful recipes and ways to incorporate this trendy yet ancient brew that's Oh-So-Good for you.<br /><br />The difference between each tea is how it's harvested and made, so the flavors, benefits, and how to steep it can be different for all of them! Of course, boiling water with a drop of honey is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your cup, but here's some useful information behind it all.<br /><br />Some teas (particularly whites, greens, and blacks) have a bit of sensitivity to temperature, so the amount of steeping you do can depend heavily on how bitter the flavor comes out. With all tea, if you desire a stronger flavor, simply add more tea instead of lengthening the steeping time.<br /><br /><div align="center">1. <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_97&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">White Tea</a></div><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>How it's made:</strong> White Tea comes from the bud of the plant rather than the leaf and is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unfermented</span>. The buds are withered (or steamed) and air dried, and are the least processed of any tea.</div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Flavor:</strong> Light, subtle taste that's slightly sweet. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Brew:</strong> Ideally 175 degree water will allow for white tea to steep to perfection in 1-4 minutes. Some white teas are sensitive to temperature, so if you find your tea a bit bitter tasting just shorten the steeping time. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>The Benefits:</strong> Research is starting to suggest white tea may prevent certain forms of cancer, but more immediately white tea's subtle crisp benefits are geared towards helping the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. According to <a href="http://www.wildflavors.com/?page_ID=D7ECEBB2-E79F-10A7-32A2D746A96FDBF4">Wild Wisdom</a>, white tea is also chock full of antioxidants and offers a high <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ORAC</span> value. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Suggestion:</strong> So, you've steeped yourself a nice hot cup of tea, but it's too hot to drink! Allowing a few moments for the tea bag to cool, full leaf tea that's moist and opened and good for the skin--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmm</span>.. Treat yourself to a quick spa treatment! Rest it on your eyelid for a few moments and switch to the other eye. Or, if you like strong flavors and used two bags in one cup, you have one for each eye! Might as well grab all the benefits you can from something you're about to toss anyways. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Our Favorite:</strong> We're currently really hooked on the <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_97&products_id=384&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">White Tangerine Tea</a>. It's fruity, and light and good with dinner or dessert. </div></li></ul><p align="center">2. <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_96&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Green Tea</a></p><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>How it's made:</strong> Green tea is the least processed of any tea <em>Leaf</em>, to clarify (as white tea is the least processed but is not made entirely of the leaf), and is withered, steamed, then rolled and dried. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Flavor:</strong> Because it is the least processed leaf, green tea gives a fresh flavor closest to the taste of the leaf itself. It can be considered bitter for some, but I've never had a good quality green tea that a bit of honey or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">splenda</span> hasn't solved any bitter flavors. A bonus is that honey is also good for you! Some people find green tea a weak flavor, but I disagree entirely. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Brew:</strong> Ideally, at 175 degrees 1 minute is all green tea needs to infuse entirely into a cup of water. For temperatures less than that, another minute or so could be added, but green tea is one of those sensitive types I talked about earlier that turn bitter when left exposed too long. If you leave it too long (as I often do...), as I stated before, I've never had a bitter edge that honey or sugar hasn't cured in an instant. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>The Benefits:</strong> We've all heard about green tea's fantastic antioxidant compounds, most notably <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">EGCG</span>, and how it's cancer-preventative, but it doesn't stop there. It lowers cholesterol, regulates blood sugar levels, helps digestion and can even help with cavities and aging. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Suggestion:</strong> I mentioned earlier about how <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fantastic</span> our <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_96&products_id=379&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Orange Chocolate Green Tea </a>is, and since this tea is not short on flavor, it is a wonderful drink to have with desserts! Green tea is a wonderful transition drink from a strong meal to a sweet dessert. