A Girl's Gotta Spa! roll on perfumes have become increasingly popular since we expanded our bath and body line two years ago to include them.
Our latest fragrance, Known, is coming at a time when things really feel mostly... unknown.
We began crowdsourcing last Fall to find out which scents people were loving lately, and rose overwhelmingly topped the list.
If you're a customer of our lovely products, you know we usually like to keep the citrus tie-in throughout each product. However, as with our Synergy Himalayan Salt Scrub, we decided to forgo that with this perfume.
Known Rollerball Perfume
Top note: Wild Rose Heart notes: Black Currant, Tea Rose Base notes: Green Angelica, Papyrus
A Girl’s Gotta Spa! uses only pure essential oils, phthalate-free oils and grapeseed oil to bring you a roll on perfume that is vegan, clean and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free. No parabens, no alcohol, no petrochemicals.
Naming the Perfume
It's always fun to explain to you my stream of thought when naming A Girl's Gotta Spa! products. This one stumped me for a while, though!
First, if you are familiar with Arise and Soar roll on perfumes, then you know that they are complementary words - you have to first arise in order to soar.
Second, I like to choose names that inspire, encourage and uplift. So as you may have guessed, the names don't typically describe the notes in the scent.
It took me about 2 months to finally land on Known.
What Does Known Mean?
Since our launch point is a rose fragrance, I thought about all aspects of this flower. I finally asked myself - what does a rose represent to most people?
Love.
What does it mean to be loved? To me, it means to care for someone so deeply and unconditionally, irregardless of their flaws.
To Be Loved is to be Known
Here's the thing - to be loved doesn't always have to mean someone loving you. It can absolutely also include YOU loving YOU. It's a self-love party up in here!
Natural Fragrance Rose is a real rose that lasts up to a year without ever having the need to be watered. Is it magic? Nope, it's just science. Review.
About an hour north of the Pocono Mountains, are the Catskill Mountains. Similar to the Poconos, the neighboring Catskills offer amazing resorts, hiking, camping, dining and entertainment for all ages, like Pine Ridge Dude Ranch.
My goal of shared experiences with my family continually keeps me looking for unique places for us to spend time together.
So I was thrilled to discover something so novel was within driving distance, yet far enough that it felt like an escape from being home.
Horseback Riding Adventure in the Catskills
As the name suggests, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is horse-focused. From the various designs throughout the resort, to the trails and trail rides, the love of equines is apparent.
Pine Ridge Dude Ranch's herd consists of a mix of different breeds such as: Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, Paints, Percherons, Clydesdales, Haflingers, Icelandics, Morgans and Arabians. All well taken care of, and personalities memorized by the wranglers. (I now understand why the jeans have this name.)
The Ranch offers walk only rides, walk & trot rides, and advanced level walk, trot, & canter rides. We're beginners, so we chose the walk only ride, which is 45 minutes (although from the time you are prepped until you are back in the corral, it is about 60 minutes.)
The evening before your trail ride, you are required to take a 1 hour educational class to learn more about the horses, and the specifics of riding a horse.
I'll be honest, it was a lot of info to take in, and I was a bit overwhelmed. I've never ridden a horse before, but 4 of my sons have, so they weren't as nervous as I was.
When you hop on a horse, you learn very quickly just how mighty these animals are. Their strength is intimidating. The trick is to remain relaxed at all times because the horse will feel your anxiety and react to it.
Easier said than done.
Thankfully, the wranglers match you to a horse they feel will best suit you. And my horse was lovely. Mid-way through the ride, I was comfortable enough with her to talk to her and pet her as she walked the trail.
Horseback Riding Programs
Aside from the trail rides, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch also offers pony rides for the littles, specialty experiences, and private lessons.
Resort Amenities
Upon pulling up to the resort, the forward facing part of the building you see, doesn't appear very big. However, looks are deceiving and the resort is actually very big with every inch offering something fun to partake in.
The resort amenities include: a spa, indoor pool, Starbucks, a grill & snackbar, a dining hall (with all inclusive meals), a hall for entertainment (dancing, magic, Dj's, etc.), a pool table in the lobby, a gift shop, arcade, snowtubing, paint ball, ice skating, archery, tractor rides, rock wall, bounce pillow, playground, outdoor pool, over-sized campfire.... I think you get the point.
There is A LOT to do here.
