New Beginnings...

Credit: AlxCreatives

When I started this blog, I was 26, living in a small apartment in Murray Hill with my brother and had a full time job in beauty PR.  I sat down to write my first post on Blogger about my addiction to dying my hair jet black as Garnier's 100% Color in Blue Black sunk into my strands.  Six years later, I'm grateful for my curiosity of social media, first job at Cosmopolitan and passion for writing, because they're the initial reason BeautySweetSpot has been successful thus far.  Had I known that while I was typing those words, I was beginning a new career, I would have done some things differently from the get go (the title for example), but who could have predicted that?  Since 2006, I've had remarkable career and personal growth and am ready for the next chapter...

at my launch party in 2006

People change, brands evolve and throughout the past six years so much has happened with digital journalism and in my professional and personal life.  To say that I'm not the same person I was six years ago when I launched BeautySweetSpot wouldn't be true, but just like you, my life has evolved and in this moment, I couldn't be happier and more content.  So I'm launching anew sitethat better reflects who I am today and I can't wait to share all of my passions with you!While beauty is still a focus (obvi), I'm expanding into wellness and will be writing about living a beautifully balanced life.

Throughout the past two years, I've been on a spiritual path that has allowed me to see the world with a different perspective.  As a New Yorker, this isn't an easy task as I now try see through a lens of love instead of a lens of fear and it's liberating.  I fell in love and got married, religiously practice transcendental meditation, attempt to cook, added Bikram Yoga to my workout regimen and I care now more than ever about my health and am so grateful to be able to take you along for the ride.

My new found passions led me to study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and by the end of the year, I'll be a certified Health Coach.  I'm sure you noticed, that my passion for journalism has shifted from freelance writing to contributing on-air, which is a career path I'm now actively pursuing.  I feel alive in front of the camera and am grateful that I'm able to bring my content to life on TV.  No matter what medium you've been following my content on, I'm proud of the fact that I've always been ethical and will promise to remain that way in all of my work moving forward as well.

So, welcome to the next chapter!

Behind the Scenes: John Frieda Beach Blonde Party

One part of my job that I love is taking you behind the scenes into the beauty industry so as a new feature, I'm brining the camera with me to some of the hottest events I attend. Want to see what it's really like to be a beauty influencer? Tune into BeautySweetSpot TV.  First up, John Frieda's Beach Blonde launch party with Lauren Conrad, Lo Bosworth, AnnaSophia Robb and more.

Spring Beauty Trends on the Today Show

This week, I chatted with Kathie Lee & Hoda on the Today Show about the hottest Spring beauty trends.  Accompanied by gorgeous models, it was definitely a good time! From purple hair to graphic liner, braids and negative space manis, we covered a lot! Check out the segment, because you don't need to wait until Spring to start wearing these trends.  All of the product info is below as well.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pastel Hair Manic Panic Glam Strips, $5.25 for 8” and $6.99 for 18” at manicpanic.com Rita Hazan Pop Color, $18 at ritahazan.com

Lavender Eye Shadow CoverGirl Eye Shadow Quad in Va Va Violets $6.99 at drugstores Lancome Color Design 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Lavender Grace, $50 at Sephora

Classic Braids Styliste Ultime Wax Powder, $6.97 at Walmart Living Proof Amp Instant Texture Volumizer, $24 at Sephora

Graphic Eye Liner Maybelline Master Graphic, $7.99 at drugstores Laura Geller Eye Calligraphy Liquid Eyeliner Kit, $30 at laurageller.com

Negative Space Manicure Essie Flowerista Collection, $8 at essie.com Nails Inc. The New White Collection, $14 ea. at Nailsinc.com

New Beauty Breakthroughs as Seen on NY Live

This morning I was back on NBC's New York Live with Jacque Reid talking about some of my favorite new beauty products that are real breakthroughs.  Check out the segment below!

Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q Hair Dryer, $120 at drugstores and  3QHairDryer.com

A brushless motor allows for an almost silent blowout and this dryer has almost 70% more air pressure so it dries your hair super fast without the need for excess heat.  Less dry time and heat equals healthier hair.

Rogaine for Women, $29.99 at womensrogaine.com

One in three women notice thinning hair in their lifetime and Rogaine finally came out with a formula as powerful as the mens - with 5% minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth.  Just apply a capful once a day to the thinning area and massage it in with your fingers.

