One of the worst offenders of dry or dehydrated skin is when it comes to cracked skin on your hands. So painful and it feels like a neverending cycle of trying to keep germs at bay with repeated handwashing, which totally dries you out, and then moisturizing to try to combat the dry skin.

A few years ago I learned this simple trick you can do at home that really helps to get rid of the dry skin and hydrate it leaving those cracked, painful hands behind.

What You'll Need:
A bowl Hot water (but not scalding)
4 paper towels
1 cotton towel
Plastic wrap
Scrub
Lotion

How- To:

• Pre-cut plastic wrap in a large enough section that it would cover a 13x9 dish (do this twice) and place to the side.
• Fill a bowl with hot water and putting it aside.
• Break off 4 paper towels all as one, but then split in two (so that you have two sections that are two paper towels connected.) Place them in the bowl of water.
• Over the sink apply an exfoliating scrub, like A Girl's Gotta Spa! Salt Scrub, to dry hands. Be sure to massage the scrub thoroughly getting in between fingers and paying attention to the cuticle area, too.
• Rinse.
• Before drying hands, remove the two sections of paper towel from the bowl and ring out the water and lay them flat on the counter.
• Use the cotton towel to pat hands dry, leaving them slightly damp.
• Applying an uber hydrating lotion, like A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Body Lotion, to your hands generously (as in, more than you would typically apply to hands.)
• Wrap one hand in one section of warm paper towel and then wrap with the section of plastic wrap. For your remaining hand, you'll need to enlist some help to do the same for this hand.
• Relax and wait 3-5 minutes, then unwrap and if hands are still damp, gently pat dry.

Sometimes I apply a little more lotion once I've unwrapped my hands. It really depends on how bad your hands are.

Repeat this twice weekly until you see a marked improvement in your hands. In between this DIY hand pampering, always apply your lotion as you normally would.

I can say I always notice a difference after the first time I do it, but I've had friends who are mechanics or work in construction that the cracking is really bad and while they notice some definite softening and hydration right away, it takes repeat treatments before the cracking completely resolves.

I love great brand stories and the cause behind Lasting Smiles lip balm is one of them. Not only is it amazing to me that the Founder and visionary behind Lasting Smiles is only 21 years old, but that she began her company - whose main goal is to provide the funds for life changing mouth surgeries - by selling door to door. That's passion for a compassionate cause. That's something I can get behind. Lasting Smiles, which recently launched nationwide in Nordstrom and Whole Foods and online at Walgreens and Drugstore.com, is the only US FLO fairtrade certified cosmetic brand. They work to support organic small scale farming communities around the world. Lasting Smiles is also 100% vegetarian and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free. For every 1000 lip balms sold, one child receives the gift of a cleft lip or cleft palate surgery in the same countries Lasting Smiles sources their ingredients. Lasting Smiles is partnered with Smile Train, the world’s largest international children’s cleft charity. This is such a worthy cause and it's amazing that something so simple as lip balm can help transform the life of a child. Lasting Smiles lip balm comes in 5 flavors: Simply Moisture - which is flavor-free Passionfruit Mango Pure Pomegranate Peppermint Creme Peach Blossom I've been using them all frequently, because during the course of a normal day I am wearing neither lipstick or lip gloss, but instead opting to hydrate my lips with these cause-worthy lip balms.  They are hydrating and taste delicious. Let me know if you've tried them! I'd love to see this brand really take off! 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: press samples

