SPORTS BEAUTY THERAPY: THE BODY PERFECT

I spend much more time sitting on my derriere typing on my computer screen than on a tennis court. But I still like the high performance, spa-like products from The Body Perfect (MoistureBal line), designed by Equibal Labs. These body care products were originally designed to be used by professional aestheticians, offering a healthy balance of moisture and nutrients that cleanse, tone and nourish your skin.

This is great news, especially if your skin has been exposed to extreme weather (therefore, you’ll like them even more if you’re athletic and active). The Body Perfect is the creation of Normajean Fusco, who has had 30 years of experience as an aesthetician. She was also a consultant to major cosmetics companies such as Revlon, Coty and Germaine Monteil. Ms. Fusco’s grandfather is credited with being one of the inventors of cold cream and the face cleansing nightly ritual that went with it, so she ought to know something about doing a body good!

Each line from The Body Perfect addresses different skin types and needs. There is even a line for men. All products, however, revolve around a primary core of three things: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. The Body Perfect Products feature a wide range of natural ingredients with high concentrations of botanicals such as chamomile, goldenseal, corn, and Mexican wild yam (to moisturize, and help fight the effects of stress, environmental damage, and aging).

The first thing you’ll notice about the MoistureBal line is the eye-catching packaging, which has unisex appeal, hinting at the spa-like treatments inside the tubes: tranquil, blue-grey with soft, light blue lettering, interrupted only by a logo featuring two bold, black slashes, and a rust-colored sun. The lightweight, plastic tubes sporting easy pull/push capless tops have definite, after-workout appeal: they are perfectly portable to the gym or for travel.

MoistureBal Hydrating Body Shampoo ($14.00 for 7 fl. oz.) offers a gentle, thoroughly cleansing body shampoo that removes surface debris and sweat you don’t want, without stripping your skin’s natural, important oils and nutrients you do want. This product has been formulated in such a way that those who have “hard” water can still use it effectively–a plus if you’re traveling, camping, or visiting. Use a teaspoonful to lightly foam in bath or shower, and feel your body relax and recharge as the light blue liquid fills your senses with a subtle, fresh, spa-like scent of green, tropical florals. While some floral scents are simply not appropriate for men, this one is so light and artfully mixed with a touch of herb and fruit, that it gives your skin a “clean” smell that’s not sweet or overly feminine. This type of scent is perfect for warm weather, when you want to smell fresh, but not overpowered by fragrance. No matter how you use it, the end result is skin that has a pampered, non-greasy feel and a balance of moisture it needs to stay healthy.

Follow up with The Body Perfect Moisture Balance Hydrating Cream ($21.00 for 4 fl. oz) , for an additional hydration. The rich cream has glycerin, botanicals, and other good-for-your-skin ingredients to help to lock in your skin’s natural moisture, giving it extra “TLC.” You’ll get just a slight hit of green floral scent, so you can slather it on and not worry that you’ll smell like a fruit cocktail! The MoistureBal product line also includes products that target cellulite, dry hands and feet, a bronzer, and a balancing body toner. The Hydrating Body Shampoo and Hydrating Cream are a great way to sample the line.

If you’ve over-indulged in beach volleyball, surfing, or just had too much sun on Venice Beach, these every day products will help your body bounce back to healthy! All of The Body Perfect Products are made at Equibal Labs housed in the picturesque and restored 1880’s buildings of Nestle’s Original Creamery in Unionville, New York. They are reasonably priced, from $14.00-$33.00, and can be purchased at www.thebodyperfect.com.