Humidity can wreak havoc on any hairstyle. That's why smoothing and anti-frizz hair care products are always on my vanity. Unruly hair has no place in my beauty regimen! Bain de Terre are a professional line of hair care that previously could only be found in salons. Since the launch of Loxabeauty.com, an authorized retailer for salon brands, there's easier access to them without the hassle of driving to the salon to restock. And yes, product diversion is a real thing, so if you've ever seen them anywhere other than the salon (like at a drugstore), they're not an authorized re-seller. The Bain de Terre products I've been using are their Sleek & Smooth shampoo and conditioner, Rise n' Shine Volumizing Foam, Recovery Complex Anti-Frizz Shine Serum and Jasmine Blow Dry Smoothing Creme. As you can see, I take frizzy hair seriously. Bain de Terre's Sleek & Smooth shampoo and conditioner smell divine. We all love when our hair smells lucious, but oftentimes that fragrance dissipates within hours. Aside from my hair being silky smooth as this set enhanced and restored my hair health, the botanical scent lasted literally all day. Better yet, I was constantly getting the "Ooh, your hair smells good!" compliments each time I used it. Compliments never get old. The shampoo and conditioner are paraben free and color-safe, which is great for those of us who color our hair and don't want to see it fade quickly. Back when I visited Zotos Professional's headquarters where I talked to Mike Petrizzi about how to prevent hair color fading, one of the hairstylists explained to me that although I have A LOT of hair, it is naturally fine hair and this is why I constantly battle losing volume. Sure, I could tease it out like the 80's to give it some lift, but typically within the hour my hair falls flat, not to mention the unflattering frizzy hair is quite an eyesore. I could put an endless supply of hair spray in my hair, but it never makes a difference. Baine de Terre's Rise n' Shine Volumizing Foam is lightweight so that it gives you real volume, and utilizes white willow bark, a natural source of resin, that builds body and enhances hair’s volume for added fullness. It's great for all hair types and doesn't make it greasy. This product also has argan and monoi oils, so it conditions hair and I get the volume without the frizz.

You most likely put your hair through the ringer daily from blow drying to flat ironing to curling. The hair breakage that thermal stylers cause creates much of the frizz that you see. It is so important to use a hair treatment that will protect your strands from heat damage while reducing frizz and moisturing your hair. The Bain de Terre Jasmine Blow Dry Smoothing Creme does all of these things PLUS it has a UVA/UVB protectant, as well. Skin isn't the only thing that needs protection from the sun, as UV rays cause hair color fading. Lastly, I use the Recovery Complex Anti-Frizz Shine Serum. This serum is alcohol-free and color-safe and contains argan and monoi oils. It is weightless, and despite the oils and silicone, it's not greasy. It leaves your hair silky smooth and frizz-free. I've used it both on damp hair before styling and on days when the humidity is wicked, on my dry hair as well. You only need a pea-sized amount to get the job done for shoulder length hair. All of the anti-frizz hair care mentioned from Bain de Terre are paraben free, color-safe, contain argan and monoi oils, have a botanical fragrance that lasts and ends your battle with frizz. Believe me, I live by the water, where humidity is no joke. If you haven't tried these for yourself yet, I highly recommend them! If you'd used any of these products, I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. When shopping for Bain de Terre on Loxabeauty, use code FiveOff at checkout to get $5 off a minimum purchase of $20 on Bain de Terre hair care products. (Discount code expires on July 31, 2014. 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+

It doesn't necessarily need to be the 4th of July to show your patriotic side. Show off your stars and stripes nail art with these easy how to's from editorial manicurist, Jin Soon Choi.

