Blackheads. The bain of my existence. I wish that when I was a teen that someone would've warned me about the future of my skin if I didn't take care of it properly. But alas, here I am in my 40's with large pores (especially on my nose) and blackheads as proof of my previous skin care sins. With constantly clogged pores comes finding the right products that will neutralize them and keep my skin looking healthy. 5 of my blackhead banishing favorites right now include: Michael Todd Soniclear: I have the former model of Soniclear in Pink Lady (they now sell Soniclear Elite, but Ulta has a Soniclear Classic in Foxy Floral.) The Soniclear is one of my go-to skin care tools. It not only works wonders on sloughing off dry skin to reveal healthier, glowing skin, but it loosens up debris and hardened oil in your pores, too. You can use the Soniclear with any cleanser, like their Cleanse and Tone or Honey & Oat, but to get rid of blackheads, I like Dr. Brandt Pores No More. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser: I discovered this creamy cleanser in my NewBeauty Test Tube (which always lends to amazing discoveries each month) and decided to give it a try. It's mix of tea tree oil, willow bark and salicylic acid dissolve impurities and decongest your pores. It's non-drying - which is important for my combination skin. Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: Ok, I mean, who isn't ADDICTED to these? If you tell me that you are not fascinated with seeing your super gross blackheads appear on these white strips, then we can't be friends anymore. I have to admit, I even get an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment when I spy that the nose strip removed a really big blackhead. I'm like, YASSS! I'm not ashamed. It is totally true. Blemish Extractor: The one pictured is from Sephora and came in a kit that they no longer sell. However, they do still sell another version of the Blemish Extractor that is just about the same. In the same token that I love the nose strips, I equally love to extract blackheads (and occasionally, whiteheads) with this tool. Seeing that I have so many blackheads on my nose and chin, it is like hours of endless fun and a feeling of job well done. Once I've used this tool, I use a cleanser as well, since the blackheads are bacteria-ridden. (Don't forget to disinfect your tool with each use as well.) Glytone Acne 3P Gel: This non-irritating gel is comprised of micronized 5% benzoyl peroxide. While it can be drying, I use it sparingly so that it doesn't cause my skin to flake. It targets pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It has no fragrance and you only need a really thin layer to get the job done. (My teen-aged sons like to sneak this product from time to time. Definitely check out my post about teaching boys the importance of proper skin care!) I'd love to know what you use for blackheads. Leave a comment and let me know! 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: affiliate links

My lashes basically seem non-existent without mascara. They lack length and volume. I've tried so many mascaras in the pursuit of enviable lashes. Maybe you can relate..? False lashes have also made their way onto my vanity, and while I adore the *POW* they give my lashes (and I swear they make me look younger - yes, please!), I have to be honest and say that I am no pro when it comes to applying them. Not only does it take some skill to apply the lashes in a way that looks natural, you then need a steady hand to apply your eye liner in a way that doesn't look like you are trying to emulate that 70's disco vibe with a thick line. (Am I right??) With the trend leaning towards fibre mascaras, Cherry Blooms piqued my interest. I've tried an all-in-one fibre mascara with Maybelline's The Falsies and did really like it, and I've also used Physicians Formula Eye Booster, which is similar to Cherry Blooms. But as we know, not all mascaras are created equal (or at least we tell ourselves that so that we can buy the latest and greatest new mascara.) Cherry Blooms is a two-step fibre mascara. The mascara and fibres come in two separate bottles, although there is some transference of the fibres into the mascara bottle after using it for a period of time. The mascara itself is not a thick or clumpy formula; it's actually pretty thin and made of high grade beeswax. After one application (which is about 20 strokes), you then gently brush on the fibres. I didn't find that the fibres fell off the applicator onto my face at all, it simply remained on the wand until it touched my lashes. A definite plus since no one wants to wind up with fibres in their eyes. The directions say to use 15 strokes to apply the fibres, but I didn't find that I needed that at all. I did about 5 per eye, then applied the Transplanting Mascara Gel a second time, applied the fibres for a second time and then sealed it all with one last coat of the gel. Of course, you can skip the second coat of fibre, but I wanted a voluminous look to my lashes, not just length. The difference is noticeable and I like how my lashes look natural, not fake-lashes-fake. You know what I mean? If I wanted a more date night dramatic look, I can always apply more coats of fibres and gel. And that's the best part - with a typical mascara you tend to get clumps the more you apply, but that's not the case with this buildable fibre mascara. Lastly, Cherry Blooms didn't smudge or rub off. Removal was easy and didn't take my natural lashes with it - I just used Herbacin Two-Phase Make-up Remover. I'd love to hear from you if you've tried this mascara! 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

