I don’t know many women (or men, for that matter), who don’t enjoy a bit of pampering.  I personally love the opportunity to completely unwind and unplug to focus on relaxing my entire body (both physically and mentally).  Some days, all I have is a couple of hours for a massage or facial. But ideally, a day at the spa does wonders for me physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I find that when I set aside just a small amount of time to take care of myself, I’m happier, healthier, less anxious, and more patient.

Last week, I spent a few blissful hours with Yolanda from Sassy Mama in LA at The Huntington Spa, located at The Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California. The spa, which was voted as one of the Top 10 Spas in America by Travel + Lesiure readers, is the only one in Los Angeles offering treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Chuan Body + Soul is a new element to the spa and these signature treatments incorporate breathing rituals and acupressure as part of the wellness experience.  When you choose a Chuan Body + Soul treatment, your therapist will utilize the answers you provide in a short questionnaire to address any imbalances.  Additionally, the essential oils, incense, candles, teas, and juices used were created in consultation with professionals in Chinese Medicine and Naturopathy.

Despite it’s size, the spa feels intimate and peaceful.  After you’ve checked in and changed into a comfy robe, you can enjoy a cup of tea in the contemplation room or relax in the sauna, steam room, or whirlpool.  This is where you’ll fill out the short questionnaire before heading into the treatment room with your therapist.

I ended up getting a one-hour signature massage, which is just what I needed to relax and get energized for the coming week.  My therapist was extremely attentive, ensuring I was comfortable and that the areas I felt needed the most attention were focused on. The combination of quiet and darkness also helped create an environment that was conducive to relaxation.  When my treatment was complete, the therapist led me to the dream room where I wrapped myself up in a cozy blanket with a cup of chamomile tea.  It was divine!

Whenever I’m planning to visit a spa, I look into their packages, which typically offer more value for the amount of money spent.  At present, there are a number of different packages including 2 and a 3 hour wellness retreats that incorporate the most popular treatments.  Additionally, the spa is offering three winter treatments designed to do wonders for dry skin and hair.  Their Warm Milk and Honey Manicure/Pedicure (25 minutes/50 minutes) includes a dip into whole milk with a hint of blueberry followed by a whipped honey and sea salt scrub, finished with warm honey to hydrate the skin.  Hands and feet are massaged with sweet cream body milk and the service is completed with polish.  The Chuan Collagen Velvet Face and Eye Treatment is a 75 minute treatment designed to provide intense hydration for wind or sun damaged skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and moisture deficiency.  Pure native soluble collagen, protein rich extracts and creams soften and smooth the skin.  Their Caviar Deep Conditioning Hair/Scalp Treatment includes the application of an Alterna Anti-Aging Caviar Hair Mask which is applied and massaged into the hair and scalp.  This 50 minute treatment improves the hair’s shine, texture, and softness.

If you decide to visit the Huntington Spa, be sure to plan to make a day of it.  Located within the spa is a fitness center which includes cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, Techno Gym equipment, a variety of free weights, a state-of-the-art training room, an aerobics studio, an indoor whirlpool, a dry sauna, and a steam room.

For more information on treatments and services offered at the spa, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. A complimentary massage and visit to the spa was provided which helped facilitate this review.

Shine from Yahoo! tops the list of websites women are searching for information on.  Focused on women’s topics, the website covers everything from family and relationships to health, fashion, beauty, and food.  Just in time for the holiday season, they’ve launched the very first (of many) Get It Guide, a resource that highlights what women really want. The guide is put together after evaluating Yahoo!’s most searched products and trends, and explores topics in a variety of categories including fashion, beauty, fitness, and food.

The first Get It Guide has been revealed!  On trend with women’s interest in all-things celebrity-ish, the first guide focuses on Celebrity Fragrances.  The four most sought-out celebrity fragrances include Heat by Beyoncé, Cosmic Radiance by Britney Spears, Someday by Justin Bieber, and Jennifer Aniston by Jennifer Aniston.  At present, you can visit Shine to comment, share, and vote on each of the four fragrances to determine the favorite amongst readers. While you’re on the site, be sure to check out the reviews of each fragrance from the Get It Guide Gurus.

Stay tuned as I’ll be sharing more information about Shine from Yahoo!’s Get It Guides!

Disclosure: I am a Get It Guide Insider and receive exclusive content and/or products.  All opinions remain my own.