Look 1 Stars and Stripes 

How-To:

1. Apply a base coat like JINsoon Power Coat
2. Apply JINsoon Muse on the entire nail bed, leaving the ring finger bare
3. Apply JINsoon Cool Blue to the entire nail bed of the ring finger
4. Using JINsoon Coquette, apply horizontal stripes with a thin brush over the middle finger and the thumb
5. Using JINsoon Coquette again, apply vertical stripes with a thin brush over the index finger and the pinky
6. Apply JINsoon Absolute White over the JINsoon Cool Blue on the ring finger to create the stars
7. Apply a top coat like JINsoon Top Gloss over the nails for a lasting glossy finish

Look 2 Patriotic Stripes 

How-To:

1. Apply a base coat like JINsoon Power Coat
2. Apply JINsoon Cool Blue on the entire nail bed
3. Apply JINsoon Muse to the middle of each fingernail, leaving two stripes of blue visible on each side of the nail
4. Apply a stripe of JINsoon Coquette in the middle of each nail
5. Apply a top coat like JINsoon Top Gloss over the nails for a lasting glossy finish

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!

What is Cellulite? Millions of people around the world deal with the skin condition known as cellulite. If you are unfamiliar, cellulite is the bumpy, unattractive skin that is commonly seen in the thighs, buttocks, and hips. It is a structural issue within the skin that occurs when pockets of fat cells are entrapped by unnecessary connective tissue bands. These pockets of fat then bulge out of the skin, creating that bumpy, uneven appearance. This condition is most common in women and is often influenced by factors such as: aging, genetics, and poor blood circulation. This condition can lower self-esteem due to the presence grotesque looking skin. Thanks to revolutionary treatments like Venus Freeze, cellulite does not have to plague your skin for life. Venus Freeze^TM Treatment for Cellulite Reduction Venus Freeze is a non-invasive treatment that uses radio frequency and magnetic pulses to stimulate collagen production and restore healthy looking skin. The procedure is FDA approved and viewed as a quick and painless way to treat cellulite. It is also used for circumferential reduction and skin tightening. How Does the Procedure Work? On treatment day, a lotion will be applied to the area of the skin being targeted. Venus Freeze applicator will then smoothly be moved over the surface of your skin. The applicator causes a slight heating sensation and is often described as a hot-stone massage. Within the applicator is advanced technology that uses both magnetic pulses (MP)², as well as radio frequency energy to help reduce cellulite. As the applicator is moved over the skin, a magnetic field is generated from the (MP)² component to release growth factors that lead to the development of new blood vessels and fibroblasts. While this occurs, RF energy penetrates deep within the skin leading to increased collagen content and elastin synthesis, as well as triggering enzyme mediated lipolysis. As all of this occurs, the skins structure is reformed and the overlying skin becomes smoother and more attractive. What Happens After the Treatment?  After 15-40 minutes of quick and easy Venus Freeze treatment, patients are free to return to normal activities right away. While patients may experience slight warmness and redness of the skin, there is no downtime nor any harmful side effects. Results may not be visible immediately and often do not show until three treatment sessions have been performed. In order to achieve optimal results, a series of 6-10 treatment sessions within 5-7 day intervals are typically recommended. 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+ Dr. Gaurav Goswami is a board certified physician specializing in cosmetic and endovascular procedures. He is founder and owner of Precise Care with locations in Newport Beach, CA and Fullerton, CA. Dr. Goswami’s practice focuses on minimally invasive, targeted treatments, which use various forms of imaging for guidance during procedures.

Trying to convince my fiancé to go to the spa with me is usually a pretty hopeless undertaking, so imagine my absolute surprise and excitement when he actually suggested that we go to the spa together for a treatment.  That excitement might have decreased a little when he made it clear the "treatment" he wanted us to experience together was sitting in an infrared sauna...at least we would be sitting together in a spa...it was a start. Perhaps sitting in an infrared sauna, sweating for 40 minutes does not sound very appealing, especially given the fact that its been about 90 degrees everyday in Bali for the last two months and I feel like I sweat plenty on a daily basis.  Little did I know that the infrared sauna benefits are amazing and an very effective way to detox. Unlike traditional saunas, an infrared sauna heats through a process called conversion, which warms your body instead of the air around you.  Thus an infrared sauna produces three times the amount of sweat of a traditional sauna.  The more we sweat, the more toxins are removed.  An infrared sauna also increases blood circulation and metabolism, reduces joint stiffness and muscle pain, helps to boost the immune system, decrease cellulite and rejuvenate the skin.  Also unlike traditional saunas it is still easy to breathe in an infrared sauna so you leave feeling rejuvenated instead of drained. Sitting in an infrared sauna in hot and humid Bali was certainly not one of the spa treatments I would ever have imagined myself indulging in, but I can honestly say that I really did enjoy my 40 minutes in an infrared sauna.  I made sure I consumed a ton of water before, during and after my session.  I was actually rejuvenated after my 40 minutes in the infrared sauna, my skin looked great and I was told that a 40 minute session can burn 300-600 calories!  Looks like weekly infrared sauna sessions are now going to be a part of my wellness program! Have you tried this type of spa treatment? 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!

