A hydrosol, also known as a floral water or distillate, is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to extract essential oils from plants. Unlike essential oils, which are highly concentrated and potent, hydrosols are much milder and can be used directly on the skin without dilution.

Hydrosols are created when steam is passed through plant material, causing the essential oils to vaporize and become suspended in the steam. The steam is then cooled, causing the essential oils and water to separate. The water, now infused with the essential oils and other water-soluble plant compounds, is collected and referred to as a hydrosol.

Subtle Green, a Montreal-based luxury skin care company, recently caught my attention. Much of what they stand for is something I have been saying for years - "The best moisturizers do not have to contain 'miracle ingredients' developed using 'breakthrough technologies' in a remote secret laboratory." There are tried and true ingredients that are effective for skin, most of which can be found in nature. Subtle Green is botanically-based with an upscale feel in their packaging, which serves a dual purpose for the overall aesthetic of the brand, as well as retaining the freshness of the product inside.

Subtle Green is unique, as they believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your moisturizer. While they have products available based on your basic needs, they also offer you the ability to customize your moisturizer. This is a 3-step process that is pretty straight forward and is implemented via a questionairre to help determine the right ingredients needed to address all of your skin concerns. This is a great approach and I love the idea of a made to order moisturizer. I had the opportunity to try Vienne Restorative and Regenerative Lotion. While I hate the thought of now being in the "mature skin" category, ignoring it isn't help me treat my skin in the most effective way possible either. This particular lotion targets aging, dry and sallow skin. For the most part, my skin has a split personality. One day it will be incredibly oily and in the next breath it will be dry. Finding a skin care product that can help balance out the skin is a priority for me. First let me say that I adore the packaging. It comes in an elegant glass bottle and really stands out on my vanity. Subtle Green uses the science of biophotonics in order to preserve and enhance the botanical properties of their ingredients through their violet glass packaging. Second, I loved how quickly this moisturizer absorbed into my skin, almost like my skin was drinking it up. The texture is very light and thin and has a clean scent to it. There was absolutely no greasy residue left on my skin and, in fact, this was the first time that a moisturizer actually gave my skin more of a matte look (as compared to being shiny and greasy looking.) My skin felt incredibly soft to the touch and reminded me of how my skin used to feel back in my younger years. The ingredients in this lotion (and in all of Subtle Green's skin care products) are food grade, containing essential oils, using only natural preservatives, made in small batches and are cruelty free. (Learn more bout their approach to skin care.) Subtle Green ships to both Canada and the US. If you haven't tried their skin care range yet, I highly recommend it! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Disclosure: Press sample

My lips are one of those areas of my face that I will admit gets neglected. I wear a protective lip balm to keep them hydrated, but when it comes to pampering them I am neglectful.  Lately I have been making it a beauty priority to give my lips their very own spa time.  I exfoliate them, apply a lip mask and hydrate them the same way I do with the rest of my face.  I've realized that it is actually extremely easy to whip up lip care treatments with a lot of the items in my refrigerator for soft, plump, hydrated lips.  A great lip scrub can be created by combining coconut or olive oil, with honey, brown sugar and lemon juice.  Just mix together to form a paste then apply with your fingers in a circular motion.  I also like to let this scrub sit on my lips for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.  A great moisturizing lip mask can be made by simply mixing equal parts honey with equal parts lemon juice.  The lemon juice works as a gentle exfoliant while the honey is extremely moisturizing (don't apply if you have any cuts though, as it may sting.)   If your lips are really dry and feeling irritated, apply one of my all time favorite spa product to your lips...cucumber.  Yes the same cucumber found in infused spa water and it's coolness used to depuff eyes.  Just gently rub a slice of cucumber over your lips until they are saturated with the cucumber juice then let sit for a bout 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.  These lip treatments are fast, easy and effective, but I would recommend doing test patches before since some people are highly sensitive to lemon juice as well as raw honey.  Your lips are going to feel softer, smoother and kissable in no time! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!