ELLOVI Lip Butter and Butter Review

Shannon Smyth
ELLOVI Lip Butter review #beauty #lipcare #lipbalm 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 review #beauty #beautyblog #vegan #crueltyfree

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 review #mint #beauty #skincare

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. ELLOVI Butter review. #skincare #bodybutter #beauty 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 Ellovi Lip Butter and Butter (for body and hair) review. #skincare #lipbalm #bodycare #beauty 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!

Read more →

Try These 3 Sulfate Free Body Washes That Still Lather

Shannon Smyth
Looking for a sulfate free body wash but still want the bubbles? Take a look at these body washes from @agirlsgottaspa @nurturemybody and Lancer. It's a common beauty myth - switch to a sulfate free body wash and you have to give up that luxurious lather that makes pampering so much fun. But it's not true. Sure, you won't be able to bury yourself under a mountain of bubbles, but you don't have to sacrifice the suds if you go sulfate free. Here are our favorite sulfate-free body washes that will still make you want to hasthag with #treatyoself @agirlsgottaspa sulfate free body wash lathers A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Body Wash: If you're in need of something uplifting for your pamper session, this is the body wash to go with. It's foamy goodness that will still keep your skin feeling soft and not dried out. Aloe and other plant-based ingredients moisturize the skin. 3 sulfate free body washes that still lather via @agirlsgottaspa Lancer The Method Body Cleanse: An anti-aging body wash intended to do to the body what Dr. Lancer's system does for the face. Bubbles immerse your skin in exfoliating acids to give you a glow.3 sulfate free body washes that still lather via @agirlsgottaspa Nurture My Body Wild Eucalyptus Body Wash: This is my favorite fragrance when I have a cold or allergies that are making it difficult to breathe. This scent is exhilirating to the senses and lathers just enough to satiate your pampering needs. What's your favorite sulfate free body wash? Let me know in the comments! 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! *Disclosure, affiliate link, owned brand

Read more →

5 Surefire Ways Pampering Helps Boost Your Mood (and Confidence)

Shannon Smyth15 comments

Disclosure: I’m sharing #MyOliaStory #ad as part of a Garnier® sponsored series for Socialstars™

You've probably experienced this scenario yourself - you're in a rut and feeling meh when you decide to take a moment to yourself to rejuvenate. Sometimes it's something simple, like a bath or it's something a little more dramatic (like chopping your long locks.)

Regardless of the act, it suddenly gives you that restoration of spirit you needed and that spring in your step is back. Happiness and confidence go hand in hand. When I am happy, I feel my most confident and like I can achieve anything. When I'm feeling down, it often feels like my goals are not within reach.

We've all been there. So what can you do to give yourself a kick in the pants? You want my honest answer? Self care. Pampering yourself is is the most natural mood booster I know. It's not selfish by any means, it's transformative.

Here are 5 tips for pampering yourself to boost your mood (and confidence):

Get a haircut. There's something therapeutic about cutting off what's weighing you down while venting to your hairstylist. Other things I love about it - the head massage, the hum of the hair dryer, the eventual amazing hairstyle that I can never duplicate at home. I recently decided to chop my long hair. It felt like magic and all of the compliments I got just made me feel really, really good.
5 ways to boost your confidence via @agirlsgottaspa #MyOliaStory #ad
Color your hair. Go lighter, go darker or just refresh what Mother Nature gave you. Either way, in between haircuts, coloring your hair also has a transformative effect on the way you look. It makes you WANT to look at yourself, smile and say, "Damn girl, you look good!" I'm currently stepping down my hair color with Garnier Olia® 6.0 Light Brown from super dark brown to hopefully a super light brown/dark blonde by the time I'm done. It's giving me shiny hair with 100% gray coverage. I also love that it smells nothing like hair dye. (Check out my getting summer-ready post about it.)
red lip confidence
Go red. I cannot speak the praises of red lipstick enough. You're never too light or too dark to wear this confidence in a tube. I used to think so until one day I basically asked Twitter to find the right shade for me and tweeted a pic of myself. Some beauty editors answered the call and told me the type of red I needed, along with some recommendations. Once I found my perfect red, I haven't looked back. In fact, I now prefer red over any other lipstick color in my makeup bag. It'll make you feel sexy, glamorous and confident.

