OMG! HUGE EXCITING NEWS!

Eeek! I am freaking out- if only you could see my ridiculous expression as I type this!

Today

Allure Magazine

announced the finalists in this years

Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards

, and guess what!?!

I am one of them!

Holy amazing-ness, I could not be more thrilled, humbled, and terrified all at the same time.

What are the beauty blogging awards, you ask? Well basically it's like the 'Surviver' of the blogging world

. Each week, for the next five weeks, we will be competing in a series of blogging challenges. The challenges are voted on by you guys, as well as judged by a panel of editors at Allure, and one celebrity guest judge each week.

At the end of each challenge, there will be a winner declared- and one or more bloggers will be eliminated. [sad face.] At the end of the five weeks, one blogger is crowned Beauty Blogger of the Year, and she wins a trip to NYC to be photographed and interviewed for the October issue of the magazine. WOWZA!

I'll need all the help I can get to stay in the race- I am up against some awesome fellow bloggers. Be sure you check them all out too, and vote for your favorites each week at

allure.com/go/blogger-awards

 The fun starts on Monday. 

Hugs and thank you's to you all for helping me get this chance!

NOW TRENDING: TICKLED PINK LIDS

*** This article was first seen on

FabFitFun.com

Looking for a fresh makeup trend to kick off your springtime routine? Take a page from this trending book, and add a fresh pop of pink to your lids. The subtle ballet-slipper pink adds a feminine touch that is perfect to pair with your springtime floral and pastel wardrobe. Celebrities like Cate Blanchett have worn the look on the red carpet, and pink lids were a big trend during fashion month on catwalks all over the world. It’s a look that wears beautifully on all skin tones and is perfect for daytime office beauty as well as glammed-up nighttime styles.

To get the look, sweep a creme shadow all over the lid starting just above the crease line and down into the lashes. Cream shadows are ideal for pale colors because they pack more pigment and will give more color in less layers. Or opt for a powder shadow with a shimmer that will reflect the light and give major attention to the color of your eyes. Looking for just a hint of pink? Replace your white highlight with the pink version, and sweep the hue under the eyebrow and on the inner corners of your eyes for an instant eye-brightening effect.

Complement the look with a matching pale cheek and a few coats of black mascara, and your springtime beauty will be updated, feminine, and on-trend. To get the look, try these products

:

1. 

Clinique Chubby Stick in Pink & Plenty

2. 

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Ballet Pink

3. 

Make Up For Ever Diamond Shadow in Diamond Pink

4. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Pomegranate Pink

 (In love with every shade of these!)

5. 

L’Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow in Glistening Garnet 

Ok lovlies, it's time to tell me what you think of this trend? Is it one that you'll be trying this Spring- or are you not a fan of the baby pink tone? Tell me in the comments below, and don't forget to come follow along for more fun on

instagram

.

ASK THE EXPERT:HOW DO I FADE DARK SPOTS QUICKLY?

Oooh Wee! This subject is a doo-zie (is that how that's spelled?) Today in my

Ask The Expert

video I am continuing my Makeup & Skincare series and answering another reader question that came through

instagram

. @JessieMariko wants to know how to lighten dark spots and scars quickly.

While

there is no magic cure for lightening up pigmentation on the face

, we can certainly help speed up the process with the use of some good products. Check out the

video

below for my recommendations, and a look at a LIFE CHANGING beauty secret that I use every. single. day.

Products Mentioned:

• DermaBlend Cover Creme

• Paula's Choice Dark Spot Eraser

• Paula's Choice Weekly Resurfacing Treatment

• Murad Rapid Age Spot Lightening Serum

I hope that you aren't suffering from dark spots, but if you or somebody you know is, you can shop my recommended solutions below and I wish you tons of luck with your treatment. Thank you as always for watching and reading- you guys rock my world! If you have your own beauty question, please leave a comment below or send me an email and I will read every single one! Thanks

ACCESSORY CRUSH: THE TURBAND (AND SOME FUN WAYS TO WEAR IT)

Bad hair day? Yeah, me too.

Seriously guys, lately my hair has been giving me grief. I think it's a sign that I need to make a change soon. So while I mull over what the future of my hair is going to look like, I have been covering up my bad hair days with my favorite new accessory; the turband.

A turband is a scarf-like headband that has a bendable wire core running down the length of it. The wire gives you the option to shape the turband for a perfect non-slip, non-squeeze shape- and the option to style the ends into numerous fun designs.

Above you'll find a few ways that I like to style my turbands- but I am sure you can come up with your own unique ways too. That's part of the fun!

Have you worn a turband yet? If you have let me know which ways you like to style yours, I am always looking for more stylish ways to wear mine!

Below you can also shop of few of my favs too- perfect for warmer weather and EASY hair days.

See you soon, xo

P.S. It's April!?! How the crap did that happen?

DOUBLE SIDED MAKEUP BRUSHES THAT RULE THE WORLD

When it comes to makeup application, there is a HUGE deciding factor in the results you'll get: the tools. I think 50% of a good makeup application, comes from the brushes that were used to put on the products, and 50% comes from the actual products themselves. Surprising? Maybe. Especially if you've never paid much attention to the tools you use- but if you have discovered the difference between good and GREAT, then you'll know exactly what I am talking about.

