We all know that smiling has many benefits. For one, it simply puts you in a better mood (try smiling and being unhappy–it DOESN’T work!), it conveys positive energy to others, it makes you feel less stressed and it makes you look younger (the best no-cost anti-aging product ever.) And when you’re in love, love someone or feel loved: you smile.

VITACARE, my favorite whitening, vitamin-infused oral care brand (and recent winner of Delicious Living’s 2012 Beauty & Body Awards), wants to see those healthy, happy smiles this Valentine’s Day.  SMILES YOU LOVE kicks off today and ends on Valentine’s Day. When you participate, you’ll be entering yourself AND your loved one to win a VITACARE Smile Makers gift pack worth $21 (each)…but honestly, isn’t a healthy smile priceless?

(1) VITACARE Multicare Toothpaste (Your choice of Acai Mint, Pomegranate Mint or Key Lime Mint)
(1) VITACARE Multicare Alcohol-free Mouthwash (in Key Lime Mint)
(3) VITACARE Whitening Gum (1 of each flavor)
(1) VITACARE Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

To be entered to win, you must Like VITACARE on Facebook and post a picture of the person whose SMILE YOU LOVE on VITACARE’s fan page wall (and don’t forget to tag your loved one in the photo!) Optional: Follow VITACARE on Twitter too! (On both Facebook and Twitter you can find them as @vitacareworld.) To enter you must be 18+ and live in the US. There are no cash substitutions and void where prohibited. Winner announced on February 15th. Like and follow via the entry form below and add the photo to VITACARE’s Facebook. Good luck!

*Disclosure

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Thanks to the brilliant idea of my friend Karla Sugar, I’m once again contributing to the auction going on at BeautyBloggers.org to benefit Doctors Without Borders. Last year we raised $5K and this year we have already topped that amount and the auction has only been live for a few days! There are so many great beauty bloggers involved and if you want to pick up an awesome beauty treat at a steal AND help a really great charity, definitely head over and check it out!

My auction items are from MAC Venomous Villains. These are new and unused, although the cases may have a few fingerprints on them since I had to take them out of the box to snap a picture.

The items included are:

• Briar Rose Beauty Powder (from Maleficent/Sleeping Beauty)
• Violetta lipstick (Amplified Creme, from Maleficent/Sleeping Beauty)
• Toxic Tale lipstick (Satin, from the Evil Queen/Snow White)
• Hot House lipglass (from the Evil Queen/Snow White)

At the time of this post, the highest bid is only $68 for these limited edition items…know someone this would make a good gift for? Check it out at BeautyBloggers.org; the auction lasts until December 12th!

Ps. For more great holiday gift ideas, make sure to check out A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Holiday Gift Guide!

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Monday, October 24th, was a pretty busy day. Then about 9pm it hit me…something amazing happened on this date 6 years ago. I opened a Blogger account and launched A Girl’s Gotta Spa! (<–This link takes you to the old site.) I sat back in my chair and welled up with tears. Do most people cry when celebrating longevity in their career? Maybe not, but when it is one that has changed your life and the path you were on, I think it’s reasonable to say it’s OK to cry. Happy tears of course.

Six years ago (if you are mathematically disabled like me–that is back in 2005) I just wanted to connect with other like-minded women from my home in rural PA (otherwise known as the Poconos.) I was still new to the area I was living in and didn’t know many people. A Girl’s Gotta Spa! gave me the ability to talk about my passion (beauty) while doing something I always wanted to do (write) and then hear from complete strangers from all around the world. I’ll never forget the day 2 years after launching when an editor for the Finnish magazine Trendi emailed me to tell me my blog was popular in Finland and they wanted to feature me in a story. I was like: holy smokes, someone in Finland knows who I am? That was mind blowing.

This blog, and my readers, have seen me through good times and bad–babies being born (Duncan and Brody), a divorce, a new happy and healthy relationship with an awesome guy, downsizing in a job, creating my own career for myself, being on the verge of broke to recovering and being financially stable…it has been one heck of a ride.

So I thought it would be appropriate to hold a giveaway. I know that is rare for this blog, I never want to be known for just constantly giving away stuff because I want your eyes for learning and connecting, not freebies. But amongst my pile of beauty overload, I have a bunch of products from MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman collection. Fitting, no? Many of my friends and colleagues have referred to me as Wonder Woman (and Superwoman) so I thought it would make for an exciting giveaway.

