beauty - A Girl's Gotta Spa! (sm) Top beauty blog, spa, hair care, makeup, beauty trends, skin care | A Girl's Gotta Spa! (sm) Top beauty blog, spa, hair care, makeup, beauty trends, skin care

NightCare Heel Treatment Kit Review

If you are a gal who tries to extend the life of a pedicure as long as possible, then you probably know the first thing that usually needs attention in between pedicures are your heels. I mean really, who has time to get pedicures weekly or even every Read more

Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen Review

With May being Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness month, now seems like the perfect time if any to talk sunscreen! As you may have read earlier this month, I was diagnosed with Melanoma just a couple of years ago. Life after Melanoma requires a lot more preparation when spending time Read more

Suave Moroccan Argan Styling Oil Review

Moroccan Oil is all the rage for the benefits of argan oil on both skin and hair. Suave's Moroccan Infusion line of hair care products aim to deliver incredible shine, softness and conditioning to your hair. I had the opportunity to try the new Moroccan Argan Styling Oil from Read more

EnvyDerm Lip Volumizing and Conditioning Plumper

As I get older I notice the collagen making a prompt exit from my lips leaving them looking lifeless and thin. The best way to combat thinning lips (or if you have thin lips to begin with) is to keep them hydrated and to use a lip plumper. When Read more

No3 Berry Face Oil Review

Can I use face oil if I have combination skin? Of course you can, simply avoid pore-clogging oils and use only the ones intended to moisturize your face. L.A. Christine's No3 Berry Face Oil is comprised of Lingonberry, raspberry and acai berry, yet smells of an herbally sweet concoction. High Read more

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Change the Life of Your Hair: L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Review

Even on days with the clearest of skies, a variety of aggressors − both environmental and lifestyle-related – impact the immediate and long-term health of hair. My hair has felt the impact first hand. From the time I decided to add bleach to my hair when I was 13, through all of the perms I had in the 80s and early 90s, to highlights, dyes and heated styling tools, my hair has seen it all…and suffered the consequences. At times it’s been brittle, I’ve had breakage along my hair line after dying it, it’s been dry and frizzy to overly moisturized and oily. Saying I’ve put my hair through the ringer really doesn’t do it justice. Yet, my hair is one of the most important aspects of my beauty routine; it’s my favorite accessory, if you will. And that got me thinking… Read more

Posted on by Shannon Nelson in beauty, Hair Care 12 Comments

Spring Skin Care Tips from The Lodge at Woodloch

One of the best spas in the Poconos is The Lodge at Woodloch. It is not only a favorite local spot for me, it is highly rated as one of the best destination spas in the country. I feel very lucky to have it right here only minutes away.

As Spring is not too far off, that means it’s also time change up skin care products and treatments to meet the seasonal needs of your skin. I asked The Lodge at Woodloch’s Spa Treatment Manager, Amanda Clabaugh, for some tips:

Since your skin changes throughout the seasons, it is best to “switch up” some of your skin care products to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion! As the cold days of the winter are soon to be behind us, skin may be less dry, so switching to a lighter moisturizer will keep your skin balanced.

Remember to continue to drink plenty of water to maintain hydration and use a topical vitamin C product to boost collagen!  Read more

Posted on by Shannon Nelson in anti-aging, beauty, Pocono Spas & Salons, skin care, Spa Leave a comment

MAKE Cosmetics on We See Beauty

MAKE is the first for-benefit color cosmetics line launching on WeSeeBeauty.com – a for-benefit marketplace of ideas, stories and products that support cooperatives. One-third of all MAKE product sales will support the non-profit organization, the We See Beauty Foundation, dedicated to incubate and accelerate women-led, worker owned cooperatives.

MAKE Cosmetics are absolutely brilliant. There are many different colors for the lips, eyes and cheeks which are all beautifully and brightly made. The makeup I tested lasted all day, didn’t crease or smudge and was very easy to apply and there are tons of different beautiful makeup applications to choose from.  I choose (4019) Cast Iron Matte Finish Shadow, (6006 Limoges Pink Matte Finish Blush, and (5012) Magnolia Silk Lipstick.  These colors looked absolutely stunning together and could be worn for a day or night time look. Read more

Posted on by Ashley Smith in beauty, blush, eye shadow, lipstick, Makeup, makeup tips Leave a comment