Good brushes are soft at the beginning, then stiffen rapidly over time. Good brushes keep their bristles in tact until their first washing when many bristles come loose and end up sticking to your face. Good brushes wash out, but the makeup never seems to completely leave the bristles.

GREAT brushes walk all over the facts from above- and they last months and years longer because of it. Not to mention the application they give is more precise, and more consistent every time. Yes, they cost more too- but it's worth it... promise.

What's even better than GREAT makeup brushes? Duel sided GREAT makeup brushes, that's what!

Above in the pic are my top picks for quality duel sided brushes- they are the VIP list when everything else is general admission. Get what I'm saying?

It Cosmetics Duel Sided Foundation Brush

- This guy is the Macgyver of foundation and concealer brushes. It works for any type of foundation: cream, liquid or powder. And the compactness of the bristles is a perfect blend of either high coverage application or light weight. The smaller end is perfect for concealer work under the eyes or around the nose. It washes beautifully and bristle shedding is very minimal.

Bare Essentials Double Ended Precision Brush

- This brush will be your new best friend because it eliminates the need for about 10 other shadow brushes. The larger side is soft yet compact and great for applying your lid colors and blending out pigments. The smaller side is for your detail work across the lash line, in the crease, and under the brow. It can be used wet or dry and gives you the control of a liner brush, but the flexibility of a contour brush. Genius!

Tarte Cosmetics Two Sided Contour Brush

- Move over blush-brush... the new kid in town is all about highlight and contour, and this brush is the perfect pairing of both. Tarte has become a new favorite of mine, and their brushes are no exception. On one end you get a chiseled domed brush that's ideal for contouring under the cheekbones and down the sides of the nose for a major slimming effect. The other side hosts a looser angle brush that is made for blending, softening and applying your highlighters to the prominent areas of the face.

Aren't these double-sided work horses just uh-mazing!?! I think you'll be smitten with them as well. Thanks for stopping by today- here's hoping it's a beautiful week.

ASK THE EXPERT: WHAT IS THE BEST UNDER EYE CONCEALER?

Today I am excited to be answering another reader question in my

Makeup & Skincare Series

. The question came in from

instagram

, where @kmortensen6 asked. 'What is the best (reasonably priced) under eye concealer?'

I have two favorites to share with you in the

video

below:

PRODUCTS:

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser

Josie Maran Argan Oil Creamy Concealer

WEARING:

Oasap Polkadot Blouse

 c/o (on sale!)

Thanks for reading- I appreciate you all so much! If you have a question for me, please leave it in the comments below and you may just get a video answer too. xoxo

STYLEWISE: THE LUPITA & THE RETURN OF THE HEADBAND

This years' Oscar red carpet was filled with 'hits' and not too many 'misses'- which is always a treat for celeb-loving people like myself. I honestly love the fashion and beauty in the pre-show much better than the actual award show itself, and I don't think I am alone. 

This year during the red carpet there was one women on everybody's minds: Lupita! She stole the show with her stunning blue plunge-neck ball gown, and her elegant use of a HEADBAND. Wha!?! Headband you say? My instagram feed was blowing up with pics of her simple jeweled band, which paired beautifully with her cropped haircut- which I didn't know was even possible! Since then I have been on the hunt for a version of my own, and now I just need an excuse to get fancy and put it to use.

In the

StyleWise

pic above, I simply placed the stretchy head band around the crown of my head in a halo fashion, with the rhinestones placed about 2 inches behind my hairline. Starting near the temples, I took large 2inch sections of hair and wrapped them from the outside of the band up and over, then under the elastic to form one complete loop around the elastic. Once the tail is wrapped around the elastic and hanging free, incorporate it with the next subsequent 2 inch section, and then wrap them both around once again. Repeat on both sides, until the two tails meet in the back near the nape of your neck. Join them into one final tail and gently tuck it in behind the elastic to form a completed roll. This style is so quick and easy, and it works for shoulder length hair or longer.

You can shop my fav picks for a sparkler-band below. What do you think of Lupita's headband? Let me know in the comments below, and thank you for stopping by today! xoxo

NOW TRENDING: LIQUID GLOW CHEEKS

Clockwise:

Maybelline Master Glaze

  |

Smashbox O-Glow

  |  

NYX Stick Blush

  |  

Tarte Cheek Stain

  |  

Josie Maran Color Stick

[This article was originally seen on

FitFabFun.com

 where I write as a contributing beauty blogger] 

While the weather is still cool, but you're dreaming of warmer months ahead- take a page from these celeb looks, and add some sizzle to your cheeks until the weather catches up. The subtle color and liquid sheen amp up your makeup routine in just the right way, while still pairing perfectly with your neutral winter wardrobe.

To get the look stick with a creamy blush that boasts a hint of shimmer and apply it to the roundest parts of your cheeks. Be sure it's one of the last products you apply so that the sheen isn't matted down by powders or setting sprays. Want to boost the sheen even further? Add a tiny dollop of petroleum jelly to the cheek and work it into the color and back onto the top of the cheekbone ever so slightly. My favorite is the 

Cocoa Butter flavor by Vaseline

, the scent is so yummy and the consistency is perfect for makeup use.

Opt for subtle colors this time of year and leave the brights for Spring and Summer. Fair skinned beauties will look radiant in peach and pale pink tones, while darker complexions look stunning in bronze and rose gold cheeks this winter. 

---

Let's meet up on

Pinterest

shall we!?! 

