As soon as the season changes and the temperature gets cooler, my skin starts to get dry and feels tight. I have my favorite moisturizers that I switch to this time of the year, but it's always fun to try something new. I've been using Bolden Butter Mint Shea Oil for a couple of weeks and have noticed a difference. This Shea Oil is 100% natural and is made from ethically-sourced Shea nuts picked and processed by local women’s groups in Burkina Faso, West Africa. There's just three ingredients in this product; Vitamin E, shea oil and essential fragrance oil. That's it! Unlike some products with a mint scent that overpowers, this one is very light and relaxing. I've used it all over my body especially those areas that's prone to dryness like feet, knees and elbows. Although this oil is light compared to some and absorbs quickly, I prefer using it at night. I use it on my arms and legs and massage it into my feet right before bed. In the morning my skin feels soft and moisturized. I haven't use it as a moisturizer on my face (I would prefer to use an unscented oil), but have used it for a spot treatment on dry areas like my cheeks and chin and I am pleased that it helped and didn't make me break out. A couple of drops rubbed between my palms to warm it up does wonders for the ends of my hair and best of all it doesn't make my hair greasy. This is a product I would definitely keep using during the cold and drying Minnesota weather! Bolden Shea Oil is ideal for dry skin, hair and aging skin. It comes in three fragrances; Unscented, Butter Mint and Sweet Vanilla. Have you tried it? 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 and Twitter. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Disclosure: press sample, affiliate link

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by L’Oreal and Conde Nast, but all opinions expressed are my own.

If you're tired of reading reviews and trying to educate yourself about anti-wrinkle creams and serums from those barely in their 20s, then you've landed in the right place. While including anti-aging products into your skin care regimen should begin in your 20s, collagen loss and those ghastly deep set wrinkles and fine lines are more prominent in mature skin. So to be completely transparent - I'm 41 years old, didn't really begin to use anti-aging products until I was in my 30s and have watched gravity make itself known on my face (and other areas, too, but that's an entirely separate blog post.) When you're dealing with loss of volume, Hyaluronic Acid is the best ingredient in your skin care products that can make the most noticeable difference. Revitalift™ Volume Filler Daily Volumizing Moisturizer and Revitalift™ Volume Filler Daily Volumizing Concentrated Serum both contain Hyaluronic Acid, which is a water-binding molecule - that means it helps skin retain moisture - an ability that skin loses as we age. If you are 40+ you may have already begun to notice a change in your skin, not only the loss of elasticity resulting in a bit more sag to your skin, but in an increase in dryness as well. For the longest time I've had combination skin that tended to be more oily. But in recent years that has made a definitive change and it tends to be more dry than oily. As you know, dry skin makes just about every flaw on your face more visible. While most people believe the myth that drinking more water will hydrate and plump the skin, it's really a topical application working from the outside in that has the most dramatic effect in restoring skin's natural fullness for a more youthful look. When skin is properly hydrated, especially in combination with Hyaluronic Acid, it gives skin a visible lift by replenishing skin's volume, thus giving you a younger looking appearance. It's really that simple. When using both Revitalift™ Volume Filler Daily Volumizing Moisturizer and Revitalift™ Volume Filler Daily Volumizing Concentrated Serum, you're dealing skin a one-two punch. Apply the serum first, which helps deliver the moisturizer deeper into the skin. While I used the moisturizer over my entire face and neck, I only applied the serum under my eyes, along my cheek bones and across my forehead. With Volume Filler™, in just 4 weeks you will begin to see an increased fullness in cheeks, a less hollowed look under your eyes and fine lines and wrinkles will be less pronounced. All good things take time after all. The Revitalift™ Volume Filler Daily Volumizing Moisturizer has a slightly thick, creamy texture and a perfume fragrance. The fragrance does disappear once applied to your skin. While the consistency of the moisturizer is thick in the jar, it is definitely weightless on your skin. Revitalift™ Volume Filler Daily Volumizing Concentrated Serum has the same fragrance as the moisturizer, it also contains dimethicone, so it has a very silky texture that makes it glide across your skin. (Which means it also works great in lieu of a makeup primer.) L’Oréal Paris is introducing a new skin care website built around the insight that everyone’s skin tells a story and no two stories are the same. With this new destination, www.lorealskinexpert.com, L’Oréal wants to help everyone find the right solution for their unique skin concern. With a personalized online skin consultation, you will be given a customized Revitalift™ skin care regimen along with easy-to-understand content from L’Oréal’s team of skin care experts to help decode ingredients, usage instructions and lifestyle tips for your skin. Have you tried L’Oréal Revitalift™? 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Disclosure: Thanks to RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream I’m getting my skin ready for the holidays as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #RoCRetinolResolution #WomenWhoRoC