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher, $90 at BergdorfGoodman.com

Popular in Korea, this product acts as a boost for all of your other skincare products. Just smooth it all over your face morning and night after you applied your regular skincare and the Green Tea-Ginseng Complex promotes radiance, slow melanin production and increase collagen production.

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick, $8.99 at drugstores

This lipstick is made of a wax free, high def gel formula.   The clear gel base provides a weightless feel with a smoother, more even application than traditional wax-based formulas and allows the true pigment to come through.

Armani Eye Tint, $38 at Sephora

This innovative eye shadow combines the purity of a powder, the staying power of an ink and the feel of a cream. It comes in 12 unique shades that can be layered endlessly.

Vidal Sassoon Salonist, $14.99 at drugstores

This two-step at home hair coloring technique helps to get an even color from roots to ends.  First, brush your roots using the brush the roots with Vidal Sassoon colour mixture then, add the Vidal Sassoon Serum to the mix and smooth through lengths.

Behind the Look: Jenny Cho

Welcome to “Behind the Look” – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.  

Stylist Jenny Cho works regularly with leading ladies including Jennifer Lawrence, Amanda Seyfried and Jennifer Garner.  Not only should you read this interview to get to know her, but also because her best piece of advice is to, "Keep it dirty."  My kind of girl!  Enjoy!

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

It seems like every project is as exciting as the last one so it's hard for me pick just one!

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Be your own kind of beautiful.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray – I love this hairspray because it locks in style without leaving hair stiff or crunchy.

Suave Professionals Natural Infusion All Day Body Leave -In Foam with Seaweed – Effortless waves is one of my favorite styles and this leave-in foam helps you get it. I’ll usually apply this foam to towel-dried hair before blowing it dry for added volume and movement.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Flat Iron – It’s important to invest in a good hair dryer and straightener, and Harry Josh makes excellent ones.

Hot Tools 2-inch Curling Iron – I can do almost anything with this iron, whether it’s beachy or wavy hair, adding body, or giving a slight bend.

Ibiza CX1 Brush – I'm really loving this brush right now. It's amazing for detailing hair.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? I'm seriously so impressed and in love with the new Suave Professionals products for 2015, but you’ll have to wait till January! Lots of exciting innovations to come!

Spill your best beauty advice. Keep it dirty. Don't wash your hair every day; second-day hair is always better for styling. Second-day hair doesn’t have to mean greasy though!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

One tip that every woman should know is having gorgeous hair is healthy hair. Keep your hair in good condition by using weekly deep conditioning treatments and follow up with regular trims. It doesn't have to be every 6-8 weeks, but you can tell when your hair doesn't behave and move the right way. That's when you know you need to put a little life back into that hair of yours, and get to the salon!

You can follow Jenny Cho on Instagram and Twitter to see all of her work.

Taking It All Off on New Year's Eve

For final video project of 2015, I partnered with SheKnows on a very important tutorial for New Years Eve.  It's about taking your makeup off!  That's right, the last thing we all want to do after a long night of partying.  Check it out below!

The Easiest Way to Boost Your Hair Color

How great do you feel after getting your hair color done?  Refreshed and renewed, dying my hair a richer shade of brown always adds an extra bounce to my step.   In between color appointments, I have a recipe for radiance that keeps the shade and tone in check.  Want to make your hair color look fresh for longer?  Here's the easiest way to give it a boost – no salon needed.

I start by using Catwalk by Tigi Fashionista Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner daily.  They help to reduce any brassy, reddish tones that come out after a few weeks and keep my color intense and hair shiny by depositing a bit of color each time.  There's also a set of shampoo and conditioner for blondes that deposit violet hues onto the hair to keep it vibrant.  But sorry redheads and everyone else, that's as far as the collection extends for now.

Then, once a week I use John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for Cool Brunettes, which is an in-shower gloss-like treatment.  I mentioned on my Instagram recently, that this is one drugstore product I actually buy when I run out.  As a beauty blogger, I'm fortunate enough to not have to purchase products that often.  But when I get hooked, I get hooked.  While I'm a huge fan of getting professional glosses in-between colors, this gets the job done, too.  No salon visit required.  Like the shampoo and conditioner, it deposits color at a more intense level to counteract brassiness and keep your shade rich.  Once a week I leave it on my damp, clean hair for about five minutes and rinse.  This collection is available for brunettes, blondes and redheads, and also comes in warm and cool tones, so you can get the perfect match.