Be.YOU.tiful link party

3 GREAT THINGS TO DO WITH SALT SPRAY

SachaJuan Ocean Mist

 |  IT Surf Spray (discontinued) Instead

Try Bamboo Ocean Waves

  |  

Pureology Sea Kissed Texturizer

Salt sprays have really found their place amongst the giants of the hair care world, and for good reason. They mimic that 'just-left-the-beach' hair without the sticky and sandy leftovers. And while women with natural curl know the great benefits of salt sprays- there are also a few lesser known uses for the stuff that will leave you wishing you had known sooner.

Add major volume to your blow dry

While the most common use for sea sprays is to scrunch texture into your waves or curls, my favorite way to use salt spray is to spritz it in at the roots prior to my blow dry. The salt formula gives great flexible hold, and unlike gels, they are easily brushed through and never flake. Apply 8-10 sprays to your damp roots then blow dry as normal and use your fingers or a brush to lift and give volume to the crown of the head. *Extra tip for volume- After you've dried the hair completely gather it all onto the top of your head in a high loose bun...secure with a Spin Pin or scrunchy to avoid leaving indents in the hair. The roots will cool in an upward direction, then when you release the bun after 10-15 minutes you'll have great lift from the scalp.

Skip the shower one extra day

You know I love my dry shampoos, but salt sprays also work great to keep roots grease free. Like in the step above, applying the formula to your roots prior to your blow dry not only gives volume, but the salt is also good at soaking up excess moisture in the hair. On day 2-3 of your blowout you can reapply the salt spray to the roots and hit it again with your blowdryer to give the hair a good pick me up and give you one extra day without washing. Scented sea sprays also help deodorize dirty hair.

Create waves you never knew you had

If you have straight or only slightly wavy hair, you can fake it with the help of a salt spray. On dry hair, lightly spritz the lengths with your salt spray (not too much) then use a wide tooth comb to disperse the product evenly. Next take large sections of hair, usually only 2-3 are needed for your whole head, and loosely braid the sections down to the ends. Secure each braid with a hair tie- then break out your blowdryer and apply low warm heat to the braids until the salt spray is dry and the braid is heated through. Wait at least 10 minutes for the braid to cool completely and for the waves to set. Remove the ties and carefully finger through the braids to undo them. Finally scrunch in some hair spray for added hold and you'll look beach worthy in no time.

Just keep in mind that hair that is air dried with salt spray will likely clump into cluster pieces, which is great for natural curl. But to use the spray in the above mentioned techniques you'll need to brush through the hair while applying heat to get a soft clump-free finish.

What is your favorite Salt Spray? Let me know in the comments below and I'll be sure to check it out. My top picks are in the image above, you'll love all of them- just decide which factor is most important to you, then shop accordingly for either most curl/hold, best for volume, or yummiest scent. Thanks for reading, be sure you're signed up for email so you never miss a SNOOP STORY.

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NOW TRENDING: VIOLET TULIP EYES WITH STUDIO5

1-

FLOWER Beauty Creme Eyeshadow

[Orchid-ing Around]

2-

Maybelline Color Tattoo

[Painted Purple]

3-

FLOWER Beauty Eyeshadow Chubby

[Keep Your Pansies On]

4-

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Crayon

[Paranoid Purple]

5-

Urban Decay Glide On Eye Pencil

[Empire]

6-

NYX Love in Florence Eye Shadow Palette

[xoxo, Mona]

7-

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad

[Purple Pop]

8-

Maybelline Expert Wear Shadow Quad

[Lavender Smokes] 

9-

NYX Baked Shadow

 [Violet Smoke]

10-

NYX Creme Shadow

[Deep Purple]

11-

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil

[Lavender] 

12- *Not pictured, but still fabulous

Almay Color Softies

[Lilac]

Hello Snoopers! Today I am back on Studio5 talking about this seasons hottest color in eye makeup... Violet Tulip. You may have heard that Pantone named Radiant Orchid the color of the year, but you may not be aware that they also name 10 colors per season as well. These 10 colors show up in our fashion magazines, on the store racks, and in beauty looks as well.

And while Radiant Orchid is beautiful, it is quite a pinky shade of purple that isn't quite as easy to find or wear when it comes to makeup. Her sister shade Violet Tulip however, is stunning for winter/spring and is easily one of the most flattering makeup colors universally.

Check out my guide to wearing Violet Tulip in the

video

clip below and then get your booty over to these links above to pick up your own perfect shade of purple.

Tips for wearing Violet Tulip:

1- Start with creme shadows if purple makes you nervous

. The creme formula is more forgiving and is blendable and spreadable for a much longer time before it sets in place. You can use your finger to smudge cremes which gives you more control over the pressure and allows you know exactly where the product is being placed. Start with a small amount, you can always layer and add more to give a brighter pop of color. If you're a makeup maven, then feel free to use powder shadows- just be sure your precise with the application so your purple doesn't run with the wind!

2- Keep purple lower than the crease of your eyelid

. To avoid looking cray-zy focus the color on either the lash line

or

the crease, but always remember to never let purple venture up towards the brow bone. This will keep the color more 'hidden' and will give a beautiful revealing effect when you blink your lids.

3- For a mature look (if your eyes have more 'wisdom' in them) keep the shadows glitter-free

. Glitter and shimmer should be reserved for a younger lady and for night time events. To wear purples during the day, keep them matte and pair them with complimentary neutrals like taupe and navy blue. Muted purples are a great option too, so look for tones that have grey or pink in them to subdue the purple tone slightly.

