Savings.com Blog - MBones

Summer Lovin': Three Favorite Beauty Products

MBones — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:42:00 GMT

Summer love burns the hottest of all. You fall in love during the long days and hope your love can last into the fall. I'm having a fling with three fabulous beauty must-gets and at this rate, I think we might still be together next summer.

Of my three new beauty obsessions, one is pricey, one is a huge bang for the buck and the third is a total cheap thrill. All three are perfect for your beauty needs for these hot summer months.

In this summer sun, I'm loving Josie Maran SPF 40 Argan Oil Sunscreen. It's a powerful sunscreen that doesn't feel like sunscreen. It's smooth; melting into your skin just like moisturizer. And instead of smelling like a bottle of Coppertone, it has a pleasant, earthy yet floral aroma. It protects skin from the sun's harmful rays while also reversing skin damage with healing Argan oil. Yes, it's $32--but it's all natural and a small bottle lasts and lasts.

Since summer can wreak havoc on your hair and a Brazilian Blowout can wreak havoc on your wallet, it was only a matter of time before cosmetic scientists stepped up to the plate to help all of us suffering from summer frizz. At only $9.99, the brand spanking new miracle product, Frizz Control Lotus Shield from Avon, is your knight in shining armor. This treatment keeps your hair frizz free and shining for three days. It's a frugal girl's Brazilian blowout for less than a tenth the price.

E.L.F. has just arrived at Target meaning you can get the super inexpensive yet completely fabulous cult brand without paying for shipping. I'm loving this gloss set which feels like Stila but only costs a little more than a latte. Since a little summer tan means less makeup, these fun glosses can pretty up your look in a snap. Throw one in your purse, one in your beach bag, one in the car, one at work, and one at home and you can look polished and dressed up on the go.

Got a great summer love? Share it in the comment below!

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Save Money, Save Your Mane: Summer Hair Care Tips

MBones — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:59:00 GMT

Sun, wind, surf and pool water; a great summer can wreak havoc on your locks. Luckily, there are some ways you can prevent damage and fading. Here are a few cheap easy ways to fight the elements and keep your hair looking protected.

FADED AND JADED To keep rich dark hair looking luscious, try an at home glossing treatment. It prevents fading even in harsh conditions. If you notice your color is going, a great color deposit shampoo, like John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Daily Shampoo, Chesnut to Espresso, can give you a boost. Check out my post about breakfast treats for your hair and skin--so the ol' tea soak trick; it's a cheap, at-home way to get some of your color back.

USED AND ABUSED

When the wind and sun leave your hair looking fried and dried, there are a few money saving ways to get your hair back to it's natural state. First, try easing up on the shampoo. You can still rinse your hair, but condition only. By skipping the lather process, you allow your hair to maintain it's natural oils. Try a big dab of coconut on your ends. Wrap it in a plastic shower cap and sit under a dryer (or outside, if it's hot enough) to allow the follicle to open and take the moisture. Really brittle locks will love a generous helping o jojoba Oil left on overnight. Or try a great mask, like Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie.

DANG BANGS

While your adorable bangs may frame your face in the winter, in the summer, they stick to your sweaty forehead and look janky. Luckily, there is dry shampoo to clean soggy roots and make your bangs less straggly. In a pinch, a bit of baby powder, applied sparingly to your scalp and brushed through to the ends, works as well. If all else fails, there's always a cute headband or scarf to keep your bangs at bay.

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

Keep blonde hair from going green or brassy with some preventative measures. Always wet your hair with fresh water before swimming in the ocean or the pool; that way, your hair's follicle won't be so susceptible to damage from chlorine and salt water. Fight brassiness from the sun with a dose of grandma's Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Conditioner. If your hair is an ash shade, it will have your orange streaks looking cool blonde in no time. When your hair turns green, mix a bit of lemon juice with water and rinse through your hair. Be sure to follow up with a rich conditioner, since lemon juice can be drying. If you don't have a fresh lemon on hand, a can of Coca-Cola will do the trick. Just comb it through, let it sit, then rinse, wash, and condition. It'll strip that green right out of your hair. Kinda makes you wonder if you should drink the stuff, am I right?

Got a summer hair woe? Let me know in the comments below!

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Lindsay Lohan Manicure DON'T vs. Summer Polish Looks that Nail It

MBones — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:28:00 GMT

No doubt (unless you've been under a rock) you've heard about Lindsay Lohan's recent nail polish related news story. What offended me was less the message she wrote and more the awful swirls of colors she chose to have painted on in the first place. Getting your nails done adds polish to your look (literally). The right mani pedi can look so divine that you can forgo accessories and let your fingers (and toes) do the talking.

