Never did I thought I would see that day when I would be able to say I'm wearing red lip color. Friends would tell me, "Try this one, it's best!" or "This type of red is more your color," only to be greatly disappointed. I began to think red just wasn't for me and would instead would be green with envy over those who could pull it off. I'm just too pale, it brings out the ruddiness in my skin, it makes me look like a clown... believe me, I've given every excuse there is. Until AVON sent me their newest lip crayon for Fall. In two words: holy crap. OK, better words: stunning, vibrant, youth-enhancing, brilliant, powerful. The Ultra Color Lip Crayon ($8) in Reddy for Me, is truly the red for me. It is jumbo in size, glides on smooth and instantly brightens my face. It's not too bright, not too matte, and doesn't bring out the unevenness in my skin tone. While this new lip color is said to have moisturizing shea butter and Vitamin E, I did find it to be drying. Does it stop me from wearing it religiously? Nope. Without a lip pencil, the lip color does wear off (inner part of your lip first) after the usual eating/drinking. However, I found that if I use a nude lip liner and fill in my lips with it then apply the Ultra Color Lip Crayon over it, it has much better staying power. To combat the dryness, I just use my Beau Bain Mint Mojito Lip Scrub prior to application. The Ultra Color Lip Crayon does have mica for the sparkle. That's really the only thing I'm on the fence about. Sometimes the mica looks like large glitter on my lips, and at 39 years old, makes me feel childish. However, sometimes what I think and what people say are two different things and everyone continues to rave about how this red looks on me. Mica lips and all.

Have you found your perfect red?

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When I began my Nutrisystem journey back in July, I was worried about the taste of Nutrisystem food. Would it taste like cardboard? Would chicken taste like chicken and beef like beef? Would the frozen meals taste like TV dinners? Needless to say, I'm sure if you are reading this post, you are wondering the same thing. What I can tell you, is that I am OBSESSED with their breakfasts--double chocolate muffin, cinnamon roll, granola cereal, egg omelets. My mornings have never been more flavorful. I like that for pantry meals, I am able to go a la cart, which meant I chose foods I knew I would eat (and happily did so!) I am OBSESSED with their desserts. I honestly feel that Nutrisystem desserts allow you to be indulgent, but within reason. A red velvet whoopie may be tiny, but it is just enough sweetness to conquer your cravings. The ice cream sandwich tastes like the real deal. The chocolate chip pudding? Decadent! All perfectly portioned, but with the help of the Nutrisystem app on my phone, I'm able to better understand how many calories I'm taking in per item. I also read the labels (as should you!) I've gained a good understanding of carbs, sodium, calories, etc. this way too. I am OBSESSED with their protein shakes. Being a chocolate addict, the creamy chocolate shake is my favorite, but Coffee and Strawberry are delicious also. Now that I've been drinking these protein shakes for 3 months, it is definitely a habit and I find myself simply putting them together each morning without another thought. The dinners and lunches have their pros and cons, but they do seem to balance each other out. The chicken pot pie is YUM. The various lunch melts that only need 1 minute in the microwave taste like you bought them fresh at the store. The flame broiled hamburger is actually really good, although it's definitely not as substantial as a real burger (but that's the point, right?) My main con is that I'm not a huge pasta or sauce person. Most of the meals are doused in some sort of sauce. But that is just my personal dislike. I do tend to scrape off most of the sauce...and the food is good otherwise. So far my weight continues to remain stagnant at 169.5 for the last few months. Admittedly, there have been times when I've eaten normal food off the diet...however it was not indulgently so. In fact, I feel like Nutrisystem has taught me exactly what I've been looking for this whole time in understanding portion size, and how to balance out eating. When I've been at an event or restaurant, I've dove into veggies and meat and tried to avoid bad carbs and sweets. And while at first I was super upset that the pounds were not dropping off, the inches have! I wore a dress to a wedding that I haven't put on in over a year...and I almost fell over seeing myself in it and the fact that it was LOOSE! The inch loss has been noticeable in my pants and shirts, which makes me super happy. I'm still trying to wrap my head around being a certain number on the scale, yet not actually looking like that number. What questions do you have about Nutrisystem food? I'd be happy to answer them! Be sure to read: Why I Started Nutrisystem Nutrisystem Portion Control Week One Week Two Week Three Week Four Week Five Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog. 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: Spon