Remember that purple is an accent and works nicely with other colors. You certainly can go all-out with this look and wear a whole eye of purple, but there is no need to. Pair your purple with neutrals or just use purple on one portion of the eye, and you'll still get the wow factor without going over the top.

Enjoy your day, meet me over on

instagram

?-

NOW TRENDING: NUDE NAILS FOR FALL 2014

Now that New York Fashion Week has come to an end, I always love going back through the collections and spot patterns that weaved through many of the designers looks. Without a doubt

the biggest nail trend was the return of the Nude Nail for Fall

.

Not that nude is ever un-beautiful... it's just too classic for that. But it certainly hasn't been the talk of the town in the last few years, because the focus has been on detailed nail art and the power of the gel nail formula that has seemingly taken over the world.

But I think it's safe to say that the return of the nude nail will be big this Fall, and while that may seem boring, check out some of the variation in these pics above! Splashes of color mixed with the nude are stunning in my book, and the use of color blocking has now entered the scene as well. Those gold and nude combos are my favorite, hands down.

I love the subtleness of this trend and the attention to detail that it brings to any ensemble. So get your bright Spring and Summer colors in while you can, then be ready for a classic [subtle] taste of beauty come Fall.

Do you like these looks? Let me know if the comments below, and be sure you come back Friday for a new episode of Studio5 where we are dishing about the newest color in eye makeup...

Violet Tulip

!

THE BEST OF: LIP SCRUBS

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

  |  

Bliss Fabulips Scrub

  |  

Bite Whipped Lip Scrub

  |  

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub

Lately my lips have been through the ringer- frigid cold air and lots of wind, mixed with dry indoor heaters, make for seriously parched lips. It is one of my biggest [beauty] pet peeves, but I have learned to concur the winter weather with the brilliance that is... 

LIP SCRUBS

.

If you've never used a lip scrub, let me give you the 411. Lip scrubs are usually composed of a granulated sugar and moisturizing essential oils of some kind. The sugar granules gently slough off the dead skin on the lips, while the oils repair and replace lost moisture. The combo is perfection, and you'll be surprised what a difference it makes for the softness and appearance of your lips. No amount of lip balm can do what a scrub can, and that's a fact.

The one that started it all is the

Lip Scrub from Sara Happ

. She introduced scrubs specific for lips about 5 years ago, and the industry has grown ever since. The Sara Happ line consists of amazing flavors including Peach, Peppermint, Blood Orange and more! They are so yummy, I swear you'll want to eat the whole jar. But don't.

Others that I love are the

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

and

Bliss Fabulips Scrub

, both are great options and have luxury oils infused in the formulas. The last one pictured is by the new line

BITE

, and to be honest I haven't tried their scrub yet, but their

lipsticks

have recently rocked my world so I can't imagine the scrub is anything less than amazing!

Since I discovered the amazing results of lip scrubs, I have since started experimenting with making my own too. Next week, I'll give you my favorite recipe so you can join in on the fun! xoxo

HOW TO WEAR DARK LIPSTICK WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE THE JOKER

I love wearing dark lipstick, but I've had too many embarrassing moments when I realized that the color had slipped off my lips and on to my face in public. After a few of those 'uh..what the hell!?!' moments, I started looking for a better answer- and after a lot of trial and error, I finally discovered the amazingness of using a physical barrier around the perimeter of my lips to keep the color in place.

It all started when I had tried to use my finger to wipe away some excess lipstick that had snuck passed the perimeter of my lips. I was left with a pink stain on my skin that needed to be covered up ASAP otherwise I would have looked like the joker, and let's be honest- that is NOT a good look.

I would have reached for the concealer, but I feared getting my fingers in to the mix again, would only smear things even greater. So out of shear desperation I reached for my nude eyeliner, and to my surprise it worked perfectly and the rest is history!

Since then I have researched, and found out that others use this technique, so I'm certainly not the only one who's had the idea, but I wanted to share it with you because it has been a life saver for me, and now hopefully for you as well.

Now, before I apply any lipstick I pre-line with a nude liner to create a physical barrier for the color and the clean up the perimeter especially around the corners of my mouth where color can easily wander. In addition to all that goodness, the flesh tone give an optical illusion of fuller lips by highlighting those nice curves!

My two favorites are the Nude

Waterproof Kohl liner from Rimmel London

which also comes in Taupe and Brown for darker skin tones. And even better in my opinion is the

Chella Cosmetics Highlighter Pencil

which comes in Ivory, Cinnamon, and Latte so all your colors are covered! It's an easy fix and makes a world of difference- give it a try I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Love to you all! Let me know in the comments below if you have any other good lipstick techniques to share. xoxo

Be.YOU.tiful Link Party

THE BEST AT-HOME FACIAL PRODUCTS & ROUTINE

Last week I shared my love for

luxury spa facials

, and the amazing results they yield for your skin and well being. But not everybody has the ability to treat themselves to a spa visit- and as a busy working mom, I understand that sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day to make pampering a priority.

If you can't hit the spa- but you'd still love to get the great benefits of a facial, take a page from my book, and put those kiddos to bed so you can

indulge in my signature at-home facial

.