The Canadian-based company initially designed products for professional make-up artists but has expanded to offer it’s products to consumers.  MAC is known for offering a vibrant array of colors to create bold, dramatic looks.  I always anticipate their Limited Collections and their new Posh Paradise collection offers the potential to create some incredibly dramatic looks.  The colors are warm and perfect for the Fall season.The line itself is artistic and theatrical and pushes the envelope like only MAC can do.

During the press preview, I learned a lot about what’s on trend for the Fall season including 4 distinct looks created by MAC.

Amber Gris: This is your “natural” look with a sheer complexion and soft, cool colors.

Disco Tech: The most dramatic of the four, it features dark eyes and rich lips.

Tough Love:  This edgy, chic, minimalist look includes beige and nude shades, matte red lipstick, and sculpting powder.

Modernist: With it’s 60′s influence, this look includes light foundations, sheer powders, smoky eyes, and gloss!

In addition to the four looks created by MAC for the fall season, we talked about two overarching trends…the shift towards long wearing lipsticks, shadows, and pencils and versatile makeup (i.e. a combination lipstick/blush).

"Zippered Eye"

After receiving a demo on MAC’s “zippered eye” effect, one of the makeup artists recreated the look on me!  Check it out:

MAC Cosmetic’s Posh Paradise Collection includes lush nail lacquers, Mattene Lipsticks, and Pearlized Paint Pots.  Since the collection is limited, you might call your local store to see about availability.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to a press preview which helped facilitate this review.

I’m very careful about the skin care products I try, particularly if I’m using them on my face.  Because I’ve had such a wonderful experience using bareMinerals mineral foundation, I decided to spend a few weeks trying their new skin care line.  Here is a brief description, adapted from the site:

The foundation of the bareMinerals Skin Care Line is their RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex, which is composed of the Earth’s natural, effective and mineral-abundant soil.  When the  minerals are extracted, they produce a densely rich concentrate proven to deliver faster cell turnover, smaller pores, increased luminosity and softer, smooth, younger-looking skin.

Apart from having combination skin, my main skin care concern is minimizing and preventing future fine lines and wrinkles.  I prefer a regimen that is easy to follow, yet effective.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been using their Naturally Luminous Skin Renewing Trio which includes a 30-day cleanser, moisturizer, and eye treatment.  The Purifying Facial Cleanser is gentle, yet effective at removing dirt and makeup without being drying my skin out.  The Purely Nourishing Moisturizer is hydrating and absorbs well without feeling oily or greasy.  I can apply makeup after using the moisturizer without feeling like my face is weighted down with product.  I only wish it had some sun protection in it.  The Firming Eye Treatment is wonderful for reducing puffiness, particularly on those days when I have not slept enough.  The entire line of skin care products are free from synthetic fragrances, artificial oils and parabens.

Overall, I have been quite pleased with the line.  My skin feels great and I haven’t experienced any redness or breakouts.  There are several products in the line including an Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser and a Pure Transformation Night Treatment I’m going to look into the next time I’m at Sephora or Macy’s (two stores that care bareMinerals).

Individual products retail for $18-$28.  The company also bundles groups of products depending on your skin care needs which adds a value savings.

Here is a brief introduction to the line.

For more information about bareMinerals Skin Care, or to find a retailer in your area, just visit their website. You can also follow bareMinerals on Facebook/Twitter.

No compensation was received for this post. Product samples were provided which helped facilitate this review.

Thank you to Kroger and CoverGirl for sponsoring this review. While CoverGirl provided me with a $30 gift card to purchase CoverGirl products at Kroger stores, the opinions I’ve expressed here are solely my own, represent my honest viewpoint, and not that of CoverGirl, Kroger, or Proctor & Gamble. I am making no claims about the products, just expressing my thoughtful opinion. Clever Girls Collective supports Blog With Integrity

Most days you’ll find me in jeans and a simple shirt, hair pulled back running around in flip-flops. I probably haven’t straightened my hair or done my nails. But you will find me with a little foundation, lip gloss, and basic eye makeup. It’s the little things like a touch of makeup that make me still feel feminine and pretty (at least to my husband!).

Before I had children, I spent a lot of time (and money) on clothing, shoes, accessories, and makeup. These days, my children and their needs come first. But that doesn’t mean I have to give up my beauty regime. Armed with a $30 gift card, I set out on a shopping spree at Ralphs, a chain of supermarkets based in Southern California and under the umbrella of Kroger. My mission? A COVERGIRL shopping haul!

