Lately I have been somewhat obsessed with bananas.  Being insanely busy for the past two months has reintroduced me to how versatile bananas can be.

In the morning I blend them with almond milk, blueberries and medjool dates for a simple, quick and super filling smoothie or will slice them and add to my muesli or coconut milk yogurt.

When I'm really rushed for time I have a banana with a few almonds for a filling, yet healthy snack.  Little did I know that in addition to being filling and convenient, bananas also have amazing benefits for skin, hair and my overall health and well-being.

The health benefits of bananas are seemingly endless. They contain flavonoids and poly-phenolics, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta and alpha carotenes, acting as free radical-destroying antioxidants. 

They also are also high vitamin C, most known for its infection-fighting properties. Just one banana contains 467 mg of potassium, which is important for controlling heart rate and blood pressure.  The vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in bananas provides around 28% of what is needed daily to help prevent anemia and coronary artery disease.  

The fiber content of bananas helps keep the digestive system regulated, while magnesium helps to strengthen bones and protect the heart.  Manganese is needed to activate antioxidant enzyme and one banana supplies an adequate amount of copper to keep up the production of red blood cells. 

Bananas have been used to settle upset stomachs (including morning sickness), reduce stress, ease heartburn pain, relieve constipation, soothe PMS symptoms, cure warts, and stimulate brain power.

In addition to the health benefits, the beautifying benefits of bananas are countless. They contain significant amounts of vitamin C and B6, which is vital in maintaining the integrity and elasticity of the skin. 

In addition, the large amount of antioxidants and manganese present in banana protect the body from damage caused by  free radicals which lead to premature aging of the skin.  A banana has about 75% water by weight and thus helps to hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying and peeling.  The potassium in a banana helps to draws out excess fluid from under the skin and reduces swelling immediately, which makes it ideal for reducing puffy eyes. 

The potassium, natural oils, carbohydrates and vitamins in bananas helps to soften hair and protect hair’s natural elasticity preventing split ends and breakage. Banana also creates manageability, shine, growth and controls dandruff.  Bananas can be incorporated into facial and hair masks, face and body scrubs and applied to the eye area to battle puffy eyes.

For a moisturizing facial mask: Mash one banana to the consistency of baby food (or you can blend it to make it thinner) Add one teaspoon of natural honey and mix Apply to your face Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse off with tepid water Optional: Add lemon if you have acne or yogurt for oily skin.

For a moisturizing hair mask: Puree 1-3 ripe bananas (amount of bananas depends on the length/thickness of your hair) Add 1-3 tablespoons of honey (same as above depending on length/thickness of your hair) 2 teaspoons of coconut oil Blend all ingredients and apply to your hair Leave on for 30-60 minutes (the longer the better) and rinse, shampoo and condition hair as you normally would.

Since they are available year round, bananas may not only the perfect food, but also the ultimate beauty product! 

Right now my hair looks and feels dry, lackluster and just downright sad. I know that I could've taken better care of my hair, but sometimes it's much too easy to neglect my hair care routine and just disguise less than stellar hair with a cute braid or bun. Agreed? I decided to start the process of devoting more time to healthy hair by reevaluating the products I use to clean it.  A lot of shampoos actually have a drying effect on my hair (textured, curly) so finding an alternative to drying shampoos was my first order of business. This first hair cleanser I tried in my quest to undo the havoc I've wreaked on my hair was a non-sudsing, oil-based shampoo called From the Lab Transforming Hair Cleanser No. 724.  This hair cleanser contains a combination of traditional oils and high tech stem sells that clean, condition and detangle hair.  I will admit that it was a challenge psychologically to get used to a cleanser that does not produce suds since that is what my brain has been conditioned to understand - suds = cleansing. However, my hair did feel really clean after using the Transforming Hair Cleanser No. 724 and once dried, my hair did feel less dry and brittle.  As I mentioned, if you are like me and are accustomed to seeing and feeling soapy suds when you shampoo your hair, this product will take some getting used to, but it does work and I would highly recommend it for naturally curly, textured hair like mine. If you just can't see yourself cleaning your hair without soap or suds you may want to give Colorado Aromatics Sage Angel Falls Conditioning Shampoo a try.  Angel Falls shampoo is a natural shampoo with conditioners to soften hair.  The all natural, ecocertified, biodegradable surfactants in this shampoo are gentle on hair and will not strip your color. Plus the botanical extracts and Vitamin B contribute to both hair and scalp health.  I absolutely love the soothing, minty scent of this shampoo.  It seemed to gently cleanse my hair and left it feeling clean and refreshed without that stripped, dry feel.  What is great about this shampoo is that I can not only pronounce the all natural ingredients that it contains, but I also know what they are...a first for any shampoo I've used. Another one of the hair cleansing products that I tried and positively loved was the Mane Choice "Give It To Me Straight" Moisturizing Shampoo.  This shampoo is infused with Moroccan Argan Oil to nourish, protect and hydrate hair.  It's gentle enough for chemically and color treated hair and even to clean extensions. It's free of parabens, sulfates and sodium chloride.  I  loved the delicious lemony cookie scent of this moisturizing shampoo and immediately after using it my hair felt softer and not at all dry or stripped. I especially like using the Mane Choice "Give It To Me Straight" Moisturizing Shampoo when I plan on blow drying or flat ironing my hair because it contains thermal protectants formulated to protect hair from straightening appliances. All of the cleansers are cruelty free. I'd love to hear from you if you've used any of the above mentioned products - or to tell me about your favorite that I should check out! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: Press Samples

