beauty

4 Reasons To Have a #DayDate for #ValentinesDay at @iPOLISHED Nail Bar #Raleigh #GetPolishedRDU

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Hello February! Did you know it was Creative Romance Month? That’s right, you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to celebrate your love or show off your romance skills, you can start now! If you are in NC, I have just the place you should go: Polished Nail Bar! In a previous post, I shared highlights of the Grand Opening event of Raleigh’s newest premier nail and waxing salon located in downtown’s hip Glenwood South District. I have been back on my own and with a good friend but today I surprised my best friend/husband with a visit to Polished Nail Bar for a pampering day date. While there are so many reasons to come here for a date, take a look at my Top Four:

1. LUXURY PEDICURE THRONES

Sit back, relax and enjoy your luxury pedicure on a throne fit for a King and Queen! Those chairs, along with the decor, are not only appealing to the eye but you can set it to massage your back while you receive your services.

2. COMPLIMENTARY MIMOSAS

Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks..and Mimosas are available for free with your services. While relaxing on your pedicure throne, imagine sipping on mimosas and then a hand appears to refill your glass! Refills are complimentary too…just remember to drink responsibly.

3. GREAT VARIETY OF OPI COLORS

As soon as you walk in take notice of the variety of colors from nail polish brands such as OPI and Essie. You can find the latest in OPI nail polish colors, like the new Lisbon Collection. I can definitely see me selecting any of those in the Spring but today I chose a purple color for #MyVioletValentine series (that I’ll be sharing more about soon..so stay tuned!)

4. COUPLE-FRIENDLY

Just like us, this lovely pair was there enjoying a pampering moment. Women, as well as Men (and little divas too) are welcomed. My husband commented on how comfortable he was and appreciated the cleanliness. We definitely will be coming back to Polished Nail Bar!

SobeSavvy Tip: Looking for Valentine’s Day gift idea? Gift Certificates are available. For a complete list of services, visit ipolished.com. Follow on Facebook at Polished Nail Bar RDU, Instagram @polished_nail_bar, and Twitter @iPolished.

Polished Nail Bar

222 Glenwood Avenue Suite 105

Raleigh,NC 27603

919.615.0092 | http://www.IPOLISHED.com

Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Must Have ‘New Year,New You’ #Skincare from @Belli_Beauty @DesertHarvest & @KneippUSA

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We are one month into 2018 and I have been doing alot of studying as well as adapting more selfcare habits and updating my skincare routine. In the winter when skin tends to get dry and flakey, I take the necessary steps to treat my skin (and hair) with these Must Have Natural ‘New Year, New You’ Bath & Beauty Products from Belli BEAUTY, Desert Harvest and Kneipp!

Belli BEAUTY

The New Year is all about out with the old and in with new right?! Belli has physician-formulated skin care products like exfoliating scrubs for sweeping away dead skin cells and debris to reveal the fresh new layer beneath. This skincare line focuses on ingredient safety giving expectant and new mothers piece of mind. It’s pure and planet-friendly approach is something we all can benefit from.

Did you know that it is important to prep the skin to absorb hydration and nutrients from moisturizers and other treatments? The practice of exfoliating is a necessary step that often gets skipped. Using Belli Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub, an invigorating scrub for face and body, is the key to smooth, healthy skin. It helps prepare skin for the application of other products and the ideal start to any skin care regimen. Made with antioxident-rich green tea and ginseng, and the essential oil of peppermint. I found their micro-scrub formula to be invigorating and gentle.

Follow this by applying the Belli Fresh Stretchmark Minimizing Cream as the treatment to decreasing the appearance of existing stretchmarks. No matter the age or cause of your stretchmarks, Belli is offering a premium, at-home solution for diminishing the appearance of stretchmarks and help restore the look of smooth, healthy skin. Key characteristics include ginseng to help even out skin tone and avocado oil to soften and moisturize. I enjoyed its light citrus scent and intend to apply this twice daily for 4 weeks, then once daily as recommended until desired results are achieved. Available for purchase at BelliSkincare.com, buybuyBaby, Ulta, Ulta.com.

Desert Harvest

I recently learned about Desert Harvest, a family owned and operated company based in the state I now call home..North Carolina. Their unique Aloe Vera Gele skin care is a much healthier option than traditional skin care products that include chemicals and additives that can damage your skin making it great to use for the entire family.