Take a walk. Get those endorphins going, boost that seratonin. Me and exercise aren't really friends, but going for a walk doesn't seem like work. When I lived in the suburbs, I would park my car in a neighborhood I wished that I could one day live in and just walk through it. I made up stories in my head about living in this house, being friends with someone in that house, etc.

Now that I live in the Pocono Mountains and have a lake in front of my house, I love walking the mile around and taking in the beauty. Many times I go with a friend or with one or some of my sons. By the end of my walk I always feel much better. The French Manor Inn and Spa, Le Spa Foret, massage review via @agirlsgottaspa Get a massage. This favorite spa treatment isn't just about indulgence. It releases tension, decreases stress and simply quiets the mind. Massage helps to drain the lymphatic system which boosts your body's ability to heal itself. Going to a spa is obviously my first choice for this because you also have the added benefit of aromatherapy and stepping away from interruptions, but getting a shiatsu massager for at-home use is always an option as well.

What are some of the things you do to help boost your mood and self confidence? 

Read more →

How To Get Date Night Ready #spon

Shannon Smyth

This post was sponsored by Amopé™ as part of an influencer activation for the #AmopeCrowd and Socialstars™. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review, but all opinions are my own.

Get your feet date night ready with Amopé via @agirlsgottaspa #AmopeCrowd #spon The key to a long-lasting relationship is scheduling time together 1:1. It can be really difficult to do, especially when you have a large family like mine. For my husband and I, spending any quality time together typically means sleeping soundly in the same proximity in 2 hour increments until our baby wakes up for his feeding. So when we have the opportunity to actually go on a date OUT OF THE HOUSE? I am all about making sure I look great. (When you look good, you feel even better after all.) Get date night ready with Amopé via @agirlsgottaspa #AmopeCrowd #spon When I know that date night doesn't include renting a movie and eating take-out (because my fellow moms know this is usually the case), I take full advantage of using my arsenal of beauty products and giving myself some extra me-time in the process. My typical process for getting date night ready includes: A relaxing bath to get my mind re-focused: Having 6 kids and working full time can equal quite the frazzled brain. Soaking in the tub for even just 15 minutes literally melts away the stress. A fragrant bath bomb added to the mix helps to declutter that internal conversation in preparation for an evening out with my man. Indulging my hair with a hair treatment: Most days you can find my hair in a ponytail or looking unruly in the tiny fist of my 6 month old. In other words, I totally have the mom look down. During my bath time ritual, I typically use a hair mask or leave-in treatment to repair any damage to my hair. The result is touchably soft locks that make me look like I have a good hair day every day. Pampering my feet: If I'm going to trade my sneakers for heels for a night, there's some serious work that needs to be done on my feet. To smooth dry spots, rough patches and callouses, I use the Amopé™ Pedi Perfect Wet & Dry Rechargeable Foot File. I like this for two reasons - it's waterproof so I can use it while in the tub (so I can basically multi-task as usual), and it does a better job than using a manual foot file with its two-speed roller head. Moisturizing my skin: After my bath I make sure my face and body are hydrated with my favorite body lotion and facial cream. Skin always imparts a healthy glow when it's nourished! Finishing touches with hair and makeup: From the best hair styling products that reduce frizz and impart shine to using makeup that spotlights my best features (my eyes, hello!), this is where most of my time is spent getting ready. Get your feet date night ready with Amopé via @agirlsgottaspa #AmopeCrowd #spon There you have it! While it may sound pretty simple, setting aside time for some pampering before your date will seriously do you a world of good. Self care is the best form of wellness in my book and it shows when you're out with the one you love! How do you get date night ready? Be sure to follow Amopé™ on Facebook! If you liked this post please tweet 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Read more →

Holiday Skin Prep with RoC®

Shannon Smyth

Disclosure: Thanks to RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 I’m getting my skin ready for the holidays as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #WomenWhoRoC

