Pumpkins aren't just for pies and carving anymore, they are now being incorporated into skin care for their ability to control oil and stimulate new cell growth. Right on cue, Institut'DERMed offers Pumpkin Exfoliating Cream, a triple action corrective treatment peel formulated with Enzymes, L-Retinol and alpha hydroxyl acid to heal and prevent acne breakouts for phenomenal facial rejuvenation.

By removing dead cell debris and abnormal pigment cell clusters, Pumpkin Exfoliating Cream accelerates cell renewal and decongests clogged pores revealing healthy, normal skin cells. It also helps to fight acne and hormonal imbalances as well as erases fine lines and wrinkles.

Active ingredients of five percent concentrated pumpkin extracts, pumpkin wine, pumpkin enzymes, D-beta-fructan and essential oils, will leave the skin brightly polished and smooth. This non-abrasive exfoliator nourishes skin with anti-oxidants to prevent future damage from free radical reactions.

Application: Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin and leave on for three to five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. May be used once or twice weekly.

Retail Price: $64.00 for 1 oz. www.idermed.com It can purchased online at various websites.

Find more products by Institut' DERMed


Tags: beauty, institut dermed, skincare

The first person to correctly guess the 3 celebrity hands below will win:

MAC Cosmetics Blue Storm Nail Lacquers:
Whirlwind--Metallic Royal Blue with green, blue and purple (frost)
Rainy Day--Metallic gunmetal grey with lilac pearl (frost)

MAC Cosmetics Smoke Signals Lacquers:
Wildfire--Black with red pearl (cream)
Nocturnelle--Rich Black (cream)

Both collections only became available this past Friday August 23rd and are limited edition (only available through October). Contest only open to US residents. Comments are in moderation and won't be published until we have a winner to give everyone a fair chance to win (provided we have a winner!) Please no anonymous posting, as I need a way to contact you. You do not need to post your email address in the comments, just be sure to check back.

When Zensation contacted me to try a few of their products, I jumped at the chance. Zensation products are made in Switzerland with Swiss ingredients and well, I haven't seen a Swed yet who doesn't have gorgeous skin. Since I am forever plagued by an uneven skin tone that includes redness (but is not rosacea), I decided to first use their Brightening Mask to see if it would make a difference.

The Zensation Brightening Mask is a gel-like cream that looks similar to facial moisturizer, except just a bit thicker. It's creamy and doesn't absorb the way a moisturizer would. You apply a thick layer onto your face after cleansing it and wait 20 minutes. You then remove it with a tissue, then use your regular toner and moisturizer.

Ingredients: Seabuckthron Extract (contains high amounts of Vitamin C), Vitamin E, Mulberry Extract, Watercress Extract and Strawberry Begonia Extract--all used to lighten the pigment and even your skin tone.

So did it work?

I adhere to a strict policy of only reading product directions and not the product claims when testing out the various products I receive. I do this so that I draw my own conclusions on the product without being tainted by what it "should" be doing. Once I've drawn that conclusion is when I see if what it delivered is substantiated by its claim.

With a resounding yes, the Brightening Mask basically eliminated 90% of the redness and uneveness in my skin tone each time I used it. I was just so amazed and so floored by the results. Also, the mask is great for all skin types.

Have you used it? I'd love to hear what you thought.

Zensation Brightening Mask can be found at Amazon.com and for my Canadian readers, at PIR Cosmetics (through Amazon).

Tags: beauty, skincare, zensation

Bare Fruit Deluxe Pomegranate Bath & Body Set: $29.00 (only available for the next 60 days)

"We like to think of the Pomegranate as the perfect fruit. Its powerful antioxidants coupled with its brilliant ruby seeds gives our skin a kick. We adore this luxurious set of specially formulated Pomegranate Sensual Shower Gel and Whipped Body Cream from Bare Fruit. Keep your skin silky-smooth and smelling great! Plus, we've got oodles of free samples to include with your purchase, so indulge...it's good for you!"

Special Offer: Get a FREE Olive Moisture Infusing Facial Mask when you purchase 2 sets! A $20 Value!

