continued from page 36
by chemical fragrances designed to mimic its
comforting scent. “Most of the vanilla used in
personal care and spa products is not from an
essential oil or absolute,” says Fioravanti. “Vanilla
absolute is a solid dark brown resin-like product.
It is also insanely expensive—more than $100
per ounce at wholesale—making the majority
of vanilla products on the market scented with
either vanilla extract or vanilla fragrance oil.”
While products that incorporate vanilla extract
do feature some of the aromatherapy properties
of vanilla, Fioravanti cautions that products made
with chemical fragrances do not. Tony also stresses
the importance of keeping it authentic. “It may be
obvious, but there is a huge difference between
natural vanilla and imitation,” he says. “Some
might think that they have a similar smell, but the
real thing has hundreds of trace elements that are
not present in synthetic elements.”
Chances are, if you’re like most spa owners,
you want your spa to be a warm and welcoming
haven. Diffusing the scent of vanilla throughout
Culled from the vanilla orchid, vanilla provides a soothing, intoxicating aroma that is ideal for spa treatments.
your spa, offering a variety of vanilla-themed
treatments, or even serving vanilla-flavored teas
and smoothies can help you and your staff create
that comforting environment. “As a general rule,
by its use in cooking, vanilla connotes gluttony
and pleasure,” says Salmon. “Many come to experience such care with this preconceived notion.”
According to Baresh, for many, vanilla conjures
up warm memories of childhood, such as vanilla
ice cream. “I think it is like comfort food for your
nose,” says Tony. “Many people have made positive
associations with the scent of vanilla at some point
in their lives, so vanilla is at once familiar and
comforting.”—Heather Mikesell
“Many people
have made
positive
associations with
the scent of
vanilla...so
it is at once
familiar and
comforting.”
Bath by Bettijo Vanilla
Mandarin Whipped Shea
Butter: This intensive moisturizer is made of all-natural shea
butter that is whipped with
pure jojoba, vitamin E, and an
essential oil blend of vanilla
and mandarin. (877) 528-1584;
www.bathbybettijo.com.
Biotone Body Lush
Hydrating Wrap: Featuring
the soothing aromas of fig and
vanilla, this formula contains
active botanicals, such as
burdock to improve the
skin’s health, echinacea for
regeneration, and watercress
to help clear skin. (800) 445-
6457; www.biotone.com.
Decléor Nourishing Lip
Treatment: This soothing
balm softens and protects lips
from harmful environmental
elements. Containing vanilla
planifolia fruit extract, it also
helps add natural plumpness
to the lips. (888) 414-4471;
www.decleor.com.
Éminence Organic Skin Care
Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream
SPF 32: Clinically tested to
increase moisture content
by 250 percent, this broad-spectrum cream combines
hydrating shea butter with the
intoxicating aroma of vanilla
to protect skin from harmful
rays. (888) 747-6342; www.
eminenceorganics.com.
Gigi Lavender and Vanilla
Hair Removal Strips for the
Face: Enhanced with floral
notes of lavender and vanilla
to calm the senses, these
easy-to-use scented wax
strips lift away unwanted
hair, leaving the skin soft
and smooth. (800) 621-9585;
www.aiibeauty.com.
Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF
15: This tinted moisturizer
creates a soft-focus effect
that helps minimize the
look of pores and fine lines.
Containing vanilla tahitensis
fruit extract, it is available in
five shades and can be used
alone or as the perfect primer
for a mineral base. (800) 762-
1132; www.janeiredale.com.
M- alie Organics Organic
Beauty Oil—Relax: Featuring
kukui nut oil, this nourishing
formula is hand blended
with Hawaiian coconut and
rare organic vanilla. It is light
on the skin and leaves it
glowing with silky radiance.
(866) 767-5727; www.malie
kauai.com.
Priori Coffeeberry Slimming
Body Complex: Working to
improve skintone and create
smoother body contours, this
effective formula relies on a
host of natural ingredients,
including coffeeberry extract,
a potent antioxidant that
helps protect skin against
the signs of aging. It also
includes vanilla fruit extract to
promote soothing aromatherapy. (877) 300-4774; www.
prioriskincare.com.—H.M.
Vanilla Treats
Indulge your clients with the sweet scent of vanilla with this roundup of products that incorporate a variation of the intoxicating flower.