Lately a lot of my beauty obsessions have been due to my other obsession, Instagram.  Thanks to Instagram I've discovered beauty products and brands that would have otherwise never been on my radar. My most recent IG beauty product discovery is Lani Tropical Hair Treatment. I was immediately intrigued by  their gorgeous beachy IG pics, amazing packaging and the fact that the hair treatment is both 100% natural, cruelty free and vegan. Getting my hands on Lani Tropical Hair Treatment was a bit more difficult than I thought and I was close to giving up. Then I just happened to walk into Urban Outfitters and almost squealed out loud when I saw that beautiful turquoise bottle sitting on the shelf in their beauty area. I've been using Lani Tropical Hair Treatment for two weeks now and absolutely love how my hair looks and feels after each use. It takes my hair from dry and dull to shiny and hydrated even after I colored my hair. I normally apply it to my dry hair, place it in a top knot and leave it in my hair for almost an entire day. If you do not have the time to leave it in your hair for that long, it is recommended that you leave it in your hair for at least 30 minutes. It's also recommended that you shampoo twice then condition as usual after using it, but depending on how my dry my hair feels, I'll just shampoo once to leave a bit of the treatment in my hair without weighing my hair down or leaving it too oily.  I also love using it as both a hair treatment and curl tamer whenever I opt to leave my hair in it's naturally curly state. Please keep in mind that I have thick, highly textured hair so this may not be the case for someone with fine or even medium hair. There are not a lot of hair products that my hairstylist Pearson Knight (Elle genius awarded hairstylist) approves of, but after reading the ingredients in Lani Tropical Hair Treatment (Camellia seed oil, Coconut oil, Kukui nut oil and Macadamia nut oil) and after seeing firsthand what it has done for the condition of my hair, he encourages me to use it every time I wash my hair. He has even started using it, especially after a surf session. As I mentioned above Lani Tropical Hair Treatment can be found at Urban Outfitters online and also at the Third Street Promenade location in Santa Monica.  I just hope that Urban Outfitters starts carrying the Lani Tropical Body Treatment in all stores as well, since I was too late to purchase it online before it sold out! Have you tried this hair treatment? 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: affiliate link

For a long time now, I've been using make-up remover wipes to take off my make-up at night. It's been easy and convenient, but it's not always the best choice for my skin type. I wanted to get back to using a make-up remover that wouldn't cause me to tug on my skin, especially around my eyes, in order to remove make-up, as well as one that would nourish my skin without leaving a greasy feeling behind. I believe I've found that in Herbacin's Two-Phase Make-up Remover. Even better, it's natural and cruelty free. Herbacin Two-Phase Make-up Remover ($36) gently removes make-up while giving your complexion a velvety, clear, radiant, fresh look and feel. When you have combination skin like I do, oftentimes these descriptions are not within reach to describe your skin. And don't be fooled that oily or combination skin does not agree with the use of oils - it all depends on the kind. The inclusion of sweet almond oil prevents skin from feeling stripped and "squeaky-clean" - two things that are known to lead to an overproduction of sebum, while vegetable glycerin and aloe promote hydration. Your skin will not feel like an oil slick or tacky, but instead it will feel soft, hydrated and clean. The scent is also very light and pleasant, although hard to describe. It's neither floral nor fruity. It doesn't linger on your skin either. I found that I really don't need to put much on my Swisspers Cotton Squares, making this product last quite a while. Have you tried it? 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

