This is a Sponsored post. Opinions are my own. 

As you get older, your skin care needs change. With so many products vying for our attention, it's easy to get overwhelmed. So how do you narrow it down? I recently was given the opportunity to have a 30 minute skin care consultation with Jan Marini. Jan Marini is a leading educator, innovator, and skincare product researcher. I've never actually prioritized my skin care issues, so having the ability to chat with Jan really helped me to understand how to be selective when choosing the right products for my needs.

Skin Concerns

Mature skin (40+) Sun damage with Melasma-like patches and dark spots Deep and fine wrinkles Some areas of skin redness Sagging skin, especially under the eyes and jowls and neck Large pores on and around my nose Honestly, I could've totally picked apart my skin and gave her even more things I wish would change, but decided to stick to the primary concerns.

Skin Care Product Recommendations

Based on the above, Jan recommended her Skin Care Management System in addition to two extra products. (All pictured above.) These products included: BIOGLYCOLIC® FACE CLEANSER, C-ESTA® SERUM, BIOCLEAR® LOTION, TRANSFORMATION FACE CREAM, ANTIOXIDANT DAILY FACE PROTECTANT SPF 33, Hyla3D, and Marini Luminate® Face Lotion.

In talking with Jan, she's not a fan of manually scrubbing your face to exfoliate, as it creates other issues like inflammation and micro-tears and scarring. Jan recommends resurfacing. Resurfacing goes after superficial imperfections – fine lines, acne, tackles roscea, skin texture issues; it gives that glow to skin.

Resurfacing uses an acid, like glycolic acid (the smallest alpha hydroxy acid), which stimulates collagen. You may know resurfacing by another term, chemical exfoliation. Chemical, what the what? It doesn't mean it's bad. All things are chemical after all, like dihydrogen monoxide... or as us common folks know it - water.

But back to chemical exfoliants. So I've already mentioned glycolic acid, which is my fave because it melts away the build up in your pores, however, Jan Marini's Bioclear Lotion does a hat trick with a combination of glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid. I have combination to oily skin, so this is perfect for my skin type and tackles a multitude of sins (fine lines, wrinkles, redness, acne scarring, large pores and uneven texture.)

Jan told me that it is for this very reason, that her Bioclear Lotion is her hero product. It is can used by many different skin types while covering a large majority of skin concerns. Something to note about the Bioclear Lotion - it's more of a serum consistency than a lotion (see photo above.) You only need 2 drops to cover your face and neck, so a little goes a long way. The Hyla3D and Marini Luminate® Face Lotion are must-haves for aging skin. Pro-active skin care should begin in your early 20's, as that is when you begin to lose hyaluronic acid. So by the time you're in your 40's, you're really feeling and seeing it by way of volume loss and fine lines and wrinkles. 

Hyla3D restores moisture back to the skin and reduces the appearance of those lines. Her Face Lotion contains non-staining tumeric to lighten pigmentation and retinol. Just for the record, at this age there is no reversal of lines and wrinkles. Even Botox is just a temporary fix. So finding the right skin care products that help minimize are important, just as much as avoiding the ones that contribute to exacerbating your skin issues.

Jan Marini Skin Research has been around for 23 years. Constantly researching, developing innovative and transformative products from the beginning – technologies that have medical validations - are how Jan and her team create products that are truly effective.

Jan told me that she reads medical journals because there is a lot that relates to how we age, such as diabetes. She has a dedication to marketplace, education, and wanting to provide technologies that truly address skin care issues, not just cover them up.

We were both on the same page that you should see your skin as an investment and as such, really do the research on the products that would benefit you most. I explained that I would much rather use a $100 product that gets it right the first time than to buy five $20 products that are ineffective, waste my time and end up collecting dust in my cabinet.
I learned quite a bit during this consultation, such as that you need to use a separate sunscreen from your moisturizer and that they should not be in the same product. Sunscreen in moisturizer would have to be the majority of the product, which means you are doing more protecting than moisturizing and as such, you may then think a product doesn't work because it hasn't addressed your skin's lack of moisture and abandon it.