So even if you never get a manicure, summer 2010 is the perfect time to give polish another chance.

Hate when your freshly varnished nails start a-chipping? Who doesn't? It feels like a colossal waste of money. But now, there's a long wearing nail polish that boats fourteen days of mirror like shine. Shellac lasts for two weeks--even with dish washing, swimming and other hostile-to-nail-polish behavior. It works because it's a hybrid formula, giving you the durability of acrylics without damaging your natural nails. Use the Creative Nail Design locater to find a salon that uses this revolutionary product near you.

Sick of pink and red nails? If you've avoided nail polish because you're bored with classic looks, then this is the perfect time to dive back in. I'm loving the new neutrals look. There's Chanel Particuliere for a fun putty color that looks mega sophisticated. For more than half the price, you can try Butter nail polish in Fash Pack. Or for $1 lousy dollar, get some e.l.f. nail polish in a similar hue. There's also the trend of matte nails, like this neutral from OPI. I like the unexpected greige nail worn with a a loud bikini or white jeans to look fresh this summer. If you want a vibrant summer color, I'm also loving the turquoise trend. Try this loud and proud turquoise shade from Pop for nails that fit right in on an azure beach. I'm also loving lilac nails like this Essie shade.

Hate spending money to get your nails done but not sure how to DIY at home? Here's a great video from Canadian Living on how-to give yourself a manicure that is super helpful.

Now you have no excuse! This summer rock those jewel-like nails.

Got favorite nail polish hue? Leave it in the comments below.

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Skipped Sunscreen? Cheap Sunburn Remedies to Ease the Pain

MBones — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:53:53 GMT

Every couple of years, my hubris rears its ugly head. "I'm half Cuban," I say. "Keep your SPF 45, I'm just going to use this Banana Boat tanning oil." If it worked for all those 1970s ladies, it'll work for me, I think. This fourth of July, while floating down the Russian River in Monte Rio (Vacation Wonderland!), my legs and tummy went from a golden brown to scary lobster territory. Every moment my skin touches any surface, I'm wincing.

So what's a frugal girl with a bad burn to do?

Here are a few home remedies to help soothe the savage beast. Your epidermis will thank you.

First of all, before you try any of these remedies, take a warm shower. Don't use shampoo or soap, just let the warm water moisten your skin. Pat yourself dry (don't rub a burn!) and then apply one of these useful home items …

COCONUT OIL

Coconut Oil is moisturizing, soothing, and smells delicious to boot. Smooth it over freshly washed skin and gently rub it in. Make sure to cover upholstered furniture if you sit down, because you may leave some "Coming to America" type stains on your couch if you don't.

WHY IT WORKS: Virgin Coconut Oil has healing, reparative properties, plus it lightly exfoliates while it moisturizes.

BONUS! Put some in your hair for a nice conditioning treatment while you're at it.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Mix some Lavender essential oil with water, put it in a spray bottle and spritz away to lessen the pain of your burn.

WHY IT WORKS: According to this interesting factoid from Greenfeet:

BONUS! No need to wear perfume, you'll smell clean and flowery all day.

ALOE VERA

Squeeze some goo from the end of your Aloe Vera plant and massage directly onto the skin for instant relief. Mix it with some coconut oil to make it go further.

WHY IT WORKS: The gel from Aloe Vera plants forms a protective layer that seals in moisture, preventing dehydration and helping your burn heal.

BONUS! An Aloe Vera plant makes an attractive succulent and is easy to maintain.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a few cups of water. Mix them up and pour them into a spray bottle. Spray on the affected area and air dry. It might smell funky, but it will help!

WHY IT WORKS: Apple cider vinegar helps create a PH balance in your skin. This supports healing.

BONUS! Mix a few spoonfuls with water in the morning and drink to help support a weight loss regimen.

Of course, the best defense is prevention, so wear sunscreen for crying out loud.

Got a great home remedy for a sunburn? Fill me in! Comment below...

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The Breakfast Club: Kitchen Beauty Tips

MBones — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:46:14 GMT

Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it can also be a low cost way to treat your hair and skin to spa luxury. Use your morning leftovers to look your best.

Here are a few cheap tricks to look lovely while eating well in the morning.