I feel like this year has flown by. Don't you? We're quickly approaching what is prime photo season - the holidays! The holiday season (October through the beginning of January) is my frenemy for many reasons. I look forward to the warmth and fun of enjoying family get togethers and parties, but loathe the stress (which shows on my face) and all the photos I'll soon be tagged in. Having our 5 boys plus a newborn means many sleepless nights and sometimes chaotic days. I definitely don't want that to come across in pictures. For most things, I am a procrastinator. I simply wait until the last minute to do anything, but one thing I have learned when it comes to my skin? Undoing years of damage, as well as creating a flawless canvas simply doesn't happen overnight. I absolutely have to begin my anti-aging regimen months in advance. Right now setting aside time for myself is difficult, but oh so necessary (if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody's happy.) One way I am pampering myself while treating my skin, is with an evening dose of me time. (You deserve it, so gift yourself with it daily!) That includes a detoxing soak in the bathtub (San Francisco Salt Company) with the fragrance of a ridiculously soothing candle (I LOVE the Geranium and Lavender candle from Root Candles), contrasted by the invigoration of my favorite coffee scrub (Fig+Yarrow) followed by RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. Taking the stress level down a notch helps more than you may think when it comes to your skin. And that relaxation helps to promote a more restful sleep when you steal away time for yourself at the end of each day. Looking well-rested means less concealer. When it comes to combatting wrinkles, especially those deep wrinkles on my forehead, I love that I can do it in my sleep while my skin is regenerating. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream's main ingredient is retinol, which is the #1 dermatologist recommended anti-aging ingredient. As we age, we lose 1-2% of collagen each year, which results in a sallow and sullen appearance. Retinol improves collagen-depleted skin treating fine lines and deep wrinkles. Give yourself a good 4 weeks of consistent, nightly use and you'll begin to see a difference. Minimized wrinkles means less time spent photoshopping...or in my case, making my husband take about 100 photos until one meets my approval. Oh c'mon, you know exactly what I am talking about! I'm looking forward to my husband's annual Christmas party at work and won't be cringing when friends break out the camera! How far in advance do you begin getting your skin holiday-ready? 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Paula's Choice.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Who can resist Paula's Choice in their skin care routine? Sorry, I couldn't help but make that joke, although I have to say that now that I've tried this skin care line, I'm pretty much hooked. Prior to this review, I hadn't tried any of Paula's Choice skin care, although I am very much aware of Paula Begoun, the founder, as the Cosmetics Cop who is all about truth in beauty, skin care, ingredients and proven research. In fact, I had the chance to interview her when Beautypedia launched several years ago. Her website has a full encyclopedia of advice for every type of skin care concern. She is a wealth of information! I am a true skin care junkie. I absolutely believe that it doesn't matter how much contouring and concealing you do or how much makeup you wear - if your skin is a mess, there is no hiding that! Besides, the better you treat your skin, the less makeup you'll have to invest in to fix your flaws.

Paula's Choice Skin Care Consultation

My relationship with Paula's Choice began with a personalized skin care consultation. Paula’s Choice is committed to customer advocacy, education and helping people find the best products for their skin. In fact, everyone can receive a FREE personal skincare consultation by calling this number: 1-800-831-4088. I spoke with Moniqua, who asked me to briefly explain my skin and routine to her. She asked follow up questions to further clarify my skin type and changes I am seeing in my skin. Over the years my skin has changed a lot. In my youth (or back in the olden days, as my kids would say), my skin was oily. Throughout most of my adult years, it transitioned into combination (normal to oily.) When I moved to the Pocono Mountains in 2003, it became dry in the Fall and Winter and then back to combination for Spring and Summer. (Where you live can have a major impact on your skin.) However, during my recent pregnancy and post-partum AND now being considered to have "mature" (UGH) skin, it has again transitioned to normal to dry. Trying to find products that work well have been close to impossible. Trying to figure out the circus that is my skin has become incredibly frustrating, so I appreciated having a skin care expert to chat with to get a customized skin care regimen in place for me. Paula's Choice offers a 100% money back guarantee (within 60 days) - so I liked that safeguard when choosing products. Paula's Choice is also cruelty free and does not contain irritating dyes or fragrances. Their product line includes something for everyone, acne, rosacea, aging, pores. They treat it all. On their website, you can choose from a menu of skincare concerns you’d like to treat and for me that was sun damange (hyperpigmentation), uneven skin tone, balancing my skin so that it was not dry yet not oily, treating the occasional blemish, the always annoying blackheads and diminishing the signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles.) You could say Moniqua had her work cut out for her to find me Paula's Choice products that could meet all of my needs.