We live in a want it now world and have high standards for our skin care products. Must fade discoloration, clear out blackheads, hydrate where necessary, mattify in the T-zone, reverse wrinkles, prevent sun damage and bake us a cake.

While some of the products Jan Marini has does address a lot of issues, she was very firm that sunscreen has to be worn on its own to help protect the skin from future damage.

Which, by the way, if you have a lot of hyperpigmentation and dark spots like I do, you will want to try her C-ESTA Face Serum. It has Vitamin C and DMAE. It's very liquidy in texture (so not really what you are used to for serum), but its thin consistency makes it great to be able to use a little and spread out across your face/neck.

So far I really like her products. I've only been using them twice per day for a month now. Having been around the block and knowing that addressing skin care issues, especially hyperpigmentation, takes a good 10-12 weeks. Give it a try for yourself.

In search of some healthy smoothie recipes? We've rounded up 25 smoothie recipes that will tempt your tastebuds. From fruit to veggies to indulgent chocolate smoothies, we're sure you'll find something you'll want to try out today. We broke them down into categories to make it easier for you to find one you'll like.  

Blueberry Smoothie Recipes

Blueberries are chock full of antioxidants and lots of vitamin C. Below are smoothie recipes that contain blueberries.

Blueberry Kale Smoothie Recipe via Hot Pan Kitchen

Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe via Stylish Cravings

Vegan Blueberry Cookie Smoothie Recipe via Food Meanderings

Dairy-Free Blueberry Smoothie Recipe via Arts & Crackers

Blueberry Spinach and Chia Smoothie Recipe via Powered by Mom

Mango Smoothie Recipes

Mangoes have fiber, vitamins A, B-6, K, C, potassium and folate. Any smoothie with mango in it is sure to be good for you.

Turmeric Mango Smoothie Recipe via Sidewalk Shoes

Orange Mango Green Smoothie Recipe via The Holy Mess

Banana Mango Smoothie Recipe via Love Bakes Good Cakes

Mango Chia Smoothie Recipe via Powered by Mom

Chocolate Smoothie Recipes

Are you addicted to chocolate? Here are a few chocolate smoothies that are truly healthy so you don't have to feel guilty.

Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Recipe via Sizzling Eats

Low Sugar Chocolate Mocha Smoothie Recipe via All Nutribullet Recipes

Heart-Healthy Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe via All Nutribullet Recipes

Avocado Smoothie Recipes

If you're doing keto or are just a green smoothie fanatic, below are some delicious recipes that'll help you get your greens.

Green Keto Smoothie with Avocado and Mint Recipe via Low Carb Yum

Avocado Spinach Smoothie Recipe via From This Kitchen Table

Strawberry Smoothie Recipes

Strawberries are a fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food. They're also a fantastic way to support heart health.

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie Recipe via Little Sunny Kitchen

Green Tea Almond Stawberry Smoothie Recipe via The Flavor Bender

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe via Love Bakes Good Cakes

Coconut Milk Strawberry Smoothie Recipe via Low Carb Yum

Raspberry Smoothie Recipes

This is the fruit that is best known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.

Raspberry Gingerbread Smoothie Recipe via Food Meanderings

Dairy-Free Raspberry Cheesecake Smoothie Recipe via Powered by Mom

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

If you aren't seeking any particular fruit or green to make up your smoothie recipe, below are a few overall healthy recipes.

Pomegranate Smoothie Recipevia Sidewalk Shoes

Healthy Green Fruit Smoothie Recipe via Savvy Saving Couple

Healthy Berry Breakfast Smoothie Recipe via Little Sunny Kitchen

Breezy Blossom Smoothie Recipe via Arts & Crackers

Detox Smoothie via Mirbeau Inn & Spa

Have you tried any of these recipes yourself? All images used with permission.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: DETOX SMOOTHIE RECIPES

Beauty box subscriptions create for an easy way to discover new beauty products. Finding one that contains products that are are natural, cruelty free and don't contain the bad stuff, is a bonus! Having been a beauty blogger since 2005, sometimes I feel like I've tried everything out there, so I was thrilled to receive Nourish Beauty Box's November box with new-to-me brands in it.

