A Girl's Gotta Spa!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Mom Get Glamorous contest winner is @trinasbabies Would love a RT to congratulate her: http://bit.ly/tcwTC

A Girl's Gotta Spa! has Moved

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:33:00 +0000

Dear Lovely Readers,

We've moved! Hooray! While this site will still be up for eternity I sure would love to have you come over to the new place we call home: www.agirlsgottaspa.com/blog

Welcome to my new readers from Nailpro Magazine and Trendi Magazine! Please be sure to click over to my new domain!

If you subscribe via email or through a feed, please be sure to update them via my new subscribe page on my website (yes I even have a website too!)

See you there!

~Shannon

Best of the Web

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Couture in the City: Elliott Lucca Handbag Giveaway Valued at $300!
Hello there you fashionistas! As you know Elliott Lucca is our designer couture giveaway for the month of June! Every Friday we will feature a new handbag giveaway from this exclusive New York designer!

Makeup Minute discovers how to get the perfect brows!
Watch your brows transform with Anastasia Brow products

Moms Buzz: Twelve Ways to Delay Aging - Tips
Hello moms, how about "delaying" aging and looking as younger as possible? Real Simple Magazine, this month, has an article on 12 ways to delay aging, which we love to share with you.

Shopalicious: Bernardo Serpentine Sandal from Urban Outfitters
Nab these versatile beauties for a steal!

Stylenotes: Summer Essentials
Get ready for the summer with stylenotes’ recommendations on products that will keep you looking glam – with or without a tan.

Summer is Here!
Reasons to love the season: check out this fabulous list of summertime favorites....

Tags: Beauty Blog

Monday's Cut: David Beckham Shows His "Stuff" For Armani

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000

I'm sure I am not the only girl who is jealous that Victoria Beckham has the hottest husband on the planet. But if I can't have David Beckham (and neither can you, sorry) then we can at least drool a little over his large, poster size...ad for Armani hanging from Macy's in San Francisco. I hear it overlooks a 6,000 seat amphitheater--how much do you want to bet women will be finding an excuse to have lunch at that amphitheater each day? I know I would.

Check it out for yourself on NY Mag's The Cut.

Up to 60% off at NYC Spas & Salons Through Lifebooker

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:30:00 +0000

With the economy as it is, New Yorkers are feeling the pinch. They might not spend a third of their paycheck at the pump, but having to fill up on two franks and a papaya shake is giving locals plenty of reason to complain about gas.

See, I can't even afford anything but cheap jokes-- but what Lifebooker can offer you, NYC, is some relief. There are exclusive deals for what remains of June. Just click on the links below to find a treatment that fits your budget and schedule.

60% off All Services at Gotham Aesthetics (UWS)

50% off All Spa Services at Rose Alcido (Flatiron/Gramercy)

50% off All Services at the Stuart Hirsch Salon (Soho)

50% off Facials & Eyelash Tinting at Janis Chakler (UWS)

50% off All Services with David at Gina-Le (Chelsea)

40% off Waxing Services at Tribeca Beauty Spa (Tribeca)

40% off All Spa Treatments at Okeanos Spa Banya (UES)

40% off Waxing Services at Gita Gabriel Salon & Spa (UES)

Also check out their homepage for all the latest Lifebooker contests, product giveaways and more.

So, show some love to your city and yourself. Your municipal body will be grateful.

Stay beautiful New York!

Tags: Beauty Blog

Review: C'watre Kanreki Wash

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:30:00 +0000

C'watre is a very unique and interesting beauty brand. Their products revolve around using modified sea water (Odoroki) to promote healthy skin. Since I've never seen a surfer with bad skin (have you?) I figured I would give their Kanreki Wash a try.

C'watre's Kanreki Wash is a combination of Odoroki, skin moisturizers such as aloe and sweet almond oil; exfoliants Pinetree Extract and Salicylic Acid, as well as the anti-oxidant, White Tea Extract. The consistency is very thin when you smooth it over your face to wash away the day's impurities. When you rinse it off, your skin is left feeling clean and tighter--like the sensation you get when you use toner.

I've been using it for a few weeks and I have to say, it has been working very well. My skin seems to breaking out less, is less oily and just seems more balanced overall.

If you've tried it, I'd love to hear what you thought.

Spa Week~Steals & Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Summer is here and lets be honest… isn't this season all about showing skin?! A strategically placed trip to the spa might be just what your epidermis ordered. But 'alas, we have bikini's and designer sunglasses to buy...we can't be dropping $200 on a spa treatment (or at least I can't!) Well turn that frown upside down because Spa Week Media's Steals and Deals Program offers discounts on some of the hottest spa treatments out there!

