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Between the Holidays and having spent most of the last 3 months at home with my little one, I was in major need of some relaxation. I had the opportunity of visiting Bliss Spa in Hoboken, NJ with one of my blogger babes for massages and manis.

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Upon arrival, I was shown the locker room as well as the waiting area. Within a few minutes I was headed upstairs to recieve the ‘rookie mom rubdown massage + toning treatment.’ Once I saw the description on the website [Take a break from the new bundle with a muscle-melting Blissage75, and let your recovering belly bask in a tummy-toning ‘tight’ on target treatment that’ll leave you feeling like one hot mama], I knew I had to book it.

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I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but the whole experience was amazing. Prior to the actual massage starting, my masseuse rubbed African grape fruit oil on my mid section. This oil helps drain excess water. Next an Algae based mask, which detoxes and tightens, was applied and then soft foil was wrapped around my stomach. She then proceeded with the massage which was heavenly and relaxing but still helped to get those knots out. After the mask was peeled off my stomach, the love handler, which is a waist targeting cooling gel, was applied to complete the toning process.

After the massage I had a hot cream manicure which was really great. The hot cream really helped moisturize my hands which have been super dry from the weather.

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I had the best experience at Bliss Spa and am looking forward to my next visit!

Even though I cannot head to the spa all the time, Bliss has numerous products that can make you feel like you’re at the spa but in the comfort of your own home. One of my favorite kits is the a-‘bright’ face facial-at-home set.

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This set contains the following products:

-One 6.7 oz bottle of fabulous foaming face wash which is a two-in-one oil-free exfoliating wash for all skin types. This cleanser contains rose hip extract, milk thistle, passion flower and chamomile in a non-stripping formula that helps re-balance even the most scattered of skins.
-One 1.7 oz jar of the triple oxygen vitamin c cream w/CPR technology. This is a lightweight gel-cream infused with CPR technology and an advanced form of vitamin C to enhance skin’s vitality and clarity and smooth fine lines and wrinkles while intensely hydrating and protecting for a smooth, glowing complexion.
-One 5 pack of that’s incredi-‘peel’. These are the only spa-powered peel pads that use time-release technology to reduce wrinkles and dark spots in just one step.

These products used together in 3 easy steps have brightened and hydrated my skin, shrunk my pores and helped lighten dark spots.

Some other products that are absolute must haves for me are the bliss softening socks + foot patrol cream set as well as the glamour gloves + high intensity hand cream set. Make sure to check out their website to browse all of their products. Click HERE to view which items you can save 20% on!

Not into online shopping? Not a problem! Visit your local Kohl’s and ULTA who also carry products from the Bliss line.

If you’re interested in winning your own a-‘bright’ face facial-at-home kit, head over to my Instagram [@pearls_and_paris] to enter my giveaway!

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Holiday Gift Guide Stocking Stuffers

1. Bliss Citrus Stars bath + body / $10 – This cute little duo includes a 1 oz lemon + sage body butter as well as 1 oz of the lemon + sage soapy suds. This mini set is perfect for travel and will leave your skin soft and your spirits bright.

2. Sophia phone case by Jovan Rosario / $35 – I’m in love with the sketches by Jovan Rosario (a.k.a @Ponyy_Boyy) He recently launched his website and has some amazing products with his original sketches on them. This sketch is one of my favorites. ‘Sophia’ is ultra chic and is sure to be a stocking stuffer favorite.

3. Eye Roll Mug by Greeving Cards / $12 – Greeving Cards puts out products with witty statements and honest points of view. From cards to apparel to drinkware – they have something for everyone on your Christmas list that doesn’t take themselves too seriously. This mug sums up how most people feel in the morning.. therefore, buy one and gift it to the eye roll queen in your family.

4. Nila Anthony Faux Fur Pom / $15 – Key chain pom poms have been an “It” item the last few months! They are cute, super fun and bring a pop of color to your handbag of choice.

5. OPI Nail Polish / $9 – I have a sick obsession with nail polish therefore a few bottles tossed into my Christmas Stocking always puts a smile on my face. OPI is my go to brand. The formula is great and long lasting and they always have the best shades. Check out the Starlight Collection as it combines very rich, glittered jewel tones.