Is this new lip product from IT Cosmetics a gimmick or does it really work? The product is called Blurred Lines Smooth Fill Gel-Crème Lipstick. This is the first ever actual lipstick formula from IT Cosmetics. It contains ingredients to improve the appearance of the lines in your lips. Upon application of the lipstick, your lip lines will be filled in and your lips will appear smooth thanks to the optical blurring ingredients. What a great anti-aging promise to those of us who need it! IT Cosmetics is known for the scientific technology used to create their line of cosmetics. Each product has ingredients that are beneficial to the area that it’s being applied. The Blurred Lines lipstick formula contains the following ingredients: collagen, peptides, hyaluronic spheres, shea butter, jojoba and grape seed extract. These are all good for hydration and have anti-aging properties. In addition, the lipstick has a built in primer. These lipsticks are designed to be worn day or night and to provide lasting lip color. The Blurred Lines lipstick retails for $24 at Ulta. It can also be purchased on QVC for discounted bundle pricing. I purchased this product in the colors Naturally Pretty and Perfect Nude, both of which are in the lighter shade range from nine available options. Ulta also carries an exclusive shade called It Girl, which is a bright red. The product glides easily onto the lips. It deposits a nice amount of semi-sheer lip color, which is buildable to an opaque and glossy color. I chose two of the lighter colors from this collection and imagine that some of the darker shades have more color pay off. The Verdict: In my opinion the Blurred Lines lipstick from IT Cosmetics is just an average shiny lipstick. Unfortunately, these did not live up to their name for me. I could still see the lines in my lips. I didn’t feel like the lines were filled in at all. In addition, the product wore off of my lips in an hour’s time. It’s possible that the darker colors may be longer lasting. I feel like there are many other lipsticks available on the market today that are superior to these. Sorry It Cosmetics! You have some of the best cosmetic products, but this one is more of a gimmick to me. Thanks to Stacie, a beauty and lifestyle blogger over at Makeup Obsessed Mom for providing this post while I'm on maternity leave! She writes reviews of beauty products and shares tidbits from her busy life as a mom to three college students. Stop by to see what she’s been trying out lately. 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!

I'm loving all the rich Fall colors in the new Butter London x Allure collection!  I'm not yet ready for Fall, but I'm okay with winding down this hot, hot Summer.  So, let's do a mani of a typical Spring flower - the cherry blossom! What you'll need:

• 4 polishes - in this case, I used all Butter Londons:  It's Vintage for the base, Lust or Must? for the branches, I'm On The List for the petals, and Disco Nap for the center of the flower.
• A dotting tool or two
• A thin striping brush

The first step is laying down your base coat if you use one, and then applying your color.  It's Vintage is a rich, rusty orange-leaning red that is retro and classy. Next, take a striping brush, and lay down some branches.  They don't have to be perfect - your blossoms can cover a lot of mistakes! I do like to make sure that there are branches in different sections of the nail, though, so that the blossoms have some place to go all over the nail.  Lust or Must? is like melted chocolate on your fingertips. For the petals, I put some of I'm On The List onto a small palette, and used one of my larger dotting tools to make a 4- or 5-dot circular pattern.  This rose gold metallic works great for this because it has a natural shimmer that gives the flowers some dimension.  Plus, it's opaque enough to cover the branches in one coat. For the center of the flowers, I used my smallest dotting tool and some Disco Nap to make 2 or 3 small dots.  The silver glitter helps it catch the light, but the base is dark enough to stand out against I'm On The List. Add some top coat to help blend the layers together and protect your nail art, and you're done! Thank you to Lit From Within for creating this great nail art tutorial! 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! *Disclosure: affiliate links

When it comes to makeup, I prefer a look that is natural, simple and that enhances instead of covering or transforming, which is exactly why Cuepido Cosmetics peaked my interest. Cuepido Cosmetics champions the idea of an absolute clean appearance by just putting on what you think is necessary and not overdoing it and instead keeping things natural, simply lovely yet classy. Cuepido was launched on Valentine’s Day 2013 with the mission to provide healthy makeup that is safe for every woman’s skin. Each product is infused with ingredients such as flowers and plant extracts, vitamins, essential oils, minerals and other naturally derived ingredients.  All products are formulated without parabens, fragrances, phthalates, triclosan, sulfates, BPA and gluten. I decided to try the oomph-lash Waterproof Mascara, cue-smooch Gloss in Ariel and ohh blush in Camellia. Unfortunately, the blush and gloss did not work with my dark skin tone, but because I loved the texture of both, I decided to bring in an expert and have a makeup artist try them out and see how the colors worked on her. The consistency and texture of both the blush and lip gloss were amazing.  They both felt lightweight and moisturizing and I could barely tell that I was even wearing anything at all.  As far as how the makeup looks, I will let you decide based on the pictures in this review of LA based makeup artist Lauren Snyder, who also loved the product! Doesn't it look so effortless and natural? Cuepido Cosmetics is available on their website and via Amazon.com. Have you given them a try yet? 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! *Disclosure: press samples, affiliate links

