Spa-liday Shopping

Expert-approved products for skin, hair, nails, and more

Winter can be a drag. A beautiful drag, but a drag nonetheless. Nights come early, days come late, and it’s easy to fall into a monotonous routine. So this year, find something that makes you feel good. Whether that’s a cozy activity at home or dedicated time spent outside, now is a chance to pursue pleasure. Bonus points if it makes you look good too.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of favorite products from local spas that will make you look and feel good. Spa directors from Grand Traverse Resort, Crystal Mountain, the Inn at Bay Harbor, and Boyne Mountain told us about some of their personal favorite products and what their guests have been loving.

Spa Grand Traverse

Dr. Dennis Gross Dr X SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ($$$): Red and blue light offer easy skincare benefits. Red light penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production, reducing fine lines, and improving texture and elasticity. It also promotes cell regeneration, enhancing skin tone and reducing inflammation. Blue light targets surface bacteria, making it effective for treating acne by reducing breakouts and calming irritated skin. This mask combines the power of both. Spa Director Dawn Olsen says, “It is a little bit more expensive—it retails around $455—but it is one of the best masks on the market.”

Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel Pads ($$): A TikTok-loved product that’s been touted as lazy girl skincare, these peel pads exfoliate for brighter and smoother skin that absorbs and holds moisture better. “This one is phenomenal,” says Olsen. “They are so incredibly easy to use. They have a gentle, regular, and extra strength version, depending on what your skin can handle. The pads work in two steps. The first step has all the exfoliating properties, and the second step soothes the skin afterwards.” The pads use alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) to exfoliate the skin by loosening dead skin cells. AHAs work on the surface, improving texture and brightness, while BHAs clear pores and reduce acne. They cost around $90.

Crystal Spa

Amenity Pass ($$): A great way to treat yourself and get out of the house is to take advantage of Crystal Spa’s annual Spa Pass. Vice President of Retail and Wellness Services Stephanie Scott says the pass is sold through the holidays and is able to be used next year. “It’s a punch card for eight, two-hour amenity visits. You can come in for two hours Monday through Thursday and enjoy the steam room, infrared sauna, pool, and we have a fitness center. They could use the outdoor hot tub, sit and lounge with tea and snacks near the fireplace. Normally it’s $320, but during the holidays it’s $160.”

Heated Lash Curler ($): Spa products don’t have to be spendy. Scott says their Chella heated eyelash curlers have pleasantly surprised guests with how much impact the small product makes. “I just watched a young lady at our open house get completely wowed by how much her eyelashes popped by using this very safe curling wand.” The heat helps lift and hold lashes more effectively than a standard curler. There’s a rechargeable version for $37 and a battery operated one for $20.

The Spa at Inn at Bay Harbor

Naturopathica Calendula & Tremella Body Butter ($$): Tremella is a fascinating ingredient gaining popularity in health and beauty products. It’s a mushroom known for having various health benefits, including enhancing skin hydration. It works similarly to, and some say stronger than, hyaluronic acid by pulling moisture into the skin. Rich in antioxidants and other plant compounds, it also boosts skin elasticity and reduces inflammation. Calendula, a flower known for its soothing skin benefits, is also included in this body butter. “It’s a body butter, so it’s really rich, but it really fortifies the skin’s barrier,” says Spa Director Kari Strange. “The tremella can hold nearly five times its weight in water, and it’s really great for dry or cracked skin too. We have it out at the spa all the time and are using it ourselves.” The body butter retails for $48.

Dazzle Dry Maintain Nail & Cuticle Oil ($): Along with dry and cracked skin comes dry and brittle nails. Preventing hangnails is made easy with some dedicated moisture. “We can’t keep this nail and cuticle oil on our shelf right now,” says Strange. “It’s made from 19 plant oils and is super moisturizing. This helps keep your nails flexible so they’re less prone to breakage, and keeps them healthy. It helps keep polish on them too.” Find the oil at the spa for $20.

The Spa at Boyne Mountain

Eminence Skincare ($$): “What comes to mind right away is our Eminence organic skincare line. It’s from Hungary, and we’ve tried to pair another facial line up against that line and none of them can compete,” says Spa Director Gretchen Bush. Eminence uses handpicked, organic ingredients in their products. Because there are no harsh chemicals, Eminence works for various skin types to achieve radiant skin. Their environmental responsibility extends to eco-packaging and tree-planting initiatives, making them a favorite among conscious consumers worldwide.

Vital Body Therapeutics Muscle and Joint CBD Cream ($$): CBD in skincare helps relieve pain by interacting with the skin’s endocannabinoid receptors, reducing inflammation and calming irritated nerves. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it great for soothing muscle soreness, joint pain, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Applied topically, CBD targets specific pain without entering the bloodstream, offering natural relief while also moisturizing and calming the skin. (And no, it won’t get you high.) “Their muscle and joint relief cream is amazing,” says Bush. “It reduces any pains or soreness that I have. Like many people I hold a lot of stress in my shoulder and neck area. It helps so much, and I sleep like a baby.” Find it for $54.

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