How it Works

I like Nourish Beauty Box's flexibility. You can either purchase a box several ways:

1. Without subscribing for $45
2. Subscribe to receive boxes monthly for $29.99
3. Build your own box (price depends on the items you include.)
4. You can purchase previous boxes that they've offered in the past as well.

Nourish Beauty Box November 2018 Box

November's box is worth $95: Seraphine Botanicals - Contour Brush (full size, $22.00) Seraphine Botanicals - Spinach Lash (full size, $24.00) Peony Cosmetics - Magnesium Oil (full size, $14.00) Rupini Beauty Incarnate Face Moisturizer (this sold out and was substituted with Alma Botanicals - Pure Plant Extracts Hydrating Oil - full size, $35)

Thoughts on this Box

I love that the products are all full size, natural and cruelty free. The Spinach Lash Mascara is really good! It doesn't flake or smudge and there's no scent to it. (Psychologically speaking, when you say spinach, I automatically thought there would be a smell.) The Contour Brush is 100% vegan and the brush is well-made. I've honestly never tried magnesium oil before for my aches and pains, but gave it a shot before bed each night on my neck for the tightness in my muscles, and the sides of my legs where I have bursitis. These are the pains that wake me up all night. The nights that I sprayed on the oil, the pain was much less. I was definitely pleasantly surprised. My favorite of the box was the Rupini Beauty Incarnate Face Moisturizer. This is a blend of almond and virgin coconut oils with sage and geranium essential oils and it is amazing. It's lightly scented and eventually dissapates, but I loved it enough to use it as a hand cream, as well. This moisturizer is good for all skin types. The Nourish Beauty Box is well worth the price, and subscribing makes it an even better deal. 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!

Scent has the ability to transport us back in time, wafting between memories, good or bad, standing still in the continum of time, feeling like the moment was within reach. And as fast as we are transported there, we come quickly bounding back to the present once the fragrance has fully danced its way through our senses.

Laubahn Perfumes Collection Box Review

Laubahn Perfumes are the brainchild of Stacey Bresnahan (aka Sassy AyR), with Master perfumer, Ralph Schwieger lending his creative talents to two of Laubahn Perfumes fragrances, Naughty Garden (not in the Collection Box) and Hinterland. The perfumes are based on an otherworldly nature where hybrid plants and flowers abound. Laubahn Perfumes Collection Box contains four, 7.5ml portable perfumes. In the future, Laubahn Perfumes will sell each of these fragrances individually in 50ml size. The four fragrances are Lost in the Moment, Ridge, Cognac and Hinterland. With every purchase of this collection box, Laubahn Perfumes will make a donation to The Lower East Side Girls Club, Step Up and Girls for a Change. The aroma coming from this box, as all of the notes are intertwined, is AMAZING.

Lost in the Moment Perfume Review

In Sassy AyR's book, Life on a Star (the book all of the perfumes are based on), Lost in the Moment is the name of the beach that is often the gathering place of the characters in the book. But it's not just any beach, it's very sci-fi with turquoise waters, snow-white sea lilies floating on the surface, where the white sand feels like cashmere on your feet as you walk its shoreline smelling the mix of salty air, fruit trees and wildflowers. Top notes: Apricot, lime, orange and peach Middle notes: Basil, geranium, jasmine, rose, violet leaf Base notes: Sandalwood and vanilla I love the femininity of this perfume. It's airy and has a sweetness to its floral fragrance. It's an every-ocassion type of scent. While all of the perfumes are unisex, to me this appeals most to women.

