Being able to transform my shower into a spa-like experience is my idea of absolute bliss, so one can only imagine my elation upon hearing the words "aromatherapy shower kit." Immediately upon hearing those few words, pictures of a completely relaxed, zen-like me began dancing in my head. Needless to say, I could hardly wait to get my hands on this magical product that would allow me to turn my boring old shower time into an invigorating spa time. This magical product that I speak of is the Essio Aromatherapy Shower Kit.  The kit includes a shower arm and essential oil pods and is exceptionally easy to use...honesty it took me less an a minute to attach the arm to my shower and insert the essential oil pod. Best of all? Set up required zero tools.  After setting up was compete, all I had to do was turn on my shower water and tilt the pod into the stream of water and the essential oils began to diffuse into my shower. The first Essential Oil Pod that I tried was the Breathe blend, it was minty, refreshing and soothing and contains a blend of Cedarwood Atlas, Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus.  I am currently using the Unwind Essential Oil Pod, which is more of a citrusy floral scent containing a blend of Orange Sweet, Bergamot, Petitgrain, Lavender, Patchouli, Vetiver and is utterly relaxing.  Even after I get out of the shower my entire bathroom still manages to smell positively delightful. The Essential Oil Pods last for about 3-5 showers each and when you're out, refills can be ordered at Essio Online.  The Essential Oil Pods are 100% organic, pure and sourced from the finest oils in the world.  They do not contain any harsh chemicals, synthetics or additives and both the Essio arm and essential pods are also 100% recyclable and disposable. I am not quite sure how Essio managed to create Essential Oil Pods that do not leave my skin or hair with an oily residue after I get out of the shower.  This is one of the most genius products that I have tried in a very long time.  And now that I have given Essio a try, I honestly do not think I can go back to taking showers without my daily dose of Essio Aromatherapy!

.@essioshower Aromatherapy Shower Kit #review: http://t.co/CN0C5hPPkY #beauty

— A Girl's Gotta Spa! (@agirlsgottaspa) January 15, 2015

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Carolyn Doe, spa director at The Umstead Hotel and Spa (Cary, N.C.) has whipped up a DIY Coconut Coffee Foot Scrub recipe to soothe weary feet at home. The rich blend of antioxidant-filled coffee and moisture-locking coconut oil, combined with the refreshing scent of vanilla extract, is a perfect combination of natural ingredients to remove and repair rough skin. Coconut Coffee Foot Scrub Recipe

• 1 cup     Virgin Coconut Oil
• ½ cup    Favorite Ground Coffee
• 1-2 tsp  Vanilla Extract

  Method: Blend ingredients together. Prepare a tub of warm soapy water and soak feet for 10 minutes. While soaking, apply 1 teaspoon of the scrub to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate the dead skin away. Rinse feet in warm water and pat dry.  (Mixture can also be used as a body scrub in the shower, but take care as it can make for a slippery surface.) Store leftovers for later use in an air-tight container at room temperature. Not only is this scrub invigorating, your feet will feel incredibly soft and pampered. 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+

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting a coffee plantation in the Kintamani region of Bali thanks to my fiancé's obsession with the Luwak Coffee that is produced in this region.  The plantation we visited not only produced Luwak Coffee, but also produced ginger, turmeric and a host of other spices, fruits and vegetables. At some point in the tour I mentioned to our guide that my sister and I have been using coffee grounds as a scrub for a few years now and it is still one of my favorite DIY body scrubs.  Our guide in turn told me that a lot of the women in that area also use coffee grounds as a scrub as well, but they combine it with ginger powder, turmeric powder and coconut oil for paste/scrub that is great for your skin.   According to our guide, the ginger powder warms up your skin leaving it glowing and radiant, the turmeric powder has a host of skin benefits including skin brightening and stretch mark reduction and the coconut oil moisturizes your skin leaving it soft and supple. I would advise combining the coffee grounds, turmeric and ginger powder and coconut oil with a bit of water to form more of a paste that you can let sit on your skin for around 20 minutes or so.  Then use a bit of water to moisten the paste and exfoliate your skin.  This DIY mask/scrub is super easy to create and you may actually have all of the ingredients that you need in your pantry at this very second.  I will warn that things can get bit messy with this mask/scrub so definitely do this in the shower and be prepared to spend a couple of minutes rinsing out your shower/tub. Messiness aside this mask/scrub is definitely worth the effort for the soft, glowing, moisturized skin that you'll have afterwards! Leave a comment if you give it a try! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

It may sound silly, but even though I don't drink, those Corona commercials snag my attention every time.