Can't make it to the spa? Here's a DIY spa treatment from Nirmala Narine, host of Veria Living's Nirmala's Spice World, made from ingredients found in your kitchen...and that I dare you not to lick off! Ingredients: 4 tablespoons coconut milk 1 tablespoon plain yogurt 2 tablespoons honey Pulp of one ripe banana (the riper the better) Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg Directions:

1. In a small warm bowl, add all ingredients and mix.
2. Set aside while you fill your bathtub with warm water.
3. Massage the mixture onto your body in circular motion, until you’ve used it all up.
4. Soak in tub for 15 to 20 minutes

Your skin will feel smooth and moisturized...and it is possible that you may feel a bit hungrier post-treatment taking in those delicious scents! Check out the video for more in-depth instructions: Nirmala's Spice World can be seen in the U.S. on Cablevision/Optimum (Channel 164), DISH Network (Channel 218) and Verizon FiOS (Channel 162) subscribers (or check your local listings.) 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+

I love wearing pink lip color. Bright, natural, glossy, matte...it doesn't matter, I just love different shades and textures of pink lip color. I just wish pink lip color loved me back that easily. Finding a pink lip color that works on darker skin tones is not always a simple process.  Even with help, I have ended up going home with shades of pinks that looked ashy, clownish, like I had a weird mouth disease or like I was on death's door.  So after trying a ton of different shades and textures of pink lip color, I thought I would share my favorites just in case you have a similar skin tone and face similar issues. My favorite natural, matte lip color is NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita.  I positively love the smooth, matte texture of this lip pencil.  The coverage is amazing and the color is really pretty on my skin tone and does not look at all ashy.  I love wearing this lip pencil during the day with just a bit of mascara or at night with a smoky eye. For a bright pink matte lip color I am addicted to NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Never Say Never.  The texture is the same as the Dolce Vita Lip Pencil, but I love wearing this color when I want to get more playful with my makeup.  It's a bright pink that does not end up looking clownish on my skin tone. For a full coverage pink lip color that's more of a natural pink, but glossier than the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, I adore Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Full Coverage Lipstick in Cherish.  This lipstick is a liquid lipstick that has a creamy texture and almost feels as lightweight as a gloss, but with more intense color and coverage.  The color is gorgeous on my lips and I love the minty, cooling sensation that this lip color leaves on my lips. My favorite natural pink lip gloss at the moment is Bite Beauty Honey Lip Laquer in Chianti.  The consistency of this lip laquer is much like that of honey, very thick but uber moisturizing and shiny.  I have actually worn this lip laquer to hot yoga and after 90 minutes of intense sweating my lips were still moisturized with just a hint of color. Although I absolutely adore the lip colors that I've listed here, I am always open to suggestions and would love to hear from you about the shades of pinks that have worked for you.  I am currently on the hunt for a bright pink lip gloss and would appreciate any suggestions you might have! 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

Wondering which lip colors are on trend this Fall? Some of the top beauty bloggers (yes, including me!) decided to get on camera and dish about their favorites.

Yes, that's me standing in the woods! And how can you not be distracted watching Clumps of Mascara's gorgeous daughter trying to snag her lip gloss?

Everyone has some great lip color picks! My favorite lip color for Fall is Three Custom Color's Lip Gloss Pot in Simply Beautiful. It looks brown-ish in the pot, but I assure you that it's a neutral color and looks great on all skin tones. I apply with a lip brush and you only need a small amount to make your lips pop. Three Custom also sells this color in a lipstick, gloss and even as a cream blush.