Fun For All Ages
My son's range in age from 4 to 20, and there were things to do that everyone could enjoy.
In the lobby area, my son and I played pool the night we checked in.
There was cornhole in the hallway, and a stack of board games that could be used by the fire, and an arcade for the video game obsessed.
At night they offer a bag of marshmallows for roasting by a huge stone-enclosed campfire.
Challenging my sons at archery was fun, too.
My youngest, enjoyed the tractor ride, playground and the enclosure with a variety of animals you could pet (and plenty of handsanitizer.)
If you have a large family like I do, then you know the pain of finding a getaway that is both affordable and has rooms large enough for you and your tribe of children.
We stayed in the newly renovated Dakota Wing, where rooms boast sleeping for 7.
We were pleasantly surprised to walk into the room and find a bunk bed, King and XL full bed (which looked like a Queen.) There are also cots available, should you need them.
Knowing that this wing was intended for large families, we knew it would not be very quiet. (It's not.) But we typically bring a white noise machine whenever we stay at hotels, so it came in handy here, blocking out the noise from the adjoining rooms, hallway and rooms above us.
Pine Ridge Dude Ranch has other rooms that can accomodate a variety of families - adjoining rooms that sleep 8 between them, rooms that sleep 4 or up to 6, suites, and quieter rooms for couples.
All rooms offer celebration accomodations, so if you are there to celebrate a special occasion, call the concierge ahead of time and they can arrange to have champagne, strawberries, cheese platters and decorations adorning your room.
Year-Round Activities
While we chose to get away just after Thanksgiving, there were still things to do in the cold, as you can see from this article. There are equally fun things to do in warm weather.
And although the spa was completely booked during my stay and I was unable to get in, I hear it is wonderful.
So if you live in the tri-state area, or further, and looking for a unique getaway, give Pine Ridge Dude Ranch a look. I think you and your family will enjoy the experience.
Fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, dry skin... as we age, it seems like we suddenly have a plethora of skin issues to combat. As someone with "mature skin" (I honestly hate that term), I've discovered a prickly pear seed oil that has been doing wonders on my skin.
What is Prickly Pear Seed Oil?
Also known as cactus oil or barbary fig oil, it's an oil derived from the prickly pear, a member of the cactus family.
Found in Morocco, and other dry climates, it's an oil that is rich in essential fatty acids (EFA's), Vitamin E (Tocopherols), Phytosterols (water-binders) and Polyphenols (micronutrients.)
Face Oils Don't Equal Oily Skin
I'll be honest, prior to using heritage & terre's Coeur de Cactus, I never thought too much of how life-changing this antioxidant-rich oil would be.
Having combination skin most of my life, for a time I misunderstood the relationship between oils and oily skin. I thought oils/serums = increased and/or added to oily skin.
It took until my 30's to understand that there are products that cause the over-production of sebum (oily skin) - usually ingredients that were harsh on my skin and dry it out; and there are oils that kept it in perfect balance.
It was all a matter of educating myself and finding the right ones. A great face oil will give you what your skin needs, not make it oilier.
Cactus Oil Skin Benefits
Getting back to what makes prickly pear seed oil an amazing multi-tasker for mature skin.
Essential Fatty Acids: I mentioned this in my keratosis pilaris article, EFA's contain linoleic, oleic and palmitic acid. Acid is not a bad word here.
These acids help skin to stregthen its moisture barrier, repair and heal, and aids other beneficial skin care ingredients in better penetrating skin (e.g. helping your products to actually work for you and not against you.)
Vitamin E: This antoxidant is found in most anti-aging products for a reason. It's tried and true when it comes to helping fight environmental damage, tackling fine lines and wrinkles by way of keeping skin hydrated and protecting skin cells that make collagen and elastin (something we lose as we age.)
Phytosterols and Polyphenols: From helping to retain moisture to assisting in collagen production to preventing and treating sun damage (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, loose skin, red and uneven skin tone, etc.), this is where prickly pear seed oil shines.
heritage & terre Coeur de Cactus
I use heritage & terre's cactus oil twice per day. For my a.m. routine, I use it as my sole moisturizer before applying my sunscreen. For my p.m. routine, I apply it before my Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream.
I've needed to use my concealer much less, because my skin isn't as ruddy. Brown spots seem a bit faded and not as evident. My skin has not been greasy or dry since using this serum regularly (6+ weeks at this point.)