Paula's Choice Skin Care for Mature Skin

The Paula's Choice skin care regimen that was suggested were products from the Resist line. One of the major standouts for me about this line is the texture. I am not a big fan of heavy creams and serums, and the Resist line is very lightweight. From the toner to the serum, BHA and moisturizer, I am thrilled at how each product applies and despite all of the layering, it doesn't feel that way. In total, my morning and night skin care routine contain 6 products: Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, Resist Weightless Toner, Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA, Resist Moisture Renewal Oil Booster, Resist 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment, Resist Daily Fluid SPF 50 (day), and Resist Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator (night.) Once a week I swap out the 2% BHA for the Resist Weekly Retexturizing Foam 4% BHA. Right now I'm using the Oil Booster, but once my skin has finally balanced out, I plan to use the Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster, which is for all skin types. Now you may ask, are all of those products really necessary? Here's my stance - most people will try to skip a product or two in order to save time and money, but then end up spending it on cosmetics to conceal whatever issue wasn't addressed. When those cosmetics aren't enough, they think it's the skin care products they're using and go onto try something else. By the time it's all said and done, you've spent more money than you've intended and more time trying to fix a problem that could've been easily solved to begin with. I encourage you to give Paula's Choice a try and set up a consultation so that you get the right products in your hands. www.paulaschoice.com Have you tried Paula's Choice? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Are you in search of a facial exfoliant that can tighten, brighten and smooth skin? More importantly, one with the least amount of ingredients - yet the most effective ones? Since I'm now in the mature skin category (that makes me feel old), my skin is in need of something that will exfoliate my skin while helping it to regain its youthful glow. I'm also a big believer in less is more, which is something you'll rarely find when reading product labels. So I was pleasantly surprised when I received SILK Therapeutics Silk Renewing Peel. The ONLY ingredients in this peel are: Water, silk, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and lemongrass essential oil. The end. Additionally, the silk in all SILK Therapeutics skin care products is real silk in liquid form. That's important to mention because most brands use hydrolyzed silk, sericin or silk powder, but these are actually silk waste byproducts or genetically altered proteins that don't render the same skin care benefits like pure silk does. Did I mention that this is a US brand and that their products are not tested on animals? That's just as important to me. The Silk Renewing Peel is considered an intense treatment that is for once a week use. The fragrance from the lemongrass essential oil is revitalizing and invigorating - I love it. The texture of this peel is a gel that isn't sticky or tacky. It comes with a small spatula to scoop the gel out with (you don't want your fingers introducing bacteria into the jar.) While the box says to use a dime size amount, I had to use a little bit more in order to cover my entire face and neck. Your skin will experience a tingling sensation with this peel, but it's not painful. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to patch test this product before applying it to your entire face (and don't worry - they have a no questions asked full refund policy should it be too much for you.) This skin renewing treatment should be left on the skin no longer than 10 minutes. For me, I found around 6 minutes to be good as the gel began to dry a little on my skin. Rinse off with water and pat dry (I used a wash cloth to make sure I removed all of the peel), then apply your serum, eye cream and moisturizer. I loved how utterly soft my skin felt after rinsing off the peel and how the glycolic acid dissolved the hardened oil in my clogged pores. The glow was apparent. I recommend doing this peel at night when you do your evening beauty routine, so that you get the max benefits while your skin is repairing itself while you sleep. Silk Therapeutics Professional Use Only products are launching in select spas across the country. The full skin care line is available for purchase online at www.silktherapeutics.com. Have you tried this peel yet, or other products from SILK? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: Press sample

With the busiest season of the year upon us, sometimes caring for ourselves (and our skin) sadly ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. (Please don't let it.)

Fortunately, facialist Cecilia Wong has designed a seasonal at-home, DIY facial scrub that requires little time and effort, which can guarantee that your skin glows before the turkey hits the table. Pumpkin is an amazing exfoliant as well as nourishing to the skin.

This sounds like a decadent dessert for your skin! Let us know if you try it.

