The deets: Clarins Tonic Body Oil Treatment.

The way this all started is Jacques Courtin-Clarins, whose wife was suffering from rheumatoid polyarthritis, founded the Association for Polyarthritis Research in 1989. Today, as a tribute to their beloved mother and grand-mother, the Courtin-Clarins family supports the Fondation Arthritis (a French non-profit with the mission to advance early diagnosis, new therapeutic pathways, and restore hope for millions of patients).

1 Tonic Body Treatment Oil* sold = 1 donation to fund research

And let me tell you about the actual product because like their other skin treatments (just included one in my last beauty round up here), it's pretty great. It's made with 100% pure plant extracts, smells like bitter orange, geranium, basil and chamomile essential oils which remind me of being in a spa - soothes the senses and relaxes. It also is wonderful for the dry skin on my legs!

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I have blogged before (here) about the amount of new beauty products that I dabble with via sweet brand reps/PR professionals sending out product, beauty junkie gifts, and my own purchases that are born out of FOMO or curiosity. However they come to me, the point is I try it all. Like, ALL THE THINGS. If I don't truly love it, you never hear about it and believe me it has NOTHING to do with the price of things (sorry but I tested out this $350 moisturizing duo and couldn't make it through one day - the scent made me feel nauseous). Those unfortunate items just get passed off to a relative to try (everyone is different) or thrown into my bathroom closet never to be touched again until I do a clean out and realize I should have tossed it to begin with. It's really hard to know how you feel about a product until you've used it for a few weeks which is why all the products photographed are clearly used (I really really do test them for a while before giving my opinion). These are my top new to me favorite products! Sorry this is so long but I like to really explain why they made the list.

1. Tea Tree Oil Shampoo/Conditioner by Maple Holistics - Okay. I honestly had never heard of this shampoo brand or given much thought to organic shampoo and conditioner before in my life, however, I try anything once and figured it can't hurt to have more natural products in my life. The packaging isn't my favorite but the product itself is AMAZING and chemical, paraban, and cruelty free! It lathers well and makes your scalp tingle just a little (in a good way - almost minty?) and the conditioner makes your hair smooth, shiney, light, yet clean. I love it! Side note - you can get FREE product samples by signing up here.

2. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD - This product is UNDER THREE DOLLARS. Yes, it's cheaper than your morning coffee and it works like a CHARM for covering imperfections. They have all these great colors (I always get really excited for pink undertoned products because usually I am left out) and it works really nicely with my tried and true Make Up For Ever HD foundation (I use Classic Ivory which matches my R300 in MUFE HD).

3. Clarins Double Serum (25% off through 10/15) - This product should honestly get a post all to itself. It has become my favorite thing in my skin care arsenal. It moisturizes without leaving your skin feeling greasy, it smells SO good (not overpowering), and most importantly - I noticed a real difference right away. I immediately found my dry U-zone (opposite of T zone) looking brighter and more supple. I use it every single day now - a small amount in the morning (the dispenser is adjustable) and a full amount at night after I cleanse.

4. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer - I am normally VERY "2 in 1" averse. Never jumped on the BB or CC cream trains because of it - I think things should just do one thing and shine at that one thing, however, I gave this foundation a shot and it was really, really good. I wouldn't say you need to throw out your concealer completely but this product layers very nicely and smoothly so it's awesome for doing your base foundation and then spot treating places you'd normally use your concealer on but it isn't for the under eye area, the skin is too delicate there.

5. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm - This weird substance is balmy and firm when you wipe it all on - but immediately breaks down into an oil on your skin and seriously demolishes any makeup you have on your face in record time. Once you add water to the situation it just washes right off and leaves your skin feeling like it did before you even started your day (realizing that is where the name came from as I type this). Clean and soft to the touch - not just got out of the shower dry or lived in greasy - right in the middle. 

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2. I have recently become OBSESSED with all things "rose" as far as face products go. I just can't get enough of it. Basically, if I am passing something in Sephora, Target, CVS, or Nordstrom that says it has it in there, I'm impulse buying it because so far, EVERYTHING has worked amazingly. I also love the scent of rose even though it's got an "older women" reputation. Sign me up for white hair and tiny rollers because I am on board. 

Note: everything from Sephora is 15% off right now with code VIPSPRING!

1. Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish - I got this stuff in a super cute gift box that also came with a bottle of Summer Water Rose. I hadn't ever used a body scrub before, well, because I thought they were total BS for some reason. How could scrubbing my dry skin possibly make the situation better? I only gave this one a shot because it fell into my lap. WAS I WRONG. So. Very. Wrong. One half-assed use of this in the shower and my dry pale irishy skinned legs were actually smooth and glowing and baby soft. I will be reordering this as soon as it's gone.

2. MARIO BADESCU Facial Spray With Aloe, Herb and Rosewater - This spritz was a suggested buy on Amazon (clearly they know me) and for $7 I was willing to give it a try. It is life changing. No irritation, freshens and wakes me up in the morning, preps me before makeup application to ensure moisture, it's a real hero in my bathroom.

3. Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream - This eye cream is one of the only ones I have tried (besides a Clarins one that is waaaay expensive) that has not irritated my sensitive under eye skin. I sometimes can only use vitamin E or Vaseline for that area because it's a real pain in my butt (the cycle of drying out - then trying to use a fancy moisturizer to fix it - then that irritating it and making a bigger mess of things - then I can't even conceal the area bc of the patchy flakes - UGH) but this works!

4. SEPHORA COLLECTION Eye Mask Rose - The Sephora Rose eye and face masks are the SHIT. They smell great, they illuminate my face, and really do exactly what they are intended to do - replenish the delicate eye area with water for intense moisturizing and a radiance boost! The pearl and pomegranate ones come in a close second for me.

5. Rosebud Salve - This is my lip cure all. I for some reason always step away thinking there is something better out there (fresh lip scrub, even spent way too much on the Sarah Happ lip slip) but I come back to this little tin every damn time. It is just the best. It's a cult favorite, I don't even have to tell you.

6. Origins Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay - This mask was something I picked out with my points at Sephora. Short story is I will be going back for the full size when my sample runs out. It's exfoliating in the gentlest way, smoothing and evening, dries hard but doesn't dry out your skin. This is something I do once a week, not more than that. It is lovely.

I have an almost constant influx of new beauty products that come across my "desk" be it companies that want me to feature their product, gifts from relatives and loved ones because they know I'm a beauty junkie, or just my impulse buys from around the web. My point is that I try A LOT of crap. I can't even tell you how many times I have accepted a free product or shelled out my own money because some other beauty blogger said it was great only to be disappointed. R + Co Gemstone shampoo & conditioner is $25 bucks a pop, people basically sing about it, and I would rather use 99 cent Suave over the stuff. I just don't get it. Same goes for that "Better Than Sex" mascara, flakes immediately on me and I was so thankful I bought the sample size tube before splurging on the regular one. It's really hard to know how you feel about a product until you've used it for a few weeks. These are some TRUE GEMS that I have be really taken with after repeated use so I'm sorry this one is long but I figured I'd let you all know!

1. Josie Maran Argan Oil. I might be late to the party here but I like JUST realized in the last year and a half of my life that not all parts of your face need the same products. I used to think one layer went all over but I'd shy away from things too moisturizing because my oily parts didn't need it or too drying because my sensitive parts would crack and flake. One day I woke up! I have a very oily forehead, normal nose, chin, and cheeks, and then exceptionally dry eye area #blessed..#kidding. I now use my CereVe cream on my cheeks, my anti-breakout cream on my forehead and nose, and this lovely oil on the skin around my eyes before bed. It's amazing and I love it forever and ever. Oil for your face, who knew?

2. Basic Vitamin E Oil. I put this wonderful free-radical fighting goo around my eyes as well for extra moisture at night and on my lips! It's so inexpensive (under $6) and is really magical for the skin or scars (one split forehead from a man opening a door on your face will really teach you some things..but that story is for another time).

3. Shu Uemura eyelash curler. So I have a really naughty habit of curling my lashes after they are mascara'd. It's every makeup artists nightmare and I know it's a bad bad thing but honestly I have yet to meet a curler that was strong enough to get the job done on my naked lashes without either being heated or the mascara kind of serving as a hairspray. This one does it! It is a little pricier but I have heard everyone talk about it for years and finally gave it a try. I can use it without heating it up and get curled bare lashes!

4. Mason Pearson hairbrush. Okay. Get your eye roll ready because this brush rings in at $170 dollars. Yep. Roll away. I asked for this for Christmas after reading review after glowing review. I wasn't sure if it was going to be worth it but my husband has even commented on how much nicer my hair looks. It's truly a luxurious feeling. My hair even seems thicker after using it for a month and I think it's because I am not ripping my hair out each day fighting with my mane. It's also totally an heirloom so you could justify it that way. It has really been worth every penny.

5. Harry's Razor (c/o). This little gem is made for men, clearly. There's nothing feminine about it but it works like a damn CHARM. I was slightly skeptical and hesitant to forgo my normal razor that looks like it was made for a human size Barbie but once I got those blades gliding and felt the smoothest legs ever I was totally converted. The blade refills are $2 bucks or under, WHAT? I usually have to hand over a giant burlap bag of money to get my blade refills. I honestly go an embarrassingly long time on the last one in a pack because I dread getting more. I now understand those commercials of women stealing their men's razors (and wonder why I hadn't been doing it - it clearly is a thing). Also after doing some research I was annoyed to learn that women in general end up paying way more for the same products as men because they are marketed towards us.. this thing called the "pink tax," look it up it will grind your gears. So basically Harry's razors are better AND more economical (shoulder brush).

6. Elizabeth Arden eye shadow in "Heatherd Plum". I was gifted this gorgeous pallet which came in their holiday box of goodies. I have been in a VERY committed relationship with my basic MAC pallet I have made and kept refilling with the same four colors for years but something about the plum-y purple has me hooked! I honestly don't use any of the other colors too much but the "Heatherd Plum" shade is one I will definitely need to buy on it's own. So gorgeous with good staying power. I have been using it three times a week at the very least. I love the color and if you have greenish-blue eyes like me it is the best contrast shade.