A few days ago I had the pleasure of experiencing yet another amazing spa treatment in Bali.  This time it was an absolutely sinful massage that included hot stones, cool slices of cucumbers and warm lavender towels at my beloved Amo Spa.  While the massage was absolutely incredible, what impressed me even more was the Full Body Dry Brushing pre-treatment that was was offered as an add-on to my massage.  I was completely unfamiliar with dry skin brushing, so of course I HAD to try it. The Full Body Dry Brushing treatment is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.  My entire body was brushed in circular motions with a dry brush for about thirty minutes and is something you can easily do at home, as well.  Unbeknownst to me dry brushing your skin has a ton of  benefits.  It aids in cellulite and stretch mark reduction, boosts metabolism, eliminates fat and toxins, stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system, and of course, it exfoliates. I am violently ticklish so at first the thought of having someone brush my skin seemed like voluntary torture, but the dry brushing was actually very soothing.  Thus far I've only had one dry brushing treatment so it's too soon to tell if it had reduced any stretch marks, cellulite or fat, but my skin was unmistakably smoother, softer and more luminous after the treatment.  I plan on acquiring a body brush of my own as soon as possible and make dry brushing a part of my regular beauty routine. Have you tried dry skin brushing? Has it made a difference in your skin? 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!

Believe it or not, a blogger's makeup bag is not always overflowing with products when we travel. Most of us have a handful of products we are loyal to simply because they get the job done while home or away. I recently spent some time in Atlantic City and asked fellow bloggers Kelly Augustine from www.KellyAugustine.com and Lyuba from www.WillCookForSmiles.com what their must have beauty products were while traveling. Watch the video to hear about our favorite beauty products and then find the links to all of them below: Lyuba's Travel Beauty: Yes To Grapefruit Facial Scrub Yes To Grapefruit Even Skin Tone Moisturizer Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara Rimmel Scandaleyes Thin Eyeliner Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Liner Kelly's Travel Beauty: Wet n Wild Color Icon Collection Bronzer SPF 15 Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher MAC Cosmetics Heroine Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Balm Stain Moisturizing Lip Color, A Stiff Pink Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Lotion Shannon's Travel Beauty: Urban Decay Brightening & Tightening Complexion Primer Potion bareMinerals bareSKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation with SPF 20 DermOrganic Pure Argan Oil 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+ Disclosure

I traveled to Atlantic City to check out the amazing spa options as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars by Crowdtap #DoAC. All opinions, and fun, are my own.

When you think Atlantic City, casinos and gambling may be the first things that come to mind; but what about waterviews, the boardwalk, the beach, amazing restaurants, world class entertainment and my absolute favorite: the spas? Atlantic City is more than just a town to gamble in, and it's certainly a lot more safer than you think!

For my trip to Atlantic City, I stayed at the Borgata Casino & Spa. Don't mistake the Borgata to simply be a hotel and casino, as it is so much more. Honestly, it's like its own city. It is massive with upscale shops, outrageously delicious restaurants, cafes for a quick treat (Frappacino's at Starbucks and amazing display to delight your tastebuds at Sweets & Eats), an entertainment venue, two spas (Immersion Spa and Spa Toccare), nightclubs and The Water Club. You really have no reason to leave the Borgata with so much to do, BUT you should as Atlantic City has so much to offer. Their tagline, after all is, Do AC!

