If your skin has been looking lackluster lately, it may be time to exfoliate. Exfoliation will help to slough away dull looking skin and help it to reveal a healthy glow. A good body scrub can do the trick and we rounded up 5 cruelty free body scrubs that you can find on Amazon. 

BROOKLYN BOTANY MATCHA GREEN TEA SCRUB

Matcha is not only great for your health, but it's also great for the skin. Matcha is very popular for treating inflammation and diminishing the sign of aging. Matcha is good for all skin types, so everyone can use this body scrub. This body scrub will help to exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells, then rejuvenate the underlying skin to improve your skin tone. Peppermint oil adds to the refreshing quality this scrub has. It is 100% natural and it is cruelty-free.

LALICIOUS SUGAR TIARE FLOWER EXTRAORDINARY WHIPPED SUGAR SCRUB

This body scrub comes in travel size or is perfect as a way to test out if it's for you. This sugar scrub is coconut oil based, giving skin a gentle exfoliation with maximum hydration. The scent is a heady blend of exotic flowers making you feel like your shower is an island getaway. Bonus is it's natural, with fair trade ingredients and cruelty free.

BAEBODY BEAUTY COCONUT MILK BODY SCRUB

This delicious smelling blend of Dead Sea Salt and coconut milk will whip your skin into shape. This scrub has a plethora of hydrating oils from avocado oil to grapeseed oil. Your skin is sure to be left supple after using it. It's also natural and cruelty free.

COPPER+CRANE JOJOBA BODY BUFF

You will definitely fall in love with this luxury body scrub. It will help to renew your skin, leaving it fresh and smooth from first use. The scrub contains jojoba beads and fruit acids to exfoliate and hydrate skin, and aloe vera to soothe it. This scrub is cruelty free and hypoallergenic.

SYNERGY HIMALAYAN SALT SCRUB

Forgive us for being biased, but the latest scrub from A Girl's Gotta Spa! is a dreamy mix of Pink Himalayan Salt and a botanical blend of soothing flowers and essential oils. The fine grit of the salt buffs skin , while lavender essential oil relaxes the mind, and organic Sunflower and Safflower Seed Oil moisturizes skin. This body scrub will give you a unique experience! It's also 100% natural and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free.

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!

People love the polish of flat ironing, but sometimes it can create hair that doesn’t want to move, hence the term “broomstick ends.” Andrew Carruthers, Education Director for Sam Villa, suggests using diagonal sections, a low and slow pass and a slight bevel for polished hair that is shiny and bouncy.

Diagonal Sections

Using diagonal sections helps to create a very polished finish while maintaining movement in the hair. Horizontal sections create flat sheets that lay over each other, where as diagonal sections (especially with a bevel) create sheets that fall on a diagonal so they move much better.

Low and Slow Pass

Low temperature with a slow pass or high temperature with a fast pass? Low and slow will produce more even results because it allows the heat to distribute more thoroughly throughout the section.

Beveling

To avoid broomstick ends or a deflated look, create a slight bevel through the hair with the Sam Villa Signature Series Sleekr Professional Straightening Iron. Comb through hair and insert comb at the top of the section and trail it with the iron closed while creating a “C” shape through the midstrand straight through the ends. This slightly bevels the hair and closes the cuticle creating nice movement with polished ends. Make sure to check out the other posts on our blog with hairstyle tips from Sam Villa hairstylists! 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!

Natural ingredient exfoliators for the skin can be mixed together to create a simple treatment that will address dryness, redness, dullness and oiliness. Here’s a recipe for a great combination of natural ingredients you might find in your own pantry:

Have you ever visited a lavender farm during the blooming season? It's a memorable experience you won't soon forget. The calming fragrance will waft through the air leaving you feeling very mellow and in a complete state of relaxation. Lavender has always been synonymous with relaxation and stress relief, but it also represents refinement, grace and elegance. The violet color from lavender is considered delicate and precious. Lavender's medicinal benefits and pleasant aroma make it one of the most used essential oils in the world. Because of this, we've rounded up some benefits of lavender for relaxation.