You can certainly use the products you already have at home, but if you need to fill in any holes you may have in your arsenal- these are my favorite products that I always go back to time and again. Follow the order listed above to get the best results, and you'll be feeling brand new in no time!

1-Cleanse

Start by gently removing your makeup and preparing the skin to receive all of the goodness coming its way. I swear by the

Triple Oxygen Foaming Cleanser by Bliss

- it's foams to a beautiful creamy consistency, has a pleasant citrus smell and is gentle enough to use on your eyes.

2-Steam

By far the best trick I know, is to borrow your slow cooker/crock pot from the kitchen (or buy a second 

cheap crockpot

if you don't like the idea of duel usage) and prepare some hand towels to use for steam therapy. Take a few large wash cloths or hand towels and run them under hot water until saturated. Ring them out and then roll or fold them till they fit nicely into the slow cooker. Place the cooker on high and let the towels heat through for about 20 minutes with the lid on. After your cleanse, take a hot towel (test the temperature first) and place it over your face leaving your nose and mouth exposed for breathing. Press the towel into your skin while taking a few deep breaths- you can add a few drops of essential oils to the towels for added zen. After the towel has cooled, gently wipe from side to side to remove any additional makeup or cleanser from the face.

3-Exfoliate

Next up...exfoliation! I love to alternate between my

Clarisonic Mia Brush

, and a good old fashioned sugar scrub. But remember not to use both in one session because you could cause some damage. The sonic brush is so quick and easy- and it does all of the work for you. While the

Suki Exfoliate Scrub

takes a little more effort, the scent is enough to take you to heaven and it leaves your skin truly polished.

4-Hydrate

This step in the facial is all about relaxation and rehydration. Apply your favorite masque and let it go to work for 10-15 minutes, while you kick back with a magazine or paint your toe nails. I love the

Boscia Blue Calming Masque

- mostly because I think it is fun to peel it off afterward! It is very hydrating though, and leaves the skin quenched. A second steam towel is great post masque as well!

5-Tone

Toners are designed to balance the pH in your skin after you've cleansed which helps so you don't have that 'tight' feeling that can occur. I just discovered the

Pixi Glow Tonic

, and I am hooked! Use a cotton round to liberally apply your toner and then let it sink in for a minute or two before moving on.

6-Replenish

Americans are just coming around to the idea of using oils in our haircare and skincare. We've been such a 'clean' obsessed nation, that we've dried ourselves out by stripping away natural oils. Thank goodness the trend is reversing and we are finally seeing the beauty behind supple skin and hair.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

is one of my favorite beauty secrets. (in fact I can't believe I'm telling you about it, cause I really wanna keep it all for myself!) Press a few drops into your skin especially on dry areas like your under eyes and cheeks. Your face will soak it in, then it will scream "THANK YOU!!!"

7-Repair

Finish with your favorite moisturizer or serum like my cult favorite

Image Vital-C Anti Aging Serum

. Be sure you work all the way down your neck as well. You may need to apply a

lip balm

and

eye cream

as well to repair any moisture lost from the steamy hot towel action.

So there ya have it, my routine for a perfect at-home facial. And while it may seem like a lot of steps, you can certainly cut out what you don't have and substitute what you do. But if you build up your supply of high quality products, you'll be able to get amazing skin results just like the pros do. If you can schedule this routine in twice a month, you'll notice a huge difference in the way your skin looks, and how your makeup wears. Cheers!

***Be sure you check to see if you won the

Hair Compare

and

Lumist

Giveaways.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GETTING A FACIAL

On today's episode of

Ask The Expert

, I am delving into a topic that is dear to my heart [and face]. Often when people ask me for skin advice, I mention to them the benefit of getting a spa facial every couple months. I firmly believe in the power of a facial- but I am often met with the response... 'I've never had a facial.' when I suggest this. And while that response makes me sad (for that person) I can understand why it is a treatment that not every women is familiar with. It is not nearly as common as say, a massage, and even those are a luxury service that many women aren't able to indulge in. But I am going to go out on the limb and say that I believe a facial shouldn't be viewed as a luxury, but as a necessity. So if you've never had a facial, let me tell you what you can expect.

5 things you should know before you get a facial

1- Determine what your there for before you go: relaxation or treatment

Just like a massage, there are varying types of facials- some that are geared towards pampering and relaxation, and some that are geared towards treatment of specific skin issues. Knowing ahead of time what your goals are for the experience will ensure that you get the best results, and that your skin therapist heads sown the right path. Relaxation treatments typically consist of a thorough cleansing, minor exfoliation, steamy hot towels, and luxurious masques. While treatment facials are comprised of stronger exfoliators that may sting or tingle, extractions of pimples and blackheads, and the use of agents that may cause peeling (the good kind of peeling that means new shiny skin is on the way!)

Be sure you talk to your skin therapist about your skin concerns and goals, so you get a custom result.

2- Don't book your facial on the eve of a big event

Facials often leave your skin a little red, especially if pimple extractions took place. [they are my favorite part... weird right?] Give yourself plenty of time to recover from any redness or peeling that may occur in the couple of days following your treatment. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so I recommend about 3-4 days after your facial for anything major such as a wedding or event. Your skin will still be glowy!

3- Speaking of GLOWY- shiny has a whole new meaning!