On a sidenote, I spent a good deal of money at Sweets & Eats in the Borgata. I mean look at these delectable treats!

Immersion Spa at Borgata Atlantic City:

It has been a crazy and intense month for me, so seeking an Ayurvedic spa treatment was a no brainer. Immersion Spa, which is located in The Water Club adjacent to the Borgata, has several Ayurvedic treatments to choose from. The spa staff have you complete a Constitutional Analysis prior to your treatment. This analysis is a questionaire about different aspects of you health, body and mind. The questions have three columns and 3 answers that best match you. The three columns are to determine which element you identify most with: Vata (Esther & Air), Pitta (Fire & Water) and Kapha (Water & Earth.)

I ended up being Pitta, which means I am knowledgable, headstrong, brave and friendly. I won't tell you the bad characteristics of someone who is Pitta because naturally my reacton is "that's not me." Ha!  Peggy (who did my spa treatment) took the information from the analysis to decide the type of oil to use during my treatment.

I chose the Shirodhara spa treatment, which begins with you face down as your shoulders, neck and upper back are massaged. After about 10 minutes, you turn over, face up. Most of the treatment is spent with a steady stream of warm oil slowly pouring from a bowl above your head. Your eyes are covered, as is your body and feet (which are wrapped in warm towels.) Tranquil music plays as the warm oil makes its way across your scalp and through your hair. I literally fell asleep and kept waking myself snoring! All I can tell you is that to get me relaxed to that point is a feat unto itself!

Once the oil treatment is done, the oil is then gently massaged into your hair and scalp soaking it with its nourishing and hydrating properties. Hair is then wrapped in a towel and your treatment is done. It is so soothing and relaxing. Be sure that you do not wear a "good" shirt into the spa if you are having this treatment, as your hair is literally dripping with oil. Once I removed the towel, I used one of the hair scrunchies that are available in the spa's changing area and put my hair up. The spa says it's best to leave the oil in your hair for as long as possible to allow your hair the ability to absorb the oil. This might be doable if you plan to use the steam room, whirlpool or just hang out at the pool (without actually taking a dip.) I had to head back to my room to get ready for dinner so I had to wash my hair right away.

Quick tip: Do not wet your hair when you get in the shower. Instead apply shampoo first and lather. Let it sit in your hair for about a minute and then rinse. Avoid using a conditioner until the next shower. I had to do this about 3 times before my hair was no longer slick. While it was still a bit weighty, it looked like I had flat ironed my hair that night. My hair was so smooth and frizz free.

Immersion Spa has treatment rooms that are dark with low light and they also have treatment rooms facing the Atlantic City skyline and ocean with floor to ceiling windows. My treatment was in the dark room, but I think next time I'd like to experience a massage while staring out at the ocean.

Immersion Spa is a two-story spa located on the 32nd floor of The Water Club. Here, you'll find 360 degrees of floor-to-ceiling water views, a fitness center and a lap pool that overlooks Atlantic City. It is simply breathtaking. They have a great spa boutique and I came across brands I knew, as well as some I didn't. To be honest, I'd love to see my brand sitting on those shelves one day.

One of the restaurants that I visited during my stay was Dos Caminos, which is located at Harrah's Resort. I do love Mexican food, but believe it or not, I've never eaten guacamole. With the guacamole being handmade right at our table, I couldn't say no! (And it was AMAZING!)

I don't gamble, but I did enjoy learning how to play Craps at Resorts Casino, the oldest casino in Atlantic City. Although, I'm still confused about how to win, I think I did a pretty good job for a beginner! I had a lot of fun learning and the team there were great.

Resorts Casino is located on the Boardwalk, where you'll also find Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville (I heard he played a free concert there recently) and Landshark Bar & Grill which is located across from Resort Casino directly on the beach. I had lunch at Landshark and I'd like this to be my view every.single.day.

Of course, a stroll on the beach was in order as well. I loved that the beach was not overcrowded at all and quite family-friendly. Atlantic City beaches are clean and so close to the fun on the Boardwalk.