The brand, which has been around for 50 years, offers affordable products that make it easy for women to accent their natural beauty. I decided to try three different product lines…Clean, TRUblend, and NatureLuxe (yes, I went over the $30 a bit). I particularly like Clean Liquid Makeup because they have a formulation for Sensitive Skin (that’s me!). I picked up a foundation, which cost $11.99. The foundation I used to purchase costs $35 and I feel like CoverGirl’s foundation works to smooth out the look of my skin and conceal imperfections without feeling heavy or greasy.

Because I like a powder finish, I also decided to try their TRUblend Minerals Loose Powder which costs just $8.99. I absolutely love this powder. It sets the liquid foundation well without feeling heavy ,and gives an even finish. I prefer to use a brush with the Minerals as opposed to the application puff it that comes with it because I tend to get better coverage.

The last product I picked up during my shopping haul at Ralphs was LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara which retails for $12.99. I actually have decent eyelashes so I don’t always wear mascara. But on those days when I want to put a bit of emphasis on my eyes, I’ll lengthen my lashes with mascara. If your goal is longer, fuller lashes, this is the mascara for you. Once I applied the mascara and allowed it to dry (just a few seconds), it stayed put and didn’t run or smear for the 10+ hours I have been wearing it. I opted against the waterproof version because I typically find it impossible to remove.

For approximately $34 (plus tax), I came away with a foundation, a loose powder, and a mascara. I could easily use these 3 products on any given day and feel beautiful. I think the only other product I would have liked to get is eye shadow.

Because I was very interested in trying COVERGIRL’s new NatureLuxe line, I decided to pick up both the Silk Foundation and Gloss Balm. The foundation is amazing. I don’t think I’ve seen my skin look so flawless. It definitely goes on lighter and softer than the Clean foundation but still offers great coverage. I went out the other day without setting the foundation as I normally do, and was content with the coverage and overall look I achieved. Unlike your traditional foundation, this one has a light scent and offers a bit of protection from the sun.

The NatureLuxe Gloss Balm which contains mango and shea butter, goes on lighter than lipstick, but offers the color and shine of a lip balm. I like the fact that it doesn’t feel sticky and includes a bit of protection from the sun. It also has a pleasant scent.

As someone who has used department store beauty brands for many years, I have to say that I was quite impressed with CoverGirl’s beauty products. The company offers a variety of lines, depending on your needs, and offers women an affordable option for enhancing their beauty. Be sure to check your local Kroger or subsidiary for CoverGirl!

Photo Credit: Walmart

Olay recently released their new Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System, professionally and clinically designed to cleanse  more effectively than conventional cleansers.  Most over-the-counter cleansers simply don’t remove makeup in it’s entirety.  More often than not, I’ll wash and dry my face, only to find makeup residue on the towel.  I’m not a fan of washcloths because I have sensitive skin and I usually end up causing irritation.

Photo Credit: Walmart

Olay’s latest product features a two-speed rotating system that offers deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation.  Having used a more expensive counterpart, I was pleased with my experience.  The unit is compact and lightweight which makes it perfect for traveling.  There are two speeds which means you have some control over how the system cleanses on your face but I would really like the system to have a built-in timer so that it shuts off after the recommended cleansing time.  You can use Olay’s Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser (a 6 ounce tube retails for $17.97) for daily exfoliating or your own preferred cleanser.  A sample is provided with the unit so you can try the product out.  I like how soft my skin felt after using the cleanser with the system for the past week and felt like my skin was cleaner.  I wasn’t noticing makeup on my towel after drying my face, particularly after a few days of use. While I think the system is suitable for daily use, I found that when I used it morning and night with the cleanser provided, it was too harsh and irritating for my skin.  Ultimately, I ended up using the system just once a day without irritation and will plan to exfoliate just a few times a week rather than daily.

Photo Credit: Walmart

I really like that the system is water-resistant which means I can use it in the shower and save a little time.  The unit only comes with one brush, but with typical use, it will only need to be replaced every three months (a 2-count retails for less than $10).  It should be noted that two double A batteries are required but included with the unit. The only other thing I’d like is to have a holder so that I could store the unit on my bathroom counter.

At less than $30, beauty doesn’t have to break the budget.  You can purchase Olay’s Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System online or at stores nationwide.

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and have been compensated for my time.  I also received the product which helped to facilitate this review.