Did you know that Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating blemishes, acne, minor cuts or wound, a burn or a rash? It also softens dead skin cells and makes the skin smooth. It gets rid of signs of aging like fine lines and appearance of wrinkles and relieves itching too. Desert Harvest’s Aloe Vera is at the top of the line, and here’s why: •Gele is 80% concentrated Aloe Vera
•No added chemicals •Non-comedogenic

In addition to the gele, herbal shampoo/shower gel, herbal conditioner and hand & body lotion can be purchased just in time for February 14th. Make it an Aloe Vera Valentine for yourself and show love to your skin! Check out http://www.desertharvest.com for info.

Kneipp

No matter the season, moisturizing bath products are essential. Kneipp aids in leaving your skin feeling soft and supple and offers vegan products to soothe the mind and body by using aromatherapy. From the enchanting scents and blends of nature’s best plants, Kneipp offers a holistic shower/bath experience that I love. I am currently using the Kneipp Evening Primrose Body Wash “Calming” and Kneipp Sandalwopd Fruit & Grapeseed Oil Body Scrub “Beautiful Shape”, which are both gentle and beneficial to healthy skin. For a bath oil, I recommend Kneipp’s Mandarin & Orange Herbal Bath Oil “Stress Free” which uses natural essential oils to help you unwind! But honestly, any of their Body Wash, Body Scrub and Bath Oil products would be a great addition to your bathing routine as they have quite a variety to choose from!

SobeSavvy Tip: Head over to Kneipp.com for the #KneippLife sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Vermont for you & 3 friends + Kneipp gift baskets. All entrants will receive 20% off their next purchase. Sign up: http://bit.ly/TheKneippLife

As an over 40 yr old mom and wife, I have always cherished the little things in life. I am pleased with these products so far and they have found there way into my #selfcareSunday routine!

Let me know below if you have used any of these products before and do you have a selfcare skincare routine?

#NationalAestheticianDay Spotlight on Aesthetics by Aleah in #Raleigh #SkinCare #HealthySkin

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Did you know October 15 is National Aesthetician Day? Time to shine the spotlight on the skincare professionals who keep us looking our best! I recently found an Aesthetician here in Raleigh, NC and wanted to share all about my wonderful experience with Aesthetics By Aleah! 

Aleah Pinder offers many treatments from facials, microdermabrasion to microblading eyebrows and hair removal services via waxing.  During my visit, I chose to get the ‘Back Purifier’ services. If you are wondering what that is, it’s like a facial for your back. This treatment is decribed as follows per her website: 

I must say I fell asleep on her warm massage table as I found this treatment to be very relaxing. Aleah loves what she does and it shows in not only the care she provides for skin but the extra relaxation techniques she provides as an add on to your service. For example, I chose lemongrass aromatherapy scents to enhance my treatment. I loved her choice of relaxing spa music and her gentle massage strokes during my back purifier service put my body and mind at ease. We all consider putting our best face forward and often neglect other areas, like our back. She thouroughly cleansed, exfoliated and massaged my back during this unique service. I would tell anyone to treat themselves to this experience!   

 

With specialized training and personalized attention, aestheticians bring out the most radiant skin in each of us. Their knowledge and skills often go unrecognized and yet they deliver superior services every day in spas and medical clinics across the country.  Addressing the complex needs of their clientele, aestheticians rejuvenate and polish even the most sensitive skin. So I am happy to celebrate with Aesthetics by Aleah on National Aesthetician Day and recognize all the care and attention she gives to her clients.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaIc7yTBumP/

SobeSavvy Tip: Check out these Spa Week specials Aesthetics by Aleah is offering! 

🔸$40 Signature Facial

🔸$50 Microdermabrasion Facial

🔸$50 Back Purifier 

* Deals are ONLY valid October 16 – 21

*All discounts will be applied at checkout 

*Call or book your appointment online 

Aesthetics By Aleah

8368 Six Forks Rd Suite 102

919.696.2494

http://www.aestheticsbyaleah.com

The skin you want is only an appointment away.  Book your service and treat yourself or a loved one today!  


    4 WAYS TO TREAT YOUR FACE WITH CARE w/ @KneippUSA #Veganfriendly #Skincare #Facecare #Kneipp

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    I have always been low maintenance as far as what I use on my face but the products are always high quality. Kneipp meets my quality standards because their products are plant-based, vegan and free from paraffin, preservatives and silicone oils. The brand has a mission to not only provide effective, innovative and natural products but to teach concepts for health and well-being.

    Since fall temperatures are starting to set in, face care is more important than ever to prevent dryness. With products from Kneipp, you can prepare, activate and cleanse your skin with their wide, moisturizing selection. Here are four ways to treat your face with care using Kneipp:

    1. Kneipp Almond Blossom Cleansing Milk – “Soft Skin” 

    Gently cleanse and remove any make-up without drying out your skin. This cleansing milk contains high-quality, nourishing almond oil and vitamin E, giving the skin a soft, silky appearance. 

