Block Island Organics Review

Shannon Smyth
Block Island Organics Skincare review via @agirlsgottaspa 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 review via @agirlsgottaspa 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 review @agirlsgottaspa 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 review @agirlsgottaspa 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. Block Island Organics skin care review @agirlsgottaspa 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

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Pre-Natal Massage at The Lodge at Woodloch

Shannon Smyth
Pre-natal massage review of @lodgeatwoodloch via @agirlsgottaspa 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.

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KEUNE So Pure (and so awesome)

Shannon Smyth
  Keune So Pure hair care review via @agirlsgottaspa 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.
KEUNE So Pure Exfoliating Shampoo review via @agirlsgottaspa 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.) KEUNE So Pure Defrizz Shine Serum review via @agirlsgottaspa 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

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CIRCA Beauty

Mandy Lewis
I absolutely love getting new makeup. Trying the different colors and products, choosing a favorite, bringing it home and opening that pretty new package. It's even better when I get something I haven't tried before. Like makeup from CIRCA Beauty, a cruelty free makeup line that's affordable, long wearing, trendy, and appeals to different skin tones. And oh yeah, the Creative Director just happens to be Eva Mendez. Circa beauty foundation review via @agirlsgottaspa

Left: BB Cream in 03 Medium. Right: Liquid Foundation in 07.

I usually cannot find foundations or a BB cream that doesn't end up being too dark or makes my skin looks ashy. This makeup line is simply amazing! My skin tone would be considered medium brown with yellow undertones and both the Color Balance BB Cream (03 Medium) and Color Balance Liquid Foundation (07) matched my skin without being chalky. My skin looked smooth and radiant! The BB Cream provides full coverage, it's hydrating, lightweight, oil free and it gives my skin a soft focus finish while evening out my skin tone. I normally don't use foundation because I pretty much gave up on finding one that would match my skin tone. This foundation worked well for my skin; it didn't match exactly, but it was close! It provides medium to full coverage, it definitely hid my imperfections, didn't feel dry or flakey and just like the BB Cream, it evened out my skin tone. Circa Beauty lip treatment review via @agirlsgottaspa

Color Treatment Tinted Lip Butter in Apricot.

The Color Treatment Tinted Lip Butter is absolutely wonderful! It's moisturizing, conditions and soothes your lips without being sticky. I use it before applying any gloss or lipstick and it keeps my lips soft and smooth. I also use it before bed and wake up with a soft moisturized pout. It comes in a variety of colors and the Sheer Apricot that I received was a bit too light for me, so on my lips it looks like my natural lip color with a subtle shine. Enriched with oils and shea butter, this Lip Butter is a must for your makeup bag or purse! I love that although the Color Absolute Velvet Luxe Lipstick in Marilyn (a darker red), provides full coverage in just one swipe, I can also lightly dab it on and add some Lip Butter for just a hint of color. It's rich pigment adds rich, beautiful color while being weightless and non-drying. Circa Beauty lipstick review via @agirlsgottaspa

Color Absolute Velvet Luxe Lipstick in Marilyn

For my eyes, the Fade to Black Precision Eye Ink adds a dramatic finish that stays all day and doesn't smudge. Used along with the Absolute Lash Icon Mascara in extreme black, these two products accentuated my eyes without irritating and leaving little black flakes or smudges. The mascara coats my eyelashes giving it a natural glossy finish along with some awesome length and the thin tip on the Eye Ink is perfect for just that one line or for going bold! Circa Beauty mascara and eye liner review via @agirlsgottaspa Before and after with Circa Beauty's mascara via @agirlsgottaspa

Before and after with Absolute Lash Icon Mascara

The highly pigmented Eye Shadow Palette is smooth, weightless and adds dramatic color to your eyes. I love that all three of these products can go from day to night! Circa Beauty eye shadow palette review via @agirlsgottaspa

Color Focus Eye Shadow Palette in Provocateur

I would absolutely love for the Lip Butter and BB Cream to have SPF in them and maybe have some of the packaging be a little less bulky, but otherwise this line is fun, versatile and nothing is over fifteen dollars! Have you tried CIRCA Beauty products 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

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Sunscreen Pills - Do They Really Work?