More holiday skin prep with RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 via @agirlsgottaspa #WomenWhoRoC #spon The holidays are finally here, which seems a bit unreal, especially here in the Poconos where it hasn't had accumulative snow yet, making it still feel like September. (There's something about snow that really gives you that holiday feeling.) As everyone reaches for their camera to capture the season's memories, now is the time to have a winter skin care regimen going in full force. Did you begin back when we began talking about holiday skin prep? Since I know my family will be snapping lots of photos, especially since it is my youngest son's first Christmas, I really want to look my best. And to be honest, I'm super self conscious about those photos going up on Facebook and my friends from high school secretly judging how I'm aging. (Admit it, it's something you think about, too.) Holiday skin prep with RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 via @agirlsgottaspa #WomenWhoRoc #spon In addition to the RoC® Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream I mentioned using in my last post, I'm also incorporating RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 into my skin care arsenal. The moisturizer contains an exclusive combination of pure retinol and the latest sunscreen technology that is specifically engineered to deliver very broad and photostable UVA and UVB protection with an SPF 30 (which is the minimum SPF you should be using on your skin at all times.) Since exposure to light is known to degrade the effectiveness of retinol, I like that RoC's stablized retinol is kept intact with the addition of broad spectrum sunscreen. Sunscreen should be part of your daily skin care regimen anyway, since what's the point of using anti-aging skin care if you're going to let the sun continue to age you? (Am I right?!) More holiday skin prep with RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 via @agirlsgottaspa #WomenWhoRoC #spon This moisturizer is clinically shown to visibly diminish wrinkles after 8 weeks of use and after 12 weeks of use, even deep wrinkles are visibly diminished. I've only been using it about 4 weeks so far and my wrinkles have definitely softened in their appearance. I especially dislike this one deep set wrinkle I have that is between my eyebrows. More holiday skin prep with RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 via @agirlsgottaspa #WomenWhoRoC #spon As you can see in the photo, it is still visible, but it's not all in your face. (Do you see what I just did there?) At least not to me. It looks softer and more like a fine line than a wrinkle. The fine lines I do have are less noticeable. Retinol is said to be drying, but I haven't found that to be the case so far. I do have combination skin and I've found that it has a mattifying effect for me. Do I look 41? (You can say no.) I'd love to hear about your experience if you've used this product! 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Read more →

Bolden Butter Mint Shea Oil Review

Mandy Lewis
Bolden Shea Oil review via @agirlsgottaspa As soon as the season changes and the temperature gets cooler, my skin starts to get dry and feels tight. I have my favorite moisturizers that I switch to this time of the year, but it's always fun to try something new. I've been using Bolden Butter Mint Shea Oil for a couple of weeks and have noticed a difference. This Shea Oil is 100% natural and is made from ethically-sourced Shea nuts picked and processed by local women’s groups in Burkina Faso, West Africa. There's just three ingredients in this product; Vitamin E, shea oil and essential fragrance oil. That's it! Unlike some products with a mint scent that overpowers, this one is very light and relaxing. I've used it all over my body especially those areas that's prone to dryness like feet, knees and elbows. Although this oil is light compared to some and absorbs quickly, I prefer using it at night. I use it on my arms and legs and massage it into my feet right before bed. In the morning my skin feels soft and moisturized. I haven't use it as a moisturizer on my face (I would prefer to use an unscented oil), but have used it for a spot treatment on dry areas like my cheeks and chin and I am pleased that it helped and didn't make me break out. A couple of drops rubbed between my palms to warm it up does wonders for the ends of my hair and best of all it doesn't make my hair greasy. This is a product I would definitely keep using during the cold and drying Minnesota weather! Bolden Shea Oil is ideal for dry skin, hair and aging skin. It comes in three fragrances; Unscented, Butter Mint and Sweet Vanilla. Have you tried 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 and Twitter. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Disclosure: press sample, affiliate link

Read more →

Why Oral Health is Important #Listerine

Shannon Smyth

Disclosure: Thanks to LISTERINE® I’m practicing good oral care as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #Listerine