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Our Favorite:</strong> I'd be lying if my personal favorite wasn't the one I wrote a whole post about... but I really think that a great suggestion for breakfast is a healthier alternative to Earl Grey: <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_96&products_id=381&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">GREEN Earl Grey tea</a>. </div></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_99&products_id=391&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Oolong</span> Tea </a></p><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>How it's made:</strong> Fresh Camellia leaves are shaken to bruise the edges, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">partially</span> fermented, and dried. It's also referred to as Wu-long tea. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Flavor:</strong> The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">intensity</span> is a balance between the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">unfermented</span> green and the fired black teas with a smoky floral flavor. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Brew:</strong> A golden brown hue is what you'll get when steeped at 195 degrees for 3 minutes. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Oolong</span> tea, because it's fermented partially, is not as sensitive to prolonged water exposure as the other two so the chances of the flavor being bitter aren't present. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>The Benefits:</strong> Skin and teeth, digestion, metabolism, and weight loss are all attributed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Oolong</span> tea. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Suggestion:</strong> The flowery shade that this tea gives off makes a simple treat for cold nights, but this tea tastes just as wonderful iced and sweetened for summer evenings. It seems you just can't go wrong with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Oolong</span> tea, since there's plenty of benefits without the delicacy and potential of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">oversteeping</span>. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Our Favorite:</strong> Happens to be the only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Oolong</span> tea we offer, <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_99&products_id=391&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Dragon Eye</a>. </div></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_98&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Black Tea</a> </p><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>How it's made:</strong> Black tea is fully fermented. Fresh Camellia leaves are withered, rolled, fermented, and fired. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Flavor:</strong> Because it is fully fermented it is the most intense in flavor, and it is also the easiest to manipulate flavor wise. Different flavors and flowers are easily incorporated and black tea works well with variety. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Brew:</strong> 195-205 degrees, ideally, will steep 2-3 minutes. Some black teas may turn bitter if steeped too long, so I'll encourage more tea being added instead of more steep time. The difference between the way normal Lipton black tea is handled and ours is that our tea is full leaf instead of put through a powdering process. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>The Benefits:</strong> Black tea, even fermented, helps lower cholesterol and prevent tooth decay, and is also good for the heart. It's a gentle stimulant, but truly the best benefit of black tea is the flavor of the tea itself. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Suggestion:</strong> Black teas are wonderful, and the bag itself can be used to help soothe sunburns, razor burn, and other cheap beauty tips that I'll list below since the recipes are a bit long for this section. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Our Favorite:</strong> <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_98&products_id=389&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Sweet Ginger Peach Decaf tea</a> is a wonderful flavor. Very fruity and fun and perfect for kids. </div></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_100&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Red Tea</a></p><ul><li><div align="left">Red Tea is not actually a tea variety, but an herbal tea preparation of the South African herb <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Roobios</span>. The naturally caffeine-free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Roobios</span> leaves are fermented to produce their distinctive reddish-brown color and contain even more antioxidants than green tea.