No matter your age, unwanted facial hair can become a true confidence problem. From genetics to mature skin, it can be difficult to feel beautiful when dark excess hair lingers around. Bleaching the hair is an option and if you haven't tried it before and are curious, read on. First, bleaching noticeable hair is actually pretty simple. There's not too much involved and it can be accomplished in about 10 minutes and last for up to 4 weeks - so it is definitely something you can squeeze into your beauty routine without having to put aside a large amount of time or use a plethora of products for that matter. Jolen, an at-home beauty staple for millions of women for the last 50 years, has an easy peasy Creme Bleach that not only lightens facial hair such as on your upper lip, cheeks, chin and even your brows, but it will also lighten arm and body hair, as well. Jolen Creme Bleach comes in an original formula as well as a sensitive formula with Aloe Vera, which is ideal for use on sensitive, more delicate skin. How to Lighten Excess Facial Hair: 1. Wash the area to be bleached with soap and cold water, then pat dry. 2. Measure one quarter teaspoon (with the spatula provided) of the Accelerator powder and place it into the cup (also provided.) 3. Rinse off the spatula and re-use it to measure one half teaspoon Creme Bleach into the cup and blend with the powder. 4. Looking in a magnifying mirror, such as the Conair Illuminated LED Mirror, apply the mixture with the spatula to the area to be bleached, covering all of the hair completely. 5. Wait 10 minutes, then remove the paste with the spatula and wash the area with cold water. That's it! The bleach is gentle to skin and leaves it soft and smooth and the whole process is practically effortless. Since bleaching can last up to 4 weeks, this is a process you only have to do once a month. It's less painful than waxing (doesn't hurt at all) and less messy/irritating than depilatory creams. Where's your trouble spot for noticeable hair -- lip, cheeks, arms, elsewhere? Jolen Creme Bleach formulas can be found in stores nationwide, including CVS, Harmon, Rite Aid, ULTA, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as online. They are also cruelty free. LIKE Jolen's Facebook page for glam, giveaways and beauty tricks from celebrity makeup artists! Now through November 14, 2014, enter the Jolen 50th Giveaway for a chance to win $50 gift cards to Jolen retailers, as well as Jolen Creme Bleach product. More than 50 winners! #GoConfidently Stay connected to Jolen for offers, giveaways and the latest in beauty tricks from celebrity makeup artists at https://www.facebook.com/jolen. 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! This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received both Jolen Creme Bleach formulas and a Conair 3X/1X Illuminated LED Mirror for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

It’s almost summer and that means more skin exposure than anytime of the year! Obviously you will want to look your best while getting in your swimsuit or light summer clothes. One of the greatest factors that influences how we look is the health of our skin. Most skin damage is directly related to the sun’s harmful UV rays. For this reason it important to take precautions when exposed to sunlight and to also ensure that your skin remains looking its best during the warm summer months. Thankfully there are many options available to help skin look brighter, fresher, moisturized, and rejuvenated. So next time you go on a summer outing consider the following treatments to ensure that your skin looks fresh and healthy!

Chemical Peel

With over 1 million Americans undergoing chemical peels last year, it is among the most popular and most effective skin treatments out there. Plus it yields fast results!

So how does it work? A chemical peel targets the damaged, outer-most layer of skin through the application of a chemical solution. The process only take minutes and involves little to no pain. Once the patient leaves, the unwanted top layer of skin will gently shed leaving behind a healthy new layer of skin. This procedure is typically performed in the facial area and results in smoother and healthier looking skin.

Facials

While we have all seen that tacky lady walking around with green cream on her face, a facial is actually a terrific approach to achieve healthy skin. A facial uses a specially designed solution to exfoliate, moisturize, and clear skin pores. With that said facials are effective at restoring a youthful, fresh face and are great at treating conditions like acne or rosacea.

GloMinerals Make-Up

If undergoing a chemical peel treatment or sitting down for a nice facial is not your thing, then the application of GloMinerals make-up may be the best route towards healthy skin. GloMinerals is unique in that it consists of high quality pharmaceutical ingredients such as:  antioxidants, vitamins C, A, K, E and green tea extracts. In addition to being cosmetically pleasing, the exclusive formula is effective at improving skin health and the prevention of free radical damage. So not only will this make-up enhance your appearance but it will also enhance your health.

Healthy Skin

Do not fall victim to unhealthy looking skin. As explained there are various options available to enhance the health of your skin. These treatments offer great results that are followed by a nice boost in confidence. While summer may be a great time to showcase healthy looking skin, it important to stay protected from too much sun exposure and to ensure that your skin is always looking its best.

 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! Shannon on G+ Dr. Lawrence Broder is a cosmetic surgeon in Austin, Texas and founder of Beleza MedSpa.

While we can't shrink pores, we can definitely minimize their appearance and prevent them from getting worse. Follow these 5 tips and you'll be on your way. (Take it from the girl with large pores.) 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! Shannon on G+ *Disclosure