Block Island - a gorgeous island located in Rhode Island. Yes, many people get confused - "isn't Rhode Island an island?" they ask me. I go on to list many islands found in Rhode Island - Patience, Goat, Aquidneck, Hog, Hope, Prudence Island... and so many more. My grandparents owned a home on Aquidneck Island, right on Naragansett Bay, that as a child I had hoped to one day inherit. Unfortunately they sold it years ago (I still hope one day I can buy it back.) I spent countless Summer vacations on Prudence Island, which I hope to one day bring my children to. And Block Island, the place where a number of US Presidents have visited, as well as Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, is another prestine and spectacular piece of beauty in RI. Nostalgia aside, I became obsessed with an organic skin care line named after Block Island that I want to share with you. Block Island Organics is a safe, effective, and non-toxic suncare and skin care product line created by brother and sister, Lauren and Will von Bernuth, and Will's wife, Kelly. I've had the opportunity to test out their Purifying Facial Cleanser, Revitalizing Night Cream and Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 for a few months now. Block Island Organics Purifying Facial Cleanser: A cruelty free and vegan formula of goodness. I use this cleanser in combination with my Michael Todd Soniclear Classic. It's a clear cleanser that glides on your skin and doesn't really have a fragrance to it. It doesn't lather, as it is sulfate free and it rinses clean. Block Island Organics Revitalizing Night Cream: I'm going to admit that I don't just use this as my night cream, but I use it as my day cream in combination with the Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.  It's not a thick cream at all and applies just like a lotion. This night cream is rich in vitamins C and E and has kept my skin hydrated, as well as blemish free. Block Island Organics Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30: This sunscreen is like a very thin lotion upon application. It smells deliciously of eucalyptus when you first apply it, but then the scent fades. It absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and hydrates skin with aloe, shea butter and coconut oil while blocking UV rays with zinc. It's lightweight enough that I can mix a little with my Night Cream and wear it during the day under my makeup. This is such a great organic skin care line that I hope you will discover for yourself! You can learn more about this cruelty free and vegan line via www.blockislandorganics.com. 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! Disclosure: press samples

Your aching back, your swollen cankles, your sore shoulders... if you are in your third trimester of pregnancy, I'm sure you can relate. There's so many things to look forward to with your impending arrival, but feeling like your body is falling apart is not one of them. As someone who absolutely loves her spa massages, pre-natal massage was something I was curious about since massage during pregnancy can have some unwanted side effects (especially if you are considered high risk, like myself.) Before heading to your local spa to indulge in a pre-natal massage, make sure that the therapist is trained in pre-natal. There's pressure points, etc. that are to be avoided during pregnancy because they can trigger contractions (some even say pre-term labor.) And there are certain essential oils you should stay away from. You should also get the all clear with your doctor/mid-wife first, as well. The Lodge at Woodloch, located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, has staff that are trained in pre-natal massage. Once I had the all clear from my mid-wife team for massage, I ventured up during their Beauty Event Weekend in June.  The Lodge at Woodloch offers 50 and 75 minute Pre-Natal Massage, 50 minute Pre-Natal Shiatsu Massage, a 25 minute Gentle Belli Facial and a 50 minute Nuturing Body Polish. The treatment rooms at The Lodge at Woodloch are always relaxing with low lighting, soothing fragrances and tranquil music. When my therapist told me I would first lay on my back, I was surprised. I was worried that it would be uncomfortable or that I'd have difficulty breathing, however the massage table is manipulated in a way that you don't actually lay flat. It was quite comfortable, in fact. Pre-natal massage at The Lodge at Woodloch includes massaging your shoulders, scalp, arms, legs, ankles and bottom of your feet with Mama Mio Skincare. For the massage I had, they used O.Mega Tender Touch Massage Oil which contains avocado oil, jojoba oil, borage seed oil, rose hip seed oil and combined it with an essential oil blend of citrus, lavender and ylang ylang. Avocado Oil - rich oil that readily penetrates the skin due to the presence of Palmitoleic Acid. Avocado Oil is best suited for dry skin applications. Jojoba Oil - the closest oil to your skin’s own sebum; it is very soothing, helpful in healing and protecting skin from the ageing process. Borage Seed Oil - very high in the essential fatty acid Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA – Omega 6), making it extremely valuable in skincare formulations. Numerous studies have shown the topical application of oils containing GLA will effectively repair severely dry skin. Rose Hip Seed Oil - high in Linoleic and Linolenic essential fatty acids, which are key components of the epidermal lipid bi-layer. This oil is beneficial for the treatment of damaged and distressed skin by providing intense moisture. It smelled amazing. Who knew how much my feet were in need of a massage until the therapist touched them? She then moved to my belly for a brief belly massage. I warned her that my son may kick her in the process. However, he must've have felt how relaxed his mom was and didn't move the entire time. Once the front portion of your body has been tamed into relaxation, you then lie on one side with a pillow between your legs, a pillow under your head and a cloth covering your eyes so that a portion of your back can be massaged. Maybe it was just me, but the pillows were literally the fluffiest most comfortable pillows I have ever experienced and I wanted to drift off to sleep. You then switch sides so that she can give the rest of your back the attention it needs. When the 50 minutes were up, I told the therapist I would be OK if she just left me there to sleep. Unfortunately, others needed to be pampered so I couldn't take a nap. Darn. This pre-natal massage was glorious, my only advice is to go with 75 minutes. Take in as much pampering as you possibly can before your little one arrives. My husband gifted me a gift certificate for The Lodge at Woodloch that I intend to split between a pre-baby pedicure (because I honestly can't each my feet anymore) and a post-baby Tension Tamer massage when my upper back will be in dire need of soothing. If you've had a pre-natal massage at The Lodge at Woodloch, 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. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: This massage was comped. However, all opinions and glorious relaxation are all my own.