Sounds of the ocean, the sense of relaxation and the refreshing lime placed perfectly in the bottle neck. It's that lime that calls out to me saying, "Let me quench your thirst."

The same could be said for lime in beauty products, because it has so many benefits.

Lime essential oil is a natural astringent and clears oily skin, so it is perfect for acne prone skin. When used in body care, such as A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Body Wash, Body Lotion and Salt Scrub - be sure to use it where dirt and grime tend to build up the most, such as your back or chest.

Sometimes the most obvious place to use it (your back) is often overlooked in the shower since you are already rinsing off with water or the shampoo trailing down your back. Plus, backs and chests need to be moisturized too!

The fragrance of lime when applied topically also revitalizes the senses and plays a part in mood. It creates clarity and mental focus.

And the same goes for the other citrus essential oils in A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus: grapefruit, lemon and orange. Lime, in addition to these other oils, are known to be uplifting. In a word, the fragrance is simply happy. (Que Pharrell here.)

As with any citrus oil, they do cause photosensitivity, so be sure to wear a good broad spectrum sunscreen when heading outdoors (which you should be doing as part of your anti-aging and skin cancer prevention regimen anyway!)

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Lapis, The Spa at Fontainebleau’s Director of Spa operations, Josie Feria, came up with a few DIY spa treatments to rescue and revive your skin, and hopefully calm your mind. Take some time to nourish your body and senses. RESCUE ME SCRUB Benefits: Exfoliation of dry surface skin and increased hydration Ingredients: ½ cup mineral salts 2 tbsp of any carrier oil such as avocado, jojoba, grapeseed or kukui 5 drops lemongrass oil Directions: In bowl using a metal spoon blend mineral salt with carrier oil – thoroughly mix until it becomes a paste. Gradually add in lemongrass oil, blending after each drop. If scrub is too thick add a few drops of water and remix. Moisten the body in a warm bath or shower and apply scrub to body by hand or using a moist loofah pad in circular motions. Using a loofah pad or other textured body sponge or brush will increase the effects of the exfoliation. Beware of being too energetic as you may scratch the skin. Skin will be rosy and feel energized. Thoroughly rinse skin and apply body lotion. RESCUE SOAK Benefits: Relaxation, detoxification and mineralization of body Ingredients: 4 oz mineral salts 1 cup baking soda Directions: Add mineral salts to bath as warm water is running. Caution should be taken with hot water as may cause lightheadedness. Add baking soda. Using a bristle brush, loofah or sisal mitt, dry brush the body in upward strokes – this will exfoliate the skin, make the treatment more effective and increase blood circulation at the skin’s surface, which is key to skin regeneration. Lower lights and burn a candle at the edge of the tub. Have a glass of cool mineral water and lemon slices nearby to refresh and rehydrate your body. Play soothing, calming music. Soak at least 15 minutes adding warm water as needed – the longer the soak the greater the benefits. Rinsing is optional – towel dry and apply body lotion. Optional - Add in drops of lemongrass oil to increase aromatic benefits, provide pain relief and soften skin. While enjoying your soak try on these complementary experiences: Hair mask – Massage in a hydrating oil or cream into hair and wrap in shower cap Face treatment – Apply a hydrating mask or clay mask to the face with a small amount of water Eye treatment – boil a chamomile tea bag, chill and moisten 2 cotton eye pads. Apply to eyes and place a sleep make over eyes to secure – this treatment will not only reduce puffiness and dark circles but will enhance relaxation benefits due to the exclusion of light and vision. RESCUE MY FEET Benefits: Soft, touchable feet Ingredients: 2 tsps mineral salts Directions: Soak feet in warm water with mineral salts. Massage scrub (see recipe above) to onto feet and wrap in warm wet towels, allowing towels to cool off. To warm towels – put under very hot faucet /squeeze out excess water and place in microwave unrolled for 1 minute on high (or more time if needed.) Using wet towels remove scrub. Use pumice stone or other callous reducer on any tough, thick skin – be careful not to overdo it and over sensitize your feet. Rinse off. Apply body lotion and place feet in plastic bags and cotton socks. Follow towel recipe to warm the socks but use a lower microwave setting and less time for maximum benefit. Leave socks on overnight. While enjoying your feet treatment try on these complementary experiences: Warm a hand towel and place around your neck to increase relaxation. Apply scrub to hands, thoroughly rinse and apply a body lotion and tuck into cotton gloves or mitts for the night. If you found these DIY spa treatment tips helpful, please Like, Share and Pin 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! Shannon on G+

This is the story of how A Girl's Gotta Spa!, launched in 2005 as a beauty blog, evolved in 2014 as a beauty and wellness brand. Your personal well-being should be a priority.

