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.

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.

Website: www.womenledwednesday.com
Instagram: @womenledwednesday
Twitter: @womenledwed

#WomenLedWednesday #ShopWomenLed

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.

Rose and Shine Refreshing Rose Water Toner Review

Rose and Shine Refreshing Rose Water Toner is made of 2 highly effective and 100% natural ingredients; Purified water and Rosa Damascena flower oil.

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.

The top 3 skin benefits of rosa damascenca essential oil found in the Rose and Shine Toner include:

• 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.

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.

Woodloch Resort is the perfect Pocono Mountains vacation. Perfectly appointed amenities, lots of activities - it's the only way to plan a family vacation in the Poconos!

On September 8th, 2019, the Motion Picture Editors Guild held their second annual brunch honoring 65 female Emmy Award nominees in post production categories from Foley artists to sound designers to picture editors.

Featured in this year's gift bag was Arise Rollerball Perfume from A Girl's Gotta Spa!

In its second year, this event has grown in the most wonderful ways, expanding to honor women across all picture and sound editing categories and showering those in attendance with fabulous gift bags filled with sumptuous Arise perfume from A Girl’s Gotta Spa and other items. For many, this is their first Emmy nomination, yet others have been working in their craft for decades. Hearing these magnificent, talented artists express never having experienced this level of recognition was not only moving but proof of how important and needed an event like those this truly is.”

– Katherine Griffin, Emmy Nominee, Outstanding Picture Editing For A Structured Reality Or Competition Program

I was really so honored to be able to be a part of this momentous event and honor these women. I couldn't think of a more perfect item to celebrate their accomplishments with, than Arise. We rise by lifting others.

Congratulations to the nominees and to the winners!

Purple Aardvark now sells A Girl's Gotta Spa! rollerball perfumes in their cozy boutique in Chatham, New Jersey.

Let’s be honest, haircuts aren’t always pretty. Sometimes the result comes as more of a shock to us than the overpriced bill we get afterwards. So, what do we do after our hairdresser turns us around the swivel chair, asks us “what we think” and we lie to their face saying we love it?

We asked NYC hairstylist, Kali Ferrara of the Roy Teeluck Salon in Midtown East, what the best ways are to get hair to grow quickly after a bad haircut.

Schedule an Adjustment

If your haircut is a complete disaster and you think the stylist may have done something wrong, it's always preferred that you first call and schedule an adjustment.

If it’s just not for you, any stylist would prefer you come back for an adjustment than for you to never come back and hate your hair. Your hair has a better chance of growing out if you leave it to a professional to adjust it rather than taking scissors into your own hands.

Patience

This is the number one thing you need when growing out your hair. The in-between stages (growing hair out past your ears and/or shoulders) are most often the times when people want to give up. They are the hardest and most crucial to bypass.

Hair Growth Vitamins

A hair growth vitamin, like vitafusion’s Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies, can also help aid in hair growth. Deficiency in any vitamins due to a poor diet can hinder hair growth.

Repair Your Hair with a Mask

Hair masks and low heat on your hot tools will also help your ends stay healthy, calling for less trims. The healthier the hair that comes from your scalp (and all the way down to your ends) the better, and more efficiently, your hair will grow.

While there is no quick, miracle cure for growing your hair overnight after a bad hair cut, there are things you can do to expedite the process and ensure that your hair grows back healthy and strong.

Poor nutrition literally impacts people from head to toe because diet can significantly affect your hair and that includes hair loss.

Healthy, attractive hair is often due to a combination of factors, including genetics, physical health, hair care, and eating habits. But if someone is experiencing hair breakage, hair loss, or lost luster, their poor diet may be mostly to blame, says Dr. Chris Varona, a hair restoration specialist and the owner of Varona Hair Restoration in Newport Beach, Calif.

“If you’re not putting the right fuel in, your hair may not be getting the nutrition that it needs to thrive,” says Varona. “But for some, a few simple changes in their diet can have a dramatic effect on their hair’s appearance and health.

“And in many cases, if the diet deficiencies are addressed, hair loss stops or reverses.”