Shannon Smyth
Do sunscreen pills and drinks really work? Expert advice via @agirlsgottaspa With increasing frequency, I'm finding that I'm getting pitched more often to review sunscreen pills and drinks. I am a true skeptic when it comes to replacing what I know already works (topical sunscreen), and has worked for YEARS, with something so new that claims the same benefits. So I set out to find out the answers to the following questions about sunscreen pills: Do sunscreen pills really work? Do sunscreen pills offer the same protection as topical sunscreen? If sunscreen pills work, how? Are sunscreen pills meant to only be a supplement to topical sunscreen or to actually replace it? Are there side effects to sunscreen pills? Maybe you've had these same questions... "Sunscreen pills contain an active ingredient that may play a role in protecting cells from damage from UV rays. The active ingredient is an extract from a fern plant. This botanical appears to serve as an antioxidant that increases the skin's threshold for sun exposure before sunburn and damage. The benefit is not enough on its own though. The pills don't have an SPF rating because they are not applied topically, but it may provide about as much protection as a topical sunscreen with SPF 3 to 5." says Sally Rafie, PharmD, BCPS, who is a Pharmacist Specialist at UC San Diego Health System and Assistant Clinical Professor of Health Sciences at UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. While sunscreen pills, which contain polypodium leucotomos extract, have been clinically shown to have photoprotective properties and when taken orally, can help fight UVA and UVB rays, Dr. Jill Waibel, Board Certified Dermatologist, and owner of the Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute says she is a bit skeptical and doesn’t believe that these pills should be used as a single and sole protectant from the sun. Something that I kept hearing repeated as I reached out to dermatologists and estheticians for this article. As she told me, "They should always be taken in conjunction with a sunscreen that has an SPF 30. There is no better way to protect yourself than with sunscreen, so make sure you don’t skimp on the sunblock regardless of other methods you’re using to help protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays." While I knew little about sunscreen pills and sunscreen drinks prior to doing the research for this article, I can say it only reinforced for me that just a pill (or a drink) cannot give you the same physical protection that topical sunscreen can. Additionally, while the brands that pitch me say it is "clinically proven," I do think it is a misleading statement. The tests done have only been by the brands themselves (and honestly "clinically proven" means nothing and is more or less marketing words), and although they claim to work, they usually leave out mentioning that they work as a very low SPF and not the amount recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, which is SPF 30. Essentially sunscreen pills work as an anti-oxidant, which can help repair damage and provide some protection from UV rays, but not to the same strength and degree as something that is applied directly to your skin. As for side effects, Dr. Waibel told me that sunscreen pills have not been extensively studied, so the side effects, if any, are unknown at this time. So I'm going to skip the beauty trend of sunscreen pills and sunscreen drinks and stick with what I know works - topical sunscreen. Our favorites? Sun Bum (and their lip balm), Supergoop (their gradual self-tanner is good too) and MDSolarSciences. What are your thoughts? Have you tried sunscreen pills and drinks? What has your experience been? Leave a comment and let us 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. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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St. Ives Spray Lotion Review #LiveRadiantly