</div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Brew:</strong> 208 Degrees of hot water can be brewed anywhere between 5-10 minutes and it is not as sensitive to heat as our earlier varieties. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Flavor:</strong> I've found red tea to have a surprisingly subtle taste, a very light enjoyable one, but if you're eating loud flavors (like strong olives, or pesto) the flavor won't be noticed and it may taste watery in comparison. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>The Benefits:</strong> Digestion, skin, and allergies are all improved with red tea, but more importantly it's very high in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Suggestion:</strong> I love red tea, but I admit there just isn't a lot of time to drink cups and cups of hot tea everyday. To combine benefits with on-the-go, I steep red tea in hot water and use the hot tea to make my instant oatmeal. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Our Favorite:</strong> Definitely the very light, airy <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_100&products_id=392&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Honeybrush</span> Caramel</a>. </div></li></ul><p align="center"><a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_101&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Herbal Tea</a>/<a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_102&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Organic Tea</a></p><ul><li><div align="left">Herbal and Organic teas are made using the same processes as above, but organic teas are made with organic-certified ingredients, and herbal teas have the added benefits of different herbs. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Brew:</strong> Herbal infusions need hot water and time, so just like the red tea, ideally you'll want 208 degrees for at least 5 minutes, but herbal infusions can sit as long as 10 minutes without compromising flavor and allowing benefits to transfer fully into the water. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Flavor:</strong> Herbal teas have strong qualities, and they're a wonderful way of getting kids to drink tea for their benefits. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>The Benefits:</strong> Certified organic ingredients are benefits in and of themselves. For Herbal teas, different herbs aid in different things, so each tea has a unique way of helping. </div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Suggestion:</strong> Cook with teas! If you think mint teas taste fantastic, <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_101&products_id=394&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Southern Mint Herbal Tea</a> would be a wonderful addition to any icing mix, cake, or other fantastic desserts. A nice minty tea with a dessert that has a more natural hint of mint will give you benefits so you don't feel guilty indulging into desserts during your bikini-diet. </div></li></ul><p align="left">How simple or complex your tea is is entirely up to you, but it feels good to have excuses to drink it more than once occasionally, and even better to be able to choose which teas to have during meals, or by themselves. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this beverage! In addition to all of the above, there's some cheap recipes that you can use your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">new found</span> (or old favorite) for in your beauty routine. </p><p align="left"><strong>For your hair:</strong> Conditioning your hair the natural way will give a soft shine to dry hair. Just use a quart (liter) of warm, unsweetened and freshly made tea as a final rinse after your regular shampoo. Even better: A simple cheap way of keeping a dark brown tint to your hair without buying expensive glosses and harsh hair chemicals can be made with black tea. Steep 3 bags in 1 cup of boiling water. Add 1 tbsp each of rosemary and sage and let it sit overnight before straining. The next morning, shampoo like usual, and then pour or spray the brew on your hair, making sure to saturate it. Blot with a towel and do not rinse. Regular use will help you maintain those dark tresses (or tint greying hair) but beware as black tea can stain clothes or towels. </p><p align="left"><strong>For your skin:</strong> I already mentioned the benefits of quick eye fixes with tea bags, and the sun and razor burns, but you can also tan your skin with teas. A more natural tone will cure that dreaded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">oranging</span> fear (as well as being cheaper than) of tanning creams, and it's safer than UV rays from the sun. 2 strong cups of black tea in a spray bottle and applied to clean, dry skin and allowed to air dry will give subtle tone changes safely. This also works for you men on your faces, when you shave that beard you've been saving off and end up with a pale patch on your chin! </p><p align="left">Soothing mouthwashes, relieving first aid recipes, and more can all be found all over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">internet</span>, and these are only the beginnings of the uses. It really