Preventing dreaded winter skin can be a challenge, and harsh climates do little for the appearance. However, those looking to stay radiant this season can turn to ESPA at Vdara Hotel & Spa. This relaxation destination houses several beauty experts, including Lead Aesthetician Alisa Vidaurri who comes withan arsenal of beauty tips, whether it’s within the luxurious Las Vegas spa or from the comfort of your own home. Below are some winter care remedies, including both sophisticated treatments available at ESPA and do-it-yourself home regimens to protect and invigorate the face, scalp and immune system from winter’s winds: Face: · Indulge: ESPA’s Advanced Enzyme Facial, an exfoliation and anti-inflammatory treatment, uses organic elements to sustain the skin’s natural glow. This gentle peel won’t irritate the skin and includes all natural ingredients, including Australian wild lime species and sugar cane, to reveal a smooth, illuminating glow. · DIY: Alisa’s top tip for brightening winter skin? Exfoliate! This can be as simple as using a washcloth to wipe away dead skin, or trying natural products such as pumpkin, which is the main element infused in the Advanced Enzyme Facial at ESPA. Scalp: · Indulge: In the absence of humidity, the intensive Pink Hair & Scalp Mud at ESPA leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and hair soft and shiny. ESPA’s signature conditioner’s key ingredients include red clay and apricot kernel oil to soothe and nourish the scalp. · DIY: Snow isn’t the only white flake that comes around during the winter. If a trip to the spa isn’t an option, Alisa says treating these flakes at home can be done by combining coconut, olive and tea tree oil. After mixing the three components together throughout damp hair, leave the treatment in for 20 minutes and rinse with cool water.The scalp will be thoroughly conditioned to prevent dandruff. Immune System: · Indulge: The common cold doesn’t only bring the sniffles, but can leave the brightest face looking lackluster. ESPA’s Resistance Bath and Body Oil is a non-medicinal blend of tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils in an almond base used to heal dark eye circles and brighten dull skin. This balance of ingredients not only cures ailing skin, but also supports and strengthens the immune system. · DIY: To boost the immune system and create cold-resistant skin, Alisa suggests home ingredients such as almonds, which are filled with vitamins to prevent inflammation. Another remedy is indulging in a daily dose of red wine, packed with antioxidants to fight off sickness. If you felt these tips were helpful, be sure to Like, Tweet and Pin this post! 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!

Looking to embrace your natural curls? I've been on the hunt to find the best products for curly hair since forever. Below are some amazing curly hair products that I recently had the chance to test out: One of my favorite curly hair product lines is called The Gold System, which was developed by Oprah Winfrey’s longtime hair stylist, Andre Walker. The Gold System contains a series of products specially designed for naturally curly hair. These products work together to create gorgeous curls without having to go to a salon.  The Gold System products include; the Ultimate Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo, TKO Ultimate Moisture Conditioner, Beautiful Kinks Styling Crème Gelee and Get It Straight Styling Crème.  Combined together, the Ultimate Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo, TKO Ultimate Moisture Conditioner, Beautiful Kinks Styling Crème Gelee left my curls moisturized, shiny, defined, bouncy and frizz free.  I will say that a little of the Beautiful Kinks Styling Crème Gelee goes a long way. I used the Get It Straight Styling Crème to blow dry my hair and this product was also a wonder! It took my curly hair to straight with shine, body and frizz free yet still looking and feeling healthy and moisturized. Another product that works wonders for curly hair, but that I also love for blowing out my hair, is Carol's Daugter Marula Curl Therapy Collection.  This collection is formulated to deeply rejuvenate each curl so they are trained to always be soft, shiny and beautifully free, which is exactly what my curls looked like after using the Marula Oil Softening Serum and Marula Softening Hair Mask.  The mask left my hair super soft and moisturized while the serum had my hair looking amazingly shiny and smooth.  I also use the serum to blow dry my hair straight and it is honestly the best serum I have ever used.  My hair had movement and shine without being weighed down. I am seriously addicted to this serum! Alterna Bamboo Smooth Curls Anti-Frizz Curl-Defining Cream and Anti-Frizz Curl Re-Activating Spray also make my must-have list. The Anti-Frizz Curl-Defining Cream smoothed and defined my curls while controlling frizz.  My curls were light and bouncy and my hair felt really soft and not at all crunchy.  It almost felt like the cream was conditioning and styling my hair at the same time. The Anti-Frizz Curl Re-Activating Spray refreshed and redefined my curls without me having to get my hair completely wet.  I actually went three days with my hair curly and just used the Curl Re-Activating Spray everyday.  It was great giving my hair a break from washing and styling tools yet still have beautiful looking curls. Lastly, another curl beautifying, frizz-taming curly hair perfecting system is the RICI Curls 5 Step System. This system includes; the Splash Shampoo, which is a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo, the Drench Conditioner, which is a sulfate-free conditioner with multiple uses.  The conditioner is one that can be used everyday, but can also be used as a leave-in conditioner and when added to water in a spray bottle, it is a curl refresher. The Thirsty Gel is designed to seal the cuticle, control frizz, define and/or enhance curls, while the Memory Mist locks in the curl while holding your style in place and blocking out frizz, both can be used on wet or dry hair. The Velvet Smooth Serum helps define curls while reducing frizz and producing soft shiny curls, as well. To be honest this was the most products I have used on my hair at once, but used together these products left me with curls that had never looked better.  My curls were big, bouncy, shiny and smooth.  To sum it up, my curls looked absolutely glamorous! Have you tried any of the products mentioned? If you haven't, I highly recommend them! 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! *Disclosure: Press samples, affiliate links