Don't dye your hair?  Lucky b*tch.  You can still use these products to enhance your hair color or try using a clear gloss like Rita Hazan's Ultimate Shine Gloss, just to boost your shine game.

Beauty Products that Last on BetterTV

I'm sure you've been skeptical about beauty product claims like "lasts 72 hours," so of course, I put them to the test and went on BetterTV to share my results.  Here are the lip, nail and hair products that really last.

Bridal Hairstyles for Any Occasion

We saw all kinds of low buns on during Fall 2015 Bridal Fashion Week. While it may seem like a very simple, standard hairstyle, the runways proved that stereotype wrong. With small braids, sleek twists and knots, the intricate details of these low buns are appealing in so many ways.  Of course, you don't need to be a bride to rock these chic updos.  See one you like? We’ve got the bridal hairstyle how-to’s so you can recreate them at home for any affair.

Sleek Twisted Bun at Carolina Herrera

We absolutely love this twisted delicate bun seen on Carolina Herrera’s runway. If you want to recreate it’s clean details, stylist Stephanie Belly says it’s all about keeping the hair straight and slick.

1. Start by applying a heat protectant on dry hair from roots to ends and rough blow-dry into the hair.
2. Next, slick back the hair using a generous amount of Kerastase Forme Fatale before pulling it back into a ponytail in the middle back of the head.
3. Then, flat ironed the ponytail until it's completely straight and apply a shine serum to the end of the ponytail.
4. Finally, create loop details. To do so, wrap the hair around three fingers, place an elastic over the loop for support and smooth the ends as you wrap and pin around the hair tie as to hide it.

Braided Bun at Marchesa

This braided bun, created by hairstylist Akemi Tamaribuchi, has just the perfect bit of a peek-a-boo braid effect.

1. Start by dividing your hair into two sections at the top and bottom and clip the top.
2. Next, create a classic braid on a 2” section on the right side of the occipital bone and secure it with an elastic.
3. Add subtle texture using Kerastase VIP on the lengths of the remaining hair.
4. Divide the remaining hair into two sections to create a soft side part.
5. Tie the sections into two knots, creating a large chain-type knot and secure with bobby pins.
6. Finish off by wrapping and tucking the remaining lengths into the knot using pins.

Knotted Chignon at Monique Lhuilier

Nina Dimachki created one of the more simplistic low buns seen, at Monique Lhuilier.

1. Start by applying a mousse like Kerstase Mousse Bouffante  to the roots and Ciment Thérmique from mid-length through the ends onto clean dry hair.
2. After blowing dry hair away from the face, create a center part and gather hair at the nape of the neck and secure into a ponytail.
3. Next, curl the ends of the hair and lightly sprayed a hairspray for hold.
4. To finish it off, create a tight, slightly asymmetric knot, tucking in the accessible curls underneath and securing with bobby pins.

Multitasking Beauty Buys on New York Live

Want to know what my favorite multitasking beauty products are? Sure you do!  These days, with our busy schedules, if a beauty product doesn't have more than one use, it shouldn't exist.  On Wednesday I had the pleasure of doing a segment showcasing some of my favorites on New York Live with Lilliana Vasquez.  Check out the segment!

with gratitude...

Happy Thanksgiving BeautySweetSpot readers!  I love Thanksgiving Day simply because it's another excuse to get together with my family, but to be honest, I think highlighting the celebration of gratitude one day out of the year is BS.  I want to let you know that I'm grateful for all of you, as without you, I wouldn't be blessed with this career.  I encourage you to remember the feeling you have on Thanksgiving and carry it with you daily – practice gratitude, it's a lifestyle.  We all get so caught up in the grind that we often tend to forget about all that we have.  Live for today, in the present and be grateful for each moment, each encounter and each opportunity.  Have a great day!

7 Holiday Stocking Stuffers Under $20

Who doesn’t love seeing all of the cute holiday beauty collections and packages while shopping through Sephora? It’s almost as vital a part of the season as eggnog and caroling. With so many to choose from we totally understand how you can end up at the check out counter with more products than you have girlfriends. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best stocking stuffers on the market all for under $20.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Travel Treats

One of L’Occitane’s most popular products is now compact into the perfect stocking size gift. And this deliciously smelling hand and foot cream is available at an affordable price of $20. Hard to beat, we know.