Shannon Smyth
@StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon St. Ives recently sent me their continous spray lotion in Naturaly Indulgent Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract and the new Smooth & Glow Apricot Hydration Lotion. This is the first time I've ever tried a spray lotion and wasn't sure what to expect. Will it be similar to spray sunscreens where it gets absolutely everywhere and not just targeted to where you are spraying it? Will it be greasy? I intended to find out! @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon The St. Ives continous spray lotions are made with 100% natural moisturizers, are easy-to-apply, spray on lightly and are quickly absorbed, leaving your skin energized and refreshed. Using the lotion was easy enough, simply twist the cap to unlock it, aim and spray. While this lotion had a mist similar to sunscreen sprays, I found that it landed directly on my skin in one spot and didn't mist absolutely everywhere. You then rub it over your skin with your hand and you're done. @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon Both lotions absorbed super quick and left my skin feeling silky and not greasy. Sometimes I applied the lotion by spraying it directly on my skin and sometimes I just sprayed it into my hand and applied it - especially in those more difficult to reach places like the back of my thighs and arms. There was no mess involved, and when I was done, I just switched the cap back to lock. (A great feature when you have kids!) @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiant'y #spon While most people think they only really need to apply moisturizer in the winter when dry skin is the most prevalent, it's necessary during the warmer seasons too due to activities the lend to parched, dehydrated skin. For example, chlorine from time spent in the pool will dry out skin, multiple showers to rinse your skin of bug spray, sunscreen, sweat... can dry out your skin. And simply sunbathing for long periods of time can dehydrate skin. It's important all year round to be using a hydrating body wash, body scrub and a hydrating lotion. I realize "hydrating lotion" sounds like a foolish description, because after all, aren't all lotions hydrating? Many claim to be, but that isn't always the case. (But I'm sure you've probably discovered that yourself with a lotion or two.) @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon Something often associated with pregnancy (I am 32 weeks today!) is glowing, radiant skin. I can tell you that sometimes that glow needs a little help! Something I truly loved about these lotions, is that it made it really easy to get every inch of my skin with ease. If you've ever experienced attempting to bend down to apply lotion to your feet and ankles at 8 months pregnant (that's if you can even see your feet at this point), it's like playing twister. And I'm rarely successful. This Summer I'll #LiveRadiantly with smooth hydrated skin, enjoying my gorgeous surroundings of the Pocono Mountains and in a few weeks enjoying our new addition to the family (boy #6.) How will you live radiantly this Summer? Have you tried these lotions from St. Ives? Leave a comment and let me know! Buy St. Ives lotion here. 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! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of St.Ives. The opinions and text are all mine.

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1907 Alkaline Water Review

Gail Lewis
Benefits of alkaline water via @agirlsgottaspa By now, we all know...or should know the health and beauty benefits of drinking water. Approximately 50 to 70% of our body mass is made up of water so it is important to replenish our bodies with the water that we lose on a daily basis. Water is essential to our health because it removes toxins from our bodies thus cleanses it and is required to process all of the nutrients from the food we eat and carry the assimilated nutrients to the cells by circulating through the lymphatic system. Drinking water also has a ton of beauty benefits.  Drinking water prevents dehydration, which becomes most noticeable in your skin first. If you've ever gotten the flu and became dehydrated you may have noticed it first in your lips cracking and becoming dry and then on your face as well. Drinking water also aids in weight loss by acting as a natural appetite suppressant.  Now imagine going one step further towards a healthier more beautiful you by drinking alkaline water. Alkaline water has all of the health and beauty benefits of drinking regular water, but it goes further by helping to balance the body’s acidity levels by mitigating the negative effects caused by stress, lack of sleep and poor diet. I am currently in love with 1907 Alkaline Water.  1907Water is sourced 680 feet deep at the foot of New Zealand’s Kaimanawa Ranges, resulting in pure, uncontaminated water. I absolutely love the taste of this water, and I know what you're thinking, it probably tastes like any other bottled water, but it absolutely does not!  It has a really refreshing, clean smooth taste due to its high alkalinity and low mineral content. 1907Water helps neutralize acid in the bloodstream by keeping the body's pH levels between 7.1 to 8.2, which leads to increases in oxygen levels, energy and metabolism.  1907Water bottles are 100% BPA-free, 100% RPET and are 100% recyclable. 1907Water is available online at Amazon.com and select retailers nationwide (Whole Foods, Shop Rite, Sprouts, The Fresh Market, etc.) Do you drink alkaline water? 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. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Disclosure: Press sample, affiliate link

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Makeup Brush Cleaning Tips from Makeup Artist Lauren Snyder

