DIY Beauty Refresh: No Salon Needed

Why spend hundreds of dollars at the salon or spa on your beauty regimen when you can do it yourself and save?  Well, DIY to a certain extent.  Here are some of our favorite beauty buys that'll keep you looking fresh this spring.

Hair: Refreshing your color at a hair salon with a gloss can run you about $80. At home, try John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for only $11.99 at drugstore.com. Available in six shades, the glosses refresh and liven up your hair color even matching the tone. Just apply it in the shower after you shampoo and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Nails: Fan of gel manicures? They can run you upwards of $40 a pop at the salon. Instead, try Sensationail at home. The starter kit is $59.99 and then you’re set. It includes the LED lamp and everything you need to get a chip free manicure for up to 2 weeks over and over again.

Smile: Professional teeth whitening can cost about $500! At home, try the new GoSmile Sonic Blue Whitening System for a professional whitening each time you brush thanks to the LED light paired with vibrations that polish your teeth.

Now, how's that for a spring beauty refresh?

Julien Farel's One Stop Beauty Shop

Have you ever been to a salon that made your jaw drop?  I'm not talking about a gorgeous spa.  I mean a real, dare I say, beauty parlor.  Recently, I paid a visit to Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa at the Loews Regency Hotel in midtown NYC to check out what all of the hype about his new Park Ave. location is about.  Let's just say it's a NYers dream as Julien Farel's well thought out menu of services is for the busy, woman who doesn't know how not to multitask.

Located on the second floor of the Loews Regency Hotel, services begin with cut and color, include manicures and pedicures and also delve into spa.  It is a one-stop-shop that understands the sophisticated Manhattan woman and her needs.  One 10,000 sq. ft. room holds 32 unique pod-like hair stations, so you're given as much individual attention as possible in what is normally a busy salon.

Rooms are dedicated to nails, facials and massages, but the beauty of the menu is that all services can be done at the same time.  With "Power Hour," you choose three services of your choice.  Example: Facial, manicure, pedicure ($230).  Yes, there's even a facial bed that accommodates your feet for a simultaneous pedicure.  And of course, there's a mens section.

One of my favorite things besides the well curated menu was the David LaChappelle artwork hanging in the hallways.  In NYC?  Check out the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa located at 540 Park Ave.

Mark Garrison Cut & Color Giveaway

This week my best friend and I were treated to blow outs at the Mark Garrison Salon on East 60th St. in NYC.  (I know, rough job).  Known for being a master artist with a pair of sheers, I was a little upset with myself that I wouldn't let him put his scissors anywhere near my new extensions, but I was lucky enough to have him give me a blowout (that's now on it's 3rd day). My best friend Adrienne and I couldn't help but notice how attractive he was, but of course assumed he was gay.  Big mistake on my part!  After talking with Amber Katz of BeautyBloggingJunkie last night who had her hair cut by him the same day, I found out I was dead wrong.  Turns out, she had a crush too.  With all of the beauty events I attend, it would be just fantastic to get scooped up by an adorable, straight hair dresser!  I don't know what I'd be more excited about, a new boy or a live in hair dresser.

Want your hair cut and colored by Mark.  Yea, you do!  But make sure you go in dressed to the nines! I'm giving one lucky BeautySweetSpot reader the opportunity to have his hands in your hair (and a great flirting session).  Here's how to win:

Comment below letting me know why you need the makeover.  The winner will be announced at the end of the day so make sure you check back on the comments!  Good luck!