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Eslor Replenishing Scrub. From eslor.com.

I think I’ve found my new favorite skincare line: Eslor.

Started by a pharmacologist who wanted to create a natural skin care line for his wife, Eslor has some really effective products with ingredients such as aloe vera, safflower oil, algae extract and almond meal extract. Eslor products are also free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate.

I had the opportunity to try out almost all of Eslor’s products, and I’ve decided on some favorites.

First off, the Soothing Refiner & Cleanser left my skin feeling really clean without any residue. It also left my skin feeling soft without being overly moisturized. Likewise, the Soothing Cream moisturizer, while thicker than my usual moisturizer, didn’t leave my skin overly oily. It’s much lighter than it seems, which works well for my combination-oily skin.

I also liked the Replenishing Scrub, which reminded me of St. Ives apricot scrub but without the thickness. Eslor’s scrub has big pieces of something (almonds, I think) that felt a little harsh but left my skin smooth. It’s a little hard to use because if you add too much water, it falls apart, but when you get the water-to-scrub proportion right, it’s effective. But the Botanical Peeling Gel is my favorite. You leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rub to peel it off. It left my skin feeling really clean and smooth.

Overall, using these products made my skin look and feel healthier and more youthful. And the best part may be that the products aren’t cost-prohibitive. The most expensive product is the Brightening Activator at $110; many others fall well below that price. Effective and affordable — score!

Note: These product samples were complimentary.

Larchmont Sanctuary Spa

Sometimes going to a spa isn’t as relaxing as you’d like. Sometimes there are just too many people, too much foot traffic. If you’re looking for a truly relaxed spa experience in a more intimate setting than, say, Burke Williams (no offense, Burke Williams; I like you just fine), Larchmont Sanctuary Spa, formerly Le Petite Retreat Day Spa, in Larchmont Village might just be the spot.

While Larchmont Sanctuary Spa is small, it doesn’t skimp on amenities. The robes are über comfy, the communal waiting room is cozy (fireplace, fountain, complimentary drinks and snacks), and the treatment rooms are appropriately relaxing. I got the signature Jade Stone Massage Therapy treatment, which incorporates the use of rubbing alternating hot and cold jade stones over your body with Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai and deep tissue massage. The hot stones relax your muscles, and the cold stones help reduce inflammation. This is no wussy massage; the therapist, who was about half my size, worked me over! But that just meant I left feeling totally relaxed.

Larchmont Sanctuary Spa offers all kinds of facials (including a caviar serum), scrubs (Ionic Detox Foot Bath, anyone?) and even eyelash extensions. The spa also caters to couples with various couples treatments and a champagne bath for two as an add on, where you’ll lounge in a copper tub surrounded by flickering candles sipping champagne. Not bad, huh?

I originally wrote about this place for Gilt City. Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll find another deal for Larchmont Sanctuary Spa soon!

Note: Updated to reflect the spa’s name change.