It's important to treat yourself so gather up the girls and kick off summer the right way…at the Spa! After all ladies, that bikini line isn’t gonna wax itself! Spa Week Media highlights how therapeutic spa treatments can be vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So now that you know you don't have to break the bank to get a quality massage, there’s no excuse! Pamper your body with one of the many affordable treatments that Spa Week Media offers, you won't regret it and neither will your checking account!

Each month new spa specials, promotion and exclusive deals are available for the Spa Week Media faithful to take advantage of. Steals and Deals has been a part of our company since its inception, encouraging consumers to keep utilizing Spa Week Media as their #1 year-round Spa resource. Known for their signature $50 treatments during the Spa Week event, Spa Week Media takes the world of affordable spa services a step further by offering this year long program on www.spaweek.org.

Review: FitFlops

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:32:00 +0000

Walking is a part of our daily lives. For some more than others, if they live in a big city and their feet are their mode of transportation. For those of us, with less active lives, walking is just a means of getting to point A to point B. In the summer I love to wear flip flops. I'm a girl whose feet love to be sock-free to show off a fresh pedicure, but flip flops have no arch support and tend to feel a bit uncomfortable by days end. Then I met the FitFlop and I haven't stopped telling people about it since (really, ask everyone in NEPA).

My job requires me to sit at my desk all day and I'm also a self-admitted workaholic. I can't say I've ever really allowed myself much time for exercise. Yet these amazing FitFlops not only feel like I am walking on stablized-like tempurpedic foam, but they are built in such a way that works my leg muscles as I walk. They come in great styles, so I have a great looking flip flop. I have to admit, I was so skeptical before I received them, but as soon as you put them on your feet you immediately realize they are a very different type of shoe. Function+Fashion=the right shoe for me.

It does take a day or two to get used to them. What happens is that it's almost this "rocking" type movement that they create that causes your body to force yourself to balance as you walk. Almost like being on a balance ball and how it works your core--just imagine that balance ball being in the center area of your shoe. The FitFlop works the back of your calves, your upper thighs and yes even your behind. Believe me, I feel it. Not in a painful I-just-worked-out-for-an-hour type feeling, but you can actually feel that these shoes are working your muscles.

Have I noticed my legs looking firmer? I've only been wearing them for a few weeks, so I can't say there is any definitive difference, but I can feel it working and my take on it is--I can wear flip flops as I normally would or I can wear FitFlops and put those muscles into action.

I'll stick with the FitFlops. www.thefitflop.com

Review: CLEAN Summer Eau Fraiche & Soft Refreshing Lotion

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:57:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like you just wanted to take the sweet scents of summer and bottle it up so that you can let your mind drift back any time you want to those lazy days on the beach when the ocean air gently lingered on your sun-kissed skin? No matter the date or time of the year, you can always put your finger on the exact "fragrance" that represents summer. CLEAN has launched two new products that are the essence of just that: CLEAN Summer Eau Fraiche and CLEAN Summer Soft Refreshing Lotion.

CLEAN Summer Eau Fraiche has less alcohol than Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette. This unique formula contains moisturizing Aloe Leaf and Chamomile extracts. Your senses will delight in pure extracts of Italian Limoncello, Crisp Bergamont, Rose Ice, Mirabelle Plum and Lily of the Valley. It reminds me of the fragrance of the flowers that line the sand dunes along the Rhode Island shoreline.

CLEAN Summer Soft Refreshing Lotion has a consistency of a pearlized gel and will refresh your senses with invigorating peppermint, Wintergreen leaf extracts, grape seed and avocado oils (I swear I smelled some grapefruit in there too!) The fragrance comes on very strong at first, but as the hours pass, it gently softens.

It is sold exclusively at HSN as a 2.14 oz. Eau Fraiche & 2 oz. lotion set. HSN has offered limited sneak preview purchasing, otherwise this set officially launches in July and will only be available until the end of the month--so once July 1st hits, act fast and scoop it up!

*Photo Credit: HSN

Tags: Beauty Blog

Review: Aloette's Hot Soy Manicure Treatment Candle

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:56:00 +0000

So you thought hot dripping candle wax was only for those about to engage in some...playtime. Aloette's Hot Soy Manicure Treatment Candle will quickly change your mind and have you wanting to indulge in this innovative and heavenly manicure product.