Is your mouth on your side? A healthy mouth improves confidence in your personal endevours! via @agirlsgottaspa #Listerine Sponsored Is your mouth on your side? Poor oral health affects aspects of your life that you may not expect. While improper oral health practices deeply affect the health of your mouth, you may be surprised to learn that it also impacts your career opportunities, confidence and relationships with others. Two people in my life immediately come to mind when it comes to how the state of their mouth affected their confidence - my son and my husband. While my son Duncan has always conducted good oral care, he had bucked teeth for a while due to sucking on his hand (vs thumb sucking) since the time he was an infant. Eventually Duncan stopped smiling for pictures and soon enough, he felt that other kids didn't like him because of his teeth. This led to a lot of self esteem issues. Once he was able to get braces, his smile returned and his social relationships have improved. My husband admittedly never had a good oral care routine, which led him to have poor oral health issues like gingivitis, loss of some teeth and cavities. This, too, led him to have self confidence issues and he rarely opens his mouth when he smiles. Sometimes people have mistakenly taken this the wrong way and think that he's in a bad mood or just doesn't care. It's amazing how people perceive things due to our smile. Although he has put a routine into place, he can't reverse the damage already done and often reminds the kids just how important good oral care is from a young age. To highlight the impacts of poor oral health, LISTERINE® Brand executed a nation-wide survey with GFK Roper, a leading marketing insights research firm, to better understand the social implications that it can pose; providing fresh data that will hopefully inspire Americans to reconsider their current oral care routine. Some of those insights include: Is your mouth on your side? A healthy mouth should make your list of things to do! via @agirlsgottaspa #Listerine Sponsored 3 in 4 Americans say the state of their mouth determines how they look and feel (77%), nearly as much as their weight (78%). I personally, would agree with this. My weight (especially right now after having a baby) makes me very self aware. However, the look and feel of my mouth also plays a role in my self confidence. Healthy pink gums, clean teeth and good breath are just as important to me as the lipstick I don to feel more attractive. Do you feel the same way? More than 8 in 10 Americans feel oral health issues are embarrassing (85%), and more than 9 in 10 say that they feel better overall when their mouth feels clean (93%). Think about it this way - when you first come into your twice yearly dental cleaning, your mouth feels kinda gross. When you walk out, that clean feeling makes you want to smile at everyone who looks your way. Am I right? Brushing your teeth alone misses 75% of your mouth, leaving millions of germs behind. When left untreated, these germs can lead to oral care issues such as plaque and gingivitis. So in between cleanings, the use of a therapeutic mouthwash, like LISTERINE® Antiseptic, is vital to maintaining good oral health. Nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease (47.2%). In adults 65 and over, prevalence rates increase to 70%. Not to be gross, but if there is blood when you are brushing your teeth or flossing, chances are that you have gingivitis. This also leads to bad breath as well. Nearly all American adults over the age of 20 have had cavities at some point in their lives (91%) and one in four have untreated cavities (27%). I can't say I know a single person without at least one cavity. Implementing an oral health care routine of brushing, flossing, using mouthwash and twice yearly dental cleanings can help to diminish the chances of getting a cavity. Not eating a ton of sugary treats helps too. About half of all Americans aged 20–64 have lost a tooth due to oral disease (52%). Something I drill into my sons' heads is that if you don't take care of your adult teeth, the only the thing you can be sure of is that you will eventually lose them. Your mouth says a lot about you. In fact, the health of your mouth has a surprising and significant impact on how other people perceive you - from assumptions about your overall health and social life, to opinions about your success in romantic relationships and even your career. I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true. Just think about the people in your life whose smile is, well, vibrant. It tells a story of happiness, success and someone who takes care of themselves. Now think of someone who has issues with their teeth, their gums are grey and their breath isn't exactly smelling like roses. Many would assume that the person is lazy and not really invested in a healthy lifestyle. The way you engage with these two types of people is an indication of your perception - which is most likely an inaccurate one. Oral care is important! Check out these tips from LISTERINE® via @agirlsgottaspa AdWhile more than eight in 10 people think that they have a healthy mouth, the truth is that most Americans suffer from some form of oral disease. Many of the oral care issues that people experience are preventable, and adding LISTERINE® as part of your twice-daily oral care routine can help you transform the health of your mouth so you can put your best self forward and help ensure that your mouth is always on your side. LISTERINE is committed to promoting healthy oral care habits, that’s why they’re partnering with Oral Health America, who’s FALL FOR SMILES campaign is committed to educating the public about the positive impact good oral health can have on one’s overall health and well-being. OHA’s mission is so important to LISTERINE they are jump starting the giving with a $20K donation, with the hopes of reaching $40K through consumer engagement. Has the state of your smile affected you in some way - positive or negative? Please share it in the comments! Engage with LISTERINE® on social media: Facebook: Facebook.com/listerine Twitter: @ListerineGlobal 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! All data referenced in this post was provided by the LISTERINE® Brand Survey. To learn more, please go to www.listerine.com/health-mouth-vs-unhealthy-mouth