Treat Your Tresses to a Spot of Tea

While a cup of tea might be a nice way to start your day, it's also a way to jump start your hair color. Soak your strands for high-wattage shine and rich color, whatever your hue. To make this treatment for your hair, just steep two tea bags in two cups of boiling water. Use chamomile to lighten and brighten blonde locks, Rooibos for redheads, and pick up some black tea to make your brunette locks more luscious. Let it cool down (obvs) and pour over wet, clean hair. Make sure to get it from roots to tips. Leave on for 15 minutes, rinse and condition.

Give Your Cellulite a Cup of Joe

Want a pick me up that won't have you crashing in the afternoon? Make your morning cup work double duty. I recently posted about great ways to get ready-to-bare legs and included a hint about using coffee grounds. Just mix used coffee grounds with a little almond oil for extra moisturizing and massage in a circular motion for firmer legs and subtle color. The caffeine in coffee and the exfoliating effect rival those of high priced dimple busting products.

Dead Skin Gets Fresh-Squeezed Out

After enjoying your morning grapefruit, get some extra refreshment by rubbing your knees and elbows in the rind. The essential oils and acids will exfoliate your skin naturally, leaving you glowing, even where your skin in toughest.

Make Your Skin Sweet

To look as sweet as your morning cereal, mix equal parts sugar and honey for a natural, moisturizing (and edible) facial scrub. Apply in a circular motion to let this sweet paste work its magic and rinse well. The sugar gently buffs the skin, while the honey moisturizers naturally. Plus, it leaves a yummy aroma behind.

A Nice Bath of Warm Milk

Milk isn't just for your breakfast; it's for your bath, too. Add 2-4 cups of milk or buttermilk to a warm bath, soak for 20 minutes or so to get milks moisturizing and smoothing properties. Be sure to rinse afterward, or you may feel like a cereal bowl.

Porridge for Itchy Dry Skin

You like your oatmeal lumpy and your skin smooth. Fair enough, because you can have both. Grind oatmeal to a fine powder and use it in your bath to moisturize skin. Now that you've started your day off right, it's time to start thinking about lunch. Cucumber eye mask, anyone?

Know a trick that turns a household item into a beauty luxury? Leave it in the comments below!

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Once Bitten Beauty Tips: The Twilight Saga Continues

MBones — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:55:00 GMT

Eclipse hits theaters June 30th--marking the third installment of the Twilight film series. The Twilight phenomenon has inspired tweens to camp outside of theaters, grown women to swoon over Taylor Lautner, and some unfortunate "Team Edward" t-shirts.

Fortunately, it's also inspired some pretty fabulous makeup, perfume, and beauty products. I hand-picked a few great cosmetics to get you in the mood for Eclipse and maybe some twilight romance of your own.

A shimmering highlighter like MAC Iridescent Powder gives you that Cullen glow without looking like you've been playing with glitter. It's subtle and sophisticated. Try Jonathan Dirt Texturizing Paste to give your hair that casual, mussed, my-life-is-so-complicated Bella look.

We know Edward goes mad for Bella's scent, so it was only a matter of time before there were Twilight inspired perfumes on the shelves. Despite its poor reception by perfume reviewers, Hot Topic Twilight Perfume has been sold out since it debuted last year. Bath and Bodyworks also has an affordable line of body and home products inspired by Twilight that apparently smell like a walk in the woods with your chaste vampire paramour. But as for me, I'd go for this Volturi inspired musky body butter. It' sexy, woodsy, with amber notes and, at $9 on Etsy, it's a not too much of a splurge.

If you really want to show your love for Vampire/Human/Werewolf love triangles, you might love Twilight Beauty, a line of makeup inspired by the films. I'm loving the Moral Glow Blushing Crème to give the cheeks a dewy, rosy glow. Plus the color palettes have really nice complimentary shades,and fangirls will enjoy their choices: try Team Edward, Team Jacob, Rosalie, Victoria, Bella, and more.

For your lips, how about Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain. Less than $4, it lasts all day to make your tube go the distance--which is super important if you're immortal.

Now you're prepped and primed for some tragic vampire romance this summer! Just try not to get bitten...

Love Twilight? Or loathe it? Let me know in the comments below!

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Father's Day 2010: Pamper Pa with Gifts Under $50

MBones — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT

This Sunday across the country we'll celebrate our dads. Dads work hard to raise us right, and often times don't give themselves the downtime they need. Why not celebrate yours with a nice gift of beauty…or, er, handsome? After all, dads need some pampering, too.

Here are a few simple, economical ways to spoil your pops this Father's Day.