Post facial, you'll be squeaky clean like you've never been before! After several cleansings, hot towels, steam, and luxurious products- your skin will be completely free of any dirt, buildup or makeup. This means that when you walk out of the spa and back into the dressing room, you may not recognize yourself when you pass by a mirror. It's ok- many of the other spa patrons will be in your same boat. And while it is tempting to quickly apply your makeup to feel human again- I suggest you refrain as long as possible to give your skin a chance to really breathe, free from all that gunk. This means yes, you'll have to walk to your car with a bare face, and yes, your husband may look at you a little sideways- but if you can handle it... 12 hours sans makeup will do your skin some serious good!

4- A facial isn't just for the face

While the vast majority of the treatment concentrates on the face, the rest of your body gets some good vibes too! The facial includes work on the neck and upper chest area, called the decollate. It's all part of the body that needs to be cared for to help prevent aging, and to protect against the suns UV rays. So your therapist will continue the use of the steamy towels, masques, and lotions down on to your chest as part of the whole regimen. Beyond that your therapist will also offer a nice massage to the hands, head, shoulders or feet- usually while the treatment masques are working their magic on your face. It's incredibly relaxing and all around good for the body and soul.

5- The benefits of a facial go well beyond a clean face

Not only does your facial treat the skin, it also treats the systems in the body that provide nourishment to the skin and its cells. While I was earning my esthetics license, I became interested in the lymphatic system and its role in the bodies health. The lymph system resides just under the surface of the skin and can be triggered to carry toxins out of the body with touch. Facial, neck and chest massage trigger movement in the lymph system that in turn, increases blood flow, circulation, and healthy cell turn over. All of which have huge benefits for your over all health and appearance. Pretty amazing, right!?!

So, if your lacking some luster in your skin, struggling with fine lines or acne, or just need an hour away for some 'me-time'- I highly recommend you book yourself a facial. You won't regret it! Be sure you come back next week to learn about my at-home facial routine too. xoxo

Looking for a great spa to try?

I love visiting new spas any time I am on vacation- and what I have learned is that hotel spas are always a great place to start because they are superb with customer service, and usually have the best bonus amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and pools that spa guests can utilize. Check out the hotels in your city too, they always accept non hotel guests for their services and they love to have locals stop by.

If your a Utah dweller like me, I recommend you visit

The Grand Spa

inside of the Grand America hotel in downtown Salt Lake. It's been a favorite of mine for years, but last week I went by to see their newly renovated space and snap a few pics for you guys to see. They offer amazing facial and body treatments, and my skin therapist Shelly is super knowledgeable and does fabulous work. My husband and I love the couples treatments too, but now they've amped up their goodness with fresh made creme brûlée yummies, and a 12 head

experience

shower in all of the couples rooms.

Valentine's Day

is calling my name!

HAIR COMPARE: THIS OR THAT WINNERS WITH STUDIO 5

Today I am stopping by Studio5 TV to dish about my knock-out hair products that leave others in the dust. We are comparing two types of products that offer similar results, but ultimately, only one can stand supreme.

Take a look at my list below and be sure to check out the

video

 for more details.

Hot Rollers vs. Curling Iron

1- Winner:

Curling Iron by Hot Tools

While hot rollers are making a comeback in the beauty world they still don't offer the variety of curl patterns that a good ol curling iron does. By utilizing different wrap techniques, as well as varied temperature and density of each strand, you can achieve numerous looks that just don't come from a hot roller. The other major problem with rollers is that you don't know what the curl will look like until after its set and cooled, and by then it may be too late to reform the curl without having to start all over by wetting the hair or at the very least re-heating the roller and waiting for it to set again. For those of you with REALLY resistant hair that won't take curl, the hot roller may be the only option, but for most of us the curling iron still wins. My favorite is the

Hot Tools Gold Barrel

in the 1-1/4 inch size, it's versatile and affordable... a perfect combination!

Creme Conditioner vs. Spray Conditioner

2- Winner:

Creme Conditioner by Alterna Caviar

Spray or leave-in conditioners were designed to give an extra bit of moisture to hair and to help close down the cuticle on the outer shaft of the hair. This helps give the appearance of healthier and shinier hair, but it is not conditioning enough to skip the creme version in the shower. Even fine haired people need to be conditioning to replace the moisture that is lost in the mid to ends of our hair. Skipping conditioner can lead to breakage, dryness, and static electricity. If you feel like conditioner weighs your hair down, your either applying it wrong or using the wrong formula.

Alterna Caviar

offers several varieties of conditioner for normal, mature, or fine hair. I love them all! They smell amazing and turn your hair into instant silk. I seriously cannot get enough!

Shine Serum vs Shine Spray

3- Winner:

Shine Spray by CHI

Everyone loves the idea of shiny hair, but if your not carful you can go from shiny to greasy in a snap. Shine serums are made from heavier silicones that coat the hair and can leave it looking greasy. My experience has also been that serums tend to build up on the hair and create a film that can be hard to remove as well as making blow dry more tedious. Using a shine spray to finish off a look after its been styled gives that added shine your looking for, but the thinner formula is much easier to control and washes away much better. The

CHI Luxe Sparkle Shine Spray

leaves hair with a light reflective quality that I love, but it doesn't leave hair greasy. Always remember less is more when it comes to shine!