The wrinkles on my face are bit more minimized and the lines around my eyes have softened. (Yes, I still have wrinkles...those never go away.)
I feel more confident on my non-makeup wearing days. You'd think as a beauty blogger I'd always been in a full face of makeup, but as in real life, that is not the case.
Just living life with a fresh face is refreshing and I don't feel like I have to hid under layers of makeup to treat all of my "flaws."
If you haven't yet tried this type of face oil, I highly recommend it. 2-3 drops is all you need.
A Girl's Gotta Spa! retailers are the best! And I am happy to feature Courtney of Lilly's Bathcarry so that you can get to know her better.
Lilly's Bathcarry has been one of our retailers, almost since our launch. So often, wholesale relationships are hands-off and all about supplying a need for the customer.
But that's what's unique about the partnership with Lilly's Bathcarry. Courtney is very approachable and she makes you feel like the relationship is more than transactional, it's relational.
I know her customers must feel the same.
I asked Courtney 5 questions, that I hope will help you get to know her a little better.
Where were you when the idea first came to you to launch Lilly's Bathcarry?
Courtney traveling in Ireland.
I love to travel, and I always love stopping in boutiques and discovering skincare brands I’ve never heard of. I’d fall in love with these products and wasn’t able to find where to replenish them. So, I thought…I can fix that and create a one stop shop for Indie Beauty.
How did you decide on the store name?
We had rescued a super sick cat that was a regular at our vets office (and the after hours emergency vet.) So, the initial goal of the company was simple; curate products I love and hopefully make a little money to help cover our vet costs.
This led to the name Lilly’s Bathcarry: Lilly is our rescue cat extraordinaire and Bathcarry is because all our items are generally kept in the bathroom.
It’s simple, but I love having a company named after our sweet cat, she’s the real CEO, she likes everything to be purrrrfect. ;)
But in all seriousness it’s because of Lilly’s ailments, that I started looking into product ingredients and changed what we used in our home. From skincare, candles, scented plug ins, cleaning products, etc.
I tried to rid our house of anything that might exacerbate her symptoms, and went forth to curate products for Lilly’s Bathcarry with the same intention.
Why support female-owned, indie beauty brands vs big names?
Lilly's Bathcarry supports indie beauty brands.
I feel that indie beauty brands are the pioneers of the industry. They have their fingers on the pulse of what's new and exciting. They dream up a product, possibly something that’s missing from the market or something they can make better.
They’re on the front lines from concept to market with their hands on every step in the process. That takes intense passion and dedication. They’re reshaping the landscape with better ingredients, transparency, amazing retail support and more.
I don’t want to knock big name brands, I just prefer to work with companies where I can talk to the owner, understand their philosophy, give feedback to, brainstorm with and respect their process. These brands are their babies and it’s so amazing to be able to watch them grow.
Which A Girl's Gotta Spa! product is your favorite?
Courtney's debut in hair and makeup.
I absolutely adore your Arise Perfume. The scent is intoxicating, like the fresh blooms of the Carolina Jasmine I stop to smell in the spring. I get tons of compliments every time I wear it.
I’m a huge fan of “The World According to Mr. Rogers” and turn to his words for inspiration. Here’s two of his quotes I reflect on often:
"Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now."
"There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."
Last words:
Customer service is extremely important to me. I want everyone who shops at Lilly's Bathcarry to feel like family. I want our customers to feel comfortable asking questions about our products (I’ve tried everything we carry).
I want them to love their skin and the rituals that surround skincare. I want their houses to smell like a spa (yes I’ve tried every candle and diffuser, too.)
Go Ahead…Pamper Yourself…You Deserve It!
To stay in the loop regarding our bath and body line, please subscribe to our mailing list. Also check out our ever growing list of retailers that believe in our mission statement – You Deserve to be Pampered. Looking to sell A Girl’s Gotta Spa! in your store? Please contact us!
According to skin care expert, René Serbon, Keratosis Pilaris (commonly referred to as KP) is a keratolytic skin disorder.
Most often seen on the outer upper arms, but can occur on the thighs and cheeks, and less frequently on the forearms and upper back. The condition presents as numerous rough follicular spots that can be skin colored, red, or brown.
The bumps generally don’t hurt or itch. The transition of vellus hair to terminal hair may be an aggravating factor to why this condition often develops in teenage year indicative of a hormonal trigger such as androgen.