The fragrance is absolutely dreamy--an orange creamsicle, sweet and delicious. The candle burns clean with a cotton wick. It heats up the soy, orange and vanilla oil combination to which you can dip your finger into (once the flame is blown out of course!) and rub the oil over your cuticles and massage into your hands to heal cracks and dryness. The warm oil feels great on your skin, almost like a paraffin treatment.

I absolutely love this candle and keep it at my desk. The fragrance will lift your spirits and the oils will soothe your skin. Your hands will be ready for that polish in no time and you'll have people asking for the business card of your manicurist.

$29.95 www.aloette.com (in the Spa Indulgence section)

Tags: Beauty Blog

Monday's Cut: CFDA on Skinny Models

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:21:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows there are two models I love love love. Chanel Iman and Coco Rocha. I was lucky to be able to be backstage when Chanel was getting her makeup done for Jason Wu (and I can even tell you how nice she is?), but sadly didn't see Coco at any of the shows I attended.

The CFDA held a panel last week on Skinny Models and Coco Rocha was a guest speaker. NY Mag's The Cut gives a snapshot look into how it all went down: Skinny Models & Coco Rocha

Photo: (c) Shannon Nelson
Tags: Beauty Blog

Review: International Orange Spa Products

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:46:00 +0000

International Orange is a wellness spa located in San Fransico, California. Since I couldn't make it to the spa, they brought the spa to me with their shampoo, conditioner, bath salts, body wash, body oil and moisturizer.

The fragrance of their products are very unique and different from anything I have ever experienced. Very earthy with exotic smelling florals; the fragrance is very strong, but eventually softens leaving that just-from-the-spa fragrance on your skin and hair.

Restore Hair Wash has Bergamont Peel, Geranium flower and seaweed extract and Nourish Hair Cream is Jasmine Blossom, Tuberose Petal and Golden Jojoba. There really isn't much lather when washing your hair with the shampoo, something that is always hard for me to get used to. The conditioner is very hydrating, you don't need to use a lot to benefit from it. Enrich body moisturizer contains shea butter and avacado oil, both soothe your dry skin with hydration.

My favorite is the Bathe Bath Salts. The ingredients are amazingly simple--epsom salt, baking soda and sea salt with Orange Blossom, Vetiver Root and White Lotus. The water softens as does your skin. I also put a drop of the Anoint body oil in to further moisturize.

If you've been to International Orange's Spa, I'd love to hear about your experience. If you've had the opportunity to try their products, what did you think?

TotalBeauty.com's Summer Spa Sweepstakes!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:50:00 +0000

TotalBeauty.com is having a spa sweepstakes! By writing your own reviews of beauty products on Total Beauty, you could get a chance to win 1 of 100 prizes and be entered for the grand prize--an all inclusive spa trip to Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. You've always wanted your chance to write a review of your favorite products or dish on the ones that are really bad, right? So why not do it and have the chance to win something in return!

Total Beauty's Fine print: Open to only legal US residents age 18+, ends August 4th.

Tags: Beauty Blog

Review: Bioelements Vitalization Body Creme

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000

You take care of your face everyday making sure to remove your makeup before bed, cleansing and toning, moisturizing--but are you paying attention to the rest of your skin in the same way? Chances are you're not and are often being reactive to dry skin instead of proactive. I'll admit, I sometimes get caught up in my hectic life and will skip applying lotion to save time. So I was happy to discover Bioelements Vitalization Rich Intensity Body Creme, which will transform your skin and no one is the wiser.

The active ingredients in this highly effective moisturizer are: 100% pure botanical oils, shea butter, red tea and beta-carotene. The texture is rich and indulgent , but glides on effortlessly and quickly absorbs going to work on those dry patches you often wear pants to hide. This is an intense moisturizer, so you won't have to wait days to see a difference in your skin. The aroma is soothing, but not overpowering. This product is great on it's own, but works even better when you've exfoliated while in the shower and immediately after getting out of your shower or bath.

Biolements Vitalization is only available at select salons and spas and comes in a variety of sizes. Would love to hear your thoughts if you've tried it.

Tags: Beauty Blog

L'Occitane Family and Friends Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:06:00 +0000

L'Occitane is having a Family & Friends event both instore and online! Get 25% off!

For instore purchases you need a coupon with a barcode--you can email me directly and I will forward it to you.

Online purchases simply enter the code: FNF25 at checkout. www.usa.loccitane.com ends Sunday June 15th!

L'Occitane's Fine Print: For US Residents only, on full price items only, not valid at outlet stores.