BENEFITS OF LAVENDER FOR RELAXATION

A Remedy for Anxiety Relief

Studies show that breathing in the scent of lavender or applying lavender oil can decrease anxiety and improve your mood by inducing a calming effect on the central nervous system. If you are struggling with anxiety or bouts of sadness (the non-clinical kind), mix lavender oil with a carrier oil (such as sunflower seed oil) and apply it to your skin or add it to your bath. It can help you to feel calm and improve your mood.

Lavender Improves Sleep Quality

Lavender is also a natural remedy for sleeplessness. Studies have shown that the scent of lavender can increase your sleep quality by 20%. Lavender may help quiet the brain and nervous system activity, which makes you feel relaxed and decreases the feeling of stress. By doing so, lavender can increase the time you spend in deep sleep. However, lavender cannot make you fall asleep, it is only an aid to induce relaxation. Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your pillow and linens before bed to see how it helps to improve your sleep quality.

Lavender Helps Relieve Pain

Lavender oil can also help you reduce pain. If you are struggling with headaches, try to put lavender essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser or apply it to aromatherapy jewelry. You also can massage lavender essential oil (with a carrier oil) into the skin to relieve menstrual pain and cramps in the lower abdomen. A Girl's Gotta Spa! Synergy Himalayan Salt Scrub contains lavender essential oil and is a great way to take advantage of the aromatherapy and skin care benefits. If you have tried lavender essential oil before, please share your experience below. 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!

We all know that a steam room can be relaxing, but did you know that there are many health benefits to using one? It's true. There are many reasons why you should definitely spend time in the steam room during your next spa visit.

Improved Circulation and Lower Blood Pressure

If you have a problem with circulation, especially in your arms and legs, a steam room can help. Not only will the heat improve circulation, but it can also lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is also lowered when the hormone aldosterone is released. The time in the steam room releases the hormone in some people and help them relax.

Reduced Stress

Many of us are walking around with at least some level of stress. Spending time in a stream room can slow the production of cortisol. When this happens, you feel relaxed and more in control. Increased cortisol is also factor in weight gain, so think of the steam room as a tool in your weight loss arsenal.

Congestion Relief

The same way drinking a hot beverage helps clear congestion so does sitting in a steam room. If you’re fighting allergies, time in the steam room can be wonderful. The wet heat will help break up the congestion allowing you to breathe more easily. Oftentimes spas use eucalyptus essential oils in the steam room, which also help to open nasal passages.

Clearer Skin

The wet heat helps to expand skin around your pores and allow built up dirt and debris (like dead skin) to be released. This will greatly improve the look of your skin. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your session and use a good cleanser post-steam room session.

Treats Sore Muscles and Stiff Joints

Heat is a wonderful tool for naturally helping sore muscles and stiff joints. A steam room session after a workout is great for workout recovery. The heat gets deep into the muscles and encourages the muscles to loosen. The same goes for stiff joints. Applying heat to stiff joints helps the joints become more relaxed and flexible.

Weight Loss

Before you get excited, it’s important to note that the weight loss from a steam room is water weight and will be replaced as soon as you drink water to rehydrate. However, spending time in the steam room on a regular basis can help with your diet and fitness routine. If you bypass the steam room at the spa or gym, it’s time to rethink it. There are so many great health benefits to using it and it's often included in the price of your 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. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

Tucked away in the Northeast corner of Pennsylvania is a resort that is almost like its own city. Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Pocono Mountains has something for everyone and in every season. While the spa is always a must, time spent together with family creating memories through experiences is something I am trying to do more of as family health and well-being is just as important as our individual well-being.

Let’s face it. There is something incredibly exciting and fun about subscription boxes. Ipsy and the Target Beauty Box are extremely popular options, but what if you're more concerned about haircare? There are, believe it or not, some amazing hair subscription boxes out there.

Let’s take a closer look.

1. eSalon Custom Hair Color Subscription Box While this box isn’t full of surprises, it is filled with hair color that is customized just for you. Hair color experts will create colors just for your hair type. Best of all, it’s only $25 for a single order, or $10 for your first order on the Color Plan.