(Image is not representative of all of the products listed, just some of them.)

Here’s what you’ll get (retail value of $600):
Wonder Woman Invincible Mirror
Utility Belt Face Brush Set
Bulletproof Blue Makeup Bag
2 Powder Blushes– Mighty Aphrodite and Amazon Princess
3 Lipglass–Athena’s Kiss, Secret Identity and Wonder Woman
2 Eye shadow quads–Valiant and Lady Justice4 lipsticks–Marquise d’, Russian Red, Heroine and Spitfire
2 Nail Lacquers–Obey Me and Spirit of Truth
4 Opulash Mascara–Victorious, Army of Amazons, Themyscira and Bad, Bad Black
2 Pigments–Marine Ultra and Bright Fuchsia
2 Reflects–Reflects Pearl and Reflects Bronze
2 Mineralize Skin Finish–Golden Lariat and Pink Powder

What you have to do:
Follow me on Twitter
Like me on Facebook
Subscribe to my blog

The rules (I’m a mom and all moms have rules.)
Must 18 years of age or older, you can only enter 1 time (I track IP addresses so don’t cheat or you will be disqualified), products are as is (although they are brand new and unused), products cannot be exchanged for cash, no product substitutes and I have the right to cancel this giveaway at any time with or without cause. And yes, this giveaway is open to everyone–even if you don’t live in the US.

Contest begins today, October 25, 2011 and ends November 2nd at 12:01am EST. I’ll announce the winner on November 3rd.

Good luck my pretties and thank you for 6 great years!

xo Shannon

Contest is over. Winner is Jennifer B. and she was notified–congrats Jen!

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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This Monday (9/12/11) at 7pm PST (that’s 10pm for us on the east coast!) I’ll be joining Ice.com and Andrea from Savvy Sassy Moms for the Fall into Fabulous Twitter party hosted by Plum District where we’ll be talking about fall beauty and fashion. (Guess which of us gets to talk beauty?!) There will be lots of tips and of course giveaways (including mascara from LashControl, lip gloss from Suresh Beauty, skin care from Caliderma thanks to iderma!) So please be sure to be following @agirlsgottaspa!

To join the party you can go to TweetGrid and enter the party hashtag Fall2Fab. You’ve been busy taking care of everyone else, now it is time to enjoy a little “me time!”

To RSVP for this party visit our Facebook invite!

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Many thanks to Three Custom Color Specialists for featuring me in their newsletter today! Three Custom is allowing me to give away a special code to receive $10 off any product on their site to the first 30 people to comment on this post. In your comment you must tell us which 3C product is your favorite OR which 3C product you are dying to try. (*US only, age 18+. Only one entry per person/per household/per email address.)

For me? I love their Light Clarifier Pencil, Mini Pressed Cool Bronzer and Twinkling Rose Gloss.

Comment away–and I will email the first 30 the code!

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Congratulations to Aracelis, who was nominated by Juan. His nomination made it into the top 3 finalists as decided upon by myself and Mom Generations and received the most votes by our readers. Aracelis won the following items from our very awesome sponsors worth $870:

Three Custom Color: A Century in Red Lip Palette, Cool Mom on the Go Lip & Cheek Stain, Aurora Creme Eye Definer, Eye Liner Brush (retail value: $108)

Zoya Nail Polish and Treatments: Zoya Nail Polish Color Wardrobe- Zoya Color Lock System, Zoya Sunshine Collection, Zoya Summertime Collection, Zoya Tasha (retail value: $152)

Lierac Skincare: Sensorielle Oil, Initiatic Fluide (retail value: $82)

Redken: Extreme haircare collection- Extreme Shampoo, Extreme Conditioner, Extreme Anti-Snap, Extreme CAT treatment, Extreme Strength Builder, Extreme Strength Builder Plus (retail value: $91)

Meaningful Beauty: Wrinkle Smoothing Capsules, Glowing Serum, Lifting Eye Cream (retail value: $176)

Spa Week: $75 Spa Gift Card – indulge in the gift of health with massages, facials, mani-pedis and more at over 3000 spas and wellness centers nationwide. (Get incredible spa deals all year long, too!)