With Christmas just 3 weeks away, gift-giving is at the forefront of our minds.  Most of my gift ideas are practical, useful items that won’t break the bank.

I was recently introduced to Kymaro, a company offering health and beauty essentials.  Many of the products are designed to help women look and feel better about themselves.  To celebrate Kymaro’s 12 days of Christmas giveaways, I have some amazing prize packs to give away.

Win It!! One of you will win a Kymaro Beauty Gift Pack which will include the following:

Jet Flow Styling System ($29.95)

Portable Hair Dryer ($29.95)

Rechargeable Hair Straightener ($99.95)

Sunless Tanning System ($39.95)

One of you will win a Fashion Gift Pack which will include the following:

Kymaro Body Shaper ($29.95)

Kymaro Bottom Shaper

Kymaro Cami

Kymaro Bust Up Cups ($39.95)

Kymaro Backless Bra ($19.95)

Kymaro Curve Control Jeans ($39.95)

Simply leave me a comment with the name of a product you’re most interested in and one feature you like.  Comments will close on December 14, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.   Giveaway items supplied by the company.

…where every girl grows up with the self-esteem she needs to reach her full potential.
…where every woman enjoys feeling confident in her own beauty.
…where we all help to build self-esteem in the people we love most.

~Dove~

I was neither the prettiest nor the most popular girl in school.  In fact, I really liked academics, like AP English and AP Calculus, which didn’t score me any popularity points.  And like most tweens and teens, I struggled with self-esteem.

I really like Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty where diversity is celebrated and the images of women are realistic.  Dove recently launched a new Movement For Self-Esteem, inviting women to help create a world where beauty is a source of confidence rather than anxiety.  Dove is committed to building positive self-esteem and seeks to inspire women of all ages to reach their full potential by caring for themselves and each other.

So what can you do?

Send a word of encouragement to a girl in your life

Support self-esteem education in your town

Serve as a mentor to a girl in your life

Share your inspiring message of what you wish you’d known at 13

Do you know what I wish I had known at 13?  I wish I would not have spent so much time worrying about what other people thought of me.  I wish I would have looked beyond appearances to the depth of each person I encountered.  I wish I would have embraced my uniqueness rather than trying to look and act like everyone else.

To join Dove’s Movement for Self-Esteem, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.

The event showcases some of the most fashion-forward designers including Prada, Marc Jacobs, 7 For All Mankind, and Juicy Couture.  General admission tickets are $5, but for $20, you can get a VIP 2 for 1 ticket which includes a gift bag, complimentary spa services & complimentary cocktails.

Here are the details for the event:

When: Thursday, April 22^nd

• Chevy Sneak Peek Preview: 4-5:30 p.m.

o   Attendees must RVSP to info@sassycitychicks.com, and include their ticket number to reserve a space for the preview.

• Sassy City Chicks LA Fashion Bash Event: 5:30-10 p.m.

Where:

Peterson Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

For more information on this event, or to purchase tickets, please visit their website.

Win It!  I’m giving away TEN pairs of VIP tickets.  To enter, simply email info@sassycitychicks.com with “Rockin’ Mama” in the subject line.  Deadline to enter is April 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a ticket to the event, courtesy of the company.

What: Pamper Me Fabulous

When: Sunday March 28, 2010 (11:00-5:00pm)

Where:  VIBIANA in Downtown Los Angeles

210 South Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

VIP Tickets are $100

General Tickets are $25

Save 10% when you use the code “oohlala”

Here is what is included in your ticket price:

• Enjoy and sample two mini services – massages, manicures, facials, lash extensions, hair styling and cuts from the best spa and beauty salons*
• Discover and experience new beauty and luxe must-have products
• Attend pro-led breakouts covering topics from beauty to health & wellness at the EXPERT CORNER
• Get some retail therapy in the Fabulous Finds Bazaar
• Enjoy free flowing drinks and dessert stations
• Gourmet culinary bites*
• Raffle with the chance to win fabulous prizes
• Swag bag to brag about
• Most importantly, a good time out with girlfriends/family/colleagues!

* VIP Ticket Holders only
**Please note that General ticket holders will NOT have the option to purchase treatments, but will have access to the bazaar, expert corner and lounges!

The best news is that 10 percent of each ticket purchased will go to Step Up Women’s Network, a national network of women dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls.

I did not receive compensation for this post other than a ticket to the event.