Also--readers of A Girl's Gotta Spa! (and all Beauty Blog Network blogs) can receive 10% off any product at Delight.com using coupon code: DelightBeauty

Tags: bath and body, beauty, pomegranate

Talk about some spa time for your lips. I've been using Kanebo's Sensai Total Lip Treatment for a few weeks and have been loving the way it makes my lips look and feel.

What they say:
Promotes collagen synthesis and quality in the “O-Zone” area on and around the lips. Minimizes dullness, repairs roughness, and leaves lips plumped up and smooth.

What I thought:
Total Lip Treatment is pretty large in size for a lip product. You also only need to pump out the tiniest amount of product to smooth over your lips. It doesn't have a taste, scent and doesn't feel greasy. It's basically like lotion for your lips. It applies semi-thick until you've worked it into your lips and then it absorbs.

I applied it as the last part of my skincare routine, most times at night before bed. By day two, I had used it prior to applying my MAC Lipglass and remarked that my lips do look good, or rather, "Damn!" is more along the lines of what I said as I looked at myself in the mirror. It was later confirmed when my husband saw me and said, "What did you do to your lips? They look good." That's usually the cincher that a product is worth my money. :)

I've continued using the Total Lip Treatment for a few weeks now and I really have to say I have seen an improvement in the appearance and feeling of my lips.

Have you used it? What did you think?

Tags: beauty, lip care, kanebo

Los Angeles residents and visitors are looking forward to the grand opening of voda spa, the ultra-luxurious day spa, cafe and lounge, on September 7. Merging European, Asian and Russian spa traditions with the most modern facilities and services, voda spa is a comprehensive day spa for total relaxation and rejuvenation. Located at 7700 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, the spa is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 am and 7:00 am to 12:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. Treatment hours are 10:00 am to 10:00 pm every day. Reservations can be made by contacting the spa at 323-654-4411 and more information is available at www.vodaspa.com

With an impressively large facility and a dazzling list of amenities, voda spa redefines the spa experience in Los Angeles. In addition to typical spa luxuries, voda spa offers a breadth of options, such as a selection of Russian, European and Asian style saunas and scrub rooms, a large indoor swimming pool, unique top-of-the-line treatments, an exclusive VIP suite with its own spa tub, sauna and treatment room, a café featuring a healthy and delectable menu, and a full bar in the conference/lounge room, which is also available for private meetings and special events. Everything one could need for a day of pampering and leisure is available at voda spa, all under one roof.

Taking its name from the Russian word for "water," voda spa is home to two banyas, the traditional Russian sauna. This ancient form of heat therapy involves heated river rocks, water, aromatic essential oils – and the hallmark of the banya ritual, the platza, a rigorous massage performed with the venik, a bundle of oak or birch branches. This technique, limitedly available in Los Angeles, is offered in a serene, elegant and upscale environment, bringing a whole new audience to this centuries-old practice renown for increasing the circulation, exfoliating the skin and relaxing deep muscle tension.

Spa services in the 10 treatment rooms include signature facials, body scrubs, wraps and massage. Skincare treatments, including the Caviar Body Wrap and Siberian Wild Berry Scrub, feature custom blended skincare products with a distinct Russian flair. Facial services use Sonia Remy products, which follow a holistic skincare philosophy, encouraging the body’s own healing processes.

The cafe at voda spa offers a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner options created by Adel Chagar, a Los Angeles chef known for his fresh takes on Californian cuisine. The v room, the spa’s full service bar and lounge, serves cocktails in a sleek modern atmosphere. Fully wired, the v room can also be rented out for private meetings and conferences.

About voda spa:

voda spa is a luxurious European style spa facility in the heart of West Hollywood, California. Catering to the finest tastes, voda offers four different types of saunas, including the traditional Russian banya, a large indoor pool, a host of extraordinary spa amenities, and the ultimate in skin and body treatments. The voda cafe and the v room bar and lounge provide an exclusive members only dining and socializing experience, making voda spa a truly unique destination for pampering and relaxation.

Tags: voda spa, beauty

I'm very happy to be able to give away some freebies on my birthday!

itskara
sarah
Brit

Please contact me, as you have won the Herbal Essences All That Shine contest!!!

Review by Paula R.