  KEUNE's So Pure products should simply be called "bottle of awesome." I had never tried this line prior to being sent them a few months ago, and I was skeptical that anything could combat my scalp issue at the time. All I can say is, scalp dryness and flaking? GONE. I've been on the hunt for a while for a good scalp exfoliator, especially one that is cruelty free. And let's get real, I don't really have the time or energy these days to whip up a good DIY. When I learned about KEUNE's So Pure Exfoliating Shampoo, I was intrigued. Its main ingredients are tea tree oil, lavender, coconut and argan oil. It aims to remove build up, relieve itching and prevent future flaking. Living in the Pocono Mountains, the heat is on most of the year and between the wood stove and oil heat, the moisture in my hair is depleted fast. This only leaves me in a never-ending cycle of using moisturizing hair products, my scalp over-producing sebum and me trying to pick every single flake out of my hair. It is super embarassing to say the least. The Exfoliating Shampoo is clear, smells of a combination of tea tree, lavender and other essential oils. It's a pleasant scent and not overpowering. You don't need too much for it to work its magic. Since it is sulfate-free, it won't really lather up. I massage my scalp and let it sit for a minute or two. The cap is a little tricky to open though. The cap is round and you have to pull up to open... when my hands are already wet, sometimes I can't get a good grip on the round cap to pull it open. In about a week's time I noticed a decrease in scalp itchiness. In about two weeks time, I saw a noticeable decrease in flaking. By week three it was like I had a whole new scalp and head of hair. No more build up, no itchiness and no flakes (and I was using a regular conditioner from another brand at the same time.) I literally have been using this shampoo for months and have only used half the bottle. If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you know I don't wash my hair every day (just 2-3 times per week.) Whether it's frizziness due to depleted moisture or humidity, KEUNE's So Pure Defrizz Shine Serum has also become a must-have for me. Like the Exfoliating Shampoo, the serum is clear, paraben-free and has a light, semi-sweet fragrance of orange, palmarosa and argan oil. I only use 1-2 pumps on my damp, towel-dried hair and that seems to do the trick for managing frizz while increasing shine. The serum is weight-less, so I can still use a volumizing hair treatment (or not) and not notice any pull to my hair. Also like the Exofoliating Shampoo, I've been using this for months and it looks like I've barely touched the bottle! I haven't yet tried the Moisturizing Shampoo, as my hair hasn't needed it yet. So I am totally hoarding it until winter. I'm loving what I've tried so far from KEUNE. The best part is that the So Pure line has various collections like Color Care, Calming, Cooling, Exfoliating, etc. You can view them all on their website www.keune.com. 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! Disclosure: press samples, affiliate links