Tags: Beauty Blog

Berwick Beauty's Skin Care Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:08:00 +0000

I am a big fan of Berwick Beauty and I love their Balancing Day Cream from their Coming Up Roses collection. Here are some skin care tips and expert advice straight from Angel, co-owner of Berwick Beauty:

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE SECRET TIP on how to erase those dark circles under your eyes and reduce puffiness in just seconds? Berwick Beauty expert advice: Keep your Coming Up Roses Eye Contour Gel refrigerated. The soothing coolness and natural strength of the product will instantly tighten and smooth the delicate eye area. The results are fantastic!

DID YOU KNOW that Berwick Beauty’s Nourishing Cream is an excellent source of Hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is a compound that occurs naturally in the skin and connective tissue, and its depletion (often caused by sun damage) is associated with wrinkling. Dermal fillers such as Hyaluronic acid have proved very popular with individuals looking for non-invasive anti-aging solutions that have a tangible effect. Recent studies have shown that dermal fillers help to restore the structure of sun-damaged skin due to their collagen stimulating properties.

DID YOU KNOW that Rosa Damascena (Damask Rose Oil) contains more than 300 natural compounds and is one of the most complex natural substances on earth? Damask Rose Oil is often referred to as nature’s universal healer and is proven to be highly effective at treating dry, mature and damaged skin as well as modifying the unhealthy skin sebum secretion that causes acne and the appearance of enlarged pores. All Berwick Beauty products contain Damask Rose Oil derived from organically grown, handpicked Rosa Damascena roses.

DID YOU KNOW that the first references to the health and beauty benefits of rose oil date back more than 5000 years? Many great ancient civilizations throughout Persia, Egypt, Greece and Rome placed great value on the exclusivity and aesthetics of the rose. This fascination with the rose only increased as cultures began to truly understand the complexity of the flower and the science behind its natural effect on mood and enhancing beauty.

To see all of the fantastic products Berwick Beauty has to offer, click on over to www.BerwickBeauty.com

Predicting Color Trends Since 1991

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:47:00 +0000

The date: October 1991
Location: West Warwick High School cafeteria
Event: Rockfest

90's colors are a hot commodity in both beauty and fashion this year. And my, who is that stylish chic wearing such bold colors? Let's call this one--pulled from the vault of Shannon's high school photo's. I had a bad perm, had big hair, was wearing a shirt that was a little too low for a girl all of 17, but I was certainly rocking the color trend. I think I even bought this outfit at Rave. Isn't that store still around too?

One thing that makes me laugh when I look at this picture is not how self confident I look, nooo, but how the event was "Rockfest" and I seemed the only one appropriately dressed to rock out. Sweaters and leggings to rock? I think not.

Beauty Wishlist--If Money Was No Object, Who Would Style Your Hair?

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:18:00 +0000

As I sit here disgusted with my hair--all 20 inches, dead ends and dried out, I secretly wish for an email to come along and offer me a fabulous makeover. Makeovers here in Northeast PA don't happen--I have yet to find a hair stylist that rocks my world, instead just super customer service with average hair cuts.

This got me thinking, if money was no object and distance no matter--who would you want giving you the best hair style of your adult life?

There are two people I have always wanted to transform my hair:

-Nick Arrojo (Because he has a great personality, is uber talented and tells it like it is.)
-David Evangelista (Because when I met him this past Feb., he was the sweetest guy ever and did an awesome job on the model's hair for Victorya Hong.)

I know I could never afford either of their services (it's like $400 for a hair cut) but a girl can dream. What about you? Who is your dream hair stylist?

Monday's Cut: Agyness Deyn's Ma Dame Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

This past week NY Mag's blog, The Cut, posted the French commercial from Jean Paul Gaultier's newest perfume Ma Dame featuring Agyness Deyn.

Am I the only one who thinks Agyness is probably the only person in the world who can sport a hair style as short as hers and still look incredibly gorgeous?

Check out the commercial on The Cut.

Review: Corioliss Wet to Dry Flat Iron

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:38:00 +0000

Ever since my love affair with my Conair Infiniti Nano Silver Hair Straightener, I've been dying to try a flat iron that works on wet hair. A while back (when my hair was about 6 inches shorter) my hair stylist had used one and it seemed to do a decent job. I think we all enjoy shortcuts every now and then and I know I'd love to dry my hair and flat iron it all in one shot. That's when I decided to try out the Corioliss Wet to Dry Flat Iron.