While on this trip I was paired with two bloggers, who I had so much fun with! Kelly from www.KellyAugustine.com - check out her blog to learn more about the fashion in Atlantic City; and Lyuba from www.WillCookForSmiles.com - she's covering all of the amazing food in Atlantic City.

I enjoyed Atlantic City so much that I'm thinking a spa hop throughout the city may be in order. I heard they also have some PGA golf courses closeby that my husband would love. So as you can see, there's something for everyone in Atlantic City!

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+

Nothing says complete and utter relaxation to me quite like indulging in a massage, especially a 75 minute long massage, followed by total body exfoliation, body mask and a luxuriating soak in a warm flower-filled bath.  This is how I spent two hours at a spa in Bali thanks to the suggestion of a woman I was lucky enough to share a taxi ride with.  As soon as I got out of the taxi I knew where I was headed to next: Bodyworks spa in Seminyak, Bali.

Bodyworks has been in business in Bali for over 15 years and they always seem to be insanely busy.  The Bodyworks Spa Menu includes a wide variety of services ranging from traditional Balinese massage to  facials, nail care, hair removal and hair treatments.  Pretty much everything on the Bodyworks Spa Menu looked pretty enticing, but none as much as the Exfoliation Massage, otherwise known as the Mandi Lulur, and this treatment was everything I had expected and more. The treatment began with a deliciously relaxing 75 minute massage, after which my entire body was covered with a grown granular paste (the traditional Javanese lulur.)  The paste is made up of turmeric, sandalwood, cinnamon, ground nuts and rice.  After letting the paste dry on my skin for a few minutes it was gently rubbed off to exfoliate my skin.  My skin was then rinsed off and cooling fresh yogurt was applied to my entire body; including my face.  I was told that the yogurt contains enzymes that stimulates cell activity and restores the pH balance of my skin.  After letting the yogurt mask sit for a few minutes, my skin was again rinsed after which I was led to a bath tub filled with flower petals in which I soaked for the last 10-15 minutes of my treatment. I emerged from this treatment utterly relaxed with smooth, soft, glowing skin.  I have tried a lot of spa services and I can honestly say that this is one of the best, most indulgent spa services I have ever received and it was only about $45 US dollars! Bodyworks is a definite "must" if you happen to find yourself in Bali. 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!

The first time my fiancé described a Balinese Creambath to me, I swear I heard harps playing and birds gayly chirping in the background as he waxed poetic about what sounded positively heavenly.  Now four years later we are in Bali and the first order of business for me was to experience a Creambath first hand.  There are a ton of spas and salons that offer this service, but I wanted to experience the specific treatment he had described to me exactly the way he described it, which led us to Amo Spa in Seminyak, Bali. 

Amo Spa is the creation of native New York Supermodel/Actress Navia Nguyen and is a beautifully serene space with an amazing service menu and an expertly trained staff. 

Before my service began, I had the pleasure of sipping on a cool refreshing glass of wine from the in-house bar.  After changing into proper Amo Spa attire, my insanely decadent  hour-long service began with a shampoo, during which I went weak in the knees from the massage that accompanied my shampoo experience.  

The conditioning cream was then applied to my hair, section by section, and slowly, luxuriously massaged in by the stylist (who I may begin stalking on a regular basis.)  Not only was the product massaged into my scalp, but  my head, neck and shoulders were also continuously massaged with oil as I sat like jello in a chair.

With the conditioning cream still in my hair, I was placed under a steamer for about 20 minutes.  The steamer helps to infuse the cream into hair for an even deeper conditioning.  My hair was then rinsed and a tonic was applied to it. 

Believe me, ladies and gentlemen, when I tell you that had I not been looking into a mirror when I touched my hair, I would not have believed it was my hair I was touching.  It was incredibly soft and silky.  I was able to easily run my hands through my hair while wet, which is usually not a good idea given my super thick, curly textured hair. 

After blow drying my hair, not only was it soft and silky, but also wonderfully shiny and bouncy!  I now daydream about  Navia taking Amo Spa stateside and eradicating bad hair days one state at a time...a girl can dream.