Vellus hair, twisted into a spiky keratolytic plug, emerge from the dilated opening of the pilosebaceous duct, can become discolored with pigment or inflammation or both.
In layman's terms - KP is that red, bumpy skin that is annoying at best and is often referred to as, "chicken skin."
At What Age Does KP Appear?
KP is also most evident during teenage years, however; it can be present in babies and persist into adulthood usually disappearing by age 30. It can be particularly prevalent in those who are overweight.
My youngest son has had KP on his arms since birth. Anyone who has ever touched his arms, always remarks on the bumps.
Is KP Genetic?
When I was in my teens and first realized that my skin was not like my friends, I began to notice my mom's skin was exactly the same. And some of her siblings also had this bumpy skin.
Now a mom myself, I have come to understand that KP is familial. My son's have it, as well as atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Serbon explained to me, "There is a genetic predisposition. In individuals with a history of eczema, atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis a genetic filaggrin gene deficiency might be present."
She also told me, "People with a very fair skin and red hair, e.g. Celtic background are also prone." And this makes sense. While we don't have red hair, both their father and myself are Irish (my mom's side of the family is Irish as well.)
Can You Get Keratosis Pilaris on Your Face?
While the bumps are commonly on your upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, it can also present on your face, although it is not as common.
What Are the Symptoms of KP?
As described above, the symptoms largely surround the presentation of numerous small rough bumps on the skin, is typically dry, and can occur in patches. The biggest complaint of those who have KP is the appearance of their skin.
Although, the majority of the medical literature describe sufferers of KP as symptom-free, others support that itching can occur and, less commonly, redness and swelling can be a potential problem. Especially if you are not proactively exfoliating and moisturizing your skin regularly.
Note, that there are times of the year or certain climates that can cause KP to worsen (ie: in weather that promotes dryness it can worsen, in weather that promotes moisture it tends to subdue). KP is not associated with pain or progression of symptoms (ref: Keratosis pilaris, 2).
Should one suspect that they have KP, but see an uncomfortable worsening or progression of symptoms, be sure to consult your physician to determine if there is a need to see a dermatologist or if the doctor feels that any of the associated skin conditions that may co-occur with KP are present.
“Keratosis pilaris is often described in association with other dry skin conditions such as ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis, and, less commonly, with atopic dermatitis, including conditions of asthma and allergies” (ref: Alai, 1).
Are There Times of the Year When KP is More Prominent?
In the winter months or times of low humidity there is fast trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), Keratosis pilaris tends to be more severe.
Does KP Ever Go Away?
Dr. Hannah Sivak, PhD Founder of Skin Actives Scientifis, says yes. "As we age, the skin gets thinner and KP goes away." Serbon agrees, stating that it persists into adulthood and usually disappears by age 30.
At 45, my KP has yet to disappear, although it is not nearly as bad as it was in my teens and twenties.
But what can those of us do until it actually resolves itself decades from when it started?
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
First and foremost, Serbon recommends reducing sun exposure to reduce keratinization.
Enzyme treatments, lotions that contain lactic acid or ammonium lactate and daily use of vitamin A in creams or lotions help to reduce KP, according to Serbon.
For those who have KP on their face, Dr. Sivak recommends products with ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid (also called "beta hydroxy"), and vitamin A.
There are surgical treatments that can be done to treat KP, although it's not something I will address in this article.
At home therapies are not a cure, however they can help to reduce KP flare ups and will help to minimize the appearance of it. These are otherwise known as home remedies or over the counter treatments.
Physical and Chemical Exfoliation
To smoothe out skin and help to "unplug" the keratin build up in the hair follicle, you need to exfoliate a few times per week.
For Face:Skin Actives Alpha-Beta Exfoliant Solution: Chemical is not a bad word here, as alpha and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate skin. This is a great way to to keep follicles (and pores) on your face, exfoliated of build up. I don't have KP on my face personally, but I use this exfoliant to keep blackheads on my nose and chin at bay.
For Body: A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Salt Scrub: Manually exfoliate and smoothe your arms and legs by massaging affected areas with Dead Sea Salt. You also get the added bonus of hydration from sunflower and safflower seed oils.
Creams to Exfoliate
Creams containing alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea help loosen and remove dead skin cells.
For Body:AmLactin Lotion: This lotion has lactic acid in it, so it both exfoliates and hydrates skin.