Artisan Naturals: Ultra-C Antioxidant Treatment Serum, Tangerine Exfoliating Creme Cleanser, Environmental Defense Antioxidant Face Creme (retail value: $98)

NouriShea: Mango Shampoo, Mango Conditioner, Mango Body Wash, Mango Shea Body Creme (retail value: $88)

Juan’s entry: Her Dedication is Tremendous

“She is the best partner a person can ask for.” These are the words I repeatedly tell people whenever they ask me about her. Aracelis is a 24 year old mother to our 15 month old daughter Lilah. Lilah was born February 14th, 2010, Valentine’s Day. Aracelis was always good with children, always dedicated time and attention to every child she has ever encountered, whether it was children in her own family or friends’ children. When Lilah was born, she became so selfless; everything revolves around the care for our daughter. Aracelis understands Lilah so much and is there for her every single moment, no matter what. Her dedication is tremendous. She’s always reading new articles and finding out activities to take Lilah to, doing things to make sure that Lilah is not only having fun but learning at the same time. Everyone in our families and our friends always give her compliments on how much of a good mother she is and how perfectly she plays the role of mom. People always give compliments on how well behaved Lilah is in public places and how loving and caring she is turning out to be.

Children always look up to their parents for guidance and how they should or shouldn’t carry themselves, I believe Lilah has the best role model in Aracelis. She’s a full time student, majoring in Speech-Language Pathology, a line of work where you help kids with Speech Disability. Aracelis’ whole influence in achieving this type of degree was both the birth of Lilah and also the children in her family whom have had trouble speaking since they were born. You would believe that being raised without a father would taint her abilities of being a parent but her mother raised her well. Their relationship is one for the books, both always supporting each other and teaching each other new things. Aracelis has only taken off two nights since Lilah was born and that was this past April, she was very gloomy at night because she was used to falling asleep with Lilah in her arms. Most moms are counting down the days when they will get a break from parenting; Aracelis is always planning vacations that can include our daughter. She hates leaving Lilah behind for anything, even if it means going to the movies without her.

Overall, Aracelis has been a great mother thus far, giving every ounce of energy to make sure that Lilah is being raised the right way. She makes sure Lilah goes to her doctor’s appointments. She makes sure Lilah is happy and overall well. If I could, I would give Aracelis the world, she deserves it. Aracelis needs more “me” time; she would greatly appreciate anything that will make her feel at her best.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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Announcing the kick off to the 4th annual Mom: Get Glamorous contest! This year I am partnering with the lovely ladies from my home state of Rhode Island, Mom Generations, to find the most deserving mom to award the grand prize.

A Girl’s Gotta Spa! and Mom Generations are seeking nominations for moms across the U.S. who have overcome adversity, boldly negotiated impossible odds, triumphed over tragedy, went above and beyond or is a pillar of her community. Simply put: a woman of fortitude and strength, someone deserving of the recognition and undeniably in need of some pampering. Is this you? Do you know someone who fits the description? Then you have until May 25th to submit a nomination and put her on our radar for an amazing prize package!

One very lucky mom will win $870-worth of beauty products:

Three Custom Color: A Century in Red Lip Palette, Cool Mom on the Go Lip & Cheek Stain, Aurora Creme Eye Definer, Eye Liner Brush (retail value: $108)

Zoya Nail Polish and Treatments: Zoya Nail Polish Color Wardrobe- Zoya Color Lock System, Zoya Sunshine Collection, Zoya Summertime Collection, Zoya Tasha (retail value: $152)

Lierac Skincare: Sensorielle Oil, Initiatic Fluide (retail value: $82)

Redken: Extreme haircare collection- Extreme Shampoo, Extreme Conditioner, Extreme Anti-Snap, Extreme CAT treatment, Extreme Strength Builder, Extreme Strength Builder Plus (retail value: $91)

Meaningful Beauty: Wrinkle Smoothing Capsules, Glowing Serum, Lifting Eye Cream (retail value: $176)

Spa Week: $75 Spa Gift Card – indulge in the gift of health with massages, facials, mani-pedis and more at over 3000 spas and wellness centers nationwide. (Get incredible spa deals all year long, too!)

Artisan Naturals: Ultra-C Antioxidant Treatment Serum, Tangerine Exfoliating Creme Cleanser, Environmental Defense Antioxidant Face Creme (retail value: $98)

NouriShea: Mango Shampoo, Mango Conditioner, Mango Body Wash, Mango Shea Body Creme (retail value: $88)

Contest Rules and How To Enter:

First, the person being nominated must absolutely 100% be a mom, age 18+ and a legal US resident. You can nominate yourself or nominate someone else. Your nomination must be a picture of the mom with her kids, as well as a 600 word or less written nomination telling us why this mom is so amazing. All entries are to be submitted via the Contest tab on the A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Facebook fan page. You must Like the page in order to have an eligible entry (as well as Mom Generations fan page.)