Watch the video below and a big thank you to Phyrra for putting this together!

Beauty Blogger's included:

Gouldylox Reviews Clumps of Mascara Beauty and Fashion Tech My Beauty Bunny Beauty Info Zone Raging Rouge Phyrra We Heart This A Girl's Gotta Spa!

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Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious, and often painful skin disease that causes the cells of the dermis, or skin, to reproduce more rapidly than normal. The condition causes reddish, round scaly skin patches to develop on the knees, hands, feet, elbows and scalp.

My favorite smoothie is the one that I frequently have in the morning. It gives me the energy I need to start the day off right, I feel good that I've consumed something for breakfast and the ingredients in the smoothie contribute to radiant skin and hair.

You go to apply your favorite lipstick, only to have your dry, peeling lips magnified by like 100. Your sexy pout is no longer so sexy. Been there, done that. Nothing adds more life and vitality to your lips than giving them the rub down with a good sugar scrub. We have our favorites, do you see yours among them?

Beau Bain's lip scrubs rank high for me. My favorite is their Mint Mojito. I love it so much that I literally licked it off my lips post-scrub. While sugar, of course, does the scrubbing, shea butter, avocado oil and Vitamin E do the softening. Their scrub comes paired with a lip balm, which is great to apply before bed, or to wear when you simply want to keep your lips moisturized. Walking into a LUSH store is like driving without navigation...you are bound to get lost for HOURS. This deliciously scented lip scrub is another one that can be licked off without fear of ingesting anything nasty. Sugar and jojoba oil will take your lips to the next level of hydration.

Not so much into the whole "mint" lip scene? Bliss has Fabulips, which is a vanilla and orange flavor. The dirty work is done with almond and walnut shells, while jojoba seed and olive oils, shea and cocoa butters and vitamins A, C and E nourish. Our lip scrub recommendations wouldn't be complete without The Lip Scrub from Sara Happ. She has so many decadent scents to choose from, like Red Velvet, Brown Sugar and Creme Brulee that it may be difficult not to hoard them all. (We promise we won't confront you about your "problem".) Sugar, jojoba and grape seed oils will get your pout pretty once again. Which lip scrub do you swear by? 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

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that happens during the same time each year. While it can happen at any time of year, it is most often associated with Fall and Winter (you've heard the term winter blues, right?) This is due to lack of sunlight which of course results in a Vitamin D deficiency. It's getting darker sooner, which throws off your internal clock, remaining indoors due to cooler or bad weather (hello cabin fever!) and what I call a "lack of an interesting landscape"; in other words everything lacks the color, vibrancy and fragrances of the warmer months. I'm bringing this up because in the last few days I kept remarking to my husband, "I feel so tired all the time," and "I feel like I have no energy," and wanting to eat every carb in sight. Personally, nothing has changed for me to bring this on. I'm very happily married, am passionate about my career, enjoy my sons and so on. He then brought it to my attention that since the weather has gotten colder, I've been outdoors less; it's getting darker earlier, etc. And then it clicked. During the days of getting my degree in Psychology, I had learned about SAD and recognized the symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL DEPRESSION:

Beginning to feel the same as I am? Here is a SAD check list (as listed by the MAYO Clinic): Depression Hopelessness Anxiety Loss of energy Heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs Social withdrawal Oversleeping Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates Weight gain Difficulty concentrating While it is always recommended to talk to your doctor, there are some things you can do to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder at home.