The Corioliss Wet to Dry Flat Iron has vent holes in its plates to allow steam to evaporate as you work it through your wet hair. When I plugged in this flat iron, it emitted a very strong smell that was very unpleasant. I ended up opening the window each time I used it because I didn't want the smell to travel into other areas of the house. It was almost like a burning plastic smell, although it wasn't around any plastic and nothing was burning. It heat up pretty quickly , although there is no setting to adjust to the heat you want. Base heat is 410 (f) and the highest it is said it heat up to is 430. I normally flat iron my hair on 330 F, but I wasn't sure if the higher temperature was what it took to carry your hair from wet to dry.

The first 5 sections of hair I dried sizzled and popped as it dried my hair. It dried it fairly quickly, however I noticed that my hair seemed to look much thicker than it normally does when I flat iron. After the first 5 sections, it seemed to take longer to dry my hair. I would have to go over the same section several times for it to dry, whereas at the beginning it only took once. It took about 15 minutes to dry my hair. To be fair, my hair is 20 inches long, so I knew it would take some time.

My hair definitely thickened and looked frizzy, which was the opposite look I was going for. I couldn't move my fingers through my hair freely, as they would get caught in tangles. I was pretty frustrated and ended up turning on the Conair and using it to defrizz and straighten my locks.

I got this flat iron from Misikko, a great beauty company here in PA. They do have other flat irons to choose from and usually always have a sale going on.

Have you tried this flat iron? Am I alone in having an awful time with it?

The Ultimate Social Networking Site For Spa Enthusiasts: TheSpaProject.com Launches

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:21:00 +0000

The Spa Project has launched the first dedicated online social network designed specifically for spa lovers. A niche-market website, The Spa Project offers: a guide to the hottest spas from around the world categorized according to special interests and consumer ratings; a social network for spa-goers and spa owners to communicate with each other; trip planning tools and resources; and a Rating Reward Program.

Designed to offer targeted benefits to discerning consumers who already incorporate the spa lifestyle into their daily routine, The Spa Project enables you to also make use of the sites’ networking features – allowing you to share and come together with other members.

You can join The Spa Project network by first creating a custom profile which enables access to the site’s features and resources. Having a profile allows you to engage in a Rating Program that rewards for every spa facility you rate. Since everyone enjoys a good perk, the Program is set up in such a way that the more spas you review, the more Spa Points you receive – which can then be redeemed for luxury gifts and discounts. For those looking to plan a spa-getaway, a Spa Trip Planner is one of the other great features on the site, enabling you to book and organize your travel. Additionally, the site boasts industry-related courses on everything from skin care and beauty to wellness and nutrition.

Check it out spa fanatics! www.thespaproject.com

A Girl's Gotta Spa! Raises $2000 For Meadow Quinn

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:08:00 +0000

My Beauty for Good fundraiser for Meadow Quinn has finally wrapped up and we accomplished our goal. $2000 was raised thanks to many donations and through the ebay auctions of beauty products. Today I had the chance to deliver that check to Meadow and I found out that they are heading to C.H.O.P. this Saturday to start their 6 weeks at the feeding clinic! So THANK YOU to all of my readers who contributed, my friends and beauty brands who pitched in and all of my fellow bloggers that posted links telling everyone about this fundraiser. I appreciate it and most importantly, Meadow and her mom & dad appreciate it.

Thank you:

Three Custom Color Specialists
Aguacate & Co.
We Love Beauty
Beauty from the Earth
Beauty Addict
Studio 747
Mythbuster Beauty
Debutaunt
Specktra.net
Bella Sugar
Product Girl
The Daily Cookie
Yummy 411
Bionic Beauty
Makeup Moxie
Girl Gloss
Beauty & Fashion Tech
Mystical Beauty Musings
Life of a Ladybug
Temptalia
Solessence
Beauty Blogging Junkie
Distressed Derma
Sugar Shock
Nadine Haobsh
Pursebuzz
and the other private people who made donations

You made the difference in the life of a child. Thank you.

5 Tips for Whiter Teeth…Instantly!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:31:00 +0000

From sexy summer dresses to the hottest gladiator sandals, nothing is more important to achieving an effortlessly chic summer look than a bright white smile. Celebrity Aesthetic Dentist Dr. Jonathan B. Levine whose A-list clients include Sarah Jessica Parker, Christy Brinkley and Victoria ’s Secret Model Allesandra D’Ambrosio offers these tips that will brighten your smile INSTANTLY, without expensive procedures, whitening strips or even toothpaste! (Although he created my favorite teeth whitening product--GoSmile!)