I love products; I love opening that new package, inhaling that "new product smell", putting it on my face or body and waiting impatiently to see the results offered! So I was very excited to receive a package of TULA products. It included the Purifying Face Cleanser, Hydrating Day and Night Cream, Revitalizing Eye Cream and Illuminating Face Serum. This I couldn't wait to try! We all know probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion so why not  use it in skin care? For those of you who are new to TULA Probiotic Skincare, here's a little bit of information about the product: TULA was founded by Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa, a gastroenterologist who believes in nourishing the body both internally and externally. "Each product is infused with a probiotic complex, which contains yogurt; green tea; blueberry extracts; and vitamins A, C, and E. Fruit extracts are also incorporated into the line. With TULA, she's introducing a simple collection of products designed to bring that sense of balance to every woman's daily skin care routine." Whenever using new products besides my old faithful, I always use it for at least two weeks in order to see any results. Anything less than two weeks I don't believe you'll see much of a difference. And this time I also had my Mom use TULA so that I can have two comparisons. We both started using TULA on the same day and did so for almost two and a half weeks. The Purifying Face Cleanser ($25.00, 6.7 fl. oz.), is lightly scented and we both agree that it left our face smooth, soft and did not strip our skin leaving it feeling dry or tight. It does have a rich lather so you'll probably use no more than a dime size and that's enough to cleanse the face and neck. With the change in weather and drier air, I believe this cleanser is a must for these long winter months. After cleansing we used the Illuminating Face Serum ($75.00, 1.6 fl. oz.), and before using any serums I always warm it up a bit between my palms then apply on my face and neck in an upward motion. It feels rich and creamy without being oily and absorbs quickly into the skin. Two pumps are enough and we used it day and night. This serum is also scented, but did not bother either of us, although we can be sensitive to smells. My face did feel smoother and looked a bit more even toned. On my Mom I could see a difference; face spots were fading, her face looks even toned and less lined and her complexion overall looks fresh. I'm very impressed with this serum! Next, we would apply the Hydrating Day and Night Cream ( $49.00, 1.7 fl. oz.). It's an intense hydrator that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and nourishes the skin. My Mom loves it! She said her skin doesn't feel dry in the middle of the day and she loves how soft her skin feels and how it looks. I did use this cream day and night and it does moisturize well and absorbs quickly. I like that even though it's a heavier cream (not oily), it doesn't "sit" on top of your face like some heavy creams do. I prefer using this product at night as during the day I like to use moisturizers that have SPF in it. If TULA can make this with SPF I would be sold! Lastly, we applied the Revitalizing Eye Cream ($49.00, 0.5 fl. oz.). It's rich, creamy without being oily and very hydrating for the eye are. We would gently pat around the eye area and wait for it to absorb before using any makeup. On me, I like the feel of it and aside from moisturizing well, did not see any reduction in fine lines or help with the occasional dark circles. My Mom's lines are improved and any dark circles or puffiness are hardly noticeable anymore. Overall I would say TULA would be perfect for someone who's skin is a bit more mature than mine (thirty something), as I did see some improvements on myself, but on my Mom it was dramatically noticeable. Her face looks nourished, smooth and toned. The products are luxurious and we both love that it did not irritate our skin, make it dry or cause breakouts. The cleanser and serum do have stronger smells than the other products, but this did not bother our sensitive noses and I love these two products. A little goes a long way with TULA products so they will last for a long time. Love that the creams and serum are easily absorbed with no oily residue and all of TULA products includes their signature probiotic technology  which features omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids; rice proteins; vitamins A, C, and E; and fruit extracts. And best of all they do not contain mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, or parabens. TULA is available on www.qvc.com and for $49.00 you can get the sample kit with all four products to try. Happy indulging! 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!