TIPS TO DEAL WITH SEASONAL DEPRESSION

Hydro Chromotherapy: Light therapy has been used for a while to combat SAD. I love light therapy incorporated with the relaxation of water. Whereas some hydro chromotherapy systems can be very expensive, there are others that simply involve LED Showerheads that are completely affordable.  Prices do range from under $10 to upwards of $150. (Plus it may encourage your kids to actually want to bathe.) Aromatherapy: The power of scent can be mood altering. You know this the moment you walk into a spa, light a candle in your home or apply your favorite perfume. Bergamot, frankincense, geranium, chamomile, lavender, marjoram and citrus-derived oils are the most effective for treating SAD. There are some amazing products out there now that add essential oils to your shower head, as well. Essio uses essential oil pods that attach to your shower head. While you shouldn't attempt to wash your hair while the oils are being dispersed, it's just another great way to lift your mood (and soften your skin in the process!) You can read Gail's review of Essio for more details! Sidenote: Try A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Body Wash while showering - it's made with citrus essential oils. I also love my aromatherapy diffuser from Gurunanda. I use it during the day to keep me focused and at night to help me sleep soundly. Exercise: A great way to boost serotonin and dopamine levels is with daily exercise. If you can get outside and enjoy the Fall/Winter landscape, even better, as you take in some Vitamin D in the process. Vitamin D supplements: I love Nature Made VitaMelts because they come in delicious flavors. Yum. You can take 1 tablet 4 times per day. And the Vitamin D supplement is great for bone and immune support too. Phototherapy at the spa: It's obvious, I truly believe that the spa is more than just a place of escape, but a necessity for a more balanced mind. Many spas offer phototherapy and are worth booking a treatment for!

DEPRESSED? CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL

Of course, none of this advice should be supplemented for speaking with your doctor. While I have my degree in Psychology, my tips should never trump that of a doctor. If you feel depressed in a way that is unrelated to the seasonal change, please consult a professional local to you. Have you ever suffered from SAD? What tips would you offer? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram.

Fall is upon us! It's that lovely season when the kid’s return to school (YIPPEEE), the temperature drops enough to save our electric bills from the high cost of air conditioning (another hooray!), apple pie al a mode drops into bellies, pumpkins and mums decorate our door steps, hayrides ride, fall festivals engage, and beautiful colors pervade our natural habitat. Mmm, oh and I forgot to mention the not so fantastic party-pooping germs that also love the fall, and/or that love making us take a fall from good health. Yes, it's that time of year that the Flu likes to make its grand entrance, along with some other nasty "bugs." Give or take a few weeks in either direction, the various strands of Flu like to arrive sometime around October and stick it out until about May. The CDC reported that 2012-13 was one of the worst flu seasons in about a decade. After a fresh reminder that we are not invincible knocks us down a few notches, we tend to prepare better the following year. Dr. Swanson recently wrote an informative article in the Huffington Post to keep us up on the need-to- know info regarding the Flu and www.flu.gov has everything you could ever dream of to help keep you fully prepared for the 2013-14 Flu season. The good news is that something as simple as proper and frequent hand sanitation is one of our primary defenses against the spread of the flu...and against almost all communicable diseases. Did you know that Florence Nightingale, the mother of modern nursing, dropped the death toll of the soldiers during the Crimean War from 42% to 2% just by implementing proper and consistent sanitation strategies, such as hand washing? That fact is always such a wow-factor to me on the significance that simple hand sanitation plays into stopping the spread of potentially deadly illnesses. Everyone (EO) is a brand that is all about helping us to love life and stay clean. They have formulated two new fantastic scented hand sanitizers, Peppermint + Citrus and Coconut + Lemon, that are 99.9% effective against most common germs. The nearly equally fab facets of these products, are that they are made with natural plant-based ingredients and contain essential oils. This means that Everyone hand sanitizers will leave your hands supple and clean, instead of cracked and mean. They come in easy to pack hand sprays and gels that are super-affordable. I recommend that you buy a ton of them and throw em’ in your kids school bags, throw em’ in the car, and throw em’ in your purse. Please implement the use of Everyone hand sanitizers frequently this coming season to help make our world healthy, happy, and clean. I assure you that you will unknowingly save a few lives doing it, and perhaps your own. Happy Fall all, now pass on the good news and let the festivities play on! 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! Courtney on G+. *Disclosure