The color is made using high-quality ingredients. If you want to color your hair, why not do it with color that is blended by true professionals personalized just for you? Check out our review of eSalon if you're on the fence.

2. Hairbox Hairbox is great if you love surprises. You start by choosing how often you want to receive your box, which can be monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly. You then fill out your hair profile and sit back and wait for your package to arrive. Products will be picked based on your hair type. The best part is that you get full-sized professional salon products! The price is only $39.99 per box and shipping is free.

3. CurlKit If you have natural hair, CurlKit is a must. You receive 6-9 samples per month that are made specifically for natural hair. The products may be from well-known companies or emerging brands. Each month, for only $25 and free shipping, you’ll receive a variety of products ranging from conditioners to tools to help you embrace your curls.

4. How to Be a Redhead (H2BAR Box) Were you blessed with fiery red locks? Embrace the beauty of being a redhead with products made just for you. We love this box because it was launched by fellow beauty bloggers, Adrienne and Stephanie. Each month, for only $20.48, you’ll receive samples and full-sized products that are tested and approved to be redhead-friendly.

5. Shtrands This hair subscription box was created by cosmetic chemists and includes 4 full size professional hair care products. The team can curate a box for all types of hair and textures. It's $59 per month, but if you sign up for their mailing list, you'll get a discount.

If you love trying new hair care products, try one of these hair subscription boxes. There are so many to choose from. Whether you want a specialized product or want to be surprised, you can find a hair subscription box that works for you.

What do you normally do after working out? Do you take a shower and crash? Or do you keep making that workout work for you long after you've built up a sweat? What your post-workout recovery looks like makes a big difference in the results you'll see overall.

What Is Post-Workout Recovery?

Post workout recovery is about giving your body the tools it needs to recover from your workout. This includes proper nutrition, plenty of rest, drinking enough water, getting enough vitamin D, and a good night's sleep. If you're weight training, you also need to remember that the process tears the muscle tissue so that it can grow larger and stronger. You need rest to allow these tears to repair themselves.

Why Is Recovery After Working Out Important?

Not taking the time to recover can actually do your body more harm than good. People who feel the need to workout each and every day can end up causing stress fractures, muscle strains, joint pain, and overuse injuries. Workout recovery allows your body to rest. Your body needs rest to recover.

What Are the Ways to Recover After Working Out?

There are a number of things you need to do to help your body recover after workouts. One of the most important things you can do is to schedule your workouts so that you have rest days. You also want to eat high-protein foods throughout your day, not just after a workout. Protein helps muscles restore and regain strength. Some workout professionals suggest drinking chocolate milk after a workout because of the protein, vitamin D, and glycogen – all of which are needed for muscle recovery. You could always try YourSuper's Chocolate Lover powder and mix it with unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk. But their recipe for a Chocolate Banana Milkshake is also delish. Filling your diet with fruits and vegetables will also help with oxidative stress due to the high level of antioxidants (Daily Harvest is amaze for this!) Include as many superfoods in your diet as you can. (Again, I personally love YourSuper.) Of course, you can’t forget water. You must drink enough water, or you risk becoming dehydrated. When working out, opt for a water that contains electrolytes. The most important thing is that you're getting plenty of rest. This includes making sure you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. You've made the commitment to a healthier lifestyle, now take it one step further and do what's best for your body, improve your nutrition and schedule days of rest. Your body not only needs attention immediately after a workout, but the day after as well. Give your body the chance to recover so that you can continue to work towards your goals, rather than injuring yourself. Want to add anything? Leave a comment! 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!

Inspired by the flavors of foods and flowers, ELLOVI has a line of vegan and cruelty free skin care you are sure to fall in love with. Which, it's no coincidence that the pronounciation of the brand literally spells out LOVE. I had the opportunity to try out their Lip Butter and their multi-tasking Butter for review.

