Marula Night Serum with Hibiscus

Shannon Smyth
Marula Night Serum from @travertinespa review via @agirlsgottaspa With age comes a multitude of skin issues. Dry skin is one of them, both face and body. Now combine age-related skin issues with other environmental issues, and we've got a problem. Typically I would use a night cream, which is normally thicker than a day lotion and sans SPF, and that has worked out OK. But I didn't know what I was missing until I tried Travertine Spa's Marula Night Serum. Marula, is similiar to argan oil, but provides a much deeper level of hydration and protection of the skin. It has an abundance of vitamins and minerals, something mature skin desperately needs. (Being honest, I hate calling my skin mature. It makes me feel super old.) Travertine Spa's Marula Night Serum also contains certified organic hibiscus flowers (you actually see them floating in the serum), geranium and essential oils of nerouli and lavender. My experience, where to start? I've never used Marula oil before to be honest. I've used argan oil and never really strayed because it got the job done. I've known the owner of Travertine Spa for several years now and when I was talking to him about my skin issues, he told me that Marula would make a world of difference. I agreed to give it a try because he has never steered me wrong. The serum looks maroon in the bottle, but comes out clear. The first thing you notice is the fragrance. To say I am in love with the fragrance would be putting it mildly. I applied this serum at 11pm the first time and literally considered texting him right then to ask that he make me an oil I can put in my aromatherapy diffuser with the same scent. Lucky for him, I chose to wait until the next morning. The directions say to use 3 drops, but I found that one pump (a little more than pea-sized) was sufficient for my skin. I smoothed it over my entire face and neck. One night, after a week of using it, I remarked to myself after applying it how much better my skin looked. Almost like a few years have turned back. Not being comfortable with this whole aging thing, this was motivation enough for me to make sure I am consistently use it nightly. The serum is not greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin. Your skin will literally glow. All evidence of dry patches have disappeared. So much so, that I was able to wear my BareMinerals bareSkin Serum Foundation. If you are not familiar with that review, here's a quick summary - it looked great on my skin with the exception of magnifying dry patches of skin. Liquid foundation has never been my friend. However, after using Marula Night Serum for just few weeks, I was able to wear the foundation and SLAYED. Here's what you need to know - I review skin care products regularly. But when I start trying to figure out my budget so that I can purchase this when I run out and plot how I will also scoop some up for my mom (she mentioned she wanted it after hearing how much I loved it), you know that this is SOMETHING INCREDIBLE. Do your skin a favor and grab some for yourself. Girls, this will not disappoint! www.travertinespa.com Marula fans, let me hear your thoughts - leave a comment! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Favorite Facial Masks - Makeup Wars

Shannon Smyth
Makeup Wars! Favorite Facial Masks via @agirlsgottaspa When it comes to skin care, I am very picky with what I put on my face. Since there's no hiding imperfections should a reaction to a product happen, I always do my research on ingredients and check out my fellow beauty blogger reviews. One of my favorites types of skin care product are facial masks. Maybe it's just me, but I love the feeling of rejuvenating my skin. Some of my favorite facial masks are: Renee Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel: Hands down, this is my absolute favorite chemical exfoliant mask. By chemical, I mean smoothing fruit AHA's, BHA's and enzymes. It smells insanely delicious and leaves your skin with an amazing glow. Sundari Gotu Kola and Asparagus Mask: This is a "tingling" type of mask and targets all skin types. It has a gel consistency, to which you add an antioxidant-rich oil and stir before applying. I love it. Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask: I still get acne at 40 years old, which is no fun. This MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator dupe is the perfect way to use a physical exfoliant that uses charcoal to target impurities. Sometimes I get carried away using this around my nose and chin to target blackheads. Natural Facial Mask by Ashieda: Paper masks seem to be all the rage lately. Despite my scary appearance wearing the mask, the collagen-infused mask plumped my skin to perfection. Gail also loves paper masks - check out her reviews of Perfective Ceuticals and Kaunis. Bernard Cassiere Chocolate Mousse Mask: Unless you can make it to The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, this mention is basically a tease. Bernard Cassiere only sells this product in the US at this spa. This highly decadent mousse is whipped to perfection, will make you daydream of a trip down a chocolate stream then swimming in a chocolate fountain, while revealing a brighter complexion. What are some of your favorite facial masks? Leave a comment and let me know! 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!

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