I used Eyetuck by Skin Doctors for a couple of weeks and really didn't think I noticed any improvement to the area around my eyes. However, when I stopped using it, the lines, bags and fullness around my eyes was more pronounced and that is when I realized it was making a difference in the way my skin looked. Needless to say, I am using it again and after only 5 days I am seeing a difference again.

I didn't detect a fragrance, which is good since it is used around the eyes. You only need the tiniest drop for each eye when using it, so it lasts for a long time. It absorbs quickly and I was able to put my makeup on right after drying my hair...only about 5-7 minutes. It didn't completely take away all the wrinkles and bags, but it made a noticeable difference to the point that I don't want to stop using it.

Find more products from Skin Doctors.


Tags: beauty, skincare

It appears that everyone either has:

A. gorgeous hair and is not in need of All That Shine
B. no need for free stuff
C. is too embarrassed to have their hair posted for all of the interweb to see

So my All That Shine contest has been revamped.

Correctly guess the 3 celebrities below based on their hair; first 3 to get it right will win All That Shine. One is a dead giveaway to get you going... Please don't post your answer anonymously, as I need a way to get in touch with you. (US residents only please.)

Tuesday the 21st I turn 33. I've always loved birthdays ever since I can remember. Each year I hope that it will be better than the last. Being 32 was fabulous--I started blogging for b5media and Pierce Mattie, I had a healthy beautiful little boy and just found that the good far outweighed the bad this year.

What does turning 33 hold for me? I'll be celebrating 10 years of marriage come January, but other than that, the year ahead is a mystery. Hopefully new things will come my way and continue with the good that 32 brought.

Some things I wish I could have (although are extremely unlikely) for my birthday:

* I sure would love one of the Toy Watches I wrote about on the Jewelry PR blog the other day.
* I would love this Perfect Logo Tote from Isaac Mizrahi (Heck I'd also love to meet him!)
* I would love these sunglasses from Yves Saint Laurent.
* A makeup train would be nice.
* I'd love to get a jar of Creme de le Mer. I could never afford such a luxury.
* An entire day at the Spa at The Lodge at Woodloch. (Hmm I do have that gift certificate from Christmas...)
* My choice of products from Sephora.
* A shopping spree for new clothes (my clothes are sooo drab right now).

But who am I kidding? I know I will be just as happy eating chocolate cake with my boys as I watch their smiling faces as they sing to me and help me blow out the candles. :)

Dorit Baxter is now practically giving away all products in their stellar Skin Care Collection with a 30% discount.

Dorit Baxter is so proud of the feedback received on their Skin Care Collection over the past 25 years that they want you to try their products and see for yourself.

Enjoy this offer through September 15, 2007. Excludes already discounted Kits.

Start shopping at www.newyorkdayspa.com

Tags: beauty, spa, dorit baxter day spa

Repose MedSpa invites you to meet the new experts on staff, Cosmetic and Laser Specialist in anti-aging and aesthetic medicine Dr. L. Jack Cheng, MD & PhD and Medical Esthetician Rani, at a Fall Open House on Wednesday, September 5th from 4-8pm. The new services they will offer include Laser Hair Removal, BOTOX, Lipodissolve, Mesotherapy, Sclerotherapy, Juvederm, Sculptra and Radiesse. During the open house the experts will be offering free consultations by appointment and guests can enjoy special discounted prices for series purchased on that day. Wine and light appetizers will also be served.

The Details:
Meet the Experts Fall Open House
Wednesday, September 5th from 4-8pm

Repose MedSpa
4520 Olde Perimeter Way
Perimeter Place Mall Shopping Center
(770) 698-8828
www.reposemedspa.com

Repose MedSpa is a full service day spa with a holistic approach to health and beauty. The state of the art facility with a skilled staff provides a whole spectrum of mediclinical spa services including facial treatments, massages, body wraps, waxing, manicures and pedicures, peels, microdermabrasion, mineral makeup applications and waxing as well as non-surgical medical procedures.

For more information about the event, schedule an appointment or interview, please call (770) 698-8828 or visit www.reposemedspa.com.