FOR THE ACTIVE DAD

A Spa Day isn't just for ladies. Get your active dad a sports massage. Save money by searching through Spafinder and using some of these money saving Spafinder coupons.

FOR THE OUTDOORSY DAD

Sunscreen and bug spray have grown up. Try this Does-it-all miracle from Kiss My Face: Sunswat Waterproof Sun Block & Natural Insect Repellent. Pair this with some flies for fishing or S'mores ingredients, and you've got your adventurous father hooked up for life in the great outdoors.

FOR THE OLD-FASHIONED DAD

Gift your old fashioned dad with the perfect tools for a perfect shave. May I suggest a bottle of Clubman Pinaud After Shave Cologne and a Silver Plated Shave Set, for that fresh from the barber look? If Clubman smacks as too old school, you could try a slight update with The Art of Shaving Carry On Kit. Both smooth sets will run you less than $50.

FOR THE METROSEXUAL DAD

For your hip, urban dad, buy him the miracle hair product of choice for thousands of well-heeled dudes: Bumble and Bumble Sumotech. If he doesn't already use it, he'll be in love, and if he does, he'll be glad for the re-up. Pair this with a subscription to Esquire, and your dad will be looking like a million bucks.

With all these gifts totaling less than $50, I'm sure you can find a way to pay tribute to dear old dad without paying tribute to your credit card company. To all the dads out there, thanks for all you do!

Got an idea for spoiling Pa this Father's Day? Leave it in the comments below!

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Dare to Bare: Prepping for Short Shorts

MBones — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:36:00 GMT

As spring makes way to summer, the days get longer and my shorts get shorter. As my apartment goes from cozy to sweltering, my jeans, in turn, retire for a while. These are my legs, exposed in the naked truth of sunlight: pale, dry, and shrinking from the light of day. But that's what beauty products are for, people! Here are my suggestions for the first time those winter gams see the daylight.

Of course all of these products and tips are budget friendly so you have more money to take surfing lessons, buy fourth of July sparklers, or otherwise enjoy this magical season.

Remove Hair

While razors provide instant smoothness, I love waxed legs. The effect last at least a week, and are softer than shaved legs. Plus, many lifetime waxers swear their unwanted hair eventually started to grow in finer, and eventually, not at all. If you don't want to spend your time or hard earned money at the salon, try an at-home waxing kit like Moujan 2000 Pre-Waxed Strips for Body.

Exfoliate

Start with a rough scrub to slough away the layer of dead skin. I swear by the Lavender Body Scrub at Trader Joe's, but Alba Hawaiian Body Polish comes in a close second.

Tan

If you have lovely, alabaster skin that looks amazing without a tan, I tip my hat to you, Ma'am. In my case, olive undertones leave me looking like I have a case of Scurvy when I've gone too long without some rays. On the other hand, I like to protect my skin so it'll look good for years to come. I love L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion because it protects your skin with SPF 15 while giving you a I-just-spent-a-day-on-the-yacht glow. Since you exfoliated first, your skin will be mega smooth and no streaks will give your fake and bakery away.

Moisturize

I recently returned to the St. Ives fold after their Collagen Elastin cured my seemingly incurable cracked legs. Now, the lotion I used in middle school is back in the rotation. I apply before bed, and wake up to stems that practically glow. For just $5.99, it's a must do. Plus, the light cucumber smell is summery sweet.

Firm?

Look, ladies, everyone has cellulite. EVERYONE. Even Tyra Banks. And nothing cures it. But, if you must fight the good fight, do it the smart, budget friendly way. Used coffee grounds have the same effect as pricey creams and scrubs due to the caffeine content. Yes, there is a short lived firming effect. So if you obsess over that kind of thing, promise me you won't throw your money (or your coffee grounds) away.

Now that your legs are feeling smooth and looking lovely, bust out those shorts!

Got any tips for girls who wear short shorts? Share 'em in the comments below!

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Cheap Thrills: Target Stores Edition

MBones — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:04:00 GMT

It's no secret that Target has long been a secret cache of hip items. Added to a tastefully curated wardrobe or apartment, the right score from Target is indiscernible from an overpriced, designer splurge. I got inspired by Red Hot Shop, monthly chic picks by Daily Candy from Target's offerings, and put together a list of my own.

Check out these amazing deals (and their designer counterparts), and you'll be touting the benefits of your favorite showroom, Tar-jay, in no time.