From your head to your toes, winter conditions are no fun for your skin. Not only does dry skin look unhealthy, it can be really uncomfortable, too. Did you know that everything you need to save your skin from winter is as close as your pantry or refrigerator? Below are some excellent DIY skin care recipes from Dr. Susan Stuart a board certified dermatologist from La Jolla, California. Avocado Mask An avocado mask is perfect for dry skin that may become very irritated in the winter. It is easy to make: mash the flesh of avocado with a fork, add a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, and apply this smooth, fragrant mixture onto your face. “This nourishing mask will supply your skin with a whole range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and softening agents to fight winter dryness,” says Dr. Stuart. We've also included avocado in our DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment and DIY Avocado Hair & Face Mask. Avocado Oil can be found in A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Salt Scrub, too. Sweet Almond Body Scrub Almonds are packed full of nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats. These compounds make them nourishing to your body inside and out. Try this recipe to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. -1 cup brown sugar -1/2 cup almond oil -2 tsp honey -1 tsp pure vanilla extract Mix all ingredients together in a shatter-proof bowl. In the shower or tub, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions (after washing your skin with soap), concentrating on rough or dry areas of the skin. Rinse with warm water, allowing the residual layer of almond oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry. Chocolate Face Mask Once regarded as a bane to our health, new research has shown that dark chocolate is healthy—and not just to eat. Compounds found in chocolate can actually benefit the skin when applied topically. -1/3 cup cocoa powder -1/4 cup honey -2 Tbsp cream or plain yogurt or sour cream -3 tsp oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking) Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry. (I still eat a lot of dark chocolate, though.) Apple Vinegar Foot Soak -1 part apple vinegar -2 parts water Mix ingredients and soak for 30 minutes for hydrating new-like feet. Don't worry about the smell, as it will do wonders for cracked, rough, smelly feet! Static hair - Coconut oil Rub a small amount of coconut oil between the palms of your hand and lightly pat down the top of your head. "Just the tiny bit of moisture will tame fly-aways and hydrate tresses without leaving hair greasy looking," says Dr. Stuart. Rough elbows and heels -Fresh figs -Hardened coconut oil (optional if you choose to make a more aggressive scrub). -Sugar Take ripe figs and mash or blend then in a bowl. Add coconut oil. This mixture will gently exfoliate, as the fig seeds will lightly clean and remove dead skin. According to Dr. Stuart, "Coconut oil is highly nutritious and moisturizing. Make sure the coconut oil is not melted. Place in fridge if you have to solidify, because if you are like me and prefer more exfoliation, add some sugar to this and create a dry scrub. Once this touches your skin, the coconut oil and sugar will melt." Apply while you're in the bath tub or shower and be careful as it may cause a slippery surface. Vanilla Lip Scrub -2 parts sugar -1 part olive oil -vanilla extract to taste This scrub will get rid of rough, dead skin on and around the lips. No one wants chapped lips where you can see the lines under your lip color, so this scrub is perfect! Also see our DIY Lip Scrub recipe. Loved these DIY skin care recipes? Please share them on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Know for their incredible handmade artisan soaps, Faith, Soaps & Love has another trick up their sleeves... or in this case, in their tubes. Good things come in 2 oz. packages. Don't let the small number fool you, as the Solid Lotion Bar tube is the size of my hand. If you've never tried solid lotion before, it is a different experience than fluid lotion and has its benefits. These particular lotion bars are comprised of shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, fragrance or essential oil. Simple ingredients and completely convenient packaging. While the shea butter and coconut oil hydrate your skin, the beeswax locks in the moisture. It's best used on your elbows, knees, heels of your feet - which is also another reason the packaging is super convenient. I've used lotion bars in the past, but they came in a tin and I'd have to hold them in my hand to apply. It would become tricky because the heat from my hand would soften the bar and my hands would become a little greasy. Utilizing Faith, Soaps & Love's solid lotion bars in the tube totally takes the messiness out of the equation. I love that. I'm not the only one in my house using these solid lotion bars, as my oldest son began using them on his eczema. His elbows get really bad and he tends to scratch it, making it worse (and spreading.) I've tried encouraging him to use body oil sprays and lotions, but he always foregoes it (i.e. he ignores me.) I've mentioned it before, and if you are a long time reader you may already know, that my oldest son is on the Autism Spectrum. With his sensory issues he found that the solid lotion in a tube is perfect for him. Better still, his eczema has diminished significantly. While I can't go making bold claims that it cures eczema, it definitely helps. He now uses it on his legs and arms, too. The solid lotion bars come in a variety of scents and are only $6.50 each. They do also sell non-tubed heart-shaped lotion bars in a variety of fragrances as well (set of 4 is $6.) As with their handmade soap, the tubes each have a scripture verse on them. Have you tried solid lotion before? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ *Disclosure: Press Samples