Tags: beauty, spa, repose medspa

Nike is holding a great event to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since I've never written about fitness here, I decided to post about it over at the Fitness PR blog. It's definitely worth looking at--and please be sure to post a comment if you are taking part in the event.

Post is here: Nike+ Women's Half Marathon; A Virtual Fitness Event

Tags: Nike+, women's virtual half marathon

Sorry for the delay...I had been waiting to hear back from the winner so I could post details about her for the announcement--I haven't heard back yet so...

Julie Hudson if you are reading this post--make sure to check your inbox. :) You have won the Baghaus giveaway!

Who doesn't want shiny hair? Shiny hair equates to healthy hair, but sometimes when we get rough with our hair (dying, bleaching, product overload) it can look dull and lifeless.

Herbal Essence just came out with a new product in July that is solely about introducing shine back into your hair. They sent some my way to try out and here is what I thought:

I wasn't sure what to expect with All That Shine before I received it. I thought it was simply going to be a tube of conditioner similar to Clairol's Nice'n Easy ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss. However, the set up is just as if you were going to dye your hair--gloves, formula in one bottle and the mix in another. You combine the liquid formula with the shine formula in one bottle, shake and then apply root to tip (without rubbing it into your scalp) and completely saturate your hair. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, wet your hair and lather, rinse and then apply the Shine Amplifying Conditioner allowing it to absorb for 2 minutes. You then rinse that out and blow dry your hair as usual. The Amplifying Conditioner is to be substituted in place of your normal conditioner once a week for six weeks. The shine to your hair from All That Shine is supposed to last for 6-8 weeks.

After using it, my hair is definitely noticeably shiner and softer. There wasn't a "dye" fragrance to the kit, it actually smelled like fruit, as did the Amplifying Conditioner. All That Shine will look like there is color to it in the bottle, but it is a clear gloss that can be applied on red, blonde and brunette hair alike.

All That Shine is available at Wal-Mart.

Find more products by Herbal Essences.


Tags: beauty, herbal essences, hair care, all that shine

I've added a new page to A Girl's Gotta Spa! that contains some of the great beauty and fashion interviews I've been doing over at the Pierce Mattie PR blog. I'm not sure if you get the chance to stop by the blogs I write on over there, so I wanted to make sure you could get access to them all in one place just in case you miss one.

Some of the great interviews I've done: Paula Begoun, Billy B, Jason Jobson...

Check them out: Beauty & Fashion Interviews

For quick reference, here are the direct links to all of the blogs I write:

Makeup Minute (a b5media blog)
Pierce Mattie PR (main blog)
The Fashion Rag
Beauty Pro
Jewelry PR
Fitness PR

It seems summer is the time to win free stuff in the fashion & beauty blogosphere!

This August, The Budget Fashionista fashion blog is launching weekend contests, featuring prize packages worth over $500 in value. Starting the weekend of August 3rd, visitors who leave a comment on the blog from 12:01am Friday to 11:59pm Sunday, as well as their email addresses, will be automatically entered to win that weekend's contest.

Here's some of the great contests she has planned:
- A Dooney & Burke Travel Bag filled with the latest releases from hot indie label Defend music, tons of beauty products, and lots of other goodies
- Two $250 gift certificates to accessories store Angela Moore
- A bra wardrobe from Playtex

To enter, visit TheBudgetFashionista.com every weekend in August.

According to island legend, in order to nurture the body, relax the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit, one must go to the water. In keeping with this proverb, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea brings its award-winning spa services to the water, i.e., seaside, within authentically constructed, open-air "hales" (huts). The hales are nestled among naupaka hedges, allowing for the soothing sounds of ocean waves, the fragrance of tropical foliage, and the spectacular views of Wailea Beach.

Often described as "the best place in the world to have a massage," singles and couples can unwind with traditional native Hawaiian spa treatments in the remarkably comfortable and sturdy thatched structures supported by rope and twine lashings (no nails or screws). The wooden poles that support these hales were farmed from the forests of the Big Island and are called Ohi'a. The thatching used for the roofing is loulu, which is an indigenous palm.

Francis Sinenci, a Hana local and one of the few authentic master "hale" architects and builders in the world, was commissioned by the resort to engineer the construction of these unique stand-alone tropical huts that serve as the perfect rustic setting for The Spa's unique Hawaiian treatments.