The most important nutrients for healthy hair and the foods that supply them:

Essential fatty acids

These are vital for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Omega-3 fatty acids nourish and protect hair, help in regrowth, and add a silky shine. Fatty fish like salmon has lots of omega-3, and walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and soybeans are also a good source of this healthy hair nutrient.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for hair growth, provide extra support to healthy hair, and help it maintain lustrous integrity. They help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. You can find B6 in bananas and potatoes, B12 in meat and dairy products, and folic acid in citrus fruits and tomatoes.

Protein

Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. If you’re short on protein, your hair won’t thrive. Animal products like meat, fish, and eggs are a good source of protein. You can also get protein from plants, including beans, lentils, nuts, and grains.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D keeps the skin, bones, and hair healthy. Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hair loss. You can find vitamin D in fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, mushrooms, tofu and in fortified foods like milk or soy and almond milk.

Iron

Severe iron deficiency, also called anemia, causes hair loss. It is especially common in women with heavy menstrual periods and is easily mistaken for female pattern baldness. Meats including chicken, fish, and red meats are good sources of easily absorbable iron. Plant sources of iron include beans and lentils, dark leafy greens, and potatoes. Many breads and cereals are also enriched with iron.

Trace minerals

These include iron, chromium, copper, zinc, iodine, manganese and selenium. A daily multivitamin can be helpful to ensure you’re getting those vitamins and minerals that your body, and your hair, need most.

A healthy, well-rounded diet often contains all the foods and nutrients needed for beautiful, healthy hair. A simple blood test can check for nutritional deficiencies, and if they are found, a change in diet or supplementation may improve your hair and stop hair loss.

About Dr. Chris Varona

Dr. Chris Varona is a leading hair restoration specialist and the owner of Varona Hair Restoration in Newport Beach, Calif. One of the few hair surgeons who perform FUE graft extractions manually himself, Varona focuses on follicular unit extraction (FUE surgery) and also performs follicular unit transplantation (FUT). He has performed over 5,000 cases.

Eco Lips' Lip + Cheek Tints are truly a multi-tasking beauty balm that works as blush, lip color, and a contouring and highlighting tool.

They are vegan and cruelty-free and are made for all skin tones to provide a perfect pop of natural, sheer color to complement every beauty look.

Ingredients include organic jojoba, coconut oil, organic and fair-trade cocoa butter, and sunflower seed wax. So they're not just pretty to wear, they are hydrating, as well.

I've been wearing them for a few weeks, as I don't normally wear lipstick daily and typically wear a clear lip balm. I love that these balms make you look put together without any effort. They have a sweet scent/taste, too.

This is one beauty item you'll want in your beauty product arsenal. Here are 5 ways to use them:

Contouring

Glide the nude or pink along cheek bones, jawline and between the inner eye and nose for a contoured look.

Highlighting

Use nude for a subtle highlight on your cheekbones for a natural makeup look or if you just want a glowy complexion.

Lip Color

Looking for just the right pop of lightweight color? Try pink or red on your lips for a smooth, lip-nourishing look.

Cheek Color

Glide some red or pink on the apples of your cheek and rub in with your fingers. It goes on smooth and doesn't cake.

Eye Shadow

Try a bit of pink on your eye lids for subtle color. Nude could also work as a primer.

I've been loving the versatility of these Lip + Cheek Tints and I think you will, too. Find them at www.ecolips.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. Or check out our natural bath and body line!

Our society as a whole is living longer and longer lives. Unfortunately, our skin doesn’t always seem to get the memo. While you may still feel young and vibrant, the mirror may not be as kind. Thankfully, there are a number of wonderful serums on the market that can make you look as young as you feel. Let’s take a closer look at five serums for mature skin.

1. Jan Marini's C-ESTA Face Serum

Lift, tighten, and firm – these aren’t only the results of a good workout, but a great serum. Jan Marini’s C-ESTA Face Serum includes antioxidants that can help combat free radicals that cause the aging of skin. If you’re hoping to give your face the boost is needs, you should definitely have this serum tucked away in your face care products. The best part is that Jan now offers it in a serum, cream and an oil control formulation if you have oily skin.