Ridge Perfume Review

The name Ridge comes from a mysterious character in the book, and one that many of the women gravitate towards. Top notes: Lime Middle notes: Basil, neroli Base notes: Cedarwood and sandalwood Years ago I fell in love with a scrub that had neroli in it and this fragrance brings me back to the day I first used that scrub. It was in the very beginning of my blogging, so we are going back more than a decade. I love that this perfume has a clean yet smokey scent. This one is definitely wearable as a unisex fragrance.

Cognac Perfume Review

Cognac is the perfect mix of flowers, fruit and spice. It's warm and inviting, and irrefutably sexy. It has a crisp, ripe freshness to it at first spritz, then ginger wraps itself around magnolia, then rose and dives deep into the sandalwood. This is another one that has unisex appeal. Top notes: Apple, blackberry Middle notes: Ginger, magnolia, plum and rose Base notes: Indian sandalwood, musk

Hinterland Perfume Review

Hinterland is the one that surprised me most. I am not a fan of incense, the top note in this perfume, but somehow Ralph Schwieger was able to give it an interesting twist of bell pepper. I've honestly never worn bell pepper nor have I ever longed for it in a fragance, yet here we are and I am loving it. This fragrance is rich and takes you on so many twists and turns. Jasmine and Lily of the Valley peek through, but not making this an overly female-centric scent. At the base is patchouli, another note I have never liked, yet my younger sister would wear it frequently as a teenager. It brought a smile to my face knowing she would love this fragrance. Top notes: Bell pepper, incense Middle notes: Neroli, jasmine, Lily of the Valley Base notes: Truffle, boxwood, patchouli, musk Interesting enough, I love each of these perfumes equally and I don't really have a favorite. They are all just that good. I can envision myself wearing them for all different occasions and they'd match the mood/event perfectly. Whether giving this box as a gift or keeping it for yourself, it won't disappoint. Laubahn Perfumes Collection Box is available for $95 at www.LaubahnPerfumes.com. Find them on social via Instagram @LaubahnPerfumes and Facebook @LaubahnPerfumes. 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!

This picture isn't really very pretty - but it is real - I took it one afternoon on my way back from shipping some orders for A Girl's Gotta Spa! What do you see when you look at it? I mean really look at it. Aside from it not being not very Pinteresty or Instagram-worthy, of course.

How many times have you been combing your hair, only to pull out more than a "few" strands of hair? It's common to start noticing hair loss a bit more as you begin to age, and it can be from a variety of reasons. Sometimes losing hair can cause for concern, like signs of Alopecia or health related issues, but typically there are explainable reasons to why your hair is falling out. If you've been searching for a few possible reasons why you have hair fallout, here are some possibilities:

Potential Reasons Why You Are Experiencing Hair Loss

Human hair goes through a normal shedding process.

Animals aren't the only ones that shed and lose their hair. Humans go through a shedding process as well. There are three main stages of hair growth that every hair follicle on your head goes through. They are the anagen, catagen and telogen phases. Once your hair starts the telogen phase, your hair is released from your head and falls off. Then, the hair growth area remains bare for three months, until the hair growth cycle starts all over again. Hard to believe that process happens for each and every hair on your head! No wonder it seems like you are losing hair every day...you are!

Vitamin deficiency can lead to hair loss.

If you are lacking the proper amount of Vitamin B or D, it can result in hair loss. The good news is that there are certain foods that you can eat that can actually help to reverse your vitamin deficiency. Orange juice, egg yolks, mushrooms, and salmon are all excellent sources of Vitamin D. For Vitamin B, consider eating red meats and plenty of broccoli and spinach. It's possible to help slow or reverse your hair loss if you start eating healthier.

Stress levels contribute hair loss.

Hard to believe that your own stress level could be causing your hair to slowly shed, as well. If you've been feeling overly stressed lately, it may be time to take a step back and give yourself a bit of a rest. When your hair starts to fall out because of stress, that means that your body is trying to tell you that it needs you to take a break!