1. Whiten While you Chew

Everyone knows that red wine and coffee stain your teeth, but some foods can actually work to whiten your teeth while you eat! The following foods remove stains by exfoliating teeth before the stain molecules have the time to attach deeply to the surface. It is like a skin scrub for your smile. Foods that whiten teeth include:

Apples
Celery
Carrots
Spinach
Broccoli
Lettuce

2. Kiss the Stain Away

Some lip colors can actually make your teeth look significantly whiter (and darker!).

If you have grayish teeth:

*Avoid: Red Lipsticks with blue tones

* Try: Cool tone with a brown base. Nude pinks with an almost brownish hue are best.

If you have yellowish teeth:

* Avoid: Deep, dark shades. Bright Shades. Super shiny glosses

* Try: Pink shades that have blue undertones. Nudes

3. Go Bronze

Golden and tan skin tones (from a bottle not from harmful UVA/UVB rays of course) not only give you a more toned, healthy appearance but also make your eyes pop and your teeth look brighter! Some of the most natural looking new tanners include:

SkinCeuticals Sans Soleil - a unique self-tanning lotion that delivers an even, natural looking tan without exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Price: $32.00 at SkinCeuticals.com

DuWop Revolotion Body - Unlike traditional bronzers, Revolotion is actually a moisturizer that contains SPF 15 sun protection along with a kiss of bronzing pigment and subtle shimmer. The streak free, easy to apply formula is meant for legs, arms, back and decollate. Anywhere you want to show off perfect, glowing skin. Price: $28, available at Sephora and www.beauty.com

(I personally love Aqua Tan!)

4. Accessorize

Try wearing shimmering white rhinestone jewelry or gleaming silver to make your teeth appear whiter. Stay away from gold, which exaggerates any yellowish tones in teeth.

5. Clothing

A bright white shirt will only accentuate less-than-white teeth. Choose an off-white or cream-colored shade instead. Reducing the contrast will result in the appearance of a brighter, whiter smile.

Have any easy teeth whitening tips? I'd love to hear them!

Review: Joico K-PAK Shampoo & Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0000

After my hair debacle with Clairol's Perfect 10, my hair was in dire need of some help--and fast because Fashion Week was only a few days away. My hair was super dried out, the color was dull and drab (and yes I just colored it!) and my hair was a frizz nightmare. That's when I remembered how much I loved my Joico K-PAK Liquid Reconstruct and decided to try the line's shampoo & conditioner.

So remember that picture I am constantly posting? You know the one in this post that you are probably sick of by now? Well that is Joico K-PAK in action. My hair was a complete mess I tell you and I honestly thought I was going to go to Fashion Week and stick out like a sore thumb from the frizz and uber dryness. Yet, Joico's K-PAK shampoo & conditioner came to my rescue by intensely moisturizing my hair, leaving it super soft and manageable. And that's what it's meant to do after all; it's designed for damage repair.

Is your hair in need of some major therapy? Joico's K-PAK may be just what you need.

Open Letter to Neutrogena Regarding Neutrogena Wave Ads

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Nelson) — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Dear Neutrogena,

It really disappoints me when a great company, whose products target the teen and 20s/30s demographic of women, use sexual innuendo to sell product. I really thought we were more intelligent than that, but obviously you don't think we are.

Let's recap how you are advertising your latest product, the Neutrogena Wave, on several blogs and websites shall we?

The flash advertisement starts off showing the Wave vibrating with the words "Turn me on" next to it. Followed by several colors of Waves vibrating, which they tend to look like a hand held ...um...vibrator? Words like "deep" and "power" are used in the advertisement and in the final frame is a picture of a teenage girl holding it to her face.

If I remember correctly RejuvaWand, another skin care product whose design had the flaw of also looking similar to a sex toy, tried desperately to get people to focus on what their product does rather than market it for what it looked like....you seem to be doing the opposite. Also, Vanessa Hudgens is being used in your commercials for this? Isn't she the teen Disney star who had the nude sex pics of herself floating around? Coincidence?

Neutrogena to me has always been a company based on values and principals, especially considering your target market is young girls. So please tell me why it is now that you have chosen to go down the path of selling tongue-in-cheek sexually-based ads for Neutrogena Wave.

Most upsetting to me? You are selling these ads through a network I am a part of and I'll have no choice but to potentially have them displayed on my blogs and I'll have to apologize to any of my readers who are also offended.

Sadly disappointed,
Shannon