Time For A Hair Masque

About a month ago I stopped into Ulta to get a new bottle of foundation after I managed to throw my almost full bottle off my bathroom counter and on to the ground, resulting in quite the mess. While I was standing in line at the cash wrap I was drawn to the bins of trial-size beauty products and decided to pick up a hair mask. I have never done a hair mask and figured for the price (and the fact that I didn't have to commit to an entire bottle) I would give it a go. 

I rarely blow dry or flat iron my hair thanks to the topknot so I rarely have split ends, but since I recently decided to get highlights I figured it was probably a good idea.

Macadamia Natural Oil's Deep Repair Masque smells a lot like my Herbal Essences days (middle school smelled like one big flower) and the consistency is very similar to your thickest conditioner. 

After liberally applying all over my hair (especially the ends) and combing, I still had enough left for a second application...yay!

So what do you do while you wait the 7 minutes for your mask to work its magic?

Well, you listen to a little Buble on Pandora, take a drink of water from yesterday's Starbuck's cup and congratulate yourself on being so green, and then end with Cold Play. 

This is my hair unedited lol...also my bangs have reached the point just past cute.

And Voila! I wouldn't say there was a drastic change, but my hair feels softer and there is some extra sheen. All in all I'm satisfied with my purchase and can't wait to do another treatment! 

Do you have a favorite hair mask you think I should try?

Shimmer and Shine

Normally I don't rant and rave about beauty (and I feel like I've used this opening before), but I also don't believe in keeping a good thing a secret... well there are some things I'll never tell!

A few months ago my awesome boss, who also happens to be a freelance makeup artist gave me a couple of eye shadows and a pencil. I had never heard of the brand before, basically because I'm not as well versed in beauty as I am in fashion (but I am working on it ;) ! )

Okay I'll stop blabbing, Becca's Eyeshadows in shimmer and demi-matt are my new favorite! I have a lot of lid, meaning I go through shadows super fast, which is why I love these eyeshadows so much, they go on easy adding loads of color. That also means I'm not nearly rubbing off my eyelid trying to rub the color on.

Damask, Chiffon, Boucle ... The colors I've tried so far

The color stays on all day and if I feel like I need a little more color at night, it only takes one swipe. You can even use them wet for a different finish. 

Also if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to some eyeshadows these are fragrance and preservative free... so they just might be the answer to your prayers.

Tied for first is the Becca Line + Illuminate pencil in Madagascar. You can line and brighten and highlight with one product! The liner is smooth and glides on with ease (which also means you need to be extra careful when putting it on---steady...steady....steadddyyy).  And the Illuminate makes highlighting extra quick!

Damask on lid, Boucle in crease, Line + Illuminate in Madagascar - Wish I had  a better pic! Sorry! 

If you are looking to try Becca Cosmetics please do check out their website for more information.

And if you are a fan of eBay then I know just the place to get authentic Becca products at great prices!

My Fashion & Beauty NEEDS

Sometimes there are things that you absolutely NEED in your life... Right now, these are mine:

A Babe & Butter Handbag... My favorite fashion artist has made my dream tote!

Also one day when I'm rich, or at least have some extra cash, she will be the first person I call for all of my fashion artwork :)

It is almost time for fall semester, and this year I want to ditch the black JanSport (aka Old Faithful), the tote (I love my Mrs. Marc by Marc Jacobs) for a satchel (kind of like Andy Sachs at the end of The Devil Wears Prada). You see, I'm what my husband calls a nerd. No worries, I totally embrace it... I'm an English major who loves books, and corny jokes, my glasses (never contacts), and plaid.

I chose this Old Boy Satchel by ASOS because I think I can wear it just as well, if not better than him! ;)

Apparently I have a bag problem, so moving on. I think I need ombre hair, yes because everyone else has ombre hair and no not because everybody has ombre hair. Confusing I know, but how else would I know that I wanted ombre hair if everyone didn't already have it... right?

And last but not least, I need this book right now. Which honestly will only take about 5 seconds to download on my iPad and so this won't be too hard to accomplish.

You can read more about it on my favorite makeup/beauty website here.

And Please do share the fabulous things you NEED right now... 

Spa Day at Spa Avania

On Monday I decided to take advantage of the spa certificate I received at the AZ Spa Girls Summer Spahhh event at Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch (read about it here). It was much welcomed after a weekend full of kids parties (one of which required me crawling on hands and knees inside of a 25-foot jungle gym tree). The spa certificate allowed me to get one of three 60-minute treatments, I chose the 60-minute Avania Massage. 