I'm paying for the skin sins of my youth in hyperpigmentation and an abundance of dark spots from both acne and lack of sunscreen usage. Over the years I've learned how to best conceal them with makeup in order to fake a great complexion. However, when the makeup comes off nightly, reality sets in and it is not pretty. There are plenty of times when I am simply makeup-free (due to lack of time, exhaustion or simply not feeling it) and I'd really rather not have my face look like a leopard. Or, as they say, "Showing my age." Your skin is your canvas, if it looks great, you'll need much less makeup in order to conceal imperfections. I think of my skin as an investment and makeup should be just to dress it up - not to fix it. Now there's nothing out there that will completely undo all of the photodamage, acne scars and marks, but there are skin care products that will do a substantial amount of work to help minimize the appearance of the damage done. Designed to be layered onto the skin for optimum efficacy and integrated into any existing Dermalogica regimen, the PowerBright TRx Trio are silky-smooth, peptide-rich formulas that work around the clock for the brightest, most even skin tone. In the trio are the PowerBright C-12 Pure Bright Serum, Pure Light with SPF50 moisturizer and Pure Night overnight treatment cream. I've been using it for over a month now to treat the dark patches on my skin and the ruddiness I tend to get around my nose and across my cheeks. There's nothing I want more than to even out my skin tone and spend less on cosmetics. C-12 Pure Bright Serum: This is an odorless, lightweight serum that isn't greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin. Use it twice a day after cleansing and prior to the day or night PowerBright skin treatment. Pure Light with SPF50: This daytime skin treatment is a creamy white moisturizer that has the initial scent of Noxema, however that scent disappears once applied to the skin. For the first two weeks of using this moisturizer my skin would tingle, but then I noticed it stopped happening with repeated use. The tingling didn't hurt, it was just noticeable as my other moisturizers have never done that. This treatment isn't greasy, is of medium weight and has a strong SPF of 50, which is great as UV rays are what activate melanin production and cause the photodamage to begin with. (This is why in the Summer months when you are outdoors more, your age spots get darker.) My skin felt super soft and supple using both the Pure Bright and Pure Light together. Pure Night: This overnight treatment has the consistency of a gel-cream mix with a citrus fragrance. I love how hydrating it is while containing potent dark spot fighting ingredients to really combat the signs of aging while you sleep. So did I see a difference? Yes! Mind you, it was not immediate and nor should you expect a miracle transformation from any product right away, but there is a definite noticeable difference in my face after a few weeks of using it. Typically I have to use both a liquid concealer and CC powder just to make my skin look even-toned. However, since using the Dermalogica PowerBright TRx Trio, I've been able to skip the concealer entirely and only use a minimal amount of CC powder. To me, this spells improvement. Not to mention, the big Melasma patch on my forehead has faded significantly. I'm happy with the results and will continue using it. Have you tried 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! Disclosure: Sample and affiliate links

Candy canes may be great for stuffing stockings, adorning trees, or a sweet snack, but the minty holiday staple can also be incorporated into your beauty routine.

Peppermint oil contains minerals and nutrients including iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and C, and is soothing to the skin.

Indie Lee has created a holiday-themed bath bomb recipe, which makes for a great hostess gift or stocking stuffer. The secret ingredients to the all-natural recipe are baking soda and citric acid, which will make the bombs fizz up like a glass of champagne once you drop them in the bathtub.

Ingredients:

1 c. baking soda
½ c. citric acid
2 tbsp. jojoba oil
5 drops of peppermint essential oil
5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops of lemon essential oil
1 tbsp. witch hazel

Directions: Before you start the DIY, make sure you have a fun holiday mold or tin to shape your bombs in. You could also use cookie cutters and parchment paper. Combine baking soda and citric acid in a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle in jojoba oil, followed by essential oils. Mix well until you have a smooth mixture. Slowly drizzle witch hazel into the mixture, constantly stirring to stop the ingredients from fizzing.

Once all of the ingredients are moist enough to clump together, firmly press the mixture into your molds. Allow the bombs to dry for 3-4 hours before removing them from the molds.

Recipe will make 6-10 bath bombs, depending on size of mold. Add 1-2 bath bombs to a warm bath and enjoy. Use within three months. Store in an airtight container. 

Subtle Green, a Montreal-based luxury skin care company, recently caught my attention. Much of what they stand for is something I have been saying for years - "The best moisturizers do not have to contain 'miracle ingredients' developed using 'breakthrough technologies' in a remote secret laboratory." There are tried and true ingredients that are effective for skin, most of which can be found in nature. Subtle Green is botanically-based with an upscale feel in their packaging, which serves a dual purpose for the overall aesthetic of the brand, as well as retaining the freshness of the product inside.