Read more →

5 Products for Blackheads

Shannon Smyth
Five beauty products to get rid of blackheads via @agirlsgottaspa Blackheads. The bain of my existence. I wish that when I was a teen that someone would've warned me about the future of my skin if I didn't take care of it properly. But alas, here I am in my 40's with large pores (especially on my nose) and blackheads as proof of my previous skin care sins. With constantly clogged pores comes finding the right products that will neutralize them and keep my skin looking healthy. 5 of my blackhead banishing favorites right now include: Michael Todd Soniclear: I have the former model of Soniclear in Pink Lady (they now sell Soniclear Elite, but Ulta has a Soniclear Classic in Foxy Floral.) The Soniclear is one of my go-to skin care tools. It not only works wonders on sloughing off dry skin to reveal healthier, glowing skin, but it loosens up debris and hardened oil in your pores, too. You can use the Soniclear with any cleanser, like their Cleanse and Tone or Honey & Oat, but to get rid of blackheads, I like Dr. Brandt Pores No More. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser: I discovered this creamy cleanser in my NewBeauty Test Tube (which always lends to amazing discoveries each month) and decided to give it a try. It's mix of tea tree oil, willow bark and salicylic acid dissolve impurities and decongest your pores. It's non-drying - which is important for my combination skin. Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: Ok, I mean, who isn't ADDICTED to these? If you tell me that you are not fascinated with seeing your super gross blackheads appear on these white strips, then we can't be friends anymore. I have to admit, I even get an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment when I spy that the nose strip removed a really big blackhead. I'm like, YASSS! I'm not ashamed. It is totally true. Blemish Extractor: The one pictured is from Sephora and came in a kit that they no longer sell. However, they do still sell another version of the Blemish Extractor that is just about the same. In the same token that I love the nose strips, I equally love to extract blackheads (and occasionally, whiteheads) with this tool. Seeing that I have so many blackheads on my nose and chin, it is like hours of endless fun and a feeling of job well done. Once I've used this tool, I use a cleanser as well, since the blackheads are bacteria-ridden. (Don't forget to disinfect your tool with each use as well.) Glytone Acne 3P Gel: This non-irritating gel is comprised of micronized 5% benzoyl peroxide. While it can be drying, I use it sparingly so that it doesn't cause my skin to flake. It targets pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It has no fragrance and you only need a really thin layer to get the job done. (My teen-aged sons like to sneak this product from time to time. Definitely check out my post about teaching boys the importance of proper skin care!) I'd love to know what you use for blackheads. Leave a comment and let me know! 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 and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: affiliate links