6. GIFTCARDS! …self explanatory 🙂

7. Peter Thomas Roth travel sized masks / $5 – I’m obsessed with these masks! Skin care is really important to me and the Peter Thomas Roth products are made with amazing ingredients to help keep your skin looking fresh year round. These travel size pots are perfect stocking stuffers. Shown here are the Rose Stem Cell, Pumpkin Enzyme & Irish Moor Mud Masks.

8. Gearonic USB Battery Charger / $7 – There aren’t many things worse then seeing the little battery on your cell phone screen turn red! This portable charger is small and can can fully charge your phone two times. This is a must for the lady or gentleman in your life that is on the go.

9. Fossil Bradley Slim Wallet / $30 – This sleek leather wallet minimizes the bulge in your pocket and holds all your essential cards and features a handy money clip for cash.

10. Stainless Steel Bottle Opener Cufflinks / $50 – These cufflinks are functionable yet FUN! A great gift for dads, friends, and groomsmen – these sleek and discreet accents keep fellas looking professional from 9 to 5 before they really get down to business after work gets out.

11. Ghirardelli Chocolates / $8+ – You can never go wrong with chocolate… ever!

12. Old Navy Fair Isle Scarf / $10 – Winter accessories are the perfect stocking stuffer. This sweater scarf is soft and warm and can be worn on the go or jazzed up for a night out.

13. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 / $100 – This is such a hot item this year. It has a cute and compact body design for instant photos & instant fun!

14. Textured Diamond Socks by The Tie Bar / $8 – Socks! Another stocking stuffer favorite that you can’t go wrong with.

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If you tuned into the Latin Grammys last night, you saw how stunning Genesis Rodriguez & Zoe Saldana looked on the red carpet.  Well L’Oreal is sharing with you all how to get those looks at home!

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Makeup Artist: L’Oreal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist, Claudia Betancur

STEP 1: Claudia first prepped her face with L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur ($24.99) which works as a great primer before foundation.
STEP 2: To compliment Genesis’ gold gown, they went for a sultry smoky eye. Claudia first applied a beige toned shade on the lid of the eye. For depth, she applied a dark brown shade from the L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude 2 ($15.99) on the outer corner of the eye and blend inward stopping halfway.
Claudia’s Tip: When creating a smoky eye, begin with the eyes first and then focus on skin as shadow tends to fall.
STEP 3: To bring the smoky eye to life, Claudia drew a subtle cat eye wing. She used the new L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Superstar Liner ($9.99) which has a flexible felt tip. She completed the eye with mascara, L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara ($10.99).
STEP 4: For a matte finish, she applied the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Foundation ($14.99).
STEP 5: She added a shimmery glow on top of the apple of the cheeks with L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Powder Illuminator in N 202 Rose ($12.99).
Claudia’s Tip: Use a fan brush to have more control on where the powder lands.
STEP 6: She completed the look with a glossy nude lip pen that also fits perfectly in a clutch: L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Lacque Lip Pen in 209 Choco-Lacque ($9.99).

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Makeup Artist: Vera Steimberg

STEP 1: First, Vera applied L’Oréal Paris Youth Code All-In-One Skin Illuminator ($17.99) on her cheek bones, brow bone, nose and upper lip to prep the skin with a glow.
STEP 2: For the eyes, she used the very tip of the NEW L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Liner ($9.99) on her top inner eyelids to connect the lashes with almost an invisible line.
STEP 3: Vera used the darkest brown shade from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude in 01 ($19.99) on the inner corner of the eye near the tear duct and the bottom lash line, creating a V-shape. She layered the shimmery champagne shade in the inner corner of the eye as well. On the lid, she used L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in C302 Ice ($12.99), for a radiant glow.
STEP 4: Next she applied primer from the NEW double-ended L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara ($9.99) and applied two coats of mascara to the top and bottom lashes, for a romantic 40’s look.
STEP 5: To illuminate her skin, Vera applied L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator in N201 Rose ($12.99) on her brow bone, nose and cupid’s bow.
STEP 6: For the lips, Vera went for a natural toned lip and mixed L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Matte Lip Pen in 104 Game, Set & Matte and layered 102 She’s so Matte on top and dabbed with her fingers to blend.
STEP 7: To complete her look, she sprayed L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray ($16.99) to help her makeup last all through the night.