Tarte Ladies Who Lash Limited-Edition Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

We’re a little bit in love with this limited edition pearl-decorated eyelash curler and mascara set. Not only will it help achieve gorgeous lashes, but the pearl handle on the curler makes it so easy to find in your mess of a makeup bag.

Bite Beauty Mix n’ Mingle Lip Minis

Another limited-edition, these lip gloss minis come in 13 different colors, making it easy to give to anymore. Not to mention they make seriously cute ornament-packaged

Essie 2014 holiday kit

What a treat this five mini bottle set of Essie polishes make for any beauty-lover. Five colors include Butler Please, Bahama Mama, Smokin’ Hot, Mademoiselle, and a little extra pop with the glitter-filled Jazzy Jubilant polish.

Bliss Mistletoe Gems

A two for one deal is as good as it get with stocking stuffers. And this mini high intensity hand cream and fabulips lip balm set gives anyone just about all they’ll need to keep moisturized during the bitter cold months.

Philosophy Snow Angel Ornament

We love this amazing seasonal scent and now you can have it seasonal packaging too? Perfect. While it may be a smaller size, the good thing about this product is that you don’t need to use a lot of it. It’s all about quality with this gift.

Fresh Verbena Oval Soup

Give a great mini gift with this gorgeous soup that not only smells great with a green citrus scent but also feels amazing on your skin thanks to the shea butter. Plus how chic and luxurious do these look?

How to Create A Dutch Headband Braid

In honor of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, we must discuss braids.  Obvi.  I'm loving headband braids as they're "as practical as they are chic."  I turned to Jackson Simmonds, the Lead Stylist at the Julien Farel Salon at the Langham Place on Fifth Avenue, to get the step-by-step on how to create the look.  Turns out, it's easier than you think and makes for a great holiday hairstyle.

1. Prep the hair. Damp or dry hair works for this braid, just make sure it's well brushed. Remove all tangles and if fly-aways are present mist with water. Brush hair straight back with no part.
2. Gather your hair, starting with a piece from the top front. To include bangs, begin your section directly above forehead, otherwise start behind the bangs. Gather a piece ranging from 3-5  inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
3. Cross the right strand under the center strand.
4. Cross the left strand under the center strand.
5. Repeat the pattern and cross the right strand, then the left strand, under the center strand.
6. Cross the right strand under the center and pick up another small section from the right side of your head.
7. Cross the left strand under the center, and pick up another small section from the left side of your head.
8. Add more hair to your braid by picking up small strands every time you cross pieces under the center strand.
9. Continue the Dutch braid to the nape of the neck.
10. Finish your braid with a regular under braid when you run out of hair to add. Either secure with a small elastic or, to avoid the damage of a hair elastic, use my special trick - tease all the way around the end to lock in place.

Behind the Look: Joanna Vargas

Welcome to "Behind the Look" – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.  

First up, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of the Joanna Vargas Salon in NYC, Joanna Vargas!  Known for perfecting the skin of A-listers like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore to name a few, she has more than a few tricks up her sleeve, especially when it comes to getting celebs red carpet ready.  Ready to meet Joanna?  Read on!

What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?

I've been working with three actors recently on their skin for specific movies they were all working on. It was fun to work towards creating the image of the character in the movie.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I feel strongly that anyone can have great skin with the right tools.  The key is to use organic products based on what the skin needs to perform at its best.  Good nutrition for the skin will always yield the best skin you could ever imagine because the body assimilates natural ingredients so much better than products with chemicals.

What are your top five must-haves and why? 

Well, sunscreen is key for all women, all skin types, all skin tones. I love Eminence Organics mineral powder sunscreen SPF 30 in translucent. It is great because you can wear it with or without makeup, and it really helps protect the skin against sun damage and hyper pigmentation.

I always carry a packet of Dr. Frank Lipmans Recharge Shake because it contains a ton of amazing greens for the skin. If I don't have time to order a juice or if I'm just running around all day it's a great pick me up and a great way to keep on my program.

Bite Beauty makes an awesome lip primer. They are an organic company (of course) and the primer is great at erasing the dry lip line before you put on your lip color.