In ancient Hawaii, the concept of disease did not exist. Illness was a sign of being out of alignment with ha or the breath of life. Today, Hawaiian practitioners continue to use the ancient healing techniques passed down through generations to realign ha. The Spa’s “hale” menu offers signature treatments, many based on Hawaiian legends and traditions, including:

· Hawaiian Ceremonial Lomi Lomi

A contemporary, multi-sensory experience born from traditional Hawaiian ceremony, weaving the healing touch of Lomi Lomi with meditative dance movement, music, and conscious breath; facilitates the profound transformation and a deeper connection to the self. Two (or more) therapists work in unison and in harmony with nature to perform this extraordinary outdoor session. (110 minutes)

· Lomi Pohaku (Stone Massage)

A therapeutic massage combining healing stones (personally selected and blessed by each therapist) and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi movements; uses the original LaStone® therapy to open blocked energy channels and balance chakras. Guests experience a penetrating deep tissue massage, drawing on the pohuku’s spiritual significance. Stones are heated to a comfortably warm temperature and placed on the body, allowing the heat to penetrate, loosen, and lengthen sore and tight muscles. This combination of the stone’s heat, energy, and force allows the therapist to massage deeper than otherwise. (50 minutes and 80 minutes)

About Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is Hawaii’s first and only AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five-Star resort. Newly renovated and situated on 15 oceanfront acres of Maui's sunny southern coastline, the Resort is home to one of the nations' top-rated spas and to three of Hawaii's most acclaimed restaurants – romantic Italian favorite Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante, award-winning Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Maui and DUO Steak and Seafood, the hottest new restaurant in Maui. A new museum quality Hawaiian art collection graces the richly renovated guestrooms and public areas while three authentically constructed outdoor Hawaiian hales were recently added to the award-winning spa. For information, please call the Resort directly at 808-874-8000, or Four Seasons Central Reservations at 800-332-3442, or visit www.fourseasons.com/maui.

Say Bon Voyage to stress my dear readers--Treat has some fabulous bath truffles that are going to melt your cares away!

The Bon Voyage truffle collection includes three delicious destinations for you to choose from:

Roman Holiday - white chocolate gourmet bath truffles made with cocoa and coffee butters

Tropical Island - coconut mango gourmet bath truffles made with cocoa and mango butters

Chinese Gardens - jasmine gourmet bath truffles made with cocoa and aloe butters

I received my bath truffles in Roman Holiday, which smells deliciously of velvety white chocolate that is good enough to eat. My 3 year old even asked why I was putting candy in the bathtub--it is a true-to-life chocolate scent. The truffles slowly melt to the heat of the bath water and you can see the oils from the coffee and cocoa butter disperse throughout your tub. It'll drape your skin leaving it soft and supple.

You'll feel relaxed and won't want to come back to your hectic life...but when you do, be sure to be careful getting out of the tub as to not slip on the oils. Also, use a dish detergent like Dawn on the floor of your bathtub that will break up the oils so you can quickly rinse down your tub bottom to prevent any slipping the following day.

I found that my skin was so moisturized after this little cruise into the sunset, that I didn't have to use any lotion afterwards.

Have you tried Bon Voyage or any of Treat's other fabulous bath and body products?

See more bath truffles from Treat.


Tags: beauty, bath and body

Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules, an intensive treatment for your face and throat, was sent to me in June. I reviewed this product for several weeks so I could report to you if I noticed any difference in my skin.

These small golden capsules simply need to be twisted twice to expel the serum that is stored within. As small as these capsules were, I found that I didn't need to use all of the serum it contained because there was plenty to cover my entire face and throat.

The serum feels greasy at first as you smooth it over your skin. I was worried that it would remain that way, as I'm not a fan of greasy serums and moisturizers. However, within 3-5 minutes the serum had absorbed and my skin only felt as if I had just applied moisturizer to it.

What I noticed while using this product was that my skin felt noticeably softer and had an overall "healthy" appearance. I only used the Ceramide Gold as part of my night time skin care routine, as to allow it to work with my skin alone without the addition of any of my makeup.