Lotions to Keep Skin Hydrated
After removing the build-up of dead skin cells from the hair follicles, it's important to keep skin moisturized at all times, as it is the lack of moisture that creates the dry skin that lends to the cycle of build up.
It's especially important to be dilligent with this two-step process if you live in a dry climate and during seasonal dryness (like Fall and Winter.)
For Face: heritage & terre Prickly Pear Seed Oil: While not a lotion, this serum nourishes like a dream. 2-3 drops of this cold-pressed Moroccan cactus oil is all it takes to keep skin hydrated because it is very high in linoleic acid.
For Body: A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Body Lotion: Olive oil, shea butter and cocoa butter create a trifecta of hydration (and pairs perfectly with the body scrub.) Olive oil is an emollient and has fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, and linoleic) that work wonderfully on the skin. Shea and Cocoa Butter are both humectants and emollients. Your skin will never be left feeling dry.
Sylveco Birch Moisturizing Body Balm - This lotion contains grapeseed oil (an emollient), aloe, Vitamin E and betulin from the bark of birch trees. It's both soothing and hydrating.
Sidenote: I used this lotion from Sylveco on my teen son, who has atopic dermatitis on his elbows, with amazing results - stay tuned for that review!
kosmatology Goody-Goody Grapefruit Lotion Bar: If you've been reading this blog since its inception in 2005, it all began with a lotion bar. This one from kosmatology comes in a handy twist-up tube with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil in Candelilla wax.
All of the above won't prevent or make this skin condition go away. It will only improve the appearance and help you to manage it better.
If moisturizing and other self-care measures don't help, your doctor may prescribe medicated creams.
Things to Avoid if You Have KP
Hot water, whether via a long bath or shower. Warm water is best.
Exfoliants that are rough on the skin, like body scrubs that contain walnut shells or apricot kernels.
Completely drying skin when getting out of the shower. Leaving skin slightly damp and then applying your lotion works best.
Tight clothes - the friction can make things worse.
Prolonged sun exposure - and always wear broad spectrum sunscreen regardless.
Top 5 DIY Round Up Musts with Sensational Party Idea Included
We did all the work so you don’t have to…
How many times do we hear ourselves say, "I want clearer skin?" "Smaller Pores?" "A youthful glow?" "Even skin tone?" You get the point.
We ask ourselves how we can achieve these things, which products to buy, and then we go searching. Usually this results in one of two things - we see the prices and cringe or we're overwhelmed with the selection choices and either choose on a whim or throw our hands up all together.
Truth is, although there are many great products out there that are well worth the cost (such as, A Girl's Gotta Spa! products *cough cough*), we can also easily concoct some of the very best skin care products right from our own kitchen with little effort.
DIY products allow for dollars saved, knowledge gained, ease of experimenting to see what works best for us, and best of all allows us the control of knowing exactly what ingredients are in our self-made products.
Of course it’s best to follow the guidance and wisdom of those who have went before us on these ventures, so below is a short round up of 5 of the best DIY skin care articles written by us here at AGGS over the years to start you on your way and condense your search!
This article lays out three simple, but effective skin peels, as well as a concise and accurate description of what skin peels are and why they are a useful part of our skin care regime.
This article gives the how-to on creating a fabulously surreal sugar scrub that is especially great for the winter months or for those in dry air conditions.
There are so many great honeys out there and even different sugars that we would love to hear your input and experience on what you chose and how it worked!
This is where we learn that Pumpkin Spice Latte is for more than just sipping during the holiday season, and don’t be mistaken and start dumping a cup of it on your face. No, no, no we are talking about how to make a DIY SCRUB that will help you get your GLOW on!
And really who doesn’t want that all year round? Mmmm, take a read to find out what all the talk is about. No need for throwing shade when all we really wanna do is glllloooooow! Sparkle sparkle.
Read this article if you want hair to heel DIY recipes on saying buh-bye to the winter woes of dry this and that body foes like:
Dry Skin
Dry Hair
Static Hair
Chapped lips
Rough Elbows
Cracked and shotty heels
This article is fruitfully filled with SEVEN skin and hair product recipes for masks, scrubs, AND moisturizers that include such ingredients as chocolate and coconut to vanilla and figs. A MUST READ!
Yup, I put it in caps because we all know what a PIA acne is, that it’s difficult to treat, and often not so light on the purse strings.