ELLOVI Lip Butter

Lip balm has gotten an upgrade with ELLOVI. I absolutely adore the chic tin the Lip Butter Collection comes in and I love the sleek black packaging with a pop of color. If you happen to be applying these lip butters in a public place, you're sure to get noticed. They're anything but ordinary. The Lip Butter is formulated with only 6 ingredients, but there are 4 that are a constant in each flavor: Macadamia butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and sunflower seed wax. All provide hydration and don't feel sticky or cakey on your lips. Each Lip Butter has a hint of flavor and fragrance, which are naturally created. Original has marula and ylang ylang oil; Tinted Rose has Rose Absolute Oil and Akanet Root; Vanilla has vanilla and marula oil; and Tangerine has tangerine and ylang ylang oil. Lip Butter has good slip and makes your lips feel nourished. You don't need to purchase all of the Lip Butters in a tin, as they are also sold separately.

ELLOVI Butter

ELLOVI's Butter is an amazing little multi-tasker meant for hands, feet, face, and hair. And it's actually not that little. It's 3.4 ounces in a substantial glass jar. This is my first time using a hemp-based beauty product (I know. I am so behind.) Like the Lip Butters, Butter is comprised of only a handful of ingredients: Hemp seed butter, arrowroot powder, marula oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and peppermint oil. I received their Butter in Mint, and OMG, this Butter is minty and creamy like Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Like I literally wanted to scoop it out of the jar and eat it. But, since it's better suited for my skin, I passed. Butter is very much a balm in terms of texture, but melts on your skin on contact. It is greasy when first applied, but is quickly absorbed into the skin. Since it is a balm, you don't need to apply as much as a lotion. A little scoop will thin out with your body heat and apply to a much wider area, so be conservative in how much you apply to your skin. Did I mention how good it smells??? I've been using it on my hands and they are so super soft. Elbows and knees are also in on this moisture party. I applied a very small amount through my hair once dry and it was a great de-frizzer without weighing my hair down. These are great products; definitely worth checking out! www.ellovi.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! Or check out our natural bath and body line!

Who wouldn’t want to be happier? Between social media, the internet and television, we’re constantly bombarded with negativity that makes it hard to stay joyful. We also push ourselves so hard that there never seems to be any time to take a break. Whatever the reason, many people wish they were happier. While there are many lifestyle changes you can make, there are also essential oils that can be very beneficial. Let’s take a closer look at essential oil blends for happiness.

Improve your mood. Create your own blend from these oils:

Orange

It is almost impossible to not smile when you smell orange oil. It’s an invigorating scent that lifts the spirits and energy levels. You can also use grapefruit and lime oils – citrus oils are a mood booster.

Caraway

With a spicy slightly sweet scent, caraway promotes happiness by soothing the nerves and encouraging positive thoughts. The scent also gives you a boost of energy.

Lavender

Those dealing with depression can greatly benefit from the calming effects of lavender oil. Lavender calms while also lifting the spirits.

Lemon

Is another great oil that energizes the mind and promotes positivity. (You can find it in our body wash.)

Bergamot

There are times when anger, resentment, and other ill feelings can prevent us from being happy. Bergamot oil allows us to let go of those negative feelings.

Rosemary

Not only is the scent of rosemary essential oil absolutely amazing but it has anti-depressant properties. Combining rosemary with lemon oil would be a wonderful blend.

Geranium

With a fragrance similar to rose, geranium oil provides a host of benefits. Not only does it calm, but it also uplifts and strengthens. If you happen to be suffering from mood swings due to menopause, geranium oil is very beneficial. (You can find it in our rollerball perfume, Soar.) You can create your own blend of oils. The important thing is to find a scent you enjoy. Blend the oils so that you can create a blend with beneficial properties. Essential oil blends can be used with a diffuser, in beauty products, or simply with a carrier oil. If you’re using essential oils with a carrier oil on the skin, remember to always do a spot check. You want to make sure you don’t have a reaction to any of the oils before using on a regular basis. We all go through moments of unhappiness. However, if you are dealing with depression on a regular basis, you should consult a professional who can help. 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!