Read more →

How To: Cherry Blossom Nail Art

Shannon Smyth
Cherry Blossom Nail Art How To by @penelope9 via @agirlsgottaspa I'm loving all the rich Fall colors in the new Butter London x Allure collection!  I'm not yet ready for Fall, but I'm okay with winding down this hot, hot Summer.  So, let's do a mani of a typical Spring flower - the cherry blossom! What you'll need:
  • 4 polishes - in this case, I used all Butter Londons:  It's Vintage for the base, Lust or Must? for the branches, I'm On The List for the petals, and Disco Nap for the center of the flower.
  • A dotting tool or two
  • A thin striping brush
The first step is laying down your base coat if you use one, and then applying your color.  It's Vintage is a rich, rusty orange-leaning red that is retro and classy. Next, take a striping brush, and lay down some branches.  They don't have to be perfect - your blossoms can cover a lot of mistakes! I do like to make sure that there are branches in different sections of the nail, though, so that the blossoms have some place to go all over the nail.  Lust or Must? is like melted chocolate on your fingertips. For the petals, I put some of I'm On The List onto a small palette, and used one of my larger dotting tools to make a 4- or 5-dot circular pattern.  This rose gold metallic works great for this because it has a natural shimmer that gives the flowers some dimension.  Plus, it's opaque enough to cover the branches in one coat. For the center of the flowers, I used my smallest dotting tool and some Disco Nap to make 2 or 3 small dots.  The silver glitter helps it catch the light, but the base is dark enough to stand out against I'm On The List. Add some top coat to help blend the layers together and protect your nail art, and you're done! Thank you to Lit From Within for creating this great nail art tutorial! 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! *Disclosure: affiliate links

Read more →

St. Ives Spray Lotion Review #LiveRadiantly

Shannon Smyth
@StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon St. Ives recently sent me their continous spray lotion in Naturaly Indulgent Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract and the new Smooth & Glow Apricot Hydration Lotion. This is the first time I've ever tried a spray lotion and wasn't sure what to expect. Will it be similar to spray sunscreens where it gets absolutely everywhere and not just targeted to where you are spraying it? Will it be greasy? I intended to find out! @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon The St. Ives continous spray lotions are made with 100% natural moisturizers, are easy-to-apply, spray on lightly and are quickly absorbed, leaving your skin energized and refreshed. Using the lotion was easy enough, simply twist the cap to unlock it, aim and spray. While this lotion had a mist similar to sunscreen sprays, I found that it landed directly on my skin in one spot and didn't mist absolutely everywhere. You then rub it over your skin with your hand and you're done. @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon Both lotions absorbed super quick and left my skin feeling silky and not greasy. Sometimes I applied the lotion by spraying it directly on my skin and sometimes I just sprayed it into my hand and applied it - especially in those more difficult to reach places like the back of my thighs and arms. There was no mess involved, and when I was done, I just switched the cap back to lock. (A great feature when you have kids!) @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiant'y #spon While most people think they only really need to apply moisturizer in the winter when dry skin is the most prevalent, it's necessary during the warmer seasons too due to activities the lend to parched, dehydrated skin. For example, chlorine from time spent in the pool will dry out skin, multiple showers to rinse your skin of bug spray, sunscreen, sweat... can dry out your skin. And simply sunbathing for long periods of time can dehydrate skin. It's important all year round to be using a hydrating body wash, body scrub and a hydrating lotion. I realize "hydrating lotion" sounds like a foolish description, because after all, aren't all lotions hydrating? Many claim to be, but that isn't always the case. (But I'm sure you've probably discovered that yourself with a lotion or two.) @StIvesSkin Continous Spray review via @agirlsgottaspa #LiveRadiantly #spon Something often associated with pregnancy (I am 32 weeks today!) is glowing, radiant skin. I can tell you that sometimes that glow needs a little help! Something I truly loved about these lotions, is that it made it really easy to get every inch of my skin with ease. If you've ever experienced attempting to bend down to apply lotion to your feet and ankles at 8 months pregnant (that's if you can even see your feet at this point), it's like playing twister. And I'm rarely successful. This Summer I'll #LiveRadiantly with smooth hydrated skin, enjoying my gorgeous surroundings of the Pocono Mountains and in a few weeks enjoying our new addition to the family (boy #6.) How will you live radiantly this Summer? Have you tried these lotions from St. Ives? Leave a comment and let me know! Buy St. Ives lotion here. 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! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of St.Ives. The opinions and text are all mine.

Read more →