Have you used this product? What did you think of it?

$68 (60 capsules) Beauty.com

Compare prices on Elizabeth Arden skin care products.


Tags: beauty, skin care

One of the great things about being in The Beauty Blog Network is when blogs you have been reading for a while join the network--then I get to really know these fabulous ladies on a whole other level. Beauty Snob recently joined the network, and as a reader of Bag Snob, I'm excited to be able to get to know this beauty and fashion blogger. Go check her out for yourself: Beauty Snob

body by maurices is the newest edition of bath and body products added to the fashion store maurices. I received the Sweet Sage Enriching Body Body, Sweet Sage Moisturizing Body Lotion, Cool Citrus Refreshing Body Spray and Berry Blush Renewing Body Scrub.

The fragrances--heavenly. They smell delish for summer.

The Cool Citrus fragrance of the Refreshing Body Spray actually smells like cantaloupe to me. The scent is so fresh, when you spray it, it literally smells like you just cut open the ripest juiciest cantaloupe straight from your garden. YUM. Quick Tip: Keep it in your refrigerator and give yourself a refreshing spritz when you come in from the hot weather.

Berry Blush smells like a combination of various juicy berries; it's hard to just pick out one distinguishable berry in the bunch. I expected the Body Scrub to be thin like a shower gel, but it actually very much like the consistency of hair gel. It's thick and easy to keep in the palm of your hand to apply it and/or not fall through the holes in your bath scrunchie. That was impressive because then I really didn't need to load my scrunchie up, as I normally do with other body washes. The Body Scrub also has microbeads to gently exfoliate your skin.

The Sweet Sage fragrance was unlike any other fragrance I have smelled before. At times it smelled like cucumber melon, at other times I could smell celery, but always it had a "spicey" type of kick to it. It's so difficult to put my finger on the right way to describe this fragrance to you, but I can tell you that I love it. The Body Butter is nice and thick and the Body Lotion only slightly thinner in consistency.

You can find body by maurices products at your local maurices store. To find one nearest you, search their Store Locator.

Tags: body by maurices, bath and body, beauty

When I was approached by Be fine to review their products, I was most intrigued--for one because their website is pretty awesome looking and unique (see for yourself) and two--their products contain food we eat regularly like rice, oats, sugar, mint and pomegranate. I was interested to see how they would feel, smell and most of all...if they would work.

First on my list to review is their Morning Sampler. It contains their Gentle Cleanser, Firming Toner and Daily Moisturizer with SPF15.

Gentle Cleanser: When I first took in the scent of this product a chocolaty creamy Andes Mint came to mind. This product smells delicious and the mint really opens your airways with its invigorating fragrance. The cleanser felt refreshing on my skin and left no residue behind. The Gentle Cleanser is made with sugar, mint, rice and oats--but all you see is a pearly white liquid.

Firming Toner: instead of spraying the toner on a cotton swab, I actually just sprayed it onto my face and massaged it on my skin with my fingers. I didn't notice any real fragrance to the toner, which is made with ginger and willow bark. I felt my skin tighten once it absorbed.

Daily Moisturizer with SPF15: You really need a minimal amount of this moisturizer, as it spreads out easily over your face. It's not greasy and I didn't notice a fragrance to it. Be.Fine says that the Pomegranate in this product increases the effect of SPF15, which is a bonus in this moisturizer.

These were really nice products that made my skin feel great. The fact that a little goes a long way and it's only $20, means it's a steal! Be fine skin care products can be found at CVS.

August is my birthday month. So to celebrate turning 33 (yikes) I want to share my good fortune as a beauty and fashion blogger with my readers by holding a few giveaways!

This first one is with Baghaus. They sell designer "inspired" handbags. You are entered to win this Black Pelham Medium Shoulder Bag inspired by Gucci simply by subscribing to my blog through Feedblitz. (Please note you are only entered if you subscribe through Feedblitz). Feedblitz will deliver my reviews and posts directly to your inbox.

Contest dates: August 1st-August 15th
Only 1 winner will be chosen.
Winner will be announced on August 16th

*Contest only open to US residents.

Subscribe now: Feedblitz