Aside from the fact that study after study have shown that men perceive women wearing a grapefruit fragrance to be younger than they actually are, there are many more benefits to grapefruit essential oil in skin and body care. Although, honestly, I am all over grapefruit for the youth factor alone... Pink Grapefruit is known to have a skin brightening effect, it's also rich in antioxidants like lycopene, and has a cleansing and toning effect on the skin. Grapefruit is chock full of vitamin C, and those of us aging know far too well that Vitamin C helps to fade dark spots and uneven skin tone. Aside from the benefits of grapefruit essential oil in body care products, the fragrance alone does wonders. It's uplifting and energizing, and can help reset your mood. Pink Grapefruit essential oil is one of the 4 citrus essential oils in A Girl's Gotta Spa!® Energizing Citrus Body Wash, Body Lotion and Salt Scrub. Its positive mood-enhancing ability coupled with the skin care benefits make it the perfect natural ingredient to incorporate into our moisturizing lotion and body wash. I love how it does double duty by pampering both your body and mind. Do you like citrus scents like grapefruit? If you found this skin care post helpful, please be sure to Like, Share and Pin 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! Shannon on G+

Being part Italian, olive oil was always a staple growing up in my childhood home. As a child, I never knew the health benefits my parents and grandparents were passing on to me, all I knew is that it added delicious flavor to my food.

Once I began to work in beauty, I was mesmerized by all of its benefits to skin, as well. Olive fruit oil is high in Vitamin E, which we all know is fantastic for its anti-aging properties. It's high in oleic acid and is a good skin cell regenerator. It works to attract external moisture to the skin, while still permitting the skin to properly release sweat, shed dead skin and release sebum.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E, but also includes vitamin A, polyphenols, phytosterols and avenasterol. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and combat environmental pollutants and aggressors that we all deal with daily.

These antioxidants have the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, smoother, and healthier state. In order to craft the best lotion for dry skin, olive oil is one of the main ingredients in A Girl's Gotta Spa! ® Body Lotions. This natural moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and nourished. I've long been using soaps, lotions and body washes with olive oil and have seen for myself the profound affect it can have to keep skin healthy. If you use skin or body care products with olive oil, rest assured, you will kiss dry, itchy skin goodbye! 

Winter means frigid weather, snowball fights and warm, cozy sweaters. It also means thermostats turned up, wood burning stoves (at least in our house), and remaining indoors where the air lacks moisture. While winter may be the best time of year fashion-wise, it's not so great for your skin, especially when you resort to soaking in a hot bath or turning up the heat in your shower. I always say that the shower can be one of your first defenses against dry skin. But it's time to learn the truth about your body wash...some of them can be harsh on your skin, making it drier when your goal was to moisturize! Dove Body Washes just got more caring by combining the brand’s mildest cleansers ever with NutriumMoisture™. Dove's Deep Moisture Body Wash combined with a luke warm shower, will help keep skin from dehydrating. I know, I know--luke warm you ask? On the coldest day this seems impossible, but I promise you, you'll notice the difference in your skin when making the switch from uber hot, steamy showers. (Not to mention that cooler water temps help to lock in hair color longer.) Towel dry, just patting down skin, not completely drying off and then apply a moisturizing body lotion. Don't forget your driest spots: knees, elbows, hands and feet! Not sure which Dove Body Wash is right for your skin? You can take this Body Wash BFF Quiz. I'd love to know if you've tried Dove's body washes to combat winter skin! Doesn’t your skin deserve the proven best care? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! 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: This post was sponsored by Dove through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Dove, all opinions are my own.

I love a good DIY scrub to help detox and cleanse your skin.  Inspired by a treatment offered in Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives (a destination on my spa bucket list), this scrub leaves skin hydrated and smooth.   All ingredients are found on the islands of the Maldives and luckily for us, also most supermarkets. Maldivian Scrub (Based off of the treatment Laamu Bliss) Combine the following ingredients in equal parts into a paste:

• Nutmeg
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Rice powder
• Cinnamon
• Clove

Add hot water gradually into it forms into a paste-like texture. Apply whenever desired on the body and leave on skin for 15 minutes or until skin begins to warm. When time is up, wash paste off to reveal glowing skin. Fight the drying effects on winter’s chill with this scrub! Smells delicious and a nourishing treat for your skin. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! 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+