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

I'm always on the lookout for a BB or CC cream that not only matches my skin tone but also has SPF 20 and over, covers without feeling heavy or oily, helps to reduce the size of my pores and gives me a little glow. My skin could be described as medium to dark with green undertones and most BB or CC creams ends up making my face look slightly ashy or like I went crazy with a really dark bronzer. I find that mixing two of the several variations of medium colors that I have sometimes gives me the look I'm going for, but honestly with my busy schedule most days I don't have the time for mixing as I need something that simplifies my morning routine. I've never heard of nor used any products by nyakio, so I was excited when I received their ABC African Beauty Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen in Cinnamon. The founder, Nyakio, uses "naturally effective African ingredients", and combines them "with modern, result-driven formulas to deliver superb multi-tasking products." The best part? Her products are formulated without parabens or sulfates. The nyakio African Beauty Cream states that it provides a sheer coverage and natural radiance, wears for eight hours, reduces the look of fine lines and leaves skin smooth and hydrated. The following morning I smoothed the Beauty Cream onto my face after cleansing and applying a serum. As I still have a bit of my summer tan, Cinnamon wasn't too dark for me. The consistency is creamy but on my face it feels light and sheer; I felt like it melted into my skin to provide the coverage I'm looking for giving me a natural glow. Not only did it hide my imperfections, but it also moisturized my skin without feeling greasy. Even with the SPF 20 in there, my face did not have that ashy tinge. As I wanted to see how it would hold up for a day at the office, I didn't use any other make-up besides lip gloss. Throughout the day and until I cleansed my face before bed, my face still looked smooth and radiant and although it felt hydrated, I didn't feel like it was greasy or heavy. At the moment Cinnamon is working for me,  but I believe once my tan fades, I'll probably have to switch to a lighter color. I love that a little goes a long way and I know this will be a staple for me! If you're looking for a product to help simplify your daily beauty routine and one that "protects, perfects and primes skin while helping to prevent skin from showing the signs of premature aging and staying color-true throughout the day", this is it! akio ABC African Beauty Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen comes in five shades and is cruelty free: Macadamia (light) Honey (light-medium) Almond (medium) Cinnamon (medium-deep) Coffee (deep) It sells for $39.00 and will be available this month at HSN, HSN.com and nyakio.com. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: Press Sample

I upgraded my beauty routine with Lancôme Visionnaire Blur as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #PhotoPerfectSkin. All images and opinions are my own.