Gail Lewis
Tips for cleaning your makeup brushes from makeup artist Lauren Synder via @agirlsgottaspa One part of our beauty routine that we tend to neglect quite often is ensuring that our makeup brushes are kept clean and bacteria free.  Dirty makeup brushes can transfer old makeup, germs, and bacteria to your skin each time you use them, so it is important to regularly wash your brushes to get rid of buildup. As a bonus, washing your brushes also makes them work better as well.  When it comes to cleaning my makeup brushes I will be the first to admit that I am absolutely clueless, so I decided to consult with an expert and consulted LA based Makeup Artist Lauren Snyder for her tips on cleaning and caring for makeup brushes. A Girl's Gotta Spa!: What are some of your favorite makeup brush cleaning tricks? Lauren Synder: Mixing warm water with brush cleanser is a good way to make the cleanser a little more flexible when it comes to cleaning while also helping the product last longer. Products can be expensive so any way to make the most out of them helps. Another tip I have found useful is when using a cleanser, let the brush soak for only a couple of minutes. I mix warm water with the cleanser (pretty equal proportions) in a bowl, swirl and mix the brush for about 30 seconds, and then let the brush soak with the actual brush at an angle. I keep the brush at an angle because as long as there’s movement in the brush, there’s movement in the liquid, which means there’s movement in the makeup that needs to come out. Movement is key when it comes not only to cleaning, but coverage as well. After the brush has soaked at an angle for a couple of minutes, I continue to work it through the cleanser just to quickly break anything up from soaking and then a very good rinse with the brush head facing directly under the faucet. Thoroughly dry with a towel and then I suggest letting the brush air dry overnight because no one likes unnecessary moisture. Especially when it comes to blending. AGGS: Which makeup brush cleansers would you recommend? LS: Neutrogena Cleansing Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover – I started using this almost on accident because I was out of MAC Brush Cleanser. It was the only liquid makeup remover I had that I could actually pour into a bowl and I didn’t want to use up pure alcohol. After cleaning my foundation brush with it, I don’t think I’ll use anything else. The remover really gets into the brush without sitting in the head and also doesn’t leave any residue. The best part is that the cleaner doesn’t leave any scent either. Just like any cleanser, working the cleanser and the brush is crucial – the cleanser doesn’t do all the work for you. Plus it’s not nearly as expensive as most brush cleansers. Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner – This cleaner is a little more on the expensive side, but it’s definitely worth the money. The liquid is fast acting and you don’t have to put much muscle into cleaning the brush and making sure it’s getting worked in throughout. Scent is a very subjective and preference based thing. With that being said, this cleanser has a fairly strong orange scent to it that will stay with your brush to some extent. While the orange is certainly a part of the cleanser that contributes to the actual cleaning, if you don’t like the scent then it may not be for you. AGGS: Which brush cleansers do you think are not really worth the price? LS: MAC Brush Cleanser –This unfortunately is an overrated cleanser in my opinion. While there is no strong or lingering scent to it, that doesn’t make up for the fact that is doesn’t really clean brushes at all. In my opinion, it seemed more like I was giving my brushes a light rinse without actually doing anything, like removing makeup, bacteria, excess product, etc. It isn’t a very expensive cleanser considering its size, but it is expensive considering it doesn’t really do what it’s supposed to do.  Lauren Snyder is an LA based Makeup Artist who has been doing makeup for film for six or seven years and specializes in  practical effects makeup artistry. Have any makeup brush cleaning tips you want to add or a brush cleanser that has worked for you? Leave a comment and let us 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. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: affiliate links

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Energize Greens Supplement Review