Take a visual gander to gain insightful tips and guidance with trialing some at-home remedies that may make all the difference in the world when trying to abolish the age ol’ blemish.
Please always remember to read directions carefully and follow instructions, but most of all HAVE FUN and tell us ALL about it!
PARTY IDEA NOTE: Invite the girls over and put these recipes out with a selection of ingredients laid out on the counter and have a literal party where each guest gets to make their own beauty product.
Awesome social event ✔️
Great for conversation starters and exchanging ideas ✔️
Beauty and self-care/love inspired ✔️
Party favor/gift included without you having to make them ✔️
Take pictures and let us know how it goes, we LOVE hearing from you!!!
Oh spa girls, I am so excited right now! BELLA Magazine has featured A Girl's Gotta Spa! Synergy Himalayan Salt Scrub in their Gratitude issue!
On page 27, you'll find a list of 10 stocking stuffer ideas, including our super fab salt scrub!
Maybe you're new here, so let me tell you all about this amazing exfoliator.
synergy
/ˈsɪnədʒi/ noun the interaction or cooperation of two or more substances that produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. via the Oxford Dictionary
Synergy has so many power driven ingredients to gently exfoliate and nourish your skin, leaving you with a next level glow.
Natural Body Scrub
As a body scrub that is 100% natural and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free, under the lid you'll find Pink Himalayan Salt, safflower and sunflower seed oils, buds of lavender and cornflower mixed with lavender, jasmine, rose geranium, palmarosa and cedarwood oils.
The natural ingredients in Synergy hit every pain point - from tackling the flakes of dry skin to moisturizing it back to a silky softness; add in a known scar-fading ingredient and the aromatherapy powers of lavender to promote de-stressing - and you've discovered your new must-have.
If you haven't tried A Girl's Gotta Spa! Synergy Himalayan Salt Scrub yet, you are surely in for a treat!
Grab it here on our website (and look for the 10% off pop up!) or click on over to Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UHm6bT
BELLA Magazine can be found on newsstands and every Barnes and Nobles in the US. Go grab your copy today!
To stay in the loop regarding our bath and body line, please subscribe to our mailing list. Also check out our ever growing list of retailers that believe in our mission statement – You Deserve to be Pampered. Looking to sell A Girl’s Gotta Spa! in your store? Please contact us!
The united shopping day designed to create a gender-balanced economy set for November 27th, 2019
November 4, 2019 (Sun Valley, ID) — A Girl's Gotta Spa!, a brand dedicated to encouraging and empowering women through self-care beauty products, is thrilled to announce its participation in the second annual Women-Led Wednesday on November 27, 2019.
Women-Led Wednesday is...
a collective brand campaign designed to spotlight and encourage holiday shoppers to support women-founded and -led brands.
Similar to purpose-driven shopping holidays like Small Business Saturday, Women-Led Wednesday is dedicated to supporting a specific business group – women, women-identified, and non-binary/genderqueer brand leaders – in efforts to create a more gender-balanced economy.
Beyond the November 27 Women-Led Wednesday holiday, the initiative is dedicated to promoting and uniting women-led brands year-round.
The newly launched Women-Led Wednesday website and directory allow visitors to explore, search for and learn more about women-led brands.
I strongly believe in community over competition and have always, and will continue, to support female-led companies. Women investing in women with their dollars, their words and their actions, shows future generations the importance of standing behind female-led brands," said Shannon Smyth, A Girl's Gotta Spa! Chief Pampering Officer.
Shannon Smyth in 2014 when she launched her product line.
Not Enough Women in C-Level Positions
Today, women are 50.8% of the population and 52% of the professional-level work force in the U.S. but only 25% of executives and senior management officials, 20% of board seats, and 6% of CEOs among S&P 500 companies.
As of 2018 there were more CEOs named James than women of any name running Fortune 500 companies according to a study published by the New York Times.
“There’s no shortage of discussion and a lot of viable paths to get more women in the C-suite and on Fortune 500 executive boards,” said Women-Led Wednesday Creator and Wild Rye Co-Founder Cassie Abel.
“I believe that one of the best and fastest paths to create a more gender-balanced economy; however, is to shine a light on and encourage everyone to vote with their dollars for brands that are already led by women.
Visible female leadership is so important to the health of our global economy long-term, the collaborative initiative aims to encourage holiday shoppers to shop women-led brands on November 27, 2019 and the other 364 days a year.