Large pores, skin imperfections, fine lines, wrinkles - these are just some of the things that come with age (thanks 40.) Throw in that I have combination skin and we're having a party! I'm always on the hunt to look younger (I wouldn't mind being carded, that would be considered success), minimize pores on my nose and chin and mattify the shine in my T-zone. Enter Lancôme Visionnaire Blur, their newest skin perfector. It's 1 minute add-on product to your beauty routine that will keep your face looking flawless for the rest of the day! This 1-minute blur literally blurs skin imperfections in a flash. While the formula provides 24-hour hydration, it is meant to be applied after your moisturizer and not in place of it. Proper hydration of your skin is vital in minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Lancôme Visionnaire Blur is not a primer and doesn't have the consistency of one, although  it preps your skin for smooth makeup application. The texture is creamy, applies weightless and quickly absorbs into your skin. It's not greasy and doesn't leave a slick feeling on your skin. It does have a fragrance though and is scented like perfume (not heavily.) You only need a small amount of 1-minute blur to get instant results. Use it to target your most visible pores and unwanted lines and wrinkles with just a single application. I didn't apply it to my entire face, only to areas that I felt needed some extra help - like the line between my brows, some of my forehead (T-zone), crow's feet, under my eyes, nose and chin. So basically I didn't apply it from my cheekbones to my jawline and to parts of my forehead. What I loved is how quickly it made my skin look visibly smooth; from mattified the shiny areas of my skin to blurred wrinkles to taking the spotlight off my pores. The pores on my nose are larger than on my chin, so I'm very happy when they are not so noticeable. My hands are pretty wrinkled and I felt that closeup this image shows best how it blurs wrinkles. While I didn't need to re-apply it after my initial application in the morning, you can use it for touch-ups throughout the day should you need to. The oil-free formula not only minimizes imperfections instantly and overtime, but leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. The bottom line? I've been using it for 3 weeks now and I love it! And because it works so effeciently, I don't mind adding another step to my beauty routine. Besides, it only take a minute! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Residents of Los Angeles may be familiar with LA Talk Live radio host, Indian Tyler, for her show Beyond the Vanity on Wednesday at 2pm PST. It's always fun and informative with a lot of beauty, wellness and fitness tips. I couldn't be happier to discover that Ms. Tyler recently featured A Girl's Gotta Spa! natural bath and body products on her show. Since LA Talk Live also Ustream's their radio shows, there's video! Some of the glowing remarks: "The body wash has a very light citrusy smell, it's not overpowering, but when you get in the shower it literally will feel like you are in a spa." "When you put the body lotion on, your skin will feel like butter." "This is a luxurious spa experience right in the comfort of your own home." Don't take my word for it! Watch the video and hear what Ms. Tyler thinks about the products: 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. Interested in becoming a retail partner? Please see our Wholesale page.

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

As much as I have enjoyed summer and am sad to see it come to an end, I was not enjoying how dehydrated my skin looked and felt thanks to a lot of time spent outdoors celebrating summer in all of her sunny glory.  I want to welcome fall and all the polished perfection that accompanies her with skin that looks and feels perfectly hydrated, soft, glowing and dewy.  I love wearing darker lip colors during the fall months and I feel like an amazing complexion is the best complement to a dark red or wine colored lip. In an effort to get my skin fall ready, I have been exfoliating regularly and started using Perfective Ceuticals Divine Brightening Mask once a week.  The Divine Brightening Mask is a paper mask that contains skin brightening ingredients, such as Licorice Extract and Mulberry Root Extract, to name a few and Hydrolyzed Collagen.  Based on its ingredients, the mask is meant to even out skin tone and discoloration, hinder the formation of melanin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, provide suppleness to the skin and protect  skin against free radicals. The mask feels like a cooling serum on my skin and after letting it sit and absorb into my skin for the recommended 3o minutes, my skin looks and feels absolutely gorgeous.  It looks supple, hydrated, bright and glowing and feels insanely soft. The paper mask is saturated with product so there is always an abundance of extra product to massage into the back of my hands, my décolleté and even my feet sometimes.  I am now on my third week of using the Divine Brightening Mask and my skin is most certainly looking and feeling fall ready. I would highly recommend giving this mask a try before an important event or if you've put your skin through the ringer this summer and want to get it back on track. Have you tried it? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: Press Sample