Root Boost vs. Mousse

4- Winner: Root Boost by Pureology (

salon locator to purchase

)

Adding lift to the hair is one of the most requested attributes be get at the salon. Bouncy volume can be hard to come by though, and so we turn to products for help. While mousse will add volume and subtle hold, it can also be very drying because it contains alcohol. It's consistency is also very hard to control, and you can end up with heavy application in one spot and zero product in another. I opt for a root lift instead which offers a much more controlled application, and targets the product only where its needed... at the roots. The pin point nozzle on

Pureology's Root Lift

is perfect for getting the product right down to the scalp and giving you great volume. It's a must-have.

Dry Shampoo Spray vs. Dry Shampoo Powder

5- Winner:

Dry Shampoo Powder by Bumble & bumble

While I love dry shampoos in general for stretching the time in between hair washes, and for offering texture to hair, I find that spray in varieties tend to break down in the hair sooner and lose their oomph. The spray versions offer more options as far as colors and scents, but for a lasting experience powder is the tops.

Bumble & bumble Pret a Powder

acts as an oil absorbing machine that lifts hair and refreshes it perfectly. A few sprinkles of this stuff at the root will boost your strands back to life and combat any unwanted smells (you know what I mean, right?) It is white however, so those with dark hair need to take extra care to only apply the product beneath your part lines to avoid looking chalky.

You can shop all of my winners below,

plus one lucky winner will walk away with everything above

! Oh ya that's some great hair days comin your way! Use the rafflecopter entry below, for each step you complete you'll gain an additional entry, but you're not required to complete them all. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DITCH THE UV: LOREAL GEL LACQUE IN RADIANT ORCHID

Orchid Gel Color (Miss Luster-ess)

2014 is off to a great start- including the announcement of the

Pantone Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

. Purple has always been a go to color in my makeup bag, and you'll often find me wearing my favorite

purple tang eyeliner

90% of the time. I've even begun wearing shades of purple on my lips so I feel like I am completely on par with this years' it-color.

But, if you read my blog regularly you know that

nail polish & Megan don't mix

. Not because I don't love the way it looks of course, but because it just isn't practical with my day to day job at the salon. My hands are in water all day, and therefor polish has no chance of survival. DOA, if you will.

When I am feeling the need to decorate my digits, I usually go for decals or gel so I get a few more days of wear out them. And while I do have a UV gel lamp at home, I wanted to test out the latest in gel... the non UV version.

Loreal has recently introduced a three step gel system called

Extraordinaire Gel Lacque 1-2-3

. I picked mine up at Target but the starter kit with the 1-3 polish can be hard to find so you can also

buy online

. The system has three parts: a primer, a gel color, and a glaze overlay.

I tested the system two ways. First without pre-buffing the nail, and then again with buffing before application. And just like I have experienced with ALL gels... if you don't pre buff to roughen up the nail bed and give it some added

grip

, the gel will peel off too easily (about 2 days). I think this is because the gels are much thicker on the nail when dry, and because of that there is often a discernible edge near the cuticle that can easily catch and then lift off the gel in one large sheet.

colors available

So learn from my mistake and use a fine particle nail file or buffer to slough off the sheen of your nail, then cleanse well with a little rubbing alcohol before beginning the painting process.

The layers go on very easily and surprisingly cure very quickly. So even though you're using three layers, I didn't feeling like my waiting time was any longer than with traditional polish, if fact I think it was quicker! Your left with a brilliant shine and the thickness of a gel that is great for protecting the nail and for longer wear. I got about 6 days out of mine, so it's definitely longer lasting than traditional polish, but not quite as long as a salon gel manicure.

I will be adding more of the Gel Lacque colors to my collection for sure, and I will experiment with the thickness of each coat to see if I can stretch the staying power a little longer. Have you tried any non-UV gels that I need to know about? Let me know in the comments below- and be sure to sign up for email on the left side bar, so that you never miss a snoop!

STYLEWISE: ROCK STAR WAVES

Star Necklace

 |  

Orange Lips

It's time to get

StyleWise

! Today I decided to rock a little edgier look- but let's face it... I still look pretty girly wearing sparkles and hot pink. I tried.

For this fun look I used my

Bed Head Deep Barrel Waver

to simply place a single row of waves in the

mid-section of my hair, and left the ends stick straight to finish the look with a 'tougher' vibe. This look works best for shoulder length hair or longer, and I recommend you don't start your wave any higher than cheekbone level.

To start, work with straight hair that is parted near the center (this also key for the rocker look). Next section the hair so you can start waving from the bottom near the nape of your neck, and pin everything else up out of the way.

Place the waver at the base of the hair near the nape, using a large 2-inch horizontal row, and clamp down. Heat through for 6-10 seconds and then release- you'll find a 3-shaped wave has formed and your ready to repeat on all subsequent sections. Make sure you hold the waver with the same orientation on both sides of your head. I like to have the bottom flatter side closest to my face- this way the wave peaks and valleys are the same on both sides.

Remember that you want all the waves to be focused in one visual 'row' around your head, so this means that you may need to place the waver in using visual markers. For example, each strand would be clamped higher on the strand for the underneath pieces or lower on the strand for the top pieces, with the goal to keep the wave line consistent near your cheekbone.

Follow up by running your flat iron across the ends to get a smooth, pin-straight finish. A little fluffing and some hair spray, and your ready to rock! This

deep barrel waver

is really affordable, and comes in handy for lots of styles. You can create faux-finger waves, Victoria Secret volume, and effortless beachy looks in a snap!

Thanks for your love and support! I am so grateful for all of you- seriously.