    2. Kneipp Lady’s Mantle Face Mask – “Reactivation”

     

    With its combination of natural ingredients and lady’s mantle extract, this face mask provides intensive care. It protects the skin from photoaging and free radicals, while smoothing and pampering the skin with long-lasting moisture and a gentle fragrance. This facial treatment leaves your skin feeling supple, vitalized and revived!

     
    3. Kneipp Almond Blossom Face Tonic – “Soft Skin” 

    This facial toner gently refreshes and cares for cleansed skin while removing any mask or cleansing milk. It is best for all skin types and won’t dry the skin because it does not contain alcohol.

    4. Kneipp Almond Blossom Face Cream – “Soft Skin”

    Well tolerated by sensitive skin, this face cream contains high-quality almond oil, vitamins A and E, rich shea butter and skin-soothing panthenol. This powerful combo of plant-based ingredients makes the skin noticeably smoother and the moisture level of your skin will increase over 24 hours.

    SobeSavvy Tip:  Kneipp has products suitable for the whole family and for your whole body! We especially love their variety of body lotions and blends as they  go beyond moisturizing the skin. For example, want a soothing, relaxing moisturizer, get the ‘Lavender’ Body Lotion. Looking to firm and tone your skin while giving it extra nourishment… try “Beautiful Shape’. Take advantage of their 1 year anniversary sale, stock up right now and save $$!

    You can follow @KneippUSA and help celebrate #KneippBirthdayBash for their 1 year anniversary in the U.S ! Also check out Kneipp.com to learn more, shop online and gift yourself (or someone else) to quality skin care. Get ready to put your best face forward this Fall season with Kneipp!

    DO YOU CHANGE YOUR SKIN CARE PRODUCTS WITH THE SEASONS? HAVE YOU EVER USED KNEIPP PRODUCTS? 

    This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kneipp. The opinions/photos are 100% my own.

    #TestimonialTuesday Makeover with @butterLondon & @_iknoGlam + #ValentinesDay Special!

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    It’s always fun to play in makeup and get pampered, right ladies? And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, fellas may I suggest you give the gift every girl can enjoy : makeup from butter London and a makeover or shall I say “Glam-Over” by Neely Glam Studios!
    I had the pleasure of experiencing both and wanted to share my Tuesday Testimonial with you. I received samples of butter LONDON, the official makeup sponsor of Project Runway Junior® Season 2, however the following opinions are my own. 

    You only have one chance to make a first impression—and let’s just say, I was impressed with these 2 butter LONDON products. Both of them were featured in an episode of Project Runway Junior® Season 2 where contestants worked with celebrity makeup artist Scott Patric to create one-of-a-kind looks to complement their designs on the runway. The winning look featured an array of butter LONDON products, including the Plush Rush Lip Gloss in Fireworks and BlushClutch in Just Darling.

    I loved the colors in the blush palatte. They were very complimentary to my skin tone and blended smoothly ..like butter..into my skin! It comes with a highlighter pen and in a gorgeous compact. The lip gloss glided on with ease but after application it had a tingling sensation that was uncomfortable. I wonder if that is why it was called Fireworks?!

    I knew my favorite makeup artist in the Triangle would know the answer. So I called up Tanya Neely of Neely Glam Studios to schedule a Glam Tutorial One on One along with a Signature Glam Session. And guess what ladies and gents, she is running a Valentine’s Day Special!!!! See details below !

    ❤️❤️❤️Valentine’s Day Glam-Over Special❤️❤️❤️

    Level up your look for your special day for just $25 ..get a soft yet sultry Neely Glam-Over 🌹

    ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️VALID FEBRUARY 14TH ONLY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

    ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️LIMITED AVAILABILITY

    🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

    📍Book now http://www.styleseat.com/neelyglam
    —————–LIKE&SHARE—

    Follow @neelyglamstudios_mua

    #NeelyGlam #MUA #MakeupArtist #Beatface #DurhamMUA #RaleighMUA #ChapelHillMUA #CharlotteMUA #NorthCarolinaMUA #MaryKay #ABH #MAC #Sephora #SHANY #Fleek #Slay #Lashes #SmokeyEye #Illuminate #Brows #BEAT #Contour #Highlight #Sacha #Buttercup #GreensboroMUA #NCCU #Duke #NCSU

    Ms.Neely arrived to my home promptly for my appointment with all her tools of the trade. I was very impressed that she came with her own lighting and plenty of products to choose from. She informed me that the lip gloss had a plumping agent in it which was giving the tingly effect and because I have natural , full lips that she would not be using it. 