My own Rejuvenating Serum is something I keep in tow because if I'm feeling tired or like my skin is starting to reflect low energy I put a little on my cheeks and eyes- instant glow again from the neroli oil, which stimulates the circulation in the skin.

A hat! It's a non-negotiable for anyone who cares about their skin. Goorin Bros is my favorite of late- I have a beautiful collection!

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? 

I love African Botanicals Marula Oil for body- it smells incredible and it feels so good on the skin. I love it as a cure for dry winter skin!

Spill your best beauty advice.

Beauty is about what makes us unique and we should be trying to achieve uniformity. The reason I use non-invasive treatments in my salon is that I truly believe it's the right path to real beauty. And every woman I know will tell you that real beauty comes from how we feel about ourselves, not from what people tell us. My focus has been and will always remain on restoring confidence! But I preach to people every day: there is no magic solution- anyone can achieve the skin they want by doing the steps every day.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

Chamomile and green teas are not only great for you internally, but they are awesome for bathing or rinsing the skin in. If the skin feels stressed, dry and dull, putting them in your bath water or simply washing your face in the tea water will immediately calm the skin and brighten it. It's a great tip before you go to sleep!

Want to keep up with Joanna?  Follow her on Twitter.  You can also make an appointment with  Joanna Vargas at her 5th Ave. salon in NYC or try her skincare.

Get Inspired: Jenna Dewan-Tatum's New Cut

Looks like Khloe Kardashian gave her favorite hairstylist, Jen Atkin, a break this week. Jen instagramed a pic of Jenna Dewan-Tatum debuting a shorter style (pic above) with the caption, a "blunt ends long layered-straight out the salon" cut earlier this week.  Have a similar length?  Here's a step-by-step on how to style it from stylist, Derek-Peter Williams, who experimented with the fresh cut this weekend at the Hollywood Film Awards.  It may even inspire you to make the chop.

"Jenna had just cut her hair short and we were so excited to style it for The Hollywood Film Awards. We wanted it to be sophisticated, but still a little edgy and undone, " says Williams.

1. Apply volumizing products like Oscar Blandi's Volumizing Spray and Hair Lift Mousse to your roots and blow out your hair with a round brush for lots of fullness and body. Once dry, use a large curling iron and wave your hair, leaving the ends straight.

2. Go over random pieces with a flat iron to keep the waves undone and not so uniform. Set a side part and rubbed a dime-sized amount of texturizing paste in between your hands and run it through your hair to break up the waves and keep one side sleek behind your ear.

3. Finished with a texturizing spray like Pronto Texture and Volume Spray from Oscar Blandi to add lots of long lasting texture.

Finding Peace in the City that Never Sleeps

When I first met Gabby Bernstein back in April, I had no idea my life would be forever changed – for the better.  As a freelance journalist who thrives off of the energy of the hustle and bustle of NYC, I've found the time and interest to begin following a spiritual path.  Through meditation, Hatha yoga and workshops I'm more present and centered than ever before.  And this is only the beginning.

Years ago I read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and began practicing the law of attraction – if you think it and believe it, it will come – and it has.  Little did I know, that this was the first step in my spiritual journey.  When living The Secret, you are taught to retrain your thoughts of negativity and weakness (I'm so broke.) to positive, empowering ones (The check's in the mail.).  The positivity you project through your thoughts starts to become your reality.  Today, I credit The Secret for much of my success in business.

Then, I met Gabby Bernstein.  At a press event for Philosophy, Gabby began talking about her life as a spiritual teacher and educating us on practical ways to meditate in today's world, and I immediately wanted more.  One example of a practice she gave was about taking a "mental shower," in which you practice a breathing exercise during your morning shower to set the tone for your day.  (Breathe in for five seconds, hold for five seconds, release for five seconds.  Repeat.)  I went on to read all of her books, attend her workshops and now, practice meditation at the Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. The same place, she learned to meditate.

"Our mind is like a drunken monkey stung by a scorpion," Jyothi, my meditation teacher explained.

The breathing, chanting and vibration of meditation allows for a togetherness with complete strangers who I have zero attachment to.  I'm addicted.  I feel alive and present when I'm at the IYI and find myself craving the next time I can go back.  While I'm still trying to dedicate myself to meditating twice a day at home, the group meditation really works for me.