This Tripod Lamp Base adds some modern industrial chic to any room. Even when you add in a Faux Leather Bell Shade it's a bargain compared to similar styles priced at over $300 from Restoration Hardware making your clearance deal is a no-brainer.

Oxfords are this summer's must-do trend; they're perfect with skinny pants, a skirt, or a romper. At less than $20, these stylish Cognac Oxford look just as good as the expensive designer styles.

Lady tuxedos are all the rage. I've been lusting after one myself, especially after Janelle Monae wore one to perfection in her Tightrope video. Check out this fabulous Tuxedo Jacket from the Zac Posen for Target line. Zac Posen for less than $50? You must. Especially when similar styles retail for more than quadruple the price.

Cruise the beauty section of Target to snag L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara in Blackest Black. Your lashes will look miles long, and you'll pay less than $8. Compare this innovative mascara to its designer counterpart and there really is no comparison.

I'm loving the DwellStudio line for Target, especially this cheap and chic Baroque Bedding Collection which is perfect for a simple guest room. For the price you spend at Target, you get just a pillow elsewhere.

Treat your dry hair over night with L'Oreal Everstrong Overnight Treatment. At less than a Hamilton, it's a sure win over similar overnight hair treatments like Ted Gibson Goodnite Replenish Hair Repair Serum priced at $99(?!).

So there you have it. Designer quality goodies, big box prices, made even lower with help from Target coupons. Got a great recommendation on a Target must have? Leave it in the comments below!

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Contest Alert: Stila Lipgloss Giveaway

MBones — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:29:00 GMT

Can't wait until Friday? Here's a "Hump Day" giveaway to add to the list of great Savings.com fun freebies. And speaking of lists and fun, check out my summer to-do list:

See an outdoor concert. Perhaps something at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek theatre, but I'm definitely checking out the free show from hip hop orchestra Gangster Wagner at the California Plaza.

Have a Picnic. I'm going to hit up the beach with a basket packet with delicious cheeses, fruit, and some sourdough bread.

Lounge by the Pool. Since I don't have a pool of my own, I like to hit up the Downtown Standard Hotel for lunch and stay the afternoon poolside. Many hotels with fabulous pools are open to the public if you purchase a drink or a nosh.

Summer is my favorite season, because it seems like the whole city opens up, and everyone spends time outdoors. Plus, I love a good tan. This summer for me is all about red lips and gold jewelry. Gold plays up a summer glow, and red lips add a touch a polish, even when you're hair is tangled from the ocean or your sweating buckets in the afternoon heat.

The perfect marriage of the two comes in my favorite gloss for the season, Stila's 24 kt gloss in Radiant Sunset. A mid-level red that looks good on nearly everyone, this gloss comes from Stila's Indian inspired summer collection. It's the perfect amount of shine, color, and luxury for any occasion. Infused with 24 kt gold powder, this lip gloss gives your pout a shine without stickiness. Wear it alone, or layer it over red lipstick for a bolder look.

To win a tube of your own (valued at $8-$30), just tell me your favorite thing about summer in the comments below. The winner will be selected via Random.org and notified by email.

Good luck and happy summer!

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Sex and the City 2 and the Evolution of Sarah Jessica Parker's Hair

MBones — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:37:00 GMT

This week sees the release of Sex and the City 2 on Thursday, May 27th. Since 1998, this jaw-droppingly successful franchise changed the face of dating, sex, and style with a quip and a sip of a Cosmo. While I'm sure this weekend, endless foursomes of ladies will argue about who the "Carrie" is in their clique, I have another question: Which Carrie hairstyle was best?

Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit all the highlights, curls, waves, bangs, and bumps on the way.

When Sarah Jessica Parker first graced your premium cable as Carrie Bradshaw, she sported a curly bob. Over time, that bob got blonder and blonder and morphed into an iconic look. To sport this look, Ms. Parker probably used some products designer for curly hair to prevent frizz.

Try DevaCurl products. Spray freshly shampooed hair with Set it Free. Flip your head upside down and (sparingly!) apply the Set Me Up pomade from the back, making your way to the front, lightly shaping the curl. It's okay if the curls aren't perfect. In the front, you can make sure they're more shaped around your face.

SJP let that bob grow out, and she sported buttery blonde, romantic curls. Naturally curly girls can recreate this look by applying a curl cream such as Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme to the hair, then gently shaping the curls. Afterwards, blow dry upside down with a diffuser to create volume and softness.