The spa experience actually started 24 hours before I ever arrived at 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road as the spa receptionist left me a very detailed voicemail telling me exactly what I could look forward to the following day, what to bring (swimsuit, gym clothes etc.) and all of the amenities I would have access to for the entirety of the day. 


Now, normally I'm the type of spa goer that checks in 15 minutes before my scheduled treatment (as suggested by such and such's spa website) and leaves right after. I was surprised when the check-in time for Spa Avania was 60 minutes prior to any treatments (with the option to come in as soon as the spa opens and stay until the spa closes). 


This spa hospitality encouraged me to take the next step in my spa experience... go in early and leave late. For some, the idea of laying around and doing nothing for several hours is a bit overwhelming, but Spa Avania has enough amenities to keep you busy and relaxed for your entire visit, no matter how long you decide to stay.

Upon check in (I arrived about an hour early), I was greeted by the friendly receptionists and then escorted down to the women's locker room by a spa attendant who then gave me a tour of all of the spa's amenities. She also gave me a rundown of Spa Avania's philosophy, " A time-focused philosophy grounded in the body’s natural daily rhythms and requirements." That means that the music, treatments, and even the water offerings change three times a day based on the body's natural rhythm (morning, afternoon, and evening). 


While I waited for my treatment, I decided to try out the steam room infused with eucalyptus  and then took a dip in the Celtic mineral pool for 15 minutes to get myself in relaxation mode. When my time came around, I was escorted from the relaxation room to the treatment room by my therapist, Dawn. Before the massage started I was given a choice of music and oils (I chose the vanilla oil). 


The massage was fantastic and I felt beyond refreshed at the end of it. Like I said, usually I leave right after my treatment, but Dawn encouraged me to relax by the pool after first going into the steam room and then dunking in the Cold Plunge a couple of times ( a small pool kept at 60 degrees) noting that "you'll feel like a new person afterward." Well, I heeded her advice, but I could only handle the Cold Plunge once; however, I definitely felt like a new woman. 

I also tried, the outdoor waterfall shower, another dip in the Celtic pool, and then layed out by the pool under an umbrella (caught up on my magazine reading) and had myself a fantastic lunch which included a granola and berry yogurt parfait, caesar salad, rolls, and an iced green tea. 4 1/2 hours later and my spa day ended with a relaxing hot shower in Spa Avania's fantastic 9-headed shower (I've always wanted to try one and so I was super excited... probably too excited). 

I highly recommend that if you happen to be in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area that you choose Spa Avania for your next spa day! By far my best experience so far... I may even want to change the name of this blog to FASHION & SPA ROUTE, because we all know how much I love me a great spa day!  

Comment dit-on Skincare?

There are a myriad of things that I believe must be present in a girl's life...You know, the type of things that are worth saving for (a designer handbag) and making time for (brunch with the girls). Among my list of must-haves is the spa experience. When life gets hectic (work, school, the dog gets sick, the washing machine explodes etc.) there is nothing like entering a space solely devoted to you and your relaxation. In my personal opinion the spa experience should be a part of every woman's health regimen (seriously, right up there with cardio & water).

FYI the title of this blog is in french and literally reads: How do you say skincare? 

With that said, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity presented to me by the Saks Fifth Avenue Phoenix Cosmetic Department to come in and enjoy a complimentary facial this past Monday. 

Let's start with a facial recap:

After I met with Yvette my (Saks') Sisley Specialist at the Sisley counter she guided me to a fully equipped Spa Room. Yep that's right, there are little relaxation sanctuaries hidden in a hallway just steps away from the Cosmetic Department: spa music and all.

Before starting the facial, Yvette gave me a little history on Sisley Paris Cosmetics: A French company specializing in botanical skincare products. 

The facial itself was one of the best I've ever had (I give permission to Yvette to say "I told you so."). Unlike facials I've had in the past where I'm supposed to come up with my questions and concerns, Yvette offered up her knowledge giving me tips specific to my skin. Even more, she gives an excellent neck, shoulder, and hand massage... I was fighting sleep. 

On the top of my list of favorite parts of the facial was the smell of the products. I am a huge fan of aromatherapy (I spritz calming spray like nobody's business) and I can't tell you how wonderful the Sisley products smell. It was like heaven for any aromatherapy junkie. 

Tied for first, is the feel of these products. I was so relaxed that I didn't  even think about the fact that at no time did my skin feel itchy, irritated, or some other weird sensation until Yvette brought it up. Not only that but these products feel great too--rich, creamy, and yet light and not greasy. 