Subtle Green is unique, as they believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your moisturizer. While they have products available based on your basic needs, they also offer you the ability to customize your moisturizer. This is a 3-step process that is pretty straight forward and is implemented via a questionairre to help determine the right ingredients needed to address all of your skin concerns. This is a great approach and I love the idea of a made to order moisturizer. I had the opportunity to try Vienne Restorative and Regenerative Lotion. While I hate the thought of now being in the "mature skin" category, ignoring it isn't help me treat my skin in the most effective way possible either. This particular lotion targets aging, dry and sallow skin. For the most part, my skin has a split personality. One day it will be incredibly oily and in the next breath it will be dry. Finding a skin care product that can help balance out the skin is a priority for me. First let me say that I adore the packaging. It comes in an elegant glass bottle and really stands out on my vanity. Subtle Green uses the science of biophotonics in order to preserve and enhance the botanical properties of their ingredients through their violet glass packaging. Second, I loved how quickly this moisturizer absorbed into my skin, almost like my skin was drinking it up. The texture is very light and thin and has a clean scent to it. There was absolutely no greasy residue left on my skin and, in fact, this was the first time that a moisturizer actually gave my skin more of a matte look (as compared to being shiny and greasy looking.) My skin felt incredibly soft to the touch and reminded me of how my skin used to feel back in my younger years. The ingredients in this lotion (and in all of Subtle Green's skin care products) are food grade, containing essential oils, using only natural preservatives, made in small batches and are cruelty free. (Learn more bout their approach to skin care.) Subtle Green ships to both Canada and the US. If you haven't tried their skin care range yet, I highly recommend 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! Disclosure: Press sample

With the busiest season of the year upon us, sometimes caring for ourselves (and our skin) sadly ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. (Please don't let it.)

Fortunately, facialist Cecilia Wong has designed a seasonal at-home, DIY facial scrub that requires little time and effort, which can guarantee that your skin glows before the turkey hits the table. Pumpkin is an amazing exfoliant as well as nourishing to the skin.

This sounds like a decadent dessert for your skin! Let us know if you try it.

We are all well aware of and seriously addicted to salons that cater to long-lasting blow outs. Now let me introduce you to what is sure to be your new addiction, from the custom hair color retailer, dpHUE,  the ColorBAR at dpHUE.  The ColorBAR at dpHUE is the first to offer clients hair coloring services only, similar to the dry bar concept and has just recently opened its doors in Studio City on Ventura Boulevard. The ColorBAR is a multi-service hair color bar that offers guests color application including highlights, semi-permanent color, deep-condition and replenishing treatments in addition to blow dry styling.  dpHUE  is known for offering do-it-yourself haircolor and the ColorBAR is an extension of those services.  One of Hollywood’s most sought-after color experts, Justin Anderson, is the Creative Director for the brand, combine that with the fact that color is what they do, you know you're in the best of hands.   In addition to hair color, dpHUE also provides hydrating shampoos, conditioners, masques and oils; basically an entire arsenal of products to maintain your gorgeous dpHUE color and leave you with incredibly beautiful hair, which is exactly what I left the ColorBAR with after my visit this past Saturday. Service areas inside include: GORGEOUS. TO. GO.

• Personal consultation with dpHUE hair color professional
• Custom formulated HUE (color)
• One-on-one guidance and application instructions for guests to apply hair color at home

COLOR COACH

• Services included with GORGEOUS. TO. GO.
• Hair color is applied at dpHUE by the guest with COLOR COACH guidance
• dpHUE’s tools and products are available for use

ALL OVER & OUT

• Services included with GORGEOUS. TO. GO.
• Color application, shampoo and condition provided by dpHUE hair color professional

I've had highlights for quite a while and wanted to go darker, shinier and more rich for fall, which is exactly what my ColorBAR colorist Rita, expertly executed.  My hair actually looked and felt a ton healthier after it was colored, which is a first for me .  Now that I've consulted with a professional ColorBAR colorist and know how to mix and apply my color of choice, I have the option of  having the ColorBAR apply my color or doing it at home on my own.  I can even order my color online since dpHUE has my color information in their system. Unlike do-it-yourself drug store colors that can wreak havoc on your hair and leave it looking brittle and stripped, dpHUE's color formulation is professional color that is incredibly gentle, luxurious, effective and long-lasting...it doesn't get much better than that...actually it does, no appointments are ever necessary for your ColorBAR at dbHUE visit! If you visit ColorBAR, please leave a comment and let us know about your experience! 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! *Disclosure: Comp service