Now, not only am I practicing The Secret, but I've enhanced my life with Gabby's spiritual practices as well – to try to always be in the light by trying to bring forth my highest energy and elevate my state of joy.  Through forgiveness and willingness, I'm trying to vibrate at a frequency of positivity and hoping to spread the love in order to make a radical impact on others. With this shift in energy, I am at peace, allowing myself to be present and see the world through eyes of love.

Through my mind and body, I've started to find peace in the city that never sleeps. Interested? Then start reading The Secret and then read Gabby Bernstein's books.  The practices learned lead to living an optimal lifestyle.  And if you think you don't have time to read or try meditation, then ask yourself (in Gabby's words), "Do you have time to feel like shit?"

Vaseline® Intensive Care, A Multipurpose Moisturizer

If there's one beauty product I could bring with me on a desert island, it's moisturizer. How about you?  If you're in the same boat as me, we better bring a good one!  Did you know that all moisturizers aren't created equal?  That's right, many just sit on top of the skin and act as temporary relief, but you and I both expect more than that.  This winter, make sure you're using a moisturizer that'll get the job done on multiple levels. Enter: Vaseline_® Intensive Care TM.

I received this cozy package (pictured) of Vaseline_® Intensive Care TM Advanced Repair Fragrance Free, a personalized mug and GODIVA hot chocolate mix from Vaseline last week and have been hooked ever since. Of course like other moisturizers, it immediately relieves dry skin, but the Vaseline_® Intensive Care TM range is also clinically proven to heal dry skin in just five days, and lock moisture into your skin.  How?  It addresses the root of the problem  – the skin's protective barrier by using humectants (which draw water to your dry skin) and Vaseline_® Jelly to help seal the moisture in.

Even if you're not feeling dry yet, I recommend you start moisturizing from head to toe daily as soon as you step out of the shower to help prevent itchy, dry skin.

Fall Beauty Products Better Than A Pumpkin Spice Latte

‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice lattes, but this delicious flavoring doesn’t just have to be in your Starbucks coffee. To completely indulge in the seasons gorgeous scents, we’ve compiled some of our favorite fall beauty products that incorporate all kinds of flavors. From cranberry, to honey and pumpkin, here are our favorite fall flavored beauty products. Not only do they provide gorgeous scents, but they also are full of nutrients to improve your beauty health.

WEN Fall Ginger Pumpkin Cleansing Conditioner 

This limited edition of cleansing conditioner combines not only pumpkin seed extract, but also vanilla with ginger root oil leaving you with a deliciously enticing smell. Not only does it smell amazing, but it has great benefits for your hair as a non-stripping cleanser that allows your hair to maintain their natural oils and moisture unlike many damaging shampoos.

Farmhouse Fresh Face Mask Pumpkin Puree

This face mask is blended with over 90% of ingredients from American farms. It will clean out your deepest pore and even out skin tones using natural and nutritious ingredients. Oh, and it smells like fall in a jar.

Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel Autumn Spice 

A scented nail polish seems a bit questionable but the fragrance is so light, it gives just the perfect hint to your senses. Plus it delivers a gorgeous shiny brunette color that is a perfect color to rock during the fall season.

Epicuren Pumpkin Apple Spice Peel

This incredibly beneficial formula contains a combination of pumpkin enzymes, which has Vitamin A, and Malic Acid, which is derived from apples, creating a dual action peel. It not only dissolves dead skin cells, but also protects against free radical damages, leaving you with smoother, tighter skin. All thanks to typical fall seasonal staples.

Burt’s Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Butter

We just love this fruity duo of the cranberry seeds and pomegranate oils blended in this body lotion. These combined with hydrating Cocoa and Jojoba butters give your skin a seriously silky smooth finish and smells yummy.

An Exclusive Interview with Lucy Hale

Before attending the Country Music Awards last week, I had the opportunity to hang out with Lucy Hale thanks to Colgate Optic White, who was presenting.  Of course, using some of the questions you sent through on Twitter, I interviewed Lucy about her acting and singing career, beauty secrets love for country music.  The 5'2" starlette (and I know because we had a height competition, you know, back to back) may be tiny, but she sure is fierce.  At just 25, she's not only accomplished, but knows exactly who she is and what she's doing.