By entering the contest, should you (or the mom you nominate) be chosen as the winner, you are giving me the right to post this information and letter of nomination in the winning announcement on A Girl’s Gotta Spa! and Mom generations.  Contest begins May 12, 2011 taking submissions until May 25, 2011 at 12pm EST. Mom Generations and A Girl’s Gotta Spa! will select the top 3 entries to put up for a public vote until May 30th. Winner (1) will be announced on May 31st. Retail value of the prize pack is $870. All products are brand new and unused and come “as is” without warranty. There are no cash or product substitutes. I retain the right to revoke or cancel the contest and prizes without warning. Myself and the product sponsors are not liable if you do not like the products, if they cause an allergic reaction and the like. All information submitted via the app (phone #, email, etc.) will not be rented or sold by A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Previous winners are Jo Coiner Burzyki, Trina Davidson and Gerry Morrison.

Good luck!

*Image created by Weston Carls.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Since the shimmery and glittery eyeshadow look is totally in right now, especially now that we’re in the midst of the holiday season when a little added shine is sweet and festive, using an ultra-sparkly shadow as the prime focus of your evening party look is a bit… well, expected. To amp up your makeup a step up on the glam scale, I suggest trying out the foiled shadow look. Think metallic but with a chrome-like sheen that reflects light and stands out and makes eyes pop in a dramatic yet seriously gorgeous way — the liquid metal look packs a punch without being too hard to pull off.

First and foremost, make sure to prep lids with a pigment-enhancing primer like Pop Beauty’s Magnet Primer to make the most out of the shadow you choose for maximum impact. Then swipe on a foiled shadow of your choice — opaque cream or liquid shadows like Revlon’s Molten Metal or Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Colour tend to naturally have more concentrated color than powder does. However, if you mix a loose or pressed shadow like Bobbi Brown Chrome Eyeshadow or BareMinerals High Shine Eyecolor with a bit of water, it will apply with a fierce intensity!

- Alex Gambardella

For some fierce party looks to go with your show-stopping chrome shadow, enter TheFind’s NET-A-PORTER $5,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway by December 10th!

Guest beauty post for a A Girl’s Gotta Spa! from my friends at TheFind.com.

Shannon Nelson

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Thanks to everyone who made my birthday giveaway week a fun one. I especially enjoyed the 80′s bad hair pictures on the A Girl’s Gotta Spa! fan page. Hilarious!

Here are the winners for each of the contests:

Redken: Tina Jones

philosophy: Kristin S

Purple Lab: DLori

Exuviance: Lynne Goodwin

Lierac: Deine

Many thanks to the brands who helped me spread the word! If you find your name on this list, please be sure to contact me with your mailing address.

xx

Shannon

Shannon Nelson

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The night before my birthday every year my mom calls me and says, “36 years ago today I was jumping off the sidewalk trying to make you come out.” Then like clockwork, around 10am-ish on my birthday my mom will call me and say, “36 years ago today I looked at you and loved you.”

I overheard my sons talking about giving me breakfast in bed…cereal with chocolate chips in it (my staple.) I also heard my 6 year old say, “Yeah, mom’s an old lady.” Oh my.

Birthdays are a big deal to me. I love presents. Which is why I always hold giveaways the week of my birthday. I enjoy the excitement of everyone trying to win, most especially the “OMG YAY!” when I email each person to let them know they’ve won. So be sure to check out and enter to win the 5 giveaways I’m holding. You only have until August 23rd, and they are pretty awesome if I do say so myself. 

• Worst 80′s Hair: Redken Giveaway (picture of my 80′s hair)
• philosophy eternal grace Giveaway (pictures of me as a baby)
• Purple Lab Silk Sheets Giveaway (picture of me and Karen Robinovitz)
• Exuviance Age Reverse Giveaway (picture of me when I was 18)
• Lierac Paris Coherence Giveaway (picture of me in 1991)

Happy (36th) birthday to me. And Cake Boss if you are listening, I would really like one of your cakes.

Shannon Nelson

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