Primavera Clarifying Face Scrub Review

My skin remains oily in the T-zone regardless of the season. I also still get the occasional blemish, despite my age, and blackheads…well let’s just say you’d think I’m having a party on my face sometimes. Sticking to skin care products that are right for your skin type help to diminish skin issues, which is why I was happy to try out Primavera’s new Clarifying Face Scrub.  Read more

Posted on by Shannon Nelson in acne, anti-aging, beauty, skin care Leave a comment

L’Oreal Paris RevitaLift Miracle Blur Review



I’ve been hearing buzz about L’Oreal Paris’ latest RevitaLift debut, Miracle Blur, ever since my friend and celebrity makeup artist, Billy B. raved about it one day on Facebook. If he thinks it’s amazing, I knew I had to check it out. Thanks to Aprill at Glitter.Gloss.Garbage, she had an extra one she sent my way.

First things first, I was initially confused as to what exactly Miracle Blur is. Were you?  Read more

Posted on by Shannon Nelson in anti-aging, beauty, Makeup, Primer 1 Comment

Spa Sonic ® Face and Body Polisher Review

Meet my brand new best-friend and constant travelling companion, Spa Sonic’s Face and Body Polisher.

I took an immediate liking to this device and absolutely refuse to leave home for more than a day without it, after all what’s not to love since it beautifies from head to toe?  The seven piece professional kit includes, 1 Polishing unit, 2 Facial Brushes, 1 Body Brush, 1 Facial Buffer, 1 Pumice Stone, and a battery four pack and they all do an awesome job.

The facial brush feels really gentle on my skin and I especially love the size of the brush because it cleanses and exfoliates my face without getting any excess of cleanser and water on my hair.  The body brush is also amazing.  Like the facial brush, it’s not harsh or irritating, but really gentle and also exfoliates and cleanses perfectly.  Read more

Posted on by Gail Lewis in bath and body, beauty, skin care, Spa, Travel Beauty Leave a comment

Poll: Drugstore vs Department Store Mascara

Recently we began polling our Facebook fans and Twitter followers to find out which is better, drugstore or department store mascara. There’s the obvious difference in price, but does a higher price mean it’s a better product?

Personally, the majority of mascaras in my Mocha Moon Perez Beauty Case are department store. Does that mean I am pro-drugstore? No, it just means my budget doesn’t allow me to splurge too often.

We’d love to hear from you! Take our poll below and leave a comment letting us know which mascara brand you can’t live without.  Read more

Posted on by Shannon Nelson in beauty, Makeup, mascara 6 Comments

Renee Rouleau Soothing Eye Makeup Remover Review

If you’ve been looking for a makeup remover that isn’t greasy, doesn’t sting your eyes and leaves no residue behind, then you’ll want to read this review!

Renée Rouleau Soothing Eye Makeup Remover ($19.50) was created by celebrity esthetician and skin care expert, Renée Rouleau based out of Dallas and Plano, Texas. As an esthetician for 25 years, Renée is well-versed in skin care, especially in regards to listening to what her clients are looking to get from their skin products. I know that for myself, I always look for a product to live up to and deliver on its claims. If it does, price is never a sticking point for me.  Read more

Posted on by Shannon Nelson in anti-aging, beauty, Makeup, makeup remover, skin care Leave a comment

Instagram Your Nail Art to Win Lancome Vernis In Love

There’s still time to get your entry in for Lancome’s contest to win a set of Vernis In Love. This beautiful collection of lacquers includes Rose Macaron and Peach Melodie that I’ve swatched. Sorry, the lighting gods weren’t with me on this round. I absolutely love these shades, and they are making me long for spring.

Work out your best nail art by the 14th and Instagram your entry with the hashtag #LancomeLovesNails for a chance to win Vernis In Love! Official Rules here

Rose Macaron
Read more

Posted on by Hillary Fry in beauty, Nail Polish Leave a comment

Tocca Esfoliante da Corpo in Stella

I love an exfoliating scrub that smells heavenly. Tocca’s Esfoliante da Corpo ($32), or Nourishing Body Scrub, in Stella smells amazing.

Rich in natural oils, the luxurious formula boasts the emollient and healing properties of olive oil, safflower oil and grapeseed oil that leave the skin feelings soft, supple and delicately scented. It’s a sugar scrub, so it gently exfoliates. When you rinse it away, it leaves behind a very light oil on your skin, however it doesn’t feel greasy.  Read more

Posted on by Shannon Nelson in bath and body, beauty Leave a comment