2. Paula's Choice Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster

What keeps us looking young? It’s the outermost layer of our skin, of course. We want this skin barrier to be hydrated and smooth. Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster not only hydrates the skin, but with continued use it will also strengthen the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

3. The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%

This serum from The Ordinary is a multi-tasking serum intended to target a multitude of skin concerns at once. The added bonus of copper peptides aids at improving skin health, decreasing inflammation and improving collagen production.

4. Marula Night Serum with Hibiscus

This has been the one serum that I have literally told everyone about. The scent is divine, but the deep moisturizing properties of this serum from Travertine Spa is BEYOND. As I've gotten older, my skin becomes drier, easier, it seems and my skin just soaks this marula serum right up. The price is well worth it for incredibly hydrated, silky smooth skin and the bottle lasted a long time.

5. Renée Rouleau Firm + Repair Overnight Serum

Have you noticed your skin starting to sag? I know I am. Skin loses collagen and elastin as we age, which results in the drooping of our skin. That's no bueno for me, and having known Renée personally for 10 years now, I trust her skin expertise (if celebs trust their skin to her, so can you.) This overnight serum gives beauty sleep credibility, as it works to repair and firm while you're deep in dreamland. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of face serums on the market. Choosing the right one for your skin may take a bit of trial and error as everyone has different skin types. However, this list is a great place to start. 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! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

Disclosure: This post is Sponsored by Trophy Skin. Oily skin is my own with a lifetime of experience to provide the advice.

I've had oily skin my whole life. When I was in my teens and 20's I thought the best I could do was to always have blotting papers handy or to keep reapplying mattifying power. Sometimes keeping your skin routine simple is the best way to start improving your skin. Follow these tips, and you're on your way to diminishing the oil, keeping your pores clear and cutting down on the break-outs.

1. Take Your Makeup Off Each Night

This is a no-brainer, but also the lazy girl in me doesn't always abide by this very obvious skin care rule. Sometimes we're out late with friends and just want to crash in bed once home regardless of the full face of makeup and other times the wing on your cat eye is so on point that you want to try to keep it intact for a refresh the next day. (Trust me, I've been there.) Layers of makeup being rubbed into your skin while tossing and turning is just putting yourself in the fast lane to a breakout. Take the time to remove the makeup, it'll pay off.

2. Wash Your Face Daily

Washing your face, even if you weren't wearing makeup, is important for clearing away all of the environmental elements that can wreak havoc on our skin. Use a cell phone? You're rubbing dirt on the side of your face. Touch your face during the day? You're putting bacteria on your skin. Only washed your sheets last week? You're rolling around in dead skin. (Gross.) You get the point. A foaming face wash is best for oily skin as it'll cleanse away the excess sebum without stripping your face of the oils it needs to stay hydrated.

3. Exfoliate Twice Per Week

Oily skin is more than just a greasy face. It means clogged pores, being prone to breakouts and blackheads in what seems like an endless cycle. While cleansing your face is key to preventing breakouts, exfoliation is the best friend you never knew you needed. Unclogging your pores helps prevent larger pores in the future (and no, you cannot turn back time on your pores - once they're large, there is no magic method to shrink them.) If you're looking for a simple but effective way to do this, check out my review of Trophy Skin's LaBelle Ultrasonic Skin Spatula (and the promo code for 15% off.)

4. Wear a Gel-Based Moisturizer

Creams tend to be too heavy for oily skin and gels seem to provide the perfect amount of moisture. I love the light texture of a gel moisturizer and how quickly it absorbs into skin. Gels also give skin a bit of a mattifying effect instead of contributing to that highly coveted oil slick look. (Complete, and utter sarcasm.)

5. Wash Your Pillowcase Twice Per Week

Sure, we all know we should be washing our sheets at least once per week, but that pillowcase becomes a petri dish pretty quickly if not washed more frequently. Oils, not only from your face but your hair, blend in with shedding skin, bacteria and makeup (if you forgo tip #1) to create an environment ripe for pore clogging. While most skin experts say it's best to sleep on your back and avoid your face touching the pillow altogether, let's be real - those of us who sleep on our sides and bellies cannot change our ways (nor do we really want to.) Prevention is key and unfortunately having oily skin means we have to put in a little more effort to keep our skin clear and blemish free - something our future selves will be grateful for. 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.