Dry hair leads to increased breakage

This can happen more in the winter than other seasons due to the lack of moisture in the air. Make sure you are using a protein-rich shampoo and conditioner to strengthen your hair. Cut back on the hot tools (or at least use a thermal protecting hair product) and use a wide tooth comb or finger raking versus brushing.

Hormones Can Contribute to Hair Loss

If you've just had a baby and you're noticing what seems to be an abnormal amount of hair loss, this is completely normal. When you are pregnant, your hair cycle remains in the catagen (resting) phase due to increased levels of estrogen. You won't lose hair and therefore your hair appears to be much longer throughout the nine and a half months.

About 3 months postpartum, you'll begin to notice your hair begin to shed with it really picking up by the 6th month postpartum when your hair has resumed its natural hair cycle.

It's important to remember that the human body is quite amazing. When you start to notice something like your hair falling out, more times than not there is an explanation that can be fixed with just a little bit of processing and digging around. Of course, if your hair fall out seems excessive, consider talking to your doctor. 

If you love a good clay mask and tend to have large pores, you'll want to read this review of Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask. My large pores tend to be concentrated on my nose from years and years of oily skin that led to blackheads. Although I'm older and wiser as to how to care for my skin and to keep those pores cleaned out, years of my pores being stretched by the hardened oil and losing the elasticity in my skin due to age, really have taken a toll on their appearance. I learned a long time ago that cold water (and cold anything in general) will temporarily tighten skin giving the appearance that your pores have shrunk because, unfortunately, there is no way to permanently shrink them. *sad trombone.* When I got my hands on Ole Henriksen's Cold Plunge Pore Mask, I was stoked. First, I love clay masks because they are sooooo good at absorbing oil and two, this mask is turquoise and my 3 year old is amused when I am using it because I look like a smurf. The first thing you notice, aside from the brilliant color, is the smell of eucalyptus, which creates the cooling effect to this detoxifying mask to minimize the appearance of your pores. There's green tea (which is in our salt scrub) and kelp (also in our body wash), which have natural antiseptic properties and will clear away oil (the kaolin and bentonite clay also come into play to help absorb it.)  AHA and BHA are also present to dissolve impurities and dead skin, so that it's no longer clogging your pores. The two ingredients that are touted in this mask are snow lotus and Alpine willow herb extracts, both antioxidants, are not ones I am familiar with. However, all of the ones mentioned above, I do know and love and can feel very much working in this mask. It has become my favorite mask and I use it once per week. My skin is clearer and feels lovely, not to mention it just feels fun to use due to the color and invigorating due to the scent. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it! 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!

Positive Thinking is a weekly series of inspirational articles to empower and encourage you.

Too tall, too short, too skinny, too heavy, too smart, not smart enough... quiet the conversations that do battle in your head. When can we look at and within ourselves and be satisfied? Now, don't get me wrong, I am all on board for growth, that's always a positive, but we don't need to beat ourselves up verbally to grow. Do we? How many times have you had someone retake pictures of you because you weren't happy with how you looked? How many times have you stopped yourself from applying for that job you're a perfect fit for, out of fear that the interviewer won't think you're so perfect after all? How often have you told yourself that you're just not loveable? I have. I've done all of those things. But if it were a good friend talking negatively about themselves? We'd interject and lift them up and encourage them. We'd tell them all of the reasons they are wrong to think that way. So why don't we befriend ourselves? Starting today I want to to find something about yourself that you are proud of and flaunt it because you're perfect just the way you are.  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 have all experienced the infamous afternoon slump. Your eyelids are barely able to stay open, and you have been eyeing that next cup of coffee for easily an hour. At this point, you would even consider one of those energy drinks to give you a little pick-me-up to get you through the day. While I am all for a delicious cup of coffee, sugar or caffeine will not help you get your energy back to make it through the rest of the day. Whether you have been in a slump for days, weeks, or just during the afternoon, here are some simple tips to help you get your energy back:

Healthy Snacks = Energy

If you work in an office, avoid the vending machine at all costs. That chocolate bar may be calling your name, but it's pure trickery I tell you. Refined or high fructose sugar-laden snacks may give you an initial boost, but that energy runs out faster, making that energy dive feel even worse. Fruit's mixture of natural sugars work at an even keel helping you to avoid the ups and downs energy. Eating a protein-packed lunch will also help you to avoid that afternoon crash as protein takes longer to break down in the body.  Check out post regarding lowering your A1c, which is chock full of info on the right way to eat.