On her fans: My fans are very passionate.  I got into my career, because I love what I do, but to have that support system makes it all even better.

On her new shorter 'do: I cut it this morning.  I needed something new.  I chopped three inches and we're still filming the show, but they can add extensions if they have to.  I feel more grown up with it.

On her new album: With a first album you can do whatever you want and as an artist I'm constantly learning and growing and finding out how I sound better and what I don't like.  I loved that we used a lot of traditional country music instruments like mandolin, fiddle and banjo and steel guitar.  I love those sounds, but they have a mainstream vibe. There's no rules, so we were able to do whatever we wanted.  One of my favorite songs on the album is "Nervous Girl," because it's very strict and raw so maybe we'll see more of that on album two.

On her singing career: I hope to make music for the rest of my life, but I want each album to feel very different.  I'm a very different person from when I started so it will be interesting to see where we go.  I love all music and explore, but country is where my heart's at.

On the artist/actress debate: I get asked this question more than anything: acting or singing.  I'm not one to live in a box or be told what to do and I want to be the exception.  A lot of people have a mindset that they can only accept me as one or the other.  I've wanted to sing before I wanted to act, but I'll never choose.  I love acting and I love music and I've been lucky enough to do both and hope to continue to have respect in both worlds.

On her influences: Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Shania Twain.  Mostly late '90's women in country.  Rascall Flatts is what really made me fall in love with music.  They were the first country act I found to be mainstream and I remember hearing "Praying for Daylight" for the first time on the radio and was blown away.

On her beauty secrets:  Besides a good hair and makeup team, eye patches help (she likes Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels) and the obvious, sleep and water.

On her Colgate partnership: I'm 25 now and think I'm the person I'm going to be.  I can finally say I'm comfortable with who I am and when Colgate Optic White approached me about the 'Red Carpet Ready' campaign, it just made sense.  It's all about confidence and what I do to get ready for a big event.

On what's in her bag: Kind bars, phone charger, Ray Bans, hand sanitizer, Aquaphor lip balm, Mark cosmetics, makeup remover, my laptop, my broken iPhone 6 that I dropped before my flight yesterday, Justins peanut butter packets

On her favorite place in TN: Home with my family in Memphis.  I wish I could plop their house next to me in LA.

On her pre-performance rituals: Before I go on stage I need about 15 minutes to myself with no distractions and I say a prayer.  And try not to throw up, because I still get nervous, but it's good.  Once the nerves and butterflies go away, I feel like I need to get a new profession.

On the best beauty advice she ever got: My mom instilled to always wash my face no matter how tired I am.  I don't always listen, since I keep makeup removers by my bed incase it was a long day, but you only get one face, so you have to take care of it.

East Meets West at the Chuan Spa

When it comes to spa treatments, I can always choose the most effective over the most pampering and while most combine elements of both, I'd rather see and feel results before walking out feeling tickled.  Two weeks ago I ventured to the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California to check out a new spa, Chuan Spa, and found the east meets west approach surprisingly appreciated for all it had to offer.

I opted to try their most popular treatment – the Chuan Stone Therapy Massage. Before stepping into the treatment room, I filled out a form that identified how I felt physically and emotionally in that moment.  The massage, a traditional Chinese treatment, consisted of a hot stone treatment that followed the meridian lines (energy lines in our bodies) and stimulate the meridian points.  Much like accupuncture, but instead of using needles, the pressure from hot stones and hands are used.  The heat from the stones helps to bring blood to the area increasing the circulation in the body, which recharges your body and gives you more energy, making the body work at an optimal level.

To my surprise, it began with a chant, Hatha yoga style, which thank God I practice, because otherwise I would have thought it was strange.  My massause explained that meditating before a massage helps to relax the mind, which allows the body to fully be at ease.  After reviewing my form, he decided to focus on balancing out my earth element and used the appropriate oil.

Immediately afterwards, I was relaxed and brought to the Chuan Spa's Dream Room, which was just that, a dream – five twin sized waterbeds separated by curtains in dim lighting.  I was welcome to lay there as long as I wished.  Did I feel more energized? Yes, but the next day.

The elements of eastern and western culture were definitely influenced by each other through out my massage, which made it effective and relaxing. The entire Chuan Spa menu is set this way and is ultimately what makes the spa a stand out.

The Chuan Spa is located at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, CA.