For more fun please follow along with me on

instagram

! @beautysnoop

Be.YOU.tiful Link Party

THE ONE PRODUCT I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: THE POWER OF VITAMIN C

It happens a lot.

I meet someone new, and after introductions and small talk- I mention that I am a beauty blogger.

Then this happens...

"ok, so what is your number one product you can't live without?!?"

Seriously. All the time.

It's a great question, and one that I completely understand because the world of beauty is HUGE, and sometimes overwhelming. Many of you have mentioned to me that Sephora gives you panic attacks, and rightfully so- can you say 'sensory overload?'

But, the last time I got asked this question (less than 2 weeks ago) - I really pondered my answer. What is the ONE product I go back to time and time again? The one that causes me to cry when I pump out the last drop in the bottle? [ok, maybe I don't actually cry when I run out... but I DID actually cry when the spa I used to purchase it from closed. But, don't worry- I found another one! YAY]

Enter:

Image SkinCare- Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

This little bottle of goodness has never let me down, and I swear by its' healing power. It's part of the Vital C line from Image, which

uses the power of anti-oxidants and Vitamin C to help skin block free-radicals in the environment which cause aging

. Other power house ingredients include: hyaluronic acid, green tea, algae, and grape seed extract. Can't you just feel the amazingness?

I was introduced to

Image

by a dear friend who is a master skin therapist, and it's now been three years since I began using it. I've tried lots of their products and have enjoyed all of them (the Clear Cell line is amazing for acne too!) but, without a doubt the Serum is my hero product of them all.

I use this bad boy morning and night after cleansing, it absorbs quickly and never leaves me feeling greasy. It is wonderful for inflamed or sensitive skin, those with rosacia, and you guessed it... acne sufferers like me. I believe this serum has done more for my acne scars then anything else out there, and it continues to help fight acne by helping with cell turnover and healing.

I seriously cannot gush enough about it! The only tricky thing with Image products is finding them. They're not sold online (which is good because it keeps counterfeits from ruining the integrity of the line) so you have to track down a professional treatment spa that carries the line near you. Just give their location finder a call, and they'll point you in the right direction. 

1.800.796.SKIN 

So if you've been thinking it's time to start treating your skin a little nicer, but you're not ready to throw down hundreds of dollars on luxury creams or treatments... this is a great place to start. I know you'll love the power of Vitamin C as much as I do! Here's to glowing skin, xoxo

THE PRIME OF YOUR LIFE: BEAUTY PRIMER WINNERS

I'll be the first to admit that some products out there (and in my drawers) are just 'fluff' products. They are kinda nice to have, but they aren't by any means necessary to own or use. When I de-clutter my makeup stash, it's the fluff products that always find the bottom of the garbage can first, because they take up valuable storage room, and don't give me any real payoff.

But one thing that I have learned in my beauty career is that primers can make all of the difference when it comes to the performance and longevity of your other products. A good primer is essential in my eyes and can easily replace 2-3 fluff products while getting you better results.

Why go through all the work of applying makeup, or styling your hair... or the time consumer of them all... painting your nails- just to have all that work go to waste!?! Seriously, stop doing that to yourself and invest in some top notch primers, you won't regret it! Remember that

the purpose of any primer is to prepare the surface to receive the subsequent products better

, with longer lasting results.

Best Nail Primer:

Essie Protein Base Coat

Nail care is not my strongest suit, mostly because I work with water, shampoo, and color every day so my nail polish has a slim chance in Hell of surviving more than 24 hours. But, when I do take the time to paint my nails, I want to be sure the color lasts as long as possible. I love this nail primer because it also strengthens the nails with its' protein ingredients. One coat of this dries quickly and provides a smooth surface to paint over. Your polish will last longer and the added layer gives a nice rigid protection to the nail itself so your less likely to break a nail when your popping open that morning can of Diet Coke. No? Just me? Ok.

Best Hair Primer:

Alterna Caviar Style Prep

Style Prep is my go-to detangling spray that is lightweight and smells amazing, BUT what it really does is even out the porosity of the hair so that all of your styling products absorb evenly and spread more easily. It also helps to repel water out of the hair so that your drying time is cut down significantly. This is the first product you would apply to your hair right out of the shower, then comb it through with your wetbrush or wide tooth comb- followed by any mousses, gels, creams, or oils that you use to style.

Best Skin Primer:

Benefit POREfessional

Makeup priming may be the most important of them all, and anyone who struggles with uneven pigment or oily/acne prone skin knows this first hand. I love the POREfessional primer because it is fairly lightweight and absorbs quickly, but it does a great job a filling in fine lines and large pores. Think of it as prepping the canvas prior to painting. Makeup primers typically help absorb some of the natural oils in the skin too, which helps makeup stay put with less slipping throughout the day.

Best Eye Primer:

NS Minerals Eye Primer

I am a big fan of NS Mineral makeup, but my favorite product from the line is their Eye Primer. It's unassuming on the outside, but this little tub packs a punch! It's a cream-to-powder finish formula that's not too liquidy- so it never creases or runs. And it has major staying power which is essential if you are wearing loose powder shadows. A swipe of this stuff across the lid will give your shadows the boost they need to be brighter in color and stay put the whole day. It's great for any work with photo shoots or bright lighting because it really holds up under heat well.

So there ya have it- the prime of your life is just around the corner! Do you have a favorite primer I need to try? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!