is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen, and it's so easy to make and enjoy. </p><p align="left">Next week, now that I've got this tea kick running, I'll look further into some of our most fantastic products: our Power <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Plexes</span>. It's hard to tell what they do, how exactly to use them, and they really are some of the best and easiest additions to your skin care <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">regimen</span>. </p>Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-974772861812785922009-01-23T13:28:00.002-06:002009-02-04T10:40:41.310-06:00Orange Chocolate Green Tea<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnssgO5uo1h3j3XtDRTMLJG7ZxnHlvBbveQCeWHGfkuvn53Oqs7DiepkV7C0gqbJv766-c21HE00I2tJBh5J6DTYMwRQ12LpLmCzdA3-TUV6dcZSINdQRs1kwwhNa88v-6BQ1bWoJsGLHA/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Group+pic.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294579327345275826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnssgO5uo1h3j3XtDRTMLJG7ZxnHlvBbveQCeWHGfkuvn53Oqs7DiepkV7C0gqbJv766-c21HE00I2tJBh5J6DTYMwRQ12LpLmCzdA3-TUV6dcZSINdQRs1kwwhNa88v-6BQ1bWoJsGLHA/s320/OCGT+-+Group+pic.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm a tea fanatic! I drink it at least twice a day, and I'm always exploring different flavors, types, and figuring out new ways to incorporate this healthy wonderful favorite into daily life. I'm going to break down one of my favorite flavors now: <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_96&products_id=379&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">The Orange Chocolate Green Tea</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzikj6YNek4zao1CNeH1yEDSoaV4YLlLwRsAVFUbWnFwiXQ0B5wnFBQoAyJVdcE1mo128HsQp0tiZ3n1W8BM0eSP9h3pEdJyRXITkWP-3HC2w9lS2qoaffbTAiBD2vTKbpZ9cw75Z4BO0/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Packaging.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294579198168073842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzikj6YNek4zao1CNeH1yEDSoaV4YLlLwRsAVFUbWnFwiXQ0B5wnFBQoAyJVdcE1mo128HsQp0tiZ3n1W8BM0eSP9h3pEdJyRXITkWP-3HC2w9lS2qoaffbTAiBD2vTKbpZ9cw75Z4BO0/s320/OCGT+-+Packaging.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The first thing I want to point out is the packaging. It seems like EVERY tea box you ever buy forces you to keep the box to preserve the tea itself.<br />Cardboard is replaced with a sturdy plastic casing inside, so even though it comes packaged in a nice cardboard box for presentation, there is a practical preservation of the tea itself. A convenient label on the top will keep your flavors sorted out.<br />The picture shows what a (nearly... I couldn't resist a bag of the <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_100&products_id=392&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">Honeybrush Caramel</a>) full package looks like, and the obviously nearly gone flavor we'll be discussing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRHKvHiw5MfJgOnevhYRwBAXookZ_eNr9SzC3G6ErFp9UtMiqfyDJz3uyv4lr8XEtPYF9gWJLno65m1g5wDVX8vtRYi1Ww52UubayzK6rC_UNPrMlTn9Z0uD2QbG9VYPMUJ8kaXsOT4x3/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Tea+Bag+Contents.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294578951566799762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRHKvHiw5MfJgOnevhYRwBAXookZ_eNr9SzC3G6ErFp9UtMiqfyDJz3uyv4lr8XEtPYF9gWJLno65m1g5wDVX8vtRYi1Ww52UubayzK6rC_UNPrMlTn9Z0uD2QbG9VYPMUJ8kaXsOT4x3/s320/OCGT+-+Tea+Bag+Contents.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The tea bag itself is a very soft satin-like fabric with tiny mesh screens that allow you to see everything inside of the bag, but more importantly, the bag allows all of the flavor and leaves to easily escape into the water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCeuxSC4C6TuaHmJoT6oyx_7DyReY7zFREy725Uyh9VED-Hl1rnGw14mpQVYShkPay7BdPjEkVDmVyU3Kli0m-FI-kCdPE2mCRr9VzV4MeCL2a7MxuIQxdQom6RruR890rJjSxHgouceo/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Tea+Leaves.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294578799052117762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCeuxSC4C6TuaHmJoT6oyx_7DyReY7zFREy725Uyh9VED-Hl1rnGw14mpQVYShkPay7BdPjEkVDmVyU3Kli0m-FI-kCdPE2mCRr9VzV4MeCL2a7MxuIQxdQom6RruR890rJjSxHgouceo/s320/OCGT+-+Tea+Leaves.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The leaves look shriveled and you can see the bits of orange peel as well. The smell of the bag itself is what gets me: It really smells semi-sweet, like baking chocolate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EuOahtG2K-x1196V58drRASJURAjK6adzf5_G18u6s5fweO9W3tmtebdQAVHQo9_Mey5PSPgRA299wnT0a4rPz8jmjJNwjMenuxcGOU3MpmE17nhrahsINgL1XFSqSh6OUD1Gul5bwf4/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Tea+Bag+Amount.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294578591143171730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EuOahtG2K-x1196V58drRASJURAjK6adzf5_G18u6s5fweO9W3tmtebdQAVHQo9_Mey5PSPgRA299wnT0a4rPz8jmjJNwjMenuxcGOU3MpmE17nhrahsINgL1XFSqSh6OUD1Gul5bwf4/s320/OCGT+-+Tea+Bag+Amount.