Next Sarah Jessica went back to her roots, letting her blonde highlights grow out in favor of a more natural look. As her hair got longer, the curl loosened. To get this look, curly girls probably need to blow out the hair with a medium round brush and the help of a great straightener like CHI Straight Guard Smoothing Styling Cream. Ladies with straight hair can achieve this look by applying a texturizing spray like David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray to the hair and scrunching. Only apply the spray from midway down on your hair to maintain a smooth crown.

After breaking up with Aidan at the end of season four, Carrie cut off her long locks and sported a versatile short bob which she wore both straight and curly. It's not surprisingly that the newly single again Ms. Bradshaw would find a shorter, sassy 'do more freeing (and probably much easier to maintain).

Eventually, Carrie went back to long and blonde again, this time with cool highlights. To get this look, ask your stylist for partial highlights focusing on framing your face. To create her tumbling waves, use a curling iron (with a protectant spray!) and wrap the curl around the barrel with your fingers. This creates a loose and natural look.

The latest incarnation of Sarah Jessica Parker's hair seems to be the result of a Brazilian Blowout, though I can't say for sure. Her new sleek, blonde look is sophisticated. To keep hair looking this healthy, you can try a Keratin treatment at home, or condition weekly with a great reparative mask like Phtyojoba.

For more beauty secrets from the girls of Sex and the City 2 check out this great post on Hair Thursday.

So which SJP look should she "Carrie on?" Let me know in the comments below.

(And a note to my friends. I'm definitely the Carrie, okay?)

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Beauty Tips: Spaphile Offers Budget-Conscious Spa Treatments

MBones — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:29:26 GMT

Have you heard about Spaphile.com? Every Wednesday, Los Angeles women will get the chance to pick up a top notch spa treatment for only $39. I caught up with Shervin and Sharlene, Spaphile's founders to find out more about spas, savings, and staying pampered on a budget.

What was the inspiration for Spaphile?

Sharlene: Spaphile was an inspiration for me as I am a big advocate for self care activities for an affordable price! I am in a graduate program studying to become an occupational therapist which stresses the importance of independence with everyday activities, such as self care, to increase wellness and one's health. Being a student, it has been difficult for me to engage in the previous self care routines I enjoyed, but with good deals, I hope I can re-engage in them, since I know how important it is for a woman to feel beautiful and empowered. Taking care of your nails and hair brings relaxation and leisure for all woman, especially when it's at an affordable price!

Shervin: My inspiration for Spaphile was to connect spas with consumers during hard financial times and to help spas bring in more business. That way, consumers can comfortably afford to be pampered.

What can customers expect? Is it going to be body treatments and facials only, or do you expect to have salon services as well?

Shervin: Customers can expect an interactive experience with an in-depth look into the spas with unique videos produced by Spaphile and unique procedures from many area spas. We are going to be featuring day spas, gyms, hair salons, medical spas and any other service deal that pertains to health and wellness.

Sharlene: We expect to have salon services as well. Our feature deals are primarily going to be day spa treatments but we are also going to feature side deals to top rated salons.

How much can someone save with this service?

Sharlene: Users who subscribe to our email list can save up to 90% off spa deals they purchase off of Spaphile.com.

I notice you have a blog...what kind of entries do you plan on posting?

Sharlene: We have brought on Erin Harris from ChilloutLA as our expert to blog about everything from the top five eco spas in Los Angeles to top three spa treatments for Summer 2010. We are also going to have a section in our blog that offers free advice to spa owners to help better market their spas.

Why is staying pampered important?

Sharlene: Pampering to me means taking care of my physical appearance, such as my nails, hair, eyebrows, et cetera, so I can feel beautiful and secure with my image at any time of the day. It is important because it relaxes you and increases your self-esteem as well.

I noticed a Mother/Daughter Sweepstakes...do you guys plan to offer contests regularly?

Shervin: Yes, we plan on having giveaways, contests, and sweepstakes once a month marketed via social media networks. Our next sweepstakes is going to be featured the end of May.

And more of a fun question...What is your favorite spa treatment?

Sharlene: Rock Star treatment package at El Leon Spa. www.elleonspa.com

When does Spaphile launch?

Shervin: We launch to the public the second week of June. We are currently in private beta testing.

Any plans to extend to other cities?

Shervin: Yes, we plan on expanding to most metropolitan cities. Our focus right now is Los Angeles and then expanding forward.

Angelenos, hop over to Spaphile today! If you are one of the first 2,000 people to sign up, you receive $10 off your first purchase. And if you live outside of Los Angeles, stay tuned; there may be Spaphile powered deals coming your way soon.

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