7. The POREfessional Face Primer. This stuff makes my face actually matte. It's such a great little product that kind of flies under the radar. Not for everyday use but when I need to go out at night this little guy is the first thing (after moisturizing, obvs) that I put on as a base for all my other makeup. It gives a slightly "blurred" perfect finish.

I would like to tell you about the most magical place on earth you can go as an adult. Where the staff is friendly, the beauty products are a plenty, and the services are bliss. Honestly I hadn't even really thought much about this place until recent years. I knew of Elizabeth Arden products as my mother used them growing up, but didn't really know the completely life changing experiences that happen behind that Red Door. I wish I had started my obsession earlier in life.

I had my first experience last year when I got the Watermelon Basiltini pedicure. It's worlds beyond the basic pedi service you get around the corner.  Not only is each location beautiful (pictured above is the outside of the Arlington location, the photo of the inside is of the Reston location), they really make even a pedicure feel like a spa experience. They seat you with a warm neck wrap, tea and cookies at your leisure, and take extra time to really make it an aromatic journey. You could really smell the watermelon and basil vodka infusion in the scrub the whole time which was lovely. I obviously opted to try their Mint-Julep Spritzer pedi that was out this summer (they have treatments that change seasonally) and it also did not disappoint. They have every Essie color your heart could yearn for (pictured) and the scent was also unforgettable. Floral and clean and comforting. My pup approved of my "Bikini So Teeny" blue polish selection and the paraffin treatment at the end really locked in the moisture to my notoriously dry skin.

I then went pack to get my first facial. I had never gotten one before so this really set the bar high for any one that will follow. The Pro Facial was insane (in a good way) I literally left with new skin (pictured below), which was awesome for my pre-wedding glow! I really felt like I was at a Dr. appointment as Kelly at the Fairfax corner location was super knowledgeable, I left feeling great and with great tips to take better care of my skin on a really personalized level.

Finally I want to talk about the massage, the Red Door Signature Massage, specifically. I went to the Arlington location the day after my honeymoon ended as a nice ease back into the real world. I was even happier that I had this booked as our plane ended up having to turn around, and re-take off adding on hours to our trip and my back pain. Kelly really took care in searching (and destroying) the knots in my upper back and shoulders which was just what I needed. I also opted to add on the aromatherapy treatment - I picked the rose oil which was absolute heaven (I'm really big on scent). You can see all four options below. I left feeling totally renewed and relaxed, ready to jump back into my basic routine. Also, if you are looking for a really luxurious Fall mood lift I also suggest the Brandied Pear Marshmallow Melt body treatment, I tired it last year and it knocked my socks off.

HAPPY BONUS NEWS: From September 1 through October 31, the code: GSFANSEPT14 will get you 50% OFF a Red Door Moor Massage Membership! Book online or call 1.866.RED.DOOR.

Offer valid at Fairfax Corner, Reston, Tyson’s Corner & Pentagon Row locations. Please enter offer code during online booking, or call to book and mention offer code. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid towards product, gift certificate, gift card, packages, Red Door More Membership or Series purchases. Offer expires October 31, 2016. Code: GSFANSEPT14.

I have pretty terrible hair, naturally. I am not trying to gain sympathy here, but I have to use heat on it every-darn-day to get it to pick a side (straight or curly). Good products are KEY to doing this to your hair without going bald in the process. My new favorite hot tool is the GHD Marine Allure Professional 1" Styler. Full disclosure, I was gifted the product and extremely skeptical as I have a pretty stacked hair arsenal already, but I truly like it way more than the one I had been using because it just glides over my strands smoother and seems to be less damaging. It also is a less stiff movement about it which makes doing straightener curls easier. 

1. Straight with a little volume. Sometimes you just want something easy that will combat the heat and not go super flat in 10 minutes. To get this look separate your hair in to sections, then run your hot GHD over those sections until nice and glossy and straight. Then take the hair at your crown, spritz with hairspray, then using a fine tooth comb, tease it (some people call this "back-combing"). I also use an anti-humidity spray for this straight look. To keep things even simpler, I just swiped on some mascara to complete!

2. Curls. Use your GHD as a curler. I love wild curls in the summer, especially on vacation because you feel dressed up, but they are really easy to maintain when it's humid. I just let them do their thing and get crazier as the day goes on, scrunching and tossing them this way and that. Section off your hair as you would to straighten, but instead of running the pieces between the iron, wrap it around once so that it makes a loop and pull it down. When you are done use a hair spray to set. Since this is a little fancier, I put on mascara, primer, bronzer, concealer and a little highlighter to pretty myself up.

3. Polished waves. For a fancy night out to dinner or just for any date really, I like something a little more polished but still fun. Follow all of the above steps for curling your hair but tease the crown (like in the first look) and brush out the curls so they fall out a bit, then hit it with the hairspray to set.

See my unmakeuped, au-natural hair below and what this amazing little device can do to transform it!