“Participating brands are thinking bigger than themselves and understand that a rising tide lifts all ships,” Abel continued. “After over 100 brands committed to the initiative in a two-week period the first year, I knew the idea resonated with women business leaders.
Women are eager to support each other in a way that’s really special. Year two is shaping up to be much bigger with more brands, bigger brands and a more coordinated effort. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish—we truly are stronger together.”
WomenLedWednesday.com serves as the campaign’s primary discovery hub and directory of women-led businesses. Established female-led consumer products brands and retailers can join for the 2nd annual through the “join us” tab on the website.
About Women-Led Wednesday Women-Led Wednesday is a nationwide campaign designed to encourage consumers to support by voting with their dollars for women-led brands during the holiday shopping season and beyond. The second annual Women-Led Wednesday will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. The campaign supports women in leadership and empowers female entrepreneurs in efforts to create a more gender-balanced economic landscape. Our mission is simple: support women. Visit WomenLedWednesday.com for more information.
I recently had the opportunity to try out Fleur & Bee's Rose and Shine Refreshing Rose Water Toner - that you must hear about!
Fleur & Bee is a company known for their stance on creating 100% natural, non-toxic skincare products that are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free.
What I also would like to note before diving into this review, is that they are a company who gives back to support and empower women. 1% of all sales goes to the distribution of menstrual hygiene products to girls in need.
This is such an untouched area of need in this country, and especially in financially destitute countries.
Many do not realize the absolute need for access to these products and/or the positive impact on health and well-being, infection control, and even self-worth of a woman.
The fact that Fleur & Bee appreciates the need and impact, as well as follows through on supporting this need, tells me from the door that they are an action-oriented company who puts their money where their mouth is.
What is Toner?
Toner creates homeostasis of your complexion by balancing ph levels. It works to reduce the appearance of your pores and removes residual impurities not removed by cleansers.
It is considered an essential element in your skin care regime and an absolute in skin care health.
This toner is paraben free, sulfate free, gluten free, non-GMO, and it's 100% vegan.
This is not only an effective product, it is a product ideal for allergy sufferers, those with sensitive skin or other health conditions where toxins can negatively impact other major organs, vegans, vegetarians, and over-all pursuers of health and wellness and, well, beautiful skin!
It comes in an easy to use spritz bottle, which is sized for your hand, making it comfortable to hold. It's also only 2 floz, making it TSA friendly.
It smells AMAZING!!!! It felt like I was spraying a luscious rose on my face without leaving a weird or bad taste sitting in my mouth.
My skin felt oh-so-refreshed and clean! I looove my make-up, so sometimes even after using a cleanser I feel like my skin wasn’t as clean as it could be.
Note: I suffer with plaque psoriasis so it's best to leave NO foothold for breakouts or inflammatory responses on my face.
That said, when I used Rose and Shine my face felt the cleanest it had ever felt, the color of my complexion appeared balanced, and well I felt like I not only smelled fresh, but looked fresh with a feeling of glow!
And, yes, I am all about the glow!
When Should You Use Toner?
Use toner after cleansing and before moisturizing. As far as frequency is concerned, use it once in the morning and once at night.
How Does Rose Water Toner Work?
Rosa Damascenca flower oil is an essential oil made from the damask rose plant. The purified water is present to dilute the oil so that it does not cause irritation and is used safely in a 1:1 ratio mix.
Anti-inflammatory benefits: Helps with anti-aging, appearance of skin complexion, reduced redness.
Antimicrobial benefits: Assists with the cleansing on a micro bacterial level to prevent infection and fight acne.
Antioxident benefits: Supports anti-aging and skin health/appearance by destroying free radicals.
Free radicals promote injurious behavior to skin tissue, thereby creating those awful age lines and wrinkles…bring on the antioxidants folks!
TWO added bonuses that I MUST mention:
Aromatherapy benefits: Reduced anxiety and depression for an overall calm feeling and mental wellness.
Aphrodisiac benefits: Increases libido and makes you feel damn sexy!!!
OMG, now I understand my sensory experience of feeling balanced, clean, and GLOWING!!!
In summary, Fluer & Bee is a good company, great mission, non-toxic, cruelty-free, effectively makes you feel like a million bucks, and more importantly fulfills the purpose of toner in the most top notch of ways.
Get Rose and Shine for yourself and notice the difference in your skin! www.fleurandbee.com.