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I tried to show how it <em>seems</em> like there isn't a lot of tea in each individual package at all.<br />A later picture will show you just how much tea is really inside.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXtgCgNp1Xf86zK9Pq98WA7oa-a0sG-ofDq38hIZZq7cl04XAzSj4d8__tYBtwgAY3qbAdT7NN-itghxNE75jFvNEnw0e3C1eO52a63M0bc3t0cQInWpfgMhgMnxxMDQ4azgT25fx36M0/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Tea+Color.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294578304331265826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXtgCgNp1Xf86zK9Pq98WA7oa-a0sG-ofDq38hIZZq7cl04XAzSj4d8__tYBtwgAY3qbAdT7NN-itghxNE75jFvNEnw0e3C1eO52a63M0bc3t0cQInWpfgMhgMnxxMDQ4azgT25fx36M0/s320/OCGT+-+Tea+Color.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Simple boiled water and a bit of steeping, you can see the color of the tea is true to traditional green tea - that yellowish color with a hint of green hues is exactly what you want to see.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa7A-DJNQEh1qShRjYkpaekUjuAkZsBvJpJgoRV2Md27-siGn-qp4eIX2lzNj6-s2s96I0iGyZS5LRZQkx08SHeqjby5p9aLA_KuLg0Jmb0nyf9P9Vm6LuA4vfL_gIrzS6VIcd8qNMGiL/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Steeping.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294577520601252082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa7A-DJNQEh1qShRjYkpaekUjuAkZsBvJpJgoRV2Md27-siGn-qp4eIX2lzNj6-s2s96I0iGyZS5LRZQkx08SHeqjby5p9aLA_KuLg0Jmb0nyf9P9Vm6LuA4vfL_gIrzS6VIcd8qNMGiL/s320/OCGT+-+Steeping.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is what I really wanted to show! The tea expands almost immediately when the water hits it, and it almost has new life breathed into it. The aroma is very fragrant and it smells almost as if a dessert is cooking. It still has that semi-sweet touch to it all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2jMjLJBpy12Cd21MiDdku3Z22SgivzDa0tv5t5LkPD5ONtdOYeCVwyjJyP6BppIRxi3mdaWjxTxkPi2oU2pEMPSTH7b5kuoTAcZkEKyX8ZXfzo32x4DktTHk1i1q4_sJvWNj2emw-xfV/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Leaf+Comparison+2.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJIOYg-CCmyXvMGid7heA1kzG7kUtAR8WkHO-Uxkt1ynqTinjXJgDEith5HtU4LBf8Swh-XOQabQDesqO7zeUtHnJaZM0e5yBPXp5MTnyU4sBHEwNtkR3n6s38Q8QaOk6DRy4-AsQo7FV/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Leaf+Comparison.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294577131637392274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJIOYg-CCmyXvMGid7heA1kzG7kUtAR8WkHO-Uxkt1ynqTinjXJgDEith5HtU4LBf8Swh-XOQabQDesqO7zeUtHnJaZM0e5yBPXp5MTnyU4sBHEwNtkR3n6s38Q8QaOk6DRy4-AsQo7FV/s320/OCGT+-+Leaf+Comparison.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From package to tea, this is a size comparison picture of the tea before it is steeped, and right after a nice cup of tea has been made.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJZcTmplbIwGZL7X1IHlFPJc4z8mp-FuuKocwVGxhaKcloVCBAAG6Wta9dlukOqnJPZwIFXkv4XLmNWB0n5d6DVE0T4sOaUH1qWqhCot7Wu_EiKL-6trMUqLatx2ZB-057SCseQmIpLYe/s1600-h/OCGT+-+Leaf+Comparison+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294576996064676322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJZcTmplbIwGZL7X1IHlFPJc4z8mp-FuuKocwVGxhaKcloVCBAAG6Wta9dlukOqnJPZwIFXkv4XLmNWB0n5d6DVE0T4sOaUH1qWqhCot7Wu_EiKL-6trMUqLatx2ZB-057SCseQmIpLYe/s320/OCGT+-+Leaf+Comparison+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A close up, I tried to show (forgiving my older digital camera) how green and lively the leaves look after steeping.<br /><br />The tea can be bitter if steeped too long because it is still green tea, but a bit of honey or raw sugar added takes the bite out of it, and really brings out the orange and chocolate hues to the tea. It's not so soft on flavor for a green tea, so while I often enjoy it as a nice cozy beverage, there's much more you can do!<br /><br />Dessert cooking that calls for water could be pleasently stirred up with a bit of sweetened Orange Chocolate green tea, and antioxidants and the healthy qualities of green tea will keep you from feeling <em>too</em> guilty about sneaking a sweet into your diet. If you're interested in learning more, you can visit <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/">http://www.aikenskincare.us/</a> or use this <a href="http://www.aikenskincare.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_100&products_id=392&&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=blogspot">direct link</a>.Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339528718575824023.post-64935844608720812512009-01-23T13:22:00.000-06:002009-01-23T13:28:12.044-06:00Welcome to the Official Aiken Skin Care Blog!Aiken Skin Care has been in the works for years now... and Expanding our horizons in the process. We're always looking for new, beautiful products for our customers.<br /><br />From updates on products to come, to notifying of glitches in the system, and closer examinations of current products, we at Aiken Skin Care will start with regular blogging to keep you notified with everything involving our business and service.Aiken Skin Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842603572982019611noreply@blogger.com0