    It’s not often that I wear a full face of makeup or get to bat my eyes with false lashes. I only do a ‘full beat’ for special occasions, so I let Ms.Neely choose a look for me. She decided on doing a look called “Safari Sunset”. I loved the hues of browns and golds used as well as her choice of lipstick: a reddish orange matte color called ‘Anna Nicole by Nyxx.I loved the final look especially my brows!

    Before

    After

    Applying blush from the butterLondon BlushClutch

    See more of the behind the scenes and finished look here: https://youtu.be/YhaVYNmG0mI

    So there you have it my Tuesday Testimonial. Overall, I enjoyed my Glam-Over by Neely Studios using some makeup by butter London. Don’t forget, if you are in North Carolina : Raleigh/Durham/Greesnboro/Charlotte, to book your look and take advantage of the upcoming Valentine’s Day special! If you need a MUA for any occassion be sure to contact Neely Glam Studios!

    #WellnessWednesday : Gym Bag Swag Giveaway #bandeodorant #AD #totalrefresh #SobeSavvy

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    Hi, my name is Leslie. I am a member of a gym (shout out to LifeTime Fitness) and I love going to Zumba!  It’s a fun cardio workout and with any great cardio class comes alot of sweat. That’s why when I heard about Ban products and how they help you stay fresh, I figured I’d add some new swag to my gym bag!

    I learned Ban Roll-On Deodorant ($4.99),  offers 24 hours of invisible protection against odor causing sweat! The formula that glides on easily contains Ban’s breakthrough technology, which specifically targets and virtually eliminates (not cover up) stress odor that other
    antiperspirant/deodorants may leave behind. I usually opt to use a solid vs a roll on, but
    am excited to put Ban to the test!

    Did you know that Ban has a product that will help your skin feel smooth and silky, not wet and sticky after a workout? It’s called Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths ($3.29) which work to slick away excess body sweat with just one wipe ! This would be great for after a workout or a touch up throughout the day and fits perfectly in a purse.

     
    Thank you Ban for sending some samples to giveaway to some of my Zumba peeps. I put together this Ban gym bag essentials duo and surprised a few ladies with some new gym bag swag of their own!

    Like I always say….Friends who sweat together, stay fresh together! 

    No matter where you go this season – whether it’s work, running errands or to the gym– Ban products promises to help you stay fresh and smelling clean all day long! Choose from Unscented
    for sensitive skin, Regular for a light and clean floral fragrance, Powder
    Fresh     for a classic powder scent, Satin Breeze for a feminine touch
    with green and citrus notes, Fresh Cotton for a refreshing floral heart
    with a hint of fruit, and lastly Simply Clean for fresh and powdery
    amber notes with hint of peach nectar! 

    For a full list of scents and additional information, visit www.feelbanfresh.com.  

    #TransformationTuesday: How to Get Glowing #Skin, #Detox From Within !

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    Change in weather, diet or stress are just 3 of the many things that can wreak havoc on one’s skin. After the new year began, I found that my skin had lost its glow and for a reason why I did not know!

    I began the year with a resolution to reintroduce healthy habits into my lifestyle. I tried a detox body treatment for the first time at Exhale (read about my pamper me session  here ! )  So it was quite a surprise to me when last week, my face became red, flaky and itchy. It was just overall uncomfortable. Was it eczema ? an allergic reaction? psoriasis? seborrheic dermatitis?..I did not know! What I did know was like the picture below.. my skin was SAD 😦

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    I researched the internet and decided I would do a detox for my facial skin. My breakout occurred in my Tzone area (forhead, nose,chin)  and looked at the facial map as a map on where the problem may lie.

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    OK by the looks of it something I ate may be the culprit so let’s do a detox. I decided upon Dr. OZ‘S 3 DAY Detox as it was simple, took little time and prep, cost was minimal, easy to follow and had rave reviews.

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    The shakes were easy to make and I looked forward to the breakfast and dinner one. Lunchtime was most challenging but I knew I was giving my body what it needs via the leafy greens to combat what was going on with my facial skin.

    To understand the importance of detoxing, here are a few graphics that breaks it down as to why everyone should try a detox for the skin.

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    All you need is a weekend and this past 3 day weekend made it possible along with my suppostive husband and my willpower to do what is good for me from the inside out !

    So here is my before, during (where I applied this honey/nutmeg mask that I loved as well)  and after of the past 3 days.

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    I hope I have inspired you to try a detox and encouraged you to love the skin you are in! Remember beauty is skin deep … it starts from within. This Transformation Tuesday treat yourself to a skin detox!

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