Beauty Sleep is Essential

OK, this is a no-brainer. If you don't get enough sleep, you will just be plain tired. Maybe you are a creative like I am, and your brain is running full speed late into the night preventing you from slumber. I've had to learn that less sleep will mean my creative brain will work sluggishly the next day and less than 7 hours of rest also packs on the pounds. It's just not worth that extra hour or two of staying awake. Put down the phone, stay away from your computer, turn down the lights in your living room and get cozy on the couch. I guarantee you'll relax a lot faster and thank yourself in the morning. (Follow these sleep tips, too.)

Get a Move On

If you work at a sedentary job, make sure you are getting up and moving around regularly throughout the day. Park further away in the lot to add more steps to your walk. Walk the parking lot at lunch. Use a standing desk (they make kits that fit right on your regular desk without any installation needed.) You don’t have to do a full-blown Jillian Michaels Style workout each day, but you need to get up and get your circulation going.

Light It Up

Ditch the blinds in your home and opt for black out curtains that you can slide open each morning, allowing for more natural light to come through. Sunlight naturally energizes you. If you work in an office, try to take breaks and lunch outdoors or in an area of the building with more windows. This is even more important during the Fall and Winter when Season Affective Disorder occurs due to the reduced amount of daylight.

Elevate with Music

Pop in your earbuds or, if you work from your home office, put Alexa on full blast. Create a playlist full of heart pumping songs that is sure to get you tapping your feet and lights that fire back up in your mind. So you don't need energy drinks or candy to give yourself an afternoon boost, instead try to make some adjustments with a little planning and healthy eating and you'll feel immediate results. 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!

Positive Thinking is a weekly series of inspirational articles to empower and encourage you.

In the summer of 2018 I turned 44. I always hear people complain about getting older, but I like to look at how far I've come. OK, OK, I may sometimes throw out a comment here or there about feeling old and falling apart, but for the most part, my birthday is my "new year" and when I reflect on the past, present and future. In this photo, I am almost 4 years old. It was my very first recital and I would be going out on stage dancing to "Me and my Teddy Bear." As much as any Leo loves the spotlight, I was scared. What if I forget the steps? What if I mess up the tempo? What if everyone laughs at me? Much like when I first stepped out on stage that day, deciding to expand my beauty blog into a bath and body line several years ago, was scary. What if no one buys my products? What if I make our family go broke? What if I am a complete and total failure? But I faced my fears. I pushed through. Deciding to take a leap and step out in faith is hard. Like, really, really hard. Your mind will play tricks on you and fill you with fear. It'll create every what-if scenario. It'll even take something positive and try to find the negative. You'll also encounter people who seem to only reconfirm those thoughts and scare you more. This happened to me when "friends" would privately message me to say, "So many beauty brands fail in the first few years," and "I hate to say this, but you really aren't going to make it," and "I don't like how you chose to start your company and I will never support you or buy from you." All of the above were real things said to me. I would sit here and silently cry at my desk...and sometimes sob to my husband. Maybe I'm not smart enough? I mean, I've never done something like this before. Maybe I'm naive in thinking I can be successful. Every fearful thought multiplied in my head as more people offered their opinions. And we all know the saying about opinions. ;) Eventually I looked in the mirror and realized that I was allowing fear to hold me back. That's when I decided I would push forward and give it my best shot and here I am, still going strong. I'm telling you all of this because each day is an opportunity to face something you are afraid of and grow from it. Is today the day you need to look in the mirror and tell fear you won't be held back any longer? Is today the day you will step out in faith and believe in yourself? One day you'll look back and be thankful you did. 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!