Gail Lewis
Energize Greens Dietary Supplement review via @agirlsgottaspa #ad I am very much a fan of leading a healthy lifestyle.  I strongly believe that being active and eating a clean, well-balanced diet is the best way to prevent illnesses and look and feel your best and most energized. For the most part, in addition to working out regularly, I try to avoid caffeine and sugars and instead consume foods that are naturally energizing whenever I am feeling run down and like I need an extra boost of energy. Energize Greens Dietary Supplement is a natural supplement of nutritious green superfoods that I have been using for the past two weeks that not only boosts my energy level, but also improves my health, alkalizes my body and boosts my immune system. Energize Greens Dietary Supplement review via @agirlsgottaspa #ad Energize Greens is a powerful combination of Spirulina, Nova Scotia Dulse, Chlorella, Barley and Wheat Grass, and Beet Juice.  These superfoods together have been proven to inhibit or prevent cancers and tumors in humans and animals, alkalize your body and keep your body’s pH level between 7.35 and 7.45 , lower cholesterol levels by at least 50%, boost your immune system’s resistance to harmful bacteria, viruses, and infections, reduce mortality risks from all types of cardiovascular disease and increase overall fitness and energy levels by 16% without doing any exercise.  In addition to the superfoods, Energize Greens also contains a blend of 29 other nutritious healing ingredients and vegetables such as alfalfa juice powder, wheat sprout powder, barley malt, brown rice bran, bee pollen, probiotic culture, spinach, parsley, enzymes like bromelain, papain, and pepsin - all of which are GMO-free. Energize Greens Dietary Supplement review via @agirlsgottaspa #ad Benefits of Alkalizing Your Body: Improves skin texture Promotes a deeper, more restful sleep Increased natural physical energy Boosts your immune system Improves digestion Decreased susceptibility to arthritis Increased mental alertness Energize Greens smoothie via @agirlsgottaspa #ad Energize Greens Dietary Supplement is incredibly effortless to consume.  It comes in a powder formula that can be easily combined with water.  I also love putting one scoop of it into my protein shakes, green smoothies or fresh pressed juices.  I have been taking this healthy supplement every day for the past two weeks and normally take it in the morning. Upon taking Energize Greens for the first time I immediately noticed an energy boost, like having a shot of espresso but without the crash that follows or the jittery feeling that I would normally experience with caffeine.  I have also noticed that my workouts are more effective, instead of taking long breaks in between my sets, I am better able to power through my workouts without feeling depleted. I know that my body is benefitting immensely from taking Energize Greens even though I may not be able to see and feel all of the benefits immediately. Energize Greens review from Gail of @agirlsgottaspa #ad As I've mentioned, it's only been two weeks since I have been incorporating it into my lifestyle and my body already feels rejuvenated, restored and more healthy and energized.  If for some reason you do not like the taste of the supplement with just water, it can be easily mixed with your healthy juices, shakes and smoothies so that you can get all of the benefits of this supplement. Receive 25% off your order of 4 bottles or more via this special link for A Girl's Gotta Spa! readers: Energize Greens discount 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! a

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HASK Beauty

Mandy Lewis
Hask Beauty Macadamia Oil hair care review via @agirlsgottaspa Anyone who is of mixed ethnicities knows how hard it is to find shampoos and conditioners for our hair types. I'm always on the look out for products that will keep my hair healthy, smooth, moisturized and soft. My mixed ethnicity (Afro-Guyanese, Indonesian, Amerindian and Portuguese), sometimes makes it difficult to find a product that works well for my hair type. Although my hair is thick and coarse, most products that are extra moisturizing tend to leave my hair oily and flat or sometimes even adds more frizz and leaves it feeling dry. Not so with HASK products! With exotic oils like Argan, Macadamia and Manoi and using high quality ingredients, HASK provides "high performance, salon quality results at an affordable price." HASK shampoos and conditioners are free of sulfates, parabens, drying alcohols, phthalates, gluten and artificial colors. And of course they do not test their products on animals! My kit included the Macadamia Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, Moisturizing Shine Oil and Moisturizing Deep Conditioner. All of the Macadamia products are made especially for dry, thirsty hair, smells fabulous and actually works! Hask Beauty Macadamia Oil results via @agirlsgottaspa I used the shampoo and conditioner, which are both thick and luxurious, left my hair feeling soft, silky, healthy and smelling so wonderful. Then I let my hair stewed for a bit (about 4 days), before using the Moisturizing Deep Conditioner. It's recommended to leave it in your hair for at least ten minutes, but after using the shampoo, I left it in for twenty minutes. Usually after using most deep conditioning treatments and rinsing it out, I still end up adding more conditioner to my hair, but with the HASK Moisturizing Deep Conditioner I didn't have to. My ends were a bit brittle from styling and this deep conditioner worked to make them soft again. My hair is thick and long, but the packet was enough for two treatments. My absolutely favorite product from the kit would have to be the Moisturizing Shine Oil. It's lightweight and absorbing, doesn't leave my hair greasy and my hair felt smooth and soft every time I used it, which has been every day since receiving it. And a little goes a long way so it will last for a while. I took it with me to Florida for a girl's vacation and everyone ended up using it. It definitely stood up to the Florida heat and humidity! You don't have to spend a fortune to have beautiful, healthy hair. With HASK products, you're sure to find something for your hair type and be happy with the results. Have you tried anything from the HASK hair care line? 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 sample, affiliate links

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