When my hour of luxury was over Yvette was kind of enough to send me home with a baggy full of samples! And honestly every time I use them it's like reliving the experience (<<This is not an exaggeration ask my lovely blogger friend at Heroine Chic). 

The products range in price from $150 to $700, but like I said there are some things worth saving for... and to have great skin NOW and when I'm older (sorry ladies it's going to happen) is worth it... and believe me I'll be saving and/or begging the people who love me to gift me skincare! 

I realize this post is getting long so let's get straight to Yvette's expert advice:

Why should we invest in such an intensive skincare regimen in our twenties?

Prevention! Keeping your skin in great condition. (Note: Yvette has zero wrinkles and now I'm a believer).

Sisley Must-Haves:

Cleanser

Toner

Eye Cream

Face Cream

All Day All Year

And drink WATER! Ok that was really her advice to me, but I think we all need to heed her warning!

If you would like to set up an introduction to the Sisley line and for more great skincare advice you can schedule an appointment at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Phoenix at 602.955.8000 or visit a Saks near you.

güd Review

It's not very often that I blog about bath and body products or  beauty products in general, but I have to tell you about Burt's Bees new güd line (I just discovered it on the shelf at my  nearest Target). I'm always on the look out for natural products and I've used Burt's Bees off and on throughout my search for the best natural products. If you too are on this journey then you know that most of the time natural means no suds, no fragrance...and well, no fun. So when I saw the pretty display at Target I couldn't help but try it (seriously if it says new, has pretty packaging, or a great display I'm sold). Of course first I had to unscrew all the lids and smell them, in which case I decided on Orange Petalooza, I'm sure to my husband's sheer joy--I mean what man doesn't want to smell like a freshly sliced orange?

The Body Wash: It suds and a lot, which I like, but I'm not too keen on the bottle. If you leave the lid popped open then water gets in the bottle and sometimes its a bit more work to squeeze than I would like. I favor a pump.

The Shampoo: Again, there are bubbles...yay! I actually really like this shampoo, my scalp tends to get dry and ultimately flaky (man I'm  being super transparent today), anyway after a few washes that doesn't seem to be an issue!

The Conditioner: The conditioner isn't terribly thick which at first was a bit of a draw back; however, I can tell you that my hair is a lot shinier than usual. Though this is touted as a "softening" conditioner I don't really notice much of a difference in the texture of my hair, if any.

Beside the fact that these products are paraben, phthalates,and  petrochemical free, and not tested on animals, they are also reasonably priced in comparison to other natural bath and body products. I paid $7 or less for each product. 

Given the price and my overall satisfaction, I think it is safe to say I'll be purchasing these products again in the future...and maybe I'll even try a new scent!

For more info: http://www.gudhappens.com/

Christmas List- Beauty Edition

Okay I know that it is a tad bit early to be doing this, but Thanksgiving is next week so it's not that early.

My 2011 Christmas List - Beauty Edition

{in order of desirability}

1.  Coach Poppy  
Have you smelled this?! 
At Nordstrom Holiday Set $90

2. Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Lotion 

My mom introduced me and now I'm kind of obsessed

At Bath and Body Works $14

3. YSL Holiday Nail Trio

LOVE.LOVE.LOVE.

At Nordstrom $49

4. Laura Mercier Bath Duo

Honey bath and Soufflé body cream...yummmy!

At Neiman Marcus $45

5. Bobbie Brown Nectar Shimmer Brick Compact

I love a coral glow!

At Nordstrom $39

6. Kate Spade Streets of New York Pouch

What else am I going to keep all of this in?

At Kade Spade $75

Surprise, Surprise

I am by no means a nail polish connoisseur, but I would say I have my fair share of polishes. Generally I favor a short nail in darks colors like wine, plum, and navy.

Being that nail polish isn't number one, actually not even top 10, on my must-have list, my mother usually is the one who buys the ones I do have. Lately she has been  purchasing them from Avon... I wasn't quite sure what to expect from an Avon nail enamel, but I was pleasantly surprised after trying the first one, which was their SpeedDry+ nail enamel in 'Vamp it Up,' a maroon/wine color. The color was smooth, shiny, and it really did dry fast! 

Since I was so thrilled with the first one, I gave it another shot and purchased two more (once again my mother chose the colors) this time a glittery navy (Splendid Blue) and what looked like an iridescent, white color. As I said before I really prefer a darker color so I wasn't too excited when I saw it, but after the first stroke I fell in love with what turned out to be a very pale gold (which also happens to be its name). Again surprised! Here are a few pictures....

Even though this is a very light color I think it still works really well for fall and of course winter.

What are your thoughts? Have you tried an Avon nail polish that you love?